Complete Travel Log

February 25, 2000 through December 31, 2010

Use your browser's search function to locate key words or phrases
eg. "Travis AFB" "Bay of Fundy" or "(Biloxi"

 

 

 

2000

2/25/00

2/26/00

2/27/00

2/28/00

2/29/00

3/1/00

3/2/00

3/3/00

3/4/00

3/5/00

3/6/00

3/7/00

3/8/00

3/9/00

3/10/00

3/11/00

3/13/00 & 3/14/00

3/18/00

8/29/00

This morning we traveled south on US-101 along the coast for about 25 miles until we picked up California Route-299 heading east. We had not gone too far from the coast (sealevel) whenwe came to a sign "Elevation 2630 feet." Route-299 is a curving, mostly 2 lane road that goes up, down, and around the mountains. All of our travel on 299 was either up hill or down hill; 6% grade or 7% grade; in second gear or in third gear. Ford's V-10 Vortec engine does fine pulling us up the hills, but a diesel with compression braking would be appreciated on the downside. A long downgrade (say ten miles or so) on an 8% grade or better would be tough. I assume that we'll discover such downgrades, and I assume Ford engineers put that capacity into the braking system. Anyway, we are now in Del Loma RV Park and Camp on the Trinity River in Big Bar, CA. [Picture of Trinity River about 20 miles west of campground. We just passed over the section of roadway shown above the river.] We're only 50 miles from the coast (as the condor flies), and we have gone from daytime highs in the 60's to daytime highs in the 90's. I'm glad this campground has 50 amp service because we're running both AC's. For the last month we've been using heat at night. Right now Sharyn is at the laundry room doing wash. We are reconsidering a washer-dryer for the motorhome. While as a practical matter you need full hookups to use it, the last time she did laundry she used three machines and it took $8 worth of quarters.

Miles for day = 96.

 

8/30/00

It was a beautiful sunny morning as I took my coffee and sat on the bench at the edge of the river bank (the river is about 75 feet below the bank), enjoying the sound of the river and watching the sun on the mountain tops on the other side of the river. The bench is next to the white rail fence, but hidden by the motorhome, in the photo. It was peaceful, crisp, and clear. I looked over the slopes across the river to see if I could spot anything moving around. I didn't, but I suspect that it would be very difficult for any animals to climb or remain on those slopes as they are probably more than 60 degrees. Later on Sharyn scoured the slopes with binoculars, but she didn't see anything either. We have seen numerous bear and mountain lion warnings, but have yet to see any. The other day I cut short my blackberry picking because we were in the southern Oregon coastal area where the Oregon Fish & Wildlife "Cougar Density" map showed solid black, indicating the greatest density. It was that, plus the fact the the newspaper had an article about about a woman who had two mountain lions run across the road in front of her car. One made it, but she hit the second one, a 110 pound male that had to be shot by the Highway Patrol when they arrived on the scene. Besides, I had enough blackberries. Anyway, this morning we left not too much before noon and continued for about another 75 miles along Rt-299 to Redding, OR. This part of Rt-299 did not seem to have slopes as bad as what we traveled yesterday, but many more curves. Also, since we were now running along the side of the river it was quite a drop to the river (there are basically no shoulders) and Sharyn didn't like it at all. We had one place with a three mile 8% climb followed by a three mile 8% downgrade. Sharyn was much relieved to get to Redding where we were out of the mountains, picked up I-5, and started down the Sacramento Valley. We are at the Sacramento River Campground about 5 miles south of Redding. We are only about 90 miles from Oroville and should get to Sandy's, Sharyn's sister's, tomorrow.

Miles for day = 84.

 

8/31/00

We left Redding and got to Kelly's house in Oroville early afternoon. Using Microsoft's "USA Streets and Destinations" on CD we were able to pinpoint her house by the street address and drove right to the front.. The only error would be that the map showed her house to be in the middle of the block when, in fact, she is the second house from the corner. There was no place to park at her house so we went to a campground that sounded nice from the description in Woodall's, but in reality wasn't nice at all - almost all permanent residents and no RVers. After we got a site we went driving around with the car and found a nice campground that is brand new and not yet in Woodalls. We moved to the new campground. To backtrack a bit, after leaving Kelly's work we went back to her house as she was about to go home for lunch. Shortly after getting there her 9 year old daughter, Ashley, got home from school. When Kelly went back to work we took Ashley with us in the motorhome, so she was with us when we went to both campgrounds. She didn't like the first one either and told us "it's not a very nice place." She liked the second one , River Reflections RV Park, much better. We paid the weekly rate and will probably be here for a number of weeks. As an aside, before leaving Redding since the RV park apparently allowed the washing of vehicles, I washed the Honda. It had only been washed once since we we left Long Island. Ten miles out of Redding it started to rain - the first rain we've seen in a month.

Miles for day = 108.

 

9/1/00

This is our first of a number of days in Oroville CA. We visited with Kelly and her family and Scott. We went to Shakey's for pizza. If my father was still alive he'd be 98 years old today!

Miles for day = 0.

 

9/2/00

Hung out and continued our visiting. I told Ashley that she and Katlin should be pen pals; then I sent Kalin an email telling her about Ashley and my pen pal idea. Sandy got home from Florida so we got to visit with her also.

Miles for day = 0.

 

9/3/00

This morning we bought The Sacramento Bee. The page one story was entitled "Battle of the Beach" and was about the cotoversy in Orick CA where, on August 28, we spent the night on the beach just off of US-101. It seems that while people have been camping their for free for the last 50 years, the land is part of the Redwood National Park and the National Park Service is about to prohibit the camping saying that all those RVs spoil the view for others. The Orick community depends on those RVs for a good portion of its rather meger business activity and it seems as if civil war is about to break out. Threats have been made against the lives of some of the Park Rangers, pipe bombs have been discoverd within the park grounds, and the Feds recently brought in a SWAT team - officials called it "a special events team." Wow, and we thought is was a quiet, peaceful scene!

Miles for day = 0.

 

9/4/00 & 9/5/00

When we are staying in one place, like we are now, there isn't too much to write about. It's like to can't write a travel log if you're not traveling. Bottom line is not too much is new. Today Sharyn did laundry/visited at Kelly's house while I did a basic website for River Reflections RV Park and Campground, the campground we're staying in. In exchange for the website we are getting a free week - that's a good deal for everyone. Early this evening Kelly and Sandy drove us up to the Oroville dam. By the time we got there the sun was just disappearing behind the hills. Anyway, we walked across the dam and back while Ashley, on roller blades, got pulled across by Zoe.

 

9/11/00

This morning, as we were having our daily "coffee and conversation" Sharyn noticed that there was a spider web on the steering wheel - a sure sign that we've been in one place too long. That's probably okay because we're leaving in the morning anyway and heading south towards Sacramento. Sharyn has some relatives in that area that she hasn't seen in 40 years. From there we'll head east towards Denver via Lake Tahoe. Yesterday, for the second time this week (and the second time in this lifetime) we went panning for gold. In terms of the number of tiny flakes, or "specks" we got, you could say we got quite a bit. However, in real terms I estimate we probably made somewhere between 50 and 75 cents per hour (combined) for our effort. In addition, my back now hurts and it takes a few minutes for me to get to be standing up straight. Maybe I'll use my gold to pay for a chiropractor. Two days ago I washed the rubber roof on the motorhome. Yesterday Sharyn opened the refrigerator door and it fell off. The bottom hinge (pin) screw had come out and that allowed the bottom of the door to move away from the hinge base which otherwise supports the weight. The top hinge held the top of the door frame, but the door (with the weight of everything stored on the inside of the door) pulled out of the top frame. It's been put back together but there really isn't anything to hold the door to the top frame. We'll have to do a better temporary fix to hold it until we get back to the Allegro factory. We have several things that need to be attended to under warranty, and we should get to the factory in Red Bay, Alabama late October or early November.

 

9/12/00

We've moved! Kelly and Sandy came by this morning to share in our "coffee and conversation." They arrived a little after 9:am while I was having my coffee and listening to Morning Edition on Public Radio. They both had some coffee and it soon became apparent that Sharyn, who was still sleeping, was sleeping too soundly to know that we had company. Anyway, we woke her up and then we all sat around talking, drinking two pots of coffee, and I had breakfast. A little before noon I began getting the rig ready to go - dumped the holding tanks, disconnected the water line, put up the awnings, and even brought in the bedroom slideout. At 12:45 we finally pulled out of the campground and went to a gas station just down the road. Gas was $199.9 per gallon so I only bought ten gallons, the most I ever paid for gas in my life, and just enough to get us to the Sacramento area where hopefully gas will be cheaper. When we got to Oroville on August 31 gas at the Beacon station in town was $1.71. Three days and three price increases later it was $1.79. As of this morning the cheapest gas in Oroville was $1.95. Had I filled the tank when we left today we would have taken on about 70 gallons. We didn't know what a bargain that $1.71 would turn out to be! We are now at the FamCamp at Travis AFB between Sacramento and San Francisco. Ten dollars for the first night and, with our FamCamp coupons, our second night is free (with full hookups).

Miles for day = 117.

 

9/13/00 to 9/16/00

One day we visited Sharyn's Aunt Thelma and Uncle Harley. She hadn't seen them since she was a high school student at Mt Diablo High School over 40 years ago. It was an enjoyable visit, lots of reminiscing, the culminated with Uncle Harley announcing that he was taking the four of us to lunch at a local place he's been eating at for half a century. I went with his recommendation of calamari steak with the soup of the day. He and I were the only two that had the soup. We each received a soup bowl and a large stainless steel salad bowl of soup was put on the table with a soup ladle for an "all you want" soup appetizer with unlimited hot bread and butter. Lunch was terrific and at only $6 a head.

Another day we went to Camping World and engaged in $45 worth of impulse buying. We also scheduled a service appointment for next Friday to have the refrigerator door and the rear air conditioner repaired under warranty. We only got that appointment due to a cancellation. Otherwise their next available appointment was not until October 14!

On Saturday, the day before we left, we went to San Francisco and Fisherman's Wharf.. It certainly has changed since we were there with the trailer in 1970. At that time we drove the Travelall along the wharf right at the waters edge. While we weren't the only people there, it certainly wasn't crowded. Today that area is a pedestrian walk crowded with people and off limits to vehicles. (In 1970 I took a picture of Alcatraz Island after setting up the camera tripod on the roof of the Travelall. By the time time camera said I was up to exposure #41 I realized that the film had not threaded onto the spool - we had no pictures of the week preceding San Francisco or of San Francisco itself. This time I at least took a replacement picture of Alcatraz.) We had lunch on the second floor at Fisherman's Grotto overlooking the boats below, with the condos on Nob Hill above and beyond the waterfront. After lunch we wandered around the waterfront and the shops along the main drag. As we were approaching the Oakland Bay Bridge (on the way to downtown SF) the merging highways resulted in 17 lanes of traffic going through the toll booths and then merging into 5 lanes crossing the bridge. A giant bottleneck with each of the 17 lanes having its own traffic light that gives a one second green before reverting back to red; each lane getting the flash of green in rotating sequence. Sharyn thought it was cool - I thought it caused more delay the an uncontrolled merge would have (perhaps they should speed up the rotating green sequence).

 

9/17/00

Check out time at the FamCamp was 10:am, but we didn't get out until 10:30 - all things considered that's not bad.

Being Escapees ourselves, the other night we visited with another couple who told us about an Escapees Park near Fresno that he says is the Crown Jewel of the Escapees park system. We decided to check it out. It is actually just off of Highway 41 about 30 miles south of Yosemite and we got here late afternoon. We were met with a very pleasant fellow on a golf cart who set us up on a really nice site and told us we could register tomorrow (the office closes early on Sundays). After getting everything set up we drove down to the clubhouse to see what was there. We met Frank Lieberman who was relaxing with a magazine while his wife was in the laundry room. They've been full-time since April (the first people we've met who have been full-time for a shorter time than we have) and have two kayaks on the top of their truck. He's going to introduce me to kayaking tomorrow. We've been running across information the might indicate kayaks do better than canoes for what we have in mind, but don't know anything about kayaks - yet!

Miles for day = 190.

 

9/18/00

This morning we went to the clubhouse where Sharyn did the laundry. While she was doing that I used the computer station to put my computer online to download my e-mail and to update this travel log. The clubhouse is very large and very nice. This afternoon one of the club members gave us a complete tour of the 161 acres comprising "Park of the Sierra" Escapee Park. The origin of this park is quite a story. In 1984 a group of members of the Golden Gate Chapter of Escapees decided to create a cooperative RV park in this area. In 1987 the purchased the 161 acre parcel and commenced construction - doing everything themselves - clearing underbrush (leaving trees), leveling sites, trenching utilities, constructing a "municipal" water system, building roads, buildings, etc. (they paid to have the cement slab poured for the clubhouse and to have the main support timbers lifted into place). Suppliers delivering materials were astounded to see what was being accomplished by "all these old people with picks and shovels." They also bought old construction equipment as needed and then sold most of it as that phase of the job was completed. One of the pieces they bought was an old water truck (known as the "Watermelon") that had been used by Gen. Patton's army in Europe during WWII - that water truck is still here. The only other thing that was contracted out was when the stone and oil roads they had constructed throughout the park (over four miles) proved unsatisfactory they had the roads redone with asphalt. This would be an impressive facility if it had been done by Donald Trump - never mind that it was done by the members themselves!

 

9/19/00

Our plan for today was to drive up to Yosemite National Park, but we started the day, as always, with coffee and conversation. The campsite we are in is particularly nice in that there is not another one in front of us so when we sit outside we have a large private area. We also enjoy the quail that scoot all around the place, the squirrels that have tails almost as big as foxtails, and innumerable woodpeckers. There are also warnings about mountain lions, bears, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and tarantulas, but we have yet to see any of them. The notice from the Department of Forestry describes how to make a mountain lion run away from you, but then says if you are attacked anyway "fight back."

Anyway we eventually headed up Route 41 towards Yosemite 30 miles north of the campground. We didn't realize it when we started out but it's another 35 miles from the South Entrance to the Park to Yosemite Village area which was our actual destination. The drive up is quite beautiful. Route 41 is a two lane winding road that works its way up, over, through, and around various peaks and valleys, climbing from 1800' at the campground to over 6,000 in several places. I think it's quite impressive that the Honda CRV, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, takes those curves and hills better than the finest sports car of the 50's or 60's could ever have done (less power of course, but beautiful handling).

We tried to find the spot where we had camped on the river below Half Dome in 1970. It was there that 15 month old Philip III first learned that he could "travel" on his own, and the only place he wanted to travel "to" was the river some 30 feet behind the trailer. The campground is layed out all differently than it was in 1970 and we couldn't be certain exactly where our campsite had been, but it was pretty close to the spot where Sharyn is standing!

We were supposed to join a group of Escapees (SKP's) for dinner at the Old Kettle Restaurant in Oakhurst, about 7 miles down the road, at 5:pm, but because of our late start and need to get back to let the dog out, we didn't make it in time. That was too bad because we had been looking forward to that get together.

It turned out that the day was enhanced considerably when Frank Lieberman came by at 8:am to bring me a bottle of Robaxacet to relieve my back pain, and to see if Sharyn and I wanted to go to Yosemite with them. Sharyn was still sleeping so I declined that part, but the Robaxacet (Rx needed in U.S. but over-the-counter in Canada) was magic. An hour after taking it I told Sharyn that the pain - that I'd been dealing with for about a month - was going away. It was basically pain-free day and I walked in an upright position! Anyone with recurring back pain should look into this medication. The active ingredient is methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant.

 

9/20/00

Today must have been Sharyn's day. Getting ready to do this entry I asked, "what did we do today?" She replied: "I did ironing, washed the floor; cleaned the bathroom; put stuff away; cleaned out the closets; polished; dusted; scrubbed (on my hands and knees); . . .", etc. Actually she rattled it off faster than I could get it down. The fact of the matter is she did do all that stuff, but this does not represent a typical day.

I cut the dog's claws and uploaded the latest entries to this website. It didn't take me nearly as long as it took Sharyn.

I beg to differ, this is even more of a typical day, do not believe that this is all fun and games. (Sharyn)

 

9/21/00

We went to the "potato bake" at the clubhouse for $2/head. We also bought a Trivial Pursuit game from a "pay whatever it's worth to you" table in the back of the clubhouse. I thought it was worth $5 but Sharyn said "no way," that it would only be a dollar at a yard sale. I don't think we paid enough but Sharyn had the money. This is the same version we had originally. When we lost it we bought what we thought was the same version, but it wasn't. The questions were a lot harder so we didn't play it anymore. Now we're back in business.

Before it got dark I hooked up the Honda, put down all the awnings, drained the holdings tanks, disconnected the water line, and put away the barbecue, chairs, etc. to help us get a quick and quiet start early tomorrow morning.

 

9/22/00

Our planning worked! We both got right out of bed at 6:am and while Sharyn made the coffee* (coffee and a preheated cup is always ready for Sharyn when she gets up) I fed and walked the dog and disconnected the electric line. We then had coffee and brief conversation, put away what needed to be put away, (Sharyn never fails to make the bed) brought in the slides, and pulled out of the site at 6:50am. To fully appreciate the accomplishment this represents you have to realize that our usual departure time from a campsite is around 11:am.

We had to be at Camping World in Cordelia CA (200 miles back north by Travis AFB) for a 1:pm appointment to have the rear air conditioner and the refrigerator door repaired under warranty. Taking our time on the road, we got to CW an hour early. I don't think the AC repair is going to work. The factory told the technician to remove the freeze sensor, that that should not have been installed in a unit with a heat pump. My question is then how come the front unit has been working fine with the freeze sensor? he technician wrote on the repair report that if the problem (AC suddenly going into heat mode) reoccurred that both units would have to have the newer circuit boards installs together with the upgraded control unit that contains the front thermostat and operates both units.

While I was a Camping World Sharyn went ahead to Travis to get the back pain medicine that Greg had sent next day air - we were afraid the base post office would be closed by the time we got there and that it might not be open on Saturday (the post office at Wright-Patterson was closed on Saturday). Not only did she get the medicine, but she also signed us up for the last campsite. When I got to the base several hours later there was another motorhome that pulled in just ahead of me - he would have gotten that last spot!

*

At this point in time making the coffee starts with putting four scoops of Starbucks coffee beans into the coffee grinder, dumping the resulting grinds into the bottom of the French press, boiling the water, etc . . .

Miles for day = 205.

 

9/23/00

Today, for the most part, we just hung out and relaxed around the motorhome. At one point Sharyn went to the commissary for some groceries while I brought this travelog up to date. This afternoon I rigged up the telescoping flagpole we bought at the RV show in Gillette. It is unquestionably the coolest flagpole in the campground. It's not mounted to the motorhome, as I would like it to be, but this system may work - with some slight improvement for easy put-up and take-down.

 

9/24/00

This morning, Sunday, I drove all over the base trying to find a "real" newspaper -- Washington Post or NY Times type of paper -- figuring I would at least be able to get a major San Francisco paper. No such paper was to be had. The only thing available was the Sunday edition of the local town paper for $1.25. I didn't buy it. I did, however, discover a bakery near the BX where I bought some fresh donuts and a big blueberry muffin.

We had planned to go back to San Francisco today to visit the Japanese Tea Garden and to ride the trolley car. However, Sharyn didn't think it was worth going back just for that, and I wasn't too excited about it either, so we stayed at the campground until early afternoon when we decided to go to a mall about 7 miles from here just off of I-80. It turned out to be a rather large mall with two levels and a nice selection of stores. It is interesting to see how different a cross section of the local population looks in different parts of the country. Probably 50% of the people in the mall were of Hispanic ancestry.

There being no newspapers at the mall, on the way back to the base Sharyn suggested we try to get a paper at a 7-11 type store just outside the main gate. That proved a good idea as that store did have a selection of papers -- we bought the San Francisco Chronicle.

 

9/25/00

We left Travis by 9:30 this morning -- a half hour before checkout time. We took I-80 east to Sacramento where we picked up US-50 to South Lake Tahoe. Where US-50 begins, at the point where it branches off from I-80, there was a regular highway department sign that read;

US-50
OCEAN CITY MD
3037 MILES

Ocean City, Md is the easterly terminous of US-50 at the Atlantic Ocean. I didn't think there was any official humor in California!

South Lake Tahoe is a small tourist town on the south end of Lake Tahoe and the state line runs right through the center of town. Right at the point where Nevada begins Harrah's has a big casino with a sign much bigger than the one that tells you that you have entered Nevada.

Anyway, as we came out of town we took a right onto Rt-207 that would cut across to US-365 where, pursuant to a change of plans, we were heading for a casino RV park about 40 miles beyond Lake Tahoe. Almost immediately the road became 2 lanes and began to climb. It was quite steep and curvy and we ended up doing a good part of the climb in first gear -- the transmission had never before dropped back to first. We climbed that hill at 2500 rpm and 15 mph! When we got to the crest several miles later ( 7300' elevation) we began our descent on the other side. The warning sign said we were beginning an 8 mile descent with a 9% grade. We tried it in second but within less than 1/4 mile had to brake it way down and drop into first. In first we were able to keep it at about 25 mph with moderately hard intermittent braking to keep from exceeding 4,000 rpm.

We have a book that lists all significant mountain grades in the west and after we had stopped for the day I checked those grades on Rt-207. It turns out that the hill we we had to climb in first gear was also 9%. Based on today I'd say we could readily handle 10 or 11% climbing, but not do too well descending such a slope -- particularly if it was very long. By the way, the idea behind the book of mountain grades is that you check you planned route before traveling it. Not look later to see how steep that grade was. I'll try to do better with that in the future!

We didn't take any pictures while going down the 9% grade, but this is what it looked like as we approached Lake Tahoe from the west -- again descending from over 7,000' (that we first had to climb) while still about ten miles from the lake. You can see that lake at the foot of the mountains in the distance.

We are now at Topaz Lodge and RV Park in Gardnerville, Nevada.

Miles for day = 184

 

9/26/00

We didn't get out until 12:15 today but that's okay. We had lots of coffee and conversation, and besides that we only figured on doing 75 miles today. Along the way (heading south on US-395) we were parallel to a river for a considerable distance. From the looks of the rivers edge and the nature of the slopes on the other side of the river we decided that this was a good candidate for gold panning -- so we pulled off and gave it an hour. Not too much in the form of results, but we liked it anyway. Besides it looked like a river that Gabby Hayes and his burro would have thought worthwhile.

Shortly after our gold panning attempt we passed the turn-off for State Route-108 to Sonora Pass (elevation 9626'). Sharyn said the sign indicated there was a 26% grade on that road. I told her that couldn't be, that a 26% grade would not be climeable. Well she looked in the mountain grade book, and sure enough, the sign was right. A 26% grade means that when you've gone 100' horozontally, you will also have travelled 26' vertically!!

We are now at Mono Vista RV Park at Lee Vining, California, just east of the Tiogo Pass entrance to Yosemite.

Miles for day = 69.

 

9/27/00

Today we went to the abandoned "Ghost Town" of Bodie. It was a booming gold rush town from the 1860's until the early 1880's, and in 1880, boasting a population of 10,000, it was the second largest city in California, second only to San Francisco! Today, only about 5% of the buildings remain, but they are substantially as they were when they were left behind. In 1921 only 30 people remained and many of the buildings were being torn down by local ranchers for their lumber. Some limited gold mining did continue in Bodie, somewhat off and on, until a fire in 1947 brought even that to an end. In 1962 the town became a California State Historic Park and is now being maintained in a state of "arrested decay." We took a number of photographs which, together with the "Introduction to Bodie" from the self guiding tour guide is a separate web page.

We left the RV park, via Honda, about 10:30am and did not get back until 4:pm. We would have been back sooner except that we took a shortcut back to the RV park. It was shorter, 26 miles instead of 31 miles, but the washboard surface limited us to 10-15 mph.

Another "first" that we experienced today was when we put $10 worth of gas in the Honda and it cost us $18. Regular gas, at the discount station, was $2.299/gal.

 

9/28/00
(Lone Pine CA)

We left Lee Vining and drove south on US-395 to Bishop CA where we pulled into the parking lot for a small shopping center to get milk and a newspaper, have lunch, and leave again. We then continued on to Lone Pine CA where we pulled into Boulder Creek RV Park. This place is pretty nice so we think we may stay another day and check out the area.

Miles for day = 126.

 

9/29/00
(Lone Pine CA)

This morning, after coffee and fresh baked muffins in the clubhouse, we went to the Manzanar War Relocation Camp where over 10,000 Japanese, most of them American Citizens, were relocated from their homes along the West Coast. Only three buildings remain on the 550 acre detention area which was enclosed by barbed wire fences and secured by guard towers (the entire facility was 6,000 acres); two stone guard houses and an auditorium. There are also the remains of several of the seven major Japanese rock gardens which, as part of the planned long range preservation and interpretive reconstruction program, will be restored to their original condition. The two largest emotional impacts came from the barrenness of the location and from the cemetery. People are continuous leaving small items at the large monument and and on a number of individual graves. There are also the the weathered remains of floral wreaths where the heart shaped wire frame is of barbed wire.

After the Manzanar we came back to town (lone Pine) where we ate at a place that offered ostrich, buffalo, and venison burgers. I had the ostrich burger (to expand my "repertoire of experience"). I told Sharyn that she missed her opportunity when she had a regular beef burger, but the truth is that with the lettuce, cooked onions, tomato, etc., I can't say that the ostrich tasted any different than beef would have.

After lunch we "did" main street, up one side and down the other, checking out antique shops and other places. Since town is only about five blocks long this didn't take too long. Since we still want to drive up towards Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the US outside of Alaska, and still have to do laundry and general housekeeping, we've decided to stay here for another day.

 

9/30/00
(Lone Pine CA)

After coffee and muffins at the clubhouse we drove up towards Mt Whitney for a distance of 13 miles to where the road ends at 8,300' elevation. ( This picture was taken from a point ten miles from, and some 10,000' below the sumit -- the sumit is almost two miles above the camera). There is a small National Park and campground there from which you can begin the hiking trail to the summit at 14,450' elevation, the highest point in the US, outside of Alaska. In spite of the rather cool temperature (as I recall temperature decreases 4 degrees F for every 1,000' of altitude), we walked around the area for a short period and than began our descent back down the road. Just before getting to the bottom we took a left that led us into an area where hundreds of old movies had been filmed, including High Sierra, Maverick, Rawhide, Charge of the Light Brigade, etc. There is an entire area where Roy Rogers and Gene Autry made dozens of old cowboy movies. All the bars and restaurants in town have the walls covered with autographed photos from all these movie stars.

We then went about 20 miles north to Independence for a 2:pm lecture at the American Legion Hall about the history of Manzanar. At the lecture we learned that the County Museum, about four blocks away, had a Manzanar display so we went there to check it out.

By the time we got back to the motorhome it was later in the day than we had expected and we once again decided to stay another day to relax, do laundry, housecleaning, etc.

 

10/1/00
(Lone Pine CA)

Today we finally got to do the "housekeeping" chores. We started out by not setting the alarm clock last night, so this morning we slept until 8:15 instead of 7:am. Of course that meant we missed coffee and muffins at the clubhouse, so we reverted to our usual "coffee and conversation" to begin the day. While Sharyn did the laundry I cleaned and vacuumed the motorhome. Those are not all day activities so we had a good bit of time to sit around, relax, read, talk, and visit with some of our neighbors.

We have enjoyed our stay here and may well come back at some time in the future. The 10th annual film festival begins this weekend and Sharyn says she'd like to come back for next years festival if we're in the area.

 

10/2/00
(Death Valley NV)

When we left the campground this morning (after coffee and muffins at the clubhouse) we put 20 gallons of gas in the motorhome @ $2.199/gal before heading east on Rt-135 towards Death Valley. We had plenty of gas already and suspect it'll be fifty cents cheaper in Las Vegas, but that only means we paid ten dollars too much for that 20 gallons -- peace of mind and insurance do not always come that cheap.

For several days Sharyn has been interviewing people who have brought their RV's through Death Valley via Rt-135. What they had to say, plus the curves and grades described in our mountain grade book, left Sharyn thinking that there had to be a better way. Well several hours and 85 miles after turning onto Rt-135 we arrived in Stovepipe Wells CA. Sharyn said "that wasn't so bad, we've been on worse roads than that." There was about a ten mile climb at 7-9%, then a 13 mile descent at 6-8%, with the final descent into Stovepipe Wells dropping 5,000 feet. When we got here neither of us could hear.

It was only 12:45 we we got into town (it's hardly a town) but we checked into the only business establishment* there is and got a campsite for one night. (*This establishment consists of a motel, campground, restaurant, general store and gift shop -- there are no other businesses.) We then took the Honda for a 40 mile drive up Death Valley to see "Scotty's Castle." This is an elaborate residential mansion built by Death Valley Scotty in the late 1920's and 1930's. It appears that Scotty never had a dime, but was a great con man who got people to invest in his "gold mine." There never was a gold mine but he spent the invested money in such a flamboyant and public manner (including building his Castle) while saying all the money was coming from this now famous gold mine, that more investors were always anxious to buy into the deal. It's like Mark Twain said; "A gold mine is a hole in the ground with a liar at the top."

Anyway, by 3 o'clock we had both seen enough of Death Valley and were good and ready to leave tomorrow morning. We put a thermometer outside in the shadow of the motorhome and it immediately went to 103 degrees -- yesterday they said it was officially 107.

Here's our view. Death Valley is magnificent to see; it's a very memorable and impressive place, but it's not beautiful in the way that the Grand Canyon or Yosemite Valley are beautiful. It's quite inhospitable. Almost no one lives here. We think that if toxic waste disposal and storage of spent uranium rods from nuclear power plants are the problem that we are told they are, then not only would Death Valley be a good place to dispose of such items, but we can't think of a better, more beneficial, use for this place.

As I finish up this entry Sharyn is outside looking at the stars with the coyotes.

 

10/3/00
(Pahrump NV)

We left Stovepipe Wells heading towards Pahrump NV and the Escapees park located there. We had only gone a few miles when Sharyn said that she would drive. I've been after her for a long time to drive once a week, even if only for ten miles. She drove fifteen miles or so to the edge of Furnace Creek. She did terrific!

It was an otherwise uneventful trip to Pahrump where we checked into the Escapees Co-op Park for two days. After getting all setup we went back into town with the Honda to get some groceries -- we went to Jones' Supermarket. The lobby of the supermarket was lined with slot machines. That's okay, but a big sign says that there is no smoking allowed in the building, except fot those playing the slot machines! I guess that's an indication of who has the political clout in Nevada.

Miles for day = 90.

 

10/4/00
(Pahrump NV)

About the only thing we did today was to take the dog to the vet. I also put a 4" lip on the compartment that holds the electric cord so that it would be easier to coil it into the compartment.

Miles for day = 0.

 

10/5/00
(Las Vegas)

We left Pahrump this morning heading for Nellis AFB at Las Vegas. I Vegas we filled the motorhome with gas at $1.719 per gallon. It took 58.2 gallons but could have taken as much as 5 gallons more. When you run your credit (debit) card through the pump the card is not approved for an unlimited amount of gas. The pump will shut off after $50, $75, or $100 dollars worth, whatever amount the system is set for. This pump was set for $50, so I got 29.087 gallons before it shut off. I then hung up the hose and repeated the entire process, getting another 29.087 gallons. Because I wanted to check the mileage I wanted to top off the tank, but when I tried to do the card a third time the message read; " Use another card or pay inside." Since I wasn't going to take but a few more gallons, and I was blocking an entire row of pumps with cars backed up at all fuel islands, I decided not to bother and we left. In Lone Pine, on 10/2/00, we only bought 20 gallons to insure we'd have enough gas to get to Vegas, figuring we could save maybe 50 cents per gallon in Vegas. Well we saved 48 cents per gallon -- on 58 gallons it's a worthwhile savings.

When we checked in at the FamCamp at the air base we were told they were full and we'd have to stay in the overflow area. That means no hookups, which means no air conditioning (although it's only $4). We did run the generator for almost 2 hours so we could watch the Vice-presidential debates, and during that time we ran the a/c's full blast and cooled of the motorhome for the evening -- by daylight it's plain cold.

Miles for day = 73.

 

10/6/00
(Las Vegas)

Correction from yesterdays entry. It was not cold by daylight, and in fact it was uncomfortably warm all during the night. One must understand, however, that we sleep with the thermostat at 69 degrees, whether that requires heating or air conditioning.

In any event, first thing this morning I checked with the office and we had lucked out. A space was available with full hookups, including 50 amp service. Once we were set up in the new space, with both air conditioners running I felt much better -- like we weren't "camping." Living in this motorhome certainly isn't "camping," unless we don't have air conditioning -- I guess no air conditioning is my definition of "camping." Anyway, after getting set up we continued with our coffee and conversation -- "coffee and conversation" may very well be my favorite time/activity of the day. It is very relaxed and pleasant.

After a while we went to check out the BX, and then to the commissary to buy groceries. Actually we spent several hours doing that stuff so that when we returned to the motorhome we pretty much just hung out for the rest of the day. We were both kind of tired and were in bed shortly after ten.

One thing I like about this base is that it must be home to one or more fighter squadrons as there are super cool fighter aircraft taking off and landing all the time. I believe some are F-15's. The others look like black, dart shaped arrow heads. The takeoffs at night, with the planes heading away from us, look like blow torches in the night sky. The ground rumbles and I get goose bumps -- I could live on the end of the runway. Forty-two years ago I worked on F-86's. The difference is that between a 1948 Studebaker and full blown Ferrari! Maybe you had to have been there.

 

10/7/00
(Las Vegas)

This morning we were both well rested and out of bed at 7:30. We definitely sleep better when it's cooler.

After coffee and conversation I hooked up our water and sewer lines and dumped the holding tanks before showering. The laundry room is in the FamCamp office building only 100' from the motorhome so Sharyn did the laundry. There was even a copy of today's Las Vegas paper that had been left there.

Early this afternoon we drove into Las Vegas by driving south on Las Vegas Blvd right from the main gate of the base. The Las Vegas "Strip" is the downtown portion of Las Vegas Blvd so it was pretty convenient. We drove the "Strip" in a southerly direction, then made a U-turn and came back up on the other side. We stopped at a few gift shop type places and then we went to Caesar's Palace where I put a quarter in a slot machine and lost. Sharyn was more optimistic but did not do any better -- only lost more money ($10). While at Caesar's Palace we also walked around and watched what other people were doing at the roulette wheels and card tables. At the 5 and 25 cent slot machines people looked like they were just having some none-serious fun. At the bigger number slots, and at the tables, they had a "this is serious business" look about them. All the slots will take $100 bills! Before we left Caesar's we each had a Ruben and a diet Coke.

On the way back to the motorhome I mentioned to Sharyn that Nellis AFB must be a pretty good duty station for 20-30 year old guys.

 

10/8/00
(Kingman AZ)

We were on the road by 10:am and on our way towards the Grand Canyon. At the Nevada/Arizona line US-93 crosses the Hoover Dam which holds back the Colorado River resulting in the formation of Lake Mead. (Sharyn's grandfather, an Australian immigrant and an engineer, worked on the Hoover Dam as well as the Panama Canal while those projects were under construction). As we approached the area of the dam the surrounding terrain was extremely rough, tough, and uninviting.

By 2:pm we were in the KOA in Kingman AZ. When I inquired about a phone jack where I could plug in to download my e-mail I was told that the phone jack was part of the KOA computer kiosk and that it would cost me a dollar for five minutes use of that line (plus I have to pay the phone company for my on-line time). When I told the lady that I thought they would get a lot of negative feedback from that kind of extortion (I didn't say extortion) she told me that all KOA were going to have that system. They got my dollar, but they've lost our business. Most RV places will allow you to plug in to their own phone line if they don't have a separate line for those seeking to download e-mail.

We also discovered that the refrigerator was no longer working. Both the refrigerator and freezer were in a state of advanced defrost.

Miles for day = 115.

 

10/9/00
(Flagstaff AZ)

First thing we did this morning was to call Jack's RV Service in Flagstaff AZ. He was the closest factory authorized repair facility for warranty work, plus Flagstaff was only about 30 miles out of our way on the way to the Grand Canyon. Jack said he thought he knew what the problem was and that Norcold had a lot of problems with the new refrigerators. We arrived at Jacks a little after noon. Within two minutes he had removed an inspection plate on the cooling unit and showed us where all the ammonia had leaked out of the system. He called Norcold who will overnight a replacement cooling unit. He also told us how to get to Black Bart's RV Park, Saloon, Restaurant, and Antique Shop.

We drove the mile or so to Black Bart's where we checked in for two days. We then went to Sam's and bought two styrofoam coolers. Bart's sold us two bags of ice for the food in the coolers and told us we could put our freezer stuff in the store freezer. Bart's is a nice place, although we have yet to check out the saloon or restaurant.

Driving from Kingman to Flagstaff it seemed that we were going uphill all the way. We basically were, as Flagstaff is over 7,000 in elevation and considerably cooler then were we've been in recent days - it's downright comfortable. On the way to Flagstaff we could see the changing scenery as we went from pure desert to scattered shrubs , grasses, and eventually real trees. We also saw a creek that actually had water in it (as opposed to a dried up creekbed).

Miles for day = 151.

 

10/10/00
(Flagstaff AZ)

Today was a rather inactive day as basically we're just waiting for the refrigerator repair. Jack called us late this morning to tell us that FedEx had arrived with the new cooling unit and he could install it (a four hour process) first thing tomorrow morning.

It was quite cool this morning with the temperature only in the 40's. Sharyn made a big breakfast with eggs, potatoes, onions, steak, English muffins, etc. With the heat turned on, plus the smell of all that good food cooking, when I came back in from walking the dog I told Sharyn that it sure was "homey" feeling in the motorhome.

Later in the day we took a ride through the "historic" part of the old town of Flagstaff along US-66 where I bought a US-66 T-shirt.

 

10/11/00
(Flagstaff AZ)

This morning we were at Jack's RV Repair before 9:am. The "cooling unit" that he replaced consisted of the entire working mechanism that is removed from the back of the refrigerator as a complete assembly (after the refrigerator has been pulled out of the wall) and replaced with with the new one from the factory. While loosing our refrigerator was a pain in the neck, we were fortunate that Jack was only a day away and only 30 miles off of our planned route. We ended the day watching the 2nd Bush-Gore debate and we were both pleased and relieved that Bush did is well as he did and the Gore came across so poorly -- hopefully the rest of the Country saw it the same way we did.

 

10/12/00
(Grand Canyon AZ)

We woke up this morning when the guy next to us with the big diesel rig started it up at 7:am and just let it run. It was only 30 degrees outside but it was 68 in the motorhome. That's pretty impressive since we had only one heat pump running with the thermostat set on 70. Heat pumps are not supposed to work when the temperature goes below 40.

By the time the temperature had climbed to 35 we left Flagstaff and headed for the Grand Canyon. The weather was terrific; sunny, bright, and cool. We arrived at Grand Canyon National Park early in the afternoon, got a campsite with full hookups. After spending some time looking over the information and brochures we we had picked up when we registered at the campground we took a ride to the little "village" down the road, checked out the store, and returned to the motorhome. The campground is crawling with deer. Tomorrow we'll check out the canyon.

 

10/13/00
(Grand Canyon AZ)

The Grand Canyon is just as awe inspiring today as it was in 1970. While the campground is no longer right at the rim of the canyon, the foot trail that follows the edge of the rim is a better plan. We started at the Visitors Center (where of course we bought a few books) and then we walked along the rim trail in a westerly direction for 1.6 miles to some gift and souvenir shops. After perusing these shops we walked back along the trail to where we had left the car at the visitors center parking lot. We were delayed a few minutes while I waited for Sharyn to climb down out of her tree. Then she took one of me. Obviously we took a number a photographs along the way, but the photos don't begin to do to you what standing there and looking across the canyon does. The scale is beyond comprehension -- note that we are on the south rim of the canyon, the north rim across the canyon is ten miles away -- the Colorado River is more than a mile below the rim. Photo #1 Photo #2 Photo #3

 

10/14/00
(Mesa Verde, CO)

This morning we headed for Mesa Verde (cliff dwellings) in Colorado. Driving easterly along the Grand Canyon we came upon two views that we had to photograph (in spite of the numerous photos taken yesterday). Photo #1 Photo #2.

We had planned to drive only as far as Tuba City AZ, check out the Trading Post there, and spend the afternoon and night at the RV Park there. However, Sharyn is getting concerned about our running late for Thanksgiving at Jordan's, so we decided to drive through to Mesa Verde even though we don't usually drive that far in one day. We did stop at the Trading Post in Tuba City but found that while the stuff they had was really nice, their prices were disproportionately so. We did get Jordan a pair of silver "dreamcatcher" earrings. A Navajo rug that we both like we decided to pass up based on the $11,000 price tag.

We enjoyed the drive to Mesa Verde; particularly from the Painted Desert to Four Corners, it is much prettier country than that which we were seeing between Death Valley and Flagstaff. Somewhat east of this area, but in keeping with the beauty we saw, was Chimney Rock.

It was getting late enough in the day that I had turned on the lights. A few miles later we stopped to let the dog out and I walked around back to verify that the tail lights on the Honda were also on. Well, we had no tail lights or running lights at all -- not on the Honda or the motorhome. Several weeks ago I realized that the panel lights were out, but since we never drive at night I made a note to check the fuse, but never followed through. Now I suspect that all these lights are on the same fuse which I will check tomorrow.

We arrived at A&A Mesa Verde RV Park shortly after dark. Miles for day = 268.

 

10/15/00
(Mesa Verde, CO)

At 11:am, after coffee and coffee and conversation, we set out for Mesa Verde National Park. The entrance is just across the highway from the campground, but the dwellings and other points of interest are 20 miles beyond the entrance. We did the ranger guided tour of the Cliff Palace which is one of the larger sites. Before we started the ranger told us that they have a different saying; "Everything that goes down must come up." Some of the people did not go down, and some that did had trouble coming back up. To give a better idea as to the exit route, the guy circled in this photo is just completing his climb out. Sharyn thought she would have trouble but she always underestimates herself -- she had no trouble at all. We talked about going to the Spruce Tree House, another cliff dwelling, but by the time we got there we had already done the first one, seen an introductory film, done the museum and gift store, and we were pretty tired -- actually I thought a nap was in order (which is what I did when we got back to the motorhome.

 

10/16/00
(Gallup NM)

We were on the road by 10:am and headed for Gallup NM and/or the Zuni Indian Reservation 30 miles south of Gallup. When we stooped for lunch we were joined by a couple of starving mongrel dogs. At first Sharyn said we wouldn't even go out of the motorhome. After we ate, however, she went out and gave them each a can of dogfood.

Since it appears that there are no campgrounds on the reservation, when we got to Gallup we decide to stay at Red Rock State Park.

Miles for day = 154.

 

10/17/00
(Gallup NM)

Today we went to Zuni, the "Town Center" on the Zuni Reservation. After stopping at the Visitor Center/Museum we had lunch at the Route 53 Cafe. From there we checked out a number of the many trading posts for the silver and turquoise necklace that Sharyn's been looking for. While she found it at the first place we went to, we continued looking in other places to look at other necklaces and to compare value. What we found was that there was not a comparable set to be had anywhere, and we could have paid more for lesser necklaces. Also, while she had wanted Zuni, and we looked at lots of Zuni, the beautiful set (necklace, bracelet, earrings) she bought was Navajo.

 

10/18/00
(Albuquerque NM)

After coffee and conversation we took of for Albuquerque NM where we checked into the FamCamp at Kirkland AFB. We picked up some milk and dog food at the commissary before dinner. After dinner we did laundry -- the laundry room is just across the road from our campsite.

Miles for day = 139.

 

10/19/00
(Albuquerque NM)

More laundry and more groceries. Not too much else.

 

10/20/00
(Fort Sumner NM)

This morning , after dumping the holding tanks and filling up with water, we headed for Texas. We did the first hundred + miles eastbound on I-40. At exit 277 we took US-84 which heads in a generally southeasterly direction into Texas. We are headed for Livingston, Texas to visit and check out Escapees headquarters. We've enjoyed a number of escapee parks but have yet to see Livingston. While we are there we will change our mailing address to Livingston and just let our year run out with our mail forwarding service in Oregon.

We are moving much more rapidly then we would like to in order to get to our daughters on Long Island for Thanksgiving. We ended up in Ft. Sumner NM at Valley View RV Park. It's $15 for full hookups with 50 amp service, but the reason we selected to stay here is that the campsites are 45 feet wide. That's quite nice.

Miles for day = 159.

 

10/21/00
(Post TX)

It was drizzling rain this morning as we got an early start. As the morning progressed it developed that we were driving in the rain most of the time -- on several occasions the rain was so hard that we had to slow down due to limited visibility. This is the first rain we have seen in months.

We passed a large Ford dealer just a few miles before the Texas border and made a U-turn and went back to see if we could get him to address some of our electrical problems (no running/tail lights; windshield washer will blow wiper fuse; wire harness rubbing against front left shock). Since it was Saturday (we were unaware) the shop was closed. A number of technicians were there, however, doing work on the used car inventory. They did take enough time to get our tail/running lights operational.

We then continued on our way to our destination that we had decided would be Post Valley View RV Park in Post, Texas. The park read very nicely in Woodall's, but the reality didn't meet our expectations. These RV parks and the descriptions in Woodall's, as well as the other campground directories, frequently don't fit too well with what we find on the ground. Sometimes we find them to be much nicer than what we expected, but probably more often it is as it was today.

Miles for day = 198
Odometer reading = 13,193

 

10/22/00
(Coleman TX)

This was a pretty uneventful day. We are trying to get to visit our granddaughter in Magnolia, Texas, then go on to spend a few days at Escapees headquarters in Livingston, Texas, and then try to catch other grandchildren appearing in school plays in Earlysville, Virginia, and Southold, NY -- all before Thanksgiving. The result of all of this is that we are pushing further and faster than we would like to, but sometimes you just have to do this stuff. Next year we'll go slower, stop earlier, and stay places longer.

We were going to continue on to Brownwood TX but it started to rain as we approached Coleman so we decided to cut it a little shorter than planned. We are at a Corps of Engineers campground that cost $7 with water and 30 amps ($14 if you don't have a Golden Access Pass). We have found that the Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds do not have too many amenities, but are almost always some of the nicer campgrounds in easy to enjoy natural surroundings. In these pictures, having frightened this great blue heron from his resting place, Sharyn and Sabrina return to the motorhome where Sharyn takes a nap.

Miles for day = 186
Odometer reading = 13,379

 

10/23/00
(Elgin TX)

It's been raining most of the day and it's still raining tonight. As we came through Austin TX we stopped and bought gas at $1.399 per gallon. That's the cheapest price we've seen on gas since Myrtle Beach SC in April. It's also one dollar a gallon cheaper than the $2.399 we saw in Lee Vinning CA a month ago.

One thing that we took note of as we drive through Texas is the large number of American flags that we see flying -- most of them are accompanied by the Texas state flag as well. We think that's pretty neat.

Miles for day = 202
Odometer reading = 13,582

 

10/24/00
( Livingston TX)

It was still overcast today, but no more rain. We got to Magnolia TX where we visited with Tammey and Mary. There is no question but that Mary has Shane's eyes (Photo #2, Photo #3).After a short but pleasant visit we headed on to Livingston, and Escapees main base of operations. We didn't arrive until after dark -- this may be the first time we've been on the road after dark since we got the Allegro. Since we got in so late we were directed to a dry camping area in a grove of large trees with 3 or four other late arrivals. Hopefully they'll have sites available for all of us tomorrow.

Miles for day = 233
Odometer reading = 13,815

 

10/25/00
(Livingston TX)

We lucked out in that by mid afternoon they had a site (with full hookups) open up and we moved into it. We were #22 on the list and only 24 sites opened up.

During the first part of the day we went to DMV, actually in Texas it's the County Tax Commissioner, to see about getting plates for Jordan's car. There were some minor complications, but hopefully we'll be able to get the plates before we leave here.

We also got a new mailing address through Escapees here in Livingston which we will make our permanent address. We'll just let our Oregon address run out which I think will happen in January.

 

10/26/00
(Livingston TX)

Sharyn describes the day as she did the laundry while I read the newspapers. This afternoon we went to the "social hour" at the activity center where we and other new arrivals introduced ourselves to everyone else.

I can't access the Internet (or e-mail) as the phone line does not seem to recognize a toll free "888" number -- keeps saying "please check the number and try again."

 

10/27/00
(Livingston TX)

I checked with DMV and was told that Jordan's plates were mailed earlier in the day so we've decided not to leave in the morning, but to wait for the afternoon mail.

I washed the car about two hours before it rained.

 

10/28/00
(Livingston TX)

Sharyn helped decorate the activity center for the Halloween party coming up next week.

Jordan's license plates came in the mail -- we'll leave here tomorrow.

 

10/29/00
(Rhinehart LA)

With the end of daylight savings time we didn't get on the road until just after noon. We had planned to go only as far as Louisiana, but,partly because we missed several campgrounds, we drove most of the way through Louisiana to within about 40 miles of the Mississippi line.

While in Livingston we joined Passport America for $39. That supposed to get us 50% off at about 1000 campgrounds. So far so good, tonight we stopped at Old River Campground, a Passport America member, and paid $7.50 for a $15 campsite. This could work out pretty well for full-time, RV'ers.

Miles for day = 207
Odometer reading = 14,022

 

10/30/00
(Tupelo MS)

We started out this morning planning to drive straight through to Red Bay AL (Tiffin's Allegro manufacturing plant) which we estimated to be 350 miles. However, with our usual late start we didn't make it.

When we hit Mississippi at Natchez we picked up the Natchez-Trace Parkway heading north. Several weeks ago we were planning to go straight to Long Island via Charlottesville VA, but a few days ago when we realized that when traveling the Natchez-Trace we would pass within 14 miles of Red Bay we decided it didn't make sense not to stop (since we were going to go to Red Bay in January to have the factory attend to some things we wanted done).

About 50 miles from Tupelo (having traveled about 250 miles, some of which was driven by Sharyn) we looked in the Passport America guide book and decided to stop at Natchez Trace Campground in Tupelo MS. (Another Passport America savings -- we paid $8 instead of $16). It was dark when we arrived at the campground at 5:30pm. Now that Sharyn has driven again her comfort level is vastly improved -- if need be, in an emergency, she could get us to where we had to go .

The Natchez-Trace Parkway is a two lane roadway that basically follows the original Natchez trace, or Indian trail, that goes back to the 1730's and winds its way for almost 450 miles from Natchez MS to just south of Nashville TN. A beautiful drive and, we think, another tribute to the National Park Service!

Miles for day = 303
Odometer reading = 14,325

 

10/31/00
(Red Bay AL)

Since we didn't have that far to go, we arrived at the Allegro Campground in Red Bay just before lunch. When we were here in March this campground was under construction. While it is probably two miles two miles from the plant, it is a major improvement over the holding area along the railroad siding in the parking lot.

Anyway, when we checked in at the campground we were also put on the waiting list to have work performed on the motorhome. We were told that the current wait was approximately 7-10 days.

After getting set up we checked out the Camper's Choice store which is now located next to the office in the campground. They have a desk set up for plugging in your laptop to a phone line so for the first time in almost a week we were able to get e-mail, download from the bank, update this Travelog, etc.

Miles for day = 61
Odometer reading = 14,386

 

11/1/00
(Huntsville AL)

Talking to other people in the campground we discovered several who had been there 13 and 14 days and have yet to have have units worked on. We didn't think we were willing to wait a week and two weeks would preclude us from meeting our timeframes so we decided we'd come back in January (as we had originally planned).

We drove as far as the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville AL where we checked in at the military campground located on post by the Tennessee River. No discounts here -- we paid the full $5 fee for water and 50 amp service. After getting set up we took the Honda and drove to the commissary for some groceries. This is some big facility, from the campground to the commissary was 12 miles.

Miles for day = 108
Odometer reading = 14,494

 

11/2/00
(Knoxville TN)

We started off this morning with the aim of driving to Knoxville and staying at the Escapees Racoon Valley Campground where we stayed for two nights back in February. As we approched Knoxville it was 4:pm so we thought we had beaten the 5 0'clock traffic. Unfortunately we forgot that we had crossed into the Eastern Time Zone and it was really 5:pm -- something that was borne out by the traffic.

Anyway, we arrived at Racoon Valley, checked in, and had barbequed steak and fresh brocolli for dinner.

It's only 7:pm but I'm doing this early so that I can get it uploaded, check my e-mail, etc., then come back to the motorhome, take a shower and read the newspaper.

Miles for day = 235
Odometer reading = 14,729

 

11/3/00
(Salem VA)

From Knoxville to Charlottesville is all direct route via Interstate so we've decided to do it in two days. Accordingly we got to Salem VA tonight, getting in just before dark.

Miles for day = 252
Odometer reading = 14,981

 

11/4/00
(Charlottesville VA)

We arrived at Phil and Kim's shortly after noon. Katlin and Phil IV certainly have grown since the last time we saw them.

Miles for day = 137
Odometer reading = 15,118

 

11/5/00 to 11/11/00
(Charlottesville VA)

We spent the week with Phil, Kim, Katlin, and Philip (parked in their driveway). The closing on their new house is scheduled for November 30, but in the interum they have access to the house for painting, moving in furnature, etc. We helped a little bit, but youth certainly moves faster than we do.

 

11/12/00
(Boonton NJ)

Having left Phil and Kim's early this morning we arrived at Harry and Irene's this afternoon. As always we enjoy them, their company, and their sons. The highlight of the trip was the dump station at the Maryland rest stop where we dumped eight days worth of black water. We now know that we can count on at least a weeks black water holding capacity. At Phil's we had left the gray water valve open and ran a 50' garden hose into the woods.

Miles for day = 360
Odometer reading = 15,478

 

11/13/00
(Boonton NJ)

Spent the day with Irene and Harry (whom I've known for almost 50 years), and their three boys.

Brian, their middle son, is a sign painter and commercial artist, and as a special request he put lettering on the back of the motorhome. Sharyn was afraid it would look "tacky," but Brian assured her that it didn't have to.

 

11/14/00
(Southold NY)

We arrived at Jordan's house mid-afternoon and called her at work to let her know we had arrived. Since Greg only lives a mile away we called and then went over to see him.

It's kind of strange that Sharyn had been wanting split pea soup and had just bought some to make for dinner - Greg had just finished making a big pot of split pea soup with the left over ham bone from the night before, so we all had big bowls of fresh made soup.

Mechanically it was not a good day. It sounds as if we have a bad wheel bearing, but at 15,000 miles that doesn't seem too likely. In the last thousand miles or so the sound has come and gone on a few occasions but it never persisted and was never as loud as it was for the last several miles. Next, as I got out of the motorhome at Jordan's I saw that the basement storage compartments under the slideout were cantered out at the bottom. The two bolts that the rear of the basement unit hangs from were both broken. Finally, we don't get any TV satellite signal. We didn't get any signal at Harry's either, but the dish was not too far above a nearby tree line so I had attributed the lack of signal to the trees.

Since we'll be here through Thanksgiving there will not be daily entries to this travelog during our stay.

Miles for day = 127
Odometer reading = 15,605

 

12/5/00
(Southold NY)

It was three weeks ago yesterday that we arrived here and we plan to leave the day after tomorrow. With respect to the mechanical problems described on 11/14/00 we have done or determined the following:

The wheel bearing noise was checked out by Otis Ford in Quogue NY who was unable to duplicate the noise or find anything wrong with the bearings. The technician told me, however, that they are aware of several instances of such noises having been trace to the full wheel covers working against the wheel rim as the wheel flexes ever so slightly as the wheel rotates. That could be the source of the noise - it sounded too "dry" for a bearing with only 15,000 miles on it. In addition, while I can't be certain that it always was, on at least occassions when the noise appeared it was or had been raining, perhaps providing the necessary degree of "lubbrication" to enable the wheel cover to "work" against the steel rim. The next time the noise appears I'll pop the cover and see if that stops the noise.

As to the broken bolts from which the basement compartments are suspended, the broken end on one was rusted indicating that it was broken for some time. The other bolt was clean at the break and probably broke as a result of carrying the entire load. Also, traveling through New York City and the Cross Bronx Expressway, I suspect, pushes everything to the limit. In any event, North Fork Welding, a local welding shop did a fine repair for a very reasonable $38. I'm sure that Allegro (Tiffin Manufacturing) will reimburse us for the $38.

As for the lack of a satellite signal, we have not been able to address that problem but we have an 8:am appointment at Camping World in Manassas, Virginia, this Friday. They are an authorized warranty repair facility for Winegard.

Lack of a satellite signal has not been a problem since while we have been here (at our daughter's house) I have run a 50 amp service line, telephone, and cable lines from her house to where we park the motorhome. She only has 100 amp service coming into the house through an old and very limited fise box installed in the wall of her bedroom. In order to do the job properly (if not by code?) I put a sub-panel in the crawl space beneath the house from which I took off lines to both her dryer and the motorhome. I kind of messed up with the outside connection as I had intended to have all connections in the same box. When I had to mount a seperate box for the telephone and cable I didn't have enough room on the post to mount it as high off the ground as I would have liked. Coupled with the sewer line we had put in last spring we are now in pretty good shape when we come here.

Miles since 11/14/00 = 65
Odometer reading = 15,670

 

12/10/00
(Manassas VA)

This morning we were up at 6:30am and on the road at 8:05. That's not too terribly quick, but after 25 days in your daughter's back yard there is a degree of "intermingling" of stuff, which needs to be straightened out.

The problem I've always had with traveling to or from Eastern Long Island is that you must go through New York City to get to or from the North American continent -- it's a royal pain in the butt. On top of that our tolls, leaving NY, came to $43 not counting the Baltimore tunnel which was another $3.

The trip was uneventful except that between Baltimore and Washington we ran for perhaps ten miles in fairly serious snowfall. Luckily the temperature must have been on our side and there was no accumulation. If you don't know Sharyn you can't appreciate the significance snow when we're driving.

Right now we're plugged into 30 amp service in Camping World's parking lot waiting for tomorrow morning and our 8:am appointment to have them find out why we aren't receiving any signal from our satellite dish.

Miles for day = 352
Odometer reading = 16,022

 

12/11/00 to 12/29/00
(Earlysville VA)

During this time we were set up in Phil and Kim's backyard, originally with a long extension cord running to the house, but we subsequently installed an underground 50 amp service to the motorhome that we (Phil and I) continued out to Phil's workshed located 200' behind the house. Phil's access to a backhoe made this installation possible.

We got to enjoy Phil's family and see them in their new home (they bought this house only a few weeks before we arrived). We also got to have Christmas with them. Jordan flew down from Long Island for a few days at Christmas, and since Shane also lives in the Charlottesville area, we saw three of our four kids this Christmas. We also helped celebrate Phil IV's first birthday on December 21.

The weather sure was cold! For the first time ever we had our water lines freeze up and it took until mid-afternoon to get the lines thawed out. That day it was 12 degrees by mid-morning. Whenever the temperature went below 25 degrees the heat pumps switched over to auxiliary (LP gas) heat. Since this happened every night I was having to take the motorhome into town every 8-10 days to get the LP gas refilled.

"Miles for day" and "Odometer reading" upon our arrival in Earlysville on December 11 were not timely noted and will never be known.

 

12/30/00
(South of the Border, SC)

With the entire Northeast and much of the East Coast awaiting a major snow storm, we were not sure that we'd be able to leave this morning, but we awoke to a cloudy day with no snow so we took off, headed south. Sharyn's mother isn't doing well so we are headed for Fort Myers, Florida. During the day we experienced some sunshine and some moderately heavy snow fall, but never any accumulation.

After being in one place for almost three weeks it felt great to be back on the road again. I told Sharyn today that if I could have any multi-million dollar house of my choice but would have to give up our motorhome and present lifestyle in exchange, I would decline the offer. She said she'd take the house.

Miles for day = 340
Odometer reading = 16,509

 

12/31/00
(Santee SC)

We didn't get out of the campground until almost 10:30am. We had talked to Aunt Virginia, in Columbia, last night and had arranged to meet her in the Woodhill Shopping Center parking lot in Columbia around 11:am. Since we got a late start we didn't arrive until shortly after noon, but she arrived a few minutes after we called. We had planned to have a brief lunch for the three of us in the motorhome and then be on our way within an hour -- we wanted to get to Florida today.

However, when Aunt Virginia arrived she told us she had lunch all prepared at her house and we left our rig in the parking lot while she drove us to her house. While it clearly set us back in our planned mileage for the day, it was a very enjoyable visit and well worth the delay. We have always said that Aunt Virginia is the epitome of "a fine Southern lady" and we thoroughly her company.

After being driven back to the motorhome we took I-26 in a southeasterly direction back towards I-95 to continue our trek towards Ft Myers. We stopped at Santee State Park right on Lake Marion. We stopped here once before and I thought we thought it was very nice. I found out tonight, however, that Sharyn thinks it's a little "scary" after dark. When she goes out for her cigarette (I know, but she's just about ready to quit) she's back inside in less than two minutes. The campsite is right at the edge of the lake, set back among the pine trees and bare oaks with Spanish Moss waving in the cold winds that are coming from across the dark water. There are only a handful of RVs here so everyone is quite spread out, and it is very dark. I'm glad I don't smoke!

Miles for day = 180
Odometer reading = 16,690

 

 

2001

1/1/01
(Starke FL)

We like to be all setup for the night while it's still daylight, but this time of year that requires us to be off the road by 4 - 4:30pm. When we don't get started until late, like we did yesterday, it makes for a short travel time. Usually that's not a problem because we don't try to cover any large distance, or go too far in any single day. Right now, however, we are just trying to get from Point A to Point B.

All because of which we decided that we would get an early start this morning. Accordingly, I got up at 5:30, made the coffee and then at 6:am called Sharyn. We would have been on the road at 7:30 except that yesterday afternoon after I had filled the water tank I hosed down the car and the tow bar (the car was not hooked up at the time). When we hooked up the car this morning, as the tow bar arms extended the locking pins that hold the arms in the extended position would not snap into place -- it was 24 degrees and they were frozen! I tried a butane barbecue starter that that apparently didn't make enough heat. A teapot of boiling water poured slowly over the lock pins freed the up and the towbar was locked in the extended position at 8:am, at which time we left Santee State Park.

We continued south on I-95 until just south of the Florida border where we exited to pick up US-301 as the best way way to cross to the west coast while still moving in a southerly direction. We stopped at about 3 o'clock at a Florida National Guard facility near Starke that has a small but very nice campground right on a lake. After we were set up Sharyn walked down to check out the water and discover that the lake has a beautiful white sandy beach that runs out into the water.

Later on Sharyn read her book while I read the paper. A very relaxing afternoon for both of us.

One thing of interest that I almost forgot about; while we were still in Georgia we were shopping for the best gasoline price we could find because we were going to need a lot. Unfortunately we had to stop looking because we were very low and we paid $1.359/gallon for 81.6 gallons. We only have a "75 gallon" tank! Then to top it off, at the last exit in Georgia gas was $1.049 -- a full 31 cents less that what we had paid 40 miles earlier (a difference worth about $25).

Miles for day = 305
Odometer reading = 16,995

 

1/2/01
(Starke FL)

We decided to stay here for the day, just relax and enjoy the sunny weather and peaceful surrounding. We also did a thorough house cleaning since that's something we haven't focused on for quite a while. I even washed the motorhome for the first time since I can't even remember when.

Miles for day = 0
Odometer reading = 16,995

 

1/3/01
(Palm Bay FL)

This morning we got back on the road, only we headed back to the East Coast to visit Sharyn's sister, Carol, in Palm Bay (this is a good example of why we never make campground reservations -- our plans are never firm until after the event).

We parked in their driveway and hooked to 30 amp service. Roger (Carol's husband) is a retired electrician and said that next time we come by there''ll be a 50 amp service at the driveway. After several hours of visiting we walked to a local restaurant where Carol and Roger treated us to a fine dinner.

Miles for day = 193
Odometer reading = 17,189

 

1/4/01
(Palm Bay FL)

Sharyn and Carol don't get to see each other too often so we decided to spend the day here. They spent the day wandering around the shopping center. Sharyn also had her hair done and I got a $7 haircut. We stayed up talking until it was pretty late.

Miles for day = 0
Odometer reading = 17,189

 

1/5/01
(West Palm Beach FL)

After stopping by TJ Max so Sharyn could return something she bought yesterday, we were once again heading south to stop by and visit with Linda and Bill in (near) Stuart. I've known Linda since about 1943. I only know this from photographs; my present recollection only goes back to teenage years.

We visited with them for several hours and then moved on to West Palm Beach to visit with Sharyn's cousin(s) Diana and Carl. We were already set up in our campsite when Carl, having gotten home and finding our message on his answering machine, called us back. Being as it was Friday night and they were going to a local yacht club party, Carl said he'd call Diana at work and have her pick us up on her way home from work -- which she did.

After the party we all went back to the motorhome, together with their daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Steve. We ate ice cream and drank wine until the wee hours of the morning.

Miles for day = 121
Odometer reading = 17,309

 

1/6/01
(Ft. Myers FL)

From West Palm Beach it was a relatively short drive across Florida to Ft. Myers on the West Coast. We started late and arrived at Sharyn's mother's mid-afternoon. We stayed for a few minutes and then went to North Ft. Myers and got a campsite at Swift RV park. With our Passport America membership (which has paid for itself several times over) we paid $10 for a $20 campsite. We then returned to Sharyn's mother's to visit and have dinner.

By the way, today was the first day that we ran the air conditioner instead of the heat. It was a welcome change!

Miles for day = 128
Odometer reading = 17,438

 

1/7/01 to 1/14/01
(Ft. Myers FL)

Basically we've been here for a week. We've stayed longer than originally planned because Sharyn's mother isn't doing too well and when we leave here we won't be back on the East Coast until December 2001.

While there isn't too much to write about, this is the first time we've been in Florida that it isn't either hot, humid, and oppressive or cold and rainy. With daytime highs in the low 70's and nighttime lows in the high 50's or low 60's this is very easy to take -- especially with most of the nation suffering in the bowels of winter!

Our campsite is quite satisfactory, although it's just across the road from a small shopping center, Winn-Dixie, and the North Ft. Myers Post Office.

Driving back and forth to Sharyn's mother's (22 miles each way) we pass an interesting sign. What exactly does this sign mean?

SHOOT OUT AT SWIFT'S RV PARK. Around midnight, it was only a few minutes after I wrote the above, ". . . there isn't too much to write about, . ." that from the back of the RV park we heard 3 or 4 gunshots in rapid fire mode, followed by several seconds of silence and the 3 more rounds of rapid fire. Due to the lateness of the hour, there had been no sounds prior to the shooting, and there was silence again when the shooting stopped. We called 911 and I was talking to the dispatcher when more shooting came from the back. The dispatcher said she also heard the "pops."

A few minutes later three sheriff's cars pulled into the campground and went to the rear. I went out and spoke with 3-4 other people who had gathered in the road. No one really knew anything except the the owner's son pointed to a lighted window visible through the woods and said that the shooting had come from there, and that he had been hearing a lot of yelling prior to the shots. Ten minutes later one of the sheriff's cars came out on the next road over, followed a few minutes later by the other two. I guess we'll have to buy a local paper to find out what it was all about.

After it was all over Sharyn went outside to have a cigarette. It was only a few seconds later that she jumped back into the motorhome and slammed the door behind her. She said a pickup truck had come down the road and she was afraid it may have been the shooter!

Odometer reading = 17,438

 

1/18/01
(Ft. Myers FL)

Greg flew down for a visit and he's staying with us in the motorhome. Today we drove down to Sanibel Island where we checked out the area and in the process took a walk along the beach, checking out sand pipers and abandoned sand castles.

Odometer reading = 17,438

 

1/19/01
(Ft. Myers FL)

After seeing the full page ads for Pelican Lake Motorcoach Resort http://www.pelicanlake.com over the last year or so, we decided to drive down and check the place out. It's located on Route 951, about nine miles south of Naples, FL., or about 50 miles south of Ft. Myers.

At $75 for one night on a lakefront site, or something in excess of $200,000 to purchase such a site, some might consider it a little steep, although it is undeniably quite nice.

Odometer reading = 17,438

 

1/20/01
(Ft. Myers FL)

A great day for America!
After having been a shame, disgrace, and embarrassment to this Country for eight years, Clinton is finally gone!

 

1/22/01
( Venice FL)

We got all set to leave this morning and then went by to say good-bye to Sharyn's mother, brother, and sister (who had flown in from California). It was 2:pm before we got on the road and headed north on I-75. I had planned to get north of Tampa before looking for a place to stop, but we were both completely washed out and at 4:pm we pulled in to Venice Campground in Venice FL.

We had pulled off the Interstate based on a campground sign and Sharyn was still trying to locate the place in the campground guide when we pulled into the entrance a half mile down the road. When the guy said the cost was $30 for the night I declined, but Sharyn, noting that neither one of us wanted to continue on, said we should stay anyway. This now becomes the most expensive campground we've ever stayed in, and while it's nice, it certainly doesn't warrant the highest campground fee we've ever paid!

Miles for day = 88
Odometer reading = 17,525

 

1/23/01
(Tampa FL)

We're staying the night at the FamCamp at MacDill AFB, right on Tampa Bay. While the facilities here are really nice, all of the 250 RV sites with full hookups are taken, and we're in the dry camping overflow area. If it was swimming weather we'd certainly be using the wide, white sandy beach adjacent to the campground mariner, but it was only about 60 degrees today, and very windy.

Instead of swimming we went to the commissary and restocked on groceries. With no 120 volt electric line we listened to the news on PBS radio (rather than TV), did some reading, took a shower, and will go to bed early.

You can make reservations here up to a year in advance and then can stay for as long as 180 days at $13 per day. Sharyn thinks we should consider spending an extended time here next year. Perhaps next winter when/if we go to Key West. There is a Naval Air Station there with RV facilities that has sufficient overflow capacity that they've never had to turn anyone away.

Miles for day = 89
Odometer reading = 17,614

 

1/24/01
(Crystal River FL)

While Sharyn took her shower I went and got a haircut for $6.50. In order to get from the campground at the southern tip of the base (the base is on a peninsula that sticks out into Tampa Bay) to the main part of the base you have to go through the golf course area. It was clear that something was going on as the road we had come in on was blocked off, and airmen were directing traffic at all the intersections. On the way back from the barber shop I had to stop several times to explain that I was on my way back to the FamCamp.

Later, as we were leaving with the motorhome, we were directed out along the road that parallels the flightline. There were thousands of cars parked on the flightline with shuttle buses picking up the people. Later on in the day, as we traveled north on US-41, we heard on the radio that there were over 100 NFL players (and Rush Limbaugh) participating in a golf tournament at MacDill AFB to raise money for charity. The people parking on the flightline were paying $16 each to watch!

Since the Super Bowl takes place in Tampa this weekend I guess the tournament is part of the week long celebration. People looking for hotel/motel accommodations are being sent to Clearwater as there are no rooms left in Tampa. That might be part of the reason we could not get a site with hookups.

Anyway, we were out by 11:30 and heading up US-41 through downtown Tampa. In the first hour we covered 20 miles. We stopped a little after 3:pm at Lake Rousseau RV Park in Crystal River FL. The park is kind of crowded, but nice. It's also a Passport America campground so we paid $10 instead of $20. The park located under very large live oaks (very much like willow oaks) with lots of Spanish moss hanging from the branches. We thought that we would be able to get out satellite signal through an overhead opening, but unfortunately the satellite is not in line with that opening.

Miles for day = 107
Odometer reading = 17,721

 

1/25/01
(Tallahassee FL)

Today we traveled further than we have in recent days and arrived at the north edge of Tallahassee shortly after 4:pm. Sharyn thought that due to the hour, and the fact that it was 30 miles to the next campground (Bainbridge GA), and that campground had only 14 sites, we should stop at Big Oak RV Park, which we did. It's good we did because after we checked in and got a prime spot, there was a steady flow of RVs into the park -- mostly pretty new, big-dollar units.

This is nice campground and would be a good place to stay if you were going to spend several days in the Tallahassee area. A clear pattern that continues to repeat itself is that campgrounds that are owner operated are neater, cleaner, and just nicer places to stay.

While heading north on US-19 this afternoon, several miles south of Chiefland FL, we passeed the spot where in November, 1999, our 1985 Travel Master motorhome threw a piston and destroyed the engine block. This time the passage was uneventful -- and less expensive!

Miles for day = 175
Odometer reading = 17,896

 

1/26/01
(Montgomery AL)

Since we made the bedroom window lightproof we have been sleeping much later in the mornings. If we also close the bedroom door we don't even know if it's daylight. Because of all this we have been getting started even later than we used to, so last night we decided to set the alarm for 7:30 am, which we did. We were on the road just after 9:am (as opposed to "around noon").

We headed for Montgomery AL and the FamCamp at Maxwell AFB, arriving somewhere around 4:pm. After getting setup we went to the commissary for milk, then checked out the BX and returned to the motorhome.

Miles for day = 203
Odometer reading = 18,099

 

1/27/01
(Montgomery AL)

We had planned to visit the "Confederate White House" where Jefferson Davis initially setup the Confederate Capital before it was moved to Richmond, but it turned out it is closed on weekends.

That kind of messed up our plans, so instead Sharyn did laundry and I changed the cartridges in the water filters that we installed last July. Right after we installed the filters Sharyn stopped drinking bottle water, saying that our filtered water tasted even better than the bottled stuff.. In the last several weeks she said the water hasn't been as good as it had been so hopefully the new cartridges will bring it back to the way it was.

This morning we took a walk down the road beyond the FamCamp. We are on the opposite side of the flightline from the main base facilities. On this side are the FamCamp, fishing lakes, picnic areas, and other recreation facilities. Really nice.

This afternoon we sat outside enjoying the sunny breeze, relaxed and did some reading.

Queary: Would the Civil War have turned out differently it the Confederacy had not moved its capital to Richmond? I think it's quite likely! The South could not have beaten the industrial strength of the North, but the North could not have overcome the logistical difficulties of launching and sustaining the necessary thrust so deep into the South. Meaningful Northern victories would have been difficult to achieve, the war would have droned on, and the Northern People would have grown tired and withdrawn their support of the war effort.

What would have happened? I believe the South would have managed a negotiated peace by 1863 or 1864 (effectively winning the war) and we would be be two separate countries today.

Odometer reading = 18,099

 

1/28/01 and 1/29/01
(Montgomery AL)

We had planned to leave for Red Bay yesterday (the 28th), but yesterday morning we decided to stay over until the 30th so we could go to the original Confederate White House today, Monday the 29th.

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day and we spent most of it lounging around and reading the Sunday papers.

Today we went into town and visited both the White House and the Alabama State Archives next door. A few years ago we visited the Confederate White House in Richmond, Virginia and, while that is a much larger house, Sharyn says she'd have no trouble living in either.

Odometer reading = 18,099

 

1/30/01
(Red Bay AL)

Following our morning coffee and conversation, we got all set to move out, and then went by the commissary for a supply of groceries (they were closed yesterday). It was almost noon when we pulled out of the base.

It was a non-eventful trip to the Allegro factory (http://www.tiffinmotorhomes.com) in Red Bay, Alabama, where we arrived shortly 5:pm. When we came by here in November there was a two week wait before they could get to our unit -- that's why we didn't wait last November. This time, as we approached Red Bay, we were talking about how long we might have to wait this time and hoped that it would not exceed four days. Upon arrival here they told us if they didn't get to us tomorrow they definitely would the next day.

For now we're all set up in Allegro's campground with 50 amp service and, since we're here for warranty work, there is no charge for the campground stay.

Miles for day = 213
Odometer reading = 18,312

 

1/31/01 to 2/5/01
(Red Bay AL)

They started working on our list (27 items -- most of which I'd have done myself if they were not warranty items) on Thursday, Feb 1, but were not able to complete all the items until Monday, Feb 5.

The way they treat you at this plant makes it very difficult to ever buy anything but another Allegro. These people have truly rewritten the book on customer service. Our warranty covers 12 months or 12,000 miles. We got here after 13 months and 18,000 miles and the excess time and mileage were non-factors (we had called from the West Coast last summer to request a verbal extension on the mileage). Some time back we had a broken hanger that had to be welded and a short circuit in the wiper system. Each of these items we had fixed locally at the time. When we told the factory people about these items they reimbursed us 100% for the $115 we had spent -- and we didn't even have a receipt for the welding repair!

There is absolutely nothing to do in Red Bay during the week, and on the weekends it's even worse. There aren't even any real newspapers.

By the way, this is a 6:30 am view of some of the Allegros in the factory campground waiting for 7:am so they can move back to the service bays.

Odometer reading = 18,325

 

2/6/01
(Shiloh MS)

We pulled out of Red Bay sometime midmorning heading for the National Battlefield Park at Shiloh, Mississippi. We thought there was a campground at the park, but that was not the case. The ranger told us of several nearby campgrounds, including one described as "primitive" that was only two miles down the road.

After getting set up in the campground (there was no one around to check in with) we returned to the battlefield where we spent several hours walking the area of the Hornet's Nest and the Peach Orchard.

Tomorrow we'll return and do the entire battlefield more thoroughly. In the meanwhile, we returned to the primitive campground for the evening.

Miles for day = 69
Odometer reading = 18,393

 

2/7/01
(Shiloh MS)

We had a busy day today. After breakfast we drove the Honda to Savannah, about 12 miles north or here, to visit the Tennessee River Museum. They had a good number of Civil War items on display, plus a small number of items and displays reflecting the history of steam powered riverboats on the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers. There were other displays showing the history of Indians in the river area.

From the museum we drove through Savannah and then back to Shiloh. We had heard about "Shiloh's Civil War Relics" (901-689-4114) as a place that buys and sells, among other things, Civil War cannons Our friend Al has been looking for such a non-replica cannon so we decided to check out this place. They are dealers in Civil War relics and have a very impressive place. It costs a dollar to go in, but they give your dollar back if you buy anything.

Over the years we've been to a number of museums and other retail places that deal in Civil War relics and memorabilia. None of the retail establishments even came close to having what "Shiloh's Civil Relics" has -- they have some replicas, but most of what they have is authentic. They have two cannons on display (photo #1 photo #2 photo #3), one of which has been sold for $80,000, as well as an ammunition carrier. They also have metal detectors from $179 to well over $1,000. If you are a serious collector or Civil War buff, this place is for you, but if you just want to get a couple of souvenirs then go some place else.

From "Shiloh's Civil War Relics" we went to the Battlefield Park and picked up where we left off yesterday. Today we walked the line where the Confederates, after repeated unsuccessful attempts to break the Union line at the Hornet's Nest, brought up 62 cannon. At the time it was the largest battlefield artillery assembly ever brought together in North America. Under cover of this artillery the Confederates managed to outflank the Union troops at the Hornet's Nest and captured over 2,200 Union soldiers. This is the view of the Hornet's Nest, the woodline at the far side of the field, as seen by members of Ruggle's Battery. By the time we finished looking at all we wanted to see it was after dark and we returned to the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 18,393

 

2/8/01
(West Memphis AR)

We had planned to leave Shiloh this morning and head south down US-45 working our way to the Gulf Coast and the FamCamp at Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS. However, as stated a number of weeks back, our plans are never firm until after the fact. Last night we decided that instead of heading south, since we were only 100 miles from Memphis, we'd head west and spend several days in Memphis.

We are now at Tom Sawyer RV Park in West Memphis AR. We are right on the Mississippi River, between the levee and the river (50 feet from the river), about three miles south of Memphis. Actually we are on the outside bank of a wide curve in the river such that as we look out the front windshield we are looking up the river right at the lights of Memphis. In the hour between when we got there and when it got dark we had three strings of barges being pushed upstream by tugs.

I find the Mississippi a very exciting, living body of water! If you don't, read "Rising Tide, The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America," by John M. Barry.

Odometer reading = 18,540
Miles for day = 146

 

2/9/01
(West Memphis AR)

Last night and for a good portion of the day the wind and rain beat upon the motorhome like crazy. During the night it shook so much it felt as if I hadn't put the jacks down. By early afternoon it had let up a little and we took the Honda into Memphis where we visited Elvis Presley's Graceland. I suspect that a real diehard Elvis fan would find this place to be Heaven -- so would an entrepanauer!

The barge traffic on the river is quite heavy with several passing by every hour. The length of the string of barges is quite impressive, as is the width. This one must be over 1,000' long! This is how wide it is! This is the tug up close.

Odometer reading = 18,540
Miles for day = 0

 

2/10/01
(West Memphis AR)

This morning, thinking we were leaving, I drained the holding tanks, topped off the water tank, and hooked up the car. It turned out that while I was doing all the, Sharyn was getting all the laundry sorted -- this is the only place we've ever been that has a free Laundromat. Ultimately we hung out, did lots of laundry (including blankets and my jacket), and watched the river.

Odometer reading = 18,540
Miles for day = 0

 

2/11/01
(Rosedale MS)

Today was probably our latest start ever; we pulled out of the campground at 1:pm in the cold rain and sleet. We crossed back into Memphis and then headed south on US-61 in Tennessee and Mississippi, then switching to MS Route-1 along the river. After stopping at Kroger's in Clarksdale for some groceries we decided that since it was a rather dark day, and still raining, we wanted to be sure and be off the road before dark so we headed for Great River Road State Park in Rosedale -- about 35 miles further south.

The sign at the campground said to take a site and the ranger would be around later to collect the fee. Since there were no pull-through sites we had to unhook the car in the pouring down rain in order to back in. We also had to be sure we had a site, in this heavily wooded campground, that would give our satellite dish a clear view so that Sharyn would not miss Nikita.

It's now 9:pm, still raining, and we've yet to see a park ranger.

Odometer reading = 18,667
Miles for day = 126

 

2/12/01
(Vicksburg MS)

Last night it poured down rain all night without letup. With almost no one else in the campground, and the pounding rain on the roof, it was a great night for sleeping. I didn't wake up until 10:15, by which time Sharyn was already up and working on her third cup of coffee (I was reading until 2:am so there was some excuse for sleeping so late).

Anyway we were out by noon and heading south towards Vicksburg in the pouring rain. After several days of steady rain this part of Mississippi looks more like a rice paddy than a cotton field.

We are now at the Isle of Capri Casino RV Park in Vicksburg. This is the only RV park we've ever been in that has a live telephone line at each campsite. Since the motorhome is wired for telephone all we had to do was plug in our phone line and we have telephone service, plus the ability to be on line and update this website (which hasn't been done for about a week). For the next several days we can be reached at 601-636-5700 ext 4518.

By the way, it's still raining, and the ranger did show up last night.

Odometer reading = 18,797
Miles for day = 130

 

2/13/01
(Vicksburg MS)

Early today we checked out the Gray and Blue Naval Museum. Skip it, it's just the back room of a souvenir shop. From there we went to the National Battlefield to revisit the CSS Cairo that was torpedoed up the Yazoo in 1862 and spent over 100 years buried in the mud at the bottom of the river. Actually it was the first ship ever to be sunk by a remote controlled mine (at that time what we call mines were called torpedoes). It was wired to a trigger device held by Federal troops hidden on the river bank who detonated it as the Cairo approached. When the ship was raised in the early 1960's it was a treasure trove of artifacts, all of which, the Cairo and its artifacts, are now on display at the Cairo Museum adjacent to the Vicksburg National Cemetery.

When we were here last year I didn't take any photos of the cannon and the original carriages that were brought up from the bottom of the Yazoo River. This year I took a good number of photos, some of which are here.

From the Cairo we went to the Ameristar Casino where, after Sharyn finished with the slot machines, we had a "Senior Citizen" half price buffet special.

A year and a half ago when we were here, and several months ago in Los Vegas, Sharyn limited her slot machine involvement to the nickel machines. Tonight she played the quarter machines. That trend makes me nervous! (Actually, she started with 3 quarters which she lost; then she borrowed a quarter from me and won 5 dollars. Those 20 quarters lasted for the rest of the evening).

This photo is out of context here, but it's a great statue of U.S. Grant over looking what had been his headquarters during the Siege of Vicksburg.

Odometer reading = 18,797
Mile for day = 0

 

2/14/01
(Vicksburg MS)

We were going to leave here today, but last night we decided to stay another day so that we (I) could check out "Grant's Canal," the remnants of the canal that the Union army dug in an attempt to redirect the Mississippi so that Union ships could bypass Vicksburg and the Confederate artillery that overlooked the river. While the canal project was unsuccessful, about ten years after the end of the war the river cut itself a new channel about a mile north of Grant's canal, so that the Mississippi no longer flows past Vicksburg.

Anyway, we did visit "Grant's Canal," on the Louisiana side of the river, but I'd like to talk to a local historian about the authenticity of that "canal." Somewhere it seems to me I read something about it being a "replica."

Having stayed here an extra day, and then having crossed over the river into Louisiana to see this "canal" site, I had to acknowledge to Sharyn that "I owed her one." So we came back to Vicksburg and went shopping -- now we're even again!

After shopping Sharyn bought me some Baskin Robins ice cream for Valentines Day. Then we came back to the motorhome and had filet mingeon for diner.

Odometer reading = 18,797
Miles for day = 0

 

2/15/01 to 2/19/01
(Biloxi MS)

It gets difficult to remember when I let this many days go by without making any entries, but I'll see how much I can reconstruct.

We left Vicksburg on the morning of the 15th, heading for Keesler AFB here in Biloxi. The FamCamp is adjacent to some off-base housing about four miles from base. When we arrived the camp was full and we were #4 in line for a spot. We spent the night drycamped behind three other RVs in the area just outside the FamCamp. We lucked out in that the next morning (Friday) four sites opened up and we got the 4th site.

Since the FamCamp is only about a mile from Beauvoir, the estate where Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy, lived from 1877 until his death in 1890, that was the first place we checked out. Beauvoir contains a large number of historical displays, a re-creation of the cell at Fortress Monroe where Davis was imprisoned after his capture following the end of the war, and the standard gift and book shop.

Since we've been here we've visited several casinos where total losses came to less than $10, ate once at McDonald's, bought groceries at the commissary, and checked out the BX. We also got a "retired military" windshield sticker for the car which will enable us to drive onto any military base without having to stop and show ID and/or get a visitors pass.

Since we've not gotten our mail for several months, we've had it all forwarded here, but because of the three day weekend, since nothing arrived on Saturday, we'll have to stay here at least until Tuesday and hope the mail (both from Oregon and Texas) arrives by then. We canceled our Oregon based mail service as of 1/1/01 and are now using Escapees in Texas.

Today we spent an hour or so on the beach before going to Gulfport where Sharyn had spotted a shopping center the day we went through there. She dropped me off at Barnes & Noble while she went shopping so it worked out well for both of us.

About two years ago we came through this area on US-90 which runs right along the Gulf beach for perhaps a hundred miles. At that time, as we came through Biloxi, Sharyn says that she could live here. She is saying it again. In fact, between Biloxi and Gulfport there is a beautiful antebellum house on US-90 that is for sale for $640,000. Sharyn says she doesn't understand why it's so cheap (gulp) and that she could live in that house very easily. I certainly can't dispute the beauty of the house!

Odometer reading = 19,008
Miles for day (2/15/01) = 211

 

2/20/01
(Biloxi MS)

This afternoon we returned to Barnes & Noble to buy a book explaining the history of Carnival and Mardi Gras. It's the middle of the season and all along the Gulf Coast Carnival and Mardi Gras are what's going on. It was clear that there's more to this stuff than we know about, so we decided to learn more about the history. I also bought two more Civil War books and Time magazine.

When we got back to the FamCamp we had our mail, both from Texas and Oregon. That gives us two months worth of RV magazines for reading.

The host at the camp told me where I can get online to get my e-mail and update this site. Tomorrow morning I'll try to do just that.

Odometer reading = 19,008
Miles for day = 0

 

2/21/01
(Biloxi MS)

We got an early start this morning when we woke up to the whizz of the weedwacker crew trimming up from yesterdays mower crew. In spite of our early start we didn't accomplish too much, but then that's never our goal.

While Sharyn was doing a giant pile of laundry I came back to the motorhome and dealt with all the mail stuff. This time I really organized it properly; started files for bank statements, telephone bills, etc.We now need a larger file box, but that's a cheap price to pay for once again being organized.

We also got a "retired military" sticker for the motorhome windshield.

Odometer reading = 19,008
Miles for day = 0

 

2/22/01
(Summerdale AL)

We left Biloxi this morning figuring we'd go to one of the several military campgrounds in the Pensacola area. We traveled US-90 right along the coast until we got near Mobile AL when we got onto I-10 to get through Mobile. Along I-10 we saw a number of signs telling us that we were approaching Battleship Park where the USS Alabama is on display. I like battleships so Sharyn said we could stop, which we did.

The park was pretty nice. In addition to the USS Alabama they also have a collection of tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery pieces, planes, helicopters, and a submarine. We started out doing a thorough job of the battleship tour, but after an hour or so we realized that we'd have to go a lot faster or we'd never get to the submarine. We hurried as best we could, but how could I pass up the chance to climb into one of the big gun turrets, or going up all those ladders to get to the bridge which must be 20 stories above the water? The answer is I couldn't, so it still took a long time to see the battleship, even when you go fast.

From the battleship we went to the submarine that is moored just behind the battleship. You enter the submarine through what used to be the deck hatch for loading torpedoes into the forward torpedo room. That hatch has been modified so people can enter into the forward torpedo room, then work there way back to the rear torpedo room, from which you again climb out onto the deck. It takes much less time to see the submarine, and it is all one-way traffic as you walk through. From whatever compartment it was, I did climb up into the conning tower to look through the periscope. The submarine, unlike the battleship, is extremely compact, and there is no space that is not being used with 150% efficiency. Everything is covered with gauges, valves, levers, and controls. I'd like to go on a day trip on a sub, but the idea of four to six months makes it clear to me that it takes a truly special kind of person to go to sea as a submariner.

Upon exiting the submarine we went to the aircraft display hangar. After visiting the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio, any visit to a military aircraft display is going to be second rate by comparison, but that can't be helped. One of the planes they had was an old F-86, the same plane that I worked on at Steward AFB in Newburg NY in 1957-58. Today it's difficult to imagine, but in those years the F-86's at Steward AFB were part of BADS, the Boston Air Defense Sector.

Anyway, not leaving the park until after 5:pm meant we were going to be short on daylight very quickly. Earlier in the day we had decided to stay at Rainbow Plantation, an Escapee park in Summerdale AL, which is about 30 miles from Mobile. As it was, it was dark when we backed into our site. The office was closed, so we'll register in the morning.

Odometer reading = 19,114
Miles for day = 106

 

2/23/01 and 2/24/01
(Summerdale AL)

This a nice park. The lots are large, covered with grass, and the entire place is very clean and neat.

There was a "do it yourself" Mardi Gras parade through the park (including this cool truck) and we got lots of beads and moon pies that were thrown to the bystanders. There was also some kind of a medieval comedy skit that was performed in the clubhouse, followed with games, prizes, and food. We played and ate, but didn't win anything!

There is an RV barn as part of the facility where you can change your oil. When I took the motorhome to the barn to change the oil I was gone for about an hour. Sharyn stayed at the site reading her book under the shade of a tree. During that hour she had three different people stop by to inquire what had happened to her RV, was she okay, did she need anything, etc.

By the way, you do not need a a big RV to hit the road -- check this rig!

We also went into Foley, a small town about ten miles from here, where we bought some groceries and even found a New York Times!

Odometer reading = 19,121
Miles for day = 7

 

2/25/01
(Panama City FL)

We left Rainbow Plantation midmorning and picked up US-98 heading east. We made several stops trying to find a Washington Post or New York Times type newspaper. Eventually we found an Atlanta Constitution and settled for that.

Mid-afternoon we pulled off the road and had lunch next to the beach. The afternoon was no more eventful than the morning. It was heavy overcast with intermittent drizzle pretty much all day. We stopped at some kind of Naval facility with a military campground in Panama City FL. The sites were very small and all the RVs were pretty crowded. This is the first military campground we've seen that we'd rate as poor.

It was one year ago today that we closed on the house and drove out of the driveway to begin our full-time RVing.

Odometer reading = 19,262
Miles for day = 141

 

2/26/01
(Perry FL)

Today, for the first time in probably a week we had a beautiful sunny day. We stopped at one place where the road ran along a wide white beach. We took our folding beach chairs and spent about a half hour on the beach before hitting the road again. It wasn't too much further down the road that we stopped at the same beach we stopped at on 3/13/00,only this time we didn't walk the beach, we just had lunch and continued on our way.

We're now at Westgate Motel & Campground on US-27 in Perry FL, another Passport America member campground, so we paid $10 instead of $20. As an added attraction, as we were getting ready to eat we had a visitor stop by our campsite. He wanted something to eat, but we didn't share our buffalo burgers so he went to the neighbors instead.

Odometer reading = 19,441
Miles for day = 179

 

2/27/01
(Tampa FL)

Well we're back at the FamCamp at MacDill AFB in Tampa. Since we've now driven three days straight we had planned to spend a day here on the beach. The only problem is that the FamCamp is full and we're in an overflow area with no electric. Whether we'll spend tomorrow here or not probably depends on how we sleep tonight with no AC. At this point we're only about 125 miles to Sharyn's mother's so I don't know what we'll decide tomorrow.

This afternoon we stopped for lunch in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Chiefland FL. There were 13 other RVs there with us; it was like a convention. Wal-Mart is very friendly to RVers, allowing overnight stays in their parking lots, etc. In return RVers, almost without exception, make a special effort to patronize their stores and pay back for what Wal-Mart does for "us."

Odometer reading = 19,638
Miles for day = 197

 

2/28/01
(Tampa FL)

It may be that my definition of "camping" is going without air conditioning. Last night we "camped" in the overflow area, but today we were assigned to a full hookup site so we're going to stay here until Friday.

This afternoon we spent some time on the beach that boarders the FamCamp. Since I can't just "sit on the beach" I brought a radio with us and I listened to Rush Limbaugh while Sharyn read her book. (I want to say, parenthetically, that the Rush Limbaugh show is always better when he's not there. Michael Medved, Tony Snow, Shawn Hannity, and Walter Williams all are more interesting and do a much better job). Anyway, after somewhat more than an hour we returned to the motorhome and took showers.

Later Sharyn sat outside and read more of her book while I caught up on the news. Then we went to the Marina Bay Cafe on the beach for an "all you can eat spaghetti dinner."

Tomorrow is another day.

Odometer reading = 19,638
Miles for day = 0

 

3/1/01
(Tampa FL)

Today we checked out the BX, bought groceries at the commissary, walked around the campground, did (Sharyn did) the laundry, and made reservations to come here next winter from 1/5/02 through 2/4/02. That pretty much sums up the day; we leave in the morning.

Odometer reading = 19,638
Miles for day = 0

 

3/2/01
(Ft Myers FL)

We were on the road by 10:am, which is pretty good for us, and did a somewhat leisurely drive down I-75 to Ft. Myers. We got checked in and set up at Shady Acres RV Park before driving over to Sharyn's mother's place. In spite of all the short term medical prognosis we've been hearing about Sharyn's mother, she doesn't seem any different than she's been for quite some time and Sharyn thinks she looks even better than she did last time we were here.

We spent the afternoon at Sharyn's mother's house with her and Sharyn's sister, brother Alan, and sister-in-law. It was Alan's birthday so we had birthday cake, presents, etc.

We even found a New York Times in Publix.

Odometer reading = 19,795
Miles for day = 157

 

3/3/01 through 3/9/01
(Ft. Myers FL)

We've been here for just over a week during which time Sharyn got to spend a good amount of time with her mother, sister, and brother.

The water pump in the motorhome had been getting noisier and vibrating excessively. It was a Shurflo pump with a two year warranty and when I called Shurflo and told them of the problem they told me that Camping World would give me a new one in exchange. When I replaced the pump the new one was considerably quieter and, as an unexpected extra, our water pressure increased substantially.

Two interesting things: Single leaves twenty feet long, and these signs by the Ft. Myers airport.

Tomorrow morning we head south towards Key West.

Odometer reading = 19,795
Miles for week = 0

 

3/10/01
(Everglades FL)

Actually we are in Islea Gold RV Park in Naranja FL, maybe 25 miles south of Homestead. While this place is listed in the campground directories, the office is closed Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. How are we supposed to get a campsite when we get here at 3:pm on Saturday (today)? A French speaking lady on a bicycle led us to a vacant site, but then several more people gathered around, speaking French, trying to figure out where we could park for the night. It turned out that some one is coming into the first site. They finally showed us a space under a large tree near a light pole that had electrical outlets on the pole.

All of these people are from Quebec, too young to be retired, very friendly and extremely helpful to us. It's kind of like being in a French village. People walk by, or ride by on a bicycle, with a friendly "Bon jour." On the other side of the campground we could hear an accordion with people singing. It's really quite neat.

After we ate we walked over to where the music was -- there was a dance going on with all the singing in French. There were signs and posters outside the dance place but they were all in French also so we don't know what it was all about. As we walked back towards the motorhome we passed a series of bocce courts where perhaps two dozen people were playing. It looked like bocce, but they were playing with steel balls. The games were ending up, but a lady invited us to come play any night at 7:pm.

Getting here, from Naples, we came across the state on US-41 which basically runs right through the Everglades. A canal runs all along the north side of US-41 adjacent to the highway. It's the dry season here so the water level is down in most of the Everglades. As a result, alligators seeking water have gathered in rather large numbers in this canal. When we stopped at the visitors center they had a fence between the canal and the parking area to keep the alligators out. Of course when you view the alligators from the road there's nothing between you and them.

We saw a good number of areas that were begging to be explored by canoe or kayak, but Sharyn and, truthfully, me too, are somewhat conscious of these alligators

Odometer reading = 19,930
Miles for day = 135

 

3/11/01
(Key West FL)

Here we are a hundred and something miles out at sea, connected to the North American continent by a 24 foot wide strip on concrete called US-1. That's no cause for concern unless, of course, everyone wanted to get back to North America at the same time; like, for instance, if there was a hurricane coming. Since it's not hurricane season there probably won't be a problem.

Actually, we're at Sigsbee RV Park on the Key West Naval Air Station. Since all the sites with hookups are full (they always are) we're dry camping in the overflow area. There could be a hundred rigs here, some of whom have been here for a good part of the winter and aren't even looking to get hookups. We're not sure why anyone would prefer dry camping, but then we've never gone for more than one night without electric. In my mind, electric is the biggie, but that's primarily because of air conditioning. As I've said before, "camping" means going without air conditioning. Anyway, we're only 50 yards from the Gulf (the guy in front of us is on the Gulf), so while it was kind of warm this afternoon, there was quite a breeze, and now that it's dark, the breeze continues and it's quite comfortable. In fact it's very pleasant.

I spoke to another guy here who has a pair of kayaks on the roof of his car. He and his wife have used a canoe, a 2-person kayak, and now have separate 1-person kayaks, and would go no other way. There is a kayak rental place near here and he said that if Sharyn and I want to rent a couple of kayaks he and his wife would go with us. He was describing some really neat mangrove areas that they had kayaked through the other day and said we could all go there. Maybe we'll do that tomorrow.

Originally we had been talking about getting a canoe, but but as we meet and talk to people with kayaks I've begun to think that kayaks might be the way to go.

Before we drove off of North America we stopped at Albertson's supermarket in Homestead FL to pick up some milk and groceries. I took this picture because we thought that the range of services shown on their outside sign was interesting.

Odometer reading = 20,065
Miles for day = 135

 

3/12/01
(Key West FL)

I didn't sleep very well last night as it was too hot. At 5:40 this morning I got up and made the coffee. Later in the morning we drove into "Town" to check it out and get ourselves oriented as to what there is to see and do. We also looked for a sandy beach since, while the water is clean and clear, most of the shoreline is rocky and too rough for walking or sitting. Basically it's all chunks and pieces of coral. Even the sand, where there is sand, is coral sand.

The first thing we discovered is that this is Spring Break week and there are what seem like tens of thousands of milk white college students everywhere. We found several miles of beautiful ocean beach but it was saturated with these students. As the end of the week approaches and they turn from milk white to candy apple red I suspect that they'll be fewer of them on the beach. Unfortunately we won't be here. While we had planned to stay here for as long as a week, the weather has suddenly gotten too hot. Today must have been near ninety degrees, and while USA Today shows a cold front coming through tonight, the radio says that tomorrow will be hotter than today. We'll play it by ear, but even though we're paid through tomorrow night we may leave tomorrow.

We did walk all around the dock area where all the boats are; charter boats, fishing boats, sightseeing boats, private boats, they're all there. We also checked out a few waterfront shops, but had to get back to the car as our meter was running out.

This afternoon we checked out the campground area were they have full hookups and that is very nice. If we had one of those sites we'd stay for a week.

We never did get over to the kayak guy, so that didn't happen

Odometer reading = 20,065
Miles for day = 0

 

3/13/01
(Key West FL)

Today is Phil III's birthday -- happy birthday Phil!

This morning I asked around to see if there were any nice beaches on base. It turned out that there is a very nice beach and marina at Boca Chica Naval Air Station about four miles north of here on US-1. Having received that information we decided to go there for the day. It was so nice that we've decided to extend our stay here so we can go back some more. Sharyn describes it as a little oasis, or private beach club. They also rent kayaks by the hour and we decided that we'd rent two kayaks tomorrow. Based on the amount of sun we received today, however, we may not even be able to go back tomorrow (although we could stay under one of the thatch roofed gazebos).

On the way to the beach we passed what appears to be some low cost housing. Some is a little lower; some is a little less low.

Since we've decided to extend our stay here, we've put out name on the waiting list for a site with full hookups. Officially the wait is two weeks, but we understand from other campers that the last couple to move had been on the list for eleven days, and that the wait is getting shorter every day as the season is winding down. Another advantage of being on the waiting list is that you wait here. Before we went on the list we had been put here. When we get our hookups we'll be here.

Odometer reading = 20,069
Miles for day = 4

 

3/14/01
(Key West FL)

We didn't do too much today, sunburn being a limiting factor to any "in the sun" (meaning outside) activity.

This is a local, and possibly lethal, coconut palm tree behind our motorhome. We are all familiar with the song:

"Don't sit under the apple tree . . .
with anyone else but me . . with anyone else but me . . . "

A local version might go:

"Don't sit under the coconut tree . . .
especially with me . . . especially with me . . . "

(This is what happens on a slow day).

Odometer reading = 20,069
Miles for day = 0

 

3/15/01
(Key West FL)

We started off the day with our regular coffee and conversation while enjoying a rather cool and pleasant breeze under the awning.

Since we didn't go to the beach yesterday we decided to go back to Boca Chica today to check out the kayaks and use the Laundromat at the mariner while Sharyn got more sun on the beach and I read the paper under one of the thatch roofed gazebos. We rented two kayaks and we both (Sharyn and me) paddled the perimeter of the little bay area and explored some mangroves where we got to see some of the water birds of the Florida Keys. It's interesting that much of what we were calling the little "bay area" is less than two feet deep with a concrete-hard coral sand bottom. As you paddle along you can see that the white bottom comes to an end where the water turns to a turquoise blue. At that point the coral bottom ends at what amounts to the edge of an underwater cliff and there is a vertical drop to a depth where you cannot see the bottom from above. I can't tell how deep it gets, but it gets way over your head in one step. It would not be a good place to be coming into by boat in the dark.

This beach is on the Atlantic Ocean side of the keys (as divided by US-41). I tried to get Sharyn to go with me, via kayaks, under the highway bridge to the Gulf side, but she wasn't interested and said she was going back to the beach, which she did. I crossed under the bridge to the Gulf side and paddled several hundred yards north alongside US-41 before doubling back and returning to Boca Chica.

Later on in the afternoon, as we were waiting for the laundry to finish drying perhaps as many as a dozen Navy jets came in over the water to land at the Naval Air Station. When we were there the other day the wind was from the opposite direction and they were taking off out over the water. I find it amazing that a hundred-forty years ago in the Civil War, Union and Confederate soldiers went into battle armed with a muzzle loading rifle, and today a man (or woman) going into battle with one of these aircraft could be carrying more firepower than was expended in the Civil War and all the wars that preceded the Civil War, combined!!

Odometer reading = 20,069
Miles for day = 0

 

3/16/01
(Lake Worth FL)

We gave up waiting for a spot with hookups. We checked last night and were told it would be Monday at the earliest that we'd get such a site so we decided to leave Key West. While Sharyn was getting stuff ready to leave I went over to the other side of the island, at the end of Whitehead Street in downtown Key West, to take a picture of the car at the most southerly point of the continental United States.

After stopping at the office to upload this travelog, we were heading north on US-1 by 10:am. We checked two Florida State campgrounds that we passed but both were filled. One had no vacancies until May. That clearly wouldn't work for us so we continued on to Lake Worth and John Prince Park Campground, a Palm Beach County Park.

Approaching Miami on US-1, and the I-95 through Miami was the worse driving situation we've encountered in 20,000 miles. Too many people driving at excessively high speeds for the crowded conditions, excessive, unsafe lane changes, etc. Plus that section of US-1 has traffic lanes that are no more than ten feet wide; too narrow for wide bodied motorhomes and trucks. In addition it was impossible to leave a safe distance between us and the vehicle in front of us since every time there was enough room for someone to squeeze in, someone did.

The worse piece of roadway for driving is probably the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in New York City, but I have to say that while the New York City drivers are more pushy and aggressive that those in Miami, there is something less reckless about their driving.

We were on the road for 7 1/2 hours today. That's much too long.

Odometer reading = 20,290
Miles for day = 222

 

3/17/01
(Lake Worth FL)

Today we visited a couple who were friends of my parents since 1944 or 45 and whom I have known since I was a little kid. He is 92 and she is 94, yet they continue to do pretty much all the things they've always done. This spring they are driving to New York to see their grandson graduate. I learned from them that a friend of mine from forty years ago was now retired and living nearby. I called him on the phone and when I told him where we were he came right over. I hadn't seen "Junior" in well over 25 years. Sharyn enjoyed hearing some of the stories of events that I had forgotten about.

Today was a great day of conversation and memories.

Odometer reading = 20,290
Miles for day = 0

 

3/18/01
(Lake Worth FL)

We had planned to leave today but the weather report called for 20% chance of showers and Sharyn said she didn't want to drive in the rain, so we stayed here.

It was a very relaxed day spent reading the Sunday paper, plus lots of Coffee and conversation. There is a 12 foot alligator that hangs out near the boat ramp just down the road from our campsite so we walked down there to get a look at him, but he wasn't around. He's not going to live here much longer because the park has a policy of relocating alligators that are much larger than that. They recently relocated a 14 footer. I think that's a good policy because in my mind alligators reach a size that makes them incompatible with campers. My daughter, Jordan, doesn't like the policy. She says the alligator was here first and if there's an incompatibility problem he stays and someone else can leave.

Later in the afternoon we walked along Allegro Road, the campground road that goes along the lake and the campground perimeter. We were scouting for campsites on the water that we would like to make advance reservation for if we return here next winter. Most of the waterfront sites are quite nice. Actually this entire campground is nice. The site we're on now is at the junction of five roads so when we sit outside there's all kinds of goings on. While there are a good number of old (retired) people here, there are lots of families also, with kids all over the place. I frequently read about how many older campers prefer campground that don't allow kids. It seems to me that watching the kids doing all their stuff brings many more smiles than watching older people do their stuff.

Anyway, we enjoy our campsite and all the activity that goes on around us.

Odometer reading = 20,290
Miles for day = 0

 

3/19/01
(Palm Bay FL)

We didn't leave Lake Worth yesterday because there was a "possibility" of showers. So today as it was pouring rain with occasional claps of thunder as we were getting ready to leave. By the time we had the car hooked up and were ready to pull out of the campground I was soaking wet and had to change my clothes, underwear and all.

The trip was, as anticipated, uneventful, but Sharyn's dot was black on black anyway.

We arrived at Sharyn's sister's by early afternoon and spent most of the remainder of the day talking. I also spent some time on Carol's computer (no 800 charges) trying to see what I could find out about different types of kayaks. After I upload this I'll probably do some more research on which type would be best for our purpose.

Odometer reading = 20,410
Miles for day = 120

 

3/20/01 to 3/26/01
(Palm Bay FL)

We spent over a week at Sharyn's sister and brother-in-law's house, during which time their other sister, Sandy came to join in the get-together. It was the first time they have had any real time together since they were kids and the three of them thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Roger and I enjoyed seeing them have their fun.

We also checked out a number of kayaks at a place called Extreme Sports at Indian Harbour Beach, FL (http://www.extremesportsfl.com). It is a father/son operation and we went there to look at a Perception "America." They showed us that kayak but then, after talking with us for quite some time, told us we'd be much happier with other, smaller and less expensive, models. We narrowed it down to two different kayaks and they arranged to have us try both of them that Saturday in a nearby river. Sharyn was sure she wanted the Old Town "Loon 111" and I was leaning towards that one also. Both George and Scott (father and son) preferred the Wilderness Systems "Pungo" and thought we'd like it better also after we tried it. They were right; after trying both boats we both preferred the Pungo. We decided to buy two of them, but while we preferred yellow, they only had them in red or blue.

Later that day when we called some other dealers to make sure we weren't paying too much (we weren't), we found a dealer about thirty miles away who had two yellow ones. When we told George that we'd take the red ones from him even though we'd prefer the other dealers yellow ones, he called the other dealer and then told us that if we'd wait until Monday morning he'd get us the yellow ones. In our estimation Extreme Sports gave us super treatment both with regard to advice and service; plus they directed us away from the more expensive kayaks that we initially sought to purchase when they thought that those boats would not suit us as well. We now travel with two yellow bananas on top of the Honda.

We haven't gotten the chance to use them yet because as a result of the paddling we did trying out these boats Sharyn pulled something in her shoulder and it's been hurting her quite a bit. Also, there is the question of alligators! The general consensus seems to be that alligators are nothing to be unduly concerned about, except at this time of year! It seems that right now they are breeding, and the females are nesting. The females really don't like it when you approach their nest, and the fact that you didn't know it was there leaves them rather unimpressed. In a few days we'll be traveling along US-98 on the Gulf Coast with lots of salt water bays and estuaries and by that time Sharyn's shoulder should be better. I'll put up some on-the-water pictures at that time.

Odometer reading = 20,410
Miles for week = 0

 

3/27/01
(LaBelle FL)

For a number of reasons beyond our control we didn't leave Carol and Roger's until 3:30 pm. We got to LaBelle Woods Campground just after dark. In this picture it was clear that we're not going to arrive before sundown. After getting all set up we drove (with the Honda) Sandy to their mother's home in Leheigh. After a short visit Sharyn and I returned to the motorhome for a good nights sleep.

Odometer reading = 20,557
Miles for day = 147

 

3/28/01
(LaBelle FL)

Sharyn went to visit her mother and sister while I stayed at the campground and did the laundry (dark stuff only) and cleaned up the motorhome. After that I read the paper, watched some TV, and just hung out until Sharyn returned.

Odometer reading = 20,557
Miles for day = 0

 

3/29/01
(Umatilla FL)

Late this morning we headed north to Umatilla FL to visit Ron and Peg, friends from our sailing days from the 70's. For a good part of the trip there was pouring rain, thunder and lightening, and buffeting wind. Not our first choice for driving weather but sometimes you have to take it the way it comes. Actually, part way here we said that if we hadn't called Peg last night and told here we'd be here today we'd have stopped at one of the many RV parks along US-27. It turns out that a little further north in Ocala the storm system spawned several tornados that did rather extensive damage to some residential areas.

Peg made dinner for all of us, including their son (Ron Jr) and daughter (Sharon) and their respective families (all of whom live in the immediate area). I took note of the fact that when we were all sailing the waters between Long Island and Nantucket we were younger than our kids are today. I guess you'd describe that time period as having been a "lifetime" ago. Those were good times then and these are good times now; you can't ask for better than that!

Odometer reading = 20,732
Miles for day = 175

 

3/30/01 and 4/1/01
(Perry FL)

This was a nice visit with Ron and Peg and their kids, grandkids, etc. It was a good weekend for Sharon also as she sold her prime colt, two year old Legs (I messed up by not having a picture to post here). Ron Jar and I got some shooting in, and later on Ron, Matt (Ron Jr's son), and I shot some skeet. I think we all had a good time.

As we left this morning Peg and her horse Julie were on their way to a horse and carriage parade that was being sponsored as a prelude to a polo match.

Mid-afternoon had us back at Westgate Motel and Campground in Perry FL.

Odometer reading = 20,906
Miles for day = 174

 

4/2/01
(Panama City FL)

We were on the road by 9:am this morning, which is quite early for us, but allowed us to arrive at Tyndall AFB FamCamp in Panama City by 1:pm. At $13 per day Tyndall is fairly expensive for a FamCamp, but that is with 50 amps, full hookups and a whole pile of cable channels (even though we use our satellite anyway). Also, Tyndall is on the Gulf and has almost five miles of white sandy beach with very few people using it. We went to the beach today but it was quite windy on the beach and we didn't stay long.

From the beach we went to the base mariner looking for a more protected location to put our kayaks in. The mariner, which includes a sandy beach with picnic facilities, is located on the north side of the base on the Intercoastal Waterway, and at the mouth of a lagoon that comes up behind the FamCamp. Tomorrow we'll put our kayaks in either at the mariner beach or behind the FamCamp. First we have to go to Wal-Mart in Panama City to get some life jackets.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 157

 

4/3/01
(Panama City FL)

After sleeping a little late, we had our coffee and conversation and eventually went to Wal-Marts where we bought two life jackets. We then went to try out our kayaks. We went in the area described yesterday, but since it was quite windy again we went on the upwind side of the land spit so that wind would be blowing us towards the beach rather than away from it. We probably messed around for about an hour paddling around in the small bayou, just off the Intercoastal Waterway, where the Air Force keeps it's crash/fireboats.

Sharyn got to do enough paddling around to develop some level of comfort with the idea of totally in control of her own boat as opposed to being the wife in a canoe with her husband. She tells me there's a big difference between the two.

A close-up of Sharyn returning to the beach. This is what Sharyn was afraid of!

We finished up the daylight hours when we went to a "potluck" dinner at the campground community center.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/4/01
(Panama City FL)

Today was overcast with occasional light showers so, after coffee and conversation, we decided to drive around and check out Panama City. We also checked out several antique stores, a large kayak/canoe store, and we were going to eat here except that they weren't open yet. Instead we ate at Po' Folks, but we won't eat at one again.

Our campsite is set back in the woods, and because of this Sharyn may have to stop smoking after dark. Every time she goes out to smoke in the dark a local raccoon ambles out of the woods to talk with her. Every time he does this she runs back into the motorhome. I'd like to get this raccoon to travel with us!

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/5/01
(Panama City FL)

Today was beautiful, sunny, and 75 degrees. After finishing a pot of coffee, checking e-mail, and updating this website, we went kayaking again. When we returned to the FamCamp we did laundry and, as Sharyn just told me, we didn't play Bingo. It sounds as if she really wanted to.

We also called the kayak store that we visited yesterday and the owner is going to give us a two hour private kayaking lesson on Tuesday. Sharyn says if we're going to do this she wants to know what she's doing. That's probably a good idea for both of us.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/6/01
(Panama City FL)

We checked out the auto hobby shop on base, mostly to see where it was so that I can change the oil and filter in the Honda while we're still here. From there we went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things of no consequence.

Back at the motorhome I took out the book on Photoshop and even did a little with the CD Tutorial that came with Photoshop. By the way, the picture of Sharyn on 4/3/01 with the alligator is really a product of Photoshop. That alligator (as regular readers will recall) was actually photographed in the Everglades on 3/10/01 and was depicted here on that day.

After dinner we walked around the campground and ended up at the clubhouse where I beat Sharyn in a game of pool. We then worked out on the exercises machines for a few minutes before challenging another couple who were playing shuffleboard (a 30 foot board like you find in a bar). They accepted our challenge and beat us 21 to 12.

When we got back to the motorhome Sharyn sat outside reading. After a while a cat came by to visit her, and a little later she heard it behind her chair, only to find out that it wasn't the cat, but that her raccoon from several nights ago was back. Now she's reading inside.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/7/01
(Panama City FL)

This morning I didn't know what was taking Sharyn so long to get dressed. It turned out she was cleaning her closet

Anyway, by mid-afternoon we went back to the beach area where we've been kayaking. Being Saturday there were a lot more people than earlier in the week so we used a grassy spot rather than the sand. This is part of what is called "Bonita Bay Outdoor Recreation Complex," and we've been enjoying it all week. We did some more kayaking and then spent an hour or so reading on the beach.

After returning to the motorhome we showered and discussed a mutual problem. Tomorrow is our 34th wedding anniversary and neither of us has been able to get away alone to buy a card, so we decided we'd go together and we could each buy a card for the other. On our way to K-Mart I told Sharyn about a couple that used to go to the card store on their anniversary, each select a card for the other, and then after reading their cards they'd put them back on the rack and leave. We didn't exactly do that, but since we both ended up selecting the same card we decided that there was no need to buy two so we bought one for the both of us, from each of us. Since we had already read it we considered putting it back on the shelf, but decided to buy it anyway. We then bought ourselves a bathroom scale as a mutual anniversary present.

From K-Mart we went to Blockbusters to get a video on kayaking, but they didn't have one so we got The Patriot instead. From there we went to McDonald's for dinner.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/8/01
(Panama City FL)

Around midday we went down to the seafood festival along the waterfront looking for the kayak guy. We didn't see him anywhere, but I had an alligator shish-kA-bob. It was really very good, but with the seasoning on it I still don't know what alligator tastes like. Sharyn refused to even taste it, so her experience remains somewhat limited.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/9/01
(Panama City FL)

I went kayaking by myself today. Sharyn wasn't sure if she wanted to go or not. I told her she didn't have to go just because I was going to go, so she opted to stay home and do some ironing. I still went to the Bonita Bay beach only this time I went all the way up the waterway that runs along the back of the FamCamp, and then back out and into the Intercoastal Waterway.

One thing I was unaware of when we were trying to decide canoe or kayak is that you really can't go kayaking without getting wet. If nothing else, you have to step into the water to get off the beach (in a canoe you can leave one end on the beach and then get in and move to the other end -- that will cause the beached end to float off), and then you get the drips from the paddles.

I went into my toolbox today and found that the box and almost everything in it was wet with condensation. The box is in one of the basement compartments and somehow or other water had gotten into that compartment. There was almost a quarter inch of water standing in the bottom of the compartment. I drilled several drain holes in the bottom and all the water drained out. That's okay as a temporary fix and may even be an acceptable solution. I'll have to keep an eye on it after we travel in the rain and see how it's working.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/10/01
(Panama City FL)

Today we had our previously scheduled kayak lessons from Pat, the owner of The Canoe Shop in Panama City, and that requires that I tell a story. It's a nice story.

Pat had told us to meet him at the store at 9:am, although the store doesn't open until 10:am. We were there a few minutes before 9:00, but Pat didn't show up until 10:00. I think that he was embarrassed, and he was certainly apologetic. He said he'd make it up to us. Anyway, he had completely forgotten about the lesson, and as a result his wife, who watches the store while he teaches, was still at home. He had to call her, and then we had to wait a bit until she could get there. The result was that our two hour lesson was about two hours late getting started.

The store is less than 100 yards from the bay where the lesson took place. Pat is an excellent instructor with a good feel for tailoring the lesson to best fit the individual student. At the conclusion of the lesson, and when we had no more questions to be answered, Pat refused to take the $50 that was to have been the cost of this private two hour session. That was his way to make up for being late, and he would not relent from that position in spite of the fact that we argued that was too great of an adjustment.

Since we couldn't pay him, we bought a spray skirt for $50 (the thing that fits around your waist and covers the open cockpit area to help keep the kayaker dry).

Clearly you can't go wrong if you're in Northern Florida and have a need or interest in a canoe, kayak, or any related equipment, or canoe or kayak lessons, to call The Canoe Shop at 850-763-2311, or visit their website at http://www.paddlenorthflorida.com. Pat and/or his brother have another store in Tallahassee so they pretty much cover the Florida Panhandle.

This is Sharyn and Pat (who started kayaking when he was four years old when it was his father's store) discussing some of the finer points covered today.

Not to change the subject, but since this is our last day here, this is a photo of the northerly portion of the Bonita Bay Outdoor Recreation Complex as seen from the bridge where US-98 crosses the Intercoastal Waterway. It was from the far side of this point that we did our kayaking this week, traveling up the waterway, visible between the trees, that goes off the left side of the picture.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/11/01
(Panama City FL)

We didn't leave here today as planned because there are nice laundry facilities here (with an ironing board), plus Sharyn feels very comfortable here.

After Sharyn had finished the laundry and done the ironing we shot some pool and played a game of shuffleboard (again, that's a shuffleboard table like you find in a bar). So no one should misunderstand, I frequently offer to do the laundry but Sharyn says "I don't like the way you do it." That's because a few times some of the stuff was still a tiny bit damp when I brought it back without going another 75 cents in the dryer.

Odometer reading = 21,063
Miles for day = 0

 

4/12/01
(Pensacola FL)

We were on the road at 10:30 heading for the Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area just west of Pensacola. We arrived mid-afternoon.

The campground is right on the bay that separates Florida and Alabama where they touch the Gulf of Mexico. This was a seaplane base during, and possibly before, WWII and the the large concrete "parking area" is still here. The ramps that the seaplanes used to get from the water on to the concrete parking area are still here (used by campers as boat ramps) and are in as good a condition as they were 60 or more years ago. I told Sharyn that those ramps are proof that it pays to do it right the first time! How many municipal boat ramps begin to deteriorate and crumble within 10 years.?

While the campground is okay, it was the description of the bay and the beach that brought us to Blue Angel rather than the FamCamp at Pensacola Naval Air Station. While the bay and the beach are not unlike the way they are described in the FamCamp directory, they are unlike the way we envisioned them.

Odometer reading = 21,190
Miles for day = 128

 

4/13/01
(Pensacola FL)

This morning, after coffee and conversation (we have coffee and conversation every morning) we went for a walk around the campground, along the edge of the concrete seaplane parking area, and then along the narrow sandy beach area.

We're not crazy about this facility and since I had to go buy some screws and fasteners to rehang the clothes pole in the closet, we decided that we'd also checkout the FamCamp at the Pensacola NAS about ten miles from here. We did, and we liked that FamCamp much better than the Blue Angel campground. They have no sites available today, but the lady said that six people were scheduled to leave tomorrow, and that while some of them may extend, it's not likely that all of them will. We plan to move over there in the morning.

We also visited the Navy Shopping Mall which Sharyn liked. It's a pretty nice facility to have available.

Odometer reading = 21,190
Miles for day = 0

 

4/14/01
(Pensacola FL)

This morning we moved over to Oak Grove FamCamp at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. We got here a little before noon and there were four available sites; we got one of them. After we got setup we walked around the campground and down to the beach. Most of the afternoon we spent sitting outside and reading.

This is much nicer here. We're glad we changed campgrounds.

Odometer reading = 21,206
Miles for day = 16

 

4/15/01
(Pensacola FL)

It's Easter Sunday and when we got up there was a "Happy Easter" telephone message from our eight year old granddaughter, Katlin, who clearly started her day earlier than we started ours.

The young couple on the next campsite had told us of a bayou on the north side of the base where they had gone kayaking yesterday, so we decided to go there today. There is a family picnic area there with a boat ramp, beach, etc. We only kayaked for about a half hour as the wind had created some chop on the service, plus the power boats and jet skis made it somewhat rough. The combination was enough to make Sharyn not feel at ease so we came back in. There was a water hose on the dock so we hosed down the kayaks both inside and out. This was the first time the insides were washed out because after prior uses we'd hose them down after we got back to the campsite when they were on the roof of the car.

Sharyn made a small leg of lamb for Easter dinner, complete with broccoli, roasted red potatoes, and gravy. It was very good!

Odometer reading = 21,206
Miles for day = 0

 

4/16/01
(Biloxi MS)

We left this morning and headed for Keesler AFB in Biloxi Mississippi. The trip was uneventful and we arrived at Keesler FamCamp mid-afternoon. We got the last available campsite which was under the trees where we couldn't use our satellite. Initially we were disappointed as we were looking forward to watching Fox News to see what was going on in the world, not having had TV for the last two days. It turned out that there was cable at the site with 60+ channels. All that with full hookups with 50 amps isn't bad for $12.

Odometer reading = 21,341
Miles for day = 135

 

4/17/01
(Baton Rouge LA)

What a beautiful day; sunny and brisk with a forecast high of 70 degrees. We'd have liked to stay and spend at least a good part of the day on the beach, but we have to get to San Antonio to pick up our daughter, Jordan, who is going to spend a week traveling with us. We thought we'd go on to LaFayette, but a 12 mile construction project on I-10 took us an hour to negotiate so we stopped at Cajun Country Campground in Port Allen, Louisiana, a tiny place just west of Baton Rouge.

On the way here we saw a number of great places for kayaking but decided that as perfect as they were they were even better suited as alligator habitat.

For dinner tonight Sharyn prepared a pair of stuffed Cornish game hens.

Odometer reading = 21,506
Miles for day = 165

 

4/18/01
(Wallisville TX)

We wanted to make it to Texas today and we did. Wallisville is just off of I-10 at exit 810, about 78 miles west of the Louisiana-Texas line.

My back began hurting today, perhaps as a result of driving for three days without a layover. We've both been very tired and totally without any energy whatsoever for a number of days.. We've decided that this may be the result of the diet we've been on for several weeks. It's no particular diet, but we've haven't eaten any "good stuff" (ice cream, cookies, etc). Weight loss is fine, but if we can't stay awake we need another approach. Accordingly, after getting set up here at Turtle Bayou RV Park, we went to the store and bought ice cream, cookies, and a frozen pizza for dinner. We'll see if all that stuff works.

Initially, we had to go to town to get some cash. Turtle Bayou RV Park does not take checks, debit, or credit cards. Since it's a Passport America member we only had to pay $12 instead of $24, but we didn't have $12 between us. Anyway, now we do.

The bayou is only about 50 feet from the motorhome, and it's a great place for kayaking (they do canoe rentals here). We didn't go today because neither if us are up to it physically. The owner says there is only one alligator who is seen from time to time but has never been a problem. That may get to be a problem if we otherwise feel like going tomorrow (we are considering staying here tomorrow to relax and recoup).

Incidentally, after taking the picture of the bayou, I turned 90 degrees to the right and took this picture of our campsite.

Odometer reading = 21,732
Miles for day = 226

 

4/19/01
(Wallisville TX)

Last night was not a good night. I don't know whether or not I was running a fever, but I was cold, lightheaded, and feeling pretty bad. By this morning I had come back 85%, but it was tonight before I felt well again. The significance of this is that we've spent two days on this great bayou and didn't even take the kayaks off the car. What a waste!

On the way here from Baton Rouge we traveled I-10, about 50 miles of which was pretty rough and caused the clothes pole in the closet to self destruct when the center bracket pulled out of the wall and the pole took on a pronounced "U" shape. Today we found a Lowes where we bought a piece of 1" pipe. Now we've got a clothes pole that can support 300 pounds and should give us no further trouble.

Odometer reading = 21,732
Miles for day = 0

 

4/20/01
(San Antonio TX)

Well here we are at the FamCamp at Lackland AFB waiting for our daughter who won't get here until Tuesday -- if she doesn't miss her flight!

We left Turtle Bayou RV Park before 10:am and we were here at 5:pm. It was an easy drive along I-10 although during the last 100 miles Sharyn kept suggesting that we stop and spend the night wherever we were at that moment. It was kind of windy and she said I might lose control of the rig. While the wind was sometimes moving the motorhome a little, it was a very long way from becoming a safety factor. The last time we filled the gas tank was on March 27 in Okeechobee, Florida, because I was waiting to get out of Florida where gas would be cheaper. After we got out of Florida I was still waiting for gas to get cheaper and was buying 20 gallons at a time. Just east of San Antonio I finally filled up at $1.439, with one exception, the cheapest gas we have seen in months.

Anyway, when we got to Lackland the FamCamp office was closed and all the sites were occupied. We parked in the overflow area (we're the only ones here) which is just as nice as the regular sites except that there are no hookups. I spoke to a guy with hookups and he said we'd get a site tomorrow. There is a two week maximum stay, but you can remain after two weeks on a day-to-day basis as long as no one else wants a site. As soon as someone else comes in, the guy who has been here the longest (over two weeks) has six hours to leave. I guess the manager will give that guy 6 hours notice in the morning and we'll have a site by tomorrow afternoon..

In the meanwhile we checked out the BX and the commissary (notice how we always seem to do that). They are both somewhat larger and nicer than the norm and I suspect that's because Lackland is a larger facility and probably somewhat of a showplace for the Air Force since all it's basic training is done here. I came here December 27, 1956; that's 45 years ago. Today I don't see any of the two-story WWII wooden barracks that I stayed in. It's considerably nicer!

As I'm doing this, Sharyn is in the laundry doing the wash in the coinless (free) washers and dryers. The phone line for getting online is there also, so I'll be joining her in about two minutes. That same building, which is only 100 feet away, also houses the FamCamp office and rest rooms and showers.

Odometer reading = 21,986
Miles for day = 256

 

4/21/01
(San Antonio TX)

This morning we got our new campsite with full hookups and paid up through next Wednesday.

We didn't do anything all day. Sharyn read her book and I watched some TV. Late this afternoon we went to the commissary to get milk and hot dogs. Then we returned to the FamCamp and waited for the hot dogs to finish on the barbecue.

Odometer reading = 21,986
Miles for day = 0

 

4/22/01
(San Antonio TX)

Today we went into downtown San Antonio to see the Alamo. It's not very big for what went on there in March-April 1836, but then again there weren't that many men in there. It's like a lot of other places we go, we decide we need to know a great deal more about it while we are there but, of course, by then it's too late to learn until after we've left. Accordingly we bought a book, A Time To Stand; the Epic of the Alamo, by Walter Lord, which is supposed to be an excellent rendition of what transpired at the Alamo.. Of course by the time I finish the book we'll be a thousand miles away (I'm still reading Undaunted Courage, the story of the Lewis and Clark exploration of Louisiana). What I have learned since we got back to the FamCamp is that most of the Alamo that existed in 1836 no longer exists today, and most of what exists today was constructed since the 1920's. That is very significant because I now know that of the pictures I took today, none of them include any of the remaining original Alamo.

While this is not part of the original Alamo, it certainly is beautiful. Also, this is a very impressive tree. Finally, this is Sharyn emerging from a twentieth century add-on. Next time I'll be be more careful what I photograph.

Odometer reading = 21,986
Miles for day = 0

 

4/23/01
(San Antonio TX)

Today can pretty well be summed up with I ran a fever and Sharyn went to the commissary for milk.

Odometer reading = 21,986
Miles for day = 0

 

4/24/01
(San Antonio TX)

This morning I paid the telephone bills via the telephone in the laundry room. While I was doing that I also did some laundry.

The big event of the day was when we picked up our daughter, Jordan, at the airport. She is going to live and travel with us for the next week.

Odometer reading = 21,986
Miles for day = 0

 

4/25/01
(San Antonio TX)

This was a very enjoyable day. Jordan had spoken with a lady at the FamCamp who told her not to miss the "Riverwalk" in downtown San Antonio. We didn't exactly know what that was, but since Jordan also wanted to find a sports store to get her nephew, Scott, a rapid Spurs fan, some kind of something representing the Spurs, we decided to go downtown again. On the map of the downtown area we saw that the Riverwalk was only a few blocks from the Alamo, so we knew exactly how to get there.

Well even I have to say that the Riverwalk was very nice. A portion of the San Antonio river that runs through Town has been diverted through a loop encompassing a number of downtown city blocks, with walkways along both sides of the river, etc. In turn, the walkway is lined with little shops, eateries, and other nice places to visit or browse.

We ate lunch at one of these waterside restaurants which Sharyn, in particular, enjoyed very much. She thanked Jordan for joining us, saying that we hadn't done anything so nice since we left "home" until she joined us. While we were eating an obviously male pigeon with a high testosterone level was messing with a female next to Sharyn's chair. She swatted him away telling him (much to Jordan's chagrin) "you don't do that in public."

Anyway, when we got back to the car "I had a ticket" for an overtime meter. The ticket was written only ten minutes before we got there, and since I had been saying that we had to get back before the meter ran out, while others continued to poke along (and stop at Starbucks for coffee), it seems that it should be "she" got a ticket ( with "she" being either or both of them).

Earlier in the day a security police car, driven by a female staff sargent drove through the FamCamp and, seeing the kayaks, asked if we had found enough water to use them. I took this opportunity to introduce Jordan to this sargent security officer and to tell her that I was telling Jordan that she should join the Air Force. Jordan and I both proceeded to question her for the the next 20 minutes about an Air Force career. I strongly think that Jordan should do this and the several female airmen that I have talked to about it make me even more sure of it.

In any event, Sharyn and Jordan (and me) had a very enjoyable day!

Odometer reading = 21,986
Miles for day = 0

 

4/26/01
(Austin TX)

This morning Jordan and I went looking for the Air Force recruiting office that some people told us was on base (other people told us there was no recruiter on base). If there was one we couldn't find it, but we did see a number of brand new recruits, still in civies, being "drilled."

Jordan than spoke to the guy in the next campsite. He's a retired Navy pilot with 25 years in, who is now, as a civilian contractor, overseeing Jr NROTC programs at high schools in half a dozen states from Texas to Colorado. They spoke for about a half hour about the pros and cons of Jordan joining the military.

After that we left San Antonio and took off for Austin which is #1 on Jordan's "must see" list of Texas cities. Based on its proximity (3 minutes) from downtown Austin, we decided to stay at Pecan Grove RV Park, just south of the river. After dinner we decided to take a ride through downtown so we could familiarize ourselves with it without the workday traffic. From there we went westerly along the south bank of the river to Zilker Park, a riverside park just down the road from the RV park. They rent canoes and kayaks and also have a public dock for launching of private, non-motorized, craft. We'll have to kayak the river while we're here, both for our own enjoyment, and so that Jordan can add kayaking to her repertoire of experience.

Asked what she thinks about this RV lifestyle she replied; "This is so much not me," although she conceded that it was nice to be able to go anywhere you felt like.

Odometer reading = 22,079
Miles for day = 90

 

4/27/01
(Austin TX)

Today was a very enjoyable day! There were basically three things that Jordan wanted to do while in Austin; check out the area around 6th Street, go to the 3-story Barnes & Noble (Jordan is a B&N freak), and go to the Oasis Restaurant overlooking Lake Travis. She had a map of Austin with these three locations circled. Today we started out by going to Barnes & Noble, even though it turned out to have only two floors. We spent a number of hours there both browsing the shelves and reading magazines. I use B&N much like a library. Sharyn and Jordan also enjoyed several $4 coffee drinks. By the time Jordan and I left the store Sharyn was waiting for us outside.

From there we drove to the circle on the map which marked the Oasis Restaurant and found it to be right there in the circle. As we drove into the parking lot Sharyn remarked that it wasn't exactly what she thought it was going to be. I said that I had the same reaction and that I was relieved. The thing about this restaurant is that it has 32 multi-level decks that overlook the lake for an admittedly impressive outdoor eating environment. This was the view from our original table.

Open sandwich lunches for three (although the were very good) cost us $50 rather than the $100 that I had feared. After eating we spent a half hour or so looking through the gift and antique shops.

A bit of serendipity that came with Jordan is that since she's been with us Sharyn has really been up a number of notches.

Odometer reading = 22,079
Miles for day = 0

 

4/28/01
(Hempstead TX)

We checked out of the RV park and drove to an employee parking lot behind the State Capital Building. Being it was Saturday the lot was empty so we parked the motorhome there and took the car to the grand opening of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There was a big festival going on in front of and across the street from the museum celebrating the opening. Sharyn and Jordan mingled with the festival crowd for most of the morning.

Yesterday President Bush was in Austin for a Presidential pre-opening tour of the museum so many of the streets in the downtown area were closed by the Secret Service. That's why we avoided this area yesterday and went to Barnes & Noble and the Oasis instead. They are north of the downtown area.

Anyway, from the museum we went to "6th Street," which Jordan had been told was had lots of cute shops and "boutiquey" things. Jordan found it to be more scary than interesting. After driving the length of 6th Street we went back to the parking lot where we hooked the car the motorhome and took off towards Houston.

We stopped at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Campground in Hempstead, Texas.

Odometer reading = 22,203
Miles for day = 124

 

4/29/01
(Hempstead TX)

This morning we didn't get up until after ten. Most amazing is the fact that Jordan was the first one up. After coffee and conversation (tea for Jordan) we went to Magnolia to see our granddaughter Mary Burnett. When we returned to the campground we sat around outside and had wine and cheese and more conversation.

We also walked back to the fishing lake behind our campsite where we took a few family pictures. After dinner we went to the game room and shot some pool. After that Sharyn and Jordan went to play tennis and I read the newspaper.

Odometer reading = 22,203
Miles for day = 0

 

4/30/01
(Houston TX)

Jordan flies back to New York from Houston tomorrow, so this morning we headed for Houston. As we got close to Houston it began to rain and Jordan picked an RV Park from Woodall's Campground Directory. As we headed to USA RV Park we realized that we should have selected a place sooner as we had overshot what would have been the best route. Anyway, we got there with no difficulty, thanks to Jordan navigating us through to the opposite side of Town.

This USA RV Park is not what we'd call one of the better places we've stayed at, but I have to exonerate Jordan from liability since this was not her first choice. I kind of vetoed her first choice based on its price. This place was only $17 and is listed as having a good number of seasonal rentals. We know from past experience that campgrounds with "seasonal rentals" translates into "lost cost housing." There have been a few exceptions but this isn't one of them.

Full hookups with 50 amps for $16.50 at the edge of a big city is a good price -- even if it's not where you'd want to live!

Odometer reading = 22,264
Miles for day = 61

 

5/1/01
(Houston TX)

Today we took Jordan to Hobby Airport in Houston so that she could return home to New York. It was a great week the three of us had together.

Odometer reading = 22,264
Miles for day = 0

 

5/2/01
(Livingston TX)

Today we moved on to Escapee's Rainbow's End RV park in Livingston, Texas, which is about 70 miles northeast of Houston. We started out this morning about 30 miles southwest of Houston, anticipating considerable traffic as we worked our way into, and through, the center of town. We were pleasantly surprised when we had no delay or heavy traffic at all.

It was nice to be back at Rainbow's End. We were here last October but were under pressure to leave to get to Long Island for our Grandson's school play. This time we are under no pressure to leave so it should be a relaxed stay until such time as we decide to move on.

Sharyn hasn't been feeling well today and I'm concerned that she may be getting whatever I had two weeks ago.

An interesting observation: we did not receive any phone calls during the week Jordan was with us; yesterday she flew back home; today we had a number of phone calls. Could there be any kind of correlation here?

Odometer reading = 22,370
Miles for day = 106

 

5/3/01
(Livingston TX)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHARYN!

While today is Sharyn's birthday we actually celebrated it two days ago while Jordan was with us. Jordan and I gave her what could be described as a "low key surprise birthday party" -- the three of us, complete with birthday cake, presents and flowers. When living together in a motorhome it is nearly impossible to pull off any kind of surprise anything.

We went into Livingston and bought a good supply of "healthy" groceries -- mostly fruit and vegetables. When we arrived at Rainbow's End we picked up our mail for the first time in three months. One of the items was the lab report from the work that Dr. Falco in Southold NY had ordered. According to the report my LDL reading is almost at the point where my likelihood of a heart attack is twice what it should be so I'm going to have to seriously address the situation -- starting with no red meat or ice cream.

Odometer reading = 22,370
Miles for day = 0

 

5/4/01
(Livingston TX)

Today was cleaning day. While I scrubbed the rubber roof of the motorhome and washed the exterior Sharyn did some very serious cleaning of the interior including all cabinet doors, walls, places behind the couch, forward of the dashboard, behind the head of the bed, etc. We spent 4 - 5 hours doing all this stuff, after which we sat outside, drank ice tea (V8 for me), relaxed, caught our breath, and talked. Sort of like coffee and conversation.

Odometer reading = 22,370
Miles for day = 0

 

5/5/01
(Livingston TX)

We didn't do much today. This is relaxed and easy place to stay so we are enjoying it.

For dinner Sharyn prepared two plates of steamed fresh vegetables which were both healthy and delicious -- I had previously come to the mistaken conclusion that these two attributes were mutually exclusive.

After dinner we went to town and bought some more fruit and vegetables. Good food costs more than junk food. For example, this tomato (non-organic) costs $1.25.

Odometer reading = 22,370
Miles for day = 0

 

5/6/01
(Livingston TX)

Today I changed the oil and filter in the motorhome. Other than that we sat around, talked, and read some of the several months worth of RV magazines that had accumulated with our mail.

For dinner we had fresh steamed vegetables with sliced roast turkey breast. It was delicious and, while I didn't take a picture, it looked as good as it tasted. By the way, several hours after we have dinner we have a bowl of cut up fresh fruit.

Odometer reading = 22,370
Miles for day = 0

 

5/7/01 to 5/9/01
(Livingston TX)

During these three days we didn't engage in a great deal of activity worth writing about. Sharyn did some wash and ironing; we went to the Health Care Center and had complete blood workups ("comprehensive metabolic profiles with lipid panels") done for only $15 each. One evening we went to the social hour.

Odometer reading = 22,370
Miles for day(s) = 0

 

5/10/01
(Marshall TX)

This morning we got up at 7:am so that Sharyn could go line dancing at the clubhouse at 8:am. She came back at 9:am and said that it was non-stop dancing for the entire hour and that she needed a shower. She had a good time and was invited to participate in an upcoming show later this week. Unfortunately, we left later in the day so she had to decline.

We left Livingston and headed north on US-59 towards Branson MO. We'll take several days to get there.

At 3:30 we stopped for the evening at Country Pines RV Park in Marshall TX. This will be the first time I've been able to get on line and update this site in almost a week.

Odometer reading = 22,530
Mils for day = 160

 

5/11/01
(Mena AR)

We had an uneventful drive to Mountain Shadow RV Park in Mena, Arkansas. As the name implies, we are in a low spot surrounded by higher ground which means no cell phone, no radio, and since we're under the trees, no satellite TV reception either. Actually, without any of that electronic intrusion, it has been a quiet and enjoyable evening with just each other for entertainment. I found it quite nice. After another healthy, but delicious, dinner we read some of the many RV magazines that we picked up when we got our three months worth of mail at Rainbow's End in Livingston.

Definitely worth mentioning, but probably not appreciated by many, this afternoon as we were climbing a rather steep grade in the "slower traffic use right lane" lane we overtook, pulled out, and passed a diesel pusher motorhome groaning his way up the incline!

Odometer reading = 22,680
Miles for day = 150

 

5/12/01
(Fort Smith AR)

It was only a short drive to Fort Smith where we are visiting with Bill and Cheryl who we met at the Great North American RV Rally in Gillette Wyoming last July (we were "next door neighbors"). Our directions were to park in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Church that we'd see as soon as we came into Witcherville (just south of Ft Smith) and they'd come and get us. When we called from our cell phone we got a recording from Southwest Bell (we have AT&T) that we couldn't call their phone number from our phone, to "please try another number." That's an interesting message!

Anyway, the man who lives next door to the church let me use his phone and Bill drove up five minutes later.

Bill and Cheryl live on a farm and as soon as we turned into their driveway I said to Sharyn, "this makes me miss the farm." It's been almost four years since we sold Lost Valley Tree Farm and Nursery, but sitting on their porch watching the horses, or looking out across the fields, brings back nostalgic memories. Maybe instead of a "cabin on a lake" we need a "farm in the country."

One difference between a farm in Arkansas and a farm in Virginia is that in Virginia you don't need a storm shelter, or as they say here in Arkansas, a "fraidy ho.'" Since they get all the tornadoes out of Oklahoma Bill and Cheryl put in this "fraidy ho'" that Cheryl is showing Sharyn.

Anyway, after we had all had several glasses of wine, Cheryl made a giant platter of fried crappies (that Bill had caught), hush puppies, cole slaw, and old fashioned (not frozen) French fries for dinner. For the first time in well over a week, I ate until I was full. For dessert we had angel cake covered with fresh strawberries from the neighbors garden , and whipped cream. It was all a welcomed break from the diet that Sharyn and I have been on for a good number of days.

Before, during, and after dinner we engaged in what was pretty much nonstop conversation. At about 10:30 Sharyn and I decided that we should "go home" so as not to be keeping them up too late. Bill and Cheryl have a gravel parking site next to the barn with a 30amp outlet where they keep their motorhome. When we got her they had moved their motorhome so that we could use that space. When we "went home," we walked 40 feet to the barn and our motorhome.

All in all, a very enjoyable day.

Odometer reading = 22,749
Miles for day = 69

 

5/13/01
(Fort Smith AR)

This morning the four of us sat around for quite a while having coffee and conversation while watching the horses playing in the pasture. After awhile Bill drove us all into Fort Smith to check out some things around town. We first went to the site of the original Army Fort for which the City is named. At that time Fort Smith marked the western boundary between the Arkansas Territory and Indian Country to the west (later to become Oklahoma Territory and then the State of Oklahoma).

The site also contains a replication of the courtroom of Hanging Judge Parker and the gallows from which the condemned were hanged. In spite of his reputation he only hanged 79 men (and women). This is a view of the underneath of the platform that dropped down from under the condemned men. The gallows could, and occasionally did, hang as many as six at a time.

Sharyn and Cheryl sitting in the park look out at Oklahoma on the opposite shore of the Arkansas River. Since we do not have Oklahoma filled in on our map Sharyn wanted to go there so she can put Oklahoma on the map, so Bill drove us across the river and Sharyn got out and stood on Oklahoma ground. I'm glad that she got to Oklahoma, but the motorhome didn't so she still can't fill in the map -- at least not yet.

After returning from Oklahoma we had lunch at a local restaurant and checked out a Core of Engineers campground on the river.

We also stopped at a railroad yard where I got a close-up photograph of the train whistle I want for the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 22,749
Miles for day = 0

 

5/14/01
(Branson MO)

We were up at 6:20 this morning so we could see Cheryl before she left for work. As it worked out she had a number of things to deal with today so she didn't go in after all. Anyway, we had breakfast with Bill and Cheryl, talked a bit, said good-bye, and still were on the road before 9:am. Getting up early has some advantages that we may have to consider.

The drive from Fort Smith to Branson is very pretty and did not conform to what we would have thought Arkansas looked like (of course that's only northwest Arkansas). Also, it was the first time in a long time that we probably spent as much time in 2nd and 3rd gear as we did in 4th; lots of steep grades, both up and down. Along the way we stopped once for gas and once for a cup of coffee.

We are now at Treasure Lake RV Resort in Branson. Bill and Cheryl are members/owners here and we are looking forward to them joining us here later in the week.

Odometer reading = 22,942
Miles for day = 193

 

5/15/01
(Branson MO)

Today we drove around Branson and some of the surrounding area. You could spend two months in this town going to a different show and restaurant every night.

We also checked out the Escapees Turkey Creek RV Park which has a boat ramp for access to Turkey Creek and Lake Taneycomo. It was quite nice, but admittedly, the water access for our kayaks is a big factor.

Odometer reading = 22,942
Miles for day = 0

 

5/16/01
(Branson MO)

We left Treasure Lake RV Park as we had been there as prospective members with a two night complimentary stay. We moved over to Escapees Turkey Creek RV Park which we had checked out yesterday and found to be quite satisfactory. Unfortunately, there were no 50 amps sites available. While we prefer 50 amps, 30 amps will work and is usually not a problem unless we want to run both roof top units (heating or cooling) at the same time. Since it has been in the 90's, and we're in full sun, 50 amps would be much better. We are the second unit on a list to move when a 50 amp site opens up.

By the way, with respect to campgrounds, our priority choices, when we have have such choices, as are follows: (1) Escapee parks, (2) military campgrounds, (3) Passport America places -- we get 1/2 price, (4) other RV parks.

This afternoon we went into the "Old Town" section of Branson and walked around through all the shops. After not much more than an hour Sharyn said that, "it is too hot even to do this." Those who know Sharyn know that means it was really hot. The lady in one of the shops said that the heat should break tomorrow -- that's fine by us!

Odometer reading = 22,950
Miles for day = 8

 

5/17/01
(Branson MO)

First thing we did this this morning was move to a 50 amp site. While I was getting re-setup, Sharyn did the laundry. Because Escapee parks are not profit oriented the washers and dryers always cost less to use.

Bill has a four day dental convention to attend in Springfield (40 miles north of Branson) which starts tomorrow. He is going to stay in his motorhome at Treasure Lake while attending. He called us when he was a half hour from Branson and we arranged to meet for dinner. We had dinner at B.T. Bones Steak House and from there Bill drove us around Branson showing Sharyn where all the shopping/discount/factory malls were. We then went to McFarlands to have some of their famous fruit cobbler for dessert.

At McFarlands there is a "trick" table in the dinning room that, during the course of your meal, will very slowly, imperceptibly, raise higher and higher. We sat next to that table but unfortunately it was close to closing time and no one sat there while we were there. Apparently it is a source of entertainment as the unsuspecting people at the table begin to realize that something strange is going on.

Odometer reading = 22,950
Miles for day = 0

 

5/18/01
(Branson MO)

The rain that started lasted last night continued for most of today.

We went to a Wal-Mart Supercenter in West Branson to replenish our supply of fresh vegetables. One of the people working in the produce department commented that we "eat healthy." That's what we're trying to do, but we've been eating out too much.

This evening we met Bill at the I-Max theater where we saw a film on Alaska. What an incredible place! Also, while I am not a big fan special effects in movies or video, I have to say that viewing "Alaska" in the I-Max theater was quite an experience. This is primarily because the super large screen occupies your entire field of view. When the screen is depicting the view of a race car driver, or the pilot of an airplane flying over Alaskan landscape, the view is not just on a rectangular screen surrounded by the fixed interior of the movie theater which provides you with fixed reference outside of the movie screen. Rather, the interior of the movie theater is outside of your peripheral vision so there is no "fixed" reference. As the airplane banks to the right and begins to dive your stomach comes up into your chest. I suspect a roller coaster ride would make me throw up.

Anyway, after the show the three of us went out to dinner. The plan had been for Cheryl to join us yesterday but, unfortunately, she has been unable to find someone to feed the horses so she's unable to get away from the farm.

Odometer reading = 22,950
Miles for day = 0

 

5/19/01
(Branson MO)

This afternoon I got to try out a sea kayak, a 17' Dagger Atlantis. Our neighbors, Ed and Jolene, have two sea kayaks that they pack with camping gear and go wilderness camping for a week or better. Recently they did this in British Columbia.

Anyway, there kayaks are closer to what we thought we wanted when we bought our Wilderness Systems Pungos. I went a couple of miles up Lake Tangycomo with Jolene using Ed's Atlantis, and I really liked it a lot. (This photo is Jolene and I heading down Turtle Creek from the campground towards the lake). Jolene said she'd take Sharyn tomorrow if Sharyn wanted to go, and I hope she will. They are a totally different animal from the Pungos and I'd like for Sharyn to experience it (again, "increase her repertoire of experience").

Bill came by after his seminar and joined us for dinner in the motorhome. After dinner we went to see the Shoji Tabuchi show. He is a Japanese fiddler who began studying classical violin in Japan when he was seven years old. Years later when Roy Acuff was on tour in Japan, Shoji went to see him "out of curiosity." As he describes it, he became hooked on American country music. An incredible violinist, he plays everything from country to swing to classical to Cajun; from Glenn Miller's In The Mood to Orange Blossom Special; and everything in between. A remarkable performance.

Odometer reading = 22,950
Miles for day = 0

 

5/20/01
(Branson MO)

Except for a few short breaks it rained most of the day. In spite of the rain the temperatures were mild so that sitting outside under the awning with the rain coming down was kind of nice.

Ed and Jolene, our neighbors with the sea kayaks, came over for some wine and cheese and visited for an hour or so. Ed hurt his back about three weeks ago and they've been staying here waiting for him to recover. The hundred feet he had to walk to get to our motorhome was the furthest he's been able to walk since they got here. I had thought that lack of exercise could have been part of the reason I have had my intermittent back problems, but since Ed and Jolene routinely hike 8, 10, or 12 miles it would seem that exercise may not be the answer.

This evening we went with Bill to see the Ozark Mountain Jubilee. I have sometimes listened to the show on Public Radio and was anxious to see it first hand. I enjoyed it a lot -- it reminds me of the sound of country music when I was a kid. Bill's seminar finishes up tomorrow and he'll be heading back to Fort Smith.

As the evening wore on and we were getting ready for bed the TV was reporting tornadoes throughout western Oklahoma, northern Arkansas (particularly the Fort Smith area), and southern Missouri. Pretty much where we are. As of one point there had been twenty-seven tornadoes reported. A man came to the motorhome to advise us that the basement door to the clubhouse had been unlocked and would remain so to provide a refuge in case of a tornado here. So far, so good!

Odometer reading = 22,950
Miles for day = 0

 

5/21/01
(Branson MO)

The plan for today was that we were going to head for Springfield MO, visit the Bass Pro Shop Headquarters facility and then, depending on the time, either head east or spend the night in Springfield. First we wanted to go into town to get a Shoji Tabuchi CD and visit the St. Louis Bread Factory to get some pumpernickle-raisin bread. Some how or other we didn't leave for town until almost one o'clock and then we didn't get back until 5:pm. Needless to say, we didn't get off to Springfield today. It's just a reaffirmation of, "our plans are never firm until after the event."

Also, after all the tornado activity last night we decided we should probably have a weather radio that would turn on and sound a warning whenever that kind of weather activity was expected in our area. We bought it at Wal-Mart because there we have 90 days to return it if we don't like it. We want that option because it may turn out that programing our location into the radio every time we relocate may be such that the system isn't practical for our application. We'll see how it goes and if we do return it I'll mention it here.

Anyway, as I'm doing this update Sharyn is doing some laundry. Tomorrow we'll try again for Springfield and the Bass Pro Shop.

Odometer reading = 22,950
Miles for day = 0

 

5/22/01
(Springfield MO)

Well we made it out of Branson and into Springfield, and the Bass Pro Shop's Outdoor World (http://www.outdoor-world.com). After parking in their RV parking lot, as we went inside we asked the security guy if we could stay in the parking lot overnight. He said we could stay as many nights as we liked..

It was just after noon when we arrived here and if we could not have stayed we would have had to be back on the road by mid-afternoon. Since we could spend the night time didn't matter and we didn't even come back outside until six o'clock. Even at that it wasn't too long until Sharyn went back to check out their outlet store.

While you can certainly buy things at the Bass Pro Shop, it also must rank as a rather nice attraction just to visit. We went through the Fish & Wildlife Museum (at $5 per person it's one of only two things that you have to pay for -- the other is the indoor shooting range) which has hundreds of animals on display, mostly in dioramas showing them in their natural habitat. Most of these specimens came from three separate museum collections while others came from private collectors.

While I was particularly impress with the size of the Alaskan Brown Bear, other exhibits were really nice. Sharyn liked, among other things, the Great White Shark taken off of Montauk Point, Long Island. Weighing xxxxx pounds and measuring xxxxx feet, it is the largest fish ever caught with a rod and reel.

Actually, the wildlife museum is a very small part of the overall Outdoor World. There are tens of thousands of items to be looked at, examined, tried out (or tried on) that relate to fishing, hunting, boating, camping, or almost any other kind of outdoor activity. It is clearly worth a visit by anyone. Kids will also love it.

Odometer reading = 22,994
Miles for day = 44

 

5/23/01
(Van Buren MO)

First thing this morning Sharyn went back to both the outlet store and Pro Bass. While it had rained all night, this morning was sunny and nice and 52 degrees. We both prefer the cooler weather to the hot temperatures.

When we pulled out of the parking lot we headed east which will be our primary direction until we arrive at Charlottesville, Virginia. After several non-eventful hours of driving (plus a half hour for lunch) we stopped at Deer Run Campground (http:/www.deerruncampground.com). The campground is on the Current River, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. They do canoe rentals here as well as portage to put in or take out points along the river. We hope to have them drop us off upstream tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 23,141
Miles for day = 147

 

5/24/01
(Van Buren MO)

The first thing we noticed this morning was that a shoe thief had stolen one of Sharyn's sandals that had been left outside on our door mat. When we discovered the thief's identity, it turned out that he had already destroyed (chewed up) the evidence.

After our coffee and conversation we drove to a put-in point on the river (see yesterdays entry). about five miles above the campground, where we put the kayaks in the river and paddled back down to the campground. It's a beautiful river with water that is crystal clear. It's all Class I with a few spots that might be Class II. Just before entering one of these spots we stopped for a few minutes. On one hand I wanted to take Sharyn's picture as she went through this section, but on the other hand I wanted to be right behind her as she did. I stayed with her I forewent the picture. While I did get some nice photos, we were once again up against the reality that there are some visual experiences just just cannot be captured with a photo. One final photo shows the take-out point at the campground.

By the way, after we returned to the campground, the campground people drove us back to pick up our car. When I inquired as to what I owed for this service I was told the cost was one shoe.

Odometer reading = 23,141
Miles for day = 0

 

5/25/01
(Van Buren MO)

Today was another day on the river. This time we dropped our car off at Big Spring, the 15 mile mark on the Current River. The campground people then transported us and our kayaks back up to Waymeyer at mile 27. For the next several hours we paddled downstream, past the campground, and on through some very pretty country. After a few hours we stopped on the side of the river and ate the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that Sharyn had prepared for lunch.

Look at that attire; does she not look like an ad for LL Bean?

After lunch we continued on down the river towards Big Spring, but not without any excitement. As we approached the bridge for US-60 there were a number of large rocks and tree trunks in the river. Also at that point the river had narrowed significantly so that the current was quite swift. Sharyn came much closer to a large rock than she had intended and the current pushed her up on the rock. Luckily she was able to hold on and the kayak did not flip over. It sure scared me.

A few miles further on Sharyn had another incident when the river became divided by a giant uprooted tree in the middle of the current. She attempted to go to the left of the tree but the current swept her into the left side of the root mass. A large horizontal root several feet above the water allowed the kayak to pass under but caught Sharyn and her paddle. At that point I went past her and the tree on the right side. By the time I got out of the current and could turn around to see what was happening she was 100 feet past the tree. She really lucked out in getting herself disentangled without getting pulled out of the kayak or capsizing.

From there on the river was smooth. We got Big Spring a short time later. It was just in time as after two days of paddling we had gone just about as far as we could. We will not be on the river tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 23,141
Miles for day = 0

 

5/26/01
(Eddyville KY)

This morning we were up early, thanked some of the campground people for what we thought was a very pleasant stay, and were on the road by 9:30am. We were east bound on US-60 for most of the day, and the days travel reconfirms our view that one should not travel the Interstate if you want to see America.

Woodall's campground directory showed several campgrounds in Eddyville, Kentucky, so we decided that would be a good place to stop for the day. The first campground we tried was full for Memorial Day weekend, but the man called another campground two miles away who said they had a spot. We then went to Lake Barkley RV Resort and they were waiting for us.

For dinner tonight we had a stir fry that Sharyn made from scratch with fresh vegetables and cut up chicken flavored with honey mustard dressing. Stir fry is one of our favorites, but in the past we have bought the frozen packages. After tonight I would vote that we not use those anymore.

Odometer reading = 23,340
Miles for day = 199

 

5/27/01
(Fort Campbell KY)

We left this morning headed for Nashville but before we had gone very far we came to a sign that said it was 25 miles to Fort Campbell. Simultaneously we both said, "maybe they have a FamCamp," and they did. Since we had been concerned about the availability of a campsite on this Memorial Day weekend we figured that a military base would be the answer.

We checked out the BX and Commissary where I got a haircut for $5.35 and Sharyn bought a small table lamp for the motorhome

Odometer reading = 23,393
Miles for day = 53

 

5/28/01
(Fort Campbell KY)

It turned out that we are only about 40 miles from Fort Donelson; the site of the 1862 Civil War Union victory that brought an obscure General, Ulysses S. Grant, to public acclaim. It goes without saying that we had to visit the site.

Actually, within a period of just over a week Grant captured Fort Henry on the Tennessee River and then, 12 miles to the east, Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. Upon the surrender of Fort Donelson Grant acquired approximately 13,000 prisoners (the largest number of prisoners ever taken in a single battle until WW II).

My View: I think that had Grant not had this exciting victory (this was the Union's first major victory of the war) he may well have remained obscure. Had that been the case he would never have been given command of the Union army. In that case the war would probably have continued on as a war of attrition, which is pretty much what it had become by 1864 when Lincoln appointed Grant as commander of the Union army, until ended with a negotiated settlement in which the North would have basically bailed out, leaving the South with all of it's social and economic structures in place.

Incidentally this is the view the confederate artillerymen looking down the Cumberland River as they waited for the Union's ironclad gunboats come come into view from around the bend in the river. The gunboats were badly clobbered and had to retreat back down the river with substantial damage and numerous injuries.

Odometer reading = 23,393
Miles for day = 0

 

5/29/01
(Nashville TN)

To be at Camping World in Nashville for an 8 o'clock appointment we were out of bed at 6:am and left our campsite at 6:40. We think that's pretty good! We figured 50 miles to Nashville and that we'd be there on time. We did not figure on losing US-41A somewhere in the middle of Clarksville, so we ended up being late. Oh well. They didn't care, so I guess we don't either.

The roof mounted heat pump in the bedroom, when it's in cooling mode will occasionally switch over to heat mode and just keep pumping heat until it's shut off. After a minute or so you can turn it back on and it will work fine for a number of weeks until it repeats the process. This is a factory warranty repair that has been worked on a number of times. This time the factory, Dometic, is overnighting two upgraded circuit boards (one for each heat pump) and a new type thermostat that controls both units, all of which they say will fix the problem once and for all.

We are staying in Two Rivers RV Park which is right next door to Camping World. It's costing us $31.45 to stay here for just one night which I believe makes it the most expensive campsite we've ever had. It's nice, but we've had just as nice for $20. None of the campgrounds in Nashville have a price listed in Woodall's Campground Directory and I think that's because the prices are so high. We called several and it appears that they run from approximately $25 to $35. On average we probably pay a little over $15.

Another thing we took notice of is that the Grand Old Oprey shows are only on weekends. We were spoiled in Branson where there are dozens of shows all over town every night, and where campgrounds are much more reasonable in what they charge. We'll definitely revisit Branson; with respect to Nashville we're not sure.

The other day Sharyn didn't think she could walk the perimeter of the remains of Fort Donelson's 15 acres. Tonight we went to to the Oprey Mill Mall and walked what seemed like 5,000 acres. I had to find a place to sit down, but Sharyn never slowed down.

Odometer reading = 23,455
Miles for day = 62

 

5/30/01
(Nashville TN)

We spent the entire day in the parking lot at Camping World. Our parts never came in, and by mid-afternoon it was determined that they had been missent somewhere else. They immediately sent another set to Nashville with assurances that they were on the way while even as the phone call was going on. It's now time to go to bed and we're still in the Camping World parking lot where we're spending the night.

We did go out to dinner tonight. We went to the Cracker Barrel right down the road. I had chicken dumplings with baked apple dumpling covered with pecan glaze and ice cream for dessert. I couldn't finish dessert as I'm no longer used to eating.

Odometer reading = 23,455
Miles for day = 1/4

 

5/31/01
(Knoxville TN)

Camping World did not get the parts for our air conditioning units until 11:am, and then they didn't have anyone available to do the work until two o'clock. The bottom line is that we didn't get out of there until a quarter to five (that's the latest we ever left anywhere). We very much wanted to get to Knoxville so that we could get to Phil's in Charlottesville by tomorrow evening. We also didn't want to drive after dark.

Well, we got to the Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park at 8:pm, just as the last of the light faded. It was dark as we entered the park. It also was 9:pm local (EDT). We were very tired and glad to be off the road. In spite of the hour Sharyn still made a fine dinner. As I write this it's now 12:15 am tomorrow and Sharyn has gone to bed.

Odometer reading = 23,646
Miles for day = 191

 

6/1/01
(Charlottesville VA)

It was raining most of the night and was still raining when we got up this morning. We didn't get on the road until 11:am and it was raining when we left. It pretty much rained all day, but it never came down very hard.

We only stopped twice during the day; once to get some skim milk (when we also had some fat free cream cheese and blueberry jam on fat free saltines), and again to buy gas. Actually we stopped a third time because Sharyn needed a cup of coffee.

We finally arrived at Phil & Kim's a little after seven. Both Katlin and Philip IV have grown a great deal since we saw them last, even though it was only six months ago.

Odometer reading = 24.,035
Miles for day = 389

 

6/2/01
(Charlottesville VA)

Today Phil and I went to check out the Rivanna River to see about locations to put in and take out. Sharyn and Katlin went shopping, while Kim took Philip IV shopping in Richmond.

The river looked good and by late afternoon when we had all returned to the house we talked about floating the river tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 24,035
Miles for day = 0

 

6/3/01
(Charlottesville VA)

The six of us went down the Rivanna River for a distance of about 10 miles. Sharyn and I were in our kayaks while Phil, Kim, Katlin, and Phil IV went in their canoe. Great picture opportunities presented themselves but I had forgotten to take the camera. For the first several miles Phil fly fished more than he paddled and he caught (and released) several small mouth bass.

In and along the river we saw several gar fish, osprey, river otter, several snakes, many ducks and geese, and a deer fording the river ahead of us. There was also a butterfly that accompanied Sharyn the entire trip, from time to time sitting on her shoulder, finger, hair, or deck of her kayak.

We were about five hours on the river and I think we were all happy to see our take out point finally appear from around a bend.

Odometer reading = 24,035
Miles for day = 0

 

6/4/01
(Charlottesville VA)

Kim had to go to work and Katlin had school while Sharyn, Phil, and I spent a good bit of the day just sitting around talking. Later in the day Sharyn went to the grocery store and shortly after she left our third son, Shane, stopped by. He stayed for awhile and then he had to go back to work.

Phil had taken off today and tomorrow. After Shane left we went to Southern States to pick up eight bales of straw to finish spreading over the area that Phil had just seeded with lawn seed. After Kim got home from work we sat around enjoying the conversation and the weather while the kids played "kayak."

Odometer reading = 24,035
Miles for day = 0

 

6/5/01
(Charlottesville VA)

The main event today was Phil's and my trip down the Shenandoah River over in the Valley. We took the kayaks and it was a great trip. There was more water than had been on the Rivanna and it was moving faster. Also there were more rocks and other "good spots." Nothing more than Class II, but a really fun trip. I couldn't get any pictures of the "good spots" because I didn't want to get the camera wet. It's the only thing that was kept dry. We saw a family of minks right at the edge of the water.

Driving back to Charlottesville we took note that there was something about a river that makes one want to take a nap! Where we put in. Where we stopped for lunch. Kayaker Phil.

While we were doing the river Sharyn went to Katlin's school and joined her for lunch in the cafeteria. Sharyn gets an A+ for being a super grandma!


Odometer reading = 24,035
Miles for day = 0

 

6/6/01
(Boonton NJ)

We got up at 6:am to say good-bye to everyone before they went off to work/school/baby-sitter, which we did. We were then on the road by 8:15. After what seemed like many hours, three or four stops, several cups of coffee, and a number of tolls, we arrived at Harry and Irene's.

We enjoyed them as we always do, having wine and cheese, talking with Irene's animals, etc. Irene is the original Mrs. Livingston talking to her animals. She does volunteer work at a wildlife facility. When injured animals are brought to the facility they are treated and then released back into the wild, usually at Harry and Irene's place. This is one of her favorites.

After dinner we spent some "quality" time (his terminology) with their son Neil so that he would not have to prune the Christmas trees.

Odometer reading = 24,394
Miles for day = 359

 

6/7/01
(Southold NY)

This morning we spent several hours with Irene and Harry before getting on the road to Long Island. We left a little before noon and headed east via I-80 and the George Washington Bridge.. Tolls certainly seem to have been recently and substantially increased. The total tolls we paid from the tunnel in Baltimore to the Throgs Neck Bridge to Long Island , including $24 for the George Washington Bridge, exceeded $60. I have a real problem with these kind of numbers. When I commented to the toll collector at the GW Bridge his reply was, "What can I say, they're a bunch of crooks." Coupled with 87 octane gas on Long Island selling for $1.90/gal (we paid $1.43 in Virginia) it may be that unless an RVer has kids to visit in the northeastern US he should consider traveling elsewhere.

We pulled into Jordan's yard mid-afternoon and got all hooked up. Later on Sharyn went to Scott and Patrick's baseball game while I waited for Jordan to get home. After she got home we went to Greg's house where everyone had gone after the game.

Odometer reading = 24,521
Miles for day = 127

 

6/8/01 to 6/12/01
(Southold NY)

Sharyn left here last Sunday to visit her mother in Florida. She'll return this Sunday, but we'll be remaining in Southold through the end of the month. Since that will not give rise to very much to write about, this may be the last entry until such time as we are either back on the road, or until there is something else worth posting.

Odometer reading = 24,521
Miles for day(s) = 0

 

6/18/01
(Southold NY)

This afternoon I picked Sharyn up at the airport as she returned from her mother's in Florida. After having been away for eight days her return is an event of major proportion, probably only fully appreciated by other full time RVers.

Odometer reading = 24,521
Miles for day = 0

 

6/30/01
(Southold NY)

At 6:am this morning Sharyn boarded a plane to return to her mother's in Florida. The prognosis there is not good.

Odometer reading = 24,521

Miles for day = 0

 

7/1/01 to 7/12/01
(Southold NY)

Sharyn remains with her mother in Florida where her mother continues to hold on tenuously.

Jordan and I went to visit the Shannon's in New Jersey for two days. They have been friends for almost 50 years. We just returned to Long Island last night. While we were there Jordan went shopping with Irene who, after "oh so many years" of waiting, is about to become a grandmother. It's amazing how much baby stuff such a grandmother-to-be needs to buy in preparation for such an event.

While they were shopping, Harry and I kayaked down the Rockaway River (a Class I river) a distance of about four miles, taking out in his son, Danny's, back yard. It was a perfect day for such an excursion which made it even better for Harry who had never kayaked before.

Odometer reading = 24,521
Miles for day (motorhome) = 0

 

7/19/01
(Southold NY)

Sharyn returned home today. It's great to have her back and it's clear to me that I was not meant to live without her.

Her mother remains basically unchanged.

Odometer reading = 24,521
Miles for day = 0

 

7/26/01
(West Point NY)

After spending 49 nights in Southold we're finally on the road again!

This morning was not exactly a good beginning for the day. Jordan had no water in her house this morning so she used our bathroom to get ready for work. The plumber at first thought that the well point was no good which would have meant a new well. Later, when he got to the house, he found a much cheaper problem and got the water back on.

In the meanwhile, the sky had opened up with a deluge of rain made made getting set to leave a rather wet ordeal. The rain also caused standing water all around the motorhome that made things even messier, plus softened the ground so that we made ruts in the grass as we pulled out.

Due to road repairs going on on Long Island and in the Bronx, the first 100 miles took us three and a half hours, most of it bumper to bumper. As we crossed over the Hudson River at the Tappan Zee Bridge and headed north towards West Point the entire landscape evolved from congestion and construction into mountains, greenery, and pretty scenery.

We arrived at the FamCamp at West Point and called it a day.

Odometer reading = 24,674
Miles for day = 153

 

7/27/01
(West Point NY)

We have no cellular service here so this morning I walked to the office to call Jordan and make sure she had water -- she did.

We then finished off the coffee pot and drove to West Point Military Academy. The FamCamp is on Federal property, but about three miles down the road from the Academy. We started with the Visitors Center and then walked to the West Point Museum. They have some really neat items on display there. From Napoleon's sword that Charles DeGaulle presented to General Eisenhower at the end of the Second World War, to captured Iraq equipment from Desert Storm, to Sitting Bull's tomahawk. As I'm typing this I can see that this attempted description is not working. There are displays from all the wars the US has ever been involved in and all of these displays have numerous items. There are also many displays that have to do with West Point itself, and other displays that have to do with other major events in history.

In any event, some of the weapons displays on the lower level were not open today because of a shortage of manpower. They will be open tomorrow and we intend to return to see them.

We also checked out the PX and the Commissary. At the Commissary we bought about $175 worth of groceries for $120.37.

Odometer reading = 24,674
Miles for day = 0

 

7/28/01
(West Point NY)

Today we returned to the West Point Museum where we checked out the large and small weapons displays.

Small weapons basically went from knives and spears to hundreds of different hand held firearms. Some of them, including these blunderbuss', were probably equally dangerous at both ends. The lower one has a 1.2" bore.

Another interesting small weapons display item was this single shot .45 cal handgun. The Federal government bought several million of them during WWII at a cost of $1.71 each, plus 38 cents for packaging. They were distributed throughout parts of occupied Europe and Japanese controlled areas of the Pacific. Each gun had 10 rounds stored in the grip and the idea was that with 10 rounds you should be able to kill an enemy soldier and thereby acquire his weapon.

There was not a great deal on display in the large weapons area, but we did look at the full size replica of "The Fat Man," the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in August 1945. I did not know that "The Fat Man" was different from bomb dropped on Hiroshima three days earlier. I had thought that both bombs were the same -- they were not.

From the museum we drove through "town," (Highlands) and then down along the Hudson River and some of the West Point parkland. On the way back to the FamCamp we checked out the cemetery and the gravesites of General Winfield Scott and George Armstrong Custer (not one of my favorites). There was also a large monument that said "Fort Sumter 1861." That turned out to be the gravesite of General Robert Anderson. In 1861 when the Confederate artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter they were under the command of Pierre G.T. Beauregard. It was then Captain Robert Anderson who was in command of Fort Sumter. The irony was that Beauregard, as a cadet at West Point, had studied artillery tactics in the class taught by Anderson.

Did anyone notice the beautiful Weeping American Beach behind Winfield Scott's grave?

Odometer reading = 24,674
Miles for day = 0

 

7/29/01
(Rhinebeck NY)

This morning we had a rather routine departure from the West Point FamCamp, although by the time we gassed up at the on-base gas station and actually got onto Route-9W heading north it was just past noon. At Newburg NY we crossed over to the east side of the Hudson River where the highway (Route-9) is less hilly. On Route 9-W we were always either climbing a hill in 2nd gear or going down a hill in second gear trying to keep the motorhome from running away.

Anyway, as we got to Rhinebeck it was 1:45 PM and there was a sign advertising an air show at the Old Rhinebeck Airdrome at 2 o'clock on Saturdays and Sundays (today is Sunday). We followed the signs and went to the show, arriving just at 2 o'clock. What is kind of neat is that 25 years ago, when I had a Piper Cherokee 140, I flew Phil and Shane, two of my sons, and their cousin, Ricky, up here to see this very show.

The show is basically WWI aircraft. Some of them are originals that have been restored, while others are replicas. There is also a "theme" that provides a kid oriented background to the events that occur. This theme is how the bad guy, the German Black Baron, is trying to abduct "Trudy Trueheart" on her wedding day, and how the good guys finally prevail. Some of this involves a German tank, aircraft bombing runs, and dog fights in the sky.

While the show starts with a guy parachuting onto the field, the main attraction is, of course, the vintage planes. Since I took many photos, but I can't remember which plane is which, just look as as many or a few, as you like (I do remember that there is a Sopwith Camel, a Folkker, and some others I forgot). Each letter links to a different photo: A B C D E.

The final flight event of the show is when the Black Baron comes in and lands his tri-plane which had been involved in a dog fight with two other planes. For most of the show the wind had been rather light and right down the runway. During the last 10-15 minutes the wind had been picking up a bit and was gusting across the runway. Just as the Black Baron touched down, but before he came to a stop, a side wind gust caught him and he nosed over and ended up upside down. The way the announcer handled it made you think it was part of the show. However, the way some of the guys ran to the overturned plane, the Baron's lack of his usual wise guy behavior after they got him out, and the fact that this didn't look like the kind of thing you could do on a routine basis and still have an airplane left, made us think this was not part of the show. It turned out it was not, and while the damage to the plane was not major, it was more than minor.

This is the plane where it came to rest. This is the plane as they are in the process of getting it back to rightside up. As the show ended and people were leaving, the announce asked if anyone had videoed or photographed the event they'd really like to get a copy of the tape or photo. My picture of the touchdown is about 10 seconds before the plane rolled over. This photo shows some of the damage; note the bent struts and the broken prop. That's the Baron on the left.

The situation in the parking lot was such that we figured we'd let everyone else get out and then we'd leave last. By then, however, it was 5 o'clock so we asked if we could just spend the night in the lot. We were told we could, so while it cost us $20 to see the show, there is an RV park in Rhinebeck that gets $30 per night. Works out pretty well; we saved $10 and got to see the show for free!

Odometer reading = 24,739
Miles for day = 65

 

7/30/01
(New Boston NH)

Last night, in the parking lot, we did not have any hookups, and, since we did not run the generator, we had no TV. As a result we went to bed unusually early, did our normal reading, and I was up at 5:30 AM -- Sharyn was up just past 6:AM. We ran the generator long enough to make coffee, get set to leave, and we were on the road by 7:30 which is about four hours earlier than our normal departure time.

Anyway, with the early start, by 3 o'clock we had passed through the northwest corner of Massachusetts and arrived at New Boston NH. Our destination was the FamCamp at the New Boston Air Force installation where we are now set up and getting ready for bed. The FamCamp office was closed so we just picked a site. We'll register tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 24,946
Miles for day = 207

 

7/31/01
(New Boston NH)

We took the car and went to visit my sister, Bess, in Portsmouth NH where we spent the day. We had an extensive and enjoyable visit. While we were there Sharyn used her washer and dryer to get all our laundry up to date as we talked the afternoon away.

Later on Bess took us out for dinner for Sharyn's birthday where Sharyn, who loves lobster, had a broiled lobster/seafood combo dinner which she enjoyed immensely. From the restaurant we went to the Cafe' Broice, a very nice sidewalk cafe'/coffee shop in the middle of what is a lovely downtown Portsmouth. From there we went back to Bess' apartment where we continued talking until after 11 o' clock. It was past midnight when we got back to the FamCamp in New Boston.

Upon our return we discovered that we had been invaded by either a mouse or a chipmunk as a three pound can of salted peanuts that had been on the couch had a hole gnawed through the plastic cover. There were also telltale droppings in the area.

Odometer reading = 24,946
Miles for day = 0

 

8/1/01
(New Boston NH)

Today was sort of a hang around and get it all together day. I cleaned and vacuumed inside, washed the floor, and then washed the exterior of the unit. Everything looks and feels clean.

Odometer reading = 24,946
Miles day = 0

 

8/2/01
(Gardiner ME)

It was our intention to travel to Augusta ME via US-1 which stays rather close to the coast, is picturesque, and makes for an enjoyable drive, even if you can't make very good time. However, we had arranged to stop and visit my cousin Myra who works in Augusta. After several hours of travel it was apparent that we would not get there during work hours so we cut over to I-95 and were in Augusta by 3:pm. Myra met us in a shopping center parking lot where Sharyn made lunch for all of us.

It turned out that Myra was playing in a community band tonight so we followed her home and setup the motorhome in her driveway. We then rode with her to Boothbay where this band has been playing for over 50 years -- two of the original members are still playing! It was quite a performance with the band playing everything from Rock Around the Clock to Stars and Stripes Forever. One of the unique features to this weekly performance is that any kid that would like to try it is given the opportunity to "lead" the band. One band member who was particularly engrossed in the music and thoroughly enjoyed the evening, both playing and listening to the music, was this lady in pink.

Myra, jokingly, says that this whole band thing is quite Norman Rockwell. I think it is the epitome of Norman Rockwell, and that's nice!

Incidentally, Myra is one of my more interesting and accomplished relatives. When she was in high school she wanted to be an engineer but was told by her guidance councilor that "girls cannot become engineers." She originally graduated with a Bachelor's degree in nursing; at forty something she got her law degree; she retired as a full colonel from the Air Force reserve with a combined 30 years of active and reserve time; and she's now the Executive Director of the Maine State Board of Nursing. Along the way she also got her Master's degree in Nursing, a private pilot's license, gave live in "social training" to dogs who were to be trained a seeing eye dogs, and during her years in Europe was active as a ski patrol and rescue person -- all that and she's younger than I am!

Odometer reading = 25,127
Miles for day = 181

 

8/3/01
(Buckport ME)

Myra left for work at 7:30 this morning and we left shortly after she did. Since we are not in any hurry we cut back to the coast and picked up again on our northeasterly trek along US-1. At about 11 o'clock we pulled into Moose Point State Park. We had been looking for a place to pull off the road for lunch, but we also wanted an ocean view to go with lunch.

Every hotel, motel, cabin rental, etc. that we passed had a "no vacancy" sign hanging out, so we were a little concerned about about not finding a campsite. We figured if we stopped early enough we should find a spot, so a little after noon we pulled into this place (Shady Oaks). We figured if we didn't like what we saw we'd continue on to a FamCamp in Winter Harbor, about 60 miles further down the road. This is a nice place; very clean and meticulously maintained by the husband/wife owners, who are also very outgoing and friendly.

Odometer reading = 25,217
Miles for day = 90

 

8/4/01
(Birch Harbor ME)

From Buckport it was an easy and relaxed drive along US-1. At this point it has become a two lane road winding up and down and around the hills of Coastal Maine, in an area relatively unpopulated except when passing through small towns. It did not take too long for us to get to the Naval facility at Winter Harbor where we were told that there were no campsites available. The girl directed us to Ocean Wood Campground several miles away which we found with no difficulty.

Turning off the paved public road at the sign for the campground, we followed a winding dirt road that led way back into the woods until we came to a post with a sign on it that said "Stop here for instructions." Attached to the post was a box containing a map with printed instructions. Basically, you were to select a site to your liking. Someone will come by and see you later. As the instructions say, the camp is operated, ". . . for campers with a deep respect for nature." The best rule may be that no noise or sounds that may disturb another camper may leave your campsite. That means the sound of your radio may not be heard outside of your RV. If it is you will be asked to leave.

Ocean Wood is not listed in any campground directory and the owner told us he does not want any such listing. He has 63 campsites, 16 of which are tent sites accessible only by footpath, and he turns away a thousand people a year. Word of mouth, and people that come back time and time again, are his mainstay.

While we do not have an oceanside site (none were vacant) this is the view from the footpath along the ocean that leads into some of the tent sites. As we stood on this rocky coast, I said to Sharyn that Florida will be gone for a million years, but the coast of Maine will still be here.

Sharyn likes it a lot and says that if we could get the campsite across the road from us we'd stay here for a month.

Odometer reading = 25,271
Miles for day = 54

 

8/5/01
(Machias ME)

It was our plan to go straight through Machias and go directly to the FamCamp at the Naval Station at Cutler. After checking in and getting all set up we would then return by car to Machias. The problem was that when we got to Cutler we learned that the FamCamp was no longer at the facility, and had been closed out several years ago.

Myra had told us to be sure that when we were in Machias we stopped at Joyce's Lobster House and had both the fish chowder and the blueberry pie. Since there are no campgrounds in the Machias area we decided we'd eat at Joyce's, and while there we'd inquire if there was any place around town where we could park for the night. While having our fish chowder and blueberry pie we asked if we could stay in their parking lot. The waitress said she'd check, and a few minutes later the owner came out and said that would be okay. He even said he'd talk to his wife, but he thought we could stay for two nights if we wanted to.

Leaving the motorhome in Joyce's parking lot we drove to the little fishing village of Cutler, which is actually several miles beyond the Naval Station. We had lunch in Cutler about five years ago and thought it was a serene and beautiful place. The place where we had eaten is now a private residence, but Cutler is still a picture postcard village. Just look at the pictures: from the dock -- lobster boats on a Sunday afternoon -- another lobster boat at rest. I don't know that I have ever seen a place more beautiful than the coast of Maine. I first thought that when I sailed from Long Island up to Corea, a coastal village just east of Acadia National Park, in the mid-70's, and I've never changed my mind.

Anyway, after driving around most of the afternoon, looking at the scenery and the photographs in the window of the real estate office, we returned to the motorhome. Since we had what amounted to a free campsite, we decided to spend the money we saved on dinner at Joyce's. We both had shrimp and scallop Vermicelli, plus I had another blueberry pie desert. It may well be that everything at Joyce's is worth having. It was all delicious.!

Odometer reading = 25,433
Miles for day = 72

 

8/6/01
(Pocologan NB)

We crossed into Canada from Calais ME around noontime. At Canadian customs, after routine questioning at the customs booth, we were directed to the side where a young agent went through the motorhome with his flashlight, looking into all the cabinets, drawers, refrigerator, under-the-bed storage, etc. It was about a ten minute process; not the 2-3 hour process we have heard stories about. He said that he was searching mostly for alcohol and tobacco products. It appeared to us that it was our Oregon registration that got us selected, but he said it wasn't. He said that "locals" get selected all the time, and that several weeks ago he was selected himself even though he was in uniform at the time. He said that he felt a little professional courtesy would have been appropriate.

Anyway, after getting through customs, we proceeded north on Canadian Route 1. We didn't go too far until we stopped at Ocean View Campground at Pocologan. It was about $23 Canadian, but was only $16US. This was sort of ocean view when we got here, but now the fog has rolled in and we can't see very much at all.

The first thing I did after getting all set up was change the oil and filter. Up until this point I've been using Castrol sometimes, and Mobil-1 sometimes. This time I used Mobil-1 and from now on that's all I'm going to use. Even at just under $5 per quart the additional cost will be less than $100 per year. I think that's $100 well spent.

We filled up with gas just before the border, taking on 71 gallons @ $1.399. Gas here seems to run about 69 cents (Canadian) per liter. In round numbers, in my head, that's in the neighborhood of $2/gal (US). That's pretty high, but it's less than we paid in California last summer.

Odometer reading = 25,439
Miles for day = 96

 

8/7/01
(St. John NB)

When we got up this morning the fog was very thick. We could hear vehicles going by on the highway but wondered how they could see where they were going. By ten o'clock the fog had lifted, but the sky was dark and we could hear thunder in the distance. I hurried to finish the outside things that needed to be done before the rain arrived. As we pulled out onto the highway the sky opened up and the thunder and lightening let loose. Sharyn remarked, "this is hairy and scary and I don't like it."

We were heading for what we believed would be a very nice campground in St. John. As we got to St. John we were looking for either the road number or a sign pointing to the campground, but we saw neither. When we came to an exit with a generic "camping" sign, we got off the highway and followed the "camping" signs through what seemed like downtown St. John. We ended up at Rockwood Park Campground, owned and operated by the St. John Horticultural Society. While the campground is like a giant parking lot, it's clean, neat, and has full hookups. Also, it's located within Rockwood Park which makes up almost a third of the City, and is adjacent to historic, downtown St. John. While it has rained pretty much all day, the lady next door, who is heading south, gave us a great deal of literature and maps from the Maritime Providence's (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island [also Newfoundland, but that's rather out in the Atlantic] ) where they have traveled for the last month. We looked over this stuff as the afternoon rained on.

This is a comfortable campground.

Odometer reading = 25,472
Miles for day = 33

 

8/8/01
(St. John NB)

We woke up this morning to a beautiful sunny day. While a giant part of the US was experiencing temperatures in the 90's and 100's, we topped out today somewhere in the sunny 70's.

After coffee and conversation we drove in to St. John where we first stopped at an ATM machine to get some Canadian cash. We withdrew $100 Canadian, and according to the bank person, something in the neighborhood of $60 US will be deducted from my account. We then checked out the City Market/Farmer's Market building where we bought some fresh fruit, but passed on the fresh octopus. This market opened in 1876 and since then has operated continuously in the same building.

We then went to Brunswick Square which is an inside, multilevel shopping mall. While Sharyn was finishing up in there I walked across the street to a photo supply store where I checked out an Olympus digital camera. While the new digital cameras sure are impressive, for web work my old Sony FD-81 can't be beat.

After a few minutes of driving around St. John (it's really quite small) we returned to the campground and Sharyn did laundry.

Odometer reading = 25,472
Miles for day = 0

 

8/9/01
(St. Martins NB)

This morning, after completing my on-line activities (update website, get e-mail, send e-mail, bank activities) we left St. John and headed in a northeasterly direction, picking up Route 111 and the "Fundy Coastal Drive" as we went.

At St. Martins we stopped at Cave View Family Restaurant where the signs were advertising their "World Famous Seafood Chowder." The chowder was really good. Also, the beach in front of the restaurant abuts up against red stone cliffs that contain giant caves eroded out of the cliff by the sea. At low tide we walked into one of the caves. At high tide the cave fills with water. After checking out the cave Sharyn became engrossed in all the various rocks. For awhile I thought she was going to get caught up against the cliff with the incoming tide as she would not stop with the rocks. She finally came away with only three.

The Bay of Fundy is basically the body of water between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Open to the sea at the southern end, the length of the Bay is such that the resonant frequency of the raise and ebb of the tide exactly coincides with the length of the bay. That may not be very well described, but it's as if you had a large, but shallow, pan of water, and lifted up one end with your finger. As soon as the water gets to the far end of the pan you lower your end. Then as soon as the water runs back to your end, you lift up again. If you keep that rhythm going, you'll have the water sloshing back and forth pretty violently even though you may only be lifting a half inch. Because the frequency of the incoming and outgoing tide (the lifting of the pan with the finger) matches the time it takes for the tide to slosh up to the head of the bay and back out again, you have the same result as in the shallow pan. The raise and fall of the tide in the Bay of Fundy ranges from 12 feet to over 40 feet at the head! In St. Martins the raise and fall is in the range of 25-30 feet. No other place in the world has such extreme tides.

After leaving the restaurant we continued on only to come to where the road dead ended at a park. I had not noticed that the Fundy Trail signs we were following was not the same as the Fundy Coastal Drive signs we had been following earlier. By the time we backtracked to St. Martins we decided to stop at Century Farm Family Campground which we had passed earlier. Again Sharyn was out on the beach picking up rocks.

Other pictures from today: fishing boats at dock at low tide; Sharyn approaching entrance to cave; covered bridge that takes Fundy Trail over the Irish River; at low tide you can walk from the point to the island.

Odometer reading = 25,519
Miles for day = 47

 

8/10/01
(Alma NB)

We left St. Martin this morning heading for Fundy National Park and one of the campgrounds within the Park. We took Route 111 to Sussex, and then Route 114 to Fundy. Both of these roads are part of the Fundy Coastal Drive, and both are narrow, twisting roads with steep grades. A number of the grades could be in the 12 -15% range. Several of them we had to climb in first gear. While the grades are steep, they are not very long -- most of them last for less than half a mile -- unlike some of the grades in the American West that went for ten miles or better (but not in the 12-15% range). As we left St.Martins we came to a sign that said it was 51 miles to Sussex, and since Sussex was only half way to Fundy I was set back by the distance to be traveled, which I had estimated to be 50-60 miles total. When we got to Sussex 30 miles later I remembered that the mileage signs were in kilometers, not miles. I don't know why I have that problem with mileage signs, but not the speed limit signs. Who knows?

Anyway, the drive was easy and enjoyable. Even the grades didn't detract from the pleasantness of the trip. Other than the extremely slow climbs in first gear, the rest of the drive was in the 30 -50 mph range. It's probably the slow and easy pace that makes it relaxed.

Route 114 goes straight through Fundy National Park and if you're just driving through you don't have to stop at the toll gate. We stopped anyway to ask about the location of the campgrounds. It turned out that since we were going to stop and use some of the park's facilities we had to pay a Park User Fee ($5.50 Canadian for both of us). The toll guy, however, radioed the campground to see if they had a site left that could accommodate our unit. The girl said there was one left and that she would save it for us, which she did. Twenty minutes later when we arrived at the campground they had a "no vacancy" sign at the gate, but we went in and she did have our spot for us. There are no hookups at the site, but we take what we can get.

After getting set up we drove into Alma and checked it out. Alma's only about three blocks long. I've been trying to get a haircut, but none of these small towns have barbers. Upon asking around we found out that there is a lady at the eastern edge of town who cuts hair. We walked to her house but she wasn't home. Yesterday we asked around in St. Martin and found out there was a lady at the end of Park Street, near the gravel pit, that cut hair. We drove down there but were not sure what house it was. I'll try the lady in Alma again tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 25,586
Miles for day = 67

 

8/11/01
(Alma NB)

First thing this morning, after coffee and conversation, we changed sites to get one with full hookups (water, sewer, electric). After getting moved, we drove about eight miles back into the park where we went kayaking at Bennett Lake. At one point while I was messing with the camera Sharyn shot past me, but not before I got her picture.

After kayaking we drove from the lake back to Alma where we bought two lobsters that we had for dinner. This is a picture of Alma from the edge of the campground. Like most of the villages we have seen in New Brunswick, it is quite small, but clean and neat. Zooming back and swinging the camera more to the right you begin to see some of the exposed bottom at relatively low tide. Finally, swinging further to the right you can see that the water's edge is about a half mile from the town docks. The average raise and fall of the tide in Alma is 39 feet As the tide comes in the water raises at almost one and a half inches per minute. On some sections of the flats shown in the previous photo the water's edge moves toward land at 7 - 9 feet per minute!

This is me and Sharyn sitting on the bench at the overlook where the previous photos were taken from. A hundred yards to the right of this position is a set of 119 stairs leading down to the highway that then goes into town. After eating the lobster we walked down the stairs and into town to, "walk off the lobster." When we got to town Sharyn said I could buy her an ice cream as she had "walked enough." We ate our ice cream as we walked back up to the campground.

Odometer reading = 25,586
Miles for day = 0

 

8/12/01
(Alma NB)

The first thing that happened today is that we woke up freezing. Last night, rather than use heating or air conditioning, Sharyn said, "let's just open all the windows." We did, and this morning it was 62 degrees inside. We did not have 62 degrees worth of blankets on the bed!

Anyway, after coffee and conversation, we drove five miles back towards Sussex, figuring that at the top of the big hill we'd have cellular phone service and could call Jordan and Sharyn's mother. It didn't work; there was no service anywhere. We then came back down the hill, continued past the campground, and drove about 30 miles in the opposite direction to view the Hopewell Rocks.

These might be considered the marine version of Monument Valley out west. At low tide you can walk along the dry seabed and view these giant sized sculptures of nature. Over eons of time the tides have eroded away much of the softer material leaving random shaped stone pedestals, and carving out caves and natural arches from the stone bluffs. We then stayed around and waited for the tide to come in so we could return to the site with our kayaks. This is Sharyn passing under the arch that I was standing under in one of the previous photos. We like this picture also. Some of the experiences that I write about in this travelog cannot adequately be described, and kayaking among these ancient giants is certainly one of them.

We had not been back at the campground too long when Sharyn heard an animal up in the engine area of the motorhome. It turned out that a red squirrel had gotten up into the insulation of the engine box that extends up into the motorhome between the two front seats. When we removed the box, the squirrel was gone, but the insulation is kind of messed up.

The machines in the laundry room here take 50 cents Canadian -- that's only 33 cents US, so we did some laundry before going to bed.

Odometer reading = 25,586
Miles for day = 0

 

8/13/01
(Springhill NS)

This morning, as we left Alma and Fundy National Park, we stopped at the fish store,on the dock, in Alma. That's where Sharyn had bought the lobsters the other day. As she was looking at two salmon steaks in the case the man told her that if she could wait a half hour there would be new fresh steaks available. When she said she couldn't wait because we were on our way out, her asked if she could wait ten minutes. She said she could, and while she watched he scaled, cleaned and sliced a fresh salmon from which she got the steaks. She also got some halibut which we had for dinner. The salmon is for tomorrow.

As we threaded our way through the City of Moncton I caught a vertical clearance sign that read "3.5 meters." I saw the railroad bridge and I know we need about 11' 6". In my head it was too close to call and I took a quick turn into a large parking lot. Two women walking through the parking lot gave me directions to get around the bridge. They also said that trucks hit the bridge all the time. On the calculator it turns out the 3.5 meters is about 11' 4". We would not have made it!

Passing through the town of Sackville NB we passed a barber shop. We parked around the corner and I got a haircut for $6.50 ($4.29US) while Sharyn went to the Salvation Army Thrift Shop.

We did not travel too far into Nova Scotia until we stopped at a new, 10-site, family owned campground in Springhill. The campground is in their yard. Also, here for the first time in quite a while we have both cellular phone service and a satellite TV signal! The difficulty with the satellite is that this far north the satellite is extremely low on the horizon and frequently obstructed.

Odometer reading = 25,704
Miles for day = 117

 

8/14/01
(Stewiacke NS)

We decided that we'd do as we do in the US and basically follow the "2 lane roads," rather than the Interstate type highways. We had only gone about about 30 miles when we came to the village of Parrsboro. It was a picturesque community and we thought that we'd just park and walk around, which is what we did. We walked the entire village (about three blocks long), looked in some shops, and had coffee at John's Coffee House. After checking out the village bakery, that had it's aroma drifting across the sidewalk, we returned to the motorhome and continued on our way.

Later we stopped at a country store in Great Village where we got some milk, Sharyn bought a lottery ticket, and I bought a large cup of serve yourself, soft ice cream.

I'm surprised at the number of Baptist Churches that seem to be all throughout the Canadian Maritime Providence's. There are more Baptist Churches than any other denomination. My mother, who was a good South Carolina Baptist, would be pleased.

Anyway, we eventually came to Wild Nature Campground in Stewiacke where we decided to stop for the evening. It was $17 Canadian, but "cash only," and it didn't look as if we had it. We finally did make it with a $5 bill (Canadian), two $1 bills US (worth $3), and a pile of Canadian coins. I told the owner we were lucky it wasn't $17.50.

By the way, in the US they want to get rid of $1 bills and use $1 coins instead. I was not crazy about the idea, but having used Canadian $1 and $2 coins for a little over a week I've changed my mind. I now favor the replacement of $1 bills with $1 and $2 coins (I don't think that $2 coins are part of the US Government's idea, but they should be).

Odometer reading = 25,816
Miles for day = 112

 

8/15/01
(Lunenburg NS)

When we started out this morning, after our coffee and conversation, we backtracked about three miles to pick up Route 102. The "100 series" highways (numbers like 100, 102 ,104, etc.) are sort of the Canadian equivalent to the US Interstate highways, and we decided that we'd had enough of the rough roads cutting through the middle of Nova Scotia. Besides we wanted a short driving-time day.

By 1:30 we had arrived at the visitor's center in Lunenburg. It is right next to the historic waterfront section of town, and there are a number of RV sites as part of the visitor's center. It rained part of the way here, and it's still kind of foggy. Lunenburg is set on a peninsula and the Visitor's center is high on a hill at the far end of town. From the motorhome we can see the fog-obscured harbors on both sides of town. (Same view without the fog).

After getting all set up, we drove out about seven miles to find Leon, a friend from once a lifetime ago. He wasn't home, but we made telephone contact later on and got together with him and his daughter Sarah for dinner at the Magnolia Grill which is one block off of the waterfront, and within walking distance of the RV park. Since we arrived first we waited outside until they got there. During dinner we decided that it was at least 20 years since we had seen each other. It was a very enjoyable dinner. As I always tell Sharyn, dinner is a social event; the fact that you eat is only incidental to the occasion.

Right now we are okay to remain in this park for two nights, but there is the Annual Fishermen's Picnic and Reunion scheduled for this weekend and there are a number of weekend reservations for this park. We'll find out tomorrow if we can retain this site (or any site) through the weekend.

Odometer reading = 25,920
Miles for day = 104

 

8/16/01
(Lunenburg NS)

We were still in bed at 8:30 this morning when we heard a light knocking at the door. It was Leon. He came in and I told him coffee would be ready in 10 minutes. The three of us enjoyed coffee and conversation with the croissants that Leon had brought with him. It wasn't too long after Leon left that he called and asked if we wanted to join him and the dog to go check out his favorite beach. We said we would be there within the hour.

When we got to the house Leon showed us the his property and gardens. It was all very nice, but while we were doing this the dog got a burr in his foot so he didn't accompany us to the beach and guided tour of the Lunenburg area. We probably spent over an hour driving around the various points of shoreline and secluded coves. It's all very picturesque and beautiful. There were a number of places that we could really be interested in if they were not so far away from where we "live" (whatever that means). Certainly the prices are right, and the current exchange rate makes it all that much better.

Later on, Sharyn and I returned to town and bought some groceries. After that we returned to Leon's for fish dinner with Leon and Sarah. While we were there this afternoon I also got to upload over a week's worth of travelog and photos to stringbean.com for the enjoyment of the thousands of you who follow this story on a daily basis!

Odometer reading = 25,920
Miles for day = 0

 

8/17/01
(Ludenburg NS)

This morning's coffee and conversation went on for so long that we had to make a second pot of coffee. The coffee went particularly well, since yesterday we bought a locally baked blueberry pie made from wild blueberries. We were talking about how comfortable Ludenburg and the surrounding area is. How well it fits. The conversation even went to the pros and cons of buying something here.

About that time Leon called about going sailing and we said we'd be there in 30 minutes. Leon is now sailing a 22' Stonehorse, a classic design fiberglass sloop that we've admired for three decades. I was sorry to learn that they are no longer being manufactured. Anyway, we sailed the LaHave River for several hours, thoroughly enjoying it. After returning to Leon's house we had cheese and crackers before Sharyn and I returned to town.

In town we went to a real estate office that has color brochures on all it's listings. Leon had told Sharyn to pick up the brochures on properties she liked and that tomorrow we'd ride around and look at them.

Tonight we again had dinner with Leon and Sarah at their house. Leon called and said he had intended to take two steaks out of the freezer for their dinner, but had mistakenly thawed out some beef stew. He said it was too much for the two of them so we should come over and help them eat it. The stew was good and we enjoyed the dinner and the company.

Odometer reading = 25,920
Miles for day = 0

 

8/18/01
(Ludenburg NS)

Basically, the bulk of the day today was spend with Leon driving us around some of the coves, peninsulas, and small islands along the coast. We've concluded that this could be the prettiest area we've seen since we started full-timing a year and a half ago. That's even allowing for the "enthusiasm of the moment." To the extent that we've talked about maybe someday having a "home base" if we ever found the perfect place (that elusive "cabin on the river"), this might well be it if it were not so far out on the end of the continent.

We later returned to Leon's house where we sat out on the back porch drinking wine and talking. After several hours we adjourned to a downtown pub for a dinner of fish chowder, shrimp, and steamed mussels.

Bearing in mind that it was a rather overcast day, here are some of the photos from today (each letter links to a different photo): A B C D E

Odometer reading = 25,920
Miles for day = 0

 

8/19/01
(Ludenburg NS)

It had been our plan to leave here this morning, but during our coffee and conversation I suggested that perhaps we should stay another day. We had not really explored Ludenburg itself and, besides, this seemed like a good day to just hang out and read the Sunday paper. The visitors center has complimentary copies of The Globe and Mail, a national newspaper, and the best paper we've seen in Canada. Unfortunately, it turns out there is no Sunday edition. Oh well.

Anyway, we out and got some milk and another blueberry pie, together with another Sunday paper. We spent a good while reading the paper, and then while Sharyn was reading her book , I cleaned and vacuumed the motorhome, including the tub and shower. After that we went to the fisherman's dinner at the wharf. From there we drove around to the other side of the harbor where we could look back at the Lunenburg waterfront (a scrollable composite).We then drove South to the end of the road on the peninsula that Lunenburg is located on. The area is called the Blue Rocks, and it's a truly beautiful place. (Photo A B C )

When we got got back to the motorhome there was a message from Leon who wanted to know what time we had left this morning, how far we had traveled, and where we were. When we called back and told him we were still in town, he said we should come over for some more wine and conversation on his porch. We went over, but after about an hour the mosquitoes drove us inside and then we left and returned to the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 25,920
Miles for day = 0

 

8/20/01
(Indian Harbor NS)

As we left Ludenburg we followed the "Lighthouse Route" which is the marked scenic route along the coast as we head towards Halifax. We didn't travel too long or go too far. We stopped at King Neptune Campground here in Indian Harbor, right on the edge of the water. This is a picture of Sharyn having her tea while she enjoys the view from the motorhome.

Following the advice of the couple in the next campsite, we followed the footpath through the woods for about 50 yards to where it comes out next to the harborside fish market. We bought several pounds of fresh haddock filet and a pound of scallops for about $13.25 US.

We are very impressed with the beauty of this area. There's no question but that if someone is going to have a summer home and a winter home, the south shore of Nova Scotia is where the summer home should be!

Odometer reading = 25,983
Miles for day = 63

 

8/21/01
(Upper Lakeville NS)

This morning the seagulls had me up at 6:15, which is rather early. Fifteen minutes later as I was pouring my first cup of coffee, Sharyn got up. It was a foggy morning with drizzling rain that set the scene for such a prolonged session of coffee and conversation that we again needed to make a second pot. This was the view we had looking down through our rain streaked windshield. The smaller RVs were able to go around the owners house and right at the waters edge.

We eventually got started on our easterly travel along the south coast of Nova Scotia. We had only gone about two miles when we came to "Peggy's Cove," another remarkably beautiful place where rock and shoreline meet the Atlantic. Because of the weather and the lack of any place to park the motorhome/car combination we just drove through the cove and then continued on our way.

As a result of a number of errors and missed signs we got lost in Halifax several times. We finally made our way through and picked up what they call "Marine Drive." It is the shoreline scenic route that is the counterpart to the "Lighthouse Route" on the other side of Halifax. So far they don't compare and we're not sure we're going to continue on it tomorrow. There really wasn't too much to see once we got on this side of Halifax.

This campground we're in is kind of nice, and it's quite different for a wooded campground. This may be the first wooded campground we've been in that has grass covering all the unpaved areas. Usually wooded means dirt ground, maybe partially covered with leaves, twigs, etc.

Both last night and this morning I tried, but was unable to get online. I figured that it was a problem with the phone line at the campground, but this afternoon I am still unable to get online from this campground as well. I've reconfigured my dial-up connection, twice. I've also talked with the tech guy at ESI back in Charlottesville VA (my ISP) who can't find any problem on his end. He was also able to connect from an outside phone line using my user name and password. I have no idea what the problem is (I still hope it's the phone line) but if this is being read by anyone, then I must have worked it out somehow! Right now I can't even post a "temporarily out of service" sign on the website. Banking transactions and e-mail are also at standstill.

It's been raining and drizzling all day, and at 10:30pm it's still raining. I'm going to take a shower and go to bed.

Odometer reading = 26,065
Miles for day = 82

 

8/22/01
(Trenton NS)

As we continued along "Marine Drive" towards Cape Breton we decided to cut short our original Nova Scotia plans as Sharyn would like to start heading south sooner than planned. We may drive to Florida, or she may fly from Bangor, or some other intermediate place, to her mother's, and I'll continue to drive there. We'll make that decision as we leave Prince Edward Island. Anyway, in accordance with our revised plans we cut across Nova Scotia and headed for the Caribou area, where the ferry departs to Prince Edward Island. Tonight we are at the Trenton Municipal Park, which is probably within 20 miles of the ferry.

During our travel time today we were again talking about how nice the people here are. Everyone is very friendly, anxious to be helpful, and no one seems to be rushed. The people we meet, in stores, on the street, or anywhere else, all seem to be the kind of people you'd like to know socially and have as friends. It's strange to realize that we are traveling in a "foreign country" when we feel a greater affinity to the people here than we do to many of the people we meet while traveling in the US. The fact that everyone is clean, neat, and well-groomed is another plus. Most anyplace you go, some of the people will be like that, but there are not too many places where everyone is like that!

Odometer reading = 26,164
Miles for day = 99

 

8/23/01
(Wood Islands PEI)

Last night we decided on a new policy; every night we will set the alarm for 7:30am. This will probably cause us to go to bed earlier, but even if it doesn't, it will give us more daylight hours.

This morning it probably took us a half hour to get to the ferry that crosses the Northumberland Strait from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island. We saw the 10 o'clock ferry leaving the dock as we arrived at the holding area. The next ferry wasn't until 11:30 so I read the newspaper while Sharyn checked out the gift shop. It was around 10:45 that I took this picture of the ferry line. The actual crossing is an hour and fifteen minutes. Since you cannot remain in your vehicle during the crossing, we were on the top deck for most of the trip. This is Sharyn getting back into the motorhome as we prepared to drive off the ferry.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is about 180 miles from end to end, compared with Nova Scotia which is 500 miles. We are in the Woods Island Provincial Campground, which is on the coast, two miles east of where the ferry comes in. We were undecided whether to stay here or to go the other 40 miles to Charlottetown, of Anne of Green Gables fame. We decided to stay here for the night, but now Sharyn says maybe we should stay here and just drive the car to Charlottetown because, "we won't find another campground as nice as this and on the water."

After Sharyn did a pile of laundry we drove down the road to Crabby's Seafood shack where Sharyn had a lobster roll and I had a lobster sandwich. A camper in Alma NB told us to be sure we stopped at Crabby's for some of the best lobster anywhere in the Atlantic Provinces. She was right.

Odometer reading = 26,183
Miles for day = 19

 

8/24/01
(Wood Islands PEI)

It was raining when we got up this morning, and basically it didn't let up all day. By the time the coffee pot was empty we had decided that it was a good day to sit around and catch up on all the newspapers we hadn't finished reading. Looking out at the water through the rain, or sitting out under the awning with the rain falling all around, both presented soothing and peaceful environments.

By mid-afternoon we decided to find and drive into the nearest town. Checking with the lady in the campground office we found that the nearest town was Montague, 25 kilometers (about 16 miles) north of the campground. We drove there, put some gas in the car, bought a few groceries, today's newspaper, and got some mini-cartridges for the grease gun.

Several hours later, as Sharyn was preparing dinner the sky cleared and the sun came out. After we had eaten and cleaned up Sharyn went outside and immediately called me to come out. There was a young fox wandering nervously around the campground. He went almost right up to a young boy standing nearby and I was concerned that he may have been rabid. He then came over to us and circled around us at a distance of no more than 8 feet. At that distance it was clear that he was nervous and super alert -- not the behavior of a rabid animal. He was clearly not too frightened of campers, and perhaps was looking for handouts of food. It was not the same kind of fox we had in Virginia. He was dark in color, and his tail was at least as long as his body, perhaps a little longer. The tail was extremely full and dense, with a diameter of 6-7," and this diameter continued for the entire length of the tail. Unfortunately by the time we got the camera he had disappeared.

Odometer reading = 26.183
Miles for day = 0

 

8/25/01
(Dundas PEI)

This morning, as we were preparing to leave we met and talked with our "next door neighbors, who are year round residents of Prince Edward Island. They enjoy it immensely and, although they have friends who winter in Florida, they stay on the Island and do not find the winters to be all that people imagine them to be.

We had originally planned to go to Charlottetown, but we heard about the three day PEI Plowing Match and Agricultural Fair going on in Dundas this weekend and decided to go. We arrived at the fair around noon, and for $5 each (Canadian) we get admission to the fair plus free overnight camping. Some of the activities at the fair include plowing contests for both men and women, using both horses and tractors, draft horse show, pig scramble, step dancing, etc.

These are not small men, it's just that that's a big horse. These are two of the younger farmers.

There was also an antique engine display with all of the engines actually running. After the fair had closed for the evening we returned to the motorhome for a glass of wine. Across the way from us was a group of people with tents and trailers who were sitting around playing music and who invited us to bring our chairs over and join them, which we did. They were the family with the antique engines. They all live in or near Charlottetown, and were playing guitars and a fiddle. They were playing and singing good old American country and western, as well as Scotch (or Irish?) ballads, Canadian seafaring songs, and a number of other songs that don't exactly fit any of these categories. We thoroughly enjoyed them and their music.

Odometer reading = 26,216
Miles for day = 33

 

8/26/01
(Charlottetown PEI)

This morning we were up at 6:15 and had instant coffee because we had no hookups and didn't want to run the generator at that hour of the morning. Last night we closed the bedroom door and only ran the rear furnace. When we got up this morning it was 56 degrees in the front part of the motorhome, and only 48 degrees outside. The bedroom was 68 degrees as per the thermostat setting. Summer wraps it up rather early up here.

We checked in to Southport RV Park, on the river overlooking Charlottetown, before 10:am. That's pretty good for people who usually don't get on the road until elevenish. After getting set up we relaxed and read the paper for awhile. We also made some real coffee.

Later on we drove up to Cavendish to visit Ann's House of Green Gables. We also saw the gardens and Sharyn took a break. From there we drove back to Charlottetown where we drove around for awhile and, on several occasions got out and walked around. One street had a bunch of sidewalk cafe's where we checked the menus, but didn't get anything. While I didn't take a picture of it, a really great used book store is The Bookman at 177 Queen Street.

The major event of the day was when I managed to connect to my Internet service provider for the first time in a week to upload to this website, get e-mail, etc. (You have to watch those protocols).

Odometer reading = 26,259
Miles for day = 43

 

8/27/01
(Charlottetown PEI)

As another example of why we say that our plans are never firm until after the event, we had planned leaving here this morning to head back through New Brunswick. As we were having our coffee and conversation we decided, for no particular reason, to stay here until tomorrow. That having been decided, we finished the pot of coffee while finishing yesterdays newspaper.

Actually, that leads to a recurring question; living the life style we do, how come I never have time to read the newspaper? It's now five minutes until midnight and I haven't even finished the first section of the paper (and I've just begun to do today's entry in the travelog). Every time I ask Sharyn how come I didn't have time to read the paper, she tells me what went on that particular day that made it so I had no time to read it. My question is more along the lines of how come I never have time to read the paper? I don't know the answer to that question.

Anyway, around noontime Sharyn decided she was going to take a nap. While she did that I went across the street to the library where I could have free access to their online computers (as opposed to paying 25 cents per minute -- my telephone connect cost from Canada when using my own computer). When I got back Sharyn was in the shower. When she finished we drove back into town where she wanted to check out the Confederation Mall. (By the way, Sharyn got mad at me last night when, in her dream, I told her she had "a mini-mall mentality." Whatever that is -- neither of us knows.)

From the mall, which was limited to one hour because of the parking meter, we came back to this side of the river and went to Sobey's, a super market chain store. This particular Sobey's was very impressive with its variety of unusual and gourmet type items. We spent two hours in the store and $150 Canadian on all that stuff that we couldn't just pass by. I was particularly impressed by the way the fresh salmon filet was wrapped. Sharyn selected the pieces she wanted and they were then place in foil packages that were then hermetically sealed.

As we began putting the groceries away our next door neighbors, Rachel and Ralph, from Ottawa invited us to come over for wine and cheese which we gladly accepted. They just recently got their motorhome and this is their biggest trip with it so far. We enjoyed visiting with them for quite a while. We each got a tour of the others motorhome, and at about 10:30 we all returned to our respective homes for a late dinner (we had some excellent Habitant (a Canadian brand) Pea Soup with Smoked Ham). As I wind up today's entry it's 12:37AM and I've yet to read the paper. I'm going to bed.

Odometer reading = 26,259
Miles for day = 0

 

8/28/01
(Sussex NB)

When I woke up this morning Sharyn had already been up for two hours, had coffee made, and had everything cleaned up and ready to go. We talked with Ralph and Rachel for awhile before heading for New Brunswick and back to the US.

Having gotten onto Prince Edward Island via the ferry, we left via the Confederation Bridge. Those are the only two link to get you on and off the Island. There is no toll going on, but we paid $42.25 ($27.45US) to leave via the bridge (it would have been $74 ($48 US) to leave via the ferry.

We are spending the night at Pine Cone Campground just outside of Sussex.

Odometer reading = 26,415
Miles for day = 156

 

8/29/01
(Oak Bay NB)

According to Sharyn, we got up this morning, lollygagged, and left. Oak Bay is about 5 miles east of St. Steven and the US border. We decided to stop on the Canadian side because campground fees basically double when we cross the border into the New England States. As I wrote several weeks ago, campground fees in the New York and New England area are the highest we've seen anywhere.

Odometer reading = 26,528
Miles for day = 113

 

8/30/01
(Appleton ME)

Coming back into the United States, the custom official asked what we had bought while in Canada. I told him "mostly blueberry pies, but we ate them all." He said okay, and waved us on. Quite different from when we went into Canada and the Canadian official searched through all our closets, drawers, and cabinets with a flashlight.

When we got back into the US I filled the gas tank for the first time since we left. We bought gas several times in Canada, but never filled it up. While traveling 1170 miles we used 157.35 gallons. That's 7.44 miles per gallon and right in the 7.5 mpg range which seems to be pretty constant.

Not too far into Maine there was a moose on the other side of the road that was looking to cross. Luckily, at that moment, there was traffic in both directions so he turned and trotted back into the woods. I say luckily because he was in the shadow of the trees and I didn't see him until he started to turn around. Had he come across, and not been hit by oncoming traffic, we would have hit him dead on. Several years ago I hit a white tail deer that probably weighed 120 pounds; the impact did $3500 damage to the car. I can't imagine what an 1800 pound moose would do to the motorhome!

We stopped by Rec-Tec in Brewster ME to talk to the Dometic Service Tech who is supposed to fix our troublesome air conditioner next Thursday. We then spent 20 minutes trying to find Route-1A westbound out of downtown Bangor (across the river from Brewster). Route-1A into downtown is clearly marked, but in the center of downtown the signs just disappear. Finally, the third time around we just took a wide westbound street. Several blocks later the sign told us we were on 1A.

We are at Sennebec Lake Campground which is a Passport America Campground so we paid $15 instead of $25. Passport America is supposed to pay half price, but I'm happy for $15.

Odometer reading = 26,696
Miles for day = 168

 

8/31/01
(Gardiner ME)

This morning, during coffee and conversation,we talked about why some campgrounds "feel" so much better than others. We're not sure, but Sennebec Lake, which seems to have everything that should make it a "good one," somehow misses the boat. My best guess is that many, if not most, of the sites there seem to be set up for the season. They're not really being used by RVers (we were there on a Thursday and most were not occupied at all, even though they all had some kind of RV or camping unit on them) but rather are being used as summer "vacation houses." Actually kind of reminiscent of when we (my parents, sister,and I) camped for the summer in Wildwood State Park in Wading River NY during the 40's.

Anyway, we left there and drove to Gardiner where we parked in my cousin Myra's driveway. When we called her at work we discovered that she was in Chicago, but would probably be back sometime tomorrow. We're not exactly sure what we are going to do over the next several days as this is Labor Day weekend and most campgrounds are booked solid with reservations. We'll probably move from here to Portsmouth NH to visit my sister for a day or so. We will be staying in the area since Sharyn has a flight out of Boston on Tuesday morning when she's flying to Florida to be with her mother who continues to deteriorate.

Odometer reading = 26,734
Miles for day = 37

 

9/1/01
(Gardiner ME)

After our morning coffee and conversation we left a note for Myra and drove through downtown Gardiner (takes about 60-90 seconds). From there we decided to go to Augusta where we knew there was a Barnes & Noble. We probably spent an hour in B&N, during which time I bought another book about Nathan Bedford Forrest, the greatest cavalry leader of the Civil War, and the only soldier in either army to go from private to Lieutenant General during the course of the conflict. Joining the Confederate Army as a 40 year old private, his brilliant tactics and unbridled successes against the Union Army were such that General William Tecumseh Sherman stated that "that devil Forrest" had to be hunted down and killed "if it costs 10,000 lives and bankrupts the Federal treasury". Forrest was wounded numerous times, personally killed 30 union soldiers in hand to hand combat, and had 29 horses shot out from under him. He was a phenomenal warrior. One of his descendants, a fellow named Bill Slater, maintains a Nathan Bedford Forrest website at http://www.nbforrest.com.

Anyway, within two minutes after we returned to the motorhome Myra called. Her plane back from Chicago had landed at Portland shortly after noon, and from there she was driving to Jersey to spend the weekend with two of her aunts. On her way she had stopped to see my sister in Portsmouth and was told that we were parked in her driveway. Oh well, we'll see her another time.

Odometer reading = 26,734
Miles for day = 0

 

9/2/01
(Portsmouth NH)

We arrived in Portsmouth NH around midday and pulled into Wal-Mart's parking lot where we had intended to stay while we were here. Wal-Mart is only several hundred yards down the road from my sister's condo complex, but there were signs in the parking lot that said overnight parking by RV was prohibited. Since Wal-Mart makes a point of being RV friendly, and almost without exception makes their parking lots available for RVers to park overnight, the signs caught us by surprise. Inquiring of the assistant manager we were told that it was not Wal-Mart, but the City ordinance that prohibited the overnight parking by RVs (but not by cars or trucks).

Anyway, we left the motorhome in the parking lot and went to my sister's. The three of us went out to lunch and drove around town for a short while. My sister loves Portsmouth and never passes up the chance to drive someone around and show them what a great place it is. We've had this tour several times. We then returned to her apartment where we did a lot of "visiting." I spent time enjoying her cable Internet connection.

When the day was over we moved the motorhome to the Comfort Inn parking lot where we spent the night.

Odometer reading = 26,847
Miles for day = 114

 

9/3/01
(Portsmouth NH)

After we got up this morning we took the motorhome back to Wal-Mart's parking lot. I think it's a better security situation there than at the Comfort Inn.

After another day of visiting, during which Sharyn also got all our laundry done, we then, with the motorhome, followed my sister to the overflow parking lot at the bus terminal. We are going to sleep here tonight, and then Sharyn is taking the 6:am bus to the Boston airport where she has an 8:am flight direct to Fort Meyers FL to spend time with her mother. I'll probably go back to St. John NB and spend some time there while I wait for her to return.

Odometer reading = 26,853
Miles for day = 6

 

9/4/01
(Gardiner ME)

It was 12:30 this morning before Sharyn had all her stuff packed. Four hours later, at 4:am, we got up, dressed, etc, and traveled the several hundred yards to the bus terminal where Sharyn got the 6 o'clock bus that took her right to the Delta terminal at Logan International Airport. By 6:30 I was on my way back north where I arrived at Myra's several hours later. With only fours sleep last night I was kind of tired and took several naps during the course of the day. I also went to the grocery store and the post office to mail our granddaughter Mary's birthday present. Sharyn had asked me please not to forget and I thought I was being real good. The only problem was that when I got to the post office I realized that the package had not been addressed and I didn't know the address.

This evening Myra joined me in the motorhome for a bring your own dinner. She had cereal and I had leftover steamed vegetables.

Odometer reading = 26,956
Miles for day = 103

 

9/5/01
(Brewer ME)

This morning, after instant coffee and . . . (no conversation) . . . I got all set to leave and took off for Brewer, and RecTech RV Service. Since I had less than a 100 miles to travel and all day to get there I decided to take Route-202 pretty much from Augusta to Brewer. It's a beautiful drive along a two lane roadway that weaves it way through rolling countryside, small farms, and a few forgotten hamlets. The weather was clear and brisk with gusty fall winds. A few of the leaves are starting to turn color, and with last nights rain the fields and woods looked particularly clean and crisp.

I pulled into a campground conveniently located right next door to RecTech. The sign at the entrance reads, "All sites $18 including tax. Pick a site, I'll see you later." As I was setting up I saw that the outside rear right tire was flat. Flat in that it had broken loose from the rim, although it was still on the rim. Those two tires, while hotter than the two on the other side were not as hot as they would have been if I had traveled any great distance like that -- to say nothing of the fact that the tire would have come off the rim completely in a very short distance. I can't imagine that I could have gone any distance at all without feeling the loss of that tire.

Anyway, I called the road service number I have for the Family Motor Coach Association and they had someone come out who changed the wheel and put on the spare. If I was going to have a flat tire I would be hard pressed to pick a more convenient place or set of circumstances.

I called Sharyn in Florida (twice) and she's doing fine. Her mother also seems to be doing better than she has been on the last two occasions that Sharyn has flown down there.

Odometer reading = 27,040
Miles for day = 84

 

9/6/01
(Brewer ME)

This morning I made a real pot of coffee and shortly thereafter I moved the motorhome next door to RecTech to have the rear A/C repaired. After that was done I went to a local tire dealer to see about getting a replacement tire for the one that went bad. It had sustained a large cut in the sidewall that I thought would warrant a new tire based on a road hazard warranty (prorated on thread wear) but was told that the motorhome tires had no such warranty. He would of course sell me a new tire for $275. I have to check further on this bit about no road hazard warranty.

****** NOTE ******

Since Sharyn is away and I'm just going to be, for the most part, "hanging out," the daily entries I make will be rather short, if I make one at all. On days that I change location I will write to say where I have moved to. On days that I just read the paper, read my books, and/or watch the news and/or the History channel, I probably won't write at all. While I sometimes do it, I try not to make a habit of writing too many words about nothing.

Odometer reading = 27,045
Miles for day = 5

 

9/7/01
(St. John NB)

I had decided several days ago that St. John, where we spent several days a few weeks back, would be the place I'd return to while waiting for Sharyn to return. While the campground is somewhat sterile, I find it comfortable. The satellite works from here, I can get Maine Public Radio, there is a modem connection, and a laundry room. Also, St. John, the City itself is less than five minutes away and it's an interesting place. Very old.

The last time we came into Canada they searched out motorhome. This time the guy me if I had a gun, to which I replied "no." He said "guaranteed?", and I responded "guaranteed, I left it at my sister's." He then told me to go ahead and have a nice time.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 173

 

9/8/01
(St. John NB)

Went to town and bought milk and a few groceries.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/9/01
(St. John NB)

Today I began waxing the motorhome, starting at the rear edge of the driver's door and going as far as the front passenger side corner (the portion below the windshield). My plan is that if I do a little every day I should have it completed by the time Sharyn gets home.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/10/01
(St. John NB)

Today was cold and foggy. I drove into town and bought a bunch of fresh vegetables.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/11/01
(St. John NB)

Like many Americans, I spent the day in front of the television as the horrific results of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington unfolded.

I had not put up our flag when we arrived here because I thought it might be a little bit "in your face" to fly a large American flag while in Canada. Midday today I reversed that decision and did put up the flag. Also, Jordan called and said that she had bought a 3' x 5' flag and hung it on the front of her house. Good for her!

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/12/01
(St. John NB)

This morning I saw that the flags flying on the bluff overlooking the City of St. John were flying at half mast, as are all the flags throughout the City.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/13/01 through 9/25/01
(St. John NB)

Not much happening.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/26/01
(Portsmouth NH)

Today was a good day. I got up at 5:23am, filled my mug with instant coffee, and at 5:55 I was on my way (with the car, not the motorhome) to Portsmouth NH from St. John NB. Ten hours and 360 miles later I picked Sharyn up at the Portsmouth bus terminal as she arrived back from Florida. She had flown out of, and today flew back into, Logan Airport in Boston; the point of departure for the two planes that flew into the World Trade Center.

Actually, the drive to Portsmouth only took seven hours. I went to my sister's house and waited for Sharyn to call.

We will spend the night at my sister's, and tomorrow we'll drive back to St. John and the motorhome. Now that Sharyn is back it's a whole new world. I tell her she is very much appreciated and doesn't have to go away for three weeks for me to realize it!

I am not totally satisfied with the dateline for today's entry being "Portsmouth NH." The dateline has always been where we and the motorhome are that day. This is the first time since we left Virginia in February 2000 that we are not sleeping in the motorhome. Therefor the dilemma was should the dateline reflect where we are or where the motorhome is? Probably where the motorhome is since that is, at least for that day, where we live. So why did I do it this way? I don't know.

Also, the odometer reading and miles for the day refer to the motorhome, not the car.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/27/01
(St. John NB)

This morning, Sharyn and I left my sister's home in Portsmouth and drove back to the motorhome in St. John NB. It took us 45 minutes to get through Canadian customs, 43 minutes just waiting in line. Entry was no problem.

By the time we arrived at the motorhome we both had very sore backsides. The seats in our Honda CRV are much like wooden chairs -- they leave a lot of room for improvement.

Anyway, now that we're both back at the motorhome we can get on with our lives.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/28/01
(St. John NB)

This morning, once again, we started off with coffee and conversation -- the conversation outlasted the coffee!

Later on we went to town to get some much needed groceries. Sharyn's comment, followed by a slight laugh, when she first looked in the refrigerator was, "Mother Hubbard's cupboard." While we were out I also showed Sharyn the shopping mall that I had discovered. We went to Wal-Mart and checked out Canadian Tire, the major Canadian retailer that is always mentioned as the one that is successfully competing against the American retail chains that some say are taking over the Canadian markets.

Other than that is was just sit around, read, and let Sharyn have some R&R recovery time.

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/29/01
(St. John NB)

The main event today was that I finished waxing the motorhome! When I began on 9/9/01 I had planned to make it a two week project. It took 20 days -- oh well -- that's the way things go. It looks good.

While I was finishing the motorhome Sharyn did the laundry. When we had both finished, we spent the rest of the day reading.

Once again, the weather has cleared up from several days of cloudy and rain, and returned to sunny, windy, cool, and beautiful. It is really very nice!

Odometer reading = 27,218
Miles for day = 0

 

9/30/01
(Brewer ME)

After our coffee and conversation we did all the things necessary to move on to the next place. It probably took us an hour and a half to get to the US/Canadian border crossing at St. Steven's NB. There is no place for the US bound traffic to wait in line, other than by being backed up all the way down the main street in St. Steven's. Since it was Sunday most businesses were closed, but I suspect that on a regular business workday the merchants must be pretty unhappy about the traffic situation. Main Street is only a two lane road and it stands still. Anyway, it only took us 35 minutes to the customs check point and probably another 5 or 6 minutes to get cleared through. They checked both our ID's, and while one agent walked through the motorhome several others opened all the basement compartments and looked though the Honda. They were very friendly and polite and doing their job as they should. One thing we remarked about was that no one seems to be impatient or anything besides understanding and cooperative. I hope that as the weeks and months go by this positive public attitude does not change.

We are spending the night in the same campground that I stayed in several weeks ago, right next door to RecTech, the RV place that did the warranty work on the rear heat pump.

There is a Broadway family reunion (my mother was a Broadway) taking place in Florence SC on October 13. We have rearranged what had been some loosely shaped plans and, unless we change or plans again, we're heading to South Carolina.

Odometer reading = 27,389
Miles for day = 171

 

10/1/01
(Portsmouth NH)

We slept kind of late this morning and didn't get on the road until a few minutes before noon. When we got to Portsmouth we left the motorhome in Wal-Mart's parking lot and took the car to my sister's apartment. Since she works four-10 hour days she won't get home until around 7:30. In the meanwhile I've been playing on her computer -- with high speed cable access -- while Sharyn is reading.

I suspect that nothing else will happen today that will warrant my adding to, or amending, today's entry.

Odometer reading = 27,577
Miles for day = 189

 

10/2/01
(Boonton NJ)

Last night we spent the night in Wal-Mart's parking lot. Wal-Mart is very good with RVers and, in fact, has a company policy of inviting RVers to spend the night in one of their parking lots. RVers respond well to this accommodation, and in exchange for this privilege they make it a point to patronize Wal-Mart whenever possible. For most full-timers Wal-Mart is the supply store of choice for most items, frequently including groceries at a Wal-Mart Super Center.

Anyway, after our usual coffee and conversation, and some purchases at Wal-Mart, we were on on way, again heading south. We had figured that we would stop and visit with Irene and Harry in Boonton NJ, but that we would take two days to get there. Well it turns out that there are not a great number of campgrounds enroute so, by default, we drove straight through to Boonton, even though that caused us to break out "not more than 200 miles per day" rule.

I have known Irene and Harry since high school, and Sharyn has known them for as long as she has known me, which while that does not go back to high school, it does go back for more than a third of a century.

Odometer reading = 27,866
Miles for day = 289

 

10/3/01
(Boonton NJ)

It was a very pleasant day as we pretty much did nothing in particular but sit around and talk. As the day progress we had some wine and cheese on the patio bordering the pond.

At one point during the day Harry, Irene, and Sharyn had gone into town while I stayed at the house. When I took the newspaper out to the patio one of Irene's deer was was standing right by the lounge I had been sitting in. I said "Hi guy" as I went to and sat in the lounge and began reading the paper. The deer just looked at me as I walked toward her and the lounge, and as I sat down she returned to grazing not more than four feet from where I sat. Between the tame deer, the ducks, and the geese, we have referred to this place as Irene's petting zoo.

Harry and Irene are finally going to be grandparents and to say that they are excited would be an understatement -- particularly with respect to Irene. Tomorrow is Karen's official "due date" and it does seem that the time is near.

Odometer reading = 27,866
Miles for day = 0

 

10/4/01
(Stateline PA)

This morning we woke up to the sound of voices outside of the motorhome. It was Irene and Karen and they were wondering why they had not yet seen us -- it was past 10 o'clock and we had still been sound asleep. We had not seen Karen since we got here and I had expected her to really look tired and distressed. She looked great; clearly pregnant, but not anything but happy and cheery. It may be that Karen is handling it better than Irene.

Anyway, we were on the road by noontime, heading for Charlottesville, Virginia where we have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. We plan to spend several days there before moving on to the Broadway family reunion in Sumter SC on October 13. We almost always travel the New Jersey Turnpike, I-95, and I-495 around Washington DC when traveling from Jersey to Charlottesville, but Sharyn's stomach begins to knot up as we begin that trip. For some reason the trucks and traffic on that section of I-95 and on I-495 get her extremely upset. Accordingly, this time we took I-287, I-78, and I-81 down through western Jersey, Pennsylvania, and tomorrow on through western Maryland, etc. This way is a little bit longer, both with respect to time and distance, but I had to admit to Sharyn that it is quite a bit nicer.

We had not traveled very far today when we saw gasoline for $1.279 per gallon. I can't recall when we last saw gas that cheap. Even though we still had over half a tank, we didn't want to pass up a price like that. We topped off with 31 gallons for $39. Let's keep that trend going!

Odometer reading = 28,089
Miles for day = 223

 

10/5/01
(Charlottesville VA)

We had a relaxed and easy drive to Phil and Kim's house in Charlottesville, Virginia. We arrived in the early afternoon and were all set up in their back yard (complete with 50 amp service) by the time they got home from work..

Katlin and Philip have both gotten bigger since we last saw them -- they're well on their way to becoming grown up people.

We talked later into the night then was probably good for Phil and Kim since Katlin and Philip won't sleep late even though it'll be Saturday morning.

Odometer reading = 28,281
Miles for day = 192

 

10/6/01 to 10/9/01
(Charlottesville VA)

We spent lots of time with Phil, Kim, Katlin, and Philip, having dinner with them each night. One day Sharyn picked Katlin up at school and they spent the afternoon doing "girl stuff" in and around Charlottesville (she's a good grandma).

This afternoon Phil and I went down to the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club range and did some handgun shooting. Phil's friend Dave was also there and shot with us. Talk about looking bad -- Phil and Dave both shoot competitively and usually finish in the top 10%. I told them I feel better about myself when I shoot with Sharyn.

We also shot Phil's AR-15 so I could see how it shot. He is selling this one to buy (thanks Babe) a "cooler" one that will be much better than this one. Apparently since the terrorist attacks on September 11, the demand for AR-15's has increased so dramatically that he can sell this one for what he paid for it.

Odometer reading = 28,281
Miles for day = 0

 

10/10/01
(Greensboro NC)

We got up at 6:10 this morning so we could have coffee with Phil before he left for work at 6:45. It wasn't too long after Phil left that Katlin came out to the motorhome to see us and say good-bye. A bit later Kim and Philip joined us also so it was a rather nice morning with lots of long good-byes.

We were actually on the road before 9 o'clock (a substantial departure from our usual 11 o'clockish).

We stopped before 3 o'clock in Greensboro NC which is probably a little short of the halfway point to Shaw AFB in Sumter SC. Whatever the remaining distance, we'll complete that tomorrow.

Gas in Charlottesville could be had from a number of stations for $1.17 to $1.19. When we got into the Lynchburg area gas was frequently less than $1.10. In the summer of 2000 we paid more than twice that much, $2.29 in California. I told Sharyn today that it looks as if we'll soon see gas for less than a dollar. For full-time RVers these sure are welcome prices.

As we travel we frequently talk about the "best" places we've seen, the "prettiest" places, the place we'd most like to live (we haven't found that one yet), etc. Scenes like this (ignore the dirty windshield) on US-29 south of Charlottesville precipitate such discussion.

Odometer reading = 28,471
Miles for day = 190

 

10/11/01
(Sumter SC)

The first thing we did this morning after leaving the campground was get lost while trying retrace the mile and a half back to I-85. Upon exiting the campground the conversation went something like. "I think we are supposed to turn left." "No we have to turn right." I don't remember who said which, or what way we turned, but it was the first step to getting lost and having to get directions.

Anyway, after that everything went smoothly and eventually we got to Shaw AFB in Sumter SC. We had been concerned that with the current threat level we might not have been allowed to enter the base, but we had called yesterday and were told that while security at the gates was very high we would be allowed entry after appropriate procedures had been followed. We both feel very good about the level of security surrounding the base. Actually, it's great to be an American!

We're all set up with 50 amp service, the dish can see the satellite, and the cell phone has a full strength signal. All that for $13/day. How much more could we ask for. In addition, the Broadway reunion is at the Grace Baptist Church in Sumter which is, according to my figuring, only ten miles from here.

For now we're both going to go to bed early -- we're both tired.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 217

 

10/12/01
(Sumter SC)

Today we drove to Grace Baptist Church in Sumter so we would know where it was was and be able to get there tomorrow without getting lost. As we were heading back to the base we passed North Purdy Street. When I was a little kid my grandparents lived on North Purdy so we drove down the street and actually found the house. The front porch is not the same as it used to be, and it's be re-sided with vinyl. Other than that the outside looks the same as it did 50 years ago. There was a super giant (oak?) tree in the center of the back yard. I told Sharyn I wanted to go back tomorrow when someone might be home. I'd like to see the backyard and the inside of the house.

When we got back to the base we went to the BX and the commissary,plus I got a haircut.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/13/01
(Sumter SC)

We went to the Broadway Family Reunion at the Grace Baptist Church in Sumter. There were only two people there when we arrived, but eventually there were about 25 of us. The only person I knew was a cousin Bobby Thigpen whom I had met several years ago. It was his e-mail that alerted us to this get together.

While we were not all of the same generation, we are all descendants of Lewis Broadway (1798-1857) and his wife Elizabeth Weeks Broadway (1802-1860). They were my great-great-grandparents on my grandfather's side, while they were my great-great-great-grandparents on my grandmother's side. (That is not a misstatement.)

From the reunion we went to the Broadway-Galloway Cemetery near Home Branch. I had never been to this cemetery where Lewis and Elizabeth Broadway are buried. This is Sharyn and Thomas Broadway, a great-grandson of Lewis and Elizabeth looking at some of the damage that has done to the grave stones in this small family cemetery. The stones laying flat on the ground in front of, and to the left of, Sharyn are the broken off headstones of Lewis and Elizabeth.

From there we drove several miles to the Home Branch Cemetery where my grandparents, great-grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins are buried.

I guess it's time I get back to getting all my family info in order.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/14/01
(Sumter SC)

While sitting outside having our morning coffee and conversation we decided to extend our stay here for another week. We decided that a lot of the things that we never get around to doing (sorting and throwing away the magazines we've read, setting up a sample campground website to use as a tool to sell such sites, work on the Broadway family tree stuff, etc.) is because we each always feel that we either have to get moving on down the road or get ready to get moving. We've been here several days and now we're going to stay another week. It's sort of an experiment -- we're still working out a system -- or perhaps more accurately stated, working out some system parameters.

Later we decided to go to Wal-Mart to get some milk and stuff I need to replace and improve the water hose that connects the filter system to the the fresh water inlet connection. It turned out that none of the Wal-Mart type stores open until 1:30. Since that was more than an hour away we decided to go back to Home Branch Cemetery so I could verify some dates in my file by comparing the dates on headstones. When we got back from the cemetery we went to Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Lowe's, and Piggly Wiggly, before returning to the base.

Since our return I've redone the water line (I like the way it came out), defrosted the refrigerator, and we've had our dinner.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/15/01
(Sumter SC)

Yesterday I told Sharyn that I was disappointed that there weren't any aircraft flying from this base. Well this morning a group of F-16s took off and woke us up. I listened to them go and then, figuring that it was time to get up, I opened my eyes -- it was still pitch black outside. It was 6:03am. It took awhile to get back to sleep as several more groups took off. Sharyn rolled over and said, "you said you wanted to hear the planes take off." Actually I like being right at the end of the runway when they take off right in front of you. The ground, the air, the whole world around you vibrates with the overwhelming roar of the engines and in less than 30 seconds they have traveled so far you can no longer see them. And then you think, "that's my team!" I find it the greatest thrill.

Anyway, we obviously did go back to sleep because the next time I woke up Sharyn had the coffee going and it was 9:30.

Sharyn did the laundry while I finally made the phone calls and put together and mailed the stuff necessary to take care of a number of things that I've been meaning to do for several months. Otherwise we just sat outside on our "patio" and enjoyed the sunshine and pleasant weather.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/16/01
(Sumter SC)

Slow day today.

Went to the local (not too good) shopping mall. Did a thorough vacuuming and semi-thorough cleaning. Hung out. Worked on Broadway stuff.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/17/01
(Sumter SC)

This morning we had extensive coffee and conversation, first in the motorhome, then sitting outside in the cool air and bright sunshine. After lunch I went to the Sumter County Genealogical Research Center while Sharyn stayed at the campground cleaning and reading her book. We each had a good day.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/18/01
(Sumter SC)

 

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/19/01
(Sumter SC)

This afternoon we drove into Columbia SC which is about 40 miles west of Sumter. We bought a genealogical software package, Family Tree Maker, by Broderbund. So far I've messed with it for several hours and I've concluded that I've wasted a lot of time typing information into Word documents. I'm in the process of copying all that stuff into Family Tree Maker. The way it handles and manipulates all that information is very impressive.

While we were in Columbia we also went to Fort Jackson to check out their FamCamp (the Army doesn't call them FamCamps) as we had considered moving to Columbia early next week to have a more convenient base to check out all that's there. Having seen their FamCamp we'll stay where we are and just drive the car to Columbia.

Anyway, it was a good day. It's now 1:35am and Sharyn been asleep for quite awhile. I'm going to bed too.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/20/01
(Sumter SC)

Today we went to Florence SC to see Myrtle, a childhood (and life long) friend of my mother. Myrtle is 91 years old and maybe gets around better than I do. When we had been calling her for three days with no one ever answering the telephone we got worried and called her cousin in Florence to say that Myrtle's phone had gone unanswered for three days. He said that he'd noticed she wasn't in church on Sunday and that he'd check it out. He called us back the next day to tell us that Myrtle had decided to "go to the mountains" for a week to enjoy the fall foliage.

Anyway, when we did get to see her she had been amused that her absence from church had been noticed and that people had been checking up on her whereabouts. She had thoroughly enjoyed her trip which had included Ashville NC and numerous points in-between. As she told us, she does all her own house cleaning, shopping, etc., and even washes her car -- a 1986 Oldsmobile that she bought new and only has 20,000 miles on it.

After coffee and cake, and several hours of conversation we said good-bye and drove back to Sumter. This is Myrtle and Sharyn as we were leaving.

On the way back we drove past a number of cotton fields. Having, in the past, given some of our grandkids branches off of a cotton plant to show them where cotton came from -- they had a problem with the concept that "cotton grows on plants" -- we though we should take a few pictures so they could see what kind of a place we got those branches from. Take note guys, here's grandma standing in one of those "old cotton fields back home." Here's a close up view of a cotton plant. See, I told you so!

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/21/01
(Sumter SC)

This was a quiet Sunday at home. Basically I entered data into Family Tree Maker most of the day. I'm not quite finished entering all that I have, but I'm getting close. The program will print out the information you feed into it in any number of different types of reports or charts. When I quit for the day I printed out a diagram of my grandfather's branch of the tree going back as far as his great grandfather, and coming current as far as our (and my first cousin's) grandchildren. The chart printed out on nine pages that then had to be taped together. When I'm finished putting all the information into the program I'll print a chart showing what will probably work out to be my grandfather's great-great grandparents and all of their descendants. As far as I can tell, no one has been able to find any reliable information going back further than that -- but that goes back to the American Revolution. Far enough back for most purposes.

The only thing I don't like about Family Tree Maker is that it doesn't appear as if there is any way I can copy, or cut and paste, so as to be able to send any of the reports via e-mail. That's a real drawback because I'd like to send certain family group reports to people who may have some personal knowledge or better information than I do. i.e.: check my work for errors or omissions.

While I was doing that stuff, Sharyn was sitting out in the sun (except when it started to rain) reading her book.

After eating dinner we took the daily walk that we haven't taken for probably the last four months. We'll have to do better.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/22/01
(Sumter SC)

Today the plan was that we'd go to Columbia SC (about 40 miles from here) and I'd stay at the SC State Archives while Sharyn would take the car and go check out some of the nearby shopping malls. It turned out that the Archives are closed on Mondays, so we both went to a couple of malls, but we didn't stay nearly as long, or do them in the degree of thoroughness, as Sharyn would have if she had been alone.

At one mall I stayed at Barnes and Noble while she checked out the second Dillard's for the day.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/23/01 and 10/24/01
(Sumter SC)

For two day I've been entering data into Family Tree Maker and Sharyn has been reading. Since Phil introduced her to Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six she has become a fan of his. Having finished Rainbow Six she then read Sum of All Fears. Now she's reading Debt of Honor. I believe this is the last one has, and in a perfect world she will turn the last page just as I enter the last name.

The only deviation from the above activities was this afternoon when Sharyn did the laundry.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/25/01
(Sumter SC)

We started out around noon (after coffee and conversation) and drove to Paxville SC where we were going to find the house where my mother and her siblings grew up. We were also going to check out the Paxville Cemetery where lots of Broadways and relations are buried. With the help of a "very old timer" who we met while making a U-turn at a recycling place, we first found the old farm house that had belonged to my grandfather's brother, Lewis Broadway. We stopped there where we met and talked with Ernest Broadway (we're some kind of cousins) and his mother, Tedo. They gave us some of the local history of the farm and the family.

Ernest then led us down to my grandfather's house which we had driven past because the last time I saw it (30 years ago) it was standing on wood posts, had old weathered wood siding that looked as if it had never been painted, and was quite neglected (my grandfather had lost the farm during the depression and it was no longer in the family). Today, it has been enclosed around the bottom, recovered with vinyl siding, and the yard has been planted with grass and cleaned up. It looked nothing like that photo when my mother lived there. Until she went away to Winthrop University (then called "Winthrop -- The South Carolina State College for Women") she had never lived in a place that had "indoor plumbing".

It's nice that these two houses, once owned by two Broadway brothers, and lost during the depression (together with over 300 acres), today are back in the hands of two more Broadway brothers.

Ernest then led us on down the road to the Paxville Cemetery that is off of a dirt road behind a stand of woods. He showed us some of his family graves and we talked for awhile. After he left, Sharyn and I continued walking around checking out the many headstones and filling in some blank spaces in our information from what we could get from the grave markers.

Another interesting thing were personal resemblance's that both Sharyn and Ernest saw. Sharyn said that she sees a similarity between my mother's sister Frances and Ernest. She also saw two of our kids, Phil and Jordan, in Ernest's son. Ernest sees a similarity between me and his father (whom I never met). All in all it was a very interesting day.

We then decided that since we were only about 20 miles from Santee where my cousin Tom (we've known each other since we were little kids) and his wife lived we'd stop by and see them for a brief visit. We did that and then came back to the base to have soup for dinner at 9:30.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/26/01
(Sumter SC)

About the only thing we did today was get Sharyn's ticket to fly to her mother's 80th birthday party. Other than that I was putting data into Family Tree Maker and Sharyn went across the base to the commissary to get milk and a few groceries.

We had planned to go to Columbia today, but during coffee and conversation we decided to stay here until November 15 when Sharyn returns from Florida. She flies out of Charleston on November 10 but I'm going to stay here until she gets back. Since that means we're going to be here for a number of weeks we'll have plenty of opportunity to go to Columbia another time. Besides, after we finished our coffee and conversation and got Sharyn's tickets (on line) it was almost 3 o'clock.

It was a beautiful day.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/27/01
(Sumter SC)

Today was pretty much data entry day. In addition to the Broadway family, we started putting in Sharyn's ancestors as best we can. Several years ago her father's cousin Irene Murphy gave Sharyn a bunch of stuff that she had gathered over the years. We've got a good part, but not all, of it entered.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/28/01
(Sumter SC)

We were going to go to Columbia today, but by the time Sharyn started to get ready it was after 2 o'clock so we both decided it was too late to go.

We finished entering all the data we had for both Sharyn's family and my mother's family, Broadway.

All these daily entries read very boringly, but we are relaxed and enjoying our rather easy living.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/29/01
(Sumter SC)

Today I went to the Probate Court in Sumter to check up on some loose ends of the estate of one of my mother's sisters. I then found Sumter Cemetery where a number of ancestors, including this aunt are buried. I also attended to what might be described as a number of "business" matters, most of which I was able to do online or via e-mail.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/30/01
(Sumter SC)

Today we finally made it to Columbia. I dropped Sharyn off at one of the malls while I went to the State Archives (should be a photo here).

Later we met at Barnes and Noble at the mall where Sharyn bought another Tom Clancy book. We read for awhile, then went to the Golden Corral for dinner. Then Sam's and then back to the base.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

10/31/01
(Sumter SC)

Ordered a printer cartridge and bought groceries.

Also, Sharyn worked on her "blue dot."

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

11/1/01 to 11/4/01
(Sumter SC)

Obviously I'm typing this on the fourth (Sunday) and I can't remember the first or the second -- probably because nothing that would have made interesting reading happened on those days. Don't misunderstand, enjoyable days don't necessarily make interesting reading..

Anyway, yesterday we took a tour of Fort Sumter in Charleston. The package included round trip bus (bigger than a van but smaller than a regular bus) transportation from Shaw AFB and a two and a half hour boat tour of Charleston Harbor that included one hour on Fort Sumter. It sounded like a good trip and we were looking forward to it. Unfortunately, if we had it to do again, we wouldn't.

In Sumter the bus turned onto US-15 heading north. This didn't make any sense to me and I told Sharyn that I thought the driver was going the wrong way, that we should be heading south on US-15. However, I'm pretty much a tourist who has been in town for less than a month, while the other guy is the tour bus driver. I should have said something. Sumter is 100 miles from Charleston. Florence SC is 130 miles from Charleston, and almost 40 miles north of Sumter. He drove us to Florence where he got onto I-95 and then headed back south to I-26 and Charleston. Before we started back I spoke to him about a much more direct route and we came back to Sumter in accordance with my suggestion.

There was TV and VCR on the bus and we had round trip, nonstop, video movies with the volume quite loud. I equate that to someone entering a rather small public place with a big boom box playing loud noises which he proclaims to enjoy. Everyone in the area is subjected to whatever noise he chooses to fill the area with. That's the way it was on the bus -- and it was a long ride!

As we started to head back to Sumter the driver said we were going to have a vote. I was encouraged because I thought we were going to vote on whether to have the TV on again. I was wrong. The vote was whether to drive straight back or stop somewhere at a fast food place for dinner. He first asked who wanted to go straight home. I immediately raised my hand. One lady looked around and saw my hand up and raised hers also. Ours were the only two that went up. I think one kid voted to stop, but we didn't. I think the driver thought I was a grinch, but that's okay. By that time I just wanted to get home.

The seats on this bus were small and hard -- very uncomfortable. I thought that the seats in our Honda were better. Sharyn thought they were both about the same. Anyway we got home with two sore butts.

Fort Sumter and the boat tour were good except that one hour at Fort Sumter is not nearly enough. If we did not have the need to catch the boat I suspect that we would have spent three or four hours walking around, checking out the museum, and talking with the Park Service Rangers, who are usually quite knowledgeable about the history of the place where they work. Admittedly, most people do not do these places as thoroughly as we do.

I suspect that while Sharyn is in Florida I'll return to Fort Sumter. (We've decided that we'll take the motorhome to Charleston on Thursday, November 8, and I'll stay there while Sharyn is in Florida).

At the beginning of the Civil War the walls of Fort Sumter were three stories high with heavy gun emplacements on the first two levels. (When the war began Fort Sumter was only about 90% completed and had only 60 of its planned 135 guns in place, and most of these were not the large coastal artillery guns that had been intended for the fort). By the end of the war the top two levels had basically been blown away and reduced to ruble by an estimated seven million pounds of Federal artillery shells that had been fired at the fort during the four years of the war (another imbedded artillery shell). By the end of the war the ruble of the two upper levels pretty nearly had buried the lower level in crumbled and powdered brick and debris.

By the way, for those who might be interested, and for those who read this anyway, when Confederate Forces opened fire on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, they were under the command of General Pierre G. T. Beauregard. Fort Sumter's garrison was commanded by Union Army Major Robert Anderson. When Beauregard was a cadet at West Point his favorite instructor had been his artillery professor, Captain Robert Anderson. On April 15, 1865, six days after Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox, Anderson returned to Fort Sumter to raise the same flag he had lowered in surrender four years and a day earlier.

Today I met the wife of the family that now own the house where my grandparents lived after all their kids were grown. It's the house that we used to visit when I was a small boy. Except for the kitchen and bathroom the inside was just about as I remembered it. Except for the aluminum siding, and the fact that the porch no longer wraps around the corner of the house by the driveway, the outside is just as it was 50 years ago. Also, as I told Sharyn and the lady that lives there now, it is difficult to imagine that the house numbers are the same ones that were there in the 1940's, but their location, the way they slope down to the right, and the many coats of paint that cover them all convince me that they are the same ones that were there when I was a kid. I always had taken special note of these numbers because I was proud of the fact that I recognized the pattern as being almost 1-2-3. While we were looking for the house several weeks ago I told Sharyn that the address was either 124 or 235. Now I have to see if I can find an old photograph of the house with the numbers visible.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

11/5/01 to 11/7/01
(Sumter SC)

We continued with our daily coffee and conversation which is something that routinely occurs everyday. For the last several weeks we have been following up our coffee and conversation with our morning walk. We started off by walking a mile every morning, but within a week that had been extended to a two mile walk that takes 34 minutes. We walk a measured mile that takes 17 minutes, then turn around and walk back, taking the total time when we finish to insure that we haven't slacked off on the return. We're quite consistent in our time. The first mile is always 17 minutes +/- less than 30 seconds. Total time is always 34 minutes +/- 1 minute. Upon our return Sharyn's pulse is in the 80's and mine is in the 60's. Maybe after awhile we'll increase our distance to 4 miles so we'll be walking for an hour.

This is Sharyn approaching the FamCamp entrance on the walk back. The motorhome is about 1,000 feet from the entrance.

Today, Wednesday, the 7th, Dell Computer sent a repair man out from Columbia to replace the LCD display on my laptop. When I bought this computer I paid an extra $99 to have an extended three year on-site warranty. The display has been messing up intermittently for about a year and a half. Yesterday I called Dell and told them what was happening. I also told him that I had posted a photo of the problem at http://www.stringbean.com/dell.jpg and that he should look at the picture rather than have me describe it. He did, and he said he'd ship a new display to their service man in Columbia and that the service guy would call me. He called at 9:am today and we met at a diner down the road from the base where, over a cup of coffee, he replaced the display and the entire hinged cover on the computer. All of that happened in less than 24 hours after I called Dell. I think that's pretty impressive (of course there was no charge for anything).

One more thing. Phil sent me a picture that I think should be shared.

Odometer reading = 28,688
Miles for day = 0

 

11/8/01
(Charleston SC)

After spending four weeks at Shaw AFB it was time to move on. This was one of the nicest FamCamps we've ever stayed at, and one we will return to again. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Sumter.

As we were leaving Sumter we filled the motorhome with gas because, while we still had a third of a tank, gas was only $1 per gallon. On the way to Charleston we passed a number of gas stations that were selling gas at less than a dollar! It's probably been three years since we've seen gas that cheap.

We're now at the FamCamp at Charleston AFB. This base is right next door to Charleston Airport from which Sharyn flies to Florida Saturday morning to help her mother celebrate her 80th birthday. Tomorrow we'll check out the base and some of the surrounding area.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 108

 

11/9/01
(Charleston SC)

After our coffee and conversation we went for our two mile, 34 minute, walk. A short distance down the road we cut out along the golf cart path through the golf course. It was very pleasant until some golfer told us that we were not allowed to use the golf course as an exercise trail. I don't know whether or not that's true, but we went back out to the roadway and continued on our way.

Later in the day we made a dry run to the airport terminal so that we would not have any trouble finding it at 5:30 tomorrow morning. There was a police roadblock on the airport entrance road and they asked us to open the rear window so they could check the space behind the rear seat.

We then went and checked out a nearby Sam's Club that is at least twice as large as any Sam's we've ever seen. We bought some groceries and looked at scanners. From there we went to the commissary where Sharyn did more grocery shopping while I checked out a book sale taking place in a large tent set up in the parking lot. I almost bought a book on the battle at the Little Bighorn, but since I've got several books already lined up on the shelf to read I decided I didn't need that one. However, it was only $9 so I think if it's still there tomorrow I may buy it anyway.

Sharyn's got her one bag (a carry on) packed and ready to go. As soon as she gets out of the shower we'll both go to bed since we've set the alarm clock for 5:am.

One other thing we did today was call and get tickets to see the Hunley, the confederate submarine that sank the USS Housatonic off of Charleston Harbor in 1864. After the Housatonic exploded (becoming the first ship to be sunk by an enemy submarine), the Hunley signaled the Confederates on shore, via a prearranged light signal, that the mission was a success. The Hunley never returned and her disappearance remained a mystery until she was found and raised from the bottom of the Atlantic about two years ago. The crew's remains were still aboard along with many items of personal property belonging to the crew members.. More details of the Hunley will be included on Friday, November 16 when we get to see it. The excavation of the interior of the sub is still going on so it is something I'm really looking forward to seeing.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/10/01
(Charleston SC)

We got up this morning (last night) at 4:30am. Coffee was ready at 4:40, I was ready at 4:45, and Sharyn was ready at 5:15. Since she had a 6:20 flight it was good we had gotten up a half hour earlier than originally planned. Anyway, we left here at 5:15 and I dropped her off in front of the USAir terminal (you can't leave your car for a minute) and drove back to the motorhome. I was back in bed at 5:40.

Since the motorhome is next to a giant live oak, the tree blocks our satellite signal so TV is limited to local channels -- although there are about five of them we can receive. However, there is no PBS, Fox News, MSNBC, C-Span, History or Discovery Channels. That pretty much means there's no TV. I keep watching for a site with a clear shot at the satellite to open up. If and when it does I'll move the motorhome. I don't care too much for TV, but when Sharyn's not here I need all the help I can get. After almost 35 years she has become a big-time habit.

I spoke to her tonight and she sounds good. She said her mother's birthday party was very nice and that her mother thoroughly enjoyed it -- and held up well through it.

Tomorrow I'll buy a Sunday paper and see if I can find Sharyn's cousin Phil who is a sea captain whose ship is supposed to be in Charleston right now -- she just found this out tonight.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/11/01
(Charleston SC)

Not too much going on today. I did my two mile, 34 minute walk.

I also got hold of Phil, who's ship was still in Baltimore, but was leaving today and should be in Charleston by tomorrow night. He'll call me when they get in.

Talked to Sharyn. Talked to Jordan.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/12/01
(Charleston SC)

This morning I walked around to see if any spaces with a good "satellite view" had opened. One motorhome had pulled out and I maved to the site he had been occupying, got the motorhome all set up again, set up the satellite, etc. A half hour later the guy next to me left. He had the best spot because he was on the end and overlooked the wooded picknic area. Also, being on the end, you can actually extend out of your area since there is no one next to you on that side. I decided it was worth moving again. Not much else for the day. I watched a lot of TV.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/13/01
(Charleston SC)

I had set the alarm for 7:30 this morning because I was supposed to meet Phil on his ship Tellus around 9 o'clock. I found the ship without any problem, primarily because there are not a lot of big orange ships at any given dock at any given point in time.

We probably spent two hours talking, drinking coffee and being shown around the ship. This is Phil showing me the bridge. I thought it was really neat and I enjoyed my tour. Basically the ship carries cars, trucks, tractors, construction equipment, and stuff of that nature, all of which is driven onto 13 different levels of steel decks. If I remember right each deck is 110' x 620', and all the decks are connected by ramps and giant elevators. One particular neat feature is that several of the decks can be raised or lowered depending on what you are loading on that deck. BMW's don't need more than 6' of vertical space, while a large tractor or earth mover may need three times that height.

I was surprised that it is diesel powered; it has a six cylinder diesel engine. That doesn't sound like much, but the cylinders have a 30" bore and a stroke that the engineer estimated to be about 8'. He said that when the piston is at the bottom and he stands on it, he can't reach the top of the cylinder (he's a good 6' tall). Also, if one or more cylinders become inoperable for any reason they can be taken off line and the engine can still be run on as few as three cylinders. Phil has run it on four. Very dumb on my part -- I failed to take a picture of the engine or engine room. This is the rudder post (use the 5 gallon can to get an idea as to the size of the post)!

These are some of the tractors and equipment yet to be loaded. Those white things to the left of center in the distance are BMW's under individual car covers. Another interesting thing -- those busses have just been brought to America from Europe (I think Phil said Germany). Anyway, as they came into this country they were less than 50% completed. That means that when they are finally completed in this country they will be marketed and sold as "Made in America." That I knew; what I didn't know is that because they were brought into this country on an American ship, the American manufacturer gets an extra 5% credit towards his 51% requirement to be able to say "Made in America."

View from the bridge wing looking towards the stern. Those large container shaped structures contain powerful ventilating fans that pull the carbon monoxide up from the decks below. Two final photographs (1) (2).

After returning to the motorhome and doing some miscellaneous stuff, including emptying the holding tanks (no sewer hookups at this FamCamp), I made up some vegetables for dinner. This time instead of steaming them I kind of fried them with olive oil, basil, garlic, and salt. Since no one was eating it but me I used an excessive amount of mushrooms. Does that look good or what? Actually, in the covered frying pan they probably steamed anyway, but the oil improved both the texture and flavor over regular steaming.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/14/01
(Charleston SC)

The only thing I can remember doing today is that I did my walk. I should have cleaned things up because Sharyn gets back tomorrow!

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/15/01
(Charleston SC)

The day started of with a trip to the airport to get Sharyn. With all the concrete barricades and traffic cones I couldn't find how to get to the short term parking lot. There was a police checkpoint on the road leading into the airport where the police look into the back seats and car trunks. They also gave me a yellow flyer warning that any unaccompanied car that was not in a parking lot would be towed away immediately. A tow truck was parked before the terminal building with the driver observing all cars moving past the terminal. I tried circling slowly, hoping that Sharyn would come out front, but every time I circled I came back onto the entrance road outside of the security checkpoint. After going through the checkpoint for the third time I thought that such activity might appear suspicious so I decided I'd try waiting in front of the terminal, but staying in the car. I was only there for about two minutes when a police officer came over and talked to me. He said I couldn't stop there, but he did tell me how to get into the short term parking. The number of visible police officers, plus the number of police and emergency vehicles all over the terminal area, may the entire scene appear like a disaster scene.

Anyway, I got Sharyn and we returned to the FamCamp where I spent the rest of the day enjoying her company and conversation. It's definitely good to have her back!

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/16/01
(Charleston SC)

Today we got to see the Hunley, the Confederate submarine that sank the USS Housatonic off of Charleston Harbor in February 1864. The Hunley was the first submarine ever to sink an enemy ship in wartime, but it never returned from the mission. In 1995 it was discovered on the bottom of the Atlantic, four miles off the coast, and was eventually raised.

The story of the Hunley, from it's conception and construction in Mobile Alabama, to the sinking of the Housatonic, to its discovery and recovery, to its present site where the remains of the crew and their personal effects have been, and still are, being excavate from the silt that has filled the interior of the submarine for 130 years, is a truly incredible saga.

I was somewhat disappointed at what we were able to see. The excavation of the interior is being conducted Monday through Thursday, and then the public can view it Friday through Sunday. To prevent the rapid deterioration that would occur if the Hunley were exposed to air, it is being kept in a large, specially made water tank. When the public gets to view it, the viewing is from a platform above the tank. The lighting is not as good as it could be plus, when we were there the water had just been pumped back into the tank the night before (when they stopped work for the weekend), and the filters had not yet removed all of the cloudiness from the water.

We did get to see the submarine, even if we did not get to see it as well, and in as much detail, as I would have liked. The fact of the matter is that at this point in time the emphasis is on completion of removal of the remains of the crew and recovery and inventory of all items being excavated from the interior. Allowing the public access to the Hunley at this point in time, even if the access is limited, is really an accommodation to the public. The fact is that the Hunley is not yet ready for public display. I should not complain.

Photographs were not allowed, so while I had planned to put photos on this site, that's not going to be the case. However, the Hunley has a very good website at http://www.hunley.org/html/frame.htm complete with the history, photographs, and a constantly updated account of current progress.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/17/01 and 11/18/01
(Charleston SC)

Yesterday, Saturday the 17th, we decided that we wanted a day off, so we just hung around the motorhome, relaxed and read. Today we basically did more of the same, except that this afternoon I washed the car and the motorhome and Sharyn did the laundry.

Odometer reading = 28,796
Miles for day = 0

 

11/19/01
(Aiken SC)

Our plan was to go to Savannah from Charleston, and then begin heading north to spend Christmas with our daughter Jordan in Southold, NY. However, this past weekend we solicited an invitation for Thanksgiving Dinner with our friends, the Hartges, in Greenville SC. That required that Savannah be dropped from our itinerary. Since Clemson was our next planned stop after Savannah, we left Charleston at noon today heading towards Clemson.

It was an easy drive heading in a northwesterly direction along US-78, a 2-lane roadway that works its way through numerous small, and somewhat forgotten, southern towns that have basically stood still for decades. Periodically, along the route we pass a large white ante-bellum house with a wide porch and tall columns that Sharyn loves. Some of these houses are really magnificent; very beautiful, and definitely from a bygone era. Some of them are in places where, while not poverty struck, economic opportunity would be severely limited. Also, since these places (many of them) offer no draw or attraction to bring in outsiders, who lives in and maintains these houses? While some are not, most of them appear to be well maintained and cared for. We enjoyed the drive.

As we approached Aiken we stopped at the campground at Aiken State Park/Natural Area. We're the only people here. As we entered the campground area we could tell that it was a rather low key facility. Sharyn had coffee while I had wine.

Odometer reading = 28,910
Miles for day = 114

 

11/20/01
(Greenville SC)

We were aware of Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville, but we still preferred the Corps of Engineers (COE) campground on Hartwell Lake in Clemson. Not that we'd even been there, but the COE campgrounds that we've stayed at have all been very nice, almost always situated on a scenic waterway or lake and, because they are not profit oriented, their fees are quite low. In addition, our Golden Access Passport gets us a 50% discount. However, when we looked at the location of Paris Mountain State Park we saw that it was only 3 miles from the Hartges. With a location that convenient we decided to alter our course and go there instead.

After getting set up we called the Hartges (cell phone reception here rots) and told them where we were. A few hours later that came by to visit and, as we hadn't seen them in two years, we stayed up until nearly 2:am talking about all kinds of stuff -- as years ago we did almost routinely. This is Hartge copying date from a recent coronary risk profile I had done. He can't understand how I can have such elevated LDLs with my low intake of saturated fats. He's going to pursuit it.

Odometer reading = 29,062
Miles for day = 152

 

11/21/01
(Greenville SC)

We had an extended period of coffee and conversation, after/during which I made myself a real mushroom omelet using a pound of mushrooms and three eggs. That's just enough egg to kind of hold the mushrooms together. Some onion would have been good, but we were fresh out. I offered to share, but Sharyn said that was too much mushroom for her taste.

By the time we left the motorhome it was probably close to 2:pm. We went to Hartge's to use their phone line to update the website and check our e-mail (and to talk some more). From there we went to Barnes and Noble for an hour or so, then on to T. J. Maxx where I sat in the car reading The Glucose Revolution while Sharyn shopped/browsed. By that time it was dark and we got lost trying to find our way back to the motorhome.

When we got back Sharyn made salmon salad (for me) and fat free hot dogs (for her) for dinner.

Odometer reading = 29,062
Miles for day = 152

 

11/22/01
Thanksgiving Day
(Greenville SC)

We spent most of the day hanging out in the motorhome until it was time to get ready to go to the Hartge's for dinner. We took these pictures as we were getting into the car to go (Sharyn and me).

It was a very pleasant afternoon and evening. In addition to us and the Hartges, there was their oldest son Scott with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, plus Elizabeth's parents. Me and Elizabeth's parents are missing from this picture. They had all moved away and left the three of us at the dinning room table.

It must be pretty close to 20 years since we've seen Scott. Their youngest is 15 month old Robert who, in my estimation, looks just like our Grandson Philip IV. Which one is this?

After lots of food and desert, followed by some extensive discussion about government conspiracies (Keith is a regular subscriber to conspiracy theories), the evening eventually wound up and everyone went home.

Odometer reading = 29,062
Miles for day = 152

 

11/23/01
(Hendersonville NC)

We pulled out of the campground around noon and, leaving the motorhome in the supermarket parking lot down the road from the Hartges, drove the car to their house for a final visit before we left Greenville.

Leaving town we missed our turn because there was no sign at the intersection where we should have turned. A problem we continually come across is that cities and/or large towns are not adequately depicted on regular street maps. Contributing to the problem is that most roads have both names and numbers, but frequently don't have both on the street signs. Also, particularly in cities and towns, the maps don't always show both names and numbers. Usually, it seems, if the map shows numbers the signs show names. Of course none of this is a problem where there are no signs at all. Anyway, knowing that US-25 was to the west and that US-25 (business) was to the east, we took a wide road heading north knowing that at some point ahead we would have to come out onto one of the US-25's. US-25 north is what we wanted.

It seems to me that there is a book that contains street maps of thousands of cities and large towns in the US. We're going to look for it.

Heading north we stopped at a gas station where we filled up the motorhome for 96 cents per gallon. It's been a long time since I saw the gallons go up faster than the dollars!

Although it was only a little after 4 o'clock, it was raining and beginning to get dark as we pulled into Lazy Boy Travel Park in Hendersonville. After we got all set up it began to pour down rain and, now several hours later, it has not let up. While we plan to go to the Biltmore Estate in Ashville tomorrow, if it continues to rain this hard we may just sit it out.

Odometer reading = 29,116
Miles for day = 54

 

11/24/01
(Hendersonville NC)

Today was cold, dark, and gloomy, with misting rain all day long. The trees are bare, and it's winter time. We were talking this morning about the difference between here and Charleston less than a week ago where the temperatures were so much milder and the trees still had their fall foliage.

Anyway, we went to the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, 25 miles north of here, only to find traffic backed up all the way from the building where you purchase the tickets, a half mile back out to the highway, and then further on down the road. When we finally got to park the car at the ticket place we were told that it was a three hour wait to get into the mansion. As we were on line for tickets they announced that the wait was 3 hours and 45 minutes. Shortly after that they stopped selling tickets for today's admission. After speaking to a lady who works there we bought tickets for tomorrow ($34 each!) and plan to be there tomorrow at 8:30am, which is a half hour before the self guided tours begin.

On the way back to the motorhome we stopped and bought some groceries. I thought the prices in this supermarket were pretty high, but Sharyn said they were not, but that I had gotten somewhat familiar with the prices at the base commissaries and that those prices are considerably cheaper than regular supermarkets. Boy, I guess so!

When we got back to the motorhome it was still cold, wet, and crummy, so Sharyn made some bean soup for dinner.

Odometer reading = 29,116
Miles for day = 54

 

11/25/01
(Statesville NC)

This morning we hooked up in the rain and were on the road at 8:15am. We arrived at the Biltmore Estate before 9 o'clock and there were no crowds or lines whatsoever.

The overall scale the the entire property almost denies comprehension. Major portions of the original property, which was 125,000 acres at one point (to put that into perspective, that's approximately 195 square miles), were sold off between 1915 and 1930. Today the property consists of 8,000 acres. The main house, built over a six year period and completed in 1895, consists of 250 rooms (43 bath rooms) on four floors, has four acres of floor space (over 160,000 square feet), and with it's enormous ceilings, encloses 2.4 million cubic feet.

The entire package was conceived and built by George Vanderbilt whose descendants still own and run the property. No photographs are allowed inside the the house, but the family maintains a website for the house and property at http://www.biltmore.com. It was and still is the largest private residence in America.

This vine that Sharyn is standing next to is a trumpet flower, generally thought of as not being this large. Several of these trumpet flowers cover this arbor at the southerly end of the house.

It was this view that made George Vanderbilt decide to build on this particular site. The balcony, or loggia, that this picture was taken from runs to the right for perhaps 60 or 70 feet. One more picture; standing to the left of the main entrance and looking up.

We pulled out of the parking lot at 12:45, but it took us 15 minutes just to get to the public road. Anyway, we continued on, heading towards Charlottesville, but stopped at a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Statesville where we bought some groceries and did some Christmas shopping for the grandchildren. By that time it was dark and we're going to spend the night in the parking lot.

Odometer reading = 29,254
Miles for day = 138

 

11/26/01
(Charlottesville VA)

It was kind of cold when we woke up this morning, but we started the generator both for the coffee pot and for the heat pumps. In 10 minutes we had coffee, and in 15 minutes we had warmth and comfort as well.

We had called Phil last night to let him know we'd be at his house this afternoon. It was his suggestion that we take I-77 from where we were in Statesville, rather than continuing east on I-40 to US-29 in Greensboro as we had planned. We followed his suggestion and it worked well.

Without any problems we arrived at Phil and Kim's shortly after 4 o'clock. It was good to see them, Katlin, and Philip IV.

Odometer reading = 29,526
Miles for day = 272

 

11/27/01 to 12/1/01
(Charlottesville VA)

For several days we've been here at Phil and Kim's. During the day when they're at work I've done a little shopping -- Sharyn has done lots of shopping! In the evening we visit with the entire family. There's an occasional game between Grandma and Philip IV. Also, Shane stopped by this morning and we had a motorhome full of people, with an extended coffee and conversation that included everyone and went on for hours, using two full pots of coffee.

Today, Saturday the 1st, Phil and I went to the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club range (http://www.rrpc.org) where we did some shooting, including his newest AR-15. Since it's been almost two years since I've done any practicing I was surprised at the results when I shot against the clock -- my time and accuracy were both better than I thought they would have been (This 15 second video clip will take approximately 90 seconds to download with a 55K modem). To see how it's really done, watch Phil draw, fire 2 rounds at each of three targets, reload from slide-lock, and then fire two more rounds at each target, a total of 12 rounds plus a reload (the same thing I did), all in 5.82 seconds!

That's the kind of shooting that enabled Phil to take second place in Expert Class at the Virginia IDPA State Match (http://www.idpa.com) in October 2001. He missed first place by 8/10's of a second.

Odometer reading = 29,526
Miles for day = 0

 

12/2/01
(Charlottesville VA)

This morning's extended coffee and conversation turned into a semi pajama party as grandma put Katlin's hair up in curlers (with some help from Philip IV).

From midday on Sharyn pretty much wrapped Christmas presents to be left under the local Christmas Tree, plus another pile for Philip's birthday on the 21st.

This afternoon the Christmas tree was cut down at a local Christmas Tree farm, put up in the living room and decorated -- all before dinner.

Kim prepared dinner for everyone, and after dinner we had an early birthday cake for Philip so we could share his birthday and watch him open the presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

Our plan is to be out of here by 5:am so we can get to Jordan's before dark tomorrow. If we don't make it out on time I may just delete this sentence before uploading to the server.

Odometer reading = 29,526
Miles for day = 0

 

12/3/01
(Southold NY)

We were up at 4:30 this morning, coffee was ready at 4:40, and at 5:15 we pulled out of Phil's driveway.

We pulled into Jordan's driveway at 10 minutes to 5:pm. That's almost 12 hours, and even allowing for the fact that we stopped several times for coffee or a sandwich, that much too long of a day. Particularly in view of our rule, "no more than 200 miles in any one day." Besides we started out early so that we could get here before dark. We didn't quite make it as it was dark when we pulled into Jordan's driveway. As I told Sharyn after we arrived, I used to drive Charlottesville to Southold (in a car) in 8 hours, and now I can't imagine how!

Anyway, it was nice to get here. Jordan got home from work a little after 7:pm and it's now 12:15am tomorrow and we're still sitting around talking.

Odometer reading = 29,959
Miles for day = 433

 

12/4/01
(Southold NY)

Once again we're at a fixed place (Jordan's back yard) where we'll be staying for awhile. Because this doesn't lend itself to much interesting material to write about, I may not update this site on a daily basis while we're here.

Last night the three of us, Sharyn, Jordan, and myself, stayed up very late just sitting in the motorhome talking. At 2:35am I said I was going to bed, and I did.

Notice the textured background that is now on all these travelog pages. I stole it from Phil's http://www.rrpc.org, and he tells me he stole it from somewhere else.

Odometer reading = 29,959
Miles for day = 433

 

12/5/01 to 12/16/01
(Southold NY)

It's probably time to update this site, based on the passage of time if not on what I have to say.

Sharyn's been finishing up her Christmas shopping while I've been hanging out and/or puttering around.

Jordan's been going to work and beginning to pack up her stuff. She's talked with the Air Force recruiter several times and has decided to join (she decided this several months ago). She's going to travel with us for several months before she signs up. That will be an interesting experience for all of us! I've asked her to do a "From Jordan's Perspective" page on this site and she has given me a firm "maybe."

We put an ad in the paper to rent her house and probably received 25 phone calls. We've got it rented as of January 1 which is very nice to say the least. We've rented a storage shed about two miles from here. We'll have from the day after Christmas until New Year's eve to move everything out of the house. Then we'll head south, traveling through Charlottesville VA, Sumter SC, Savannah GA, and then on down to Sharyn's mother in Ft Myers Fl; maybe taking as long as a month to get there. From Florida we plan to follow the Gulf Coast towards Alabama and points west -- perhaps to New Mexico and Arizona, before turning north to Alaska where we plan to spend the Summer. But then again, as I've said before, no part of these plans are firm until after the event!

Odometer reading = 30,049
Miles for day = 0

 

12/17/01 to 12/25/01
(Southold NY)

In the last week we've managed to get some of Jordan's stuff packed into boxes. Those boxes, together with a few pieces of furniture, have been moved to the storage facility. Basically, we did not want to totally disrupt her house until after Christmas, but beginning tomorrow we'll get serious about getting her stuff out so the tenant can move in on the first.

Yesterday was Jordan's last day at work, plus someone bought her car. Now with no job, no car, and no place to live after this week, I guess you could say she's burned some bridges behind her. Actually I think that that's not a bad way to do it.

This morning I got up at 6 o'clock because I was cold. As I went to turn up the thermostat I saw that the door was wide open, so I closed the door and got back in bed to wait for it to warm up. At 6:30 I got up and plugged in the coffee pot. We were all up by a little after 8 o'clock when we started opening our Christmas presents in Jordan's living room. We then got dressed and went over to Greg and Paulette's for "brunch," more exchange of presents, and coffee and conversation (with some games thrown in) for most of the day.

When we returned home tonight Sharyn made roast turkey breast with stuffing, gravy, and green beans for dinner.

By the way, Sharyn gave me a scanner for Christmas so while she and Jordan were "sorting" Jordan's jewelry, and dinner was in the oven, I was playing with the scanner. This site may begin to have some scanned images that would enhance the travelog but could not be obtained with a digital camera (which is the source of all the photos that have appeared here. An example of where a scanned image would be good would be this picture of the Confederate submarine Hunley which we visited and wrote about on 11/16/01. The picture is a painting by Conrad Wise Chapman, Courtesy of the Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, Virginia.

Odometer reading = 30,049
Miles for day = 0

 

12/26/01 to 12/31/01
(Southold NY)

This block of days was filled with packing and moving Jordan's stuff out of her house. The process was slow, tedious, and somewhat tiring, but could have moved along more rapidly if Jordan did not have to read every note, card, letter, and piece of paper she came across, "so I know what I want to do with it."

Anyway, like all things good and bad, the job was finally completed and, with about two hours remaining until the end of the year, the house was empty and ready for Suzie, our new tenant.

Several days after Christmas we had dinner with Gregory and Paulette and had the chance to enjoy their Christmas decorations. Each year Gregory sets up hundreds of pieces of Dickens Village on numerous shelves, with lighting to all the little buildings. It's a beautiful and impressive array!

On that same evening Scott was having trouble installing the software that would enable him to download the pictures he took with the digital spy camera he got from Grandma and Grandpa. One of the necessary files could not be installed from the CD. After several wasted calls to the tech help line Jordan went back to the motorhome and got my Photoshop CD which we then loaded into Scott's computer. The camera then worked beautifully and Scott was thrilled. The only problem I can foresee is that his mother told him he can't take it to school. Mom, give a kid a break!

In the meanwhile Grandma and Patrick were playing a skateboarding game on the Nintendo. While Patrick scored something in the half million range, grandma's top score was something just over 500. Oh well, she's still a cool grandma!

Odometer reading = 30,049
Miles for day =0

 

2002

 

1/1/02
(Quakertown PA)

We started out this morning, as I described it, "island hopping along the Atlantic Ocean," 104 miles to the Verizzano Bridge to Staten Island, then just a short distance to the Outer Bridge Crossing that took us to New Jersey and the North American Continent. Passing through the New York City area is really tough on the motorhome. This time the holes, bumps, and vibrations broke a brace that helps support the battery rack. We pulled off the highway 4 or 5 times before we could find the source of the heavy metal thud that kept coming from under the front end.

Sharyn was concerned that some of her cups and/or glasses would also break as they were rattling around in the cabinets in a rather noisy manner. Luckily there was no such breakage. We passed through New York City in December 2000 and that time a bolt supporting the slide assembly snapped.!

As we left Southold this morning Jordan was sitting in the co-pilot's chair, while Sharyn was on the couch. When a black cat ran across our path we decided not to tell Sharyn (from the couch she couldn't see the road ahead of us). While Sharyn is the only one who believes in that "black cat" stuff I have to admit that that cat set the tone for the day. Later on in the day we stopped for some groceries, and while Sharyn and Jordan were in the grocery store I tied the broken brace to the chassis so it would stop banging back and forth.

Since we had started off rather tired, and the day wasn't going too well, we decided to stop early and call it a day. Unfortunately, the campground we chose was the pits. As we pulled in it was more like a low-cost housing project than a campground or RV park. The interior "roads" in the campground were too narrow and had low branches and encroaching shrubs everywhere -- with no way or place to turn around. In the process of trying to get out, a leaning tree got up against the awning over the bedroom slideout and bent the mounting hardware. By running out the dinning room slide on the opposite side we got the motorhome to lean away from the tree just enough that Sharyn was able to direct me out. We left that place with a damaged slide awning and, probably, numerous small scratches on the side of the motorhome.

The next campground we tried we called to confirm that they were open all year. They were, and the man gave Sharyn detailed directions how to get there. About ten miles later when we got to where you turn off the main road the man was there with his car to guide us the last several miles. That was quite an accommodation.

Unfortunately, the bent mount on the bedroom slide awning prevents us from running that slide out tonight. Oh well, tomorrow may be a better day.

Odometer reading = 30,258
Miles for day = 209

 

1/2/02
(Charlottesville VA)

Last night when the owner led us to our campsite he said, "You can pay me in the morning," so when I went to the office to pay we spent an hour or so talking (a Pennsylvania campground office in January is not too busy). Anyway, we didn't get on the road until noontime. That pretty much put a crimp in our plan to get to Phil and Kim's in one day and to arrive before dark. We kept going back and forth about whether or not to make it a two day trip, but since there was a major snow storm moving into the southeastern part of the Country, we weren't sure what the situation would be in Charlottesville tomorrow. When we hit the Virginia State line we decided to go for it -- which we did.

Odometer reading = 30,604
Miles for day = 346

 

1/3/02
(Charlottesville VA)

Not too much activity today, although the one thing on my agenda was to do something with the mounting bracket on the bedroom slide so we could put the slide out. By loosening the end of the bracket we were able to put the slide out, but we are going to need several replacement parts to accomplish a proper repair.

Odometer reading = 30,604
Miles for day = 0

 

1/4/02
(Charlottesville VA)

I don't know what happened this morning, but Jordan was up and had the coffee going before anyone else was awake. WOW!

Later on Sharyn and Jordan went shopping and did not return until past dinner time. After Katlin had been home from school for several hours waiting anxiously for Grandma and Aunt Jordan to return she asked me why, if they are trying to get rid of stuff in the motorhome to make more space, they went shopping to buy more stuff. I told her that was a great question and that she should ask them when they returned. She did ask, but I didn't hear any answer!

Anyway, it's past midnight and I just finished watching Charlie Rose and his guest Lawrence Lessig, author of The Future of Ideas -- The Fate of the Commons in a Digital World. I've read several reviews of the book, and Charlie Rose was the second interview I've seen (heard) with Lawrence Lessig. Buy the book -- I intend to!

By the way, neither Grandma nor Aunt Jordan are home tonight (means they're not in the motorhome). They and Katlin are camping out in the TV/play room in the basement, watching videos, sleeping on the floor, and having a "girl's night out." I'm sorry I wasn't invited.

Odometer reading = 30,604
Miles for day = 0

 

1/5/02
(Charlottesville VA)

This afternoon Jordan, Katlin, Phil, and I went to the range at the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club where Phil is pretty active. We did a few rounds at the plinking range with Phil's AR-15; We also did a few rounds with Phil's Glock 34 and my Sig 229, but there was another couple using that range which precluded us from doing the IDPA, closer range, timed rapid fire stuff we wanted to do so we moved to the PPC range which we had to ourselves.

I didn't even know that Katlin shot, much less that she does pretty well for an almost 9 year old. Since the first time Jordan fired Phil's Glock 34 (his latest handgun acquisition) she has had no interest in shooting any other handgun. Since he got the 34 I don't think Phil has used anything else in competition -- of course he bought it strictly for match shooting. I prefer my Sig 229, but then I'm not too good.

This is a video clip of Jordan firing 10 rounds with Phil's Glock 34 (download time with a 56K modem is almost 2 minutes).

Odometer reading = 30,604
Miles for day = 0

 

1/6/02
(Charlottesville VA)

The forecast for today was 4 - 6" of snow, with another 1 - 2" to fall tonight. Well happily we only got about half an inch and it doesn't appear that there's any more to come tonight. That's good, because we're out of here in the morning; hopefully headed for warmer places.

As for RVers who linger too long in the higher latitudes, they will understand why everyone else is further south. Our motorhome is heated (and cooled) by two roof-mounted heat pumps and we like them a lot. However, when the outside temperature gets to about 30 degrees the heat pumps shut down and the system switches over to LP furnaces, which also do a fine job of keeping comfortable temperatures inside, even when it's subfreezing outside. The problem comes from the combination of being too far north at the wrong time of year and having a limited LP storage capacity. We have a 20 gallon tank that we generally lasts us about six months. However, when the temperatures stay as cold as they've been and the furnaces replace the heat pumps as our primary source of heat we run through a tank of LP in a week. The point is that we used the last of our LP gas last night and, it's now almost 10:pm and the heat pumps are still running. We all sincerely hope that the outside temperature, which is just at freezing, does not get any colder tonight (no LP gas, no heat below 30 degrees). We do have a portable 1500 watt electric heater, but that will hardly do the job. Tomorrow, as we head south we plan to take US-29 down through Lovingston, Lynchburg, Danville, etc., which should take us past a number of LP distributors.

This afternoon we drove out to Louisa to visit with our son Shane and his friend Michelle. We've never been to their place before and found it quite cozy, set on 13 acres back in the woods and fields a quarter mile back from the road. It was a pleasant visit but we didn't stay too long because with the continuing threat of heavy snow (it snowed lightly all day) I wanted to be sure we'd be back before dark.

Odometer reading = 30,604
Miles for day = 0

 

1/7/02
(Fayetteville NC)

We had set the alarm for 6:am so we could see everyone before they left for work/school/baby-sitter. We lucked out last night because the heat pumps maintained a comfortable temperature all night.

It was a little before ten o'clock when we pulled out of the driveway. Because of snow west and south of Charlottesville we headed east on I-64 to Richmond, then south on I-95. We wanted to put some distance between us and the incoming snow.

We still had to deal with an empty LP tank that needed filling. At one point where I-95 was running parallel to US-301 we saw an LP facility on 301 so we exited at the next exit and came back on US-301 to the LP place. It turned out that they built and serviced LP delivery trucks, but didn't sell LP. So we lost some time. Next attempt was when we again got onto US-301 and stopped at a campground that was open all winter and sold LP gas, or so it said in the campground directory. The problem was there was no one around to pump the LP. We decided to stay on 301 for awhile and see what else we might find. Eventually Sharyn spotted a gas station with an LP service tank in the back. We made a U-turn and took on 17 gallons of LP for $44.

We then got back on I-95 and decided to head to the FamCamp (the Army calls them Travel Camps) at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville NC. We arrived at 5:pm and the camp office was closed. The sign said take a spot and sign in tomorrow. The campground roads are gravel, but the the sites have new concrete pads, 50 amps, water and sewer. We might stay for two nights so we can check out the commissary, buy some groceries, and get all our stuff better organized in the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 30,903
Miles for day = 299

 

1/8/02
(Fayetteville NC)

Today was a relaxed and easy, yet productive, day. Sharyn and I went to the commissary where we bought lots of dried beans for soup, a wide selection of fresh vegetables for stir frying, and other assorted stuff. We also went to the PX where I found a soft bristled brush on a telescoping pole for washing the motorhome. The one I have, and all the others I've seen have bristles that are not as soft as I want. When we got back to the motorhome Jordan was up, showered and dressed, and had done some picking up and further condensing of all of her stuff.

The car was totally covered in grime from the trip from Charlottesville so I decided that I'd wash it using the new brush thing. It worked very well and the temperature climbed sufficiently while I was doing the car that I decided to do the motorhome as well. This was the first time the motorhome's been washed since last summer when, over a three week period in New Brunswick, I waxed it. The reason it hadn't washed it sooner was that I didn't want brush marks in the waxed surface.

While I was washing, Sharyn and Jordan were continuing to make Jordan's stuff fit into the motorhome so it wouldn't have to stay on the kitchen table, couch, piled on the floor, etc. Actually, at this point they have the motorhome 95% back to regular. It looks and feels good.

As I write this I realize that it doesn't sound like we would have enjoyed the day, but the fact is we did. We are considering extending for another day.

By the way, some of the places we've stayed at have mosquitos, some have other flying/crawling insects; this place has swarms of helicopters -- kind of neat!

Odometer reading = 30,903
Miles for day = 0

 

1/9/02
(Myrtle Beach SC)

Several years ago Greg looked at a 32' Blackfin fishing boat in or around Norfolk VA. The boat was in beautiful condition, and the engines had only 15 hours on them. He didn't buy it and I've always felt bad that he didn't. Anyway, he's been looking at Black Fins again, and has focused on a 32' in Southport NC (just east of Wilmington). He called us last night and asked if we could take a look at it, and perhaps confirm that it's the same boat he passed up the last time and, if it is, to confirm that it still looks clean. Well we did that today and it is the same boat and it still looks good. The only thing is that one of the engines was missing. The broker, who met us at the boat, was surprised at that, and I suspect somewhat unhappy with the owner for putting him in the position of showing a boat with a missing engine without any information or explanation as to how come. Anyway, the broker said he'd get hold of the owner and then call Greg.

From Southport we headed to Myrtle Beach, about 75 miles down the coast, where we tried to get to Camping World before closing time. They were locking the doors as we drove in. Oh well, we're spending the night in the parking lot so we'll be here when they open. We need some replacement parts for the slide awning which will probably have to be ordered out of Atlanta. If so, we should still be able to have them on Friday, before the weekend, so we can head on to Sumter. We also want them to check the wiring to the tail lights on the Honda that do not come on with the motorhome lights when the Honda is in tow. The tow bar and tail/brake light harness were installed by Camping World in Manassas Va. One thing we like about Camping World is that an installation they perform is guaranteed for as long as you own the unit. It may be that the tail light problem is not related to the installation, but there is voltage going into the connector at the front of the Honda, and the tail lights do work if the Honda lights are turned on. We'll see in the morning.

Odometer reading = 31,094
Miles for day = 191

 

1/10/02
(Sumter SC)

I woke up at 6:am and, since there were several other motorhomes in the parking lot, I didn't want to start the generator. That precluded the electric coffee pot, and the French Press didn't seem to be worth it, so I boiled water for some Taster's Choice instant coffee. Sharyn was up only a few minutes later and we woke Jordan at seven. Anyway, we had breakfast, etc., and when Camping World opened at 8 o'clock we were there!

Before noon they had fixed all our problems and we were on our way to Sumter and Shaw AFB.

It feels good to be back here again. The fact that it's sunny, breezy, and 72 degrees, with the scent of pine trees in the air doesn't hurt. We got all set up before having cheese, wine, and crackers ouutside at our picnic table. After some wine, cheese, and conversation, Jordan and I went to the FamCamp office to upload to this site and check our e-mails.

Odometer reading = 31,197
Miles for day = 103

 

1/11/02
(Sumter SC)

Sharyn and Jordan did several loads of wash, plus Sharyn did a bunch of ironing that she's had for awhile. Yesterday I made myself a list of things that I've been wanting to get done for some time, and today I knocked off six of the ten items on the list. The one that's been bothering me the most was the cycling on and off of the water pump when no one was using water. Several weeks ago I had called Shurflo, the pumps manufacturer, and they sent me two new replacement check valves which I installed today. Tomorrow I should finish off my list.

This afternoon, as I was still working on my list, Sharyn and Jordan went to the commissary for milk and a few other things, plus they checked out the BX.

That doesn't sound like much, but it was a low key, yet constructive, day for everyone.

Odometer reading = 31,197
Miles for day = 0

 

1/12/02
(Sumter SC)

Today began with no particular plan but soon developed into a very major clean up and reorganization. I started with the remainder of my list from yesterday while Sharyn began unloading all the basement compartments, redoing the bedroom closet and some other cabinets as well. Some stuff got unloaded from the car (our portable shed), while other things were relocated to the car. This photo does not really give a good feel for the extent of the project, but this photo does a good job of conveying the seriousness with which the job was pursued. We were probably about 20 minutes from finishing up when it started to rain. That wasn't bad because at that point we were able to get the remaining stuff under cover inside of a minute. Had the rain come several hours earlier it would have been a totally different matter. It was a very productive day

I tried to update this website this morning (and check our e-mail) but the office is closed for the weekend. Don't know when you'll ever get to see this!

Odometer reading = 31,197
Miles for day = 0

 

1/13/02
(Sumter SC)

The original plan, if you want to call it that, was to leave here today. However, we didn't wake up until after 9 o'clock. After some coffee and conversation we sort of came to "we really don't have to leave here today," so we didn't. We went for our first "walk," but only did a mile (out of consideration for one of the participants). We haven't been able to do our daily walks here because some sort of "exercise" has been going on and walkers, runners, and/or joggers have not been allowed on the roadway.

We didn't do very much, but soon it was time for dinner. After that Jordan wanted to know how to play Canasta so she and Sharyn played several hands. I then said that I'd join in which I did. It's now midnight and we're getting set for bed. The plan now is that tomorrow we'll be up at six and on the road by eight. I think that'll work.

Odometer reading = 31,197
Miles for day = 0

 

1/14/02
(Screven GA)

Last night, while setting the alarm for 6:am we realized that that was only 5 1/2 hours away. We set the alarm 7 o'clock instead.

I went to the FamCamp office and uploaded the website, checked e-mail and bank statements, and we were on the road just before 10:am. Travel was uneventful; we took US-15 south to I-95 which we stayed on until just south of Savannah where we exited onto US-17 (basically) to US-84 west.

When we left this morning, Savannah was our targeted destination as we've never been there and understand that it's a beautiful place to see. However, when we stopped for lunch a half hour or so before Savannah, it was raining (as it did most of the day) and quite unpleasant. We decided that neither the weather nor the time of year lent itself to a touristy visit to this ante-bellum city, plus campground rates in and around Savannah are kind of high. Better we do Savannah under better circumstances -- probably when we head south from the Canadian Maritime Provinces in the fall of 2003.

In the meanwhile we continued on to "Happy Acres Resort" in Screven GA. Located eight miles north of US-84, a narrow 2-lane highway that pretty much comes and goes from nowhere, I expected a run down, rather dumpy kind of place. What a surprise! It's neat and clean, and nicely maintained. We checked in at the rather dusty old country store across the road where a very friendly and helpful lady, of about the same vintage as the store, gave us an update on the local weather -- "supposed to dry out tonight, but no guarantee" -- and then drew us a map of the best way to get back out of here. The campsites themselves, while on the grass, are as clean and neat as any we've ever been in.

Odometer reading = 31,435
Miles for day = 238

 

1/15/02
(Okefenokee Swamp GA)

This morning was sunny and bright and we took off for Stephen C. Foster State Park which is located within, and is a part of, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. We arrived shortly after noon and, given our choice of campsites, selected this one. This is Sharyn and Jordan walking back to the campsite.

After getting set up we walked one of the elevated nature trails that wandered through a minuscule portion of the 396,000 acre wildlife preserve.

In the Okefenokee Refuge (wildlife preserve) there are 110 miles of waterways well suited for canoeing or kayaking. There are three of us, but we only have two kayaks. If tomorrow is another sunny day we will rent a canoe and paddle at least a couple of these 110 miles of wilderness waterways.

Odometer reading = 31,546
Miles for day = 111

 

1/16/02
(Okefenokee Swamp GA)

It was a beautiful warm and sunny day today and, as planned, we rented a canoe that the three of us could go out in together. Adjacent to the campground/park office there is a boat basin with docks for small boat rentals, the Park Rangers' boats, and a launch area for kayaks, canoes, and other private boats. From this basin there is a canal that runs out about a half mile to "Billy's Lake." This "lake" is a body of water about 4 miles long and perhaps 100 yards wide. The east end of the lake is where the East Fork of the Suwannee River enters into it. Just west of that point the Middle Fork of the Suwannee River enters the lake from the north. At the western end of the lake the combined flow of these two branches exit the lake and continue for about another four miles where they are joined by the North Branch of the Suwannee River. The Suwannee River, having been spawned in the Okefenokee swamp, now being complete, begins is southwesterly trek into and across the State of Florida where it eventually flows out into the Gulf of Mexico.

Now that you've got the description of this portion of the river I'll continue with what we did today. The three of us took canoe #12 and paddled out to Billy's Lake through the 12-15' wide canal that connects the boat basin to the lake. When we entered the lake we turned to the right and headed east, following the northerly shoreline. We hadn't gone too far until we came upon a 4-5' alligator sunning himself on the bank. As I was taking the picture I remarked that either alligators don't have eyelids, or he was watching me. Jordan suggested he was watching me! Sharyn was uncomfortable with, I believe, the entire scenario; alligators in close proximity, a canoe that seemed less stable than our kayaks, the black water and dense shoreline of the Okefenokee swamp, etc. She said she'd like to go back and for Jordan and I to go without her. She had never been too enthused about going out into the river/swamp to start with, but was pretty game to try it anyway.

We did bring Sharyn back to the boat basin where Jordan and I switched the rental canoe for the kayaks. As we proceeded back out the canal it was only two or three strokes with the paddle before I took note at how much less effort was required to move the kayak through the water compared with the canoe. We again headed east on Billy's Lake. Progress was rather slow as Jordan was intent on not missing any sight or sound along the shoreline. I was anxious to get to the Middle Fork of the river because I like the narrow, more constricted, waterways where you are close to both shorelines and can examine everything in much greater detail. For everything that's happening on the more open water there are a thousand things happening where the water meets the shoreline.

When I got to the Middle Fork, Jordan was far behind me, still way down the lake and out of sight. I didn't want us to get onto different tracks through the swamp so I came back down to the mouth of the Middle Fork to wait for her. We she caught up we started up the Middle Fork. What a beautiful experience. At this point the current running against us, which was not discernible on the lake, became somewhat of a factor. Also, Jordan wanted to be sure she had enough arm strength to get back, plus there is an "off the water" time of 5:pm. If anyone has not returned and gotten "off the water" by that time, the search and rescue boats will go looking for them.

We were back well before that time, and as we came into the basin Sharyn was there to meet us.

The next time we're in this area we'll have to do some much more extensive kayaking in these waterways. Sharyn says so long as it isn't "bad alligator" season she'd go with me. She was surprised that she didn't like the canoe. She says she feels much more secure in her kayak.

PS: Stephen Foster never saw the Suwannee River!

Odometer reading = 31,546
Miles for day = 0

 

1/17/02
(Old Town FL)

As we started out the 17 mile driveway from the park to the highway I commented that it was on this 17 mile drive that Sharyn had first driven our 27' Travel Master. We asked Jordan if she'd like to drive the motorhome out to the highway and she said she would. It was a groundbreaking morning; Jordan drove the motorhome for the first time, and Sharyn, for the first time, hooked the Honda up to the motorhome.

Except for stopping at Winn-Dixie in Lake City, and my missing a couple of turns, it was an uneventful trip to Old Town. We were heading to a campground in this area where we stayed several years ago. As we turned into this campground we realized that it was the wrong place, but we stayed here anyway. This place is okay, but the other place was right on the Suwannee River and I was looking forward to kayaking on the river.

Odometer reading = 31,669
Miles for day = 123

 

1/18/02
(Lehigh Acres FL)

Today was another day where the plans changed as the day progressed. We didn't pull out of the campground until thirteen minutes past noon, but that was okay. I've concluded that you can hurry, be unrelaxed, and maybe leave earlier. Or, you can not worry about it, go with the flow, be relaxed and leave whenever it happens. As far as I can tell there's no reason not to proceed with the latter system.

We proceeded in a southeasterly direction until we picked up I-75 at Ocala. Just as we had the Interstate in sight we came to a supermarket where we pulled in to get some groceries and, while in the parking lot, have lunch. While Sharyn and Jordan were in the store I called the FamCamp at MacDill AFB to see if they had any available spaces left. They still had a few but the lady said she was signing people in as we spoke. It sounded unlikely that there'd be anything left by the time we'd get there. We were probably about 225 miles from Sharyn's mother's house (our destination) so I said we'd might as well go for it, which we did.

For people who have decided not to travel over 200 miles in any one day, and who don't drive at night, we seem to be doing a fair number of 200+ mile days, and frequently not arriving until after dark -- such as today. We may have to get our life's priorities back on track!

Anyway, we're now at Sharyn's mother's, or more properly stated, we are parked on the shoulder of the road across the street. Having visited for an several hours, I left Sharyn and Jordan in the house talking while I came back out to the motorhome to take my shower. Having done that, and feeling very good as a result, I am doing this page. I'll then walk across the street in my pajamas and upload this to the server.

Tomorrow we'll check into a campground somewhere in the vicinity.

Odometer reading = 31,956
Miles for day = 287

 

1/19/02
(LaBelle FL)

The day started very very early. I was lying in bed awake, wondering what time it was. It was still dark. Finally I pushed the button on my watch to illuminate the dial (I hate to do that because I figure the amount of battery power it takes to light the dial for one second would probably run the watch for a month). It was 4:10am, much too early to get up. As I was wondering "what to do now?" I realized the Sharyn also was awake. I asked her if she wanted a cup of coffee, to which she laughed and replied, "no." A long time later, I was even more wide awake and it was clear that my sleep for the night was over. As I started to get out of bed Sharyn, who also was still awake, asked me what I was doing. I said, "getting up." It was 5:15 and we were soon having our "coffee and conversation." We had gone to bed at 12:30am, so at least I had about 3 1/2 hours sleep. Sharyn said she never got to sleep because she kept getting up to check on noises she heard outside the motorhome, and to see who was trying to steal the kayaks off of the Honda. It's now 7:30pm and I'm having trouble staying awake.

Sharyn's sister Sandy, who has been living with and taking care of her mother for over a year, left this morning to go fishing for the weekend. Around midmorning I took the motorhome to LaBelle Woods RV Resort, about 25 miles away, where we had stayed this past spring. It's a nice campground but this time of year it's pretty crowded. While I was there and getting all set up, Sharyn called to ask me to bring her a change of clothes, etc., as it had become apparent that Sharyn was going to be spending the night with her mother, who cannot be left alone.

Anyway, to shorten the story, I went back with some stuff for Sharyn; visited a while, then returned to the motorhome with Jordan. We'll be back to Sharyn's mother's first thing in the morning.

When we left Charlottesville on January 7 we figured to take a month to get to Sharyn's mother's. There was no need to hurry (once we got south of the snow threat) so we were going to poke along and stop and see anything that struck our fancy -- spend more time in Sumter for instance -- visit Savannah, for instance -- and we definitely would have spent more time paddling the Okefenokee Swamp. However, somewhere enroute we got a phone call that Sandy's son Michael was getting married on Saturday, January 19. We picked up our pace considerably to get here for the wedding. Today's the day, but no one has seen or heard from Michael, or the "bride," for a number of days. Everyone's best guess is that they went back to California. Oh well, wait until next time.

Odometer reading = 31,980
Miles for day = 24

 

1/20/02
(LaBelle FL)

We (Jordan and I) got up and went to Sharyn's mother's. Sharyn had cleaned and scrubbed everything and had the place well under control. Her brother Alan had stopped over, so while he was there to watch his mother Sharyn and Jordan took about 75 pounds of laundry to the Laundromat in the nearby shopping center. I said I'd stay at the house, but when an hour and a half passed and they still weren't back I decided to walk down to where they were. It turned out that it had taken them six machine loads to wash all the stuff. Anyway, from the Laundromat we went next door to Publix to pick up something for dinner.

As we got back to the house Aunt June and her 93 year old boy friend were just getting out of their car. I had heard of him, but never had met him. He looks and moves as though he were in his early 70's. In a conversation you'd think he was 60. I hope I'm that good ten years from now, never mind in another 31 years when I get to be his age. Pretty impressive -- and a very nice man besides!

After they left Sharyn made dinner for all of us, including Susan, Alan's wife, who stopped by to visit. After dinner Alan and Susan left and the three of us just talked as we would if we had been back at the motorhome. Sharyn's mother basically can no longer get out of bed, and she sleeps pretty much all the time, so while it's her house it's almost as if she wasn't there.

Still no word from Sandy but Sharyn's pretty sure she'll be back tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 31,980
Miles for day = 0

 

1/21/02
(LaBelle FL)

The big event of the day was when Sandy showed up this afternoon. Tonight Sharyn came back to the motorhome with me and Jordan. It's super much better with her here.

Odometer reading = 31,980
Miles for day = 0

 

1/22/02 and 1/23/02
(LaBelle FL)

I opted to stay at the motorhome while Sharyn and Jordan went to Sharyn's mother's. Not much happened at either place.

Odometer reading = 31,980
Miles for day = 0

 

1/24/02 to 1/28/02
(LaBelle FL)

Basically Sharyn has been visiting at her mother's house every day, sometimes with Jordan and/or me. It looks as if we are going to leave here on Wednesday, January 30.

Odometer reading = 31,980
Miles for day = 0

 

1/29/02
(LaBelle FL)

Since we are leaving here tomorrow we all went to Sharyn's mother's for the day.

Odometer reading = 31,980
Miles for day = 0

 

1/30/02
(Zolfo Springs FL)

Well, we're finally back on the road again. We didn't plan on going too far today, only to the Escapee park at Zolfo Springs -- it's an Escapee park we've never been to before. We arrived just after noon. The place is quite nice. I don't know what I expected, but it is nicer than I was surprised at how nice it is.

We didn't do anything for the rest of the day but relax, read, and generally recuperate. Jordan and I did go to Wal-Mart to get a third fold-up chair for sitting outside.

Today would probably be described as the first leg of our trip to Alaska.

Odometer reading = 32,059
Miles for day = 79

 

1/31/02
(Zolfo Springs FL)

Sharyn did lots of laundry in the laundry room located in the rear room of the clubhouse. I washed the car and did some reading in the library which is located in the room on the left in the clubhouse.

We also met and talked with Bill & Carol Williams, our neighbors across the way who told us they make jewelry that they sell at crafts shows. That's technically true, but when we saw his work it did not conform to my expectation. It would be more accurate to say that they manufacturer very fine, high quality, one-of-a-kind pieces. For example, two of my favorites (just from the few he showed us), are this pin and this cross. Their business is called Precious Treasures and they can be reached at misnowbd@hotmail.com.

Odometer reading = 32,059
Miles for day = 0

 

2/1/02 and 2/2/02
(Zolfo Springs FL)

We didn't do anything yesterday (as far as I can remember), but today we had had planned to go to an RV show in Ocala. However, when it was time to get up and get ready to go, the one who yesterday most wanted to go, was less enthused. I had had questions about whether it would be worth the 125 mile trip to Ocala so it was fine with me not to go.

Instead, I did some work on the water system in the motorhome. Three problems we've had for awhile have been; (1) the water pump keeps cycling on every several minutes, (2) when the water runs there's a vibration from the water pipes running under the floor, and (3) when we're hooked up to city water pressure, over a period of a day or so, our water tank overflows. Numbers (1) and (3) I think were related -- water pressure leaks back through the water pump (probably the check valve). The only problem is that several weeks ago I replaced the check valve and it didn't seem to make any difference. However, it's been several hours since I replaced it again this afternoon, and I think that cycling on problem may be fixed. It will take awhile to see if the check valve fixed problem (1) also. By the way, while I was in there I also relocated the water pump from the floor of the compartment to the side. That freed up a substantial area for storing water hose, extension cord, etc.

I also removed the rear panel of the compartment and used electrical tape to fasten the water lines in such a manner that the vibration has been substantially reduced. Not a bad day.

Odometer reading = 32,059
Miles for day = 0

 

2/3/02
(Zolfo Springs FL)

Sharyn and I went to the kielbasa cook at the clubhouse where kielbasa on a roll with onion, etc was only a dollar. Almost as good a deal as 10-10-220!

Jordan complained that she couldn't watch the Super Bowl because I watched the news, and then she missed half time because, "Mom had to see the dance scene in The American President which she's already seen ten times."

By the way, before we leave here, here's a picture of our site.

Odometer reading = 32,059
Miles for day = 0

 

2/4/02
(Bushnell FL)

We checked out of Zolfo Springs this morning. We paid $50.02 for five days camping, plus $11.94 for 124 kWh of electricity, for a total of $61.96. That's pretty reasonable. It's also only the second time we've paid for metered electricity on a short time stay.

When we stopped for lunch I took note of Jordan's hair which I thought looked exceptionally good, so I took her picture.

In November 2001 Escapees purchased Sumter Oaks RV Park, an existing RV park near Bushnell FL, to convert to another Escapee (SKP) park. Since we don't know when we'll be back in this area again we decided to go there and check it out. It's probably less than 100 miles from Zolfo Springs, but it took us 131 miles to get here. When we were planning to go to the RV show in Ocala this past weekend I had studied the map to see just how to get to the fairgrounds in Ocala where the show was to take place. We didn't go to the RV show, but when we left this morning for Sumter Oaks, which is about 40 miles south of Ocala, I started driving north to the Ocala fairgrounds. We had gone about 100 miles when Sharyn asked me, "how much further to this place?" As I began to answer I realized what I had done. Luckily we had not yet gone past Sumter Oaks, but we were in the process of doing so; and we were 30 miles to the east of where we would have been had I been going to the right place. I guess it's like the bumper sticker says, "Dumbness Happens."

Anyway we did get to Sumter Oaks, and while it's pretty nice now, it's potential is terrific. I'm sure that after Escapees has had it for a year or two it will be one of their nicest parks. We like it -- mostly because we like the large Live Oaks that spread over the entire campground. Jordan likes it better than Zolfo Springs because she says the people here are much friendlier here. Tonight they had a spaghetti dinner at the clubhouse and we went.

Periodically we come across a sign that I think has some particular humor or interest. I'm going to start photographing such signs and post them on this site. When I've accumulated several I'll start a separate page, perhaps called "Interesting Signs." In the meanwhile, here's the first sign.

Odometer reading = 32,189
Miles for day = 131

 

2/5/02
(Bushnell FL)

The first thing that happened this morning, after coffee and conversation, was that Sharyn and Jordan went to the club house for a line dancing lesson (not too many people showed up). They were gone for considerably longer than that because apparently all the women sat around and talked about their RV'ing experiences and the pros and cons of full-timing.

While they were line dancing I changed the water filters on the motorhome. We use two filters in series with the first a half micron sediment cartridge and the second a half micron carbon block The carbon filter is referred to as a "polishing" filter as it also removes chlorine, odors, and most other disagreeable characteristics, "polishing" the drinking water -- and, because of where it's installed, all the water coming into the motorhome. The water passing through these filters, according to Sharyn, is better than any of the bottled spring waters that she used to buy before we installed this filter system.

We also put our name on the waiting list to purchase a long term lease for one of the lots in this park. There are a total of 125 lots, 25 of which are leased to Escapee members. The remaining lots are available for Escapee members who are looking for short term campsites for a few days or weeks. We don't know if we wish to purchase one of these leases or not, but for $20 we become #71 on the waiting list. We'll think about it as we wait for our name to work it's way up the list. Probably somewhere around a two-year process.

Later this afternoon Jordan and I went to Winn-Dixie to get some fresh vegetables to make for dinner. We passed over the yellow peppers at $1.99 each.

We're probably going to stay here through the weekend.. Sharyn likes it here, and if she's happy I'm usually happy too!

Odometer reading = 32,189
Miles for day = 0

 

2/5/02 through 2/10/02
(Bushnell FL)

We've been here for awhile and we're all ready to move on to visit with Ron and Peg in Umatilla. Unfortunately several days ago we called Texas to have our mail sent to us here. The accumulated mail filled two mailers, one of which arrived yesterday (Saturday). Therefore we are now waiting for the second mailer which should be here tomorrow. We have decided, however, that if it doesn't come we'll leave anyway and someone will come back with the car to get it.

Anyway, for some pictures! During a good part our coffee and conversation time I sit in the drivers seat, which by then has been swiveled around to face the living room area. Also, during coffee and conversation, Sharyn will at some point go outside to have her cigarette. This is my usual view of Sharyn at that point. If you look carefully in the lower mirror you will see some guy standing there. He is camped diagonally behind us and has been there for several days. The other day when I was talking to him he was rather reserved and not overly friendly. Well this morning he sure was friendly with Sharyn, asking her if she was a "single." I guess he thought I was the hired driver.

Later this morning (after the guy went back to his own RV) Jordan and I walked the perimeter of this campground, twice. That's just over 1.1 miles and I had trouble keeping up with Jordan. It's not clear to me how she walks so fast. She was 30 seconds ahead of me when we completed our second lap. However, my pulse rate was 76, Jordan's was 124. She didn't look like she was suffering.

Finally, this is the camp store, office, and laundry room as seen from our campsite. I took this picture because I like the building, particularly the roof line. I thought that they should get rid of all the dryer vents that destroy the esthetics of an otherwise attractive building, so I applied a little Photoshop and got rid of the vents, the electric pole, "no parking" sign, and the bulk LP gas tank. Sure makes the place look better. Unfortunately, the change in pitch (which is what I like) where the roof comes out over the porch is visually lost in the reworked photo.

Odometer reading = 32,189
Miles for day = 0

 

2/11/02
(Umatilla FL)

This morning we checked out of Sumter Oaks and were on the road by 11:30. Actually we were only on the road for about three miles until we stopped at a welding shop where the guy fixed the bracket that had broken on New Years Day as we bounced and jostled our way across the "highways" of New York City. For $10 you almost wish you had two broken brackets so you could get two such bargains!

Anyway, from Bushnell we took US-301 north to Routes 42 and then 450 to Umatilla and our friends Ron and Peg where, as we usually do here, we parked by the horse barn. Once upon a time, a lifetime ago, the four of us used to sail the waters between Long Island and Nantucket. Then we had fun sailing; now we have fun talking about what we used to do. Is there some kind of a message there?

We stayed up talking until midnight when we finally called it a day.

Odometer reading = 32,244
Miles for day = 55

 

2/12/02 and 2/13/02
(Umatilla FL)

As of this writing we've been here for three relaxed days (actually I guess that's not too amazing since we have few days that are not relaxed).

One of the things that we've been working on is going through the mail. We had our mail forwarded from Texas to General Delivery at Bushnell FL and it didn't arrive there until Monday morning. We picked up the mail on our way out of town. Sharyn is now in the process of going through it.

Yesterday Jordan went driving with Peggy and Julie. Actually Peggy and Julie have been doing very well in the formal competitions they have entered. Later in the day Sharyn, Jordan, and Peggy relaxed and talked about . . .?

This morning Sharyn, Jordan, and Peg went to a mall somewhere not too far away. I guess they had a good time because malls seem to do that to them.

Ron came home from work early and we shot some skeet out in the field by the lake (I forgot to take pictures). Tonight we again ate with them, and again we ate a little excessively -- especially the bread, pie, and ice cream. We plan to leave in the morning and we told Ron and Peg that next time they should come and visit us!

Odometer reading = 32,244
Miles for day = 0

 

2/14/02
(Perry FL)

This morning, being Valentine's Day, began with Sharyn giving me an wonderfully appropriate Valentine's Card. Is that a cool card, or what?

After coffee and conversation we said good-bye to Peggy, Sharon, and D'Ayn (Peggy's daughter and granddaughter), and pulled out of the driveway heading north for Perry FL. Four hours and 150 miles later we pulled into the Westgate Motel and RV Park. We've stopped here twice before and it works out well as a stopping point between mid-Florida and the Panhandle. Besides it's a Passport America campground with 50 amp hookups and only costs us $11.

About a half hour before we arrived, Sharyn was saying that she thought it was too bad we hadn't bought an Allegro Bus, a diesel pusher, instead of the unit we bought. When we arrived at the campground we were parked next to an Allegro Bus -- it sure looked nice. The bus had Alaska license plates on it and I asked the owner how long they had lived in Alaska. He's probably in his late 60's and he said that when he and his wife got married they went to Alaska for their honeymoon and stayed there. Now they're retired and travel full-time.

That bus was on our right, and on the other side of the bus was a Winnebago that had been next to us at the Escapees Park in Bushnell FL. They are on their to Alaska. On our left was another motorhome with a retired Air Force man and his wife; they are also on their way to Alaska. We may well meet any or all of these people in Alaska this summer. Actually we all plan to cross into Canada between the middle of May and the first of June!

Odometer reading = 32,395
Miles for day = 151

 

2/15/02
(Panama City FL)

Of the three motorhomes heading for Alaska that were parked together last night, we were the next to last to pull out this morning. The Air Force guy was gone when we woke up.

As we drove west on US-98 along the Gulf Coast we crossed the bridge over the Ochlockonee Bay. Several years ago we found a small area down on the water at the end of the bridge where we had pulled in with our 27' Travel Master. It was a very pretty place to stop for lunch so we decided to do it again. We weren't sure we'd be able to turn this rig around without unhitching the Honda, but we'd find out. It turned out there was no problem swinging a wide left turn and parking under the trees. We briefly checked out the shoreline of the bay before returning to the motorhome for lunch. Here's another picture of us parked under the trees.

From there we continued on to Panama City and the FamCamp at Tyndall AFB. I suggested stopping for our "two o'clock coffee" but Jordan vehemently vetoed the idea saying that, "we've just had lunch." I acquiesced and we continued on to Tyndall.

There were no available spaces in the FamCamp so we are in the overflow area. We are #3 for a site so that's not too bad -- particularly when the overflow sites have water and electric!

Odometer reading = 32,551
Miles for day = 156

 

2/16/02
(Panama City FL)

Before noon today we had a regular campsite and we moved out of the overflow area. However we have a site with no sewer connection, although we have water, electric (30 amps) and cable. We are now #4 on the list for a full hookup site which will include sewer and 50 amp electric.

After moving into our site Sharyn and I drove down to Bonita Bay Outdoor Recreation Complex which is the name of the water recreation area on base about a half mile west of the FamCamp. This is the northerly point of the facility as seen from the US-98 highway bridge. The Gulf of Mexico is to the right, just beyond the trees. The FamCamp is in the woods to the left and across the water from Bonita Bay Point. After checking it out (it hasn't changed since we were here in April of last year) we went to the commissary where we bought $191 worth of groceries -- Mother Hubbard's cupboard was truly bare. While we were there I stopped in at the base barber shop and got a very much needed $5 haircut.

Odometer reading = 32,551
Miles for day = 0

 

2/17/02 through 2/22/02
(Panama City FL)

During this past week we haven't done any "big" thing, but we've been moderately active with miscellaneous stuff. We've shot some pool, done daily walks (with some short sprints), driven around town, explored a secluded, sandy white beach hidden behind the drone launch area, gone shopping, did laundry (Sharyn and Jordan did), read our books and magazines, etc. On two occasions I went kayaking by myself when I couldn't interest anyone else in going with me (maybe I need a dog).

Over the last several days the hose that we use to connect to the water hookup had developed a number of leaks to the point that it sprays water all over the place and we can't leave the pressure on. While the pressure here is probably in the 125 pound range, we've been hooked up to higher pressure in the past with no problem (we have a pressure reducer where the water goes into the motorhome to protect the motorhome plumbing). Anyway, this afternoon Jordan and I went to went to buy a new hose. While we were out I tracked down a Sony 707, a Zeiss lens equipped digital camera which I've been reading about, but have never seen or handled. We finally found one, in Sears of all places. In Sears or anywhere else that's a very impressive camera! If you're really interested in an extensive review of this camera, click here, but take note that you must "click" your way through the entire 13 page article.

When we got back to the FamCamp and I rolled up the old hose I looked more closely at the leaks. The campground is alive with squirrels which pay no attention whatsoever to the presence of people; even at a distance of two or three feet they totally ignore you. The holes in the hose are like deep, narrow, chisel cuts. The squirrels did it!

Tomorrow we move on to the Naval Air Station at Pensacola and the FamCamp on the Gulf of Mexico.

Odometer reading = 32,551
Miles for day = 0

 

2/23/02
(Pensacola FL)

We pulled out of Tyndall AFB FamCamp around 11:am and headed west towards Pensacola. Everytime we drive along the Gulf Coast we comment how much we like this stretch of Florida. It takes a while to get past all the commercial congestion in and around Panama City , starting just west of the air base, but after that the scenery changes back and forth from undeveloped rural, to small water oriented communities, to a few larger, upscale communities, most noticeably Fort Walton Beach.

It took longer to get here than I had anticipated, primarily because my time estimate was based on the distance, while I had forgotten how much of that distance would be in covered at 30 or 40 mph due to the numerous communities we would be passing through. By the time we arrived at the FamCamp at the Naval Air Station it was 3:pm and I was starving. I had repeatedly suggested that we stop and have lunch, but Sharyn and Jordan, neither of whom ever seem to get hungry, kept saying "we can eat when we get there." That was okay when it was expected to be slightly more than a two hour drive, but when it became clear that it was going to be a lot longer than that I really got hungry.

Anyway, we finally arrived to a nicely improved campground. Since we were here a year ago they have installed new full hookups at each campsite (last year there was only 30 amp service service and no sewer), poured new concrete slabs, and seeded the entire facility. I suspect the grass was part of the necessary reclamation after all the digging and construction that led to these improvements. The final result are first class campsites under the spreading live oaks.

Odometer reading = 32,679
Miles for day = 128

 

2/24/02 and 2/25/02
(Pensacola FL)

This is much more pleasant than the site we had at Tyndall, and the difference it makes is somewhat striking. Last year we had a much better site at Tyndall than the one we had this year. Also, our site here is much nicer that the site we had here last year. Last year we liked Tyndall better than here; this year it's reversed. We may have to reevaluate our ideas about different places we've stayed. It may be that the campsite we stay in unduly taints our overall appraisal of the place itself. In any event, we're enjoying ourselves.

There are a number of military facilities in the Pensacola area and there is a "Navy Exchange Mall" that is not part of any facility, but seems to be for the use of all the facilities. Unsurprisingly, we went there to check it out, buy some groceries, a birthday present for our granddaughter, etc.

We haven't done any kayaking for several reasons; one, it's been kind of cool, only around 60 degrees, and second, it was here that last year a young boy had his arm bitten of by a shark. A week later a man was bitten about 5 miles further down the beach. Between the sharks in the salt water and the alligators in the fresh water I suspect that warmer weather would make no difference.

Today I finally got around to sending all of our Canadian campground receipts back to the Canadian tax authorities. We will be getting back over $60 US that we paid in sales tax at Canadian campgrounds this past summer.

On the way back from the post office I stopped at the National Museum of Naval Aviation which is about a mile down the road from the FamCamp. I had just stopped by to see what was there and if we should all go there tomorrow. It's similar to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio, only much smaller. I was walking around looking at stuff when I got close to a guide who was leading a tour group and got caught up with what he was saying. The tour and the guide were terrific and I stayed with them for about a half hour. We definitely have to go back tomorrow, but on the way out I checked to confirm that this particular guide would be there tomorrow -- unfortunately, he only does one tour a week, and today was it! Oh well, we'll go back tomorrow and have a different guide, and wander around some on our own; it's still a great museum.

Odometer reading = 32,679
Miles for day = 0

 

2/26/02
(Pensacola FL)

We all went to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, but unfortunately we didn't get there until almost one o'clock. It was unfortunate because we had to leave at 5 o'clock when they closed up, even though we still hadn't seen everything. We did take one of the guided tours, and while he told us some interesting stuff, the guide I heard yesterday was much better on the historical significance of what we were looking at. Today's guide emphasized the historical evolution of military aircraft rather than the great history of some of these individual planes.

After the tour ended we continued to walk around and tried to see it all, but we ran out of time. We did get to check out a number of fighter cockpits, including this one being flown by Sharyn and Jordan. Sharyn also checked out a retired plane of the Blue Angels. So did Jordan!

I should have mentioned that The Blue Angels, the Navy's precision flying team, are stationed here at the Air Station.

One of the planes on display with an interesting history is this Stearman trainer that was flown on two occasions by Ensign George H. W. Bush when he was a student pilot here at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. When Bush got his wings at 18 he became the Navy's then youngest pilot.

There is way too much in the museum to describe here, but if you're ever in the Pensacola area it's a definite place to visit -- and get there early.

Odometer reading = 32,679
Miles for day = 0

 

2/27/02
(Foley AL)

Because we were leaving Pensacola this morning Jordan got out earlier than usual for her morning walk/jog. An eight mile exercise trail runs right past the FamCamp so it's very convenient, and it's a beautiful trail besides. At one point I stood on the trail with the camera waiting for her to come by. Here she comes -- and there she goes!

We pulled out of the FamCamp shortly before noon and headed for Alabama and the Escapee Park just outside of Foley, about 25 miles south of Mobile. Last year as we were passing through Mobile we saw the battleship Alabama docked just off of US-98 and we stopped to see it. Jordan said she'd like to see it also, so we'll spend a couple of days here and just take the car to Mobile tomorrow as a day trip.

This morning I wished Sharyn a "Happy Anniversary," as, I thought that today was the first day of our third year of full-timing. It turned out, however, that we started on February 25, 2000, so I was two days late on the anniversary bit. Anyway, I went back through Quicken and put together some numbers:

Distance covered: In two years (2/25/00 to 2/24/02) we drove 31,029 miles; 17,612 the first year, and 13,417 the second year.

Cost of fuel: In two years we spent a total of $5,703 on gasoline for the motorhome. In the last 12 months our fuel cost was $2,195 or $183 per month ($6 per day). Over the last 5,000 miles we have averaged 7.45 mpg.

Cost of campgrounds: In two years we spent $6,390 on campgrounds (which includes water, sewer, and electric). In the last 12 months we spent $2,960 or $247 per month ($8.11 per day).

Odometer reading = 32,717
Miles for day = 38

 

2/28/02
(Foley AL)

This morning, for whatever reason, Jordan didn't want to get out of bed. By the time she finally got up, showered, and dressed, we had a rather late start to Mobile to see the battleship Alabama. Sharyn decided that since she'd already seen it last year she'd stay home to clean and maybe do some laundry.

Anyway Jordan and I took off for the Alabama. The ship is divided into three separate self guided tours and we did all of them. This is Jordan below one of the main gun turrets. Those are 2700 pound projectiles that were fired 21 miles by six 90 pound bags of powder.

This ship, and I suspect all battleships, are very impressive. A powerful war machine and self contained city of 2,500 fighting men that helped the America win the Second World War. Today it's a museum, but I think it would be more appropriate to call it a war memorial.

After we finished the battleship we checked out the hangar with the aircraft display. Unfortunately, the hangar had been partially cleared out to make room for a big fishing tournament that was going on. (Fox News, ESPN, etc.,were all on the scene. The Fox News camera man filmed Jordan as she walked around.) From the hangar we then went to the book store/gift shop only to find out it was past closing time. Oh well!

Odometer reading = 32,717
Miles for day = 0

 

3/1/02 and 3/2/02
(Foley AL)

We didn't do too much these two days except for laundry and a trip to Wal-Mart for groceries.

Except for today, when it was in the 70's, daytime temperatures have been in the 40's or low 50's, with nighttime temperatures in the low to mid 20's. It was like that in Pensacola also; much , much colder than normal. One night while in Pensacola the temperature set an all time low for the day. These kind of temperatures don't encourage a great deal of outdoor activity.

Odometer reading = 32,717
Miles for day = 0

 

3/3/02
(Biloxi MS)

This morning we left the Escapee Park in Alabama and headed for the Keesler AFB FamCamp in Biloxi, Mississippi. This is the third time we've been here. Sharyn likes the Casinos (she basically plays the nickel slot machines), the beaches, and the large ante-bellum houses overlooking the Gulf.

We traveled US-98 and US-90 all the way to Biloxi. It would have been quicker to take I-10, but we prefer the "two lane roads," and opt for them whenever feasible. It was cloudy and cold, but we enjoyed the drive -- including lunch on the side of the road just short of the Alabama-Mississippi border.

Once again the temperatures are in the mid 20's (at 9:pm), but the campground host says the cold weather is supposed to break tomorrow. We're ready for that!

Odometer reading = 32,823
Miles for day = 106

 

3/4/02
(Biloxi MS)

The largest part of the day was spent by Sharyn and Jordan checking out all the stores and malls in Gulfport, Mississippi, about 15 miles west of the Biloxi. They had previously, at my suggestion, dropped me off at Barnes & Noble where I found some a few books and a comfortable overstuffed chair. By the time they came back to get me I had selected what appears to be an excellent book on JavaScript I bought the book with the idea that I may make some changes with respect to the links on stringbean's home page.

By the time we got back to the motorhome it was almost 8:pm so we ended up having beans and turkey hot dogs for dinner.

Because we are in the overflow area, 30 amps but no sewer connection, we've been trying to avoid filling our "gray water" tank which holds the waste water from the sinks and shower. The largest source of gray water, by far, is the shower. We are only 30 feet from the shower room so I took my shower there. That's the first time in well over a year that I've showered other than in the motorhome. It was quite pleasurable; a large shower stall with probably 100 pounds of water pressure and unlimited hot water. I told Sharyn that for as long as we're here I'm going to use that shower.

Odometer reading = 32,823
Miles for day = 0

 

3/5/02
(Biloxi MS)

Today's plan was "hit the casino's." Believe it or not Sharyn had a zip lock sandwich bag full of nickels that she save from the last time we were here and she was ready to get back to the nickel slot machines.

We went to the first casino and probably were not the ten minutes when Sharyn won about a half gallon of nickels which then financed her and Jordan for the rest of the day. After an hour or two we left and went to another casino, taking the first casino's nickels with us. When we left the second casino it was past dinner time, and that casino now has most of the nickels that came from the first one. Sharyn still has her zip lock bag of nickels, and it's even a little fatter than it was this morning, but the half gallon of nickels was left behind.

It looks to me as if almost all the slot machine players are grandparents and great-grandparents. I looks like some of them play the same machine nonstop for hours because they're not mobile enough to move to another machine. When an elderly woman next to Sharyn won $1,027, she said that at least she was getting back "some of the money she had lost." We wondered how much money this woman had lost prior to this win, and at what point she would have quit!

Well, it's now 12:45am tomorrow and I've been told I should turn off the lights -- goodnight!

Odometer reading = 32,823
Miles for day = 0

 

3/6/02
(Biloxi MS)

This morning Sharyn and I were still sleeping when we awoke to hear Jordan talking to someone. The campground host had come over to tell us that there was a site for us and could move out of the overflow area. It didn't take much to just pull in the slideouts and move to our site in the new section of the campground; we didn't even unplug the coffee pot. Jordan drove the car over in her pajamas.

This is a nice site with full, all new, hookups and we've decided that we'll stay in Biloxi until at least two of us are ready to leave.

For recreation, different people engage in different activities. Some fish, some play golf, some do chess, while others pursue NASCAR. Sharyn and Jordan engage in shopping. This afternoon we all took a recreational jaunt to a nearby mall here in Biloxi. From the mall we then went back to the base where we hit the PX and the commissary. Unfortunately, I don't "do" shopping and I think I'll stay home on their next mall visit.

By the way, we may finally be out of the frigid winter weather and we are thoroughly enjoying the change.

Odometer reading = 32,823
Miles for day = 0

 

3/7/02
(Biloxi MS)

Coffee and conversation went on for several today as we sat outside and enjoyed the warmth and sunshine. We actually had to put out the awning to allow us to get out of the sun that by noon was getting too hot.

We returned again to Gulfport and the malls and discount stores located there. This time I got out at Barnes and Noble and told Sharyn and Jordan they could shop to their heart's content and just pick me up on their way home. They didn't return for me until after six o'clock. Sharyn said she was shopped out and exhausted! Can you imagine?

I told Sharyn that if we ever settle down someplace there has to be a Barnes and Noble in the area. That, plus broadband Internet access.

Odometer reading = 32,823
Miles for day = 0

 

3/8/02
(Biloxi MS)

The other day the fellow next to us was cleaning and polishing his four-year-old motorhome that looked as if it was still in the showroom. He uses Meguiar's Gold Class that he buys at Wal-Mart, and he polishes his unit twice a year. Today I washed the car and the motorhome and Sharyn bought some Meguiar's Gold Class. I polished a small portion of the front of the motorhome and it seems to do a nice job, and does it fairly easily. I guess I'll start doing the entire unit. I waxed it for the first time last August-September (it was a three week process). Since there is a six month old coat of wax on the motorhome, this application should be easier than the first one.

The other thing that I finally accomplished today was I finished reading Lone Star -- A History of Texas and the Texans by T.R. Fehrenbach. This 700+ page book is a dynamite history of Texas from the days humans first walked its land over 40,000 years ago, through the Spanish and French invasions, the golden age of cotton, cattle, farmers, cowboys, and oil empires. This is a great book, but since I only read after going to bed (I read the last ten pages this afternoon), it probably took me three months to finish reading it. Anyone who has any interest in the history of Texas or the history of the Southwest should read it (it may be out of print). ISBN 0-02-032170-8

Odometer reading = 32,823
Miles for day = 0

 

3/9/02 and 3/10/02
(Biloxi MS)

On the 9th Sharyn did four loads of wash. It seems that for just three people we make a lot of dirty clothes. That evening we discussed whether or not to leave the following day, the 10th. Sharyn and I were willing to leave but we didn't feel very strong about it either way. Jordan seemed to want to stay so we decided not to leave.

The following day Sharyn and Jordan went back to the base (the FamCamp is located off base) to do some grocery shopping in the commissary. We seem to save about 30%, a sizable savings, when we do our grocery shopping in a commissary. As they were leaving Jordan asked if they were going to go to the BX also -- I knew the answer to that one! This time I was even smarter; I said, "I'll stay home."

Odometer reading = 32,823
Miles for day = 0

 

3/11/02
(New Orleans LA)

This morning we were up at 7 o'clock and on the road shortly after ten. I love the days we move, particularly if we have been in that same place for several days. It's always a great morning, with the expectation for a new day, new roads, new things, and somewhat of a new adventure. Like I said, I love it! Some people that do this spend six months in the south and then move north for six months in the summer; they never move except for twice a year. I can't relate to that at all. I usually begin to get itchy after 2-3 days. I can't explain to myself how we stayed at Shaw AFB in Sumter for a month last fall, and I would have been content to remain even longer. Sharyn feels the same and she's not sure why either.

Anyway, we are at a Bayou Segnette State Park on the west bank of the Mississippi, about 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter. This could be our third time passing through this area and we've never stopped to check it out. This time we will.

Actually, we already started. As we approached New Orleans from the east on US-90 we crossed over a very narrow bridge (I'm glad nothing was coming the other way) and saw an old fort off to the left. Fort Pike was built after the War of 1812 (when the British attacked New Orleans and sailed up the Potomac and burned Washington DC) as part of a defense system to insure that no foreign nation could ever again invade the United States. The fort overlooks the Rigolets, a narrow body of water that connects the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Pontchartrain, a 40 mile wide lake located just behind New Orleans, thus protecting New Orleans from an attack from the rear.

Here Sharyn and Jordan peer out from one of the gun casements on the lower level. Here they explore what remains of the gun emplacements on the upper level.

Odometer reading = 32,920
Miles for day = 97

 

3/12/02
(New Orleans LA)

There is a fair amount of water in and around this park that lends itself to kayaking. The park area also provides some very good alligator habitat. As a matter-of-fact, in 1996 they "removed" a 13 foot alligator from the campground area. Unfortunately, Sharyn saw his head which is now on display in the office and has informed me that she's not going kayaking around here, and "don't even try to change my mind." Actually I felt better seeing the head of a 13 foot alligator. I had envisioned a much longer snout and jaws.

Since kayaking was not on today's menu, went drove into the French Quarter where we drove around for awhile, including driving the length of Bourbon Street. That's quite a street. Sharyn commented that New Orleans would be a better Spring Break destination than Panama City (which filled up with college kids the week after we left). After driving around for awhile we parked the car and spent the rest of the afternoon walking. Some of the jazz musicians playing in the street are really good. I found the mimes, while interesting, less impressive (some prefer vanilla, others prefer chocolate).

Anyway, after several hours we stopped off in a corner cafe for some lunch. Here Sharyn and Jordan try to decide what to order. Not too much later we came back to the campground, but as of now (9:pm) we plan to return to the "Big Easy" tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 32,920
Miles for day = 0

 

3/13/02
(New Orleans LA)

Today Sharyn and I returned to the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans. Jordan didn't like New Orleans at all and chose to get dropped off at Barnes and Noble about four miles from the campground.

Sharyn and I walked the length of Bourbon Street and a good portion of Royal Street, one block over and famous for its antiques shops.

At one point we stopped at a coffee house for a hot cup of coffee. It was a both a good and an interesting stop. Good, because for $2 we each got a cup of coffee to warm us up (it was cool outside and we didn't have jackets), got to use the bathroom, and got to sit down and rest our feet. This is Sharyn waiting for the ladies room. Notice that all the people in the picture are pretty ordinary looking people. Well, what made the visit interesting was that about ten minutes after this picture was taken there had been a change of customers. I told Sharyn it looked like the bar scene from Star Wars. I had no trouble taking the picture of the regular looking customers, but did not feel comfortable photographing the Star Wars scene. It would have been a much more interesting picture.

We visited a good number of antique shops, almost all of which have very high quality, expensive items. Beautiful stuff.

Later in the afternoon we stopped for something to eat. Sharyn had a blackened "Nu Orleans" hamburger while I had jambalaya, a crawfish pie, and a file gumbo (just like the song). It was all good, but I liked the crawfish pie best.

During the course of the day I took many photos. I have put small versions of 22 of these photos on a separate page which totals 238K and should take approximately 66 seconds to download with a 56K modem. To go to that page click here.

Also, today is our son Phil's birthday. Okay Phil, here is our birthday message to you.

Odometer reading = 32,920
Miles for day = 0

 

3/14/02
(Lafayette LA)

For a number of days the plan has been that when we leave New Orleans we'll drive north along Louisiana Route 18 to Baton Rouge. Route 18 follows the west bank of the Mississippi River and passes by a number of old antebellum plantation homes, including this one. Those 28 live oak trees are estimated to be more than 250 years old, and it was specifically to see these trees that we took this route. We also looked forward to driving almost 100 miles along the bank of the river. Unfortunately, the levee runs between the road and the river for the entire distance so it was more like we drove along the base of the levee for 100 miles. We didn't get to see the river except on two occasions when we stopped and climbed up onto the levee to look.

Anyway, for any tree oriented people, here is another view of some of those great trees.

The RV park we stopped at just west of Baton Rouge was full so we headed west on US-190 to Lafayette where we stopped in a $27 per night campground. If it wasn't that it was late and I was tired driving we would not have stayed for that price. It's a fine, high quality, RV park with all the amenities (swimming pool, sauna, rec room, games, fishing lake, etc) and someone has to pay for all that, but we only wanted an electric outlet and a place to park for the night. By way of comparison we paid $6 per day at the State Park in New Orleans -- admittedly, quite a bargain. There really is no answer to this issue for the campground owner. Letters to the editor in all the RV magazines present both my point of view as well as those who want even more amenities and say they're willing to pay more for them.

Odometer reading = 33,088
Miles for day =168

 

3/15/02
(Longville LA)

We started out this morning with the plan to just drive west on US-190 until we felt like stopping. US-190 goes right through Livingston, Texas, which is our immediate destination. If we got there today that would be fine; if not that would be okay too. We stopped several times as we traveled; once for groceries, once for our "2 o'clock coffee" (which we are supposed to stop for every day, but frequently do not), and Jordan wanted to know how we'd ever get anywhere if we kept stopping. Also, Louisiana's washboard highways tend to make one keep the speed in the 50 mph range.

Again, the first place we stopped was booked solid for the weekend so we continued on to this campground which is basically empty. While I didn't take a picture of last nights $27 campground, there were 120 campsites with 12-15 feet between RVs. This campsite cost us $13.

.Odometer reading = 33,225
Miles for day =137

 

3/16/02
(Livingston TX)

Last night it poured down rain and Sharyn was concerned that the lake would raise up and surround the motorhome, or the ground would get so soggy that we'd be mired in the mud and not be able to get out. Luckily neither of those scenarios came about and we left the campground shortly after 11:am.

It was a relaxed and uneventful ride to Livingston, during which we did make one consolidated stop for lunch and our 2 o'clock coffee, even though it was not yet 1 o'clock.

We arrived at the Escapees Rainbow's End RV Park here in Livingston, Texas, which is also it's corporate headquarters, and it felt good to be back here again. Many RVers are under the impression that Escapees is just another membership campground association like Coast to Coast or Thousand Trails that one joins to save money on campground fees. That's not what it is at all. Escapees is actually a membership/support organization that does a lot of good things for RVers, members and otherwise. The fact that Escapees also has campgrounds is a very nice perk, but not the whole story. As one Escapee said, "I'm a member of several camping clubs, but I am an Escapee." If interested see http://www.escapees.com.

By the way, I made dinner tonight, stir fried/sautéed vegetables -- not exactly, but something like that. We all share the cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, shopping, etc., but tonight during dinner I raised the point that we don't share the driving. I suggested that on the days we travel and I drive three or four hours or more I should not be part of the dinner preparation/cleanup for that day. I suggested that an alternative plan would be that we share the driving. There was no overwhelming enthusiasm for either plan, but I suspect the first one has to fly.

Odometer reading = 33,350
Miles for day = 125

 

3/17/02
(Livingston TX)

This morning, after an extended coffee and conversation, Sharyn surprised me with a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and grits; my favorite breakfast.

Later in the day we went into town to buy some milk and groceries at Wal-Mart's Supercenter.

This evening we went to the "ice cream social" at the club house where we met and talked at some length with a couple who have been full-timing for six years. She is very much like Sharyn in that she enjoys what she's doing, but at the same time she sometimes just "wants to go home."

Odometer reading = 33,350
Miles for day = 0

 

3/18/02 and 3/19/02
(Livingston TX)

Yesterday I went to DMV (actually the Polk County Tax Office) to see about getting Texas plates for the car and the motorhome. Both vehicles had to have Texas inspection stickers before they could be registered in Texas, so I took the Honda and had it inspected. Today I took the motorhome into town and had it inspected also. Then I went back to the tax office where I registered both vehicles and got Texas plates. Since we've been using Escapees here in Texas as our mailing address for almost two years, have our vehicles registered here, and tomorrow will be registering to vote here, I guess that we can say we're Texans. What's a "Texan?" Or a "Virginian?" Or most anything else? It's hard to say.

When I returned from town, I also changed the oil and filter in the motorhome while the engine was hot.

Odometer reading = 33,364
Miles for day = 15

 

3/20/02
(Livingston TX)

It was rainy, misty, and dreary most of the day. One thing we did get done was go through all the accumulated magazines, papers, pamphlets, and assorted junk that had gradually begun to permeate the entire interior of the motorhome. This was something we've been going to do for several weeks but somehow never got to it.

On the bulletin board in the clubhouse there was a sign from "Tony lot 219" who had a 100Mg Zip drive with ten 100Mg Zip disks, all for $60. I want to buy the disks but I can't find Tony. There is no Lot 219 since the 911 address system came in, and the lot that used to be 219 is not Tony. After an hour of searching I gave up looking.

As evening approached, Sharyn went to the laundry room and did a whole pile of ironing.

Odometer reading = 33,364
Miles for day = 0

 

3/21/02
(Brenham TX)

We left Livingston this morning, still heading for Alaska, but with the LBJ Ranch and historical park our immediate destination. As we were heading in a general southwesterly direction along narrow two lane roads through the country, we found ourselves passing through the tiny hamlet of Magnolia where our daughter-in-law and granddaughter used to live. What are the odds of that -- too bad they don't live there anymore. By the way, a short time time later we drove through the town of Cut and Shoot, Texas.

When we pulled into Artesian Park Campground just west of Brenham, Texas, I said to Sharyn, "this must be Allegro country." Probably 25% of the units here are Allegros. As we were setting up a number of people came over to introduce themselves and talk to us. They are part of the Regional Allegro Club for (I think) Louisiana and East Texas.

The campground office was locked (with the keys left in the door) but we followed the directions on the door and put a check in the box. Later on I went to the owners home, next to the office, and tried to sell her a website. I didn't know they already had one. As I'm writing this I have yet seen the site linked to above. I'll see it when I get online and upload this page.

 

Odometer reading = 33,499
Miles for day = 135

 

3/22/02
(Johnson City TX)

I had a strange knot, or catching, that started in my left side last evening and worsened during the night. I don't know what it is, but when it happens, it "grabs" and it hurts. As long as I hold my torso vertical it's okay, but when the muscle is called upon to hold up, or straighten up, the torso it grabs, not unlike a "Charlie horse." Standing or walking without it grabbing is difficult.

Anyway, this morning, since I was somewhat incapacitated, it was Sharyn who dumped the holding tanks, disconnected the water and electric, etc. As she was doing this several of the guys from the Allegro Club came by and we were all standing around at the back of the motorhome talking and telling stories. By the time we all finished talking it was past noon and we got underway.. If we spent any time at all in this part of the Country we'd join this group. They're really a nice bunch and they seem to have a lot of fun.

The drive to Johnson City where we plan to visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park was without incident.

From here we might go to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, about 85 miles south of here, and I'll see if they can find out what's wrong with my side. The medical facilities at Lackland, I believe, are the largest medical facilities the Air Force has in the Continental US.

Odometer reading = 33,630
Miles for day = 131

 

3/23/02
(San Antonio TX)

This morning it turned out that none of us were particularly interested in going to the LBJ National Park. The literature we picked up at the campground office seemed to indicate that it wasn't what we had expected it to be, so we headed south for San Antonio.

Perhaps unfortunately, by the time I went to bed last night the thing in my side had subsided considerably, and by this morning was probably 85% improved. I say "unfortunately," because I did go to the hospital at Lackland, but the doctor could not find anything. He said he was sorry that he had not been able to examine me when it was bad. He did have chest x-rays and a urine analysis done to preclude any lung or kidney involvement.

After sitting with me for several hours in the emergency room, I finally convinced Sharyn that I'd probably be another number of hours and that she should go to the commissary without me and that I'd walk back to the FamCamp and the motorhome. As it turned out I got back to the motorhome before she did.

A unique feature of the laundry room at this FamCamp is that the machines do not require coins -- they are free. As soon as I finish typing this, we're both going over to the laundry room where Sharyn will do what laundry we have accumulated while I update this site. The telephone line for Internet access is also in the laundry room.

Odometer reading = 33,702
Miles for day = 72

 

3/24/02
(San Antonio TX)

Yesterday I forgot to mention that we were in the overflow area with no hookups. That really wasn't a problem since we had no need for either heating or air conditioning and just about everything else runs off the 12 volt batteries. In addition, the particular overflow site we were in is probably the nicest site in the entire campground (actually they're all quite nice).

Anyway, this morning we did start up the generator to make coffee. That's only because last night we set up the wrong coffee pot. Shortly after that the girl came over and told us we could move into site #12, a full hookup site that had just been vacated.

After moving over to the new site we went to the BX and commissary for some shopping, browsing, and groceries (I don't shop, I drive). When we returned to the motorhome we sat around for awhile reading the Sunday papers, after which Sharyn began to make dinner and I washed the windshield and front end of the motorhome, both of which were quite buggy.

Tomorrow, if we stick with our plan, we'll go to Del Rio, a small border town about 150 miles west of here. It happens that there is an Air Force base there with a FamCamp.

Odometer reading = 33,702
Miles for day = 0

 

3/25/02
(Del Rio TX)

We left Lackland this morning, as planned, and had gone less than five miles when it started to rain. We were pleased by the fact that within another ten miles the rain ceased, and shortly thereafter the sun came out and the world was beautiful.

Back on February 4, 2002 I posted a picture of a sign that I felt was interesting or unusual, and I said I might begin a separate page of such pictures if I can accumulate enough of them. Well here's another, (we had to turn around and go back to get this picture) and here's the new page, even if there are only two pictures on it at this time.

We arrived here at Laughlin AFB just outside of Del Rio and checked into the FamCamp which is only 200 yards from the BX. We walked over to check it out but found it to be quite small. This is a small base with only a limited number of personnel that probably couldn't support a larger BX.

By the way, there is an Escapee campground in Hondo, about a mile of off US-90, so we decided to drive by and check it out as we passed through the area. We did so, and there's no reason to check it out again. Like the Escapee place in Pahrump NV, we didn't like it at all. Probably due to the desert-like environment in both places.

Odometer reading = 33,846
Miles for day = 144

 

3/26/02
(Del Rio TX)

It was probably around noon time before we left the base and headed for Del Rio and the bridge to Ciudad Acuna in Mexico. Since our auto insurance does not extend to Mexico we parked the car at the US end of the bridge and walked across. We only spent about an hour in Ciudad Acuna, walking up one street and then down the other. None of us liked the place. Unfortunately, while I had the camera over my shoulder, I totally forgot about taking any pictures in Mexico.

After getting back to the US we returned to the FamCamp just in time for me to watch the news with Britt Hume. While I watched the news Sharyn and Jordan sat outside doing their own thing (s).

Odometer reading = 33,846
Miles for day = 0

 

3/27/02
(Del Rio TX)

This is a rather relaxed base and we all find it "comfortable" here. Jordan says it's her favorite of all the places, bases and campgrounds, that we've been to. It's a small base and there isn't a great deal here, although the base commander's policy is that all FamCamp occupants are welcome to use any and all base facilities. That's kind of nice.

I went to the library because I was told that I could connect my laptop to a phone line there. I turns out that the computer facilities at the library are the nicest I've seen anywhere. They have a large, well lit, separate room with thirteen Internet connected terminals, all equipped with new Dell computers, 19" monitors, and networked printers.

There is a 2.5 mile walking/running trail that Jordan has been using on a daily basis. We have not gone back to town because there wasn't much there, and what was there we didn't care for. The entire area, and pretty much everything between here and San Antonio, is impoverished.

Odometer reading = 33,846
Miles for day = 0

 

3/28/02 through 3/30/02
(Del Rio TX)

We still haven't been back to town, or even off base, for that matter.

The weather here has been quite enjoyable; daytime highs around 80 degrees, humidity in the 30% range, and a nonstop breeze out of the west. Yesterday afternoon security came around warning everyone of a storm system approaching with 70 mph winds, hailstones in excess of a inch, and possible associated tornados. We took down our flagpole, put away all our outside stuff, and waited for it to happen -- it never did.

Today the wind blew at 30 mph, gusting to 40, all day. Fine sand and gritty dust permeated the motorhome and the car (I had left the car windows open!). Even the keyboard and the area where you slide your finger to control the cursor got coated with grit (but cleaned with a damp cloth). The accumulation on the counters and the table are obvious and easily wiped clean. Carpeting and upholstered services are just as dirty, if not a obvious or as easy to clean. A slow and tedious cleanup will be in order.

The other day Sharyn and I had our lipid profiles done at the clinic, largely due to the extreme helpfulness of clinic personnel who expedited the normal time-frame to accommodate our leaving here the day after Easter. After a year of extremely low fat (<40grams/day?) dieting, my numbers have changed very little, and to the extent that my cholesterol goes down a little, proportionally, my HDL's go down more. As I understand it there 's not too much that can be done to raise your HDL's. My Cholesterol/HDL ratio is 7.36 -- borderline deadly! Sharyn says her numbers "are not for public disclosure."

Odometer reading = 33,846
Miles for day = 0

 

3/31/02 (Easter Sunday)
(Del Rio TX)

Sharyn had wanted that we'd all get up early this morning and go to Sunrise Service at the base Chapel. That was the plan until we stayed up until 1:am last night. Anyway, we did get up at a somewhat reasonable time, had our coffee and conversation (Sharyn and I -- Jordan was still in bed), and eventually I left to do my two mile walk, which I'm now back to doing. When I returned, at five minutes to eleven, Sharyn was all ready to go to the 11:15 service at the Chapel, and Jordan was only a few minutes from being ready. I couldn't get showered and ready in time, but told them I'd be dressed and ready to go to the Easter Sunday breakfast/luncheon buffet when they returned.

I was ready and we did go to the buffet that was at the "XL Club," which is the on base officers club. Not only was the physical facility very nice, but the food was was pretty much unlimited both in selection and in quantity. Sharyn and Jordan both went for the breakfast selections; warm Belgium waffles, fluffy french toast with maple syrup, cooked to order omelet bar with Chef Ralph on the grill, homemade flapjacks with butter, scrambled farm-fresh eggs, home fried potatoes, crispy bacon and pork sausage, assorted petite pastries and fruity muffins. While they didn't have all of that, Sharyn certainly had her fair share. Actually she had missed the "omelets to order" bar and had finished eating when I mentioned it. She then went back to get herself a custom omelet Jordan was very good and was not glutinous in any way.

While they went for the breakfast stuff, I preferred the luncheon selections which included; slow cooked roast beef with au jus, oven-browned turkey, Virginia ham with sun cured raison sauce, southern fried chicken, broiled red snapper filet, peel-and-eat shrimp, whipped potatoes with gravy, baked yams topped with melted marshmallows, Juan's famous broccoli and cheese soufflé, baby carrots, green peas with miniature onions, chilled cranberry sauce and rolls.

There was also a long dessert bar with Maricela's fresh baked pies, assorted gourmet cakes, and an ice cream bar with six or eight different toppings.

I, like Sharyn, also ate too much. Neither of our bodies are any longer use to eating food in such volume and when we got back to the motorhome Sharyn immediately laid down on the bed and fell asleep. Shortly thereafter I did the same thing on the couch. Jordan reminded us both that gluttony was one of the seven deadly sins.

Later in the day, after we recovered from the excessive eating I watched some of the news casts and Sunday talk shows to see what were the latest developments in the Mideast, while Sharyn and Jordan relaxed outside with their reading material.

As an unrelated aside, I have a problem with Photoshop 4.0 and I need help. If you know anything about Photoshop, please read this.

Odometer reading = 33,846
Miles for day = 0

 

4/1/02
(Fort Stockton TX)

We left Laughlin AFB this morning and, heading west on US-90 through Del Rio, somehow we missed our turn and ended up back at the Mexican border. We did a U-turn in front of the border checkpoint and got back on track, heading in a northwesterly direction towards Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico -- our next destination. Jordan wonders how her mother and father have managed traveling around North America for two years by themselves.

As we passed by Langtry TX, where Judge Roy Bean, known as "the law west of the Pecos" used to hang out, we stopped to check out his courthouse, which turns out to have been a combination saloon, courthouse, and dancehall. It was a lot smaller than I would have thought. The sign behind the bar tells the story while Sharyn stands at the bar waiting for service.

After spending about an hour in Langtry we again got back on the road, all parts of which look pretty much the same, and continued on to Fort Stockton (a town, not a military base) which was our target for today. This campground will never make anyone's list of favorites, but then it appears that perhaps nothing green exists in this part of Texas.

Odometer reading = 34,043
Miles for day = 196

 

4/2/02
(White's City NM)

We started out shortly before noon and continued north towards New Mexico and Carlsbad Caverns. As we were going down the highway I told Sharyn and Jordan that if there was anything else we were going to need for the next several days we 'd have to get it in Pecos as that would be last real town we'd come to before we got to El Paso near the end of the week. They said we didn't need anything, and it was just as well since it turned out that Pecos was not the town I thought it would be. On the map it's a pretty big dot; in reality it's not much more!

We eventually stopped for our 2 o'clock coffee at a roadside "picnic area." Literally, a wide spot in the pavement. While we were there a truck loaded with hay pulled in to check his load and I asked the driver where the hay had come from since we hadn't seen anything green in 500 miles. He was hauling it down from New Mexico.

Anyway we soon after got to White's City at the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. After getting set up in the RV Park, apparently run by Best Western, Jordan and I drove to the Park's visitor's center to check things out. The visitor's center is five miles into the park and the views and terrain are quite spectacular. Unfortunately, I had left my camera in the motorhome. Check back tomorrow when I should have some real pictures posted.

Odometer reading = 34,187
Miles for day = 144

 

4/3/02
(White's City NM)

Today, the three of us drove down the five mile entrance road to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the visitors center. The entrance to the caverns themselves is a cave opening at the surface (where all the bats fly in and out), but the tours, self guided and otherwise, begin at a point 750 feet below the surface. Obviously, the natural way to enter the caverns is through the cave opening at the surface which then leads to a 20% downward sloping trail through the cave to the vast open areas below. The way is steep and often slippery. The "unnatural" way to get down inside is to take the elevator from inside the visitors center. There was no support for taking the natural entrance.

Anyway, having arrived down in the cavern we decided to follow a mile and a half trail that led us through some of the narrower subterranean openings as well as some of the large chambers. While I did get a few pictures, for the most part they were way out of focus as there was not enough light for the camera to "see" anything to focus on. Jordan thinks that bats are super cool, but unfortunately they winter in Mexico and will not return here until later in the month. Accordingly will missed the opportunity of seeing a prolonged cloud of a half million bats emerging from the cave at dusk.

One thing I though very interesting is that while there were signs of ancient Indians being in and about the cave entrance, there's no indication that they ever ventured down inside to any real depth, although I can well imagine that the half million bats that make the cave their summer home, and fly in and out at dawn and dusk every day, could have contributed to a reluctance to explore the inner depths in a pre flashlight era.

I guess I'm not a rock hound or a cave enthusiast as I was more impressed with the surrounding countryside and the roadway leading into and out of the National Park.

The campground at White's City is not particularly nice, but it's functional, and it's right at the entrance to the National Park..

Odometer reading = 34,187
Miles for day = 0

 

4/4/02
(El Paso TX)

This morning we are off and on the road back to Texas. This time we're heading for El Paso at the westernmost tip of the state. We had not gone too far when I stopped just to take this picture with the Guadalupe Mountains in the background. As we continued along the mountains and the highway got closer together. We thought it interesting how all of a sudden the mountains just pop up from the flat desert floor, almost like a stone wall, with no intervening area of rolling foothills gradually becoming steeper and eventually becoming mountains. By the way, the tall peak in the distance is Guadalupe Peak, and at 8,749 feet it's the highest point in Texas.

Later on in the afternoon we stopped for lunch at a roadside rest area. Two interesting things about this place were this sign, which made it to our "Interesting Signs" page, and these steps. We're not sure what the steps are for, but all these rest areas have them. You can see there's a foot path leading from the other side of the sign out into the desert, so I followed this footpath to see what was at the other end. Well, it just goes out into the desert as it originally appeared to do. As I followed it I noticed that the further I went the less traveled it appeared to be and, also, that there were lots of pieces of toilet paper out there. We concluded that since these rest areas don't have any "facilities," it's a bring your own toilet paper and "do your thing." We may be wrong, but I don't think so.

A few comments and/or observations:

(1) All through western Texas we've passed over numerous bridges that, according to the signs, were passing over various "rivers," "canyons," "draws," and "sloughs." One notable thing that they all have in common is that they are all bone dry.

(2) We've seen three roadrunners. They look just like roadrunners. We've not seen any coyotes.

(3) We pass numerous entranceways, or driveways, to ranches. In many cases the driveway (never paved) goes over the distant horizon with nothing in sight. Some of them have a small sign on a post saying "six miles," "10 miles," or whatever. The concept of distance and space certainly varies in different parts of the Country. In Texas you may have a driveway ten miles long! On Eastern Long Island ten miles will take you through half a dozen towns.

(4) You can drive through the desert all day and you don't get any bugs on your windshield.

Odometer reading = 34,332
Miles for day = 145

 

4/5/02
(El Paso TX)

I forgot to mention it yesterday, but we're at the Fort Bliss Army FamCamp, pretty much in downtown El Paso. In the FamCamp directory there is a half page ad for this place that says it's the newest and most modern FamCamp in the system. That's part of why we're here, and it certainly is a very nice campground.

This morning Sharyn and I went to the "Family Building" where the laundromat, computer room, exercise machines, etc. are located (second building). Sharyn did the laundry while I went online in the next room.

Later in the day Jordan and I went to Barnes and Noble on the other side of town.

Our left rear leveling jack leaks down and leaks fluid. We're going to have to find someone who rebuilds hydraulic cylinders. Of course it's Friday night and the weekend starts tomorror. All our problems seem to occur on a Friday or Saturday.

Odometer reading = 34,332
Miles for day = 0

 

4/6/02
(El Paso TX)

It was a bummer of a day for Jordan today as she didn't feel well at all. Sharyn and I went back to the BX but the only thing we bought was a marked down T-shirt for $7. Jordan couldn't believe that was all we had bought.

Actually, we also bought a newspaper which I read when we got back to the motorhome. Other than that it was pretty much coffee and conversation all morning, then conversation without coffee most of the afternoon and evening.

It all kind of points out the #1 requirement for a couple considering full-time RVing -- you need not love your spouse, but you sure better be best friends. Actually, it's more like love is nice, but you better be best friends as well. While I haven't cleared it with Sharyn, I think we pretty much make it on both points.

Tomorrow morning we're off to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico.

Odometer reading = 34,332
Miles for day = 0

 

4/7/02
(Alamogordo NM)

As nice as the Fort Bliss FamCamp was, we didn't care foe El Paso at all. It felt good to be on the road again, heading north to Alamogordo, Holloman AFB, and White Sands National Monument.

It took less than two hours for the drive up US-54 to Alamogordo, then six miles west on US-70 to the FamCamp at Holloman AFB, which in turn is only six miles east of White Sands. I was surprised to find out that Holloman AFB had a FamCamp, since it is where the F-117 stealth fighter was was developed, and is still a primary base for the F-117 which is still probably close to the cutting edge of stealth technology. I thought that security would preclude having a FamCamp on base. We have been told of tight security here and been warned not to have a camera in the car if we drive anywhere near the flight line. I've never seen an F-117 although I saw a TV documentary on the development of the technology and the original testing of the prototypes at Holloman. If I recall correctly the plane had been flying for six years (night time flights only) before the existence of the plane was even acknowledged by the Air Force.

Anyway, we're now set up at the Holloman AFB FamCamp and we've paid $70 for a week long stay. We almost never stay that long anywhere, but this area and base "feel" comfortable and the daily rate was $14 so if even if we only stay for five days we'll break even.

Odometer reading = 34,417
Miles for day = 85

 

4/8/02
(Alamogordo NM)

Today Sharyn celebrates 35 years of marriage to a guy who loves her very much!

Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!

Odometer reading = 34,417
Miles for day = 0

 

4/9/02
(Alamogordo NM)

Today, as on most days, we had an early start on coffee and conversation and a late start on anything else we do. Our late start today had to do with our visit, six miles down the road, to White Sands National Monument.*

The "sand" is really powdered gypsum. Rain and snow in the San Andres and Sacramento Mountains, that ring the Tularosa Basin, dissolve the gypsum contained in the rocks that were pushed up from an ancient seabed when the Rocky Mountains were formed some 70 million years ago. Normally such dissolved minerals are carried to the sea by the rivers flowing down from the mountains. In the case of the Tularosa Basin, however, there is no outlet to the sea, so the water flows into a dry lake bed called Lake Lucero where it either soaks into the ground or evaporates, leaving even more gypsum on the dry lake bed. The unrelenting winds then blow the gypsum across the land and the dunes are formed.

Anyway, so much for the details. I took a number of photographs, but in the bright sun, and with the brightness reflecting off of the white sand, I could see absolutely nothing on the camera's LCD display. It was literally a "point and shoot," and hope you're pointing at the subject (also hope you've zoomed in or out an appropriate amount). With that explanation, here is a picture of Sharyn and Jordan part way up a dune. Here is another picture of both of them, but because of the distance between them it gives a better idea as to the scale. This might have been my favorite picture if I had "pointed" a little better. I kind of missed the dune. Finally, Sharyn contemplates her world.

I frequently have difficulty deciding whether or not I'm putting up too many pictures. For viewers with broadband access, more pictures are a non-issue. For those with 56K modems it can get kind of onerous. I try to work it down the middle.

* The difference between a National Park and a National Monument is frequently a matter of money. National Parks are sites that are deemed more significant, often are physically larger, and always get more money. The National Parks and Monuments in this Country are an incredible "perk" available to the American People. It is one area where we both think that the Federal Government is really doing a great job!

Odometer reading = 34,417
Miles for day = 0

 

4/10/02
(Alamogordo NM)

Today we went into Alamogordo and visited the Chamber of Commerce to get some local maps and to find out if there was anything in particular that we should see while in this area..

From town we drove the car up to the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation where we checked out Casino Apache at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. I had two nickels in my pocket, and on the first nickel in the slot machine I won 35 cents. It was all downhill from there and I ended up losing $3.10 of my own money, plus a handful of nickels that Sharyn gave me out of her plastic bag (leftovers from the casinos in Biloxi). Jordan lost a couple of dollars and Sharyn's bag is empty. The reservation is high up in the Sacramento Mountains at an elevation of 7,900 feet, or some 2/3 of a mile higher than Alamogordo, and it's pretty country. It does not have the extreme poverty look that so many of the reservations seem to have.

Two attractive buildings on the reservation were the Catholic Mission and another church, probably of Protestant denomination.

On the way back through Alamogordo we stopped at Wal-Mart and then Golden Corral for dinner. At the Golden Corral we all lapsed back into our former eating habits, but then we knew that was going to happen.

All told, today we put over a hundred miles on the car, not getting back to the FamCamp until after dark.

By the way, a short distance north of Alamogordo we saw Osama hanging from a pole.

Odometer reading = 34,417
Miles for day = 0

 

4/11/02
(Alamogordo NM)

Today was a particularly good day. After almost two years of setting up our flag pole in a workable, but very inconvenient, manner, that has been addressed once and for all. Check this out. Now all I have to do is insert the base assembly into the receiver tube and then put the pole into the base assembly. If you're not familiar with our old system you can't appreciate how cool this is! Yesterday when I spoke to the welder and described what I wanted, he estimated the cost for labor and materials at $50 to $75. Today, when the job was done the total bill was $48.

While I was at the welding shop Sharyn and Jordan went up the mountain to Cloudcroft, a small, but unique shopping village. That worked out very well all around. They got to shop all day at their leisure, hit all the stores, and not be under pressure by having me along and knowing that I wasn't "having fun." I was good for me because I wasn't there. When I got back to the FamCamp I washed the motorhome and painted the flagpole mount assembly.

Tonight we called our grandson Patrick to wish him a happy eleventh birthday. Having gotten a dirt bike he is a very happy birthday boy. If he gets his helmet tomorrow so he's allowed to ride it, he'll be even happier.

Odometer reading = 34,451
Miles for day = 34

 

4/12/02
(Alamogordo NM)

Today I got Photoshop 5.5 and I've been playing and experimenting with it all day. For images intended for a website it's a super, major improvement over 4.0 because it does not cause an image file to grow larger just from having been through Photoshop, plus, of course, you can "Save For Web" and reduce the file size as much as you want (with accompanying loss of quality). If you're interested, see http://www.stringbean.com/photoshopfiles.htm for what the "Save For Web" option can do.

While I was playing with Photoshop, Sharyn and Jordan spent 20 minutes driving around the base looking for the post office. After that, since we are only 75 feet from the laundry room, and the machines only cost 50 cents, they decided that this was the time and place to do laundry.

This afternoon, for the first time since we we've been here, the wind stopped blowing and we turned on the air conditioning (remember there's no shade here).

Odometer reading = 34,451
Miles for day = 0

 

4/13/02
(Alamogordo NM)

In response to my inquiry, "what did we do today?" Sharyn replied, "You played with your computer, Jordan and I went grocery shopping, and Jordan cleaned and sorted her stuff."

She forgot that I also went to the base library this morning and took out a couple of books that I've been reading.

Also, Jordan made tonight's dinner (tonight was her night) and for the first time in a long time we ate outside. Just like they're no bugs on the windshield here, there are also no bugs when you eat outside.

Odometer reading = 34,451
Miles for day = 0

 

4/14/02
(Alamogordo NM)

We were sitting outside enjoying the sunshine, cool breeze, and dry air, having our coffee and conversation, when we heard the people across the way (who we had met previously) talking about their metal detector. Since we had looked at metal detectors some time back, I was interested in their conversation and walked over to their site. A short time later Sharyn came over also. It wasn't too long until there were five couples, all of whom happened to be Escapees, discussing and talking about all kinds of RVing experiences, pros and cons, places to go, etc.

After an hour or so that began to break up and Sharyn and I went back to our motorhome. Since we're leaving here tomorrow we decided to go to the commissary and do some grocery shopping while we could get the benefit of commissary prices.

Odometer reading = 34,451
Miles for day = 0

 

4/15/02
(Santa Fe NM)

We were up early, but didn't leave the FamCamp until shortly after ten o'clock when we headed north through Alamogordo on US-54.

Sharyn's been wanting to see Sante Fe since we passed close-by almost two years ago. Late this afternoon, after traveling a little over 200 miles we finally pulled into town. The drive was quite enjoyable as the nature of the landscape seemed to change every 50 miles or so. This picture was taken through the windshield when we were approximately 50-60 miles from Sante Fe.

Tomorrow we'll start checking out Sante Fe.

Odometer reading = 34,682
Miles for day = 231

 

4/16/02
(Santa Fe NM)

It was 64 degrees in the motorhome when we woke up this morning; kind of cold. We pretty much set the thermostat for 68 degrees when we go to bed at night. We find that a comfortable sleeping temperature, but we're never sure whether we need to set the thermostat for heat to 68 degrees, or cool to 68 degrees. Since we've been in Alamogordo and Santa Fe it seems that there's about a 30 degree temperature swing from daytime to nighttime.

Anyway, around midday we left the campground and headed for the old "downtown" section of Santa Fe, about four miles down the road. We spent almost four hours walking around, and even with all that time we didn't get very far. I'm not a shopper, but I have to say that the shops sure have some beautiful stuff. Sharyn and I both like the "Southwest" look, in architecture, as well as home furnishings, clothing, pottery, jewelry, etc. Basically everything they sell in these stores.

The only things we bought were a silver bracelet for Sharyn, made by a Zuni lady, and a turquoise and silver necklace for Jordan, made by a Pueblo lady. Both of these pieces were bought from Indian artist/vendors who had their stuff laid out on blankets in front of the Palace of the Governors on the Plaza at the center of downtown Santa Fe. The Palace of the Governors was built approximately 1610 by the Spanish Government of the day and is now the oldest government building in the United States.

Tomorrow we'll return to the downtown area and walk and look some more. It's very nice, and there's a lot we've yet to see. For instance Sharyn been saying for almost a year that she wanted to visit the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. We were within several blocks of it today, but didn't make it.

Odometer reading = 34,682
Miles for day = 0

 

4/17/02
(Santa Fe NM)

In order to be sure we'd finish downtown Santa Fe today, we got up and left early. Our first stop was the Georgia O'Keefe Museum because we wanted to be sure that if we ran out of time at least we'd have seen that. Today's Wednesday and the museum is closed on Wednesdays. What a bummer.

Having already parked the car we walked the several blocks to the old downtown area and pretty much picked up where we left off yesterday. Once again I have to say that even I'm impressed by all the really magnificent stuff that's in these shops -- much of it quite expensive, but really magnificent! After four hours of walking around and visiting these shops, with two coffee shop stops for me to rest, I requested that one of them should drive me back to the motorhome as I could walk no more. That idea was countered with why don't I just leave and come back to pick them up in front of the Palace of the Governors at 5 o'clock.

On my way back to the car I walked past a place that had such nice stuff on display in the window that I had to go in and look. They had some very nice Indian artifacts, including a well worn, and somewhat torn, "Apache war shirt." It was very old and fragile, made of white (but dirty) leather, with fringed sleeves, and some beadwork on the shoulders. The price was $35,000. They also had several, what looked like deep quivers, but were actually fringed leather, sleeve like, rifle cases. They were in the $6,000 range. Amazing stuff, but certainly not for the casual shopper.

On the way back to the motorhome I passed the block where we had seen Borders Books, so I went there instead. Basically all I needed was a comfortable place to sit down and I figured an overstuffed chair at Borders would work. Besides I could see about a book on Photoshop 5.5. To my surprise they had several and I bought one of them. I was surprised they had any because Barnes & Noble in El Paso did not have anything for 5.5. Anyway, when it got close to 5 o'clock I returned to the Governors Palace and picked up Sharyn and Jordan. Sharyn looked totally exhausted and said that Jordan could outwalk her and that she was truly dragging. Having dropped out three hours earlier, I could relate to that.

When we got back to the motorhome we all just sat and watched the news until Jordan, whose turn it was to make dinner, got up and started dinner preparation. We're all worn out.

Odometer reading = 34,682
Miles for day = 0

 

4/18/02
(Albuquerque NM)

This morning we were up at 6:30 so that we could be to a Ford Warranty Service place that does motorhomes for an 8:am appointment. Sometimes the factory AC/heating doesn't work when we start the engine. It usually comes on after we've traveled a mile or so, but we wanted to have it fixed while we still have some warranty left. It was our plan to get to Gallop NM today, but we didn't get out of the repair place until after 2 o'clock so we only came as far as Albuquerque, where we are now at the Kirkland AFB FamCamp.

Odometer reading = 34,748
Miles for day = 66

 

4/19/02
(Gallup NM)

We left Albuquerque midmorning, heading west on I-40 until we were about halfway to Gallup, at which time we got off the Interstate and onto Historic US-66 that took us to within a half mile of Red Rock State Park where we last stayed in October, 2000. We again checked into the park and took the same site we had last time.

We plan to stay here for several days and use this place as a base while we visit the Zuni Reservation (about 35 miles southeast), the Navajo Reservation at Window Rock, Arizona (about 25 miles northwest), and of course Gallup, claimed to be, " . . . truly the international source for authentic [Native American] jewelry, pottery, and world-famous Navajo rugs."

Odometer reading = 34,889
Miles for day = 141

 

4/20/02
(Gallup NM)

This morning as we had our coffee and conversation the sun was cresting over the red sandstone rock cliffs behind the motorhome. As the sun rose higher behind us, we watched the sunlight flood the red rock that encloses the western edge of Red Rock State Park, starting at the top and working its way down the face of the cliff. These sandstone cliffs encircle the campground on three sides creating an area perhaps 1,000 feet in diameter. The Outlaw Trading Post, built in 1888, now serves as a camp office and general store. The new addition on the right side is the post office for Church Rock NM (which I guess is where we really are). To complete the photo presentation, this is a view of the cliff behind (to the east) of the motorhome, taken late in the day as the sun was getting lower in the west.

Sometime around midday we drove to Zini, the town that serves as the center of the Zuni Reservation. Once again we checked out a number of places that sell jewelry, pottery, and other Indian crafts and items of art. Again, very nice stuff, but you can't buy everything that's nice. We stopped at the Route-53 Cafe, a tiny little place in the middle of Zuni, Indian owned and operated. I intended to use the picture I took in October 2000 to put here, but for reasons I can't explain, the picture isn't where it's supposed to be.

When we returned from Zuni we stopped in Gallup, which is loaded with trading posts, Indian pawns, etc., but it was almost 6 o'clock and everything was either closed or closing. There's enough in Gallup that we've decided to stay over until Monday when these places open again.

Odometer reading = 34,889
Miles for day = 0

 

4/21/02
(Gallup NM)

Last night the heat pumps went off and the system switched to the gas furnaces. We found out that last night's temperature went down to 22 degrees! I thought we were finished with those kinds of temperatures.

Jordan and I had decided to hike up to Church Rock, two miles north of the campground. We left at noon for a hike that the campground brochure says takes an hour and a half. Suffice it to say we didn't get back until 4:30, and we were dragging. Part of the problem was that the brochure shows a simple map depicting four trails. The reality is that there are hundreds of trails, including goat trails, crisscrossing all over the place. Many of them dead end, either at the base of a rock wall, or at the edge of a precipice. Anyway, the map showed that the easiest assent was to circle around to the right (east) and come up from the rear. That's what we ultimately did, backtracking numerous times from dead ends.

At one point when we were probably about a half mile east of the rock we met a herd of goats coming the other way along the trail. As we got closer to each other the goats left the trail, but were soon followed by a pack of six to eight dogs that encircled me in barking, not too friendly, manner. When I first saw them coming I was concerned that it might be a pack of wild dogs, but by the time they had encircled me I could tell that they weren't wild, but not exactly looking to play either. Jordan was about 75 feet behind me and I yelled at her to pick up a stick. So far the dogs had ignored her but I wanted her to have something in her hand in case they moved on towards her. At that point I could not pick up anything because to try to do so would have put my face right into the face of a dog. Had it not been for one chow-looking dog that seemed intent on getting to me, the others, except for their number, were not too threatening. Happily, following along some distance behind the dogs was an elderly Indian woman, with her walking stick, following along behind her goats and her dogs. As she passed on by the dogs went with her, but as Jordan said, she could have called the dogs off when she first approached.

Earlier in our walk, thinking of mountain lions, I thought that I should have brought along a handgun. Looking at chow dog spraying saliva 18 inches from my leg, I knew I should have. Also, I forgot to take pictures of the dogs.

As the goats with the lady and the dogs disappeared we once again took up on the best way to get to Church Rock. Eventually we were successful and called Sharyn on the radio telling her get the binoculars and see if she could see us. She was able to see us and said she didn't realize that we were actually going to climb up to where we were and that she didn't like us up there. In this picture, taken later in our descent, you can see where we stood when we called Sharyn -- and waved our arms wildly so she could spot us. This was what the campground looked like from Church Rock.

Having gone up from the eastern side we decided to descend along the western side, both because we had already seen the eastern side, plus we thought that maybe it would be easier since we could see what looked like a pretty good trail below us. We were wrong again! After getting to the trail we had seen from above, that trail ultimately dead ended overlooking a deep gorge with a dry riverbed way below. After backtracking several more times, always climbing up or down, there was very little that was level, we spotted a guy below us and yelled down if he was going up or down -- he was coming up, and a short time later he emerged not far from where we were resting (even the campground is at a 6600 feet elevation). He suggested that the easiest way for us would be to go back around Church Rock and descend on the other side. Neither one of us was inclined to try that, and I don't think either one of us thought we could make it that far.. This guy said it was quite difficult the way he had come up, that he had had to work his way up a 30 foot "chimney" by pressing his back against one wall and his feet against the other.

We proceeded in that direction deciding we'd deal with the chimney when we got there. We didn't like that trail at all. In some places it was barely discernible. Also, up until this point the trails had been such that if you fell you could get up and continue. Now, however, if you fell you'd keep going. After going not too far we came to a point where we could see a much better trail below us and we were talking about how or if we could get down to it. About that time two ladies with a white lab came by on the trail below and sat down to rest. The dog spotted us and I told Jordan that dog was going to try to get up to where we were, and that if he was successful, we would then go down the way he got up. That's what he did, and that's how we got down. Amen for white labs!

From that point on it was a piece of cake. We passed dozens of people. Prior to that we had only seen the guy who climbed the chimney and the goat lady. We had, unknowingly, come very close to biting off more than we could chew.

Odometer reading = 34,889
Miles for day = 0

 

4/22/02
(Gallup NM)

First of all, on the way into town on US-66, we took note of this view of Church Rock from the highway (but this really belongs in yesterday's entry).

As for today, it began with Sharyn and Jordan going back to Zuni while I stayed home and worked on yesterday's entry, which was only typed today. When they returned to the campground, Jordan stayed at the motorhome while Sharyn and I went into Gallup. We walked up and down the main street (Route 66) which is loaded with all kinds of Indian Pawn, trading posts, and other Indian items for sale. I think that Indian stuff must be the basis of Gallup's economy. Sharyn and I both like all this Indian and Southwest stuff. I told her we couldn't live here because we'd both be buying everything.

The weather, at least in April, could not be nicer. Sunny, dry, and beautiful; what might be described as "perfect." Maybe a little too windy.

Odometer reading = 34,889
Miles for day = 0

 

4/23/02
(Towaoc CO)

We left this morning heading north for Colorado and Mesa Verde National Park with its "cliff dwellings." About twenty miles north of Gallup, however, we made a left turn and took a detour to Window Rock, AZ, the Headquarters, or Capital, of the Navajo Indian Nation. We didn't know exactly what we'd find there, but it didn't make sense to pass within 20 miles and not check it out.

As we pulled into Window Rock there was what appeared to be a large flea market going on in big parking lot. Of course we found a place to park the motorhome and walked over, but it wasn't as big as it appeared. Also, while some of the Indians were selling beautiful jewelry or other items that they had made, others were selling discount CD's, old car parts, or used clothing.

Window Rock proved to have been an excellent stop, however. While I like all this Indian stuff, I don't wear jewelry, and don't have a house. I've been trying to find something to buy that I could use or wear. Yesterday I found a leather and silver belt in a Gallup Indian Pawn that I liked, but it was marginally too small. In Window Rock we went into a large Navajo Arts and Craft store, owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, and found almost the exact belt. At $259 it was a lot more than I would have spent and I said to Sharyn, "Do you think you can negotiate the price in this place?" Neither of us thought so, but when I asked the lady, "Can this be negotiated?" she said, "No, but you can get a 50% discount for cash." I told her I'd go find an ATM machine, but when it was all set to go I asked how much with a credit card and she said she'd give me the cash price. Neither Sharyn or I can understand the philosophy behind such a pricing system, but I really like the belt a lot.

Anyway, we left Window Rock and got back on track for Mesa Verde. We were at Mesa Verde in October, 2000, and stayed at a campground just opposite the entrance to the National Park. That's about 10 miles east of Cortez. Due to our usual late start, plus our sidetrip to Window Rock, it was past the time by which we usually stop, plus we were all tired, so we stopped at The Ute Mountain Casino and RV Park, an Indian run facility 10 miles south of Cortez. Tomorrow we'll take the car the 20 miles to Mesa Verde.

Odometer reading = 35,057
Miles for day = 168

 

4/24/02 - - -
(Albuquerque NM etc.)

Around midnight on April 23 we received a phone call that Sharyn's mother had had a massive stroke. We were in Towaoc, Colorado, about ten miles south of Cortez. After calling several airlines it became apparent that there was no viable way to fly from Cortez to Fort Myers, Florida. We made plane reservations for Sharyn and Jordan to fly from Albuquerque the following day, April 25.

We drove back to Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque and they got their flight as scheduled. Unfortunately Sharyn's mother died a half hour before they got there. The following day I also flew to Fort Myers.

There won't be any more entries to this site until we return to the motorhome at Kirtland AFB.

Odometer reading = 35,324
Miles for day = 268

 

5/3/02
(Albuquerque NM)

We flew back to Albuquerque yesterday afternoon and found everything just as we had left it. We'll stay here for several days until Sharyn says she's ready to go. Today is her birthday.

Once again, they'll be no further entries here until we're back on the road.

Odometer reading = 35,324
Miles for day = 0

 

5/5/02
(Towaoc CO)

This morning we left Kirtland AFB and Albuquerque NM heading back towards Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado. This time instead of going through Gallup we headed in a northwesterly direction along US-550, a route we have not traveled before. As we approached Shiprock NM, we pulled off the road and took this picture from Farmington, a full 30 miles from the Shiprock itself. It's a good depiction of both size and distance.

We are now back at the Ute Mountain Casino and RV Park where we received the phone call about Sharyn's mother twelve days ago. Tomorrow we'll take the car to Mesa Verde National Park, about 30 miles from here, and the next day we should be heading for the Grand Canyon.

The following four photos never got incorporated into the text:

(a) Jordan had been looking for one of these necklaces for a long time. She never found one because, as we have learned, it's something from the "plains Indians," more likely to be found in Oklahoma, not in the southwest. When Sharyn and I found this one in a trading post in Gallup we grabbed it. Jordan was thrilled.

(b) We were impressed by the color and design of the Interstate overpasses where I-25 intersects with I-40 in Albuquerque, designed to fit in with the color and architecture of the area.

(c) US-550 somewhere between Albuquerque and Shiprock.

(d) Sharyn reading her book yesterday morning at the Kirtland AFB FamCamp.

Odometer reading = 35,571
Miles for day = 247

 

5/6/02
(Towaoc CO)

To be sure that we would not sleep too late we set the clock (actually the cell phone) for 8:30 am. As I was pouring my coffee and thinking that I really hadn't felt like getting up I realized that it was only 6:40 -- when we were in Florida I had reset the time East Coast time, two hours earlier than Colorado.

Anyway, we took the Honda to Mesa Verde National Park where we went down into the "Cliff Palace," the largest of approximately 600 "cliff dwellings" located throughout the park and surrounding areas. While the Cliff Palace had 217 rooms and was home to perhaps 200 - 250 people, a more typical cliff dwelling had only 1 - 5 rooms and housed a small family group.

Anyway, we spent the afternoon at the park. As we were leaving I took this picture looking back from the entrance road.

After returning to the campground we had dinner and then Jordan went to the pool where she swam some laps before moving into the sauna. Later in the evening Sharyn and I went to the casino where we soon lost six dollars in the nickel slots.

We liked the concept of Indian casinos, seeing them as a way for the Indians to improve their financial situation and help raise them out of what seems to be endemic poverty. Tonight, 90% of the people in the casino were Indians. That's not helping. This casino, however, is located in the middle of nowhere which may make it non-typical insofar as the make up of it's customer base is concerned.

Odometer reading = 35,571
Miles for day = 0

 

5/7/02
(Monument Valley UT)

Leaving Towaoc, on our way to Grand Canyon National Park, we first went by Four Corners where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico all come together. In this photo Sharyn has on foot in Utah and one foot in Arizona, while Jordan has one foot in Colorado and one foot in New Mexico. Four Corners is located on the Navajo Reservation and the Corners marker is surrounded by many Navajo vendors selling all kinds of Navajo Crafts. Sharyn and Jordan each got a necklace.

From Four Corners we headed into Utah and through Monument Valley, a rather awe inspiring place. This is a closer view, taken as we drove by, of one of the "monuments" in the previous photo. We passed through Monument Valley in 1970, with a 6 year old and two babies in diapers, pulling a 19' travel trailer behind an International Travelall. Monument Valley having evolved into what is is today over a period of several hundred million years, it doesn't seem to have changed much over the last 32 years.

Just north of the Arizona border we stopped at Goulding's Monument Valley Campground. Situated in a rock canyon the campground is picturesque and well done, but at $30 for the night it's too expensive for my taste, particularly when all we want is basically a parking space and an electrical outlet.

The major event of the day was when Sharyn got to put the "Utah" sticker on our travel map. Until today the motorhome had never been to Utah and that blank space on the map really bothered Sharyn.

Odometer reading = 35,697
Miles for day = 126

 

5/8/02
(Grand Canyon AZ)

As we pulled out of the campground we went less than a mile before crossing the line into Arizona. A half hour later we came into Kayenta, a small Indian town with a population of 5800 where we did find a "supermarket" that had skim milk (we all drink skim milk), which is not too easy to find in sparsely populated areas.

Continuing on we came across several areas where the wind blown sand and dust reduced visibility substantially, but fortunately these conditions were short lived. We did notice when we stopped for lunch, however, that the table was covered with a very visible swirled pattern of dust and grit. Of course while the table top is easily wiped clean, all other surfaces are equally covered, even if not as visible or as easily cleaned. I told Sharyn that when we get out of all this desert country I'm going to change the air filter in the motorhome. We'll also go through a super vacuuming and perhaps beat all the cushions with a rug beater!

When we got to the main campground at Grand Canyon National Park they were full. The other campground, run by the National Park Service, has no hookups, but only cost us $7.50. No hookups, or dry camping, really isn't a problem for one or two nights so long as we don't need air conditioning (which we don't). Basically, except for the microwave, TV, and heat pumps, everything else runs on 12 volts. We may go for an inverter which would take care of the microwave and TV (plus Jordan's blender).

Before dinner we went over to the edge of the canyon because I was anxious for Jordan to see it.

Odometer reading = 35,876
Miles for day = 179

 

5/9/02
(Grand Canyon AZ)

Our plan for the day was rather simple. First we would visit the new information center and bookstore, then we'd take the shuttle bus to Hopi Point out on the western rim road, from which we'd then walk along the unimproved foot trail that follows the edge of the canyon and go as far as Mohave Point, a distance of just under a mile.

I took about 40 pictures during the course of the day, but once again this is a place where photographs just can't convey what's here. You really have to experience it for yourself.

As for the walk along the edge, the area we walked yesterday was on a paved portion of the trail that for the most part is not at the very edge. The portion we did today was a small piece of the unimproved trail which is actually just a narrow foot trail, the result of other people have gone that way. For the most part it's probably two feet wide, and in some places there is no space at all between the trail and the edge of the canyon. There were many places that Sharyn didn't like at all, and most of those places I wasn't crazy about either. Jordan didn't appear as concerned as we were, but there were places she wouldn't go either. One thing we all agreed on was you either walk, or you look around -- you don't do both at the same time.

Since I had trouble selecting 4 or 5 photos to put on this page I made a separate page with 12 reduced size pictures. The entire page is only 146K and should download with a 56K modem in about 20 seconds.

Odometer reading = 35,876
Miles for day = 0

 

5/10/02
(Kingman AZ)

After we dumped our holding tanks and topped off the water tank we were on our way towards Las Vegas. As we were traveling west on I-40 we were so buffeted by wind that Sharyn thought we should stop and wait for the wind to stop. The weather forecast for Grand Canyon was for winds out of the southwest at 20-30 mph gusting to 50 and that's probably what we experienced. Of course there was a major headwind component -- we never have a tailwind!

We stopped at one of several campgrounds in Kingman, Arizona. Tomorrow we plan to go on to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas.

Odometer reading = 36,047
Miles for day = 170

 

5/11/02
(Las Vegas NV)

As we approached Kingman yesterday afternoon, and as we were leaving this morning, there were numerous signs warning that trucks and RV's were prohibited from driving across the Hoover Dam. This was as a result of the attacks of September 11 and the resulting security concerns regarding the dam and the billions (maybe trillions) of gallons of water the dam is holding back. To understand the significance of such a restriction you have to know that the road from Kingman to Las Vegas goes across the Hoover Dam.

Anyway, I had read that the RV restrictions had been lifted some time ago, but was reassured when the campground owner confirmed it. About two miles from the dam all traffic was diverted off of the road for a security check. We were further diverted into a side area where we were asked to submit to search of the motorhome, which we did. The search wasn't too thorough, but I'm sure "profiling" was part of the process (as it should be). It should be know that everyone at the checkpoint was soft spoken and polite, but there was also at least one guy standing there with an AR-15 in his hands.

After passing through the checkpoint we continued on across the dam, and then another 30 miles into Las Vegas and the Nellis AFB FamCamp.

My upgrade to Photoshop 6.0 was waiting for me at the FamCamp office so the first thing I did was load it and start playing. It's going to take awhile -- it's much different than 4.0 or even 5.5.

After an hour or so we went to the commissary to get some milk, bread, etc.

Odometer reading = 36,170
Miles for day = 123

 

5/12/02 to 5/17/02
(Las Vegas NV)

It's been a while since I updated this page, but we're still in Las Vegas, and we've had lots of distractions. Because they're going to be a fair number of photographs in his entry, I have to preface it all by saying that in addition to getting Photoshop 6.0, I finally reconciled myself to the fact that I wasn't going to be able to buy the camera I wanted, a Sony 707, for the price I wanted to pay, so I paid the best price I could find (mail order) and my camera was delivered to the FamCamp several days ago. Now I have two new toys and I'm enjoying them thoroughly!

Several nights ago we went to the Las Vegas Hilton where we saw Wynonna Judd (with respect to photo quality, bear in mind that I have reduced the file size of this photo from 60.2k to 20.0k with some minimal loss in picture quality). After the show we stopped at TCBY in the hotel lobby for a "cool one." Coming out of the hotel I took this picture, plus this one of the car in the parking lot.

Driving the "Strip" (Las Vegas Boulevard) one night, we had this limo in front of us at a stop light.

Another evening we took some pictures in the motorhome, including this one of Jordan. One afternoon I took this one of Sharyn. This afternoon, right in our campsite I took these pictures of doves and a quail. The quail were kind of skittish of me and Sharyn sitting there and sort of stayed behind the shrubs. While waiting for one of them to come out from behind a shrub, a road runner strutted right in front of us about ten feet away. I was caught unawares and didn't get his picture. As an aside, it was only a few months ago that I found out that road runners were real birds, not just cartoon characters.

In addition to taking pictures, we also went to several malls, Barnes & Noble to buy a book on Photoshop 6.0, Camping World to have some repairs done on the motorhome, commissary, BX, did laundry, and cleaned the motorhome. We probably did other things as well, but it's late, I'm tired, and I can't remember anything else anyway. By the way, we all agree that we like Las Vegas. The weather is quite hot with the daytime temperatures running in the mid-90's, but the humidity is only in the 20% range, plus there is always a breeze. Jordan says she like to be stationed here at Nellis AFB.

PS: If you'd like to know more about this super cool camera, check out this review at http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/F707/F7P.HTM.

Odometer reading = 36,236
Miles for day = 65 (trip to Camping World)

 

5/18/02
(Las Vegas NV)

Yesterday, for whatever reason, I thought we were leaving here today. It was Sharyn's understanding that we were staying here today to do final laundry and generally get ready to leave tomorrow morning. That was fine with me anyway, so today Sharyn did laundry, I messed with my camera and computer, and basically we had a non-formatted day.

Odometer reading = 36,236
Miles for day = 0

 

5/19/02
(Lone Pine CA)

We were up and on the road by 10:am which is really pretty good for us. We had talked about only going as far as Pahrump NV and staying at the Escapees place there, but we stopped there once before and didn't care for it at all. It's the only Escapee place we've been to that we felt way about. Instead we decided we go as far as Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley, but a road that showed in our atlas, but did not exist on the ground, caused us to have to go through Pahrump anyway because there was no right turn off of the road we were on. As we approached Pahrump we reconsidered staying there, but the wind was blowing sand and dust everywhere. It was so thick that visibility was less than a mile so we rejected the idea of staying, having just reclaimed the motorhome from the previous dust storms we'd experienced.

We did fill the gas tank in Pahrump, figuring it would be the last chance before California where we anticipate seeing gas costing another 50 cents per gallon. We paid $1.379 per gallon, and the next gas station we came to was at Furnace Creek in Death Valley. It was $2.69 per gallon; almost twice what we had paid 75 miles earlier. By the way, we took note of the Tumbleweed Tavern next door to the gas station in Pahrump.

As we were approaching Stovepipe Wells we saw that it also was engulfed in windblown sand and dust so we decided to go on through to Lone Pine, which we did. (In September 2000 we went from Lone Pine to Las Vegas and took three days for the trip -- today we did it backwards in one day).

Anyway, climbing out of Death Valley heading west we climbed 4,000 feet in 14 miles and soon after began six mile 9% descent, only to begin climbing again not too much further down the road. Brakes and transmissions sure would last longer on the East Coast. By the time it all began to level out a bit (relatively speaking) I stopped to take this picture. Sharyn didn't like the road out and says she's had enough of Death Valley and that she sees no need to go back again. I might agree with her. Two years ago I wrote here that we thought Death Valley might well be used as a nuclear waste disposal site and we stand by that today.

Eventually we got to Lone Pine and checked in at Boulder Creek RV Park. The wind is blowing here as hard as it has been everywhere else, but there is sufficient ground cover immediately upwind of the campground that the sand and dust that was everywhere else doesn't seem to be a problem here -- at least it won't accumulate so quickly!

This is the same place we stayed last time we were here. That time we planned to stay for one night and ended up staying six days. Sharyn really enjoyed the pool, the spa, the coffee and muffins served in the clubhouse every morning, and pretty much everything about the place. We'll stay here until she's ready to leave.

Odometer reading = 36,494
Miles for day = 258

 

5/20/02
(Lone Pine CA)

On our first morning here I was the only one to get up to the clubhouse for the morning's coffee and fresh baked muffins. The sign said, "There are two muffins for each of our customers -- please share." Since the guy in the site next to us pulled out at 6:45 this morning, I figured I could have his muffins and there'd still be enough for everyone else.

Eventually Sharyn and Jordan were up and dressed and we decided to go to "town" and check things out. We parked the car in front of a newspaper vending machine, bought the Los Angeles Times, and then walked up one side of the street to the north end of town, then crossed over and came back down the other side -- checking out 8 or 10 stores as we went. As we got back to where we had left the car Sharyn declared that she was starving so we went into nearby PJ's Restaurant for something to eat. Since we've all changed our eating habits for the better, none of us could finish the food on our plates.

Odometer reading = 36,494
Miles for day = 0

 

5/21/02
(Lone Pine CA)

The day began with confirmation that Rt-120 through Yosemite National Park, about 125 miles north of here, and our planned route west to San Francisco, is closed to all but 4-wheel drive vehicles, or those with snow chains. There is also snow and ice at Lake Tahoe, about 215 miles north of here, and the next westbound crossing through the mountains. Accordingly we've decided to head south to Bakersfield, about 150 miles, and go around the southerly end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's a pretty rough stretch of mountains and there aren't too many places to cross.

This is a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada, looking west from the campground (scroll horizontally to see it all).

This afternoon while I was at a local truck tire place to have tire valve extensions installed on the rear of the motorhome, Sharyn and Jordan went to the post office to mail some stuff. It appears that there was a beauty parlor next door to the post office, and now they both have appointments to have their hair done tomorrow. Plus, the tire valve extensions didn't work.

Odometer reading = 36,504
Miles for day = 10

 

5/22/02
(Lone Pine CA)

This morning while Sharyn and Jordan were at the beauty parlor I went back behind the town and took the pictures that make up this panorama (don't forget to scroll horizontally) which is another view of the Sierra Nevada Range, about five miles north of yesterday's view. The view is to the west, with the base of the mountains about 5-7 miles in the distance. The Alabama Hills (the brown hills) are less than half that distance. Lone Pine is just beyond the trees. This is Lone Pine as seen from the south end of town looking north. PJ's restaurant where we ate yesterday afternoon is the first building on the right.

Jordan thinks that we should buy a place here! When I asked her why, she said, "because it's nice." It may be nice, but it's also the ultimate "Podunk, USA." Besides we've kind of decided that if we settle someplace it should have a military installation nearby (commissary and PX), plus a Barnes & Noble.

When I picked Sharyn and Jordan up at the beauty parlor the lady let me use her phone line to update this site for the first time since we've been in Lone Pine. It also enabled us to get our e-mail and do our banking.

Tomorrow we're headed south for the FamCamp at Edward's AFB, about 40 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Since Memorial Day weekend is coming up we're going to try to get there early to reduce the chance of there being no campsite left for us. We may stay there through the weekend because on these big holiday weekends available campsites can be hard to find so it's good to stay put. When we do leave there we'll be basically heading up the coast to Seattle and on to Alaska, with diversions to the Concord/Walnut Creek area east of San Francisco, where Sharyn lived as a kid, and to Oroville where she has a sister and a niece.

Odometer reading = 36,504
Miles for day = 0

 

5/23/02
(Rosamond CA)

Because of our concern about filled up campgrounds this Memorial Day weekend, we decided to get an early start so we'd get here early. We pulled out of Lone Pine at 8:30 and got to the Edward's AFB FamCamp just after eleven. The place was practically empty with a "pick your spot and put the check in the slot" sign-in arrangement. Even now when it's dark the place is less than 30% full.

Anyway, after getting set up Sharyn and I went to the BX to check out photo quality printers so I can print some of the pictures taken with my cool camera. They had several, but since I haven't subscribed to any computer magazines for over two years I don't know what to buy. We then went to the base library where they have a number of online computers so that I could read recent reviews of such printers. Having spent all my money on the camera I don't want to spend much on the printer ($100 - $150 would be good). I almost bought an Epson C-80, but I'm not sure it'll give me the quality print I'm looking for. Part of the idea of this camera (Sony 707) was that I'd be able to retire my Nikon film camera (which I haven't used in over two years), but could still take a picture with enough definition to print a high quality, film-like, print if I wanted to. If anyone reading this has any suggestions I'd like to hear them.

It turned out that we didn't have everything we needed for one of our vegetable dinners so Jordan and I went to the commissary to get onions, broccoli, and some low sugar, fat free, ice cream. When we got back to the motorhome I made the dinner and Jordan cleaned up afterwards. This is all done on something of a rotating basis.

We had originally planned to stay here until the weekend passed, but we may leave here before that. Some bases/FamCamps are more inviting than others. Worse case scenario, we can spend a night in a Wal-Mart parking lot. That's still up in the air for now.

Odometer reading = 36,643
Miles for day = 139

 

5/24/02
(Rosamond CA)

This is the first place we've been in well over a month that allows washing of RVs at the campsite so I washed the motorhome, the awnings, and the car.

Later on Jordan and I went to base lounge where I was able to update the website and she used one of their online computers.

We called the FamCamp at Vandenberg AFB and they said we'd have no problem getting a site tomorrow. We heading there, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 36,643
Miles for day = 0

 

5/25/02
(Lompoc CA)

We got a fairly start this morning heading towards Los Angeles where we turned and finally headed north along the Pacific Coast towards the FamCamp at Vandenberg AFB. It was beautiful -- after several months in the high desert country of the southwest we found ourselves surrounded by hills and mountains covered with real trees and lots of green stuff. Out of the desert at last! It was a welcome change.

When we arrived at Vandenberg the temperature was about 60 degrees -- a full 30 degrees cooler than what we've been experiencing.

We are wondering about our plans for spending the winter in the southwest, as neither one of us are in love with the desert country we've been traveling through.

Odometer reading = 36,868
Miles for day = 225

 

5/26/02
(Lompoc CA)

When we woke up this morning it was almost ten o'clock. It was cold, dark, and dreary -- looked like it was going to rain, but it never did. I guess we had forgotten about dark and dreary days.

Sharyn and I went to the commissary to get some groceries, after which she did laundry while I fooled around with my camera and Photoshop.

There are some interesting trees growing next to the FamCamp, but I don't have any idea what they are. Check out that cool bark! After these photos I went down the road to photograph this tree.

On the way to photograph that last tree I met a coyote crossing the road. He wanted nothing to do with me and stayed far away. On the way back I stopped to photograph these guys, (ground squirrels, prairie dogs, or whatever they are, they're thousands of them around here). As I was taking their pictures they were preoccupied with watching me. The coyote thought that was a a good time to approach them from behind and he came closer than he had allowed me to get. Unfortunately for him, all those little guys either heard or saw him, because suddenly there was no one left on the scene but me and the coyote.

Odometer reading = 36,868
Miles for day = 0

 

5/27/02
(Monterey CA)

We left Vandenberg and headed north on California Route #1, the "Pacific Coast Highway." We had not traveled too far when we passed through the community of Pismo Beach. While we had never heard of it, we assume they have a lot of beer drinkers there.

From there, and for most of the distance, the road is sort of "cut in" to the side of the mountain on one side, while overlooking the ocean on the other side. Of course the scenery is beautiful and I took lots of pictures along the way. This one would have been better if the fog had not knocked out the background. Sharyn got this one as we traversed a series of "S" turns. The bridge where the highway crosses over a deep gorge, and (finally) the motorhome parked for coffee.

For tonight we're at the Monterey Pines RV Park on a Navy golf course.

Odometer reading = 37,058
Miles for day = 190

 

5/28/02
(Oakley CA)

Today we traveled from Monterey to Concord, where Sharyn grew up through her Jr. high and early high school years. We drove the motorhome around downtown Concord (which once upon a time was all of Concord) and Sharyn was amazed at how it had changed. Actually the only two things that were recognizable were the park where she used to go to eat her lunch and the church her oldest sister was married in.

From Concord we continued on through Pittsburg and Antioch to Oakley to visit with Aunt Thelma and her son, and Uncle Harley and his wife; Sharyn's father's sister and brother. We had a thoroughly enjoyable visit that was further enhanced by the fact that when they all came out to see the motorhome Sharyn served various flavors of iced tea with cookies and snacks, and later, with help from Jordan, prepared dinner for everyone, complete with cake and ice cream. Doing all of that for seven people in a motorhome is more impressive than regular "house dwellers" might appreciate. Anyway, we all sat around talking, telling stories, and looking at photographs until late in the evening.

We spent the afternoon and night parked next to Aunt Thelma's home in what must be the neatest, best kept, mobil home park we've ever seen. Like I said, it was all very pleasant.

Odometer reading = 37,200
Miles for day = 142

 

5/29/02
(Vacaville CA)

This morning we spent a little more time with Aunt Thelma before saying good-bye and heading for Travis AFB, about 40 miles east of San Francisco. It was a relatively short and uneventful drive, except for the toll bridge where the car would have cost $2 and the motorhome would have cost $2, but the combination cost $6.25. The tollkeeper said he never understands the decisions that are made in Sacramento (the California State Capital). This is the second time this has happened to us (the first time as the George Washington Bridge in New York City -- a $27 toll). The next time I may, as a protest, unhook the car at the toll booth.

Anyway, we arrived at Travis to find that the FamCamp was full which resulted in our being put into a dry camp overflow area. With the temperature in the 90's, and under the full sun, it got pretty uncomfortable. Just as the sun was dropping behind the horizon the host came over and told us he had a 30 amp spot for us -- we took it!

We'll be here for several days at least as Jordan wants to see San Francisco and Sharyn want to have tea in the Japanese Tea Garden -- also in San Francisco. Beside Sharyn has always liked it here and says it's "very comfortable."

Odometer reading = 37,240
Miles for day = 40

 

5/30/02
(Vacaville CA)

Today we didn't do much of anything. Jordan and I went to the ITT (Information, Tickets, and Travel) Office to get some information on what to see and/or do in San Francisco. While we were there we also got some publications on places in Washington and Oregon, as well as the Oregon Coast, plus British Columbia. We also got a detailed map of downtown San Francisco which will be very helpful. It even shows Sharyn's Japanese Tea Garden.

I had kind of focused on a Canon S-820 printer that should produce excellent, Kodak quality, prints from the .tiff pictures I take with my camera. Since my birthday and father's day are coming up in a few weeks I told Sharyn she could get me that printer as a combined present for both of those days. Well, this afternoon when she and Jordan went to the commissary and BX to do some shopping, they came back with the printer they had bought at the BX as an early birthday/father's day present.

Tomorrow we're going to San Francisco for the day, but the next day, Saturday, I'll get the printer up and running and do some prints. My new "top of the list" project is to build a printer/scanner cabinet that will hold the new printer, plus my old NEC laser (black and white) printer, as well as my scanner. I want an arrangement whereby these will all be plugged in and ready to go merely by opening the front of the cabinet and connecting the necessary cable(s) to my laptop. There is a small drop leaf table behind the passenger's chair. There's a small decorative cabinet under the table now that can be put somewhere else to make room for my equipment cabinet.

Odometer reading = 37,240
Miles for day = 0

 

5/31/02
(Vacaville CA)

The game plan for today was San Francisco, and that's what we did. We had planned to leave at 8:30, but some of us are poky and we didn't get out of here until about ten o'clock.

It's 50 miles to Fisherman's Wharf which is where we parked the car. We walked around that general area (sort of like San Francisco's Times Square) for awhile, checking out some shops, etc., before taking a tour boat ride that went out under the Golden Gate Bridge, then back and around the far side of Alcatraz and back to the dock. It's a one hour ride with running (taped) commentary the entire time.

After the boat ride we drove to the other end of the downtown area and went to the Japanese Tea Room located in Golden Gate Park. Many years ago Sharyn's class from Concord High School went there on a school trip. We tried to find it when we were here two years ago, but that time we were not successful. In spite of the fact that it was cold, overcast, and windy, the gardens were really beautiful.

From the Park, we started our return trip to Travis getting on the highway heading for the Oakland Bay Bridge at ten minutes to five. Not perfect timing, but we made it back anyway. It was a long day.

Odometer reading = 37,240
Miles for day = 0

 

6/1/02
(Vacaville CA)

Yesterday, on the way back from San Francisco, we passed a TJ Maxx about ten miles from the base. Today Sharyn and Jordan went back to the TJ Maxx to return something Sharyn had bought in Los Vegas, and to check out some other stores as well.

While they were gone I set up and played with my new printer, a Canon S-820. The first two pictures I printed out were .jpg's (640x480) and while they had great color and would pass as good "snapshots" (actually they were the first two pictures in yesterday's entry; "area" and "etc."), they were not the results I was looking for. I then set up the tripod and took this picture as a .tiff at a 2560x1920 (a 14Mg file) and then printed it on Canon's best photo paper. (Don't worry, this version is only a 36.9 K .jpg). It was beautiful; clear and sharp, looked as if it came from a professional photo lab, and I'm happy. Also, since the print I made was only 4x6 inches I took one fourth of the image and printed that on a 4x6 inch sheet -- producing the equivalent results as if I had printed the entire picture as an 8x10. I'm still happy, but there's no way to show the results on a website!

Later this evening Jordan and I went to Barnes & Noble, about six miles from the base.

Odometer reading = 37,240
Miles for day = 0

 

6/2/02
(Oroville CA)

Shortly before 10 o'clock check out we were up and on our way to visit Sharyn's sister Sandy in Oroville. On the way we passed through Sacramento where I wanted to get a picture of a sign that I saw two years ago when we passed through Sacramento on our way to Lake Tahoe via US-50. Route 50 runs for about 3,000 miles from Sacramento, California to Ocean City, Maryland. The sign I was looking for, that we never did find, said:

US-50
OCEAN CITY MD
3037 MILES

It was kind of a neat sign that I wanted to add to our Interesting Signs page. I originally mentioned this sign on this site on September 25,2000, but being somewhat superfluous, it may be that California decided to take it down. Anyway, we went some 10-15 miles out of our way to photograph this sign that we never did find.

After turning around and getting back on track to Oroville it didn't take us too long to get there. We stopped at the same campground on the Feather River where we stayed some two years ago. After some lunch we drove the car over to Sandy's house where we stayed the entire afternoon and evening, had dinner and then further conversation with everyone until we eventually left so they could all go to bed.

After we got back to the motorhome, Sharyn was outside smoking her cigarette when the sprinkler system came on and got her drenched. Jordan and I knew what had happened because soon after we heard the system come on we heard Sharyn starting to laugh. Now, as she just came in. she's soaking wet.

Odometer reading = 37,373
Miles for day = 133

 

6/3/02 to 6/6/02
(Oroville CA)

There's not a great deal to write about. We're still at River Reflections Campground on the Feather River. While we had hoped to be kayaking on the river, the temperature has been over 100 degrees every day since we got here so I prefer to seek air conditioned shelter.

Sharyn and Jordan have been doing lots of visiting and family socializing. Jordan particularly enjoys it because there are a number of young people for her to go and do things with. From traveling with us she was beginning to think that the world was made up of social security recipients.

In the meanwhile I've been addressing the issue of finding to find a qualified transmission place to replace the transmission fluid with synthetic fluid. Also, two of our leveling jacks have been leaking and I've had little success finding someone willing and able to rebuild them.

Like I said, there's not too much happening, but at least with this entry you'll know that we haven't driven over the side of a mountain -- we're still out here doing our thing!

Odometer reading = 37,443
Miles for day = 59

 

6/7/02 to 6/8/02
(Oroville CA)

These two days have been productive in addressing the transmission and jack problems.

With respect to the transmission, we installed a larger Hayden transmission oil cooler and changed the fluid, but not with synthetic. Transmatic, in Chico, is a large, "top of the line" repair and rebuild facility and we took the owner's advice in going for the larger cooler rather than changing to synthetic fluid. The owner is an elderly, semi retired, fellow who I thought was a customer waiting for his car. When I realized he was the owner (who started that business 42 years ago) his credibility factor went up considerably. The cooler actually cost us less than the switch to synthetic fluid would have.

Thomas Hydraulics, also in Chico, is a large hydraulic and machine shop facility that seems to focus mostly on commercial and industrial type repairs, but rebuilt our jacks in less than a day. They had no idea why other shops had told us they couldn't rebuild these cylinders.

Tomorrow is Sunday and we plan to be back on the road again come Monday morning.

Odometer reading = 37,534
Miles for day = 47

 

6/9/02 and 6/10/02
(Oroville CA)

We were supposed to leave here this morning, but over the course of our stay in Oroville Jordan has decided to stay here and live with Sharyn's sister Sandy and her family. We saw this coming, and several days ago I asked Jordan about it. We extended our time for another day so as to allow more time for Jordan to gather her stuff and make for a more orderly transition. Besides, Sharyn and I needed a little time to adjust to this change, although the more we think and talk about it, the better the choice seems to be.

Odometer reading = 37,534
Miles for day = 0

 

6/11/02
(Weaversville CA)

This morning Jordan, who has been sleeping at Sandy's most of the time we've been here, came by so that we could have one more kiss good-bye. After several hours we were once again heading north.

At Reading we turned west and headed for the Pacific Coast some 150 miles away on the other side of the Trinity Mountains. From Reading (elevation 550') it wasn't too long until we crested the first summit at just over 3,000'. A big chunk of that distance was in second gear, and I told Sharyn that if she listened very carefully she could just make out the transmission saying, " . . . thanks for that cooler, guys, it sure helps me feel better . . . and keep my cool . . . ."

Weaversville was our destination for the day. We passed through here two years ago, going the other way, and I remember Weaversville being a really nice looking town -- sort of a leftover from the 1800's. We didn't stop but drove right on through, and later I remember thinking that when we come to a place like that we should stop and enjoy it. It looks as if we'll stay here tomorrow and do just that.

By the way, this is our view from the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 37,677
Miles for day = 143

 

6/12/02
(Weaversville CA)

This morning Sharyn did some reorganizing in cabinets and closets. After that we drove into town where we parked the car and began walking. We visited an antique shop with an ice cream and sandwich counter, the Memorial Museum and History Center (where we spent almost two hours), numerous small stores and shops (most of which are in the original structures from the 1800's), and the Joss House, the oldest continuously used Chinese Temple in California.

We also checked several other things in what is called the "Museum Complex," including this original "ditcher's cabin" (check out this construction detail).

Later in the afternoon, before returning to the motorhome we went to the local supermarket to get some groceries. As I've said before, you can tell the socio-economic level of a community by what you find (or don't find) in the local supermarket. This community is more upscale than you'd know from a walk down the main street. Somewhere between 25-35% of the space in the supermarket is stocked with gourmet or specialty items -- a bigger proportion than we've seen anywhere else in a non-specialty store.

After dinner Sharyn started the laundry while I did the dishes. Then while the laundry was going we sat on the porch of the laundry room talking and reading the RV magazines that had been left there

Odometer reading = 37,677
Miles for day = 0

 

6/13/02
(McKinleyville CA)

This morning we again headed west along California Route 299. Two years ago we thought that this highway through the Trinity Mountains was one of the most beautiful we'd ever traveled. Today reconfirmed that original conclusion. The road winds back and forth as it follows the Trinity River. At one point we pulled of the road and took several pictures. Some time later we stopped and had lunch while looking out over the river.

After lunch we continued west to US-101 at Arcata where we once again turned and headed north as far as McKinleyville.

From here our plan, always subject to change, is to continue north on US-101, around the Olympic Mountains in northwest Washington, and then down the west side of the Puget Sound across from Seattle.

Odometer reading = 37,773
Miles for day = 96

 

6/14/02
(Port Orford OR)

Last nights campground was functional, plain vanilla. We were up early and on the road shortly after nine o'clock.

Once again we had to take note of the beauty of the Pacific Coastal Highway (US 101 at this point). As we drove through a portion of Redwood National Park Sharyn commented that that section might be her favorite.

We stopped rather early at Humbug Mountain State Park, just south of Port Orford. The cost was $18 which is marginally high for a state park, but it is very pretty, with the campground itself nestled between Humbug and some other mountain. It's like being in a tree lined bowl, enclosed all around except for the opening that provides access to the ocean for the creek and the foot trail, both of which pass under US-101. We took at site at the far end of the campground because that's where the trail to the beach is. After getting set up and having lunch (and changing to long pants, sweat shirt, and jacket) we walked down to the beach. Exploring the beach and the creek bed that runs through the campground and out into the ocean, Sharyn accumulated about eight or ten rocks (about 20 pounds worth)!

Since I took over 30 pictures this afternoon, I've included the following as optional (without comment):

Waves
Driftwood close-up
Log + Sharyn on beach

Odometer reading = 37,919
Miles for day = 146

 

6/15/02
(Port Orford CA)

After finishing one pot of coffee we drove the six miles into Port Orford. This was our first view of the town from several miles away. It's a tiny little seaside village with what appears to be a pretty active commercial dock, but not much else. It was Saturday, so even the dock was not showing any activity although there was a lot of equipment there. We concluded that the jail had not been used for a long time, but realized later that we had never checked to see if there was any long forgotten bad guy locked inside.

As we've said repeatedly, the Pacific coast is spectacularly beautiful. This is US-101 looking south, just before we turn into the campground.

After lunch we spent most of the day reading the paper, talking, and just relaxing in the sunshine (this is the only time I've used the delayed exposure on the camera - - which was on the tripod).

Odometer reading = 37,919
Miles for day = 0

 

6/16/02
(Newport OR)

Once again we headed north along US-101 and had a rather pleasant, if uneventful, trip to Newport where we stopped at the Port Of Newport RV Park and Marina. A good part of today's travel was slightly inland so we were not looking out over the ocean as we have been in recent days. That did not detract from the beauty of the area, however, and Sharyn commented that this may be the most beautiful part of the Country that we've seen. I think that I might give that honor to US-101 north of Tillamook, Oregon, perhaps 100 miles north of where we are now -- but then that would be splitting hairs!

Odometer reading = 38,074
Miles for day = 155

 

6/17/02
(Warrenton OR)

It was rainy and drizzling all day from the time we got up until the time we went to bed. The rain never came down hard, but the yellow highway signs with the outline of a car and the swigglely lines depicting a slippery roadway had Sharyn rather intimidated and we negotiated the coastal hills and curves. In fact we weren't going very fast and we had no problem at all from the weather. We stopped at the FamCamp at Camp Rilea, a small installation on the Pacific, just south of the Columbia River.

About a year ago I read Stephen Ambrose's Undaunted Courage, the story of Lewis and Clark's exploratory expedition across unexplored territory westward to the Pacific Ocean. It's a great story and a great book! They spent the cold and wet winter (all winters on this part of the Pacific coast are cold and wet) of 1805-06 at Fort Clatsop before beginning their long trek back east that spring. The site of the original Fort Clatsop is only about five miles from the FamCamp, so as soon as we were set up in the campground we drove over to what is now Fort Clatsop National Monument. We spent several hours at the visitor's center and the now reconstructed fort. Down by the river they had this dugout canoe like the ones used by the expedition.

Look at these two magnificent Sitka spruce trees adjacent to the fort -- the one on the left is about 4' in diameter at shoulder level. The spruce forest is full of such trees, many of them much bigger, but you can't get far enough away from them to get a good photograph.

After returning to the motorhome we had hot soup for dinner, read for awhile, and then went to bed.

Odometer reading = 38,203
Miles for day = 129

 

6/18/02
(Pacific Beach WA)

It rained most of the night and was still cloudy and drizzly when we started out this morning, but was sunny and beautiful by early afternoon. The very pleasant lady in the FamCamp office let me use a phone line to get online to update this website and download our latest cleared banking transactions. It was the first time in four days that I had access to a phone line.

It wasn't more than five minutes after we left Camp Rilea that we were on the bridge crossing over the Columbia River into the State of Washington. Once again we were following the coastline north. The coast is no longer as rough as it was in 50 or 100 miles south of the Columbia River. Now the road frequently runs along the edge of marsh or low water mud flats only a few feet above sea level. Also, while the terrain is hilly, it's no longer the steep and rugged mountains that we had been driving through until yesterday. We stopped by the river just outside the village of South Bend to have lunch.

Later in the day, as we approached a place called Pacific Beach Sharyn began to look for a place to stay. Surprising to both of us, we were less than ten miles from a U.S. Navy Beach Resort and Conference Center with a FamCamp overlooking the Pacific. That really worked out well!

After getting set up we drove the half mile back to "town" as Sharyn wanted to get some ice cream for my birthday. She was not too happy that she was unable to accomplish this without my knowing about it, but some things are compromised when two people live together (24 hours a day?) in a space measuring little more than 8' x 36'. Because of the unexpected nature of the facilities connected with this FamCamp Sharyn decided to take me to dinner at the restaurant in the conference center. She thought it was interesting that I ordered salmon as she had defrosted salmon steaks for dinner. Now she says I'm going to have salmon two days in a row, which is fine by me!

By the way, while we were back in town I told Sharyn that Pacific Beach might be the smallest town I've ever been in; three small stores, an inn, and a bar.

Odometer reading = 38,365
Miles for day = 161

 

6/19/02
(Chimacum WA)

This morning was cloudy and dark, but not raining. Once again we headed up the Olympian Peninsula to the Strait of Juan de Fuca that separates Washington and the United States from Vancouver and Canada. This is a section of US-101 northbound through the Olympic National Forest as seen through Sharyn's windshield. We stopped in Port Angeles and had lunch parked at the end of a series of docks with Vancouver and the City of Victoria visible across the water. We then continued on to an Escapee Park in Chimacum, about eight miles south of Port Townsend.

Our plan, as I type this, is to leave here in the morning, take the ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island and then drive on up to Bellingham where we are told there is a Wal-Mart Super Center where we can get what ever we need, spend the night in their parking lot, and then hit the Canadian border (20 miles beyond Bellingham) early Friday morning.

Odometer reading = 38,567
Miles for day = 201

 

6/20/02
(Chimacum WA)

Well our plans changed. We stayed here today. Sharyn did the laundry while I changed some of the grease fittings on the motorhome. I could not get the grease gun on some of them because of inadequate clearance, so I replaced those with either 45 or 90 degree fittings, as the situation required.

Later we went looking for a store to get some milk and bread. While Sharyn was cooking dinner I took the car to the car wash area and got it clean.

Tomorrow morning we leave. Really!

Odometer reading = 38,567
Miles for day = 0

 

6/21/02
(Hope, British Columbia)

We were up and out fairly early this morning. We drove the ten miles to the ferry that would take us from Port Townsend to Wigby Island, from which we could pick up I-5 to the Canadian border. While the ferry cost us $43.75, it saved us some 150 miles of driving. If we had not taken the ferry we would have had to drive all the down the west side of the Puget Sound to Tacoma, then back up the east side, through Seattle, etc. The ferry was a good deal.

Besides, while waiting for the ferry in Port Townsend we got to walk around the waterfront area and enjoy the beautiful weather, coastal scenery, etc. The ferry ride was only about 30 minutes, during which time Sharyn got to relax, enjoy the sun and the breeze, and look for interesting real estate offerings.

Leaving the ferry we continued on as far as Bellingham (taking in more scenery as we went) where we did some grocery shopping. Before continuing on to the border crossing we topped off the gas tank at $1.37 per gallon (much cheaper than we'd ever find in Canada). At the border, customs took away the apples that Sharyn had just bought because they had not been inspected for importation into Canada. From the border we continued on for about another 50 miles to Hope BC. We were going to stay at a campground in Hope, but just south of town we pulled into a park-like rest area for a brief stop. There were several other RVs already there that looked as if they were going to stay for the night. After speaking to the couple in front of us (he's an ex-gun dealer from Vancouver and they were spending the night) we decided we'd spend the night also.

Since we never seem to eat until dark, and it doesn't get dark until almost ten o'clock, we never get to bed much before midnight. I asked Sharyn what kind of time frame are we going to operate in when we get to Alaska and it stays daylight all night long?

If full-time RVing is an adventure, which it is, then RVing to Alaska is an adventure within an adventure, and today was our first day of that experience.

Odometer reading = 38,718
Miles for day = 151

 

6/22/02
(Lac La Hache BC)

When I got up at 7:15 the couple in front of us had already left, although there were still several RVs and a tractor trailer rig still there. We had coffee made in the French press (no electric coffee pot this morning) and soon were on our way.

For a large portion of the day the road ran through the Frasier River Canyon, as did the railroad tracks and, of course, the river. There is lots of train traffic up and down the canyon (tracks run on both sides of the river).

We eventually stopped at a campground on a lake in Lac La Hache, and for the first time in a long time one of the kayaks went into the water.

By the way, just so you should know, from where we entered Canada, north of Seattle, to the Alaskan border is just over 2,000 miles. Distances in this part of North America are vast!

Odometer reading = 38,941
Miles for day = 223

 

6/23/02
(Prince George BC)

This morning I didn't wake up until 9 o'clock, and when I did I found Sharyn sitting in the living room drinking her coffee. That's a major turnaround from the way it normally starts in the morning.

It was a beautiful morning so we moved outside to our chairs for coffee and conversation as we looked out towards the lake. However, Sharyn disapproves. She says it's "sterile" and "not real." This was Sharyn's view.

Anyway, we finally got started. We stopped once for "breakfast," which we do every day after traveling for one or two hours, and a second time for lunch, which we also do every day. Some days we also stop for our 2 o'clock coffee which can happen most anytime. Our third stop today was at a Wal-Mart where bought the some Mobil-1 oil to change the motorhome oil (and filter), a halogen reading lamp to put behind the couch, a small table lamp to put on the dashboard when we're stopped, and a few miscellaneous grocery items.

We're now at a campground just south of Prince George where we intend to spend two nights. Tomorrow we have to find a place to ship Jordan's birthday present (her 25th), and also to see about a tire problem on the front left. I'm hoping that it's just way out of balance, although there has been substantial wear in the last 1,000 miles or so.

Odometer reading = 39,116
Miles for day = 175

 

6/24/02
(McLeod Lake BC)

For the last week or so we've been detecting a shimmy in the front end, and yesterday it became quite pronounced. The campground owners where we stopped last night recommended Hewlett's Tire Centre in Prince George so that's where we went this morning. It turned out that while the alignment was not too bad, it had in fact worsened in the last 1,000 miles. Rotating the front tires to the inside rear on both sides, plus a front end check and alignment, delayed our departure until 3 o'clock this afternoon. The difference is dramatic. Whereas our speed used to tend to "settle in" at 55-60 mph, it now seems to settle in at just over 65 mph. I suspect that comfort level and fatigue factors will be improved as well.

Anyway, we're now only 70 miles from Prince George at a wide rest area on the Crooked River. As we approached the rest area we saw two 5th wheels parked with their slides out and I suggested to Sharyn that it looked as if they were going to spend the night there. We pulled in and asked them if they were. They're traveling together from Tyler, Texas to Alaska and said that they were spending the night and they too believed "there is safety in numbers." It now looks as if there's still another RV here.

We have taken note of the numerous signs warning of moose on the roadway, and several dead moose along the roadside. The thought of hitting a moose (1800 pounds?) at 60 mph is somewhat disconcerting.

By the way, our neighbors last night were a couple from Kamloops BC, about 300 miles from Prince George. They had just left home yesterday morning on their way to Alaska. The went to Alaska in 1993 and loved it so much that they have returned every year since. This is their tenth trip there. They are originally from Germany and have traveled all over the world including China, Egypt, Africa, etc., (he says they've been everywhere except Australia) and that they've never seen anything that can compare to Alaska.

Odometer reading = 39,192
Miles for day = 76

 

6/25/02
(Fort St. John BC)

I was up at 5:30 this morning and figured that I'd just leave Sharyn sleeping while I got us moving down the road, but she woke up before I got started. In any event we were on the road by 7 o'clock!

Twenty-six miles down the road we stopped for gas, taking on 274.47 liters (72.51 gal) for $202.83 Canadian (approx $131.84 US). That's $1.822 per gallon. Since we only have a 75 gallon tank, and had just under a quarter tank when we pulled in, I'm not sure about that meter. There was no government "certification" sticker on the pump.

Of course as we continued on we had to stop and take a picture. This was the view from the side of the road where we stopped for lunch.

This was about two miles before we entered Dawson Creek, where we ate at the Hotel Alaska Cafe, walked around town, and bought some groceries. The Alaska Highway (once called the Alcan Highway) begins in Dawson Creek at the "0" mile marker and then goes on to end at mile marker 1422 at Delta Junction, Alaska, 98 miles short of Fairbanks.

Leaving Dawson Creek we did not go too far until we diverted to a section of the "old" Alaska, or Alcan, Highway to drive over the historic Kiskatinaw River Bridge. This 531 foot, curved wooden bridge is the only original timber bridge built along the Alaska Highway that is still in use today. Approaching the bridge a sign warns only one truck or RV to be on the bridge at one time.

At one point a moose ran across the road a few cars in front of us. Sharyn got this quick picture through the window.

Eventually we pulled off for the evening at Sourdough Pete's RV Park in Fort St. John.

Odometer reading = 39,419
Miles for day = 227

 

6/26/02
(Alaska Highway at 349.3 km Milepost)

Again we had considered staying in one place for a day, but decided that we'd go on anyway, but not travel as far as we otherwise would. We both feel that we are on some kind of a marathon and that we have to change that.

Shortly after stopping for lunch we came to a point where the road had just been reoiled and a layer of gravel put down. The signs warned to go slow and keep your headlights on due to "extreme dust." This went on for about 30 miles (at 20-30 mph) and I began feeling bad for the new air filter I put in about 1,000 miles ago. By the way, that photograph reminds me that I was once told that the biggest migration in Alaska is the summer migration of RVs to the state. Right now, most of the traffic on the Alaska Highway consists of RVs heading north -- it's almost an endless caravan

Meanwhile, in The Milepost (the Alaska Highway traveler's bible) Sharyn found an old Provincial Campground that was no longer in official use, but that was sort of open for anyone who cared to stop there. The directions said to turn west at milemarker 349.3 (you have to estimate the .3) and take the gravel road for half a mile, crossing an old airstrip that had had been an emergency landing field during the Alcan Highway construction during WW II.

Following those directions we found the old campground and parked the motorhome. Sharyn looked around and was clearly uncomfortable. We were really out in the wilderness, with nothing or no one anywhere near. To try to put it into context, this whole area is part of the Muskwa-Kechika Wilderness Area, at 10.9 million acres it is one of the largest undeveloped wilderness areas south of the 60th parallel, and one of North America's most significant "large mammal predator-prey systems." On top of that, on the way in there was an old sign warning of bears. With respect to the "predator-prey" part, Sharyn knows she's not one of the predators.

Anyway, I told Sharyn that if no one else came in within the next hour or so we'd leave (actually it's too isolated and remote for me too). Well, within ten minutes two more units pulled in (I think we were all glad to see each other). There're either six or seven units here now, plus two guys sleeping in a tent!

With respect to that milemarker number, that means we're 349.3 km (272.2 miles) from Dawson Creek, and 1887.4 km (1172.8 miles) from Delta Junction, the official end of the Alaska Highway.

Odometer reading = 39,591
Miles for day = 172

 

6/27/02
(Muncho Lake BC)

Not only is it not dark until after 10 o'clock, but I got up to go to the bathroom at 3:55 this morning and it was broad daylight.

That having been said, we were on the road at 8:30 this morning and had only gone 13 miles when Sharyn saw a light colored bear, not unlike the color of a golden retriever. It had a dark snout and a "pretty face." As we traveled on we saw two more bears, both of which were black, and not as large or "bulky" as the first one. While black bears can be brown in color, I don't think they are as light as what Sharyn saw. It may have been a grizzly. They are in the area, but we are told there are about 25 black bears for each grizzly.

There are signs everywhere to watch out for elk, caribou, moose, and goats. We did come across a bunch of "stone goats" grazing at the edge of the road and they did not seem to be overly concerned about passing traffic. Later this afternoon we passed a Rocky Mountain Bighorn ram standing between the pavement and the vertical stone wall behind him. I wished we had a picture of him. Each of his curved horns was larger than his head and, unlike the ugly stone goats, this animal was standing with his head held high, like a monarch, looking straight at us as we approached. This was a magnificent animal, and he looked like he knew it!

Sharyn also saw a big brown owl with a white face sitting in a tree next to the road. She sees a lot more than I do. I must spend too much time looking at the road.

With respect to the road, the Alaska Highway sure has changed in the last 200 or so miles. It has gone from a 2, 3, or 4 lane highway with wide shoulders and excellent surface, to a narrow, winding, country road, frequented with gravel patches, and crumbling edges with no shoulders. This transition seems to have occurred as we've entered the "Northern Rockies." If the road has declined, the scenery certainly has not.

Late this afternoon we pulled into Strawberry Flats, a Provincial campground on Muncho Lake. While there are no hookups, our campsite is right on the edge of the water with the mountains on the other side of the lake.

Odometer reading = 39,810
Miles for day = 219

 

6/28/02
(Alaska Highway at Mile 626.2 [1023 km] )

First things first -- Happy 25th Birthday to Jordan! We miss her!

This morning we had our coffee and conversation sitting at the edge of Lake Moncho, enjoying (in addition to coffee, conversation, and each other) the morning sunshine, cool breeze, and the mountains across the lake. It was probably 11 o'clock before we finally decided that we should get started to leave.

About 5 miles down the road we stopped at a lakeside inn to call Jordan and wish her a happy, if long distance, birthday. In this part of the world we have found that there is no cellular phone signal, no AM radio, no FM radio, and the Dish Network TV satellite is always below the horizon.

We actually did not go too far before we stopped to eat. Partially because I was hungry (Sharyn never is) and partly because the pull-off by the river was too inviting to pass it by. When we got back on the road we soon became part of the North to Alaska RV migration.

.

We soon came across a very accommodating black bear who continued eating his dandelions and clover while we stopped and took pictures. By the way, we have talked to several people about the light colored bear we described several days ago and, based on Sharyn's description, they all seem to confirm that it was a grizzly.

We also came upon another section of highway under repair/construction that went in a well spaced out single lane for about 13 miles. This is what it was like waiting for the "pilot car" to lead us.

Eventually we got to Watson Lake where we stopped and walked through the famous "sign forest." As of September 2001 there were are over 42,000 signs. The first sign was put up in 1942 by a soldier of the 341 Engineers from Danville Illinois. Visitors are invited to put up their own sign, and obviously many do.

We are now about 14 miles past Watson Lake in the dirt parking lot at Junction 37, a complex of several businesses, including a restaurant with "home cooking" where we each had a hamburger for dinner. We asked the waitress if we could spend the night in the lot and she said we could. Sharyn felt better when two Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman (RCMP) assured her that it was safe to do so. The campground ranger lady (an attractive and friendly redhead) also told Sharyn that it was safe to spend nights in the pull-offs or rest areas along the highway. That she'd have more concern about the animals than about other people.

Odometer reading = 39,996
Miles for day = 186

 

6/29/02
(Whitehorse, Yukon Territory)
Milepost 891.1

When we woke up this morning we ran the generator to run the heat pump and the coffee pot. It incidentally gave us hot water. This is perhaps only the second time we've run the generator for heat, and the first time for coffee. We usually will use the LP furnace for heat and make coffee in the French press (assuming we are not connected to 120 volts).

One of the police officers that Sharyn spoke with last night told her about a pull-off about 100kms up the road that overlooked a small lake and usually had a couple of moose in it. We pulled off at the location and sure enough there were two moose down below, wading in the wooded pond, apparently eating aquatic plants. There were a good number of RVs and RVers there also. Sharyn indicated the location of the moose to several late arrivals. Instead of looking down at the moose, if you looked straight ahead, this is what you'd see!

As we drove on further we were going down a steep hill in second gear when a baby bear ran across the road in front of us. Lucky for him he was not too close, plus he ran pretty fast. He appeared to be about half grown and was probably last years cub.

As we were proceeding we decided to stop at Mukluk Annie's Salmon Bake and RV Park which offered free camping, RV wash, and other good stuff with the baked salmon. We pulled into her place, checked it out (it sure smelled good), but decided to continue on to Whitehorse in the Yukon.

Later in the afternoon we stopped at Johnson's Crossing for coffee. It turned out that they are also known as the "home of world famous cinnamon buns" (to go with coffee, of course). From the rear porch we could watch the vehicles heading to Alaska as they crossed over the Teslin River bridge.

At one point during the day (I can't put it in proper sequence) Sharyn saw a black fox on the slopped side of the highway. We've never heard of a black fox before, but this one was black.

We are now in Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon Territory. We plan to stay here tomorrow and check out the town. The next day we plan to drive down to Skagway, Alaska, about 110 miles south of here. We're debating whether to take the motorhome or just make it a day trip. We were told to make it a day trip, but it seems to me that if we take the motorhome we preserve all our options.

By the way, I keep forgetting to mention that neither of us has ever been anywhere that had mosquitoes as thick and numerous as we are finding in British Columbia and the Yukon. I suspect Alaska will be the same. I would estimate about five pounds of mosquitoes for every person.

Odometer reading = 40,260
Miles for day = 264

 

6/30/02
(Whitehorse, Yukon Territory)
Milepost 891.1

We got up this morning to find that our electric had gone out during the night. Since the coffee pot had been set up last night and it was nine o'clock when we got up, I figured it was late enough to start the generator, which I did. While the coffee was perking I got dressed and went and found the campground circuit breaker box and reset our breaker. Twenty amp service is pretty wimpy; and totally inadequate.

Anyway, after coffee and conversation we took the car into downtown Whitehorse to see what it was all about. For the largest city in Yukon Territory, and the Yukon capital, it's not very big. Downtown is about five blocks wide and perhaps a mile long. We checked out a number of stores on Main Street, including a bookstore, a camping and outdoor equipment store, and a jewelry store that primarily sells handcrafted gold jewelry, including lots of gold nugget stuff.

We talked with the lady in the store about the 200 mile, eight day, canoe or (in our case) kayak trip from Whitehorse, down the Yukon River, to Carmacks (or continue on to Dawson City, 460 miles for 16 days). The shorter trip sounds like a great adventure , but Sharyn is not interested in becoming some bear's dinner, and truthfully, it's too adventurist for me too. The lady said that bears were a real concern as the river really runs through untamed, uninhabited, wilderness. We both thought maybe if we were 30 years old, and in 30 year old type condition . . . !

We then went to a cafe in the hotel building where we had coffee and Black Forest cake (we shared one piece) and talked with the waitress about driving the 110 miles to Skagway -- should we make it a day trip with the car, or should we take the motorhome? Since Skagway, which is in Alaska, is at the end of a 110 mile dead end road, we have to come back through Whitehorse anyway.

From there we went to Wal-Mart (which has more RVs staying in the parking lot than does the campground) where our big purchase was a plain old percolator so we can make good old fashioned coffee by perking it on the stove (no electric needed). Besides, the aroma from a perking coffee pot is a beautiful way to start any day!

From Wal-Mart we went to a building supply store, like a farm country building supply, where we bought some hardware cloth to make some kind of protection devices for the headlight lenses on both the motorhome and the car, as well as a radiator/cooler protector for the motorhome. It won't be as effective as the protection stuff you can buy, but the total cost of materials was about $10 US, plus we won't have to worry about what do we do with it when we get back to the lower 48. I did the car head lights, but then it started raining as I was starting on the motorhome. I'll do that tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 40,260
Miles for day = 0

 

7/1/02
(Skagway AK)

First thing this morning I finished doing the headlight protectors, and then we were on the road headed to Skagway, Alaska. As we were leaving Whitehorse we passed a DC-3 mounted on a pivot in front of the airport. They call it "the world's largest weather vane" but I have my doubts as to whether a 10 mph wind will cause it to turn.

Anyway, we were about half way to Skagway when we pulled into a small village market/diner for a cup of coffee. Today is Canada Day, a national holiday, and while we were there the local Canada Day parade came down the highway, complete with police car escort. From beginning to end it must have stretched out for all of 200 yards. This was the opening contingent.

From there (after the parade went home) we continued on in a southerly direction towards Skagway. Again, the scenery is impressive. Here we are only a few miles from the US/Canadian border.

When stopped at an RV park a half dozen blocks from the main part of town. The "main part" is that section that is within walking distance form the docks where the cruise ships and ferries come in (you can't see the mountain because of the cloud). As I told Sharyn, everyone on the street is a tourist. It's like no one lives here. Even the waitress where we had lunch (I had a musk ox burger) was just here for the summer. She lives in Minneapolis. I'm not being negative. That's just the way it is. It is, however, a neat and interesting place.

Odometer reading = 40,374
Miles for day = 113

 

7/2/02
(Whitehorse, Yukon)

It started raining last night and continued raining the entire rest of the time we were in Skagway. We checked out of the campground late morning and left the motorhome parked on the street while we took the car into the main part of town (several blocks away) where we went to the the Nation Park Service Visitor Center to watch the 30 minute film about Skagway's part in the Klondike gold rush of 1897-98. After that we went to the post office to mail some post cards and had lunch at the Sweet Tooth Saloon.

We then drove the 10 miles, most of it dirt road, to where the town of Dyea once stood [See NOTE]. The town is no longer there, and what 100 years ago was open grass land is now a temperate rain forest. The land, once having been glaciated, has been rising steadily since the glacier melted, and what was low lying land in 1897-98 has risen eight feet (raising about 3/4" per year) and supports this spruce forest. We walked through the area where Dyea had stood and could see numerous remnants of the past; rusted iron braces, part of an old wagon, the remains of a 50x100' warehouse, etc. It is also bear country so we didn't go too far or stay too long -- besides it was raining.

Leaving Dyea we drove back along the now slick dirt road to Skagway where hooked up to the motorhome and headed back up the mountain to the same lakes where those gold seekers built their boats and began their trip down the Yukon River. As we were climbing up on one side of the canyon, on the other side we saw the narrow gauge White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad heading towards Skagway. It was this railroad built between 1898 and 1900 connecting Skagway with Whitehorse that that speeded abandonment of the two trails -- but by then then rush was over. As the road continued to climb higher (20 mph in second gear) the clouds that had hid the top of the mountain now hid everything. We had climbed into the clouds and didn't emerge for some 20 miles or so.

When we got back to Whitehorse we stayed in the Wal-Mart parking lot with what must have been over 75 RVs! There is probably no corporate business in America that supports RVers more than Wal-Mart does. Their company policy is that RVers are welcome to spend the night in their parking lots. RVers do, and reciprocate by being good and loyal customers.

[NOTE} To get from Skagway (where the ships came in) to the gold fields near Dawson, men had to first get across the coastal mountains to the interior lakes that are the headwaters for the Yukon River that then flows (sometimes violently) 550 miles to Dawson and the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers (and the gold fields). There were basically two ways to get across the mountains; either the 33 mile Chilkoot Trail from Dyea (that at one point climbs 1,000 within a quarter of a mile) or the White Pass route, ten miles longer but less steep, and with a summit 600 feet lower than the Chilkoot Trail. The White Pass became know as the Dead Horse Trail during the winter of 1897-98 when 3,000 horses died trying to get their packs to the summit.

Odometer reading = 40,485
Miles for day = 111

 

7/3/02
(Alaska Highway Milepost 1118.8)

Well once again we're in the middle of the woods, many miles from anywhere. Out here Mileposts make a lot of sense. Actually we're about 50 miles southeast of Beaver Creek, Yukon (population 112). Since we left Whitehorse this morning the only town we've been through that's bigger than Beaver Creel was Haines Junction and that was 130 miles ago.

Also, soon after passing through Haines Junction, the quality of the roadbed in the Alaska Highway changed dramatically. There is two-way traffic on this section. Today we've probably traveled over 75 miles of unpaved and/or gravel roadway. For the most part it appears that these "gravel roads" are actually oil and stone, where the "gravel" is put down over the fresh oil. Cars, trucks, and RVs, passing in either direction throw up pieces of this gravel that then get your windshield or headlights (not to mention the dust that cuts your vision to near zero). Today we got three of those star shaped dings in the car windshield, but since we've already got a crack running from one side to the other those additional dings really don't matter. Actually they may have been caused by gravel thrown up by our motorhome (even though we have one of those big rubber flaps on the back of motorhome), except that they're all on the left side. The side where the passing and oncoming traffic would most likely get it. So far no headlight damage to either vehicle.

Most of these "under construction" stretches are where the roadbed is either being widened or relocated, so the in the long run it's all for the good. Maintenance and repair are ongoing forever. Most of these area are so remote that the government sets up work camps off the side of the road that provide temporary housing for the highway workers. One thing we've noticed that's different from what we've seen in the States is that in the States, when you come to a section of the roadway that's under construction or repair, the person holding the "stop" or "slow" sign may very well be a girl, but it's men you'll see operating the heavy equipment (and making the big bucks). Here, I'd estimate that 25% of the heavy construction equipment is being operated by women -- and they're mostly young and attractive.

The campground we are in is a Yukon Provincial campground, no hookups, but very nice and well maintained. After we got all set up and had dinner, the mosquitoes and I changed the oil and filter. (It's environmentally okay. I have a system that works well and I rarely ever get a drop on the ground). This is our campsite at 10:40 pm. The sun is still shinning!

By the way, there's a new addition to Interesting or Unusual Signs We've Seen.

Odometer reading = 40,713
Miles for day = 228

 

7/4/02
(Tok, Alaska)

It began raining last night and continued for most of today's travel. It was still raining and muddy when we stopped at Buckshot Betty's in Beaver Creek for a cup of coffee (having already finished a pot full before we got on the road). Unfortunately, Buckshot Betty also had cinnamon rolls big enough to be called cinnamon cakes anywhere else. We shared one, so it was only half as bad as it could have been. In the last several weeks since we've been stopping for coffee (and whatever), instead of making our 2 o'clock coffee in the motorhome, and doing some "eating out," I've gained three pounds. That could be the beginning of a bad trend.

Anyway, by the time we got to Tok it was no longer raining. We drove the length of town, about a mile, and then doubled back to Gateway Salmon Bake. It's a salmon bake eating place with a RV park in the back. If you have the salmon bake you get free camping. Since we passed up a salmon bake several days back, we decided to go for this one. Basically it's a piece of salmon cooked on a big outdoor wood pit and served on paper plates with salad, beans, and dessert. Maybe everyone who comes to Alaska should experience it, but I think it got kind of dried out in the cooking process. Sharyn opted for halibut instead of the salmon and hers was very dry. Anyway, the camping (no hookups) is free.

After getting setup in the campground we took the car to a do-it-yourself high pressure car wash (car wash is free if you fill up the gas tank) where we cleaned off the bulk of the sand, dirt, and gravel that had accumulated all over the car. We need better protection for the paint on all the forward facing surfaces on the car. The gravel is ruining the paint.

Two couples that we met several weeks back (June 26) in an old provincial campground, we ran into again this afternoon when they pulled into this place. There are a number of people that we have met and keep running into from time to time. It's really quite interesting.

This time we're traveling through Tok from east to west, heading to Fairbanks. We'll be back through here again in several weeks heading from south to north as we again pass through Tok on our way from Valdez to Dawson City. Again, that's sort of an anticipated plan, subject to change.

By the way, Sharyn has been unhappy with her hair getting in her face all the time, so last night she took all that hair and "cut it off." It really looks good.

Odometer reading = 40,875
Miles for day = 162

 

7/5/02
(North Pole, Alaska)

When we woke up this morning we had an 80% flat tire on the Honda. It looked as if it might be able to be driven a mile or so to a tire repair place, so while I was dumping the holding tanks, Sharyn started slowly down the road with the car. It turned out that we had a small nail in the tire. The guy fixed it and charged us $24 -- kind of steep!

We then hooked up the car and drove out of Tok, heading for Fairbanks. Twenty miles out of Tok the inside rear tire came apart. The thread totally separated from the side walls, leaving the side walls on the rim, while the thread remained in one complete circular piece, except for a two inch strip that wrapped itself around the axle and brake line. It probably took us over an hour to get it changed, but we back on the road at the end of that time, once again heading west towards Fairbanks.

At Delta Junction we came to Milepost 1422 and the official end of the Alaska Highway. It was ten days ago on June 26 that we passed through Dawson Creek and Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway. From Delta Junction we picked up the Richardson Highway (basically a continuation of the Alaska Highway) which continues on to Fairbanks. We stopped, however, at Eielson AFB FamCamp, just outside of North Pole, and about 25 miles from Fairbanks.

This was ten minutes ago as I diligently work on these creative pages.

Odometer reading = 41,058
Miles for day = 183

 

7/6/02
(North Pole, Alaska)

When I got up I discovered that it was almost 9:30. I had been sleeping lightly for some time and was aware that it was getting near time to get up. The problem is that since it's always daylight, the degree of brightness is no clue as to whether or not it's time to get up -- or for that matter, time to go to bed. Several days ago Sharyn woke up, feeling well rested after a good night sleep, and came out to put the coffee on, only to discover that the clock said it was 12:30 am. She had only slept for a little more than an hour. Because of this we are not too quick to jump out of bed as soon as our eyes open. It may be the middle of the night.

In an attempt to make the bedroom dark, over a year ago we lined one of the windows with a padded aluminum foil material. You don't see this from inside because we put it behind the blind. The other bedroom window has a mirror slide that slides across the window at night assuring both privacy and darkness. Now, with never ending daylight, we also close the bedroom door at night. All of this, however, does not render the bedroom totally dark, but it does make it sleepable.

Query: How do nocturnal animals deal with this "it never gets dark" stuff?

Today we checked out the BX and commissary and Sharyn did a giant pile of laundry -- pretty much everything we have. Except for the laundry it was pretty much of a do nothing day. The first such day we've had in quite a while.

Tomorrow we plan on going to North Pole and Fairbanks to check them both out. We'll probably move the motorhome to an Army FamCamp right in Fairbanks but we want to see what it's like first. Our experience has been the the army campgrounds are pretty rough compared with the Air Force. We even found that to be true at West Point, which really surprised us. Since we want to spend some time in Fairbanks the army location would be super convenient.

Odometer reading = 41,058
Miles for day = 0

 

7/7/02
(North Pole, Alaska)

This morning while I was having my coffee I saw a moose walk past the back of the motorhome. I went outside to get a better look but he had gone into the woods. While I didn't see him again, I sure could hear him walking through the woods. Actually, since I did not see his head it could possibly be an elk or a caribou, but moose seems more likely.

After Sharyn got up and we had our coffee and conversation we drove to North Pole to check out Santa Clause and all his stuff. His place is pretty nice. I took this picture of Sharyn standing in front of one of his buildings. We were kind of disappointed with the appearance of his reindeer who are presently shedding their winter coats and look kind of mangy. As we were getting ready to leave we saw Santa who had apparently stopped by on his day off. It's the first time I ever saw Santa without his red suit. We spoke with him briefly -- he certainly is a nice man.

From North Pole we drove into Fairbanks where we first checked out the FamCamp at Fort Wainwright. We paid for two days starting tomorrow. From there we'll play it by ear.

Going out the main gate of the fort puts you right at the eastern edge of town, which is pretty convenient. We drove around Fairbanks locating three supermarkets, Sam's Club, the Museum of Natural History at the University of Alaska, Alaskaland, and several other place that we will check out over the next several days. The girl at the Army FamCamp also recommended a big discount tire warehouse for us to check on a new tire for the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 41,058
Miles for day = 0

 

7/8/02
(Fairbanks, AK)

This morning we woke up to a beautiful sunny day. Before moving over to the FamCamp at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks we washed the motorhome and the car. Since it wasn't raining today, and we'll be staying in Fairbanks for several days, it made particular sense to wash the motorhome that had 2.000 miles worth of accumulated dirt, crud, and dust.

The campsite we have here at Ft. Wainwright may well be the nicest site we've ever had anywhere. It's a paved site, big enough for three motorhomes, and has nice location (which has a lot to do with why we picked it yesterday and paid in advance to reserve it). Strangely, it does not have a sewer connection, but it has 50 amps, water, cable, and telephone. They even gave us a telephone to use while we're here! We like it so much, and because we plan to see a number of things in and around Fairbanks, we paid for another three days on top of the two we paid for yesterday.

We're about 200 miles from the Arctic Circle and if tomorrow is as nice as today was we plan to drive up with the car.

There are four kids with their bikes and a dog in the site behind us. That even adds to the overall enjoyment of this place.

Odometer reading = 41,083
Miles for day = 25

 

7/9/02
(Fairbanks AK)

Today we first went to see about getting a new tire for the motorhome. Then we walked around the old Downtown Fairbanks before going to Alaskaland, a theme park with authentic stuff including the Pullman railroad car that President McKinley rode in on his trip to Alaska to put the gold spike in the tracks celebrating the completion of the railroad to Fairbanks, a large stern wheeler riverboat, a narrow gauge train the takes you around the perimeter of the park, a museum, etc. One of the things at Alaskaland is an array of old buildings and cabins that have been removed from their original sites and relocated to create an old gold town look. Each building has a sign on the front describing its history and original location. They are now operated as small shops that I would think cannot be making any money -- there are no customers!

By the way, this was Sharyn reading her book and getting a suntan at 11:30 last night.

Odometer reading = 41,083
Miles for day = 0

 

7/10/02
(Fairbanks AK)

Mid-morning we took off with the car for the Arctic Circle some 200 miles north of Fairbanks via the Elliott and Dalton Highways.. Only about 50 of the 200 miles are paved. Our first stop was about 60 miles north of Fairbanks at the Arctic Circle Trading Post in Joy, Alaska. Joy is populated by one family, the Carlsons, who, with their 24 kids (18 of whom are adopted) own and run the trading post. They usually have free coffee for travelers, but when we got there the pot (a big pot) was empty. We did, however, use the facilities which consisted of several outhouses. The sign on the front of one of them read "Imagine this when it's 40 below zero." I can't believe that I didn't take a picture of that for our Interesting Signs page.

The Dalton Highway provides access to the oil fields at Prudoe Bay and was used to haul men, equipment, and materials during the construction of the Alaskan pipe line that now runs 800 miles from Prudoe Bay to Valdez (the overhead "bridge" is to prevent any vehicle that would hit the pipe from getting that far -- this is a private oil line maintenance/security road) . By and large the pipeline parallels the highway.

Our next stop was the Hotspot Cafe where we bought gas on the way up ("the cheapest gas on the Highway") foe $2.50 per gallon, and coffee and ice cream and the way back.

Here Sharyn checks out a rock on the arctic tundra. These black spruce are about 100 years old. They are growing in a shallow layer of organic, peat-like material that lays on top of the permafrost. There is no drainage through the permafrost (soil that remains frozen 365 days a year) so in the summer the surface is soft and boggy. Tree growth is incredibly slow.

The Arctic Circle is actually the N 66 degrees 33 minutes latitude line. North of this line, the sun does not set on the summer solstice (usually June 21), and it not not rise on the winter solstice (usually December 21). Approximately 1/3 of Alaska lies within, or above, the Arctic Circle. Anyway, we got there!

Along the way we saw a wolf a few miles from the Hotspot Cafe. When we stopped there we mentioned the wolf to the owner. She had four little Yorkshire Terriers running around the place and said that last year she had lost one to a wolf. We also saw a porcupine and a arctic ground squirrel, who may have been a professional panhandler. We also cam upon a moose and her calf on the edge of the highway. They each went to the opposite sides of the car and we got this picture of the mother crossing behind the car to get back with her calf.

On all of these highways up here there are these big trucks that fly by sending windshield cracking gravel in all directions. Depending on the conditions at the time and place he passes you, the resulting dust leaves you driving blind for perhaps as much as 10-15 seconds. In this picture I had pulled off the road as I saw his dust coming so that I could get this picture. Notice the amount of roadway he's left for us!

On our way back to Fairbanks, at 10:35 pm, we took this picture of a field of wildflowers, almost iridescent in the sunshine.

Finally, we arrived back at the motorhome in Fairbanks at 2 o'clock in the morning, some 15 hours (and 400 miles) after we had left. It was worth it!

Odometer reading = 41,083
Miles for day = 0

 

7/11/02
(Fairbanks AK)

We didn't get up until after 10 o'clock. Had our coffee and conversation, went to the BX and commissary. I picked up the motorhome tire that we'd had mounted on our wheel, took the motorhome across the road to the dump station and dumped our holding tanks, and I got a haircut. Sharyn thinks it's too short and too "army."

Odometer reading = 41,083
Miles for day = 1/2

 

7/12/02
(Fairbanks AK)

Today was not too active, but to the extent we did anything, Sharyn cleaned the inside of the motorhome and I changed the oil and filter in the Honda. I also washed it to remove all the calcium chloride and mud from the drive up the Dalton Highway to the arctic circle. They apply calcium chloride to the road surface in an ttempt to keep down the dust, but it's very corrosive to the car.

Odometer reading = 41,083
Miles for day =
0

 

7/13/02
(Fairbanks AK)

We spent the morning in coffee and conversation, then went to the museum at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks this afternoon. We had read a great deal about the museum, and what a great place it was. When we got there we were surprised that it wasn't a larger building and half way expected to be disappointed with what we'd find inside. That certainly wasn't the case. It's amazing how much they have in such a relatively small area without being at all crowded. An expansion project is underway that will double the size. The opening of the new wing is scheduled for 2005.

Alaska's largest gold display is the centerpiece of the Fairbank's gold rush display. Some of the larger nuggets are rather flat in shape, about the size and texture of large homemade oatmeal cookies (pushing 4" across). There is a great deal of archeological and native artifacts on display, as well as mounted specimens of native mammals, fish, and birds.

One display that I found particularly interesting was Blue Babe, a 36,000 year old mummified steppe bison uncovered during a gold mining operation. It's pretty impressive what they can tell about this animal after all this time. It was a 6-8 year old male that was killed and partially eaten by an American lion (an african lion sized cat that is now extinct) in the fall or early winter. The name "Blue Babe" was given to him because of the blue color of his skin, the result of the chemical reaction between the skin and the mineral content of the soil which entombed the corpse.

Then of course there was this 425 pound quartz crystal (note the relative size of Sharyn's hand). Also several sets of skulls and tusks of ancient mastodons and woolly mammoths.

After we left the museum we stopped by the local farmer's market. From there we returned to the motorhome where I'm doing this web site while Sharyn is doing the laundry.

Odometer reading = 41,083
Miles for day = 0

 

7/14/02
(15 miles south of Denali National Park)

This morning we were up and on the road, heading south towards Anchorage. As we approached Mt. McKinnley and Denali National Park we were hoping to be able to see Mt. McKinnley but we couldn't. We turned into the entrance and went to the visitor's center at the park where we picked up some literature and watched a 20 minute film about Denali. All of the park's campgrounds were filled for the next three days so we got back on the road heading south. We'd gone about 15 miles when we spotted several RVs parked along the Nenana River in a paved pullout. Figuring that they were probably there for the night, we pulled in and joined them. The two units in front of us were traveling together and were on their way from Anchorage to Fairbanks, the opposite of our direction of travel. We talked with them for awhile, together with a fourth couple that stopped by, until it got kind of cool and we all all returned to our RVs for dinner, etc.

For free camping it was really a prime site. This was our view through the windshield, while this was looking back up the river. Sharyn spent some time sitting outside looking across the river hoping to see a bear or a moose (telling me to open the door quick if a bear came) but we had no visitors.

Odometer reading = 41,228
Miles for day = 145

 

7/15/02
(Anchorage AK)

Since when we dry camp (no hookups) we set the temperature for the bedroom at about 67 degrees with the LP furnace as the heat source (as opposed to the heat pump when we have electric) and keep the bedroom door closed (which we do here in Alaska anyway to keep the light out). Since we do not turn any heat on up front, when we get up in the morning the front of the motorhome can be rather cool -- as it was this morning. Nighttime temperatures have been running in the 50's or high 40's. Anyway, while waiting for the coffee to perk I turned on the generator to run the heat pumps for a rapid warm up.

Heading south again, we were still following the Nenana River for a short while. We stopped once for lunch, and once for coffee, before arriving at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage where we are staying at the FamCamp. We made a quick trip to the commissary for milk, bread, and a few other things we were short on before returning to the motorhome to have dinner and read some of the literature we've picked up on Anchorage and the surrounding area. Tomorrow we'll start checking it all out.

Some of you may remember (I'm sure you all do) the entry I made here on February 14, 2002 when I mentioned the retired Air Force couple camped next to us in Perry FL who were also on they way to Alaska. I said then, "We may well meet any or all of these people in Alaska this summer." Well, while we were in the commissary, Sharyn, who never, ever forgot a person she'd ever met, recognized them and we talked for a brief time about where we've been and what we've done since February -- including their brief encounter with a grizzly bear in Denali back in May.

On another track, the size and geographic location of Alaska is something I can't help but take note of. For instance, sitting here in Anchorage we are closer to Honolulu than we are to Chicago. We are closer to Tokyo than we are to Washington DC!

Odometer reading = 41,447
Miles for day = 219

 

7/16/02
(Anchorage AK)

Between sleeping late (we stay up late) and an extended coffee and conversation, we didn't leave the motorhome until almost noon. We went to the "downtown" section of Anchorage where we spend considerable time at the Federal Building which seems to function as a visitor's center and Alaska museum combination. We had reindeer sausage for lunch which we ate on the bench in front of the Federal Building.

After lunch we walked around the downtown area, eventually finding Cyrano's Book Store & Cafe. It's a tiny shop that one of the "patrons" (who turned out to be one of the directors of the theater group) we shared a table with described as unable to decide whether it wants to be a book store, a restaurant, or a theater. They are also home to a local theater group that puts on a different play each month. The atmosphere was distinctly different, but relaxed and quite pleasant. Sharyn told the lady there that if we lived here she'd like to be part of their group -- which she would.

Around the corner from Cyrano's is this sculpture marking the start of the Iditarod, the annual 1,000 mile dog sled race to Nome, and the Fur Rendezvous World Championship.

During the course of the day we picked up new literature about Anchorage and its surroundings. We have to do better on absorbing more of what's in all the literature we do pick up so we can get more organized in our "seeing what's here."

Odometer reading = 41,447
Miles for day = 0

 

7/17/02
(Anchorage AK)

Not too much activity today. We left the FamCamp on base and moved to the parking lot at Sam's Club. Obviously the parking lot is open, airy, and sunny. The campground was kind of "rough cut" into a wooded area on base and did not have any neatness or niceness about it. They are working there getting it cleaned up, etc. Hopefully next time we come to Alaska it'll be a nicer campground.

I've been unable to find any place to get on line with my computer. There are online computers on base that I can use, but that doesn't enable me to upload to this website. I even went back to Cyrano's to see if I could plug into their phone for "six to eight minutes" but they told me they only had the one business line and they could not accommodate me.

Odometer reading = 41,455
Miles for day = 8

 

7/18/02
(Portage AK)

When we woke up this morning it was raining, as it had been for most of the night. It seems that there should be a great deal to see and do in a city as large as Anchorage (pop 250,000) but we don't find that to be the case. Lots of shopping -- great shopping, if you're into shopping -- but not too much for us. We seem to enjoy "No-where's-ville" better than the larger cities. Anyway, we decided to leave Anchorage and head south for Seward on the east coast of the Kenai Peninsula.

The 127 mile long Seward Highway is recognized as one of the most scenic highways in the country. It was designated a National Forest Scenic Byway in 1998, and an All-American Road in 2000, one of only 15 roads in the United States recognized for outstanding scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological, and recreational qualities. I don't think we'd take issue with any of that!

We stopped at Bird Point Scenic Overlook at milepost 96.5 where Sharyn spotted a bald eagle just over the two spruce trees at the edge of the water.

Later on we got off of the highway to go check out the Crow Creek Mine, an old gold mine that is presently run as a tourist attraction. We followed this road for about 5 miles to get here. Now for the dumb part. Whatever we were expecting, this wasn't it. Out of sight in this picture are a number of somewhat unsavory looking camping facilities, so we left. That was dumb! We may stop there again on our way back (we have to travel back up the Seward Highway to get off the Kenai Peninsula).

Continuing along the highway we made another stop (we make lots of stops). Sharyn was trying to decide if the movement at the base of the Kenai Mountains on the other shore was a bear. The water that the highway is following in this section is the Turnagain Arm, a narrow body of water that runs off of Cook Inlet between the Kenai and what I guess would be called the Alaskan mainland. When the tide is out extensive mud flats become exposed in many areas. There are warnings not to walk out on these flats because a little water covering the wet glacial silt can create quicksand and trap the unwary; plus the tide comes in with what is said to be a six foot tidal bore (a 6' wall of water), although I get the impression that a bore of that height only occurs when conditions for it are perfect -- that typically it's much less.

We're spending the night at a gravel area between the highway and the railroad track at the old Alaska Railroad Whittier vehicle shuttle loading area (before completion of the road to Whittier in 2000, the only means of transportation for people and vehicles was the railroad). Once again we met up with the two couples from Tyler, Texas who we originally met at a rest area back in British Columbia and who are also spending the night here. This is about the fourth time our paths have crossed.

We are only a few hundred yards from where the hamlet of Portage (pop 72) once stood. As a result of the earthquake on Good Friday, 1964, five residents were killed, and the ground under Portage dropped 6-12 feet. The high tides now came in and the land become a semi-tidal marsh. The buildings have all collapsed and/or sunken into the soft ground. The dead spruce trees in the background died because they now stand in a salt marsh. Thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of such dead trees still stand on this sunken land.

Odometer reading = 41,519
Miles for day = 64

 

7/19/02
(Seward AK)

This morning we woke up early, happy to see that the sun was shinning and it was a beautiful day. We talked a little with, and then said good-bye to, our friends from Tyler, Texas. They are working their way back to the lower 48 states.

We had a rather non-eventful trip to Seward, except for the scenery which continued to be absolutely outstanding. As I've said in the past, photographs just don't convey the experience. I've even told Sharyn that I'm not going to photograph scenic vistas anymore since when I look at them later I ask, "why did I take this picture?" It's like being totally emerged in a wonderland and then taking a picture of that wonderland through a keyhole. It just doesn't work. All that having been said, and in spite of what I told Sharyn, here's another failed attempt.

We are in a Seward City Campground. No hookups, but almost all sites allow you to pull the front of your unit right up to the edge of Resurrection Bay, the body of water that Seward is located on. Resurrection Bay runs into the Gulf of Alaska, basically the Pacific Ocean. The sunshine from this morning did not last. It's cold and rainy and has been since we got here. This picture, taken through the windshield from our campsite, is one of the Kenai Fjords tour boats returning from one of the tours of glaciers and marine wildlife in Kenai National Park. We plan to take one of these 7 hours tours while we're here. Hopefully it won't rain on our parade.

One more picture. Last night after I had completed yesterday's entry, an Alaska Railroad train went past our "campsite."

Odometer reading = 41,598
Miles for day = 79

 

7/20/02
(Seward AK)

Today we decided to go to see the Exit Glacier, part of the Kenai Fjords National Park. It's about 12 miles from here and it's a glacier that you can walk up to. As we were following the paved walkway that takes you part way to the glacier there were two small bear cubs climbing some birch trees just off of the path. I got a picture of one of them, and as I was trying to get a picture of the other one there was a snort behind me and I rapidly moved away to let the mother bear cross the walkway to her cubs. (This bear is not very big and there was some speculation that it was a yearling, or last year's cub. This is not too likely, in my opinion, since female bears do not breed again until her cubs are gone -- usually during their second summer. Comments from a "bear expert" would be appreciated). The cubs were paying no attention whatsoever to the people on the walkway, and the mother did not seem to be too upset either. An hour or two later we could see a mother and two cubs climbing way up high on the mountain and assumed it was them.

After the bears we continued on up the trail to the edge of the glacier. The water, which looks like a river, is the runoff from the ice melting from the bottom of the glacier. The water is a cloudy gray color, attributed to the "rock flour," or ground rock suspended in the water as a result of the glacier sliding across the ground and grinding up everything beneath it. You can't tell from the picture, but the leading edge of the ice is probably somewhere between 50 and 100 feet thick. Sharyn took this picture of me standing at the side of the glacier. Check the blue color of the ice!

By the way, near the glacier we saw this guy eating berries. He's about the size of a small beaver but don't have any idea what he is.

Back at the campground Sharyn walked the beach looking for more rocks.

Odometer reading = 41,598
Miles for day = 0

 

7/21/02 and 7/22/02
(Seward AK)

These two days have basically been spent replacing the hard drive in my computer (a Dell Inspiron 7500) and trying to save and/or recover all or most of my stuff. There is also the question of getting everything back to the way you had it (mostly preferences that you forgot how you had them, but you know you liked it that way). Surprisingly, here in Seward, Alaska there is a small computer place, Grant Electronics, that was very helpful and knowledgeable -- particularly Bryan, the young tech.

The bummer is that in this process you get all the aggravation and disruption that you get when you have to move all your stuff to a new computer (that's a more organized process), but when it's all over, not only are you not back where you started, but you didn't even get a new computer out of it.

The whole deal stinks!

Odometer reading = 41,598
Miles for day = 0

 

7/23/02
(Seward AK)

This morning I finally got my computer to where I can get on line through my own ISP in Charlottesville, Virginia, got Quicken to connect to our bank, and am probably 90% back to where I was before this hard drive situation arose. There are a thousand little things that, over time, I had tweaked to do things exactly as I wanted, and of course it's no longer like that. Also, I'm back to Photoshop 5.5, but life should not be perfect or we'd all be spoiled!

Anyway, enough of that stuff. Today is overcast, cold (mid-50's), and rainy. We have to run the generator for an hour or so several times a day, both to run the heat pumps and to recharge the batteries so they can run the furnace fans during the night. I don't believe we've seen the sun since we've been in Seward. It was also like this when we went to Skagway which leads us to believe that the southern coastal towns may (almost) never get put from under the clouds that form there. You'll remember that from Skagway we drove to Dyea, a town that no longer exists, but was a thriving "jumping off place" during the gold rush days, and now it's a beautiful, quiet, and peaceful temperate rain forest. Both Skagway and Dyea are on the southern coast. I also saw a sign here about a temperate rain forest somewhere in this vicinity.

In any event we've signed up for a 110 mile, six hour boat tour through Kenai Fjords National Park. We had decided not to do this tour, but to do one in Valdez instead, until our next door neighbor went yesterday and convinced us that we should do too.

The weather forecast is not good, but maybe they're wrong.

Odometer reading = 41,598
Miles for day =0

 

7/24/02
(Lower Summit Lake)

Lower Summit Lake is just a lake -- not a town, or even a hamlet.

This morning it was raining, just as it had been for most of the night As we were having our coffee and conversation we had three harbor seals slowly swim right past the front of our motorhome, no more than 25 feet from the beach. Having initially grabbed the binoculars to identify what was in the water, I stayed with the binoculars and forgot to take any pictures. With the binoculars you could count their whiskers!

Having already paid for the boat tour yesterday we got dressed in multi layers of clothing and went down to the dock for Kenai Fjords Tours. It was cold and rainy all day, with perhaps a few short interludes. In spite of the weather the tour was worth it.

Just pick and choose from the following:

A sea otter lounges lazily on his back (still in the harbor).

A five photo composite of Aialik Glacier (Scroll the picture horozontally!). It's difficult to appreciate the scale of some things from a picture, but the vertical height of this glacier at the forward edge is between 700-800 feet (that's more than half the height of the World Trade Center). Further back up the mountain the glacier is over 3,000 feet thick! This view from several miles away may help to appreciate its immensity. As impressive as its size may be, the noise is awesome. As the glacier slowly slides down the mountainside towards the water the giant ice mass cracks/compresses as its shape changes to match the contour of the mountain's surface. It sounds as if there was an artillery battle battle going on before your eyes (you wonder why you can't see the cannons); commingled with sounds like strings of loud thunderclaps -- you can feel the thunderous cracks and booms moving through the air. If you want to feel that, in nature's scheme of things, you don't much matter, get close, and listen to the sounds of the glacier! We watched chunks of ice break off and fall hundreds of feet to the water. While the biggest piece we saw fall was probably the size of a small house, sometimes they are apartment house size. Because of the wave this can create we remained a quarter mile from the face of the ice.

Harbor Seals on ice floes in front of the glacier.

In this picture I just caught the plume of the exhaled breath of a Northern Pacific Humpback Whale as it dove. The flukes are visible to the right of the plume. This was actually a mother and calf, but I can't remember which one I got in this shot. We also saw a 60 foot fin whale, first spotted by Sharyn, but the pictures aren't any good.

Steller Sea Lions basking on a rock. There are probably three times as many just over the crest of the rock, and I've got better close-ups of the sea lions, but this is a prettier picture of the island. (Here's a close-up anyway).

The sun and clouds over the mountains as we return to Seward.

Since we had now done everything we planned to do in Seward, and since it was still raining and our particular campsite was low and gathered runoff from a rather large area, we decided to start back up the Seward Highway towards Anchorage (getting off the Kenai Peninsula requires going back up through Anchorage). Since it was already getting late we didn't go too far before deciding to spend the night in this pull off. We'd had a full day!

Odometer reading = 41,645
Miles for day = 47

 

7/25/02
(Portage AK)

The conversation, in coffee and conversation, centered around whether or not we should divert to Hope for some gold panning. Hope is a small place with a population of less than 50 people at the end of a narrow 17 mile dead end road. We decided to go.

Arriving at the end of the paved road we came to this sign, which pointed here.

Sharyn gets instruction on how to do it properly. For $7 this guy gives you a bucket of dirt and shows you how to pan it to separate out the gold particles. Two years ago we bought two pans for $6 each and have yet to recover our $12. We figured that some formal instruction might be a worthwhile additional investment. Besides, look at this fellow; does he know gold panning, or what?

We each got about four pans of dirt from our buckets. This was Sharyn's "take" from one pan, or approximately one fourth of the gold she got from her bucket. It's worth somewhere between five and ten cents. I did just about as well as Sharyn did. Now we'll have to put our newly improved skills to use.

On the way out of Hope I took this picture the Hope Civic Center.

From Hope we went to Chugach National Forest visitor's center at Portage Glacier Lake, and then to the same railroad siding where we stayed a week or so ago on our way down here. It's still raining.

Odometer reading = 41,730
Miles for day =85

 

7/26/02
(Anchorage AK)

Once again it was raining when we got up. As we were having our coffee and conversation we talked about all the mountains surrounding the Portage area, and the dark clouds that partially encompassed the snow swept mountain tops. Looking up and across at the hostile environment that must exist up among those peaks made us think that it was almost as if we were witness to some small part of what it must have been like at the time the earth was forming. We think about that a lot up here. Nature and the earth itself are the predominant elements in Alaska. Not just nature like songbirds, cottontails, and falling leaves, but major, sometimes catastrophic, happenings like where the 1964 earthquake caused an entire town and its surrounding area to drop below sea-level and turn the whole area into a marsh land; like listening to sheets of ice more than a half mile thick carving the shape of the earth's surface; a high profile nature of a magnitude that overwhelms everything else. You thread carefully, for this is like no other place you've ever been. Neither of us would like to live here, but we both agree that everyone should experience Alaska.

Anyway, the time did come when we got back on the road heading towards Anchorage. Perhaps ten miles south of Anchorage Sharyn spotted a bull moose as we passed by a low lying pasture area.

It turned out that across the highway from where the moose was there was a small visitor's center based in an old railroad car. In front of the railroad car was a rail mounted snow blower that had been used to clear the tracks of snow up until 1985. This blower, which was pushed along by two or three locomotives, could clear the tracks of snow 15 feet deep, and would throw the snow 300 feet. There was a film that showed the blower in operation. It's quite a machine! The "pitch" of the blades was adjustable and in the picture the blades are flat, not the way they would be positioned when the blower was in operation. The blower turned out to be a freebie that came with the moose.

We're now back in Anchorage, staying at the FamCamp at Fort Richardson. This is a much nicer FamCamp than the one at the air base. That's a change from what we've found in the past where the Air Force FamCamps have been better, cleaner, and neater than the Army's. That's definitely not the case here.

Odometer reading = 41,790
Miles for day = 60

 

7/27/02
(Anchorage AK)

When we came in yesterday there were no sites left with hookups so we were assigned to a dry camp site (which only cost $5). This morning the host came over and told us he had a full hook up site available. We were glad to get it because we've been dry camped for over a week.

We didn't do too much today, except for a trip to the commissary and a big load of laundry that Sharyn did. The laundry here is free, which is a nice extra that we've only run into 3 or 4 times, and only at FamCamps.

While Sharyn was doing the laundry I backed up most all of the data on my computer to zip disks. I think the only thing I did not back up were several thousand photographs that are not being used on the website. It would take 4 more zip disks to hold them, but Grant Electronics in Seward has those photos, plus most of my other data on his server. I'm going to have all that stuff put on a CD for $12 and have him send me the CD. I'll still have to get more zip disks, but that should take care of the immediate need for backup. This computer is still not right but I'm not sure what to do about it. I'd like to find a Dell place to look at it since I'm still on warranty until December.

While I was sitting at the table doing my back up stuff something caught my eye out the window. It was a big cow moose trotting around the motorhome with two calves following here. I thought it was a good thing Sharyn was not sitting outside reading, as she frequently is, because I suspect her heart rate would have tripled. Even a cow moose is considerably larger than a horse, and they're much taller due to their very long legs. I suspect Sharyn would have been intimidated. There is a well worn path where they came out of the woods, and that well worn path continues on the other side of the motorhome. We may very well get to see them again.

We have no particular plans for the next several days, but may just spend some relaxed time at this FamCamp. When we do leave here we'll be on our way to Valdez.

Odometer reading = 41,790
Miles for day = 0

 

7/28/02 to 7/30/02
(Anchorage AK)

I thought I had not made an entry here for two days, but I see it's been three. We really haven't done much. I was finally able to get on line with my own computer so I was able to update this site. We dropped the old hard drive off at Airborne Express with Dell's return shipping label. We got Sharyn a rock hammer so she wouldn't have to use my short handled sledge hammer to break open her rocks. I washed the car and the motorhome. That's about all I can remember that we've done. It's been quite relaxing for these several days -- not that we're living stressful lives.

By the way, it was sunny and beautiful today with the temperature in the mid-70's. It's been a long time since we've seen this kind of weather! It was probably more than six weeks ago that we arrived at the Canadian border all suntanned from having spent the winter in the south and southwestern United States. Now we're in the middle of the summer and have no remaining vestiges of any tan. Oh well, winter will return again!

Tomorrow we were going to start heading for Valdez, but Sharyn wants to return to Hope to do some gold panning in Resurrection Creek so tomorrow we're going to go back down there with the car and see what we can find.

Odometer reading = 41,790
Miles for day = 0

 

7/31/02
(Anchorage AK)

Shortly after ten o'clock we were in the car and on our way back to Hope. Somewhere along the Seward Highway we pulled over and took this picture looking east along Turnagain Arm. The Kenai Peninsula (and Hope) is on the other side of the water. About 60 miles out of Anchorage along the Seward Highway you'll come to Portage and the end of Turnagain Arm. At that point the road makes a sweeping U-turn to the right and you're on the Kenai Peninsula

While our purpose and destination is to do some gold panning at Resurrection Creek about three miles upstream from Hope, we first stopped at Canyon Creek as Sharyn thought is looked like a promising spot.

We didn't know how to get to the upstream spot on Resurrection Creek so we went into the town to get directions. This is the what the mouth of the creek looked like with the pink salmon running. The creek runs into Turnagain Arm and, while not visible in the photo, the Seward Highway is right at the edge of the water on the far side, and at that point is only about 25 miles from Anchorage. I had suggested to Sharyn (in a non-serious manner) that we should have put the kayaks in the water at that point and paddled across to Hope rather than drive the 100 miles around the end of the Arm.

When we got to where we wanted to be on Resurrection Creek we found this fellow already there so we moved a short way downstream and tried our luck. We didn't do to well, and looking closer didn't help.

We're now driving east, back along the south shore of Turnagain Arm towards the Seward Highway so that we can get to and cut around the end of the Arm. This is another picture showing some of the land around Portage that ended up below sea-level when the 1964 earthquake hit Alaska. Again, those dead trees are the remnants of a spruce forest that died when the root systems became permanently inundated with salt water. Also, this picture was taken on the south side of the Arm, across from where Portage used to stand. The entire sunken area, just judging from the spruce trees, seems to be in the neighbor of 30 square miles!

Just before we left the Peninsula we stopped at a small river and watched several families fishing for salmon with fairly good results. I think we're going to have to buy a couple of cheap fishing poles while we're in the middle of all this salmon activity.

As we rounded the end of the Arm we tried panning in the Placer River but that also failed to produce anything.. The only thing we got all day was one tiny piece (a speck) of gold that Sharyn got at Canyon Creek. We do have a bucket of creek bottom that we brought back from there which may yield some results.

In this final picture we were back on the north side of the Arm and heading west towards Anchorage when we came upon the group of sheep grazing on the side of the mountain. You can't tell from the picture, but they're up on the mountain, high above the highway.

Total car miles for the day were just over 200.

Odometer reading = 41,790
Miles for day = 0

 

8/1/02
(Anchorage AK)

In preparation for leaving here tomorrow Sharyn did washing and ironing while I went to the base library, returning a book on bears that I borrowed the other day, and played with their computers. Later on I rewaxed the front of the motorhome so that bugs would be easier to remove.

Our plan, until an hour ago, was to leave here in the morning and head for Valdez, probably taking 2 or 3 days to get there. However, there is a four day bluegrass festival that started today in Talkeetna, about 100 miles north of here. There is a $30 admission fee for the entire four days, which includes dry camping, but "seniors and children under 12 are free."

So, tomorrow morning we're off to Talkeetna. We still want to be in Valdez August 7-11 for Gold Rush Days, an annual celebration featuring cancan girls, parades, a town fish fry, game night, and other good stuff.

Odometer reading = 41,790
Miles for day = 0

 

8/2/02
(Talkeetna AK)

While I took the motorhome to fill the gas and propane tanks here on base, Sharyn took the car to the commissary to get whatever we needed in the form of groceries. I then met her in the commissary parking lot where we hooked up the car and headed for the blue grass festival at Talkeetna. Although it was only a hundred miles away, we probably took three hours to get there. Because we were both over 55 we both got in for free -- this was the first time Sharyn ever received a "Senior" discount.

The big disappointment is that it wasn't bluegrass at all. It was loud music, and lots of it (until 2:am), but while it was not bluegrass, some of it was rock and roll that was familiar to us -- we did enjoy the music. We also walked around looking at the wide assortment of people who were there, and checking out the stuff that was being sold in the different booths. If you were a smoker, of almost any substance, there was an amazing assortment of stuff for you to buy. Most jurisdictions would label it "drug paraphernalia" but perhaps Alaska is somewhat looser in that regard; although the State Police did circle the area with their helicopters on a somewhat regular basis. While we would say there were strange people and strange smells, the fact is that we were the misfits. There were clean cut looking girls who looked too young to be there, 65 year old leftover hippies, and everything in between. It was interesting for both of us, but particularly for Sharyn who is a real "people watcher."

On the way to Talkeetna we were heading back up the Parks Highway towards Denali (Mt. McKinley) which had been ensconced in clouds when we were there several weeks ago. We had never seen it! Today, as we drove north, there was Denali, well over a hundred miles away, but very beautiful. Since I had not been able to take any pictures the last time, after our initial checking out of what was going on, I told Sharyn that I was going to go back out to the highway and take some photos. Well, in looking for the best view from the highway I kept driving north for over 30 miles until I got some shots that I thought were not bad. I was still 100 miles from the mountain! While it's not too clear in this reduced file size format (24K rather than 542K) you can still see the snow being blown off the mountain top at the peak by the high winds.

After dinner we walked back up the hill to the festival where Sharyn took this picture of Blue Shadow performing as we listened to the music and watched the people for an hour or so before returning to the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 41,896
Miles for day = 106

 

8/3/02
(Anchorage AK)

This morning I took a walk around the area to see what was happening. Most of the people it seems were either still sleeping or just getting up, although a few were beginning to enter the gate. Anyway, we decided that this wasn't what we had thought it was going to be so we left.

Last nigh we spoke with Jordan on the telephone and it looks as if she's going to rejoin us here in Alaska. Since flying into Alaska pretty much means flying into either Anchorage or Fairbanks, we headed back to the Fort Richardson/Elmendorf AFB complex, and the army FamCamp.

The music festival was just past the turnoff to the town of Talkeetna, so as we came past the turnoff we decided to go check out the town itself. It's a tiny town that describes itself as having a population of "about 450 people and half as many dogs." This is Main Street. We spent about an hour there, checking out every store and shop and buying two large ice creams.

We then continued on back to Anchorage where we are again at the Black Spruce campground at Fort Richardson. We found this to be a very comfortable place to stay.

Odometer reading = 42,024
Miles for day = 127

 

8/4/02
(Anchorage AK)

Today we got up late, bought the Sunday paper and sat outside enjoying the sunshine while we read the paper.

Odometer reading = 42,024
Miles for day = 0

 

8/5/02
(Anchorage AK)

Jordan will be flying into Anchorage on Tuesday the 13th. Until that time we won't be doing any traveling, except perhaps for some daytrips, so there won't be much to write about. Until such time as I come up with something interesting to say, or until we start to travel again, there probably won't be any new entry on this page. See you next week!

Odometer reading = 42,024
Miles for day = 0

 

8/12/02
(Anchorage AK)

It's been a week since I last wrote anything here, and as expected not much has happened in that time. It's rained just about every day. Daytime temperatures are in the low to mid 60's while at night the temperature drops down around 50. I think Sharyn and I will remember 2002 as the year we missed summer. The near constant rain is probably to be expected since August is Alaska's rainiest month. Also, it seems that anytime we are on or near the coast is has been rainy, even in July. I suspect that when we leave Valdez and head north to Tok and Dawson City, and away from the coast, that we will find less rain, even in August.

Yesterday's (Sunday's) The Anchorage Times contained the following somewhat interesting story:

"A man in the fertilized egg business had several hundred young layers, called pullets, and eight or ten roosters whose job it was to fertilize the eggs. He kept records and any rooster or pullet that didn't perform went into the pot and was replaced. This took an awful lot of time. So he got a set of tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. He could then sit on his porch and fill out an efficiency report by listening to the bells. His favorite rooster was old Brewster. A fine specimen he was, but his bell had not rung all morning. The man went to investigate. Several roosters were chasing pullets, bells aringing. Brewster had his bell in his mouth so it wouldn't ring. This way he'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and go on to the next one. The man was so proud of Brewster he entered him in the county fair. Brewster was an overnight sensation. The judges not only awarded him the No Bell Prize, but also the Pullet Surprise."

Odometer reading = 42,024
Miles for day = 0

 

8/13/02 to 8/16/02
(Glen Highway, 119 miles east of Anchorage)

Jordan arrived at the Anchorage Airport just after midnight on the 14th. We stayed up talking until the wee hours of the morning, slept late, and didn't do too much all day. On the 15th we went into town where Jordan got to see downtown Anchorage. We then spent several hours at Barnes & Noble (Jordan's favorite place in any town) before returning to the motorhome.

Finally, this morning, we were back on the road again. As we drove north towards Palmer and then east towards Glennallen, Sharyn noted that the trees are already beginning to develop their fall color. This road is known as the Glenn Highway and has some marvelous scenery (in spite of the haze from forest fires burning some 300 miles to the northwest). This old log cabin on the side of a river was not the only one we saw, but it was probably the most picturesque.

When we came to a pull-off with a particularly nice view overlooking a wide valley and the mountains on the other side, we decided to spend the night, even though it was still a bit early. We hadn't been there five minutes until Sharyn had gone into the bedroom saying she was going to take a "nap," Jordan was asleep on the couch, and I was sleeping in the chair! Eventually we all got back up, had dinner and, around midnight, went back to bed. This was the view to the southeast shortly after 10:pm.

Odometer reading = 42,143
Miles for day = 119

 

8/17/02
(Valdez AK)

In spite of the fact that we slept on the side of the road last night, we still didn't get started today until just before noon. I guess some people are better starters than others. We're in the slow group!

We continued on in an easterly direction as far as Glennallen where we turned and headed south towards Valdez. We stopped for lunch at a roadside pull-off with quite a nice view. As we got to within about 50 miles of Valdez and the coast of Prince William Sound, we began to see some rather dramatic cloud effects that further enhanced the scenery. Here's another.

About ten miles north of Valdez we stopped here to take a picture of this waterfall.

Earlier in the day we took a picture of this guy. He's about the size of a woodchuck. What is it?

Five miles outside of Valdez we came to a place where four other RVs were camped on the side of the road. Since it was getting late, we decided that instead of paying $25 for a campsite when it was time to have dinner and go to bed, we'd spend the night with these people and then go to a campground in the morning. It turned out that they were where they were because all the campgrounds in town were full.

After getting set up, Sharyn and I took the car into town to check it out. It looks as if 25% of Valdez consists of RV parks and right now they are all fish camps. We may just stay where we are.

Odometer reading = 42,324
Miles for day = 181

 

8/18/02
(Valdez AK)

This morning's coffee and conversation went on for hours and it was very enjoyable. This included a lengthy telephone conversation with our son Phil and granddaughter Katlin.

It was well after noon when we drove into town where we checked out several stores including The Prospector, "Alaska's finest outfitters." They have some very nice stuff, including a lot of special purpose clothing and other things to help keep you warm that you would not find in the lower 48. While we were there I looked at a DMT diamond whetstone knife sharpening set for $42 that I really liked. I'd been looking for such a set for several months but hadn't found one. Actually I found a number of sales people who didn't have any idea as to what I was talking about. Shortly after we left the store Sharyn suggested that I go back and get it as a Christmas present to myself, so I did. (She's a neat wife!) It's actually a nicer set than I was thinking about since I had never given any thought to diamond stones. (By the way, whenever I mention a place, business, etc., that has a website I will frequently provide a link to the site. Usually, as in this case, I haven't seen the site -- I hope that they are worth the link.)

Anyway, from there we went to a place that advertises itself as "Valdez's largest gift store" (a little bit like a kid bragging that he's the smartest one in the "dumb row"). Definitely not worth a link!

We then went to the Valdez Museum which was small but nice. They had a good number of displays about Valdez in the early 1900's, it's Native Culture, the Valdez Exxon oil spill, and of course the 1964 earthquake. The Valdez that existed prior to the earthquake no longer exists. Today's Valdez is the one that was rebuilt after the quake, about four miles from the site of the original. This American Bald Eagle is in the museum lobby.

We then went to the only grocery store in town for some milk and bread before returning to the motorhome. As we left the grocery store and walked across the parking lot Jordan commented that the mountains surrounding Valdez make it seem like we're in Peru or some other distant rain forest like wilderness.

Several weeks ago we had our mail forwarded from Texas to the Valdez post office so tomorrow we'll go pick up several months worth of mail. We may also take a tour boat cruise of Prince William Sound.

As I'm writing this, Sharyn is sitting at the table and Jordan is preparing dinner (with some very sharp knives).

(fade out) . . . (fade in)

It's now after dinner and as I was getting ready to wash the dishes Jordan was outside in the rain taking pictures of the cloud encompassed mountains that surround Valdez.

By the way, that unknown animal from yesterday was a Hoary Marmot.

Odometer reading = 42,324
Miles for day = 0

 

8/19/02
(Gakona AK)

Last night was our third consecutive night of dry camping, and with nighttime temperatures near 50 degrees the furnace has been running quite a bit. While the furnace is LP gas, the circulating fan runs on DC, and last our batteries went down so low that the refrigerator started beeping a warning that there was no 12 volt current to the circuit board. The beeping woke me up, and eventually I got up at 5:15, having decided that I wasn't going to be able to get back to sleep. I sat and drank my coffee while listening to Morning Edition on Public Radio, waiting for 7:am, at which time I felt it was okay to start the generator to both start charging the batteries and run the heat pumps.

Eventually we were all up, dressed, and warm. Outside it was cold and raining and forecasted to continue at least until Thursday (today is Monday). We had planned to take the glacier cruise on Prince William Sound, but in view of the weather we decided not go. Instead we took the motorhome into town, filled our water tanks at one of the campgrounds, used their phone line to get on line and update this site for the first time in a week, and took off heading north towards Dawson City in the Yukon. Today we got just a little past Glennallen and we're now parked on the side of the road about 100 miles from Tok (where we had our two flat tires on July 5th).

Odometer reading = 42,484
Miles for day = 160

 

8/20/02
(Chicken AK)

It was raining when we went to bed last night, raining when we got up this morning, and it's still raining now. Like they say, August is the rainiest month here in Alaska.

Anyway, this morning we pulled out onto the highway shortly before 11 o'clock heading for Tok. When we got there we pulled into the visitor's center parking lot to eat lunch and decide upon a plan. After Jordan and I checked out the visitor's center we all went across the street to a rather large gift store that turned out to have pretty nice stuff. I told Sharyn and Jordan that Tok kind of strikes me as the jumping off spot to the wilderness; the edge of the frontier so to speak. And this holds true whether you're just coming into Alaska from Canada or leaving Alaska for Canada.

Since it was still raining we decided to continue on to Chicken, about another 77 miles. The road to Chicken is a good but narrow road that winds its way through the hills and is closed in the winter. The pavement ends a mile or so before Chicken.

Chicken is somewhat of a novelty stop for people taking the Taylor and Top of the World Highways to Dawson City. Actually it was suppossed to be called Ptarmigan but no one knew how to spell it so they decided to just call it Chicken instead. It's smaller than probably any other place anywhere. This is all there is of downtown Chicken which has no telephones, no electric (each business has its own electric generator), and recieves no radio stations or TV channels. . A hundred yards beyond Chicken is a small, family owned and operated gold mine where the owners have just opened an adjacent campground and gift shop. We're at the campground right next to the gold mining operation. Tomorrow we'll check out Chicken in greater detail.

There is a sign on the front of one of the stores that answers most of the questions people have about Chicken. It reads . . .

Odometer reading = 42,661
Miles for day = 177

 

8/21/02
(Chicken AK)

It was still raining this morning, but not so hard that we couldn't try our luck at panning some of the dirt from the gold mine operation. It didn't take too long until Jordan got the fever. After several hours Jordan and I were cold enough and wet enough that we quit. Sharyn continued panning all day. At the end of the day our combined efforts resulted in this!

Odometer reading = 42,661
Miles for day = 0

 

8/22/02
((Dawson City, Yukon)

This morning we started out for Dawson City in the Yukon Territory via the "Top of the World Highway." This is a narrow, winding, mostly unpaved road that runs through the unsettled wilderness between Chicken and Dawson City. We stopped just short of the US-Canadian border where the elevation is over 4,000 feet. From our vantage point we looked down on the mountains to the north and the clouds that partially covered them. This panoramic view will scroll horizontally.

This was the scene as we approached Dawson City from about ten miles out. This is looking down on parts of Dawson City before we began our descent to the Yukon River and the free ferry that would take us across.

Just so you should know, I use less than 10% of the pictures that we take. Sharyn has just looked at all the pictures from the last several days and says that I should put up all the pictures and forget about all the stuff I write.

Odometer reading = 42,772
Miles for day = 111

 

8/23/02
(Dawson City, Yukon)

Dawson City is neat -- the streets are still unpaved and you walk on wooden sidewalks. If you took away the cars and trucks the town would not be too different from the way it looked 100 years ago (except that there were a lot more people then).

Sharyn and Jordan checked out a number of stores, and while I went with them, I preferred different stores.

Today was the first day in several weeks that we saw sunshine for several hours. The lady in one store said they've been marking the days on the calendar and that it's rained for the last 19 days!

Anyway, we came across Klondike Kate's eating establishment around lunchtime so we decided to eat there. Sharyn and Jordan cross the street to go in. The really nice thing about Dawson City is that unlike Mystic Seaport or Williamsburg, Virginia, this is not a restoration. It's just that it hasn't really changed. Klondike Kate's has always been right where it is today.

We took note of the contrast between the very old on the right and the very new on the left.

Later this afternoon it started to rain again, but by that time we had pretty much finished. We returned to the motorhome where I did this web page, Sharyn took all the stuff to the laundry room, and Jordan made curried tuna salad with apples for dinner.

This is an add-on paragraph since when Sharyn came back from the laundry room she wanted to go to Diamond Tooth Gerties, Gambling Hall & Can Can Show. We got there just as the floor show was beginning. It was pretty good, and while I'm sure it was less rowdy than it was when the original Diamond Tooth Gertie was there, it was probably otherwise pretty much the same, right down to the honky tonk piano music. It's too bad I hadn't brought my camera because they do allow noncommercial, still picture, photography. Oh well, the show was good and Sharyn lost at the slot machines.

Odometer reading = 42,772
Miles for day = 0

 

8/24/02
(Dawson City, Yukon)

This afternoon I washed the motorhome to remove all the accumulated mud. Sharyn and I drove to town (approx 2 miles) and bought some needed groceries. Prices are quite high, but I guess that's understandably so.

Sharyn also put a hammer to some of her recently colleected rocks to see what the insides might reveal. While she was doing that I peeled the bark from the diamond willow sapling I had cut down to make a walking stick. They sell these walking sticks in many of the stores, but I decided to cut and do my own. I'm not sure why, since I don't use a walking anyway -- it's just something you have to carry.

Odometer reading = 42,772
Miles for day = 0

 

8/25/02
(Whitehorse, Yukon)

Since we stayed up watching a late movie on TV last night, we didn't wake up until 10:30. We had our coffee and conversation and got ready to leave. When we pulled out of the campground it was one o'clock -- a late start even for us!

At this point, leaving Dawson City, we are (the tendency is to say) working our way home. The plan was to drive the Klondike Loop towards Whitehorse, approximately 300 miles, but probably stop at Carmack which was only about 200 miles.

Leaving Dawson City on the south end of town you drive through an area not far from Bonanza Creek where the original Klondike gold was discovered. It wasn't too many years later that mining companies had big dredges working the land in their quest for gold. The results of this unregulated surface mining can still be seen along the highway.

After traveling for awhile we came to a point from which you could look out over what is the largest geological fault line in North America. The Tintina Trench extends for hundreds of miles across Alaska and The Yukon. Over millions of years the two plates slid over 300 miles so that two people standing facing each other across the trench back then would now find the other guy some 300 miles off to his left. Of course the "trench" (the valley-like depression) itself resulted from this movement.

It was probably 200 miles later when we came upon what remains of the Montague Roadhouse, a typical early-day roadhouse which offered lodging and meals on the stagecoach route between Dawson City and Whitehorse. In the January 16, 1901 edition of the Whitehorse Star, the Montague Roadhouse was listed as being at Mile 99, and one of 52 places offering overnight accommodations along the Whitehorse-Dawson Overland Trail. Meals were served on the first floor and the bedrooms were on the second floor.

This is the view from in front of the roadhouse looking towards Whitehorse. This is what we saw as we got closer to Whitehorse and the sun was starting to set over on of the lakes.

Anyway, having driven a lot further than originally planned, we're now in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Whitehorse.

Odometer reading = 43,100
Miles for day = 328

 

8/26/02
(Whitehorse, Yukon)

Since we are staying in Wal-Mart's parking lot, after coffee and conversation we went into the store to buy some groceries. We always patronize Wal-Mart, particularly when staying in their parking lot. Their corporate policy is to welcome RVers to spent the night in their parking lots. This Wal-Mart, however, is not a "Supercenter" and only had a limited amount of groceries.

We then drove into the old downtown area where we walked around a bit, had lunch, and walked around a little more. On the way back to the motorhome we stopped at a small mall where Jordan, who has been looking for a nice camera bag since January finally found one.

We then returned to the motorhome, and while I read the newspaper Sharyn went back to a supermarket a short distance down the road.

Later in the evening (it still doesn't get dark until somewhere around ten o'clock) we talked to a number of other RVers in the parking lot about where we've all bee,' what we've seen, and where we're going (and why we're going there). Sharyn talked with the people in the two units behind us and when she came back they had convinced her that we should return via the Cassiar Highway which we had decided not to do. They were very emphatic that we should take that route and be sure to stop at Steward BC and Hyder AK. Reading about that area we've decided to go there.

We have been doing quite a bit of boondocking, or dry camping, and find that we could use greater battery storage capacity and probably some solar panels to keep the battery bank charged. We'll probably look into such equipment at Quartzite in January. From what we understand, Quartzite (the world's largest flea market) has lots of vendors selling solar equipment in a very competitive environment.

Odometer reading = 43,100
Miles for day = 328

 

8/27/02
(Teslin YK)

We got a late start this morning when the ABS warning light came on on the dash. We were on our way out of town but turned around and went back to the Ford dealer, figuring if we were going to have to deal with a problem it would be better to do so in a real town rather than 100 miles into the wilderness. The two compartment brake fluid reservoir took an entire can of fluid, but it seems that low fluid had nothing to do with the ABS warning light. What happened to the low fluid warning? Who knows. Ford could not look at our problem for three days, but they did give me a piece of thin rubber tubing that I attached to a large 60cc syringe so that I could get the fluid into the reservoir which has less than 2" vertical clearance over the caps.

We left Whitehorse with the ABS system presumably not working, although after stopping for lunch, I released the parking brake to start moving again and the ABS light went out. Later it came back on again.

Anyway, we're now camped at Mukluk Annie's Salmon Bake and RV Park. Mukluk Annie offers free dry camping, water, and RV dump. If you want hookups you have to pay. If you have the salmon bake ($18.95 Canadian) you also can use the RV and car wash stations. Since it's raining (what else?) the wash has no appeal, but we did the salmon bake anyway. While we were eating the electric went out so there were no lights, Jordan's BLT was not on toast, etc. Of course when we came back to the motorhome we were unaffected by the "external" power outage.

Odometer reading = 43,206
Miles for day = 106

 

8/28/02
(Watson Lake YK)

Surprisingly we woke up this morning to a beautiful, sunny day. A very pleasant experience.

After coffee and conversation, and morning (vs evening ) showers, we were on our way. As I started doing this entry I asked, "so what did we do today?" Jordan's immediate answer was, "drive, drive, drive," which is pretty accurate. When we got to the intersection of the Cassiar Highway with the Alaska Highway we pulled into Junction 37, the same place we pulled into on June 28, exactly two months ago, while heading towards Alaska.

We unhooked the car and drove the 13 miles into Watson Lake to get a few groceries (I found a wild blueberry pie) and let Jordan see the sign forest. Upon our return to the motorhome we went to the same cafe we ate in last time, and, after eating, again asked if we could spend the night in their parking area.

By the way, this was Jordan on the way to the cafe.

Odometer reading = 43,361
Miles for day = 155

 

8/29/02
(Dease River Crossing BC -- on Cassiar Highway 104.5 miles south of Alaska Highway)

We did well this morning, being on the road by 8:30. Our first stop was a wide spot in the road where Sharyn checked out some neighborhood rocks and I took this picture of the road ahead, the Cassiar Highway heading south. Eventually we got to Jade City, the home of two competing businesses that deal in jade. As one of them says, you can buy it by the ounce or by the ton. Here's a smaller but nicer piece in front of his competitor's store.

Once again we headed south until we came down a long hill and saw this campground off to our left. We pulled off the road to decide if we wanted to spend the day at this campground even though it was only two o'clock and we had figured on another 100 miles or so. The setting was just too nice to pass by. After we got set up and got Sharyn's fire started it started raining and it wasn't too long until the fire had to be abandoned. Some time later the sun came out and the entire world lit up. How nice can it get?

This is what our campsite looked like from the kayak, in the middle of the lake.

Anyway, we're talking to the owners about doing a website for them. If we do it we'll be staying here another day. If not we'll be on our way once again to Steward and Hyder.

Odometer reading = 43,465
Miles for day = 104

 

8/30/02
(Iskut BC)

We're not going to do a web site for Dease River Crossing. It turns out that today is the last day for them to change their ad in Woodall's Campground Directory (to include their URL) and to do so they'd have to drive to Dease, about 45 miles south of here to get to a telephone. We didn't realize that, with few exceptions, the small communities or businesses along the Cassiar Highway do not have electricity or telephone service. Everyone that has power has his own generator. We knew that was the case in Chicken, Alaska, but it's not as unique as we thought. The exceptions seem to be Indian Villages that, as "First Nation" communities have electric generating facilities provided by the government.

As we were getting ready to leave I noticed that one of the hangers that support the dinning room slide had broken again. The campground owner, a retired dairy farmer from Wisconsin, did a professional welding repair for us. Not only did we get a beautiful lakeside campsite for $10, but we also got a welding repair worth more than twice that. Dease River Crossing RV Park will always be a "must stop" place for us. The owners are good, hardworking, super nice people.

Eventually we were on our way and had an uneventful trip to Iskut. We're all in agreement that this trip, Alaska, and Canada's western provinces are all great and worthwhile experiences, but we are also ready to get back to the non-wilderness and paved highways of the Lower 48.

We checked in to Willow Ridge Campground here in Iskut, looking forward to the full hookups; 30 amps, water and sewer. The campground generates its own electric, but doesn't get much over 100 volts -- somewhat limiting with respect to what we can use. Either the heat pump and nothing else, or no heat pump but whatever else we want.

Odometer reading = 43,591
Miles for day = 126

 

8/31/02
(Steward BC)

It rained all night, all day, and it's still raining now. In spite of the rain we got to Steward without any problems, even though Sharyn was a nervous wreck about the Cassiar Highway. The owner at Dease River told us about an 18 wheeler that pulled over last week to make room for an oncoming vehicle and had his wheels sink into the rain soaked shoulder flipping him over. I appreciated the information, but Sharyn certainly didn't have to hear the story.

From the point where you turn off of the Cassiar Highway it's about 40 miles to Steward. The drive in, and the mountains surrounding Steward, are super impressive. We'll take pictures tomorrow when hopefully it won't be raining so hard. For now I'm going to the office where I'll be able to get on line for the first time in quite a while.

Odometer reading = 43,750
Miles for day = 159

 

9/1/02
(Steward BC)

As I typed today's date I realized that today would be my father's 100th birthday. Happy Birthday Pop!

We started the day today by driving across the border into Hyder, Alaska and along the Salmon River to the bear viewing area. On the way there we stopped along the river and watched the salmon working their way up the river to spawn. The river was loaded with them. We must have been looking out over several hundred pounds of salmon filet.

After a short while we continued on to the bear viewing area (actually Sharyn and I went there last night but didn't get out of the car because it was pouring down rain) to see what we'd see. We only stayed there for about 30 minutes, but we saw one bear that made a half-hearted attempt to pick up a fish and didn't seem to care when he missed. Before we left the area Sharyn searched for bald eagles.

On the way back towards Hyder we again stopped at the same spot in the river to grab some of that filet (which no one thought I could do). Unfortunately, after I got two a guy came by and said that by the time they got that far upstream they were no good to eat, that the flesh was turning white and getting soft. He may have been right, but even if he was wrong I no longer was interested in those filet.

A little further along the river bank we came to a spot where some bears had been spotted fishing on the other side. A number of rather serious, but hobby oriented, photographers were attracted to the site -- much as the bears were attracted to the river.

I find it interesting that the United States doesn't feel that a customs station is warranted at the border crossing between Steward BC and Hyder AK, but the Canadian authorities have one. Since the road into Hyder is pretty much a dead end road it doesn't seem to me that a border checkpoint is necessary on either side. People in Hyder came through Canada to get there. The Canadian Customs Inspector said that someone could get into Hyder by boat or airplane and they would not have gone through Canada. I guess he's right, but I'm still not sure it's warranted. The inspector asks us a lot more questions here than at other Canadian check points. We asked him how come. He said, "Because we've got lots of time here."

Anyway, after passing back through Canadian customs we stopped at the ice cream store in Steward.

By the time we got back to the motorhome it was past seven o'clock. Sharyn and Jordan stayed home while I drove part way back down the road that comes in to Steward from the Cassiar Highway to take some pictures. While I was taking these pictures (#1 #2 #3) a 65-70 year old lady drove up in her SUV. She had taken a wrong turn off of the Cassiar Highway and was lost. She was on her way to Calgary, from where she was returning home to San Antonio Texas; camping as she went. She said that this was the most beautiful wrong turn she had ever made!

Odometer reading = 43,750
Miles for day = 0

 

9/2/01
(Smithers BC)

Within an hour after we got up this morning the sun was shinning and it was beautiful. I thought, "what a bummer, now that we're leaving it's going to be bright and sunny and I could really get some nice pictures." Well, no reason to feel bad. By the time we were five miles up the road it was raining again. It rained all the way to Smithers, and as we sit here in the Safeway parking lot, it's still raining.

We got to the end of the Cassiar Highway without incident, and as I told Sharyn, for the rest of her life she will be able to say that she survived the entire length of the highway. We all felt good to now be be traveling the Yellowhead Highway which runs from Prince Rubert on the Pacific, all the way to Edmonton. What's nice about it is that we're in the land of paved roads, electricity, telephones, and all those other amenities that we always assumed were everywhere in the US and Canada. Also, we are now driving through farmland. Green pastures, hay fields, round bales, barns, neatly kept farmhouses, etc. Familiar kind of stuff!

Here in Smithers all the businesses and shopping places that have large parking facilities have signs welcoming RVs to park overnight. We took Safeway up on their offer, and in exchange we bought $194 (CA) worth of groceries. Tomorrow we may just go ten miles to a campground that seems like it might be a good place to spend a day. It offers laundry facilities, on line access, and free high pressure RV wash, as well as full hookups with 30 amps, all of which we need and/or want at this time.

Odometer reading = 43,953
Miles for day = 203

 

9/3/02
(Telkwa BC)

When we woke up this morning we found our corner of the parking lot to be quite crowded with RVs. In fact, there was one couple with a 5th wheel who were trying, but unable, to get out. They were kind of blocked in. We probably spent an hour or so with coffee and conversation before pulling into the gas station next door and filling the tank. The price of gas dropped about 30 cents after we go off the Cassiar Highway. We then searched out a place to buy The Globe and Mail, a Canadian newspaper somewhat like USA Today. We then stopped at Canadian Tire (a place I describe it as a cross between Southern States and Wal-Mart) to buy a small butane soldering torch that was on sale for $6 US. Since the motorhome is due for an oil change I also bought seven quarts of Mobil-1 and an oil filter.

We then drove to Telkwa where we checked into Ft. Telkwa RV Park. On the way to our campsite we used the high pressure RV and car wash machine to remove the bulk of the mud and dirt. While Sharyn did a giant amount of accumulated laundry I emptied two of the basement compartments. When we stopped we saw that one of the compartments had over an inch of water in the bottom. This was the second time in the last several weeks. It turned out that there was a small opening at the top rear of the second compartment where the water being thrown forward off the top of the rear tires entered the storage area. Once the source of the leak was found the repair was simple.

In spite of the nature of today's activities, and the fact that it rained off and on all day, we all found it a enjoyable day and have decided to remain here another day.

Odometer reading = 43,965
Miles for day = 12

 

9/4/02
(Telkwa BC)

We did some general house cleaning and another load of wash. Discovered the source of the leak that was getting the carpet wet on Sharyn's side of the bed and made a duct tape repair that should take care of the problem ubtil we get back to the factory in Alabama, probably some time in March. Other than that we just sort of relaxed and took it easy.

Odometer reading = 43,965
Miles for day =
0

 

9/5/02
(Prince George BC)

I didn't write this on 9/5 and the only thing we can remember is that we passed a black wolf that was trying to cross the road, and after we passed, completed his crossing behind us. He appeared rather thin and was trotting with a moderately severe limp. We wondered if a wolf with that degree of disability could survive the winter and suspect that he probably could not.

Odometer reading = 44,189
Miles for day = 224

 

9/6/02
(Jasper AB)

While disconnecting the water and electric lines this morning in preparation for leaving, I realized how nice it was, and some of what made it nice. The motorhome was parked on a clean gravel pad surrounded by grass. I was standing on the grass and the hose and electric line were also on the grass. Not mud, not dirt, not talcum-like dust. The sun was shinning. The air was cool, but not cold. It was a nice day.

Anyway, we were soon on our way, again heading east on the Yellowhead Highway, also known as Trans-Canada Highway Route 16. This section of Route 16 travels through some beautiful country. I know it gets repetitious, but there's no other way to say it. Some of the mountain views are awesome.

I think that there is probably as much wilderness land today in Northwestern Canada and Alaska as there was in the lower 48 states during that area's great western migration of the 1800's. Not only that, but much of it is probably more hospitable to human habitation than the dry desert country of America's southwest. Unquestionably cold in the winter, but otherwise quite suitable, and very beautiful, for wilderness living. But not for wimps!

At Jasper we turned and headed south on Route 93 into Jasper National Park. We only went about 20 miles from Jasper when we pulled off onto a scenic overlook area to spend the night. Sharyn was preparing dinner when she noticed a lady taking pictures of something right next to the motorhome This was the quick picture I got through the side window. This giant bull elk slowly moved along the edge of the wood, grazing as he went. When another car pulled off the highway he raised his head and gave me the opportunity for this picture. If Sharyn hadn't seen that lady taking pictures we never would have know this elk was there.

Odometer reading = 44,446
Miles for day = 257

 

9/7/02
(Calgary AB)

We woke up this morning to find it 30 degrees outside. It looks as if winter might be moving south faster than we are. We were on the road by 8 o'clock, and as the morning progressed the sun rose from behind the mountains and it was a bright and sunny morning.

As the day progressed the sun became less pronounced and by lunch time the sky had pretty much clouded over. We stopped for lunch at an off the road spot where a small creek ran into a large lake. The surroundings were so pretty that we decided to have lunch outside, even if we got cold. Sharyn has the gold fever and was speculating as to whether or not there would be any gold in the creek. (Just as an aside, this weed was growing nearby).

When we were back on the road again, a mountain peak off to our right began to get lost in dense black clouds. It looked like some kind of a paranormal happening. Sharyn said that it looked as if the Greek Gods of War were all gathered together up there getting ready to release their wrath on the enemy below. Within ten minutes it started to snow! At that point we were approaching Bow Pass at an elevation of 6,785 feet. As we went down the other side of the summit the snow turned back to rain which we eventually outran and got back into the sunshine. The rest of the trip to Calgary was uneventful, but the traffic after we got there was terrible. Calgary has a population of just over 750,000 and all of the were on the road, and in a hurry.

Anyway, we're at a campground just south of town, on Route 2. Tomorrow we plan to do the final 150 miles to the Montana border.

Odometer reading = 44,699
Miles for day = 253

 

9/8/02
(St. Mary MT)

It was a beautifully sunny day and we enjoyed every bit of it, starting when we stepped out of the motorhome this morning. We were on the road by midmorning, and after an hour or so of driving south on the flat and level four lane highway I said to Sharyn that it was a pretty uneventful drive. She said that it was and that she was enjoying it very much.

As we were driving along after lunch the wind caught the awning and it started to unroll. We immediately pulled over and got it put back together. The lever that controls the ratchet assembly no longer "clicks" into position so, so it was able to move from the "roll up" to the "roll down" position, at which point it began to do just that. The prairie wind blowing out of the west (broadside to the motorhome) made getting it all rolled back up again somewhat difficult -- it took the three of us to finally get it done. Several applications of duct tape should keep it all intact until we can get the ratchet assembly repaired or replaced.

We were all pleased to arrive back at the US border. It's nice to be back in America after 11 weeks traveling in Canada and Alaska (I know, Alaska's part of America). From the time we entered Canada on June 21 until we crossed back into the US today we covered 6,289 miles. Hopefully within the next week or so I'll post a map of Western Canada and Alaska showing the route we traveled.

We're now in Chewing on Black Bone Campground, about 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The sign said "open" so we pulled in, but the no one was around and the office was locked. Anyway, we picked a campsite near the lake and figured that someone would show up. The lady who runs it eventually did come by and we paid her. We were still the only people here until quite a bit later when another couple came in with a 5th wheel.

For now the plan is that tomorrow we'll go to Browning, about 30-40 miles from here where I want to visit the Museum of the American Plains Indian.

Odometer reading = 44,856
Miles for day = 157

 

9/9/02
(Browning MT)

The drive to Browning was very easy and relaxed for several reasons. We knew we didn't have far to go so we were not at all hurried. Also, a big portion of the distance was either up or down steep grades with extensive curves so 2nd and 3rd gears were in use quite a bit. At 20 and 30 miles per hour, with no big hurry to arrive, we enjoyed the scenery and the sunshine.

As we approached Browning we could see it from several miles out and it was quite a small place. We were concerned that the museum might not be what we expected. We've been to a few "museums" that were not much more than an old wood frame building would some old stuff on display. An attempt, usually by some small out of the way place, to have a tourist attraction. That 's not the case in Browning. While the displays are not extensive, they are top quality and done very nicely.

For the most part the displays are of clothes, weapons, pipes, household items, children's toys, and items of personal adornment, shown behind glass partitions, well lighted, and with full explanation and descriptions of all the items. There are no reproductions although some of the items are in such "like new" condition that they appear to be of contemporary vintage. These lady's boots for instance. There are a number of displays such as this showing different types of clothing worn for different occasions, with a complete description of each item . I liked these two necklaces. The one on the left is made from grizzly bear claws, while the one on the right is made of grizzly bear teeth.

Anyway, after going through the museum we left their parking lot and went down the road a half mile to Sleeping Wolf Campground where we're spending the night.

Odometer reading = 44,895
Miles for day = 39

 

9/10/02
(Great Falls MT)

On the way out of Browning this morning we stopped by the museum one more time. One of the items on display was this scalp that I failed to photograph yesterday. It is believed to be a Sioux scalp.

Anyway, after taking the picture and talking with two of the Indians there about the operation of the reservation with respect to property ownership, law enforcement, etc., we were on our way to Great Falls. Several hours later we arrived at the Malmstrom AFB FamCamp in Great Falls. The daytime temperatures here are running in the high 70's and we plan to remain here for several days.

This evening I called Dish Network to have our satellite TV, which we had suspended while too far north to see the satellite, turned back on. They said our service could not be restored because of FCC regulations. We had never filed for an RV waiver to make us eligible, etc., etc. To make a long story short I handed the phone to Sharyn who demanded to speak to a supervisor. A half hour later, and ten minutes after she got off the phone with the supervisor, our system was up and running. I told Sharyn that from now on she's in charge of all problems -- I'm retired! Besides, she gets better results!

Odometer reading = 45,028
Miles for day = 133

 

9/11/02 to 9/13/02
(Great Falls MT)

These several days have been rather low key, "enjoy the weather" kind of days. Maybe even a "fall asleep in a chair" kind of day. We've also done the usual things like the BX, commissary, and Barnes and Noble. Yesterday the FamCamp had a barbecue with hot dogs, giant hamburgers, soft drinks, peach and apple cobbler, and ice cream -- all in unlimited quantities, and all courtesy of the FamCamp.

Today we went to Charles M. Russell Museum which contains the largest collection of his paintings, including this one of Sitting Bull, and other works of art. I had the feeling that Jordan may have been ready to leave the museum before I was. His home and studio are adjacent to the museum. I particularly liked his studio which he had constructed out of used telephone poles.

Odometer reading = 45,028
Miles for day = 0

 

9/14/02 to 9/16/02
(Great Falls MT)

We've just been hanging out and enjoying the nice weather and relaxed atmosphere of the FamCamp and Great Falls itself. We had originally planned to stay here for four days, but since that time have been extending on a day-to-day basis. I guess we like it here. Anyway, tomorrow we leave for real. Sharyn is afraid the winter snows are going to catch up to us.

The other day as we were riding around we saw these two guys in Kayaks trying to paddle up this section of the Missouri River. Although they got flipped over and washed back downstream numerous times, they never got past this point. It looks as if they were just practicing and playing.

And how is this view of the late afternoon sky as seen from our campsite?

Odometer reading = 45,028
Miles for day = 0

 

9/17/02
(Billings MT)

Well we finally left Great Falls. The timing was good because last night it started raining and it's still raining now. To my mind, rainy days are good for travel days because your activities (sitting and/or driving in the motorhome) are pretty much unaffected by the fact that it's wet and rainy outside.

Anyway, it was a pretty, but uneventful, drive that further confirmed our feeling that we like Montana. We felt the same way when we drove through several years ago. Too bad the winters are so severe.

The FamCamp at Malmstrom AFB is just outside the main gate. We needed both gasoline and propane, so before leaving this morning we took the motorhome on base to fill up those tanks. While I was tending to that Sharyn and Jordan made a quick visit to the commissary for more milk, etc. As a result of these last minute activities we didn't actually get on the road until noon. By four o'clock we had already stopped for lunch, but now a cup of coffee seemed like a good idea. We pulled off the road at a small complex of retail service establishments in the middle of no place (actually it was a cross road called Roundup, Montana, which is exactly no place) to make a pot of coffee. What do you think was in the middle of the dirt parking area? Would you believe an Espresso hut? Sharyn and I split a large Cowboy Power Coffee while Jordan had a Spiced Walnut Latte. I asked the very nice lady how many customers she has in a day; she said not too many. Even without too many customers she was a very nice lady with a pretty extensive coffee menu. She even gave us a card that she stamped twice: eight more stamps and we get a free coffee!

From there we continued on as far as Billings, which was further than we intended to go, where we now sit in a Wal-Mart parking lot, digesting our dinner as we watch the rain come down on all the glistening cars and black asphalt. Actually it's me looking out the window as I type. Sharyn is reading and Jordan is doing her nails.

Odometer reading = 45,254
Miles for day = 226

 

9/18/02
(Broadus MT)

The first thing we did this morning was go into Wal-Mart and pick up a few grocery items and a new door mat to replace the one we left at Mukluk Annie's in Alaska. We then drove the 40 or so miles to Hardin MT where we picked up our mail that we'd had forwarded c/o General Delivery. Hardin is only about 10 miles from the Little Bighorn Battlefield that I had wanted to return to. This is a view of a small portion of the 10-15 square mile actual battlefield site (most of which is outside the National Battlefield Property) taken from the hilltop where Custer and 200+ men of his immediate command were killed, looking to the south towards where approximately 10,000 Indians had been camped on the banks of the Little Bighorn River. The markers show the location of where the soldiers died and were originally buried. The black faced monument is Custer's. All of the bodies were subsequently exhumed and reburied in a mass grave at the top of the hill. Custer was eventually buried at West Point as the result of great efforts by his wife.

We then headed east on US-212 which will take us out the southeast corner of Montana, through the northeast corner of Wyoming, and get us pretty close to Rapid City SD which is our next general destination. There's not much on US-212. In fact we had trouble even finding a wide spot on the shoulder to pull off for lunch. Anyway we went as far as Broadus where we are now the only ones in a small campground that costs $12 for full hookups.

Odometer reading = 45,427
Miles for day = 173

 

9/19/02
(Rapid City SD)

We woke up this morning to see a number of antelope in the field across the road. Yesterday we must have seen between 50 and 100 grazing along the side of the roadway. As Jordan reminded us, this is the land where the deer and the antelope play.

Anyway, we got underway and had gone about 60 miles when passing near a place called Alzata, Montana, we passed the Stoneville Saloon. Since we had to turn around and go back to get the picture I suggested that we have lunch there, but Sharyn and Jordan both declined. Incidentally, the saloon's highway sign has been added to our "Interesting or Unusual Signs" page.

Since no one wanted to eat at the Stoneville Saloon (probably had to do with the "lousy food" warning) we continued on over the state line into Wyoming where we had lunch on the side of the road with quite a nice view at no extra charge (horizontal scroll).

We eventually ended up at the FamCamp at Ellsworth AFB just outside of Rapid City SD. We plan to stay here for a week as this is a good operating base from which to take day trips to Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse memorial, and other places in the Black Hills. Besides, both Sharyn and Jordan like this base/FamCamp a lot.

Odometer reading = 45,587
Miles for day = 160

 

9/20/02
(Rapid City SD)

For our first full day here Sharyn and Jordan wanted to go to the mall we passed about 10 miles back on I-90. For reasons not too clear to me, they wanted me to go with them. I brought the newspaper with me, and while they were doing the mall I sat and read my paper. They didn't buy much of anything, but Sharyn got her hair cut (no picture allowed -- she said).

For dinner Sharyn and I went to the mess hall. Dinner for the two of us cost $4.20 until we went back for dessert. Our desserts were an additional 25 cents each. When we retire-retire maybe we should live near a base and eat in the mess hall. We can't have two dinners at home for $4.

Odometer reading = 45,587
Miles for day = 0

 

9/21/02 to 9/23/02
(Rapid City SD)

Until today we haven't been doing too much, but today we went to Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Even though Sharyn and I were there in 1970 and again in 2000, Mt. Rushmore is still pretty impressive. We probably spent about an hour there before leaving and driving the 17 miles to the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Crazy Horse is a work in progress and we lucked out in that while we were there they announced that in 15 minutes they were going to detonate a charge that would remove 770 tons of rock. To put it all in perspective, his unfinished arm is almost 200 feet long.

One thing that Crazy Horse has which is very nice is a large display hall which is a combination museum and artifact display area. There are also a number of areas where Indians have booths set up to sell their artwork.

One of the photographs on display was taken at the Pine Ridge Reservation on December 25, 1890. The writing on the photograph, which was written at the time the photo was taken, says the Indians are doing a "War Dance." That's wrong, and is now known to have been wrong. It was that mistaken belief, that the Indians were getting all worked up and would soon raise up against the white people, that lead to the Wounded Knee Massacre four days after the picture was taken, when the army slaughtered almost 300 Indians with rifle and cannon fire as the Indians stood surrounded in the snow (having surrendered to the army the day before). The Indians in the photograph were engaged in the Ghost Dance that was then catching on with most of the plains Indians and had the government so concerned that "trouble was brewing." Sitting Bull had been assassinated on December 15, only ten days before this picture was taken, because it was believed that he was fermenting the unrest as demonstrated by these dances.

In fact, the Ghost Dance was a religious dance, associated with the Indians belief that their messiah was coming, and that upon his arrival all the Indians that had died or been killed would return, as would all the buffalo and other game. Also, all the white people would disappear from the Indian's land and it would be as it had been before the white man came. It was believed that the harder they danced the sooner the messiah would come. Far from being a prelude to battle, the dance was more of a celebration of their impending freedom from the white man's oppression (it was believed that the coming of the messiah, and all the events that would accompany him, would happen by the coming spring). It is thought by some that the only reason the Indians didn't take up arms when Sitting Bull was killed was because of their belief that he and all the other dead Indians were about to return with the messiah.

Anyway, on the way back out of the Black Hills we saw a mountain goat grazing at the side of the roadway. When we approached on foot to get some pictures he was totally unconcerned and not too interested.

Odometer reading = 45,587
Miles for day = 0

 

9/24/02 and 9/25/02
(Rapid City SD)

Didn't do very much, but tomorrow we're going to head for Wounded Knee and Pine Ridge.

Odometer reading = 45,587
Miles for day = 0

 

9/26/02
(Chadron, Nebraska)

After picking up some last minute groceries at the commissary we were on our way to Wounded Knee. On the way there we passed through a place called Scenic, SD which is pretty much a ghost town. I felt compelled to stop in town and take a picture of this section of the "business district." I did not photograph the dead cat in the roadway that Sharyn told me to watch out for.

There isn't very much at Wounded Knee except for a sign, put up and maintained by the Sioux Nation, at the spot where the Indians were killed (see 9/23/02). On a hilltop several hundred yards away there is a mass grave where many of the Indians were subsequently buried. It is the same hilltop from which the army fired cannon into the massed Indians. This photo was taken from the hilltop, looking east. The Indians were killed at the bottom of the hill in the area of the motorhome. Some managed to escape to the creek behind and to the right of the field.

While there certainly wasn't a crowd, I was pleased to see a steady stream of people stopping and walking the area. It seems that the Federal Government should construct a facility at Wounded Knee comparable to what it did at Little Big Horn.

Anyway, from Wounded Knee we drove through Pine Ridge and then south into Nebraska. We're now at a campground in Chadron. As we were setting up the guy across the road came over. We met them this past winter at the Sumter Oaks Escapee Park in Bushnell FL and then again in Perry FL where there were three motorhomes all next to each other, and all on our way to Alaska for the summer. We also ran into the other couple when we were in Anchorage.

By the way, we now get to put Nebraska on our stick-on map of the US.

Odometer reading = 45,753
Miles for day = 166

 

9/27/02
(Paxton, Nebraska)

Since we are on our way to a Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) rally that starts 10/1/02 in Hutchinson KS, about 40 miles northwest of Wichita, we are moving more rapidly then we otherwise would. Today we traveled through more than 200 miles of Nebraska countryside, stopping several times for gas, lunch, or coffee.

When we wanted to stop for lunch we could not find any place to pull off the road until we came to a small town on a narrow road came in from the left. I made the left turn and saw a place to pull over in front of an empty building on the other side of the street. Since it was too narrow to make a U-turn right there I figured I'd turn around further down. Well, there were only 4-5 buildings before the road turned, and beyond the turn we were back out in the country on a road so narrow I don't think I could have gotten the motorhome turned around even if we had unhooked the car. With fenced pasture on both sides of the road, we continued on for several miles until, luckily, we came to a opening in the fence that had a cattle grate instead of a gate. We drove the motorhome out into the pasture, made a wide U-turn, and headed back for main highway. We really lucked out since we could have had to follow that road for 20-30 miles!

By the way, the freight trains in this part of the country seemed to be quite long. At one point today we passed on that was stopped on the tracks (the tracks were running parallel to the road for miles) and we measured its length with the odometer. From one end to the other that train was 1.2 miles long, and only had two locomotives. We've seen trains with as many as five locomotives.

Tonight we're in a small campground on the edge of a pretty pond, all of which is part of the Days Inn motel on the other side of the campground.

Odometer reading = 45,967
Miles for day = 214

 

9/28/02
(Hayes KS)

We would have covered a good number of miles today if we hadn't been distracted as much as we were. As we were heading east on I-80 we came to a sign saying that there was an old pony express station at the next exit, so we got off to check it out. I didn't know that the pony express only lasted for about 18 months, put out of business by advanced technology -- the telegraph. Also, while only one pony express rider was killed, a good number of station personnel was killed by raiding Indians. The Indian ponies were no match for the much faster, pony express horses, who also had much greater stamina. You can draw conclusions about the rider's working conditions by this poster that was used for recruitment.

As we left the pony express station and headed back towards the Interstate we came upon a replica of an old sod house. Next to the sod house was an Indian on a pony, and a buffalo, both made from barbed wire fencing. If I remember correctly the buffalo took four miles of wire.

Perhaps 50 or so miles later we came upon the Prairie Museum which we also stopped to check out. It wasn't a neat as we thought it would be, but I kind of liked this 1915 steam tractor that produced 35 horsepower and was bought new for $2400. To give a better idea of size, the rear drive wheels are 72" in diameter.

Tonight we spent the night in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Also, Sharyn got to add the Kansas sticker to our map!

Odometer reading = 46,208
Miles for day = 241

 

9/29/02 and 9/30/02
(Hutchinson KS)

We arrived in Hutchinson mid-afternoon on Sunday, the 29th, for the FMCA's 68th Premier International Motorhome Extravaganza, taking place at the Kansas State Fairgrounds October 1 through 3. This town is braced for the influx of some 10,000 people and 3,000 motorhomes. Because these things begin booking a year in advance, and we only decided to be here a few weeks ago, as we expected there are no available campsites anywhere with any kind of hookups, never mind anything at the fairgrounds (where they were prepared to provide electrical hookups for over 2,000 motorhomes). We are dry camped at Melody Acres, a very friendly campground, about three miles from the fairgrounds. Everyone here, mostly vendors, are here for FMCA, and they all have hookups. Lack of hookups would not be any problem at all if we were not having a series of hot 95 degree days. With the non-stop wind, and the shade of all the trees, it's not at all uncomfortable during the day. Sleeping, however, is kind of rough. While the temperature drops down to around 70 degrees by morning, the night time increase in the humidity more than off sets the lower temperatures.

Anyway, we've been enjoying the daytime weather, did a little driving around town, checked out the location of the fairgrounds, etc. Other than that we've been reading and relaxing.

Odometer reading = 46,338
Miles for day = 130

 

10/1/02
(Hutchinson KS)

Today was the first day of the FMCA show and getting into the fairgrounds was a bit of a challenge. Because we were not pre-registered we had no prior information about just where to go, where to park, etc. Eventually, after going to some wrong places, partially because of wrong information we received yesterday, we drove several miles out to the mall at the edge of town where we parked and were picked up by a shuttle bus running back and forth from the mall parking lot to the fairgrounds.

Sharyn wanted to look at the motorhome displays so that's where we started. Sharyn and Jordan looked at lots and lots of motorhomes, while I probably accompanied them to half of what they looked at. Sharyn and I both wanted to look at the Allegro Bus, a line of diesel pushers. We looked at a 38' Allegro Bus with triple slideouts. It is only the second motorhome I've seen that I like better than what we've got (the other one was a Mountain Air we looked at in Gillette, Wyoming in July of 2000), but we're very happy with what we have. The cost of trading up cannot be justified by what we'd gain. Actually, we probably made a mistake by not buying a diesel to start with. If we had a diesel we would not even be looking at other units. I have to acknowledge that Sharyn wanted to buy a diesel when we bought this one. As time goes on it's clear that she is making a habit of being right about more and more things.

One of the units we looked into (stuck our heads into) was a Prevost, probably about 45' in length, that was just a shell with an unfinished plywood floor. That's because when you get up into the million dollar range they ask you how you'd like it, and that's how they do it. They didn't ask us. I guess they didn't think we were serious.

Anyway, from the motorhome displays we went to the inside display booths where anything you've ever seen, read about, or heard about, that's related to RV's will be on display with pretty knowledgeable people to answer any question, and if push comes to shove, they'll even sell you one. I like trade shows. Catalogs and magazine articles are fine, but you can't beat picking up, feeling, and questioning the manufacturer's rep.

As they began closing down the displays at the end of the day we had not even finished two of the five buildings containing the display booths. All we bought was an oil filter and a fuel filter for the generator.

Odometer reading = 46,338
Miles for day = 0

 

10/2/02
(Tonkawa OK)

This morning it was pouring down rain as we were getting ready to leave. Our first stop was at the mall parking lot where I took the shuttle bus back to the fairgrounds to quickly run through the displays I didn't get to see yesterday. When I returned to the motorhome several hours later I found Sharyn and Jordan patiently reading their books and sipping their tea.

From the parking lot we headed east, on our way to Fort Smith, Arkansas to visit Bill and Cheryl, a couple we met and had fun with at the first Great North American RV Rally in Gillette, Wyoming several years ago. We plan to take three days to get there.

South of Wichita, as we approached the Kansas/Oklahoma border, our weather radio started beeping every ten minutes warning of severe thunderstorms, 60 mph winds, and hailstones the size of "nickels," all heading our way from the west. We had seen the system coming before the radio started popping and we didn't go too much further before stopping for the night, even though it was not yet 3 o'clock. There's some pretty exciting weather moving through the area, although, except for some pretty heavy rain and brief power outages, we haven't had any bad consequences.

Odometer reading = 46,479
Miles for day = 141

 

10/3/02
(Broken Arrow OK)

Later last night, the electric went out again and stayed out for several hours. We and other customers in the campground, in our self contained RVs, were basically unaffected by the outage. On the other hand, the campground owners, in their house, sat in the dark.

Anyway, it rained all night and was still raining when we got up this morning. We were in no hurry to get going, but eventually we were on the road again.

We ended up at Bluff Landing, a COE (Army Corps of Engineers) campground east of Tulsa. It's been awhile since we've stayed at a COE campground, but this one, like most of the ones we've stayed in, is very nice, and great value for the money. Because COE campgrounds are usually related to dam projects, lakes, rivers, or other water oriented places, most of the campgrounds are on some kind of water -- this one is no exception. While we're only here for one night, this would be a nice place to spend several days. This is part of our campsite as seen from the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 46,620
Miles for day = 141

 

10/4/02 through 10/6/02
(Witcherville AR)

We arrived here at Bill and Cheryl's the afternoon of the 4th and have just been hanging out, talking, eating out, and enjoying their company since our arrival. They have a gravel pad next to their house with water and electric hookups where they keep their motorhome. Since they knew we were coming they had moved it so we could put our motorhome there, which we did. Yesterday, Bill and I upgraded the 30 amp service to 50 amps. I told him if it gets any better we may never leave. We're about 20 miles south of Fort Smith and the area is quite nice (as is eastern Oklahoma, across the river).

We'll be here for several more days, but I may not make any more entries until we move on.

By the way, about 50-60 miles back into Oklahoma I stopped and took a picture of another sign to add to our "Unusual Signs" page. Jordan could not believe why I had stopped the motorhome and was walking back down the highway.

Odometer reading = 46,764
Miles for day = 144

 

10/7/02 through 10/9/02
(Witcherville AR)

Our visit with Bill and Cheryl is coming to an end as we're leaving here in the morning. Sharyn, Cheryl, and Jordan left here this morning and spent the entire day shopping in Fort Smith and surrounding communities. They certainly seem to have had a good time.

Bill and I had been checking out the local gun dealers looking for the best deal on a SIG-229 in .40S&W. He bought one the other day and we shot today, comparing the .40 with the .357 Sig.

The other night Sharyn woke me up because she thought something was after the horses. I heard nothing and immediately went back to sleep. It turned out that a pack of coyotes had been on the other side of the house and had awakened Bill and Cheryl as well as Sharyn. The next night (last night) we were in bed reading and this time I heard the coyotes yipping as they came through the property. Bill says they live in the woods down behind the barn. Several months ago Cheryl was out after dark doing something with the horses in the open barn when a pack of coyotes began moving in towards her. She was afraid to leave the lighted area of the barn to get back to the house. She managed to get Bill's attention at the house and he came out with a gun and started shooting at the pack which then ran away. While there have not been any local incidents of coyotes attacking people it does seem that they are getting bolder and people have been warned to be cautious about being out away from buildings alone after dark.

As an add on, one night last fall they heard a coyote pack feeding. The next morning the investigated the location and found the skeleton of a fresh killed ten point buck that had been totally stripped of all soft tissue. The ten point rack is now on the front of the barn.

Odometer reading = 46,764
Miles for day = 0

 

10/10/02 to 10/14/02
(Broken Arrow OK)

Having planned to spend 2 or 3 days with Bill and Cheryl we ended up staying with them for an entire week. We all enjoyed the company and plan to get together down on the Gulf coast when we head back east next spring.

On the morning of the 10th we headed west, back into Oklahoma, on our way to Sacramento, from which we'll then go south to Yuma for the early winter. We again stopped at the Corps of Engineers (COE) campground just outside of Broken Arrow. It's a very nice campground and it only costs us $7.50 per day ($15 without a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport). Being right on the river, it's a great place for kids and/or fishermen.

Upon our arrival we went to dump our holding tank, only to learn that the dump station (hookups here only consist of 30 amp electric + water) had not been working for several days because it needed to be pumped out and "the money was not available." It's kind of scary that the US government and the Army Corps of Engineers don't have $100. The nearest dump station was at another COE campground 23 miles away, so while Sharyn and Jordan did whatever they did, I went and dumped the tanks.

While in Broken Arrow Jordan flew out of Tulsa International, 25 miles from the campground, and went to visit Phil and Kim in Virginia while we stayed on here for another day or so.

Odometer reading = 46,937
Miles for day = 173

 

10/15/02 and 10/16/02
(Canton OK)

Having left Broken Arrow we came as far as another COE campground at Canton Lake, which actually has three COE campgrounds at various points along the lake front. There are a good number of campers here, most all of them fisherman, but the campsites are large and spread out so there's no crowding at all. Also, the fact that the campground has lots of big trees, but is not wooded, allows for a clean and neat appearence with lots of well maintained grassy areas. We like it!

Actually it was because it's so nice here that we decided to stay the second day, even though our main project on day #2 was to visit the laundromat in town.

Odometer reading = 47,120
Miles for day = 183

 

10/17/02 and 10/18/02
(Fort Supply OK)

As we left Canton we stopped at a used car place and asked if there was a phone line that I could plug my computer into. The only two people on the premises, a man and a young girl, shooting pool, showed me a phone jack that I could use. When I had finished the man and I talked for awhile about RVs. He and his wife are looking to buy a 5th wheel and had just come back from an RV show this past weekend. They're going to another one in Tulsa this weekend.

By the time we actually started moving down the highway it was 1:30pm. That's a late start even for us. Bill and Cheryl thought it was funny that the day we arrived at their house, having only traveled 140 miles, we didn't arrive until almost 5 o'clock. That's easy to explain; we start late, drive slow, and stop frequently. Some people, they for instance, will cover 300-500 miles in a single day almost as a matter of routine. Maybe that's why we're full-time -- it takes us that long to get somewhere!

Anyway, we're now at another Corps of Engineers (COE) campground at Fort Supply Lake. This time the motorhome is backed up right to the edge of the water, and again the grounds are very pretty and well maintained. As real estate goes, these COE parks get the prime locations. I don't recall ever being at one that was not on the water.

Last night Sharyn had gone outside for a cigarette. It was quite dark outside and she came back in less than two minutes. It seems that some unidentified animal was down by the water (as was Sharyn). Also, there was the thing about some leaves by the picnic table rustling in the wind when she realized that there were no leaves. A rattlesnake seemed more likely.

We had hoped for a bright and sunny day today, but unfortunately it was a gray and overcast repeat of yesterday.

Tonight it seems that it was my turn to make dinner, so we had sautéed/stir fried vegetables. "It tastes good and it's good for you too." (For those who can't place that quote, it's from Little Orphan Annie and a 1940's advertisement for Ovaltine).

Odometer reading = 47,194
Miles for day = 73

 

10/19/02
(Dodge City KS)

Query: How does one set out on an 80 mile trip from point A to point B, travel 70 miles, and then still have 110 miles to go?

Answer: Look at the map two days before trip and then start out for point B thinking you still remember how to get there.

DUMB! DUMB! DUMB!

Anyway, we finally got to point B a/k/a Dodge City, Kansas.

Dodge City has an interesting history. It was originally established in 1872 on the Santa Fe Trail, just west of Fort Dodge. Within a few years a long row of wooden store front buildings appeared. The town burned down in 1885, and was rebuilt with brick buildings, including the Long Branch Saloon, the Lone Star Saloon, and about 17 other drinking establishments. The streets were patrolled by such as Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. The history that those old brick buildings witnessed . . . !

Then, in 1969, as part of an urban renewal project, Dodge City knocked down the five blocks of its original history and replaced them with these empty lots. The picture was taken from the bottom of boot hill, which is now home to these "replica" facades.

My thought is that Dodge City, as a historic place, is a fraud.

Odometer reading = 47,405
Miles for day = 211

 

10/20/02
(Hasty CO)

As we were traveling west on US-50 through western Kansas we came upon a "Scenic Overlook" sign that indicated an area that seemed to overlook a cattle feed lot. We thought that was a funny place to put a scenic overlook. Later we came upon another such sign and pull off area that also overlooked a feed lot. We don't know if it's a joke or if people really want to look out over such a facility. Perhaps the olfactory experience is exciting to some people -- it is quite an experience!

Since I was going to mention these overlooks on this site, I thought an accompanying photograph was necessary and decided to stop at the next "Scenic Overlook" to get the picture. The only problem was there were no other such overlooks, just feeding lots like this one. You can't tell from the picture but this lot is probably over a mile long and and a quarter mile deep. Cattle extending to the horizon.

This is what we see from the front of the motorhome as the sun went down behind the woods.

Odometer reading = 47,580
Miles for day = 175

 

10/21/02
(Pueblo CO)

On our way out of Hasty this morning we passed a house on the side of the road where the owner apparently used to have problems with trespassers. His sign has been added to our Interesting Signs page.

We've decided that, at least with respect to the eastern part of the state, Colorado is the land of cattle and flies!

Odometer reading = 47,714
Miles for day = 134

 

10/22/02
(Montrose CO)

Sharyn said that last night the coyotes were just outside of the motorhome yipping and yelping like crazy. I never heard anything.

In spite of the coyotes, we got an early start as we're trying to get over the continental divide and back down to a lower elevation before a weather system headed this way from the west meets up with us.

We stopped for lunch along the Arkansas River at a point about 80 miles from the headwaters. It seems that we've been following the Arkansas River ever since we left Fort Smith. We must have crossed and recrossed the river a dozen times since then. At this end the river is narrow and clear. By the time it gets to Fort Smith it's wide and muddy.

The summit is at an elevation of 11,312 feet, more than two miles above sea level. We were still 20 miles from the summit when we were reduced to second gear, except for the final six miles which we did in first gear at 15 mph. The density of air at that elevation is 35% less than it is at sea level and it sure shows in the reduced pulling power of our engine. Later, going down the other side of the divide we discovered that the braking power of the engine was reduced just as much as its pulling power.

While at the summit I did a small amount of walking around to take some pictures of signs and the motorhome. When I got back into the motorhome I was breathing moderately heavy -- and I hadn't done anything.

Anyway, we made it to Montrose with only a small amount of rain for the last few miles, and no snow at all.

Odometer reading = 47,940
Miles for day = 226

 

10/23/02
(Green River UT)

It was a pretty morning and we poked around for quite awhile before actually getting on the road at noontime. At Grand Junction, Colorado, US-50 merged into I-70, so for the last 100 miles we've been on the Interstate. This is pretty desolate territory, sometimes dramatic, but mostly sparse and not too interesting. We'll continue following I-70 for about another 100 miles to where US-50 again goes off on its own.

For now we're at a small campground in a place called Green River. It's nothing outstanding, but it's one of those that just feels comfortable. The brilliant yellow foliage and the late afternoon sunshine probably contribute to the overall niceness.

We picked this campground because it's a Passport America member which means we get 50% off.

Odometer reading = 48,102
Miles for day = 162

 

10/24/02
(Green River UT)

It was a beautiful morning, and since we have no need to be anywhere at any particular time, we decided to stay here for another day. We didn't do anything worth writing about (laundry, house cleaning, walk to post office, etc.) but it was a nice day, even if our activities don't appear to support that.

Odometer reading = 48,102
Miles for day = 0

 

10/25/02
(Delta UT)

Leaving Green River, we again headed west on I-70. In some places the scenery is really worth photographing, including the rest area where we stopped for lunch.

After a little over a hundred miles where I-70 took on a southerly direction we exited to continue on US-50 which we will continue on all the way to its western terminus at Sacramento.

Odometer reading = 48,287
Miles for day = 185

 

10/26/02
(Ely NV)

This morning, for reasons we can't figure out, the Honda had a dead battery and wouldn't turn over. Since we have to run the transmission through all its gears before towing, we had to unhook the Honda and push it up towards the front of the motorhome where our jumper cables would reach from the motorhome battery to the Honda battery. It started immediately, so we hooked it up again and got back on the road.

US-50 is a more interesting drive than I-70, if for no other reason than that on a narrow two lane road you're closer to all that you see. When I stopped to take this picture Sharyn used the opportunity to look for more rocks.

After 150 miles of travel we came to Ely, the first town since Delta, where we had planned to stay at the Prospector RV Park. It turns out that this is part of the Prospector Casino where the first night is free (full hookups with 50 amps), plus for two dollars they give Sharyn three dollars worth of nickels. All in all, not a bad place to stay.

Odometer reading = 48,438
Miles for day = 151

 

 

10/27/02 to 10/29/02
(Fallon NV)

We considered spending another day at the Prospector Casino but Sharyn still has concerned about getting caught in the snow so we decided to move on to the FamCamp at the Fallon Naval Air Station, even though that entails traveling further than we usually do in one day.

US-50, particularly through Nevada, is referred to as "the loneliest road in America," with distances of 50 to 100 miles with absolutely nothing not being uncommon. While some sections go through mountainous areas, others cross rather featureless tracts of desert. While this photo is typical of much of the desert area, between Ely and Fallon we crossed over nine mountain passes at elevations ranging up to 7600 feet (lots of 25 mph climbs). The desert floor itself is frequently at 4,000 - 5,000 feet.

Anyway we finally got to the FamCamp at Fallon NAS. This was the sunset as viewed from the motorhome on our second day.

Odometer reading = 48,712
Miles for day = 274

 

10/30/02
(Sacramento CA)

This morning we again headed west on US-50 towards Sacramento and the western end of that great highway. As the highway worked its way down and around the southern end of Lake Tahoe we managed to get this picture through the tree tops.

The roller assembly of our awning has not been working properly for quite some time, but we have wanted to have it fixed at a Camping World so if there was a subsequent problem with the repair we could have recourse at any Camping World (rather than having to backtrack 1000 miles to Joe's RV Repair). Since we'd be passing through Sacramento we figured we'd stop at the Camping World there and set up an appointment before continuing on towards Sharyn's sister in Oroville, about 70 miles north of Sacramento. Much to our surprise they said they could fix the awning tomorrow -- we had expected sometime next week.

We spent the night in their parking lot. It's the first Camping World we've spent the night at that didn't have electric outlets in the parking lot for overnighting customers, but while electricity is very convenient, it's not at all necessary for a single night. We ran the generator for a few hours so we could watch the news and Sharyn would not miss West Wing.

Odometer reading = 48,911
Miles for day = 198

 

10/31/02
(Marysville CA)

By lunch time today our awning was fixed and we were on our way to the FamCamp at Beale AFB halfway between Sacramento and Oroville.

The FamCamp is quite nice with full hookups (50 amps), campground lounge, laundry room, and of course all the amenities that always come with a military facility. One thing that we usually find with FamCamps is that space is usually not a problem which lends itself to an open and uncrowded surrounding. For what might be the first time ever, we paid for a week in advance ($84).

Odometer reading = 48,948
Miles for day = 38

 

11/1/02 through 11/4/02
(Marysville CA)

Yesterday we drove up to Oroville to visit Sharyn's sister. During our stay here I'm sure we'll be making additional visits to Oroville, probably drive down to Sacramento, and engage in sundry other activities, all of which would make for rather uninteresting reading. Accordingly, unless there is something worth writing about I'll make no further entries until we move on from Beale AFB.

Odometer reading = 48,948
Miles for day = 0

 

11/5/02 through 11/10/02
(Marysville CA)

In addition to serving as a website for anyone who may be interested, this travelog also serves as a journal or history of our travels so that we can go back and see just when we were at a particular place, how long we stayed where, etc. Therefore while I often will not make any entries for several days, there has to be an entry every day we move, otherwise the dates and places may not coincide. Since we're leaving here tomorrow, this entry documents 11/10/02 as our last day at Beale AFB in Marysville.

While the sun has been out for the last two days, prior to that we had 4-5 days of wind and rain and not very nice weather. Marysville being in the Sacramento Valley at an elevation of approximately 50 feet, the temperatures have pretty much stayed in the 50's and 60's. At the higher surrounding elevations they have had snow and blizzard-like conditions. Sharyn's very glad we left Fallon when we did!

We're all familiar with the non-events that make headlines on a slow news day. Well along the same lines, we've had a toaster that would intermittently not work too well. The other day it wouldn't work at all so we threw it away. Several days later we realized that the kitchen outlet that it had been plugged into was dead because the GFI in the bathroom outlet (to which the kitchen outlet is wired) had opened the circuit. Oh well, it was a crummy toaster anyway.

We would have left here several days ago except that I had ordered more memory (256MB) for my computer from Dell and it did not come until this afternoon.

Odometer reading = 48,948
Miles for day = 0

 

11/12/02
(Oroville CA)

Midday today we moved the motorhome to Sandy's yard, where after some maneuvering we got it through the gate and into position. The prior owner had installed an electrical outlet on a post where he had kept his RV. We're plugged into the outlet -- 20amps? -- and so far it's working fine. Sharyn will enjoy being able to just walk out the door and visit with her sister. It's good for both of them.

Odometer reading = 48,989
Miles for day = 40

 

11/13/02 to 11/19/02
(Oroville CA)

Having been here in Sandy's yard for a week it's time to move on. It was a good opportunity for Sharyn and Sandy to have extended time with each other.

Today, our last day here, Sharyn went rock hunting with Sandy, Kelly, and Ashley (Kelly is the ultimate rockhound). These are just two of the pieces they found.

Odometer reading = 48,989
Miles for day = 0

 

11/20/02
(Marysville CA)

This morning we left Sandy's and came back to Beale AFB where we'll stay for a few days while we buy some groceries, get a haircut, do some minor maintenance on the motorhome, etc.

In the meanwhile Sharyn relaxes with a cup of tea as we watch the six o'clock Fox News at 3 o'clock in the afternoon (with our East Coast satellite feed).

When we got here last week I thought the planes flying out of here looked like U-2s that I thought had been out of service for many years. Well they are U-2s, just like this one on display. Remember Gary Francis Powers who was shot down over Russia during the Eisenhower administration? He was flying one of these.

Note: It's public and published information that U-2s are flying out of Beale AFB.

Odometer reading = 49,038
Miles for day = 49

 

11/21/02 to 11/24/02
(Marysville CA)

Well I got my haircut and did a few minor things that needed doing on the motorhome. One day we drove the car down towards Sacramento and the big mall complex not too far from Camping World. We did a lot of walking around and a little bit of Christmas shopping. After a while Sharyn dropped me off at Barnes and Noble where I could just sit and read while she continued on her quest to conquer the entire mall. It turned out that it was too big to conquer.

One thing I did take note of was that all the stores were full of very nice looking, well groomed, well dressed, shoppers. I think that reflects well on the area.

On the road between the base and town there was a sign that caught my attention and got posted to our Interesting Signs page.

Odometer reading = 49,038
Miles for day = 0

 

11/25/02
(Sacramento CA)

We left Beale AFB this morning and returned to Camping World to have a glitch in the awning repair they did several weeks ago straightened out. We then left the motorhome in their parking lot while we drove back to the shopping mall so that Sharyn could return some stuff. This time I only walked with her for a short time before asking her to drop me at Barnes and Noble again.

Several hours later she came back and got me and we headed back to the motorhome. On the way we stopped at Subway and had dinner for two for six dollars!

We're now back at the motorhome, and while it's only 6:30 it's pitch black dark (except for the lights in the parking lot of course). In a few minutes we'll start the generator so we can watch CSI on TV. Then I suspect we'll go to bed early, read for a bit, and then get an earlier than usual start in the morning.

Odometer reading = 49,087
Miles for day = 49

 

11/26/02
(Fresno CA)

We're on our way to the FamCamp at Edwards AFB about 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

During the last several weeks we'd had three occasions when it was difficult to get the motorhome to start in the morning. It has to do with the computerized system that starts the cold engine with a richer fuel mixture and a high idle speed. Intermittently, that stuff just doesn't happen. It's like trying to start a cold carbureted engine with no choke. The main Ford warranty is 3 years or 36,000 miles. Since we're pushing 50,000 miles that warranty is long gone, but there is another 5 year or 50,000 mile warranty on emissions control aspects of the engine and fuel system. I think this problem comes under that category so we're trying to get it taken care of pretty much right now before we hit the 50,000 mile mark.

About a hundred miles back up the road in Modesto we spotted a Ford dealer so we stopped there. He only serviced cars at that facility so he sent us to his truck service facility several miles away. They didn't do motorhomes, so they sent us to the motorhome facility of the truck facility of the Ford dealer! They said they could look at us after lunch which they did. However, when I said that part of the immediacy of the problem was that I was running out of time on the warranty, they seemed to be somewhat less interested in doing anything about it. We had to wait in the "lounge," so we couldn't see what they did, but he came back in a little while and said he couldn't read any codes on his computer, but maybe his machine was broken. I asked him for some kind of a service report to show that I had been there with this problem with under 50,000 miles. He said without having done the job he couldn't do that. He did give me a short note on a business card. Big deal!

Anyway, we're now parked at the end of a dead end street in an industrial area of Fresno in front of another Ford truck dealership/service facility. They say they can "look at us" in the morning, but we can't stay on their lot because it's fenced and locked and "in an emergency" we would not be able to get out. We won't mention warranty until they've done whatever it is that they think needs doing.

In the meanwhile Sharyn doesn't like it where we are one little bit. I just found that out when she said she's going to sleep in her clothes. Actually from a security point of view (her concern) it really isn't bad at all.

At this point our only requirement is that we get to Edwards by tomorrow night so that we're not traveling on Thanksgiving.

Odometer reading = 49,284
Miles for day = 198

 

11/27/02
(Rosamond CA)

It worked out really well at the Ford dealer. When they told us to bring the motorhome into the shop it didn't want to start. That was perhaps a stroke of good luck because the technician (they're no longer mechanics) brought his hand held computer out to the motorhome and got an immediate code reading that told him precisely what the problem was and what part was defective.

While traveling in Alaska this past summer the ABS warning light on the dash came on. A Ford dealer there said that probably a sensor unit at the rear wheels had been been damaged by flying gravel but that he did not have time to look at it (he also said it did not affect the operation of the brakes, just the anti-skid function). This technician saw the ABS light was on and said "let me see what the problem is while I'm hooked up." Again he got an immediate readout that the rear wheel sensor was bad. To make a long story shorter, the cold start problem was fixed on warranty and the ABS unit was replaced for $58.

All of that and we were on the road by 9:30 am; earlier than usual. Also, in spite of Sharyn's concerns last night, she did sleep in her pajamas, and slept soundly through the night -- as did I.

As we climbed out of what I guess was the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley approaching Mojave, the ridge line ahead of us was topped with electricity generating windmills. There must have been a thousand of them stretched out for several miles along the mountain ridge. Those windmills represent a multi-million dollar capital investment by someone, and they must be producing a substantial amount of electricity (there are high wind warning signs along that section of the highway). In light of the amount of money spent there, I think that whoever did it is missing the boat by not having some kind of exhibit or information place where people could stop and find out about the project. I say "missing the boat" because it certainly is a pro renewable energy project/experiment, and probably a great advertisement for that environmental agenda. A large audience drives by every day, but no one is taking advantage that opportunity.

Anyway, soon thereafter we arrived at the FamCamp at Edwards AFB. We've had our mail sent to us here so we will be here until it arrives.

Odometer reading = 49,557
Miles for day = 272

 

11/28/02 (Thanksgiving)
(Rosamond CA)

We woke up this morning to Jordan's "Happy Thanksgiving" phone call.

Sharyn then made a cheese omelet for breakfast which we enjoyed on this beautiful sunny morning. As the day progressed Sharyn cleaned up the motorhome while I updated this webpage (through yesterday). Later on we sat outside reading and enjoying the beautiful day until the sky began to cloud over and the temperature drop.

Late afternoon we went to the Joshua Tree Inn (the "mess hall") for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, sweet potatoes, and the whole deal, with pecan pie and ice cream for dessert for both of us came to almost seven dollars. Here Sharyn is finishing up her final coffee at our table in the "mess hall."

Approaching the main gate of Edwards AFB is a series of signs that we thought merited posting to our Interesting Signs page.

Odometer reading = 49,557
Miles for day = 0

 

11/29/02 through 12/3/02
(Rosamond CA)

Here at Edwards we've managed to pretty much finish our Christmas shopping and ship a small truck load of packages through the UPS pickup station here on base. Several days ago I told Sharyn that we couldn't leave here until we shipped all the stuff because it was taking up so much room in the motorhome that we couldn't bring in the slide. Now the place is pretty much back to looking normal again (except for rolls of Christmas wrapping paper on the dashboard).

For the last several days the weather has been quite nice, at least during the day, with temperatures in the low 70's. At nighttime the temperature drops down into the low 40's or 30's. There's no mistaking the change when the sun goes down.

We plan on leaving here tomorrow and heading south to the Escapees park at Aguanga, California, about 180 miles from here. We had planned on leaving today, but we were told that having spent six days here the seventh day was free. Since leaving today was an arbitrary departure date tomorrow works just as well.

Odometer reading = 49,557
Miles for day = 0

 

12/4/02
(Aguanga CA)

This morning we left Edwards AFB and came on down to Jojoba Hills RV Resort, the Escapee park about 18 miles west of Temecula. Several weeks ago one of our neighbors at Beale AFB told us what a great place Jojoba Hills was and that if we were heading this way we should stop here.

This is a very nice place and we look forward to spending the next week here. This is the view of the clubhouse as seen from our campsite. The heated pool at the clubhouse, and the view from the pool, are not what we would have anticipated. In addition to tennis and Bocce, there are also saunas and a spa. We will check out some of these amenities during our stay.

Also, I should mention that this is the first time we've been in T-shirt and shorts weather in quite some time!

Odometer reading = 49,711
Miles for day = 154

 

12/5/02 to 12/10/02
(Aguanga CA)

We've been here almost a week and it's been a pleasant and relaxing time. The weather could not be any nicer with sunny daytime temperatures in the 70's, dropping into the 40's at night, and almost no humidity.

At the clubhouse we've been to a trim-the-tree party, a pot luck dinner, two ice cream socials, and Sharyn goes to line dancing Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We've also taken both books and videos out of the library and used the laundry facilities.

They are looking for a couple of workampers for January and February and we were going to do it. This morning, however, we were told that as workampers we'd have to move the motorhome down by the office at the park entrance. That would sort of remove us from the "community" which is a big part of the appeal that this place has for us. We'd still be able to use all the facilities and attend all the functions, but somehow it wouldn't be the same. That's kind of too bad because we were looking forward to being here for the New Years Eve party, etc. As it now stands we're paid up through December 26 and will be leaving on the 27th.

There are several shopping malls in Temecula that we have been to a number of times. According to Sharyn they have some very good stores there. More often than not, when I do go with Sharyn, I stay at Barnes and Noble and use it as a comfortable library.

Several months back, while in Alaska, I was having some problem with my computer and the tech guy at Dell (via telephone) told me I needed a new hard drive, which Dell sent to me. After going through the truly crummy experience of swapping hard drives, re-installing all my applications and data files (and loosing some stuff that was scattered around in various folders and overlooked at the time), it turned out that the replacement drive they sent me was mechanically defective (it had a loud bearing noise), plus there was nothing wrong with the original drive.

Anyway, several weeks ago Dell sent me another drive to replace the defective one they had sent me, and finally, several days ago I decided that the time had come to install this second replacement. I used eight Zip disks to back up all (I hope) my data. When I was finished, the first time I tried to get on line I couldn't connect with my ISP. The second time I tried I could not receive e-mail messages or connect to my bank with Quicken. At this point, two days later, I still can't download my e-mail messages, but I access them at the server and read them on-line. I'll work on that tomorrow.

One major improvement, computer wise, is that we found out today that we can plug the motorhome into a phone line that is part of the park's internal phone system. While we can't receive incoming calls and can only call out to 800 numbers, that does allow me to get on-line without going down to the office, plus we can use our calling card for outgoing calls. Out here in the hills our cell phone doesn't work.

Odometer reading = 49,711
Miles for day = 0

 

12/11/01 and 12/12/02
(Aguanga CA)

Everything seems to be back to working normal on the computer, so I guess the installation of the replacement drive is complete. Amen for that.

Yesterday and today I pretty much just played around with the camera, starting by taking close-ups of some flowers lining the roadside where I walk in the morning. Just as I snapped this one the bee that was supposed to be part of the picture decided to leave the scene, but it worked out even better than I had planned as I caught him in mid air with his shadow being projected on the face of the flower. I thought this was another neat and interesting flower.

This was just to see how good of a close-up I could get of this penny. I took note that with all the pennies I've ever seen I had never really noticed the shape of the numbers showing the date.

I also put up a linked photo of the line dancing on the 12/10/02 entry (above).

Odometer reading = 49,711
Miles for day = 0

 

12/13/02 to 12/20/02
(Aguanga CA)

Having finished our Christmas shopping and gotten everything shipped back east to kids and grandchildren, this past week we've been engaged in doing pretty much routine things.

The other day Sharyn came back from wherever she'd been and said the car was making a funny noise. When I didn't show the level of interest she thought was appropriate she took the situation into her own hands.

The weather we had been so much enjoying has changed rather dramatically. While we've not had the 80 mph winds or heavy snow fall that has engulfed much of northern and central California, we've had plenty of wind and rain the the daytime highs have been running about 20 degrees cooler than a week ago. As crummy as it has been, judging from what we see on TV, most of the country is having it a lot worse than we are. Actually, this afternoon the sun came back out again and the temperature moved back up into the 60s.

Unless something occurs that would make more interesting reading I probably won't make another entry here until after Christmas.

In the meanwhile, have a super Merry Christmas!

Odometer reading = 49,711
Miles for day = 0

 

12/21/02 to 12/25/02
(Aguanga CA)

The weather has turned back to the pleasant sunny days that we had been having upon our initial arrival here. The temperatures are a little cooler with 60's during the day and down into the 30's at night, but the bright sunny days make it all just fine.

As we got into Christmas week the scheduled activities at the clubhouse changed somewhat as preparations were going on getting ready for the Christmas and New Years celebration events. The only change to effect us was that Sharyn's line dancing was not taking place.

Yesterday afternoon, Christmas Eve Day, we had a gift exchange and party. Today we had Christmas dinner where someone volunteered to host each table of 10-12 people. The host couple provided the table decorations and the entrée. Everyone else at the table then brought the dish that they had indicated on the sign-up sheet for that particular table. We thoroughly enjoyed the dinner, our hosts, and everyone else at the table. This is certainly a friendly and happy community of (mostly) full-time RVers.

We began our Christmas morning by opening our presents (what else)! As has been the case for many years, neither of us really needs anything, yet we continue to get a lot. We certainly have much to be thankful for.

We'll stay here tomorrow and leave the morning of the 27th. Tentatively (very tentatively) our plans are that from here we'll go to "Slab City" perhaps a hundred miles from here. That's a place out in the desert where the navy built an air station during WWII. Subsequently everything was torn down so that all that's left are the concrete slabs that the buildings had been on. During the winter months there are as many as 500 RVers who spend anywhere from from several days to several months there. These are all "boonedockers" or dry campers as there are no hookups, water, electric, etc. Sharyn's not so excited about going there, but I want to see it, and see how these rigs are set up to provide the ability to dry camp for such extended periods of time. We'll only be there for one or possibly two nights.

From there we'll go south about 35 miles to El Centro, just north of the Mexican border, where there is a Naval Air Station FamCamp. We'll stay there for a few days before moving on (eastward) to Yuma and another FamCamp. From Yuma we'll go to Gila Bend in Arizona where there is to be a 4 day gathering of RVers who access the Internet via satellite. Satellite could certainly be the answer for our getting reliable Internet access without having to hunt done a phone jack to plug the laptop into. The only problem is the high cost of the initial hardware, plus, I was just reading about some concerns that since the failure of the merger between Hughes Electronics (the parent company of DirectWay) and Echostar that Hughes wants out of the satellite Internet business where it says it's loosing money.

Anyway, from Gila Bend we'll continue easterly through Arizona and New Mexico, then down through the Texas Big Bend country and the Gulf coast. Somehow we'd like to hit both central Florida and northern Alabama (the Allegro factory and a granddaughter) before arriving in Virginia in sometime in May. From Virginia we plan to be at the Great North American RV Rally in Lexington, Kentucky in mid-June. If that's our plan for the next six months, we'll start off by seeing what we do tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 49,711
Miles for day = 0

 

12/26/02
(Aguanga CA)

Today we tied up all our loose ends; returned/exchanged some Christmas gifts, had some warranty work done on the Honda, did the laundry and some grocery shopping, and we're ready to pull out of here in the morning.

We've both been kind of itchy for the last week or so -- we'll be happy to be back on the road!

Odometer reading = 49,711
Miles for day = 0

 

12/27/02
(Salton Sea CA)

On the way out of Jojoba Hills this morning we stopped to say good-bye to several really nice people that we met during our time there. We then started out for Slab City. The first 25-30 miles was all climbing a narrow, winding, two lane road where we were a constant obstruction to all the traffic that invariably pilled up behind us.

Eventually we came to a point where we began descending into the city of Psalm Desert via a series of switch backs that when viewed from the top looked like a Matchbox Car racetrack. Psalm Desert is a beautiful city -- an island of green -- with flowering gardens, manicured lawns, tennis courts and golf courses surrounded by what is basically dry desert. With the looming critical water shortage in the western states, particularly Southern California, the people of Psalm Desert will be hard pressed to justify their, per capita, daily water consumption. It certainly makes for beautiful landscaping, but I suspect that landscaping will soon have to give way to water uses of higher priority.

Anyway, by the time we got to within about 25 miles of Slab City we thought a cup of coffee would hit the spot so we began looking for a place to pull off the road a make a pot. We came to a state park (actually the Salton Sea State Recreation Area at North Shore CA) that we thought would work well, but when we pulled into the entrance we saw that it was a "fee area." We told the girl at the gate why we had pulled in, but that seeing it was a fee area we'd just turn around and leave. She told us that we could go to the parking lot and spend an hour at the visitor's center, have our coffee, take a walk on the beach and leave with no charge. That sounded pretty good so we decided to go for it.

While at the beach we saw that there were about a dozen RV sites with full hookups. We had our coffee at this picnic table on the beach (from which I took this picture), checked out the visitors center, and decided this was a nice place to stay.

The Salton Sea is an inland salt water lake that's 228 feet below sea level, 35 miles long and 15 miles across with twice the surface area of Lake Tahoe.

Here's another picture that helps show why we decided to stay (because it's a really nice place).

Odometer reading = 49,795
Miles for day = 84

 

12/28/02
(Slab City CA)

We started this morning with coffee on the beach, watching this white pelican slowly swim by. After a while we went back to the motorhome for more coffee, after which I went to the visitors center to see the video about the Salton Sea.

By noon we were back on the road once again heading for Slab City, which turned out to be pretty much what we understood it to be. Lots of RVs, most with multiple solar panels on the roof, randomly spread out through a square mile of desert brush (aerial photo by AP).

The most prominent feature at Slab City is the three story high Salvation Mountain, which is also the first thing you'll see as you approach what used to be Camp Dunlop, a World War II marine training camp, now know as Slab City." Some time ago Leonard Knight, a retired worker from Vermont, was passing through. He decided that while he was there he'd build a monument to God. He envisioned it to be eight feet high and planned on taking a week to do it. That was eighteen years ago and he's still building. He uses adobe mud mixed with straw for the structure itself, then paints everything with words and prayers to God. As he described the ongoing project to me, I'd say he's less than half way finished, but he doesn't see himself ever doing anything but continuing to enlarge and build upon "Salvation Mountain." The section now being worked on consists of a large museum chamber, plus a number of meditation rooms such as this one.

Another interesting fellow was Mike Gohl, a social worker from Oregon, who got fed up with budgetary cutbacks in the mid-80's, bought a surplus bus from the City of Eugene and took off. Thus far he's logged over 500,000 miles on that bus. Today he's the primary source of all the solar equipment seen on the RVs at Slab City. When I spoke to him about his installations he told me he's "closed" on Sundays and Mondays, and this week being New Years he's also closed Tuesday and Wednesday. His website, if I remember correctly, is http://www.thesunworks.com.

Another interesting resident, one whom I did not meet, is Linda Barnette, a retired x-ray technician whose been at Slab City for over ten years. She runs the local "radio station" whereby at 6:pm Monday through Friday she broadcasts the local news and events over CB channel 23.

For those who either don't have a shower in their RV, or just prefer an alternate facility, there is a warm water spring that runs into a 5x5 concrete cistern which has been set up with a ladder for easy ingress and egress. The procedure is that you go there with at least one other person so one can "stand guard" to warn other would-be bathers that there's a naked person in the cistern so that they don't inadvertently interrupt and/or embarrass the bather. When I got there to check it out and take my pictures I had to wait for a mother and her two kids whose husband was "standing guard." These tire steps lead to the shower (which is about eight feet deep).

Getting back to us, we had our place in the desert where we could not help but take notice at how quiet it was. No one was making noise. There were no loud radios, TVs, or yelling. Even as it got dark and lights were turned on, no one was running a generator. Everyone was using the electric power stored in their batteries by their solar panels during the day. All in all, Slab City is a place that all RVers should get to check out at some point in time. Even if you think you don't like chocolate you should try it at least once.

Odometer reading = 49,832
Miles for day = 38

 

12/29/02 to 12/31/02
(El Centro CA)

From Slab City to the FamCamp at El Centro Naval Air Facility was only an hours drive so we arrived at the FamCamp around noon. We paid for a week and got settled into our site.

Since that time we've checked out the Exchange (Navy's version of BX), commissary, and the library. This is a very small installation so the the facilities are also on a small scale. While there are a number of computer terminals at the library, there does not appear to be any place on base where I can plug the computer into a phone line to update this site.

We each took a book out of the library on our first visit there. Sharyn finished hers in one day, but I'm still reading mine.

The satellite TV box won't come on so we basically have no TV. Dish Network is shipping us a new one which should get here on Thursday, the 2nd. Most of the channels we get with the antenna are either Spanish speaking from the US, or they're from Mexico (still Spanish speaking). Most of the radio stations are also broadcasting in Spanish, and we cannot get Public Radio which means that we can't listen to Morning Edition or All Things Considered. It seems that our only line to the outside world is the San Diego News-Tribune.

Today, the 31st, we went into El Centro to go to Wal-Mart to see about a tire for the Honda. It's probably the worst Wal-Mart we've ever been in. Most of the registered were closed, while the lines were backed up so far that the people on line were blocking access for other customers trying to move around that part of the store. If the home office ever checked this store they'd either put in new management or close it down. We still need a tire.

Odometer reading = 49,881
Miles for day = 49

 

2003

 

 

1/1/03 through 1/4/03
(El Centro CA)

There's a great deal going on around here. The weather here is text book perfect with the daytime temps in the mid-70s, sunny and bright with no humidity, followed by cool nights (we turn the heat on). As perfect as the weather is neither of us sees this as a place to spend a great deal of time, certainly not the entire winter, as many of the people here are doing. Tomorrow we're leaving here and going to Yuma, about 60 miles to the east. We could begin to have trouble finding vacant campsites in this part of the country as many places remain full during January and February. We'll see how it goes.

The new satellite box from DishNetwork never arrived. When we called yesterday to inquire about it their records showed that it was supposed to have been sent to us at the FamCamp, but also indicated that it never was. They said that if we call them Monday with our new location they'll have a new unit to us by Wednesday. In the meanwhile we basically are still without TV, radio, Internet access, or reliable cell phone service.

Again, when we're not traveling there's not much to write about.

Odometer reading = 49,881
Miles for day = 0

 

1/5/03
(Yuma AZ)

As we traveled along I-8 from El Centro to Yuma, which is pretty much all desert, we passed numerous places where clusters of RVs were gathered out in the desert, either camping, playing with their dune buggies, or both. Dune buggying seems to be a very big weekend family activity in this desert country.

When we exited the Interstate at Yuma, rather than going south in the City of Yuma, we turned north for the FamCamp at the US Army Proving Grounds where we figured to spend the better part of the week. When we arrived there it turned out that it was $18/day, not the $55/week indicated in the book. We left the Proving Grounds and continued north for another dozen miles to a Marine Corps FamCamp on a small peninsula that extends out into Lake Martinez. Camping for $7/day while surrounded with water is not too bad. We'll even get to use our kayaks which haven't been in the water for quite some time.

This gun on display at the main entrance to the Yuma Proving Grounds weighs 47 tons and fires an 11" projectile weighing 600 pounds a distance of 18 miles. The projectile leaves the barrel traveling at 2500 feet per second. I suspect that today it's obsolete.

Between the proving grounds and the FamCamp at Lake Martinez there are two signs that made it to our Interesting Signs page.

Again we find ourselves in a place where, we are told, there is no place for us to plug the computer into a phone line. That being the case it's hard to tell when this will get uploaded to the server. Before that happens, however, I'll be sure to get some pictures to enhance this page.

Odometer reading = 49,999
Miles for day = 118

 

1/6/03 through 1/8/03
(Yuma AZ)

We've driven into Yuma twice since we've been here (85 miles round trip) and decided that we like Yuma and this area a lot more than we liked El Centro. On one trip we had to stop to let a tank cross the highway in front of us. There was a "crossing guard" type person who stopped traffic (just us) as the tank approached and crossed the highway at 30-35 mph. I didn't see any ones head sticking out of the tank so I suspect the driver's field of view was probably pretty limited. We'd have given him the right of way even without the crossing guard.!

While there we visited the old Yuma Territorial Prison built during the mid-1800's. Probably not a good place to have spent time. One of the displays there lists the causes of death of the 100+ prisoners who died there, including two from "paralysis of the brain," and one who was "dead when he arrived." This is one of the cell blocks.

Also in the old section of downtown there is a really great tree, even though I don't know what it is.

Yesterday morning, this was the view looking across the lake from the campground.

Today we kayaked to the village of Lake Martinez on the other side of the lake. From there Sharyn paddled back to the campground while I paddled out to the Colorado River and managed to go upstream for a mile or so before drifting back down to the village of Lake Martinez where I got back onto the lake and returned to the campground. I have an attraction to the major rivers of the United States, the courses the travel, the history they've seen, etc. Being on the Colorado made me feel a small part of all of that. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Odometer reading = 49,999
Miles for day = 0

 

1/9/03
(Quartzsite AZ)

We had planned to leave Lake Martinez this morning and drive up to Quartzite, but the new satellite box from Dish Network did not arrive yesterday as promised. We decided we'd stay another day and hope the new box arrived, but unfortunately there were no available sites at the FamCamp so we could not extend our stay. We moved up on top of a hill that is used as an overflow area and figured that if the box arrived (via UPS) by 4:pm we could still get to Quartzsite by dark.

It was actually quite nice up on the hill overlooking the lake and the village of Lake Martinez on the other side. If we had adequate solar panels to keep up our batteries up we would opt for the dry camping on the hill rather than the hookups in the regular campground.

Anyway, shortly before 4:pm we had the new satellite box and headed for Quartzsite, arriving just at dusk. We, along with hundreds of other RVs, are parked in the desert on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land where you can dry camp for free for 14 days. After setting up -- a four minute process when dry camping -- I suggested that we take the car and go "check out" town. Sharyn suggested that we'd never be able to find our way back to the motorhome in the desert in the dark. Going outside into the dark and looking around in the black I thought we might not even find our way back to the road. We decided to wait until tomorrow. Since we're operating with somewhat limited battery capacity (and did not want to run the generator) we got into bed early, read for a short while, and went to sleep.

Odometer reading = 50,072
Miles for day = 73

 

1/10/03
(Quartzsite AZ)

Having gone to bed so early I woke up early and got up at 5:am. It was kind of cold in the motorhome as we only had the rear (bedroom) furnace on 60 degrees. As I was drinking my coffee and waiting for the sun to come up I was thinking "only another half hour" until the warm morning sun comes through the front windshield (I had parked facing east just to catch the early morning sun). In El Centro the sun came over the horizon at just about 7:am and I was expecting the same in Quartzsite. I had forgotten that we had moved into mountain time. The warmth of the sun did not arrive until 8:am. By that time Sharyn was up and we were enjoying our coffee and conversation.

After I took my morning walk (2 miles/30 minutes) we went to go into town to check it out. It seems as if there may not really be a "town." If all the tents were taken down and everything on wheels was driven or towed away I don't think there would be anything much left of Quartzsite. Anyway, we did check out a number of rock and mineral vendors with all kinds of stuff about which I know nothing, but that Sharyn is really drawn to. We then went to several of the RV displays including one dealer (Mesa RV) with Allegros on display. We again looked at the triple slide Allegro Bus, the same one we looked at in Wichita several months ago (interior view). This time we took it for a drive. It was the first time I drove a diesel and it is quite different from gas, although the difference is not as black and white as some people have told me.

We eventually worked our way back to our motorhome at our spot in the desert where we relaxed, had dinner, read for a while and went to bed (not as early as last night).

Odometer reading = 50,072
Miles for day = 0

 

1/11/03
(Lizard Gulch AZ)

This morning, before leaving Quartzsite for Lizard Gulch, we went to Bill's Solar to see what he had to offer. He had a fairly good selection of solar equipment and batteries, but like a surprising number of vendors, he was engaged in shooting the bull with another guy and had no apparent interest in a potential customer looking for information. Also, there was no manufacturers name on any of his solar panels and his big sign told of "10 year warranty." Since most solar panel manufacturers offer 20 or 25 year warranties I was unimpressed with Bill and left to go find Sharyn.

We also revisited the Allegro Bus and checked out a few details that we thought about since yesterday before returning to the motorhome, hooking up the car and heading for Lizard Gulch where we met up with an RV rally of 30-40 RVs parked in the desert.

Odometer reading = 50,202
Miles for day = 130

 

1/12/03 through 1/17/03
(Lizard Gulch AZ)

This has been an enjoyable week with what eventually turned out to be about 70-75 RVs gathered for computer/Internet related discussions, informal seminars, and general exchange of ideas. The background, knowledge, and technical know-how of this group was extraordinary..

The night before last we had a pot luck dinner which turned out to be more of a gourmet buffet, even with the "bring your own plate and utensils." I suggested that while this had sort of been the men's week (although many of the women had the same level of expertise), that the women outdid them with the dinner. I further suggested that the reason that the food was so outstanding and unusually good was that an extraordinary group of men would not be expected to have married an ordinary group of women.

This picture is from one of our social hours that we had every afternoon.

Anyway, most of the group left yesterday and we'll probably leave tomorrow. A good number of those who were here are Escapees who, when they left here, went to the Escapees "Boomer" gathering in Quartzsite. We're going to join them, but we may first spend a night or two at a nearby Air Force FamCamp. We've been dry camped for about two weeks now and we'd like to try some water and electric hookups for a few days.

Part of the problem is that we're not at all set up for dry camping for more than a day or so. When we get to Quartzsite we're going to see about quadrupling our battery storage capacity, adding an inverter (to give us 120 volt AC from the batteries), and possibly solar panels to keep those batteries charged without running the generator.


Odometer reading = 50,202
Miles for day = 0

 

1/18/03 through 1/20/03
(Lizard Gulch AZ)

Well, not surprisingly, we didn't leave here several days ago when we thought we would. We also didn't leave this morning when we woke up late to a cold (60 degrees) and rainy day even though our plan last night was to leave this morning. Of course the fact that one of the TV channels was having an Old Cowboy Movie weekend marathon that kept us us until almost 2:am didn't help. As the day progressed the sun came out and it got quite nice, but by then it was too late to leave. Instead I played on the Internet most of the day while Sharyn read Airframe by Michael Crichton.

By the way, we've added a new feature to our homepage; a link that will take you to a site that will give you a readout of your present Internet connection speed. I ran several tests that ranged from 514 kilobytes to a high of 1.1 megabytes per second.

Odometer reading = 50,202
Miles for day = 0

 

1/21/03
(Quartzsite AZ)

We finally pulled out of Lizard Gulch by mid-afternoon and arrived back here in Quartzsite about two hours before dark. We joined up with the Escapee "Boomer" group -- supposed to be the "baby boomers," however one chooses to define that term -- parked in the desert about four miles east of town.

We got here too late to really check out who's here or what's going on, but we'll do better tomorrow and fill in the blanks later.

Odometer reading = 50,339
Miles for day = 137

 

1/22/03
(Quartzsite AZ)

We drove the five miles into Quartzsite where we checked prices on some heavy duty golf cart and fork lift batteries and inverters. We also walked many miles of RV show booths, flea market shows, rock and mineral shows, etc. After about five hours we decided that to cover everything going on could take the better part of a week -- if we can maintain the pace for that long.

Odometer reading = 50,339
Miles for day = 0

 

1/23/03 through 1/25/03
(Quartzsite AZ)

Our time here in Quartzsite is the first time we've ever participated in any kind of Escapee gathering outside of an Escapee park and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire time. The exchange of ideas, information, and experiences with lots of couples doing the same thing that you're doing is a pleasant and rewarding experience. This shows our group, about 80 RVs, in the foreground with many more in the distance.

One day six couples went kayaking at a wildlife preserve upstream from Parker Dam, about 60 miles north of Quartzsite. We had ten kayaks, one canoe, and a great time.

Of course we did more of the flea market stuff, most, but not all of which, was either RV or rock/gem oriented. These entrepreneurs live upstairs and conduct their business on the first floor!

It didn't take too long before we ran out of cash and we had trouble getting more. The nearest bank (we were told) was 55 miles away, and all the ATM machines were empty. After two days we found one machine that had been refilled so we could get some more money. One of the things we needed cash for was that I desperately needed a haircut and had not been able to find a barber. While in Lizard Gulch we were told that there was a lady that cut hair at her house but no one seemed to know where she lived. Finally, in Quartzsite I had found a barber!

We decided to better equip the motorhome for dry camping and have arranged for the purchase and installation of two 120 watt solar panels and a 2000 watt Heart inverter. We're also going to install four six volt golf cart batteries and have a welder lined up to do the minor fabrication necessary to fit the batteries. This work has all been scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

By the way, this is an aerial photo of some of the RVs in and around Quartzsite. The picture, taken this week, is looking south down US-95 with I-10 running across the middle. RVs extend out 8 to 10 miles from the center of town. Within a five mile radius the desert is pretty much carpeted with them.

Odometer reading = 50,339
Miles for day = 0

 

1/26/03 through 1/28/03
(Gila Bend AZ)

Having been dry camped for several weeks we had had enough of living with no electricity other than our generator and limited battery capacity. Accordingly, we decided to go to the FamCamp at Gila Bend AFB (full hookups for $7/day) to wait until it's time for our installations at Quartzsite. While this is a tiny base, the laundry room is free, as is the coffee and hot drink machine located in the same building as the laundry and exercise rooms. Of course the weather, as it seems to be in this part of the country in January, is text book perfect. Low humidity, sunny, and in the 70's during the day; probably the 50's at night.

Odometer reading = 50,478
Miles for day = 139

 

1/29/03
(Quartzsite AZ)

Since we have to be at the welder's at 9:am tomorrow here in Quartzsite, we left Gila Bend at midday today, and upon our arrival in Quartzsite took up residency again in the desert. This time, however, we stayed closer in towards town since we'll be taking the motorhome back and forth to the welder and Discount Solar.

Odometer reading = 50,617
Miles for day = 139

 

1/30/03 and 1/31/03
(Quartzsite AZ)

We're now much better prepared for the boondocking (dry camping) that we seem to have been doing more of since Alaska this past summer. While the welder only took a little over 2-1/2 hours to fabricate the battery mounts, Discount Solar started on our job at 9:am and with three men on the job didn't finish until about 6:30. They did a very professional installation and we now have two 120 watt Kyocera solar panels, a 2,000 watt Heart inverter with a 3-stage 100 amp battery charger, the appropriate controllers, and four 225 amp/hour, 6-volt Trojan T-105 golf cart batteries. Starting tonight we'll find out how well all this stuff is going to work for us.

Odometer reading = 50,632
Miles for (2) days = 15

 

2/1/03
(Tucson AZ)

We left Quartzsite this morning, heading east, undecided whether we'd stop at Gila Bend, the Escapee Park in Casa Grande, or continue all the way to the FamCamp at Davis-Monthan AFB. We opted to stay at Casa Grande, figuring that there'd be no hookup sites, but that with our newly acquired electrical (semi-)independence, we be just as happy to dry camp in the overflow area. As it turned out there were no sites of any kind available. Since we were already past Gila Bend, we continued on to the FamCamp at Tucson. We're now in the overflow area at the edge of the flightline, but we did put ourselves on the list for a full hookup site. The wait is about four days. Whether or not we take such a site when it becomes available depends on how we feel at the time.

As it is now, we can watch TV, get on line with the computer, run the microwave, etc., all without running the generator. There is a limitation, of course, as to how long you can run all this stuff without over depleting the batteries. Also, if we don't travel the next day, depending on how far down we ran the batteries (don't want to go below 50%) and how much sunshine we have the next day, the solar panels may not fully replace the amp/hours used the night before (especially now while the days are so short). If necessary we can run the generator for 30 minutes or an hour and replace 50-100 amp/hours through the inverter/charger. We'll see how it all works and develop a system as we proceed.

While the following is out of chronological order, it's here anyway. Several days ago we encountered a big truck moving some very big thing along the Interstate. The overall length must have been about 200 feet (that's not an exaggeration) and it was a full two lanes wide. With 10 highway patrol cars acting as escort, the driver(s) pulled to the edge of a 12' wide paved shoulder to allow other vehicles to pass (they were doing about 55 mph. The truck in front was pulling the rig in the conventional manner, while they had two additional truck rigged up in the rear to push -- much like a multi-locomotive freight train.

As we got our opportunity to pass, Sharyn took some pictures. This shows the two "pusher" trucks (both of which had drivers), while this shows the front one-third of the load. We have no idea what it was they were moving, but it was the biggest thing we've ever seen on the road!

Odometer reading = 50,905
Miles for day = 273

 

2/2/03 through 2/5/03
(Tucson AZ)

It's been somewhat overcast the last couple of days and somewhat cooler than I'd like it to be. Only in the lower 60's and going down into the 30's at night. We're definitely not in Florida

Anyway, we're still in the overflow area even though we could have moved to full hookups this morning (we were #1 on the list this morning). Right now we're only paying $3 per day, plus we're probably leaving in the morning.

We like Tucson. Actually, I like it a lot. For such a big city (population 850,000) most of the parts we've been through are quite nice. I particularly like the way the streets are laid out. With wide, six lane, streets that run north and south or east and west forming a grid pattern pattern with one mile squares, travel is very easy. Within each one mile square there are smaller streets that do not follow any particular pattern, but traveling north-south or east-west is very quick and easy. It's also easy for strangers like us to find our way to anywhere we want to go.

We haven't done much to write about, but we're content and our "dots" are blue.

Odometer reading = 50,905
Miles for day = 0

 

2/6/03
(Cochise Stronghold AZ)

It was only in the mid-30's when we got up this morning (as it has been for the last several mornings). The first thing I do in the morning, after turning on the coffee, is to turn on the furnace. This morning it was 42 degrees in the motorhome. I hate to use a furnaces because the fan draws about 7 amps of 12 volt current. That quite a draw on the batteries for something that by its nature may run for an hour, as opposed to the water pump (for instance) that draws almost as much current, but typically runs several seconds, or intermittently for several minutes if we are taking a shower. For heating up the place in the morning I much prefer the heat pumps, but to operate them (when we're dry camped) I have to run the generator and I won't turn that on before 8:am out of consideration for our neighbors. At 8:am pretty much everyone's generator comes on.

For next winter we'll have a catalytic heater that puts out something in the neighborhood of 8,000 BTUs with an LP flame the size of a pilot light. Since it uses no electricity and such a minute amount of LP gas, the catalytic heater is the ideal source for heat in an RV when electrical consumption is a factor. They do NOT produce carbon monoxide, and all the good ones have automatic low oxygen shut downs.

Anyway, last night I saw something on the map called "Cochise Stronghold" about 25 miles off of I-10 where we would be passing by today. I checked it out on-line and found that it was where Cochise and about a thousand of his people lived and held out against the US Army for a number of years. Since there is now a National Park there we decided to make Cochise Stronghold our destination for tonight. The campground only has ten sites, and it's all dry camping, but we paid for two nights and will hike the area tomorrow. Since we're surrounded by the Dragoon Mountains, and under a heavy tree cover, we have no cell phone service, no radio, and can't "see" out for our satellite access.

Odometer reading = 51,010
Miles for day = 105

 

2/7/03
(Cochise Stronghold AZ)

Shortly after coffee and conversation we dressed warmly and started off on a three mile hike up the Cochise Trail, a footpath that leads to the crest of eastern edge of the Dragoon Mountains and overlooks the desert to the east. At the base of the mountain beyond the crest are the remains of the old Butterfield Stage Coach stop. Unfortunately, we didn't get to the crest. After 2 hours and 20 minutes we had not quite yet reached the 1-1/2 mile marker and I figured that wherever we turn back would be the half way mark of our round trip. At that point I felt that I was half used up and suggested that we start back down; which we did.

Cochise Stronghold certainly is a beautiful place (panoramic view -- scroll image horizontally). It's a large canyon area, actually it seems to be several canyons, filled with creeks and streams, scrub forests, and some brushland. I suspect that when they were not at war with the army or the white settlers, Cochise and his Chiricahua Apaches lived a rather pleasant and tranquil life in these mountains.

After getting back to the campsite, eating, and recouping for an hour or so we decided to drive around to the old stage stop. The drive around the mountain was 25 miles each way, but I had told Sharyn that I was surprised that any of the "ruins" of the stage stop were left and wanted to see them. Well, we finally got to what we thought was the location, saw the sign, but couldn't find anything else. When we got back to the campground the host told us that back beyond the sign there was the stone footing outlining the perimeter of the building and the division of rooms within in. He said there were also the graves of four soldiers. We had found none of that. I was disappointed that there was nothing there, but then I was doubly disappointed to learn how much was there and that we had seen none of it.

It should be stated that the relatively short time the stage depot was in use (1858-1862) probably has something to do with the fact that in the last 12 month period the Apaches killed 16 stage drivers.

On the drive to the stage depot we came upon two things that warranted being photographed: this blooming cactus, and "the oldest homestead house in southeast Arizona."

Odometer reading = 51,010
Miles for day = 0

 

2/8/03
(Deming NM)

This morning we woke up to the sound of rain on the roof. That's probably not bad as I tell Sharyn I'd rather it rain on a "travel" day, as rain while we traveling has no effect on what we do or how we do it. Since we were dry camped at Cochise Stronghold, getting ready to leave pretty much means bringing in the slides, hooking up the car, and driving away.

As we were driving east on I-10, we were not to far into New Mexico when Sharyn said that it was snowing. Of course I disagreed, saying we were in the middle of the desert and it doesn't snow in the desert (it's not suppose to rain either). Within about 15 minutes it was snowing like crazy, visibility was reduced to several hundred yards, and the windshield wipers were so encrusted with snow that they were no longer in contact with the windshield. So much for an easterner's idea of what does, or does not, happen in the desert!

The maximum snowfall was occurring in the vicinity of the Continental Divide, and as we moved further down the road the accumulated snow on the windshield and the wiper blades began to melt and things started looking better.

It wasn't too long after that that we arrived at Dream Catcher RV Park, the Escapee Park in Deming, NM. Since it was cold and rainy we decided to take a site with full hookups. It's been several weeks since we've had hookups and we thought we'd treat ourselves. We had not been set up for more than 20 minutes when all the power in the area went out. Our systems stayed on as the inverter immediately cut in to pick up the load, but we thought it funny that the first time we hook up to commercial power, the power goes out. In any event it was back on in a short time and all was well.

We went to the daily 4:pm social hour at the clubhouse, introduced ourselves, talked with some people, had a cup of coffee, and eventually returned to the motorhome. Since the forecast is for more rain and snow tonight and tomorrow we'll probably stay here until Monday.

Odometer reading = 51,182
Miles for day = 172

 

2/9/03 and 2/10/03
(Deming NM)

Yesterday while Sharyn was doing the laundry I washed both the car and the motorhome. I can't remember the last time we were able to wash them. Actually, as encrusted as they had been, the drive to Deming through the rain and snow had already removed a substantial amount.

It had been our intention to leave here today, but instead we decided to stay another day and visit nearby Rock Hound State Park. There is a $4 per vehicle day use fee, but you are invited to take up to 20 pounds of rocks per person. The problem was not so much deciding what rocks to take, but rather what rocks to leave behind. I suspect that we really got our money's worth.

Somewhere out here in the desert country I came across something that said prickly pear cactus was edible, so today I tried a piece. While it wasn't bad, I could pass on a big serving. Later when we went to the visitor's center at the park there was a display there about edible desert plants. It said that the flower of the prickly pear was edible. Oh well, the other part wasn't too bad.

I don't know what kind of cactus this is, but this picture was taken to show the scale of the next picture. This is a close-up of the flowers on the top. Check out those fishhook like barbs. They're sharp and rigid, and they don't pull out -- if you get hooked you'd have trouble getting away.

We spent most of the day at Rock Hound State Park. For the most part, while Sharyn collected rocks, I took pictures. This one is a big file (61K). This one's only half the size.

In any event, by the time we got back to the motorhome we were both tired and hungry and called it a day.

Odometer reading = 51,182
Miles for day = 0

 

2/11/03
(El Paso TX)

Late this morning as we were checking out of the Dream Catcher RV Park the lady said that if Sharyn took some of her rocks to the Senior Center in town that they had a lapidary room and that they'd cut some of the rocks for her. We thought that would be good to see the equipment they had, how it worked, etc. Getting the stones cut would be good also. The problem was that we got there around noon and all the lapidary guys had already left. We did see all the equipment they had set up in the room. It was a pretty impressive facility for a senior center.

Anyway, we then left Deming and got onto I-10, again heading east. We stopped to eat at a rest area in Los Cruces where this roadrunner overlooks the Interstate.

Leaving the rest area we continued on to the FamCamp at Fort Bliss in El Paso where we stayed some time ago when Jordan was traveling with us. We paid for two nights and we'll see what happens.

Odometer reading = 51,290
Miles for day = 108

 

2/12/03
(El Paso TX)

We didn't do too much today. Went to the PX and the commissary where we did some pretty serious grocery shopping as we were low on lots of stuff. When we buy so much the problem always becomes where do you put it -- it's not exactly as if we had a walk-in pantry.

Odometer reading = 51,290
Miles for day = 0

 

2/13/03
(Alpine TX)

The weather was quite nice this morning and we enjoyed the process of getting ready to leave at a leisurely pace. We picked up I-10 at the southern end of El Paso and once again headed east. Our next planned destination being Laughlin AFB at Del Rio, about 450 miles away, we figured it would probably take us three days, although two was a possibility.

We have basically been eastbound on either I-8 or I-10 since we left El Centro on January 5. That's probably more Interstate miles than we've done in the last year. We much prefer the winding two lane roads, so when we came to the exit for US-90 we got off the Interstate and continued east on US-90.

A little after 5:pm we got to the small town of Alpine, one of the few towns along this stretch of US-90, and looking for a place to boondock, we parked in the unpaved portion of the parking lot of the town civic center. It seemed like a good place that would be safe and secure. Right on main street in the middle of town, it was a very public place where the police could not help but take note of our presence, and presumably would be passing by numerous times during the night.

With our new battery bank and inverter we were able to watch several hours of TV before going to bed and reading for some time before shutting off the lights and going to sleep. It started raining shortly after we arrived and continued through most of the night.

Odometer reading = 51,522
Miles for day = 231

 

2/14/03
(Del Rio TX)

As is frequently the case, I was up before daylight and got the coffee started (Sharyn sets up the pot at night) while Sharyn was still sleeping. After she had gotten up and had her coffee I gave her her Godiva chocolates for Valentine's Day.

We almost never eat breakfast, so it wasn't too long before we were on the road again. After an hour or so we stopped so I could make a sandwich and take this picture of the road ahead. The day's travel was not too eventful, but we did stop at the Pecos River to take see the view an take a few pictures. This is looking south with the Rio Grande River and Mexico where the Pecos enters into the Rio Grande. This is looking north past the US-90 highway bridge. The boat heading upstream is the Border Patrol. Take note how low the river is. Texas, like much of the Country is deep in drought.

It was only a few miles west of the river that Sharyn, Jordan, and I visited the "Judge Roy Bean Courthouse" on April 1, 2002. Remember that he was "The Law West of the Pecos." The following is from our Travelog entry that day:

As we passed by Langtry TX, where Judge Roy Bean, known as "the law west of the Pecos" used to hang out, we stopped to check out his courthouse, which turns out to have been a combination saloon, courthouse, and dancehall. It was a lot smaller than I would have thought. The sign behind the bar tells the story while Sharyn stands at the bar waiting for service.

Anyway, we arrived at the FamCamp at Laughlin AFB and were relegated to drycamping in the overflow area as the campground was full. We paid for one night ($3) but will probably stay here tomorrow as well.

By violating our (loose) rule about not driving more than 200 miles in any one day we got here from El Paso in two days instead of three. As a miscellaneous aside, from where I-10 crosses the state line from New Mexico into Texas, to where I-10 leaves Texas and enters Louisiana, is 880 miles. Texas is a *big* place!

Odometer reading = 51,734
Miles for day = 212

 

2/15/03
(Del Rio TX)

As I try to write this, I'm actually writing about what we did yesterday (I'm writing this on the 16th) and I can't remember. I know that Sharyn did laundry at the free laundry facilities on base. She says all I did was play with my computer, so I guess that's it.

Odometer reading = 51,734
Miles for day = 0

 

2/16/03
(Freer TX)

We left Laughlin AFB this morning, headed for Escondito Ranch, a military RV park and recreation area owned and maintained by the Navy. It's eight miles west of here on Texas Route 44, then 13 miles north on county route 401. It reads pretty nice in the military campground directory, used as a hunting camp during season, it says it's open year round, offering full hookups with 50 amps for $5 per day. That's pretty hard to beat

We had not expected route 401 to be a dirt road, but we've had that before so it wasn't any big deal. The problem began to manifest itself as we drove further and further down 401. At one point, perhaps half way in, we stopped and evaluated the deteriorating road; the part we had traveled, and the part that still lie ahead. While it wasn't too reassuring, there was no difficulty in making any decision -- there was no decision to be made. We couldn't turn around and we couldn't back out, so we got back in the motorhome and kept going. As I told Sharyn, in the worst case scenario, if we got stuck in the mud, we eat dinner, take a shower, and go to bed, just as we would anywhere else.

Well, we didn't get stuck, but route 401 ended at a padlocked gate, the entrance to Escondito Ranch. The place was closed up tight with no one anywhere in sight. Even when I climbed the fence and went looking, there was no one.

It had taken us about 45 minutes to do the 13 miles into the place. Luckily there was room to turn around in front of the gate. By this time, however, it was beginning to get dark. In order to beat the darkness we came out of 401 a lot faster than we went in, but it was still dark as we got back out to the highway.

We drove the remaining eight miles to Freer where we're now parked next to some trucks behind a Citgo gas station where we'll spend the night. Since we had planned to spend several days at Escondito Ranch I guess we've now picked up several days on our journey east.

Odometer reading = 51,966
Miles for day = 232

 

2/17/03
(Padre Island National Seashore TX)

We arrived at Padre Island National Seashore, just over the bridge from Corpus Christi, by mid-afternoon. We checked out Malaquite Campground but didn't care for it. It was quite crowded, plus it was behind the dunes from the beach. We inquired at the visitor's center about driving on the beach and we were assured that we could drive the motorhome on the beach without getting stuck. The beach (and the National Seashore) extends south along the Gulf of Mexico for sixty miles. The entire sixty mile stretch is available for free camping, but only the first five miles is accessible without four wheel drive. With some reservations about driving our twelve tons out onto the beach we drove to where the road ends at the beach. It proved to be no problem, just as the lady at the visitor's center had said.

It worked out very nicely in that in order to have our solar panels facing south we placed the back of the motorhome against the dunes, while the front faced the Gulf. It would be difficult to beat this setup even at a $50 per day campground -- and this is free camping!

It's sunny and 70 degrees with a steady breeze coming in off of the Gulf. The only sound is the roar of the surf. It must be said that life is good!

Odometer reading = 52,078
Miles for day = 111

 

2/18/03
(Padre Island National Seashore TX)

This was our view from the front of the motorhome as the sun came up over the Gulf this morning. A slightly broader view includes our neighbor, a lady from Ontario, an early starter, who loves to fish but really isn't interested in catching any. This was what we looked like from the water's edge.

Anyway, we spent the day on the beach, doing nothing in particular.

Incidentally, this was last night's moon rise.

Odometer reading = 52,078
Miles for day = 0

 

2/19/03 and 2/20/03
(Corpus Christi TX)

Yesterday morning it clouded up and was getting ready to rain so we decided to leave the beach and come over to the FamCamp at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. It was the first time in a long time that base security forces came in and went through the motorhome, but as we told the security guys, whatever it takes is what has to happen.

After getting set up in our campsite we went to the commissary to get some milk and bread before it closed. Today we went back and did our real grocery shopping. Other than that we mostly relaxed and did some reading.

The weather has changed considerably. While the temperatures are still in the 70's, the humidity is in the 90's. Plus the sky is dark and the wind is blowing mist -- probably part rain and part water from the bay. Rain and thunderstorms are predicted for the next several days all along the Gulf Coast from here to Mississippi. We'll probably leave here in the morning and head that way. As I told Sharyn, we need about about 100 miles of driving in the pouring rain to get all the mud and dirt from the muddy road washed out from the undercarriage.

Odometer reading = 52,107
Miles for day = 29

 

2/21/03
(Bay City TX)

It was somewhat dark and cloudy this morning, plus their were tornado warnings in effect for the entire area, so Sharyn did not want to travel. We decided that we'd stay at the FamCamp for another day, but shortly after 11:am the lady came to our site to tell us that it had been reserved by someone else and that they had arrived. We apologized for the oversight and told her we'd be out within 20-30 minutes.

Not having planned to leave today, we found ourselves heading out of Corpus Christi without quite knowing where we were going or how to get there. We eventually opted to stay closer to the Gulf Coast as we headed east and at the end of the day we were in Wal-Mart's parking lot here in Bay City TX.

Odometer reading = 52,262
Miles for day = 155

 

2/22/03
(Galveston TX)

Leaving Bay City this morning we had to back track a mile or so to pickup the road that would take us towards Galveston Island, the barrier island where we planned to stay at Galveston Island State Park. Crossing over a bridge at the southern end of the island we paid a $2 toll and continued on our way.

After getting set up in the campground we were in the process of tuning in the TV satellite when the splines in the directional dial sheared off. At the local hardware store I bought a piece of 1/2" conduit (because 1/2" PVC isn't 1/2" outside diameter) and some epoxy. Since the directional dial is not something you can pick up at your local RV dealer I'm hoping I can make a suitable repair.

Odometer reading = 52,340
Miles for day = 78

 

2/23/03
(Lake Charles LA)

We left Galveston Island State Park and continued easterly through the town of Galveston and on to the eastern end of Galveston Island where we took a ferry to the mainland. We thought it was unusual that it cost $2 to cross a small bridge to get onto the island at one end, but the 15 minute ferry ride to get off the island at the other end is free. Eventually the road turned north and took us to I-10 where we headed east towards Louisiana.

There were a number of signs along the Interstate advertising the Isle of Capri Casino in Lake Charles so we decided it sounded like a good destination. Not only does Sharyn enjoy the slots, but most casinos offer great security and welcome RVers to spend the night in their parking lot. After loosing a dozen dollars in the slots we returned to the motorhome in the casino parking lot where we had dinner and Sharyn watched a movie on TV while I did the web page.

Odometer reading = 52,487
Miles for day = 147

 

2/24/03
(Baton Rouge LA)

We had a pretty uneventful day as we traveled from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge. As we were entering Baton Rouge we exited the Interstate to get gas. It turned out that the gas station wasn't there, but then we could not get back onto I-10. That interchange had no eastbound entrance so we kind of wandered around the neighborhood streets trying to stay close to the Interstate while looking for another entrance. At one point we were driving down a street that must have had a recent Mardi Gras parade because all the lower tree branches were entangled with multicolored Mardi Gras beads.

Eventually we got back onto the Interstate but didn't go too far before we got off near a Wal-Mart Supercenter where we spent the night in the parking lot.

Odometer reading = 52,689
Miles for day = 202

 

2/25/03
(Biloxi MS)

The FamCamp at Keesler AFB was our destination here in Biloxi. This is at least the third time we've stayed here, and Biloxi is one of Sharyn's favorite places. It's kind of dark and overcast right now so the place is not at its best.

The FamCamp is full so we are in an overflow site (electric only) until tomorrow morning. We're #1 on the list for a full service site so we should have one tomorrow.

One advantage of an overflow site here is that the laundry room (a nice laundry room) is only 20 feet from the motorhome, and we have laundry to be done.

Odometer reading = 52,767
Miles for day = 78

 

2/25/03 to 2/28/03
(Biloxi MS)

We're still here and we're still in the overflow area. A full hookup site was available the day after we got her, but since we were already set up we decided to just stay where we are. If and when we run out of water or holding tank space we may move.

In addition to being right next to the laundry room, the showers and bathrooms are right behind the motorhome. I would say that we "never" use the bathroom or shower facilities at a campground, pretty much for no other reason than we prefer to use our own. The only exception I can recall was here several years ago. It was another time that we were in the overflow area, and in order to conserve water/holding tank space, I used the shower in the building. It was a great shower -- unlimited, high pressure hot water! Perhaps you have to live in a motorhome to fully appreciate what that means -- particularly the "unlimited" part. Anyway, recalling those great showers, we have again taken to using the showers provided here. I guess I had forgotten that the showers here also had soft water as it's like liquid silk. Quite nice!

The weather continues to be cool, dark, cloudy, and frequently rainy. Sharyn reads and visits a lot, while I spend a lot of time on the computer. It's all pretty relaxed and our dots are blue. At least mine is. Sharyn says hers is purple.

We're waiting for our mail and until it arrives we're renewing on a one day at a time basis.

This morning I received the following e-mail attachment -- a great picture of our granddaughter Mary. Feel free to look!

Odometer reading = 52,767
Miles for day = 0

 

3/1/03
(Biloxi MS)

It was another overcast day with intermittent rain and drizzle (we haven't seen the sun since we drove off the beach down by Corpus Christi).

I've been wanting to stuff myself with fried chicken for upwards to a year and threatening to go to a Kentucky Fried Chicken and do it. Since I'm cheap, I have to have an "all you eat" buffet type arrangement and apparently KFC doesn't do these anymore. Anyway, this evening we went to Cajun's Fried Chicken (a chain we see thorough this area) where for <$7 you get all can eat -- chicken and/or fish, vegetables, dessert, and beverage. We really got our money's worth. Sharyn ate more than I did -- particularly the ice cream and dessert -- eventually topping it off with a giant root beer float. As we left she said she was ready to throw up.

From there we took our stuffed bodies to one of the casinos. We'll probably leave here tomorrow and Sharyn says we can't leave here without visiting any of the casinos. We went to the pirate ship place where we lost several dollars before returning to the motorhome.

We took two more of those unlimited hot water showers and went to bed.

Odometer reading = 52,767
Miles for day = 0

 

3/2/03
(Summerdale AL)

After five days in Biloxi with an "electric only" hookup, this morning we dumped our holding tanks and topped off with fresh water before leaving for Rainbow Plantation, the Escapee park about 25 miles south of Mobile, Alabama.

We arrived here, as expected, without incident and pulled into the boondock area. All Escapee parks have a boondock (dry camp) area that members can use one night for free, with additional nights costing $2.50 each. Now that we're more appropriately equipped for dry camping we do it much more frequently. As the daylight hours increase to provide more hours of solar charging we should be able to boondock for as long as our water lasts.

Later on we went to the clubhouse for ice cream and some do-it-yourself Mardi Gras entertainment.

Odometer reading = 52,877
Miles for day = 110

 

3/3/03
(Summerdale AL)

We had planned to leave here this morning but the sun was shinning and the guy across the way was washing his motorhome. We decided to move to a full hookup site, stay here for another day, and wash the motorhome (that still has mud on it from that infamous muddy road to the closed campground).

We must have been here the same time last year because as soon as we started to move the Mardi Gras parade came down the road. We were here for last year's Mardi Gras also.

Unfortunately we had not been set up in our new site for very long before it started to rain -- and it's been raining ever since. However, we find this to be one of the more "comfortable" parks to stay at so we might even stay over for another day.

Odometer reading = 52,877
Miles for day = 0

 

3/4/03 and 3/5/03
(Summerdale AL)

It's been two more days and nothing much is happening other than rain several times a day. Now that we are out of the "west" we are able to use our awning without worry about it getting blown away. The dry area that the awning provides is much appreciated in this relatively non-stop rainy weather. Yesterday afternoon the the weather radio "siren" went off and told us we were under a tornado watch until 10:pm. Nothing happend which is just as well since we don't see or know of any place within running distance to seek protection from a tornado. The clubhouse has masonry walls, but a large span metal roof which would probably blow away faster than the motorhome.

Odometer reading = 52,877
Miles for day = 0

 

3/6/03
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

We left the Rainbow Plantation Escapee park heading for Pensacola. It had been our plan to stay at the FamCamp at the Naval Air Station there, but we since decided that we wanted to go further than that. Traveling along US-98, which pretty much hugs the gulf coast along the Florida peninsula, we came to the Navy Exchange Complex in Pensacola where we stopped and got some groceries and bought a few things in the Exchange. It's a pretty nice facility that we've been to in the past. There are several navy installations in the Pensacola area and this Exchange complex serves all the military facilities in the area.

Anyway, we then continued on towards Panama City and the FamCamp at Tyndall AFB, our new destination. However, we had spend considerable time at the Exchange complex, it was getting late in the afternoon and I was kind of tired. When we passed by Hurlburt AFB Sharyn looked it up in the directory and saw that it had a FamCamp, so we made a U-turn and went back. It turned out that the FamCamp was full and there was no campground host present to get any information from so we pulled into a large parking lot that seemed to serve a club dining facility, a bar, and a couple of marina type things. None of these facilities were open and the parking lot was empty except for one or two cars. It seemed like a convenient and secure place to spend the night.

After having dinner, watching some TV, and doing some reading in bed we shut off the lights and went to sleep. Some time later Sharyn wake me up to tell me that someone was knocking on the door. It was base security to inquire (I guess) who we were, and to tell us that we couldn't spend the night there. After ascertaining from the security guy that it was "a little after twelve," I explained that the FamCamp was full, and that while the book said there was a overflow area, we couldn't find it. He contacted security headquarters but no one there knew where the overflow was either. Anyway, since we were leaving in the morning anyway they got permission for us to remain there for the night. Having had just enough sleep to take the edge off, it took quite a while for both of us to get back to sleep.

Odometer reading = 52,959
Miles for day = 82

 

3/7/03
(Panama City FL)

It rained most of the night last night and continued raining during most of the morning as we drove here from Fort Walton Beach. Of course the FamCamp here at Tyndall was full, as was the overflow area! While the FamCamp is off base, we were relegated to the parking lot by the beach, which is on base and quite convenient to the commissary and the BX, as well as the beach. There are only two other RVs in the parking lot, which is pretty big, so we opted to stay in the parking lot rather than be put on the list for an opening in the overflow area.

Odometer reading = 53,041
Miles for day = 81

 

3/8/03
(Panama City FL)

This morning, after coffee and conversation, I took my daily walk. This time along the beach. As I was returning to the path back back to the motorhome Sharyn was coming down so we walked along the beach together searching the recent high water mark for any good shells or "sand dollars." While Sharyn got a number of shells she liked and one small sand dollar, we saw a number of broken sand dollars that if unbroken would have been 5 to 6 inches in diameter. I didn't know that sand dollars ever got much more than half that size.

We also spent some time visiting with our neighbors who also had opted to remain in the parking lot rather than go to the overflow area. The only problem we're having is that it's been so dark and overcast that our solar panels are not able to replace what we estimate to be about 150 amp/hours of electricity that we use each evening with lights, TV (the biggest user), and computer. This morning we ran the generator for over an hour to help recharge the batteries, but also made use of the surplus 120 volt output to run one of the heat pumps.

Odometer reading = 53,041
Miles for day = 0

 

3/9/03
(Perry FL)

Last night the rain, thunder, and lightening were pretty much none stop. The rain came down in torrents. At 4:30 am the weather radio went off to warn of heavy thunderstorms moving through the area at 40 mph. I shut it off and went back to bed.

At about eight o'clock, while we were having our coffee and conversation, it went off again. This time there was a tornado running through the countryside and they were describing its anticipated route and time of arrival at various communities. We didn't know where those places were, but they didn't say "Panama Beach." Anyway, several hours later there was a break in the rain and, the forecast being for an unrelenting crummy day, we decided to pack it up and leave -- which we did.

Traveling east along US-98, a narrow two-lane highway, we saw that there was substantial flooding most everywhere. The combination of the land being quite flat, plus the fact that the ground has probably been saturated for weeks, offered no where for the water to go. Luckily, the highway being several feet higher than the ground on either side kept the highway from being flooded. Even though the culverts that ran under the highway at frequent intervals were under the surface of the water, their location, on the south side of the highway, was clearly marked by the turbulence in the water as the higher water on the north rushed through the culverts as (I guess) it made its way southward towards the Gulf of Mexico. In any event, for many miles on both sides of the road, woods, fields, buildings, or whatever were flooded. I suspect the alligators were quite happy with all their new found swamp.

Eventually we arrived at the Westgate Motel and Campground in Perry where we seem to stay with some degree of regularity. Located at the "angle" where eastbound traffic along the coast of the panhandle can turn right and head south down the Florida peninsula, it is also a member of the Passport America group, which means that we pay half price. It costs us $11.45 for a full hookup site. For a private campground that's about as cheap as it gets.

Odometer reading = 53,197
Miles for day = 156

 

3/10/03
(Perry FL)

We could not believe what we saw when we woke up this morning -- the sun was shinning bright! In no particular hurry, we eventually began to get ready to leave, but then decided to just stay here for the day.

Having chlorinated our water tanks several days ago, I now used the time to change the water filters (which I mark with the date and change every 6 months).

It's late afternoon so the day's not yet over, but while I'm doing this Sharyn's outside soaking up the sun and reading her book. After I upload this I'm going to print out some business cards that I did on Photoshop last night. Sharyn doesn't too much like them so we'll do something different, but in the meantime I just keep playing. (Most full-timers have cards - almost always of their own creation - that they exchange with others that they might want to meet up with again - or simply to exchange e-mail addresses). We've never remembered to buy card stock so our cards are printed on plain paper. Oh well!

Odometer reading = 53,197
Miles for day = 0

 

3/11/03
(Umatilla FL)

It was another beautiful day as we pulled out onto the highway heading to Umatilla and our friends of 30 years, Ron & Peg. When we come tis way it has become a custom that we stop and visit with them. We park the motorhome by the horse barn which provides electric service and puts us in the middle of the action.

On the way here we stopped for gas at $1.749 per gallon. That's more than we've paid in a very long time, and certainly more than we'd like to be paying. Not having a home on a foundation, however, we're unaffected by rising electric and natural gas prices so higher gasoline prices, standing alone, are not so bad.

Incidently, Sharyn didn't care too much for the cards I printed out yesterday so she came up with a design that she likes much better. The background photo was taken one afternoon by the Salton Sea in California when we stopped to make a pot of coffee

Odometer reading = 53,360
Miles for day = 163

 

3/12/03 through 3/14/03
(Umatilla FL)

During this period we did not do too much that warrants covering in any great detail. One day Peggy and Sharyn went to a financial planning workshop/seminar/luncheon. I don't know what they learned, but they enjoyed their afternoon out.

Mostly what we enjoyed was the opportunity to visit and talk with old friends, particularly around the dinner table where conversation went late into the evening.

Odometer reading = 53,360
Miles for day = 0

 

3/15/03
(Patrick AFB FL)

This morning we said good-bye and started out the driveway, only to stop and talk some more, eventually staying for lunch. After lunch we really did get started on the road to Patrick AFB, about 20 miles north of Palm Bay and Sharyn's sister Carol. As we expected there were no available sites in the FamCamp except in the overflow (drycamp) area. The host thinks we should be able to get a site in 2 or 3 days.

We went to the commissary to get some milk, but it had already closed. We'll go back tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 53,475
Miles for day = 115

 

3/16/03 through 3/20/03
(Patrick AFB FL)

We ended up spending 3 days (nights) in the boondock area and the 3 days with water and electric hookups. I think that at some point it rained every day, including a severe thunderstorm that came through one night. We had no damage but some people that had their awnings out were not as lucky. The day after the thunderstorm they said they would have evacuated the campground if they had had more lead time.

The first full day we were here we went to visit Sharyn's sister and her husband. Sharyn went back on two other occasions; once they went shopping and the other time Sharyn had her hair done and then they went shopping again. They both enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together.

Odometer Reading = 53,47
Miles for day = 0

 

3/21/03
(Brunswick GA)

Last night it poured down rain and I was really glad that (in anticipation of more rain) I had put away all the outside stuff and it was al ready to go. Stopping at the dump station on the way out, we left Patrick AFB and headed for the mainland where we turned north, heading for Virginia.

Just over the Georgia line we stopped and bought gas for $1.479, the cheapest we seen gas since we can't remember when. We have found that on I-95 the cheapest gas is going to be just north of the Florida/Georgia state line. This time we saved about 30 cents/gallon over Florida prices, and 20 cents/gallon over Georgia prices.

A short distance later we pulled into a Flying J for propane and to spend the night. Flying J is extremely RV friendly, providing separate pump islands, water fill-up and dump station facilities, and free overnight parking. I felt guilty that we had just filled our gas tank a short distance down the road.

Anyway, as the evening went on the RV parking area began to get somewhat crowded. That part was fine. The problem was that almost of of the RVers were from Quebec and speaking French. Right now the French are not my favorite people and I told Sharyn I was going to move over with the truckers. She said we were there first and she didn't want to move. So we just put up our flag so everyone would know we were Americans and not with all those other people. As I see it, the French see the world as made up of two kinds of people; those that are French, and those that are inferior! Neither I nor this site make any attempt to be politically correct. If the shoe fits . . . .

Odometer Reading = 53,710
Miles for day = 235

 

3/22/03
(Sumter SC)

Last night we really had a great night's sleep. Dry camped, we had the windows open and the cool fresh air really felt good.

Nothing like Florida. When we were dry camped at Patrick AFB we also, of necessity, slept with the windows open, but the air was saturated with moisture and in the morning the couch and chair felt wet to the touch.

We were probably on the road by 9:am, and stopped to eat before 11 o'clock. An hour later we stopped for a cup of coffee. By mid-afternoon we arrived back at the FamCamp at Shaw AFB in Sumter SC. There were only two other RVs here when we pulled in so we got our usual (and favorite) site.

We wonder if there's something wrong with us. Over the last three years we've stayed over 50 military campgrounds including 35 Air Force FamCamps, and while this one at Shaw AFB is our favorite, we never find many people here. It's too bad more people don't get to enjoy this facility, but I guess that's how we are able to almost always get Site #7 (photo from 11/1/01).

Odometer Reading = 53,937
Miles for day = 227

 

3/23/03
(Sumter SC)

We drove around the Sumter and Clarendon County area for several hours and did a small amount of grocery shopping before returning to the FamCamp to just relax and enjoy the quiet of the pine scented woods. We look forward to spending several days here.

Odometer Reading = 53,937
Miles for day = 0

 

3/24/03
(Earlysville VA)

As we were engaged in coffee and conversation our son Phil called us to say that Jordan was in the hospital where they were going to remove her gall bladder. It was probably within an hour that we were on the road, heading for Virginia.

We arrived in Charlottesville shortly after 7:pm and went straight to the hospital where we actually parked the motorhome and attached car right in front of the building. Jordan was doing okay. The surgery is scheduled for Wednesday.

After visiting for a while we went to Phil's house where we set up in his driveway.

Odometer Reading = 54,361
Miles for day = 424

 

3/25/03 to 3/28/03
(Earlysville VA)

Jordan's surgery went well and she should now be free of the episodes of abdominal pain she has experienced for the last year or so. She's now staying with us at Phil and Kim's for several days.

While we plan to be here for Easter and for Sharyn's birthday on May 3rd, we'll probably do some side trips in the meanwhile.

While we're here, and until such time as there's something to write about I probably won't make any (many) entries in this travelog.

Odometer Reading = 54,937
Miles for day = 0

 

3/29/03
(Earlysville VA)

Jordan's recovery is doing well and we're super happy about that.

This morning we went to Katlin's soccer game where she played goalie for the first part of the game. Unfortunately, from the picture taking point of view, her team was doing so well that the ball stayed down at the other end of the field. Dad and Grandma watched intently from the side lines. Here's where the final goal of the game is being set up.

After winning a 2-1 victory (undefeated for the season) we returned to the house where we were treated to a trampoline exhibition.

By this time, Philip, who by now had had enough of his sister, said "Grandpa, take my picture."

Odometer Reading = 54,937
Miles for day = 0

 

3/30/03
(Earlysville VA)

This is just to show how the weather can catch us by surprise. Remember that yesterday, and pretty much most of the week, has been shorts and T-shirts. This is what we woke up to this morning. Phil's shed just makes a nice picture.

Odometer Reading = 54,937
Miles for day = 0

 

3/31/03 to 4/4/03
(Earlysville VA)

Jordan's doing fine and the doctor has cleared her to go back to work.

The real purpose of this entry is to document the new odometer reading. This afternoon I took the motorhome to the Rivanna Water Treatment Facility in Charlottesville to dump the black water (we continually drain the gray water into the woods via garden hose). It's been 12 days since we dumped when we left South Carolina, so that's pretty good, particularly when you consider that three of us have been living in the motorhome since Jordan's discharge from the hospital, plus every time Philip IV comes out to visit grandma he has to "go potty."

Odometer Reading = 54,393
Miles for day = 32

 

4/5/03 to 4/12/03
(Earlysville VA)

Today, the 12th, Sharyn and I went to a "We support our troops, President Bush, and the war in Iraq" rally. An anti-anti-war gathering. It seemed to us that the turnout of perhaps 500 people was rather disappointing, but then Charlottesville, the site of the rally, is a left-wing enclave in a rather conservative state. Many of the marchers were ex-servicemen, or parents of young men and women presently serving in Iraq. I suspect that like me and Sharyn, and unlike the people who routinely speak out and demonstrate against the war (and seemingly most anything American), most of the people who marched today have probably never demonstrated before but felt that at some point it's necessary to show that the country is not made up entirely of high profile, non-thinking, peaceniks running around with syphilis of the mouth.

The parade itself ended up in the Sam's Club parking lot where the program culminated with a heartfelt speech by Lawrence Eagleburger, Secretary of State under the first President Bush. Age may be taking its toll on his body, but his mind is as quick and sharp as ever.

Odometer Reading = 54,393
Miles for day = 0

 

4/13/03 to 5/7/03
(Earlysville VA)

It's been a while since I've made any entry here, but as I wrote on March 28, I didn't anticipate much happening that would be of any interest to followers of this site. While family visits are nice I suspect that the details are of little interest to outsiders.

Be that as it may, Sharyn had her 60th birthday on May 3rd and we had a surprise birthday party for her. Her children, grandchildren, friends and relatives came fro as far away as New York, New Jersey, and Florida to surprise her, and she certainly was surprised. In large part because, as she said, she didn't think we could pull off something like that without her catching on.

The last time she had a surprise birthday party was probably 25 years ago when I invited bunches of people. Sharyn was washing the kitchen floor as people began showing up. That was a real surprise party!

At this party I overheard part of a conversation that really put time in perspective. Harry and Tom, two members of our wedding party from 36 years ago who had not seen each other since then were talking when the question was asked, "Are you working or are you retired?" The last time they met the question might well have been, "Are you working or do you go to school?" I guess that was about a lifetime ago!

Anyway, we'll be back on the road in the next day or so and updates will again be more frequent.

Odometer Reading = 54,483

 

5/8/03 and 5/9/03
(Aylett VA)

Yesterday (the 8th) we came to see Sharyn's niece (actually a cousin) and husband at their home near Richmond. Having had a new baby just days before Sharyn's birthday they were unable to come to her birthday party -- so Sharyn said we'd go to them. We did, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay with them, particularly the two little girls, aged two weeks and 15 months. I had forgotten how tiny new born babies are.

Odometer reading = 54,590
Miles for day = 107

 

5/10/03 and 5/11/03
(Earlysville VA)

Here we are back at Phil and Kim's house. Our plans had been to go back to Shaw AFB in South Carolina from Richmond (Aylett), but decided to come back here for Mother's Day instead.

Tomorrow we'll head back to South Carolina.

Odometer reading = 54,694
Miles for day = 104

 

5/12/03
(Clarksville VA)

At 6:45am this morning we said good-bye to Phil & Kim, Katlin, and Philip as they all left the house for work, school, etc. Having "graduated" from nursery school it's also Philip's first day of pre-school.

After Jordan left for work we hooked up the car and headed back to South Carolina (since Jordan lives out in the country, 36 miles from Phil and Kim, she stayed with us in the motorhome while we were in their backyard -- otherwise we'd have had little time to see her).

Not being in any particular hurry, and preferring the "two lane highways" to the Interstate System, we had decided to drive east to Richmond and then pick up US-301 south. On the way to Richmond, however, as we crossed US-15 at Zion's Crossroads we realized that US-15 went right through Sumter SC. We turned around and headed south on US-15.

About four years ago, before we were full-timing, and when we had our other motorhome (a 1985 27' Travel Master) we stayed at Rudd Creek, a Corps of Engineers campground on the 50,000 acre John H. Kerr reservoir on the North Carolina/Virginia state line. This time we stayed at Longwood, another Corps of Engineer campground on the reservoir. Both campgrounds are really nice, wooded sites either on or within 100 yards of the water. On both occasions we were probably the only campers who were not also fishermen. If you are a fisherman you should visit there. I believe there are a total of six such campgrounds around the reservoir.

Odometer reading = 54,852
Miles for day = 158

 

5/13/03
(Sumter SC)

Well, we're back at our favorite campground; Falcon's Nest FamCamp at Shaw AFB. We are looking forward to several weeks of not doing very much in a relaxed and easy atmosphere.

While at Phil and Kim's I replaced the front brake pads on the motorhome because we could hear the beginning of the metal against metal scraping sound that occurs when the pads are worn down to nothing. When I changed the pads I was a little surprised that the old pads, while extremely thin, were not quite worn to nothing. Now I know why. The inside pad on the right rear wheel has scraped up that rotor. I've never heard of rear pads going before the front pads so I suspect that the caliper is not slideing laterally as the brakes are applied, causing extreme wear on the one pad. Within the next several days I'll pull that wheel and see what's happened.

Also, while at Phil and Kim's I started compounding and waxing the motorhome but probably only did about 20% of the job. I'll do some more of that as well. The last time I did that was in the fall of 2001 and it took three weeks to complete!

Odometer reading = 55,097
Miles for day = 245

 

5/14/03 to 5/16/03
(Sumter SC)

As per our plan, we haven't done too much since we got here. Bought some groceries, did some laundry, and spent most of one day looking at real estate.

We may be getting close to the time when we buy something to use as a "base." We've been without a fixed home for a little over three years and Sharyn would like to have a place where she could "see her stuff" that's been in storage since February 2000. The difficulty is in finding where, or deciding where, we'd like to be. It's much easier to decide where we don't want to be, but that still leaves a lot of places on the table.

Odometer reading = 55,097
Miles for day = 0

 

5/17/03 to 5/18/03
(Sumter SC)

Once again we are just staying in one place for a period of time and engaged (to the extent that we are engaged) in activities of no particular interest to our readers. Accordingly, it could be a week or so before I make any further entries on this site (unless something really exciting happens in the meantime).

Take note of the "search" feature (not very sophisticated) we now have available. I've used this locally for probably the last year and it has served me well. My most common use is to find the entry from a particular place. To read about our stay in Rapid City, for instance, I use my browser's search (or "find") feature to search for "(Rapid City SD)" which immediately takes me to September 19, 1902 when we first arrived in Rapid City. I don't know how often this feature will be used by readers, but we actually did have a request for a "search feature" (from our son Phil).

By the way, yesterday we did replace the rear brake pads, which were pretty much worn down to nothing, so now we've got new brakes all around.

Odometer reading = 55,097
Miles for day = 0

 

5/19/03 to 5/31/03
(Sumter SC)

Since we're leaving here in the morning I figure it must be time to update this site.

We would have left here a week ago except that we were waiting for: 1) Sharyn's birthday present sent to her by my sister, and 2) a certified copy of Sharyn's birth certificate. When both got to be substantially overdue I went looking for them. It turned out that the birthday present was in the base post office where the FamCamp people (who pick up the FamCamp mail every day) had somehow been missing it for ten days. The birth certificate had been sitting at the FedEx office in Sumter for almost a week. They said the address was "not valid" and that they didn't know how to contact us (in spite of the fact that our phone number was part of the FedEx shipping label printed out by their computer.

We had some "excitement" several days ago when Sharyn had to call 911 to get me some medical assistance. We had returned from our morning walk (two miles in 30 minutes) and were sitting on the patio talking. When I got up to go inside I got kind of dizzy and everything was kind of swaying back and forth. I got inside and sat down for perhaps ten minutes when I decided that it was almost gone so I'd go and take my shower. On the way to the bathroom everything was swaying and spinning such that I had to hold onto the walls to keep from falling. Instead of showering I laid down on the bed where the ceiling kept swaying back and forth overhead.

After a half hour, during which the swaying did not stop, I began to feel nauseous and called to Sharyn (who was in the living room and was unaware that anything was going on) and told her that something was not right and was not getting any better. We attempted to have me get to the car, but the room was swirling around so much that I couldn't stand, let alone get to the car, and Sharyn said that if I fell down she would not be able to get me up again. At that point she called base security and emergency medical personnel showed up within minutes.

Shaw AFB being a small base has limited medical facilities so I was transported to the hospital in town. In the ambulance my pulse rate dropped below 40 and my pressure went down to 100 over 40. With all that I was experiencing those numbers were not encouraging.

To wrap up this story, I was discharged from the emergency room some four hours later after having been diagnosed as dehydrated, and infused with fluids and anti-nausea medication via an IV. I wasn't convinced with this diagnosis so as soon as we got back to the motorhome I got online and started searching "dehydration," "vertigo," "Meclizine" (the prescription they gave me), etc. It turns out the doctor was right on. All of my symptoms were textbook examples of what happens when you become dehydrated -- vertigo, low blood pressure, low pulse rate, weak pulse, dark urine, etc.

So now I drink 2-3 twenty ounce bottles of water a day (about half of what Sharyn has been drinking for years) in addition to the milk, ice tea, orange juice, and coffee that I drink anyway.

One other thing that I learned was that "dizzy" is not a word that's helpful for a medical diagnosis. You are not dizzy; you are either light headed (feeling you are going to lose consciousness) or you are experiencing vertigo (either you are okay and the room is spinning, or the room is stable and you swaying -- each of these forms of vertigo has it's own name, but they're both vertigo).

Anyway, tomorrow we're leaving Shaw AFB and Sumter.

Odometer reading = 55,097
Miles for day = 0

 

6/1/03
(Greenville SC)

As we pulled out this morning we had to stop and put gas in the motorhome. We took on 73 gallons at $1.239/gallon. Last week it was selling at $1.179. Oh well, I'm very happy and content to be able to buy gas at $1.24, although I pointed out to Sharyn that the $1.17 price is exactly half of the $2.35 we had to pay in California several years ago.

We're staying at Paris Mountain State Park in (or just outside of) Greenville. We stayed here once before when we came here to spend Thanksgiving with Nancy and Keith, our old friends from Southold, Long Island. It's much more "family camper" oriented than many of the RV parks we stay at that have a larger percentage of older retired people and fewer young families with kids. I prefer the campgrounds with the young families with the kids running and playing and riding their bikes.

Yesterday, as a young girl rode her bike past our campsite I said to Sharyn that I'd really enjoy photographing young children at play; that the opportunities for great photographs would be many. But that, unfortunately, people would think that I was some kind of pervert or child molester and perhaps even "report" me to the police. The worse part is that such a fear of strangers around children is not totally unfounded and that's a pretty sad commentary.

Anyway, that all having been said, lets get back to our visit with Nancy and Keith. After a while we drove over to their house (which while it's nearby we still got lost looking for it) where we spend several hours in discussion before moving the conversation to California Dreaming, a restaurant in town. After dinner we again moved the conversation, this time to our campsite in the park. The conversation (discussion) that had begun at their house in mid-afternoon was called to a halt (not necessarily ended) at 1:30AM when some fatigue overtook some of the participants.

Interestingly enough, while these (most people called them) debates have gone on, mostly with me and Keith, for 30 years, I now prefer to sit and listen and let Sharyn take care of it. She handles him much better than I did

Odometer reading = 55,258
Miles for day = 161

 

6/2/03 and 6/3/03
(Greenville SC)

As we approach the end of our third day visiting with Nancy and Keith I'm all talked out, even if Sharyn and Keith are still at it. Last night we didn't get back to the motorhome until 3:AM -- that's getting kind of extreme, even for us!

Tomorrow we're heading north, working our way to Louisville and the Fourth Annual Great North American RV Rally. We were at the first one in Gillette Wyoming in July 2000 but haven't been to another one since. We plan on meeting up with Bill and Cheryl who we met back in Gillette when we were parked next to each other for the five day rally. Since then we've become good friends, visiting them at their home in Fort Smith Arkansas on two occasions and traveling with them to Branson Missouri on another. Several months ago we got an e-mail from them suggesting that we get together again in Louisville. That's where we're heading!

Odometer reading = 55,258
Miles for day = 0

 

6/4/03
(Knoxville TN)

Actually we're in a place called Heiskell, Tennessee, about ten miles north of Knoxville, but as is often the case, we reference the major place, not the tiny town or hamlet where the campground happens to be. For now we'll say we're in Knoxville.

Today's travel took us through Ashville and parts of western North Carolina and into Eastern Tennessee and reconfirmed something I've been saying for several years. At this point in our travels we've been to probably 43 or 44 of the 50 states and it's my belief that the area comprised of western Virginia, West Virginia, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee is perhaps the most beautiful area in the Country. Certainly there are other beautiful places; the Oregon coast, parts of Alaska, the coast of Maine (has to be seen from the water), some areas of the southwest (we don't care too much for the desert), etc., but for an "area" as opposed to a "place," I don't think I've seen an area as nice as that described.

Anyway, today we crossed over a rather picturesque river running through the mountains that, I guess, was to have been named after some French woman. Apparently whoever was in charge of naming the river forgot her name because he just called it the French Broad.

Odometer reading = 55,435
Miles for day = 177

 

6/5/03
(Knoxville TN)

We've stayed here at Racoon Valley Escapee Park several times in the past because the location frequently works out well. As a campground, however, we don't particularly care for it -- the sites are small and crowded. It's not like any other Escapee park we've ever been to.

During the day today I played with my camera and computer. Sharyn did the laundry (when it was done I went to get the stuff out of the dryer).

After dinner we went up to the clubhouse where they had a local informal group playing two hours of blue grass. We really enjoyed them. In fact, if they were going to be back tomorrow night I'd be for staying here another day.

Odometer reading = 55,435
Miles for day = 0

 

6/6/03
(Danville KY)

As is our custom, we got a late start this morning and were on the road by 11:AM, heading north on I-75. Not caring too much for the Interstate we got off about 60 miles into Kentucky and headed west on US-150, a narrow two lane highway that cuts through the picturesque Kentucky countryside at a rather leisurely pace. We're actually heading to the FamCamp at Fort Knox where we are scheduled to meet Bill and Cheryl next Wednesday (today's Friday). From there the four of us will go together to the RV rally that starts in Louisville next Saturday.

At one point we passed by an old church on a hillside that I thought would make a nice picture, but by the time I had debated with myself whether or not it was worth stopping for it was too late to stop anyway. About a mile later I changed my mind but couldn't turn the motorhome around on the 2-lane highway for another mile or so after that. Anyway, this is one of the several pictures I took.

While the Sony 707 that I bought over a year ago is a 5 megapixel camera, capable of taking great pictures in .tiff format up to 2560 x 1920 pixels (a 14M file), I've pretty much been using it to take medium quality .jpg's at 640 x 480 which make files about 60K in size. Those pictures are good for viewing on the computer or putting on the web (I try to reduce them to 15-25K before using them on this website). It shows, however, when I print them larger than 4 x 6. I decided that taking pictures at that file size is a waste of the camera so, attempting to strike a balance between picture quality and storage space (as of now I have 4,863 digital photos from our traveling), I've started doing high quality .jpg's at 2048 x 1536. These run about 1400K or 25 times larger than the medium 640 x 480. The church is such a file (although the picture on this page has been reduced to 21K).

Anyway, while I was taking the pictures a lady passing by stopped her car to ask if I had once been a member of the church. I told her my interest in the church was as a photo subject. Nevertheless she proceeded to tell me that the church was 107 years old but has only been its present location for a year. On the other side of the hill is a lake that resulted from a new dam and the church used to be where the lake is now. It's a Methodist church with a very small congregation. When the Methodist Church (not the local congregation) got the money from the condemnation proceeding they decided that the local congregation was too small to get all that money. The congregation, however, did acquire the right to the building if they would remove it. They got the Methodist Church to give them the $125,000 it took to move the building from its original location to the five acre parcel, donated by a local resident, where it now sits. It's a nice story.

For now we're at the Pioneer Playhouse Dinner Theater and Campground. Unfortunately, the dinner theater part doesn't start until June 14. Also for now (11:57PM), it's pouring down rain and has been since before dark.

Odometer reading = 55,580
Miles for day = 145

 

6/7/03
(Fort Knox KY)

Happily, when we woke up this morning it had stopped raining. We had our usual coffee and conversation before getting out on the road on our final leg to Fort Knox. We were still traveling the narrow winding roads of rural Kentucky and were struck by the crisp cleanliness of all the small communities we passed through. It was as if every house had just been freshly painted and every lawn freshly mowed and edged. We also took note of the large number of American flags and "We Support President Bush" signs. As conservative Republicans we liked seeing that.

The drive was very enjoyable and the countryside was serene and beautiful.

As we got within perhaps 50 or 60 miles of Louisville we did notice that some less-well-kept properties began to appear. Not in particularly large numbers, but at the same level that such properties exist in almost all rural (and urban) communities. It seemed that perhaps we had previously been passing through those mythical towns of "Perfect" depicted in the TV commercials.

We arrived at the FamCamp at Fort Knox by early afternoon and got what may well be the nicest site in the campground. In order to allow our roof mounted TV satellite dish to "see around" the big tree next to the site we pulled into the site forward instead of backing in as intended. A nice byproduct of this was that, instead of having our "front yard" be the area between the motorhome and the road, our front yard is the large expanse of grass, and that big tree, that would otherwise have been behind the motorhome.

All in all this is a very attractive campground and we anticipate enjoying our stay here. More about Fort Knox and the surrounding area at a later date.

Odometer reading = 55,675
Miles for day = 95

 

6/8/03 through 6/13/03
(Fort Knox KY)

The name of the game appears to be "RAIN." Over the last several months we have been from Florida to Virginia, back to South Carolina, and now in Kentucky. It's been raining everywhere. It's rained everyday that we've been here (some days it didn't rain all day) and it's still raining now. I asked Sharyn how much longer she thought it could rain. She responded, "40 days and 40 nights." I told her we've had that already.

Tomorrow we leave here and go to the Kentucky State Fairgrounds for the Fourth Annual Great North American RV Rally. We found out that they're having a major problem there. They are expecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 6,000 RV's, most of whom made their reservations many months ago. Many of the planned sites are in grass fields at the fairground which, because of weeks of non-stop rain, are now too soft to use. They are therefore short what may be several thousand RV sites. This FamCamp where we are is 37 miles miles from the Rally site and the Rally officials came here yesterday and asked if this campground could take 200 of the RVs that they can't put up at the fairgrounds. Apparently they are buying up all the campsites and parking lot space within a 40 mile radius of Louisville.

Depending on the type of admission pass you have, the entry dates to the rally are Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. Our admission time is 7:AM on Saturday which is the very first time slot. We drove the car to the fairground yesterday to find out just what the story was (we didn't want to leave the hookup site we have and then find out there was nothing for us at the rally) and were told that the 7:AM Saturday people would not have any problem. I sure hope they're right. In any event there are going to be some pretty irate people showing up in Louisville over the next several days.

One of the things we had planned on doing while we were here was to visit the gold storage facility (you know, "all the gold in Fort Knox"). Well there is no such thing as getting anywhere near the place. The other day on our way to the commissary there was a pickup truck with a flat tire near the barricaded entrance (within the boundaries of Fort Knox) to the "building" (this photo is somewhat "compressed" because of the long lens -- the building is at least a 1/4 mile back behind the fence). The MP's were there, which could be expected as a traffic control thing, but there were also "Mint Police" on the scene. We had never seen or heard of Mint Police before.

We did go to the Patton Museum where, among other things, Cheryl looked at an Iraqi tank left over from the 1991 Gulf War.

Yesterday Sharyn and Cheryl spent the day shopping while Bill and I went to Louisville. Last night we all went to the Golden Coral for "all you can eat," which we did. We were still there as they were closing down and as each section of the service area started to close they first came over to our table to see if we wanted anything else from that section before they removed the food. They even came and asked if it was okay to shut down the soft ice cream machine!

Between last night and all the wine and cheese from prior nights, our "we try to watch what we eat" approach to healthy eating has been somewhat compromised. Next week doesn't look too promising either.

I almost forgot, but the other day Sharyn and I drove into Louisville and on the way back we stopped at what is, to us, an old fashioned White Castle. The little hamburgers are just like they were 40 years ago, even if they now cost more than the 12 cents we used to pay.

Odometer reading = 55,675
Miles for day =
0

 

6/14/03 through 6/19/03
(Louisville KY)

Well the Fourth Annual Great North American RV Rally concluded today and a good time was had by all.

Because of the expected shortage of RV sites at the rally we, along with Bill and Cheryl, were on line at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds at 6:30 Saturday morning -- a full half hour before the gates opened. We were lucky in that, while it took three hours for us to be put into a spot, we did get a spot at the fairgrounds with electric service. Bill and Cheryl, who were a number of RVs behind us on the entry line, were brought into the fairgrounds but, then for reasons none of us can understand, were subsequently led off the grounds to a big parking lot several miles from the fairgrounds.

Anyway, during the course of the show we must have walked a hundred miles to and through all the exhibits; both RVs and exhibitors booths selling any kind of RV related item imaginable. We did very well in showing restraint. Figuring that after 55,000 miles there wasn't anything left of our original shocks, we bought (and had installed) four Bilstein shocks. The noise from our water pump has always bothered Sharyn -- so much so that she'd not let me take a shower late at night because the noise from the pump "will wake up the campground." Within the last year or so they have come out with a new type of pump that, rather than cycle on and off, uses micro processors to run the pump slower or faster depending on how much flow is being called for. While these pumps are not "silent" (as largely advertised) the one we bought is about 90% quieter than the one we had. We were going to buy six new tires because Sharyn said we needed them. Two days into the show the dealer with the Goodyear and Michelin displays was out of tires. I think the factory reps at those booths were pretty ticked off with the dealers poor planning.

Sharyn continues to look at new motorhomes at any show we ever go to. She got me looking also and we came dangerously close to buying a 2004 38' Allegro Bus -- the same unit we looked at in Wichita last fall and drove in Quartzite in January. For what we offered on the 2004 model the dealer wanted us to take the 2003 model he had on display that actually had many more options and extras than we were looking for and had a substantially higher sticker price. Luckily the $5,000 that separated us killed the deal. The problem with seriously considering the purchase of a motorhome (or a boat or any other major purchase) at a show is that you are carried away with the "passion of the moment" and you've lost your perspective.

Aside from the issue of affordability, the problem we have is that we are so pleased with what we have. We have never seen an interior finish or a floorplan that we like as much as what we have (this is the floorplan of the 38' Bus). If we had a diesel we'd not even consider getting anything else. The diesel is a big factor (with 55,000 miles we are "using up" the expected life of this unit) and the full body paint on the new units makes them so beautiful. Anyway, once again we regained our senses in time.

Yesterday I had my 65th birthday and Sharyn gave me an 80 Gig external hard drive by Western Digital. I am very happy to have that because I have over 5,000 digital photographs of our travels since we started full timing in February of 2000. They are all on my Dell laptop and I haven't had an adequate backup system. I've been using 100Kb Zip disks for backup but that is somewhat limited in capacity. For my birthday Bill and Cheryl took us out for dinner and we all had a good time (and a good dinner).

The sites (or more accurately described as "parking spots") at the rally included a 30 amp electric hookup provided by large trailer mounted generators located throughout the parking areas. While they seemed to put out sufficient voltage and current, it must have been somewhat less than 60 cycle because the clock on the microwave lost about a hour a day. There were no water or sewer hookups but we did fine with what we had. Of course we came into the rally with full fresh water (75 gallons) and empty holding tanks. To conserve holding tank capacity we used paper plates and showered at the public showers provided at the fairgrounds (one shower facility was only 100 yards from the motorhome).

Our site was at the outside end of our row so the trams that carried people back and forth passed right in front of us. In the evenings we'd be sitting out under the awning having our wine and cheese (usually with Bill and Cheryl) and the tram drivers (some of them) and all the people on the trams would wave to us as they went by. One particular tram driver stopped and shut down the tram to tell us that he was an NRA member and really liked the bumper sticker on the Honda -- "Gun Control Means Using Two Hands." We had an entire conversation while the tram load of people sat and listened. Another time he came by with no passengers, shut off his tram and came over to talk with us. Last year he drove his motorcycle to Alaska and the year before before he took it to southern Mexico!

Odometer reading = 55,716
Miles for day = 41

 

6/20/03
(Fort Knox KY)

This morning we pulled out of the Kentucky State Fairgrounds and, instead of heading for the Allegro factory at Red Bay, Alabama, which was our plan at one point yesterday afternoon, we came back to the FamCamp at Fort Knox. Bill and Cheryl went somewhere to have their transmission looked at and came in several hours later.

Cheryl made dinner (actually it was probably Cheryl, Bill, and Sharyn since they all contributed something) and we ate at their place. After dinner we played Bocce until dark which, today being June 20, was almost ten o'clock. We had planned to leave here tomorrow but now think we'll stay longer.

Odometer reading = 55,752
Miles for day = 36

 

6/21/03 and 6/22/03
(Fort Knox KY)

Well we're still at Fort Knox but time is running out. It looks as if we're all leaving tomorrow morning. Bill and Cheryl are heading back to Arkansas (there not full-time) via Nashville where they are going to stop at Bankston RV and look at the 37' Allegro Bay that he likes a lot. When the question was, "What's the #1 reason you should not buy it?" he replied, "There really is none." The consensus is that he should go for it.

We know we want to see Michigan's northern peninsula so we'll be heading north. Our route has yet to b determined.

We've all enjoyed each other's company and our stay here. We've had three beautiful days of sunshine and can't remember the last time we had three consecutive rain free days. Sharyn and Cheryl shopped while Bill took care of some things on their motorhome (a 40' London Air). I installed our new "silent" water pump and washed the motorhome for the first time in over a month. Sharyn is particularly pleased with the quiet operation of the water pump. Now, I suspect, she'll let me take showers late at night since waking the neighbors will no longer be a concern.

Saturday night we sat around the fire talking, cooking marshmallows, and drinking wine. The entire time at the rally and the subsequent days here at Fort Knox have been very enjoyable.

Odometer reading = 55,752
Miles for day = 0

 

6/23/03
(Huntington WV)

About two hours before we headed for Michigan and points north, a change in plans brought us on an easterly course heading for Virginia. Saturday is Jordan's birthday and Sharyn thought we should be there. While we don't generally travel the Interstate, since I-64 goes from Louisville KY to Charlottesville VA and that's where we're going, it's I-64 by default. This is our campsite at Beach Fork State Park just outside of Huntington.

Odometer reading = 55,986
Miles for day = 234

 

6/24/03
(Earlysville VA)

We arrived in Charlottesville mid-afternoon and dropped in to surprise Jordan at work -- she was surprised. After a short visit we drove out to Phil and Kim's where we assumed our usual spot in their backyard. Kim was already home with little Philip as we pulled into the drive. They were also surprised to see us, as was Phil when he got home a short while later.

Anyway, today's Tuesday and we'll be here through the weekend. Come Monday morning we plan (as of now) to once again be on our way to Michigan and, while we're in the neighborhood, I'd like to see the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

Odometer reading = 56,306
Miles for day = 320

 

6/25/03 through 6/30/03
(Earlysville VA)

We've now been here for a week, and while we've thoroughly enjoyed our time here, there's not too much to write about that would be interest to non-family members. The two big events would probably be Jordan's birthday and her collision with a big buck on her way to work several days before her birthday.

For her birthday we went to the Outback (her choice) for dinner with Phil and Kim.

The deer event was really a bummer because she only got this car about two weeks ago. The deer wiped out her grill and right headlight assembly, with some damage to the hood. A junkyard headlight assembly was not available, and a new one from Oldsmobile was $310, so (for $30) we bought two black rubber tractor lights and mounted them where the headlight assembly used to be. It looks pretty good -- I suggested that we should remove the other headlight assembly and the remainder of the grill for a really cool look.

Several years ago we installed a 240 volt 50 amp RV hookup at the corner of Phil's driveway where we park the motorhome. He thought it would be convenient if he could sometimes use his welder or air compressor on the driveway, not just in his shed where he has the electric outlets to power them. Since the only electric outlet near his driveway is the 50 amp RV connection, we made an "extension cord" that plugs into the 50 amp service, but then gives him a 50 amp 240 volt outlet for his welder, a 20 amp 240 volt outlet for the compressor, and a standard 120 volt 20 amp outlet for any 120 volt stuff he might want to use.

Anyway, tonight was our last night here so Phil, Jordan, and I went down to the range to do some shooting. Jordan has joined the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club (http://www.rrpc.org) and Phil is lending her a SIG-228 until such time as she gets her own gun. In the meanwhile Phil is getting to be really good. At the IDPA (http://www.idpa.com) match in Richmond this past weekend he took first place with 51 other shooters. Several weeks ago at the IDPA Virginia State Match, with approximately 120 shooters, (in my view) he took 2nd place . Officially he was #4 because one 6 round stage that would take less than 5 seconds to shoot was recorded as taking 30 seconds.

This about rounds up our stay here. Tomorrow we'll be heading west, back towards the Michigan and Minnesota area; maybe to the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Odometer reading = 56,306
Miles for day = 0

 

7/1/03 and 7/2/03
(Durbin WV)

It was one 'o'clock before we were actually on the road heading out of town.

We had decided to travel US-250, a narrow winding country road, from Charlottesville at least as far as Central Ohio. Our next scheduled "appointment" is Sharyn's family reunion somewhere in the Finger Lakes region of New York in late August. Between now and then we are free to wander at will with no need to cover any particular distance in any particular timeframe. Anything else would probably preclude using US-250. As it was, I had underestimated the effect the terrain would have on our rate of travel. We arrived in Durbin WV shortly before seven o'clock, having taken almost six hours to travel 120 miles. More often than not, once we passed through Churchville VA, we were either climbing a grade at 15 miles per hour in 2nd gear or descending at 30 mph in 2nd gear trying to keep the engine from exceeding 4,000 rpm. While climbing several grades (some topping out at near 4,000') the motorhome actually dropped back into 1st gear -- I'm not sure it's ever done that before.

While the pace is slow, the mountainous countryside is beautiful. This is the hamlet of Headwaters, Virginia, as we approached from the east. It's too bad it was an overcast and cloudy day as photographs would have been much more vibrant had the sun been shinning. Without selling the other sections short, the stretch between Churchville and Monterey is particularly beautiful.

Anyway, as I said earlier, we got to Durbin somewhat late in the day, but after passing through Staunton, the next campground you come to is East Fork River Campground in Durbin, nestled in a 2700 foot high narrow river valley, surrounded by West Virginia mountains.

We woke up this morning to the sound of light rain on the roof. The remnants of Hurricane Bob are moving in a northeasterly direction passing east of here, but we're just on the edge of the rain -- no wind -- just a rather peaceful rain. We decide to spend the day.

As an aside, I took this picture this morning of Jordan's roses on the dashboard with Sharyn's cat.

Odometer reading = 56,426
Miles for day = 120

 

7/3/03
(Fairmont WV)

We were back on the road this morning still heading west along US-250. After we got past Valley Bend the mountains got much much less severe -- they didn't go away, but now we use 3rd gear more than 2nd gear. All improvement is relative!

As we approached Grafton we decided to stay at Tygart Lake State Park, about 12 miles off of our intended route. When we arrived at the office they gave us the last site. It turned out that someone was already in that spot so they gave us back our money and we left. With the 4th of July weekend coming up we anticipated this kind of problem. We're spending tonight in Wal-Mart's parking lot and may not find a space in a campground until Sunday. When we just stop for the night Wal-Mart works fine (the only thing we can't run without electric is the air conditioning), but right now if we had a place in a nice campground near a community that offered some things of interest we'd stay there for several days. That was sort of our plan at Tygart Lake State Park.

Odometer reading = 56,540
Miles for day = 114

 

7/4/03
(New Philadelphia OH)

It was quiet and peaceful in the parking lot this morning as we had an extended coffee and conversation before getting started.

After passing into Ohio we stopped at Tappan Lake State Park and realized we had been there before -- in the summer of 2000 when we were on our way to the Great North American RV Rally in Gillette Wyoming. At that time we were traveling southwest on US-22 to pick up I-70 (unfortunately that was during the five month period when I wasn't keeping up this travelog).

Anyway, to get back to today, Tappon Lake Campground was full so once again, not totally surprised, we found ourselves back on the road after we had planned to be stopped for the day. We're now in another Wal-Mart's parking lot on US-250 where it intersects with I-77. Last night I wrote, " . . . if we had a place in a nice campground near a community that offered some things of interest we'd stay there for several days." Right now I think any place in any campground would suffice.

By the way, to day we added a new picture to our Unusual Signs page.

Odometer reading = 56,699
Miles for day = 159

 

7/5/03
(Upper Sandusky OH)

About an hour after getting started this morning we arrived at the home of Larry and Dee, friends of ours in Wooster Ohio. Prior e-mail communication had made it known that they were going to be away the first two weeks in July, but not having been able to get into a campground the last two nights I told Sharyn we'd go by their house anyway in the hope that they'd have an RV electric hookup in their driveway. As it turned out tree branches precluded us from getting into the driveway so we still don't know if there is such a hookup.

Also at Wooster we changed highways -- we've now abandoned US-250 and are traveling US-30. Happily at Upper Sandusky Tee Pee Campground had several empty sites and now they have one less. We'll be here for a least nights so I set up my Internet satellite and we're online for the first time since we left Phil and Kim's. I've downloaded all my e-mail (including a bunch of spam) and updated this site with all that's gone on prior to today. In a few minutes I'll upload this as well.

By the way, Sharyn reminded me that in the movie Touch of Mink, Doris Day came from Upper Sandusky. Somehow or other I had actually forgotten that!

Odometer reading = 56,814
Miles for day = 115

 


7/6/03
(Upper Sandusky OH)

Last night the campground owner put on a fireworks display that ran for a good hour. Not only did we have prime seats, since the show was on top of the hill right across from our motorhome, but we also had a good number of other observers who moved onto our site to get a better view.

This is very much a "family campground." With 200 campsites, we are the only "RVers" (as opposed to campers) here. There must be 3 or 4 kids per site, all of whom have bicycles, and had an enthusiastically great weekend while Sharyn and I thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening to all that was going on. It reminded us of the early 70's when we were camping in our 19' Kountry Air travel trailer with three dirty little boys. Back then we were one of "them." They were great times!

Now that the 4th of July weekend is over we should not have any more trouble getting campsites. The first clue comes from the difference in these two pictures. This one shows our motorhome at 8 o'clock this morning (Sunday), while this one shows it at 8 o'clock this evening.

Right now we are right on the leading edge of a line of violent thunderstorms. The wind is picking up and it's started to rain, but the best part is that the temperature has dropped dramatically.

As of right now the plan is to continue east on US-30 tomorrow morning.

By the way, this afternoon we drove around Upper Sandusky, including some of the residential areas. Upper Sandusky is very nice -- it looks like Doris Day!

Odometer reading = 56,814
Miles for day = 0

 

7/7/03
(Fort Wayne IN)

It was a beautiful morning as we left Upper Sandusky heading west on US-30. As the day progressed the sky became very ominous looking and our weather radio (which has been going off numerous times per day) came on to warn of severe thunderstorms and flooding, both affecting the area we were driving through. At one point it started raining so hard we wanted to pull off the road but there was no place to do so.

Since we were heading west and the weather system was heading east it wasn't too long until we had brighter skies ahead and soon came out of the wind and rain. We did take note, however, that the rivers flowing under the highway bridges were less than two feet below the bridges.. This part of the country has been suffering from unrelenting thunderstorm activity for a number of weeks.

We arrived in Fort Wayne where we stopped at Johnny Appleseed Campground, a city owned facility right in the middle of town. After getting set up we drove around a bit, stopping at a very large shopping mall, that had a lot of upper scale stores. I was looking for Barnes and Noble to buy a book I had looked at on several occasions. After spending an hour or so in B&N we returned to the campground, stopping along the way to get some groceries.

Odometer reading = 56,922
Miles for day = 108

 

7/8/03
(Fort Wayne IN)

I'm writing this mid-day today because, while this is a nice campground and we've paid for two days, we may pull out of here and go to a nearby shopping center parking lot. About 1 o'clock this morning a violent thunderstorm came through here moving at 55 miles per hour with winds "up to 69 miles per hour." It took the top half out of a large oak tree which came down missing our motorhome by about ten feet. It came even closer than that to wiping out my satellite system.

This campground is heavily wooded (which is part of what makes it so nice) and we're now under a warning for more severe thunderstorms through 11 o'clock tonight with winds "up to 80 miles per hour" accompanied by one inch hail. That's pretty strong stuff and I don't think we want to be among all these big trees if that kind of storm hits here. Also, the ground is saturated so I could see some really big trees just blowing over, pulling the root systems right out of the ground.

According to the city workers who removed the downed tree this morning, parts of Fort Wayne are under water and the rivers are still rising. This entire area has really been getting clobbered for several weeks.

Odometer reading = 56,922
Miles for day = 0

 

7/9/03
(Hamlet IN)

Yesterday and last night we did remain at Johnny Appleseed Campground. While it rained most of the night we did not get the severe storms that had been predicted. We did take note, however, that the playground across the road was under water when we got up. That's not just standing water, it's the river being where it's not supposed to be.

It's kind of strange the way things are going on here in Fort Wayne. Some parts of the city are under water an have been evacuated. Other areas are being sandbagged in an attempt to hold back rising waters (on the radio they are seeking volunteers to help fill sandbags), while other parts of town, such as where we are, people are going about their business as usual. We didn't go to help fill sandbags and since we really had nothing else to do I feel that we shirked our duty. Maybe that's because we did.

Anyway, we eventually got started and found ourselves back out on US-30 heading west. Of course we ran into plenty of rain, but not the 2" hail (2" hail?) that was to accompany a major line of thunderstorms that, if they had happened as scheduled, would have met us head on in early afternoon. Around 5 o'clock when the rain got heavier we pulled into a Wal-Mart parking lot where we're now going to stay.

Odometer reading = 57,031
Miles for day = 109

 

7/10/03
(Great Lakes IL)

We were stopped at a traffic light on US-41 not too far north of Chicago when I saw a sign to the Great Lakes Naval Training Facility. Recalling that there was a FamCamp at that location (which Sharyn quickly verified in the book before the light turned green) we made the right turn and went to the Naval Station. The FamCamp, which is undergoing a total reconstruction, is right on the edge of Lake Michigan. It will be great when the renovation is completed, but right now it's more like a construction site. Anyway, we're staying here for the night and will continue north (we finally turned north) tomorrow.

Coming through Chicago earlier today I gave thought to the fact that it took us ten days to get from Virginia to Chicago; recognizing of course that we were not in any hurry. I wondered about a similar trip long ago (my first camping trip) when I was a passenger in a Model A Ford traveling from New York to Chicago. I was traveling with my parents to visit the 1939 Chicago World's Fair. Their "RV" (of course the term was unheard of) was a trailer that my father had built out of five sheets of plywood mounted on an axle and wheels. I wondered how long it took to make that trip. I don't remember -- in fact I don't remember the trip at all. I only remember what my father told me over the years that followed.

My father bought the axle and wheels at a junk yard for which, together with whatever other odds and ends he got there, the junkyard charged him two dollars. I don't know about the construction of the "box" that went on the axle except that it measured 4' high by 4' wide by 8' long, and, as my mother used to say, I was the only on that could stand up in it. There were numerous other trips after Chicago; Acadia National Park, Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and probably other places that I don't know about. I heard stories about these trips but recall none of them.

My favorite story has to do with their first trip -- the one to Chicago. Entering New Jersey from, I believe it was the Holland Tunnel, my father asked a police officer "which way to Chicago?" The officer looked at my father and his young wife holding their one year old baby, stepped back and looked at the Model A Ford and the "trailer" behind it, and told my father to pull over to the side. When my father did so, the officer then walked over and began to tell my father about a nice campground just a few miles down the road, suggesting that with his young wife and baby that might be a better idea than Chicago. They went to Chicago and, except for a broken hitch somewhere along the way, had a great time.

This is a picture of me and my parents sitting in front of the trailer on another trip to somewhere, apparently years later -- I don't know where or when. The box I'm sitting on doubled as both a tool box and as a step for my mother to use to step up into the trailer -- my sister now has that box. By the way, sitting in an attic in Southold NY there is a picture of the trailer hooked up to the Model A. When I can get there, I'll get it out and put it online.

Years later the "box" ended up as my playhouse in the backyard. That I remember!

Odometer reading = 57,131
Miles for day = 100

 

7/11/03
(Delafield WI)

Leaving the FamCamp this morning we decided to hook up the car after we got past the construction area. As Sharyn followed behind in the car she noticed that the rear left wheels on the motorhome seemed to wobble. At that point we used the leveling jacks to lift those wheels off the ground but I could not cause them to move with my hands. We were sort of blocking the road so we hooked up the car and drove on for a better place for a more thorough check. Several miles later when we removed the wheel cover four broken studs with the lug nuts still attached fell out! I tightened up the remaining four lugs that unfortunately were all adjacent to each other. The "lugs" on the simulated wheel covers held the broken studs and lug nuts preventing them from banging around inside the covers so there was no noise alert us to the problem. We were extremely lucky.

We spent most of the day driving slowly from one repair place to another trying to find someone who could replace the studs. After about 60 miles of zigzagging back and forth we finally ended up at Badger Ford Truck Repair in Milwaukee who replaced the eight studs and had us back on the road in less than an hour. By that time it was mid-afternoon and, not having eaten anything, we were hungry and beat -- it had not been a relaxed day of driving. After getting out of the city we pulled into a Wal-Mart to have some lunch and read the paper. After eating and relaxing for awhile we decided to spend the night here. We watched the news and then went into Wal-Mart where we bought two small electric fans to use on warm nights when we don't have any electric hookup to run the air conditioning. These fans only draw .26 amps each so running them all night on the inverter will not create a problem.

Anyway, tomorrow will be a better day.

Odometer reading = 57,241
Miles for day = 110

 

7/12/03
(Lodi WI)

We got up early, as we usually do when we're parked at Wal-Mart's, and were on the road by 8:30. It was a really beautiful day, bright and sunny with comfortable temperature and humidity. We decided that it was too nice of a day to spend it on the road, particularly since we haven't had too many such days recently. Looking in the campground directory we found what sounded like a nice place in Lodi, maybe 60 miles ahead, and decided that we'd stop there and spend the day sitting outside enjoying the weather.

We pulled into Smoky Hollow Campground shortly after 10 o'clock -- we usually don't even get started that early. This is a nice campground. Unlike most, the campsites here are spread out and largely undefined. It makes for a much more open feeling when you're not all on top of each other. This is our view when sitting in front of the motorhome (scroll horizontally). Compare with the more compacted environment 4th of July weekend in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. I've never understood why, in rural areas where land is plentiful and not so expensive, so many campgrounds allow only 20' or so per site. This place certainly shows the improvement that can be had by not putting the sites on top of each other.

Anyway, as planned, we're just hanging out under our awning, enjoying the entire package.

Odometer reading = 57,313
Miles for day = 72

 

7/13/03
(Spring Valley WI)

Basically we traveled I-94 all day to Highland Ridge Campground, part of the Eau Galle Recreation Area operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. We tend to like these COE campgrounds as they are always located on some kind of water -- basically lakes or rivers created, controlled, or maintained as part of a Corps of Engineers project. They are typically more remote and frequently have fewer services, but we like them.

We've decided that we like Wisconsin. It's clean, green, pretty, and feels comfortable. It was a nice day to travel but, unfortunately, having been on the crowded Interstate there were several occasions when we were unable to stop in time to take pictures that I would like to have had. The area we traveled today was pretty much through nowhere so we don't understand why there was so much traffic, but there were basically two lanes of steady traffic constantly moving in both directions.

Arriving at the campground I was somewhat disappointed in that it was not what I had expected. The campsites are not by or near the water and I had anticipated putting our kayaks in the water right from the campsite. Anyway, Sharyn likes it, and as she says it's really not bad at all.

Odometer reading = 57,513
Miles for day = 200

 

7/14/03
(Spring Valley WI)

It was a pretty rainy day today. We had extended coffee and conversation in the low light of dense woods on a rainy day (we did turn on a few lights). Later in the day we went for a ride into "town." Spring Valley is quite small (pop 1051) but clean and neat: kind of like a model railroad town. Most of the people you see are kind of old -- it looks as if the young people have left town, or at least gone away for the summer.

On the way back from town we checked out the "Day Use Area" of Eau Galle Lake, which is on the opposite side of the lake from the campground. One of the good things about checking out popular places on rainy days is that they're not crowded. There was no one on the beach or in the parking lot but us, and we didn't stay long.

Since late afternoon the weather radio has been going off every 15 minutes with "watches" and "warnings" for both severe thunderstorms and tornados. Most of the worst of it seems to be on a path slightly north of us. The county to our north has been mentioned frequently, but there's not too much we can do. We brought in the awning and moved the car up next to the motorhome so it would not be directly under big trees -- not that 30 feet would make much difference. I had thought that we were far enough north that this kind of weather activity would be south of us. I guess that's just not the case. Right now the rain is coming down in torrents.

Anyway, several photos that we took today include this mailbox and this farm several miles past the mailbox. Sharyn also likes this one as you come into town.

By the way, prior to 9/11 we used to be able to find the post office when passing through a small town by looking for the flag. That no longer works because now flags are flying everywhere!

Odometer reading = 57,513
Miles for day = 0

 

7/15/03
(Little Falls MN)

It was a beautiful morning as we headed west along I-94 towards the Minnesota state line. Someone had undertaken quite a project; they had stenciled all the overpasses along the Interstate.

While we liked the stenciling, we had had enough of the Interstate so just north of Minneapolis we got off on US-10. As we approached Little Falls we decided to stay at Lindbergh State Park on the Mississippi River. It turned out that the park was not on the river but across the road. The real problem, however, was the mosquitos. It's hard to describe why that was a problem. To say there were lots of them does not convey the situation. There were probably 6-10 per cubic foot of space! You literally couldn't inhale without getting mosquitos into your nose or mouth. There were only one or two occupied campsites and It seemed to us that the campground was uninhabitable. We didn't get out of the motorhome, but just circled through and left in amazement as clouds of mosquitos clung to the outside of the windows.

We ended up at Wal-Marts on the other side of town. In the parking lot, away from the woods, there were no mosquitos. We walked across the parking lot to Kentucky Fried Chicken for their "all you can eat" buffet. It turned out that the buffet had ended ten minutes before we got there. Anyway, we watched some TV, read a little, and went to bed.

Odometer reading = 57,688
Miles for day = 175

 

7/16/03
(Detroit Lake MN)

I woke up early and a little after 5:AM I was sitting on the couch, drinking my coffee, and looking out the window. In a few minutes I was joined by a mouse who apparently had been living with us for the better part of a week. Sharyn had noticed small pieces of foam on the carpet under her seat and we thought it looked as if a mouse had been there but we discounted that as not very likely. Sharyn got up a short while later and asked about the open door. I explained that was to let the mouse out. We closed the door because it was getting cold. We soon saw that the mouse was still with us.

As we got ready to leave the car battery was dead. Before we can tow the car we have to run the engine for three minutes (as per Honda) and allow it to idle a short time in each gear. We've had this dead battery situation three or four times over the last several weeks so this morning I walked across the parking lot a bought a new battery from Wal-Mart. A silly little battery that looks more like a lantern battery than a car battery costs $39.

Passing through the small town of Staples we passed a large country hardware store. As we circled back I told Sharyn that they would have a Hav-A-Hart mouse size trap. I would like to live in Staples just to be able to go to that hardware store -- what a great store -- they have all kinds of good stuff! They also had the trap.

Because we were on the road by 7:30 we had traveled a reasonable distance by mid-morning and decided we'd stop at a place that we could relax and enjoy the sunshine. In Detroit Lake we pulled into a lakeside campground that sounded pretty good in the book. It was nothing like its description so we circled through and left. We went to a second campground several miles further down the road that was part of a golf course and health spa. It was much nicer.

We spent the day relaxing, playing on the computer, sitting outside, reading, talking, etc. Later in the afternoon we drove through town, checked out a really nice food store, and had our Kentucky Fried Chicken buffet.

Before going to bed we set the mouse trap in front of Sharyn's chair -- Sharyn thinks he's gone.

Odometer reading = 57,798
Miles for day = 110

 

7/17/03
(Grand Forks AFB ND)

Before we got up we knew we had the mouse because we could hear him in the trap last night. After he posed for some pictures we let him out on the golf course. Tonight we'll set the trap again in case he (she) was one part of a married couple.

We left Detroit Lake heading for the FamCamp at Grand Falls AFB. This is the final "outward" leg of our trip as from Grand Falls we're heading back east by way of the Mississippi headwaters at Itasca State Park in Northern Minnesota, then across Michigan's northern peninsula and on to Sharyn's family reunion near Seneca Lake NY in late August.

We arrived here around lunchtime and were pleased with what we saw. We had hoped to be able to spend a number of days at a nice campground to do some general cleaning up and attend to some things that should be addressed with respect to postponed maintenance. This is a nice campground and, coupled with the fact that we like the FamCamp "packages," this will be a nice place to stay for awhile. Also, it seems as if there are a number of things to do and see in Grand Falls.

Odometer reading = 57,935
Miles for day = 137

 

7/18/03 to 7/24/03
(Grand Forks AFB ND)

We've been here about a week living a pretty easy, low key, kind of lifestyle. The weather has been absolutely perfect -- sunny and breezy with temperatures in the low to mid 70's.

Our primary activities have been the compounding and waxing of the exterior of the motorhome (me) and the cleaning, vacuuming, and reorganizing of everything inside the motorhome (Sharyn). She has made the inside look brand new while I still have the back and the left side of the motorhome to do. After 4-5 days of cleaning and waxing I'm only half done.

While there are a lot of mosquitos in the area, the constant breeze keeps them from being a problem. The campground (and perhaps the entire base) seems to be overrun with ground squirrels -- kind of a cross between a chipmunk and a gopher. Sharyn says that with the exposure to these ground squirrels and monkey pox, the mosquitos and West Nile Virus, and Saars across the Canadian border, we should go get some hamburgers and see about some Mad Cow Disease. Oh well, life does not come with guarantees! Of course she's not serious. We're really enjoying this place. By the way, this FamCamp also recognizes Golden Access and Golden Age Passes so that with the resulting 50% discount we're only paying six dollars a day for full hookups. That's quite a bargain!

We've been so busy that we've only been into Grand Forks twice. We went to Cabela's store in East Grand Forks (across the Red River in Minnesota) and we ate at the Panda Buffet on Columbia Street in Grand Forks. The Panda Buffet is a Chinese restaurant that offers an all you can eat buffet in either of two ways. We did the conventional buffet that contained so many choices that, limiting myself to those things that looked most inviting, I had a full plate by the time I was half way down the line (I went back later). The other side of the service area offers a Mongolian Barbecue, all kinds of raw meats, fish, and vegetables for you to pick from. At the end of the line the chef takes all that you have and cooks it for you, seasoned in any way that you request. Next time we'll do the Mongolian Barbecue

One thing that gets us messed up time wise is that it doesn't get dark until ten o'clock. I guess that's because we're so far north, but we're kind of surprised to see daylight last so late at night. We never get to bed before midnight.

Also, we've added another sign to our Interesting or Unusual Signs page.

Odometer reading = 57,935
Miles for day = 0

 

7/25/03 to 7/29/03
(Grand Forks AFB ND)

We've been here almost two weeks and it's time to leave. Within the last week the mosquitos have become a problem. While the breeze continues to blow pretty much all day, the mosquitos are doing a much better job of making their presence known. Perhaps we got here early in the mosquito season before it was the problem that it seems to be becoming. Another reason to leave.

Since my last entry here we've only been back to town one more time. We revisited the Panda Buffet and this time I did both the regular buffet as well as the Mongolian Barbecue. Both were good but, with such an extensive choice of so many really good things, I ultimately reverted to the buffet.

I still haven't finished compounding and waxing the motorhome but I'm pretty close. I only have the rear cap and about half of the driver's side. The position of the motorhome is such that the rear and the left side are in the sun and I have to do the job when the surface is in the shade. I wanted to change campsites so we'd be facing the other way but Sharyn didn't want to move. Hopefully at the next place we stop we'll be oriented differently.

Tomorrow morning we'll be on our way to Lake Itasca, the origin of the Mississippi River, at Itasca State Park in Minnesota.

Odometer reading = 57,935
Miles for day = 0

 

7/30/03
(Lake Itasca MN)

When we exited Grand Forks AFB we were eastbound on US-2 and remained on US-2 all the way to Shivley, Minnesota, where we turned south onto County Road 2 that took us to Itasca State Park. After getting set up in our campsite we put the kayaks in the water (Lake Itasca) and paddled about a mile to the northern end of the lake where we pulled the kayaks onto a small beach. Here is where the Mississippi River begins -- where the lake flows over a small stone "dam" and becomes the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi. Of course, like everyone else, we waded back and forth across the Mississippi several times. Sharyn even collected some rocks from the river bottom.

It's really amazing to realize that this is the same river we camped on near Memphis and watched the tugs pushing their long lines of barges up and down the river.

Later in the day we drove around looking for a place or places where we could put the kayaks into the river and then pull them out again somewhere further downstream. We're still working on some kind of a plan for that tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 58,080
Miles for day = 145

 

7/31/03
(Cass Lake MN)

We abandoned the idea of kayaking the first several miles of the Mississippi. The water level is kind of low and the initial part of the river, once it gets out of the park (less than a thousand feet) is pretty swampy. That, coupled with the low water, made us decide not to go (didn't want to get stuck in the swamp and have to get out of the kayak).

We had coffee and conversation most of the day -- two whole pots full!

Check out time was 4:PM, but we were on the road by 3 o'clock. We hadn't gone too far when we came to The Palace, a casino on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, part of the Chippewa tribe. Most casinos offer overnight parking for RVers and some, including this one, even offer hookups. We've only got 20 amps, but it's fenced, secure, well lit, and free. They figure that the amount of money you'll spend more than offsets whatever it costs to provide the service. In Sharyn's case, at least tonight, it didn't work that way. She went in with a roll of nickels and hit a 763 coin jackpot. It's the first time I was sorry she wasn't playing quarter machines.

Odometer reading = 58,137
Miles for day = 57


8/1/03
(Grand Rapids MN)

We pulled out of the casino parking lot and had only gone about a mile when we came to a flea market set up at a corner gas station. Of coursewe stopped and walked the length of the booths -- only spend $3 which doesn't say much for what was there.

We were soon back on the road and it wasn't too long until we pulled into Grand Rapids where we located and went to the Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground. As I've said before, we like these COE campgrounds and to some extent we seek them out. They're almost always on a lake or river as some part of Corps water project. Unlike most COE campgrounds, which are usually somewhat rustic, this one is trim and manicured, looking more like a city park. Sitting right on the Mississippi River, on a Friday afternoon, it's not surprising that there were no empty sites. The ranger said that there were a number of people leaving on Sunday so we decided to go to Wal-Mart's parking lot for tonight and see what happens in the park tomorrow.

After parking the motorhome at Wal-Mart's we took the car an drove around Grand Rapids checking things out. We also went back to the COE park and spoke to the guy in the site that we'd most like to have. He said he's leaving Sunday morning so we told him we'd be there when he pulled out (it's not a reservable site). We then went back into town and stopped at a small coffee house for coffee and a bagel.

After that we went back to the motorhome where we had dinner, sat around for awhile and went to bed.

Odometer reading = 58,205
Miles for day = 68

 

8/2/03 and 8/3/03
(Grand Rapids MN)

We woke up yesterday morning to find that a farmers market was being set up all around us in the parking lot. We moved the motorhome to another area of the parking lot and later walked over to the market to see all that was being sold. The only thing we bought were four muffins to have with coffee.

The annual Tall Timber Days Festival was going on (sort of a street fair) so we went to that. There were some beautiful things to be bought, but when you live in a motorhome you can't buy much because you really don't need it, plus you have no place to put it. I did buy a T-shirt. There was a lumberjack demonstration (sponsored by Stihl chainsaws) that included ax throwing and speed contests for handsawing logs, chain sawing, and tree climbing. The tree climbing was quite impressive. The guy that won came in 6th place in last years World Championship Competition. He climbed the 90 foot pole faster that I can run up an equivalent flight of stairs.

When they did the one man hand sawing, I though that they cut through 14" log about as fast a chain saw could have done it. That was only until the chain sawing demonstration. After explaining that these were re-worked saws that ran at extremely high speed, and warning the crowd to cover their kids ears, they literally cut through the same logs in about two seconds.

After we left the festival we went back to the motorhome and took it from Wal-Mart's to the COE park. While we knew there would still not be any sites available we asked the ranger about spending the night in the parking lot so we'd be there when the people in #13 (the site we preferred) pulled out. We paid $5 for a dry camp tent site and stayed in the parking lot.

This morning several people began pulling out, but new people were also pulling in and getting the spots as they became available. We discussed if we should take another site because if after all the other sites were taken and then the guy in #13 decided to extend his stay we'd be up the creek. We waited and we did get that site -- the nicest one in the park (although they're all very nice -- half of them on the river). As these pictures show, it was worth waiting for. This is what we see from sitting in our chairs in front of the motorhome.

For dinner we cooked pork chops over the fire ring, using some of the unlimited firewood that is provided to anyone (campers) who wants it. We're paid up for three days and we'll see what we do after that.

Odometer reading = 58,209
Miles for day = 4

 

8/4/03
(Grand Rapids MN)

We didn't do too much today besides coffee and conversation and other sitting around enjoying the sunshine and the water.

This afternoon I left Sharyn to take her shower and wash her hair while I took one of the kayaks out on the river. Paddling along the bank on the other side I frightened a deer at the edge of the water. A short distance later I came across this guy who didn't see me coming until the kayak almost hit him in the head.

Well, I finally got to paddle in the Mississippi River! For awhile, as I paddled, I was singing I'm Goin' to New Orleans, but I only went a mile or so before turning around. Maybe some other day?

Since there's not much to write about, I'll use pictures instead. This is our campsite as seen from the kayak. This is the kayak parked "dockside" at our campsite.

Odometer reading = 58,209
Miles for day = 0

 

8/5/03 through 8/9/03
(Grand Rapids MN)

We've come to the conclusion that this is the nicest campsite we've ever been in. If it wasn't that we're beginning to come up against the time frame for getting to Sharyn's family reunion in the Seneca Lake region of New York we would stay here for the two week maximum time allowed. As it stands we'll be leaving here in the morning.

This morning as we were sitting outside, looking out over the Mississippi River enjoying our coffee and conversation, we were again joined by our chipmunk friend. He tends to join us every morning as if he was part of the family. We have a radio sitting on a small table between our two chairs and yesterday he got up on top of the radio as we talked over his head. It was either yesterday or the day before that he jumped up onto Sharyn's foot. We keep hoping that he'll take our mouse away with him.

It was perhaps a month ago that we had a mouse in the motorhome. After we caught that mouse we discovered that h wasn't the only one. After we got the second one it seemed that there were no more but, within the last week or ten days it's become clear that there's at least one more. We see him fairly often and signs of him are everywhere. We have to keep our bread in the microwave. Since our Hav-A-Heart trap hasn't caught him we bought four old fashioned traps and have set them up throughout the motorhome. With five traps you'd think we could catch him. We've baited the traps with peanut butter (crunchy), bread, cheese, and cold cuts but all to no avail. With the limited number of square feet we have you'd think he'd be unable to avoid them all. Maybe it's a radio controlled toy mouse and Sharyn's just putting me on!

By the way, another conclusion we've come to is that Minnesota and Wisconsin are two states that are largely overlooked. We like both of them a lot. The people who live here must like them also. Most places we go the license plates on the RVs come from all over the place. Here in Minnesota almost all the RVs have Minnesota plates. It's the same in the Minnesota campgrounds -- everyone's from Minnesota!

With respect to the Mississippi River that begins at Lake Itasca, one of more than 12,000 lakes in Minnesota, I was amazed to learn that from Lake Itasca the river flows for some 650 miles before it ever leaves the state of Minnesota. The total length of the river to the Gulf of Mexico is some 2,552 miles. The ranger here says that they have perhaps a dozen people a year that come through here (canoes or kayaks) saying they're going all the way to the Gulf. He says that, of course, he has no idea how many of them actually complete the trip. A display at the visitor's center at Lake Itasca says that a drop of water leaving Lake Itasca takes 90 days to get to the Gulf of Mexico. The ranger here says that may be true when the river is really high and flowing fast, but that based on the time it takes the water to get here from the next Corps of Engineers dam upstream it would seem that 4-5 months would be more typical.

Also, there's another picture that been added to our Interesting or Unusual Signs page. I actually took the picture several weeks ago in Grand Forks ND, but then forgot about it until today.

Odometer reading = 58,209
Miles for day = 0

 

8/10/03
(Grand Rapids MN)

Well we're still here. This morning, prior to getting ready to leave, we were sitting outside having our coffee, enjoying the sunshine and the river, and neither of us wanted to leave. So we stayed. We'll probably leave tomorrow, but I guess we can't be sure.

These five mouse traps still haven't caught the mouse, but yesterday we bought and put out some poison baits. This morning it looked as if he (they?) had indulged so we'll see how long he continues to live with us.

Odometer reading = 58,209
Miles for day = 0

 

8/11/03
(Port Wing WI)

This morning we actually left Pokegama Dam Campground, but if we're ever back in Grand Rapids, Minnesota (not to be confused with Grand Rapids, Michigan) again that's where we'll stay.

At Duluth we stopped at a visitor's center high on a hill overlooking the harbor at the southeasterly end of Lake Superior. We stayed there only long enough to eat and take some pictures (scroll horizontally). Not too far past Duluth we left US-2 and headed in a northerly direction to basically follow the coast along the southerly shoreline of the lake. While this is the "scenic" route, the only "scenic" part to speak of are the few small villages that you pass through. Most of the route is through the woods, which are okay, but nothing out of the ordinary. For the most part, the only time you are in sight of the water is when passing through the villages. One exception was a rest stop that overlooked the lake where we pulled in just to see what we could see.

Eventually we came to the tiny hamlet of Port Wing. There is very little in the form of facilities along this route (definitely no Wal-Marts) so as we approached the town's country store we pulled off the road to see if there was some place we could park for the night. It turned out that the there was an eight site campground right next to the store so we pulled in. There was no office, and there were no empty sites either, so we pulled off onto the grass figuring we'd just spend the night there. After getting set up (lowering the jacks, putting out the slides, etc.) we walked over to the store to get some milk and found out that the store and the campground were the same business. The girl said we could pay a tent fee ($9) and stay where we were. We had dinner, watched the news, and after reading for awhile, went to sleep.

Odometer reading = 58,340
Miles for day = 131

 

8/12/03
(Lake Gogebic MI)

When I got up at 6:30 this morning the outside temperature was 46 degrees. It was only ten degrees warmer in the motorhome. We have been extremely lucky for the last several weeks. While the east coast has been constantly drenched with nonstop rain, and the west and southwest sweltered in the heat, we and the entire Great Lakes area have enjoyed mostly sunny days with daytime temperatures in the 70s with cool nights in the 50s.

Anyway, after coffee and conversation, some of it outside in the warm morning sunshine, we were on our way. The scenic route was basically a northerly loop that eventually took us back down to US-2 which then took us into Michigan where we soon left US-2 again, this time heading in a northeasterly direction towards Marquette, which is supposed to be a pretty fishing village on the shores of Lake Superior. Traveling along through the small towns and villages we passed a Dairy Queen with lots of parking space. I pulled over telling Sharyn that some ice cream would really hit the spot.

It turned out that we had parked right in front of the biggest Lombardy Poplar I'd ever seen. According to the sign it was a state record -- I suspect it's even more than that. As an ex-tree farmer/nurseryman I had to take pictures of this tree that's more dead than alive. Any Lombardy Poplar that more than ten years old is either dead or dying back anyway, so this tree is a miracle.

I did enjoy my ice cream.

Some miles further down the road there was a sign pointing to an "overview." We were not too close to the water and we were not up particularly high so I didn't understand the "overlook" part, but we pulled in anyway. It wasn't much of an overlook, but it was right next to a cemetery that we walked over to. The first two graves were two Wisconsin infantry soldiers killed during the Civil War. Two of the over 600,000 killed. I doubt if there was any place more remote from that war than Wisconsin.

Just a few hundred yards from the cemetery I took this picture.

It was probably three or four o'clock when we pulled into Ontonagon County Park. Michigan is the last state that we had to fill in on our map of the United States to have them all completed. However, the sticker for Michigan comes in two parts -- the upper and lower peninsulas. Sharyn only put on the upper sticker since she says we haven't gotten to the lower part yet.

Odometer reading = 58,467
Miles for day = 127

 

8/13/03
(Marquette MI)

We left Ontonagon County Park rather early this morning and we were in Marquette by noontime. On the way here we went through several areas of highway construction where we added a new picture to our Interesting Signs page. We whole heartily support the idea behindthe sign.

Upon our arrival in town we first went to the City Campground only to find out that their sites were $18-20. Since we really only needed a place to park we paid $2 to dump our holding tanks and then went to Wal-Mart's parking lot. Leaving the motorhome at Wal-Mart's we took the car and drove into the old downtown area of Marquette. So much for the concept of a quaint little fishing village. While the downtown area is old, and probably historical, Marquette has a population of over 30,000 people and is a pretty contemporary place (for where it is). We did take pictures of the town harbor area and the old lighthouse by the Coast Guard Station.

When we were in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, we talked to a fellow who told us about the Brownstone Inn, a great restaurant "about 20 miles east of Marquette," where they had fresh whitefish from Lake Superior. He said that the whitefish from Lake Superior was better than those from Lake Michigan because Superior was deeper and colder and that made the fish taste better. At the time we were not even going to be in Marquette so I hadn't paid too much attention to where this place was. Now, however, we decided to go to this place and have this wonderful dinner that he had described. There are two roads heading east out of Marquette and we didn't know which one to take. To shorten the story, we decided to take the one that followed the coast. Not finding anything we stopped and made inquiries, only to be told that we had another fifteen miles to go, but that the food was excellent and that we wouldn't be disappointed.

It turned out it was 35 miles to the Brownstone Inn, but the whitefish dinner was delicious. With respect to appetizers and dessert we didn't even pay attention to fat content!

After getting back to the motorhome we watched the news and then went into Wal-Mart where we did our grocery shopping.

We've decided that, as Sharyn says, the reason people from this part of the Country (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan's upper peninsular) don't travel to other areas for vacation is that they really have it all here. Fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, water-skiing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, or whatever. If you do it outdoors, this is a great place to do it!

Odometer reading = 58,592
Miles for day = 124

 

8/14/03
(Fayette MI)

We did not get started that early this morning, but then we hadn't planned to go too far today. It was shortly after lunchtime that we pulled into Fayette State Park on the shore of Lake Michigan (we crossed from the north shore of the Upper Peninsula to the southern shore).

From our campsite it's only a short walk to the beach so we took our beach chairs and walked down. We didn't stay too long, but Sharyn got some sun before we returned to the motorhome where she took a shower and made dinner.

She's now sitting outside while I'm doing this travelog.

Odometer reading = 58,686
Miles for day = 95

 

8/15/03 and 8/16/03
(St. Ignace MI)

St. Ignace is at the northern end of the five mile long bridge that connects Michigan's Upper Peninsula with the main part of the state, the Lower Peninsula It also is generally regarded as the line of separation between Lake Michigan, to the west of the bridge, and Lake Huron to the east. When we left Fayette State Park yesterday morning, St. Ignace and the Indian Owned Kewadin Casino was our destination.

We pulled into town early afternoon and slowly drove the length of the main street to the casino perhaps a mile out the other end of town. One very nice thing about arriving early in the day is that it gives you the opportunity to check out the area the day you arrive. It may well be that what you thought would be a place to spend more than one night really doesn't warrant or require more than a few hours. That wasn't the case here. After parking the motorhome in the casino parking lot we drove back into town, walking most of the main street and checking out numerous shops (this is strictly a tourist place). We then returned to the motorhome, had dinner, and went into the casino where Sharyn won $12 on the nickel slots.

When we first pulled into the RV parking lot we were told that we'd have to be out by 8:AM this morning because the Annual Gold Wing Midnight Ride motorcycle rally was using the lot. When we parked the motorhome it was kind of hot in the sun so we parked off of the pavement to get some of the afternoon shade cast by the adjoining woods. That turned out to have been a pretty good move because at 6:45 this morning we were awakened by the casino people rousing all the RVers to move out of the lot. We were prepared to move also but realized that they had not told us or the several other RVs parked off of the pavement to move -- so we stayed. I told Sharyn that there was no way they were going to fill this parking lot with motorcycles, but they started coming in shortly before 8 o'clock, and by a little after nine the lot was full, but they kept coming in. This was our view sitting in our chairs in front of the motorhome. Last year this ride (they leave Grand Rapids, Michigan at midnight and ride to here) had 3,000 participants and raised over $30,000 to combat children's diabetes. This year they anticipate almost 5,000 bikers. Some of the riders were mothers and fathers with ten year old kids on the backs of their bikes, while others were portly grandparents, sometimes together on one bike, sometimes each with their own. Most were somewhere in between.

Anyway, after watching the bikers for several hours (and speaking with a number of them), we took the car back into town where we took the ferry (passenger ferry) to Mackinac Island to spend the day. The island, located in Lake Huron, just east of the Mackinac Bridge, describes itself as an island lost in time. Unquestionably, the most unique aspect of the island is the motor vehicles are banned. It seems that when the "horseless carriage" made its first appearance on the island it scared the horses. The carriagemen, who had been providing carriage tours of the island prior to 1869, protested to the Village and managed to have them ban these new contraptions. Motor vehicles where banned and that ban continues today. Interestingly enough, the descendants of the original complainers still actively manage Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Inc. -- "the world's largest, oldest,, and continually operated horse and buggy livery, with approximately 100 freight and passenger carriages put in motion by over 400 horses."

Freight is off loaded at the dock where it is held until picked up by a freight wagon for horse drawn delivery to its destination. I spoke to one of the freight drivers who told me there are no exception to the motor vehicle law. The closest thing to an exception is that in the winter time (there are no snow plows) residents can use snowmobiles.

All that having been said, we walked up one side of Main Street and down the other. If St. Ignace is for tourists, then Mackinac Island is for tourist's tourists. Not that it's not nice -- it's quaint, pretty, and enjoyable, but there are only so many ways you can try to sell fudge, T-shirts, ice cream, and "gifts" (I don't mean to make the island sound not nice -- it was very nice). Anyway, we did enjoy ourselves, the Island, and the boat ride. All in all, it was a very pleasant day.

Returning to St. Ignace and the motorhome, we had dinner, and while I'm typing this stuff Sharyn is back at the casino showing our hosts that we really appreciate their hospitality.

Odometer reading = 58,813
Miles for day = 127

 

8/17/03
(Dundee MI)

We left the casino parking lot and, on the way out of town, stopped at a State Park and paid $4 to dump and take on fresh water. Heading south on I-75 we stopped several times to eat or just to take a break and have something to drink. At one point we pulled off the Interstate to get a cup of coffee (without having to make it) only to find that their water supply had been made "unsafe" by the recent power outage and they were not making any coffee or other drinks made with water.

And finally, Sharyn put on the final decal of our map -- the 2nd half, the lower peninsula, of Michigan. Our map of the US is now complete (except for Rhode Island which we are going to ignore).

Our goal for the day to to get to the other side of Toledo, Ohio, but about 30 miles north of Toledo we saw a large Cabela's with extensive RV parking so we got off at that exit and, after browsing through Cabela's, went back to the motorhome, had dinner, and watched some TV. While having dinner a rather upscale motorhome pulled in, towing a color coordinated Hummer. This Prevoast probably set the owner back somewhere between $1 and 1.5 million! We've never been sure what you do with one of them. We never met one in a campground!

By the way, this Cabela's is very big and very nice -- not like the one in East Grand Forks in Minnesota. One of the large displays here has a mounted lion, Black Cape Buffalo, African Elephant, leopard, and a ____________________, supposed to be the five most dangerous big game animals to hunt, all in an African habitat surrounding. There were other smaller animals as well including jackals, hyenas, several types of vultures (eating on the carcass's of a dead buffalo), all of which had been killed by Mr. and Mrs. Cabela on their several trips to Africa.

Odometer reading = 59,123
Miles for day = 310

 

8/18/03
(Erie PA)

Since we have to be at Sharyn's cousin's in Jordan, NY for a family reunion on the 23rd, we're covering more ground per day than we usually do, or than we like to do. We traveled pretty uneventfully pretty much all day, finally stopping in a Wal-Mart shopping center just on the outskirts of Erie, PA.

Odometer reading = 59,366
Miles for day = 243

 

8/19/03 and 8/20/03
(Alden NY)

As we approached the Pennsylvania - New York border we exited the Interstate and got onto US-20. A pleasant country road that is much slower and lends itself to more pleasant driving than does the Interstate. After passing through a number of small towns and lots of vineyards, we came to Darien Lakes State Park. Since we are now within a days drive of our destination we decided to check out the campground with the idea that if it was nice we'd stay for several days, but if not we'd continue on. The campground is nice with our campsite on the edge of a large mowed area of lawn. The weather is nice, the exposure is good for satellite reception, and we're tired of driving every day -- so here we stayed.

Odometer reading = 59,478
Miles for day = 112

 

8/21/03 to 8/24/03
(Jordan NY)

On our final leg to Jordan, and Sharyn's family reunion, we passed these silos with a large American flag flying from the top. I pulled off the road to take this picture.

We parked in Nancy and John's driveway while in Jordan, and that became our base as we went with them to visit family and friends.

The reunion turned out to be more of a giant barbecue-get-together with only a very few "relatives." It was a fun day anyway as everyone did their best to consume all the food, including 150 chickens. There was a LOT of chicken left over. This is one small batch of those chickens in the cooking process.

Odometer reading = 59,595
Miles for day = 117

 

8/25/03
(Jordan NY)

We had planned to leave here today but have decided to stay until tomorrow. Today I played with my newly installed Photoshop 7.0. This barn is in Meridian NY, about 10 miles from here. We drove past it several days ago when I did not have my camera with me. I went back the following day to get this picture. This is a 32KB version of a 2.18MB file and the first I've done with 7.0.

I like old barns.

Also, while here we rode with John and Nancy to a nearby nature preserve where I took this picture just before sundown.

Odometer reading = 59,595
Miles for day = 0

 

8/26/03
(Monticello NY)

It was wet and rainy as we prepared to leave. Somewhere early on we must have taken a wrong turn because we failed to pick up US-20 that would have put us onto I-75 south of Syracuse, so we ended up going through the downtown industrial area.

Traveling south on I-75 we eventually exited onto Route 17 at Binghamton. We spent the night in Wal-Mart's parking lot here in Monticello.

The area has a huge Orthodox Jewish population and the grocery section in Wal-Mart had lots of the real Jewish breads and baked goods which Sharyn loves.

Odometer reading = 59,786
Miles for day = 191

 

8/27/03
(Greenport NY)

We crossed the Hudson River at Bear Mountain, just south of West Point, and headed south along the river towards New York City . Unfortunately, all routes to and from Long Island go through New York City. After getting lost in the Bronx (never happens otherwise) we eventually did find our way to I-95 which then easily got us to the Throgs Neck Bridge.

Mid-afternoon had us at the Eastern Long Island Campground in Greenport where a site with full hookups costs $40! We opted for water and electric only for $35. The most money we ever paid for a campsite.

Getting on and off of Long Island, particularly the getting through New York City part is, in my estimation, the worse driving experience available, especially with an RV. Two such trips were followed up with visits to welding shops for repairs.

It's kind of like a visit to the dentist -- while the anticipation is sometimes worse than the event, that doesn't make the event painless.

Odometer reading = 59,987
Miles for day = 201

 

8/28/03
(?? NJ)

The indisputable highlight of the day was when we took the ferry (we walked on) to Shelter Island to see our son Greg at his pharmacy (Shelter Island Heights Pharmacy). After having coffee and bagels at the counter the three of us went to the boatyard to see his boat. For ten years he has been admiring the 31' Blackfin as the finest fishing boat a guy could have. Now he has one and is clearly happy about it.

With Labor Day weekend starting tomorrow we decided that it was either get off Long Island now, or stay until after the weekend. We opted to get off now. We did much better than we thought we would until traffic came to a standstill on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Darkness came while we were parked on the Expressway. Eventually we got to the other side of the George Washington Bridge and were westbound on I-80 in Jersey when we came to a service area located between I-80 and the northern terminus of the Jersey Turnpike. We spent the night among the several hundred trucks, most of which kept their engines running all night.

Odometer reading = 60,088
Miles for day = 101

 

8/29/03
(Hagerstown MD)

This was the service area in Jersey shortly after 5 o'clock this morning as we waited for the coffee to finish perking. It didn't take us long to get started once we found out how to exit the service area north to I-80 rather than south to the Jersey Turnpike. We had a rather uneventful day arriving at a Wal-Mart in Hagerstown MD where we spent the night.

The shopping center where we were was pretty empty as Wal-Mart had moved to its new Supercenter at a new location. There was a lonely Chinese Restaurant where we went for dinner. We concluded that it won't be there in six months -- not good at all.

Hagerstown is just off of I-85, definitely not on a direct route from Long Island to Charlottesville VA, but Sharyn hates I-95, so since we're not in any hurry we decided to travel I-85, which we have in the past. It's certainly a more easy going, and prettier, route.

Odometer reading = 60,341
Miles for day = 253

 

8/30/03
(Earlysville VA)

We had not dumped our holding tanks in several days and had planned to go by the Rivanna River Sewer Plant in Charlottesville before proceeding to Phil and Kim's house, but just over the line into Virginia there was a Flying-J station. Flying-Js are extremely RV friendly, offering RV there own fuel islands, complete with sewer dumps, LP gas in bulk, and fresh water. They also offer free overnight parking to those that want it. While we were pretty well set for fuel in the motorhome, we topped it off anyway, plus we filled the car. We feel that we should support those that extend themselves for RVers. That's also why we do so much of our shopping at Wal-Mart, plus most of our grocery shopping at Wal-Mart Supercenters.

Anyway, we arrived at Phil and Kim's before anyone had gotten home and had ourselves all set up by the time they got here.

Odometer reading = 60,499
Miles for day = 158

 

8/31/03 to 9/6/03
(Earlysville VA)

Since we've been here we've just been spending time with, and enjoying, Phil and Kim and their family, and Jordan (who lives about 30 miles from here, stops to see us after work, and sometimes spends the night with us in the motorhome). While all this is very pleasant for us, it is not the kind of stuff that makes interesting reading for strangers. Accordingly, as we did last time we were here, there will be no updates to this site while we're here, unless there is something of some interest to write about.

Odometer reading = 60,499
Miles for day = 0

 

9/7/03
(Earlysville VA)

Today, seven of us canoed about an eight mile stretch of the Shenandoah River just north of the hamlet of Shenandoah. It was Phil, Kim, Katlin, and Philip in their canoe, and Sharyn, Jordan, and myself in a borrowed canoe. While Phil and I have done this portion of the river before, it is a very pretty and enjoyable segment (mostly class 1 with a few class 2 sections) that lends itself very well to a family outing type of day.

Kim said she'd like to do it again using our kayaks. I suggested that she and Phil "play hooky" one day, take the kayaks and go.

No sooner had we started down the river than Phil was casting his fly rod. After several hours we stopped for lunch where Phil continued fishing and little Phil explored interesting stuff. By the time we were ready to pull out of the water little Phil had had enough.

Odometer reading = 60,499
Miles for day = 0

 

9/8/03 to 9/13/03
(Earlysville VA)

There is not much to write about that went on here this week. We're basically living in Phil and Kim's back yard which gives us the opportunity to see them all the time and be a part of their family in a day to day sense. We're enjoying it immensely.

Two things that merit mentioning are an old farmhouse that was foreclosed on and we've been negotiating with the mortgage company to buy, and a new Dell computer system that I just got two days ago.

The farmhouse, if we get it, is in need of total renovation. The inside would have to be stripped down to the studs and completed as in new construction. The exterior aluminum siding would be replaced with new vinyl siding. There's a "hand dug" well (with stuff floating in it) and no septic system (it looks as if the last occupant was just letting it all run out into the yard. Also, there's no heating system. The property is 1.75 acres and is quite nice. A big plus is that it's 20 miles from Charlottesville and 30 miles from Phil and Kim's. If we get it we'll be here for several months. If not, we'll probably leave a week from tomorrow.

As for the computer, I really like it a lot -- particularly the 18" Ultra Sharp flat panel. Now that we don't have to plug into a phone line for Internet access we no longer need a laptop so our new system is a desktop -- I sure like that better. A lot of people say how cool laptops are, but my thought (three and a half years after replacing a desktop with a laptop) is that except for the portability the desktop has it all over the laptop.

The only real problem I had transferring and reinstalling all my stuff to the new computer is that Dreamweaver will not load. Being as I have Dreamweaver 1.0 I suspect that it's not compatible with Windows XP. I'm not too anxious to go the $300 for the current version so once we leave here I'm not too sure what I'll do for keeping this site up. I really like Dreamweaver, and I've been using it for over five years, but I'm doing this update on the laptop which I'm going to leave with Jordan when we leave here.

Odometer reading = 60,529
Miles for day = 30

 

9/14/03 to 9/21/03
(Earlysville VA)

Since my last entry here over a week ago, the big story has been Hurricane Isabel. The eye passed right over Charlottesville shortly before midnight Thursday. At that time we had been without electric for several hours. It's now 4:AM Monday morning and we're still without power.

Actually, in the motorhome it's not that much of a problem. With the solar panels, generator, batteries, and inverter the motorhome functions pretty much as it does when we're plugged into power -- we just have to be aware of our power consumption. There was somewhat of a mini-crisis today as we were just about out of water and showers were very much in demand. Phil and I had tried to rig a generator to his well pump but just as we got it going the voltage dropped to zero. We can't get 240 volts out of the motorhome generator so running the pump from the motorhome proved to be not an option. Luckily, Phil's neighbor's house is equipped with a generator and by combining some 300 feet worth of garden hose we filled the motorhome water tank. We then all took showers.

During the hurricane, and ever since, the motorhome has been the center of activity since we still have all the normal conveniences, including TV and the Fox news channel, Internet access, refrigerator, and even air conditioning when necessary.

Seating has been somewhat reduced since we took out the couch to make room for my computer terminal. Right now that's just a mockup of the computer table that Shane is supposed to make for me. It will match the motorhome cabinetry, the bottom will be enclosed, and a door on the end will open to allow the printer and scanner to each slide out on rolling shelves. It should be pretty nice.

Saturday the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club (Phil and Jordan are both members) hosted an IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) Classifier Match. Phil, who always does well, did so again. Jordan, pretty much a new shooter, in this her second match, qualified in the middle of the Marksman class. I thought that was pretty impressive -- she'll also do very well. For point of information, the classes are Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Master. Phil's class is Expert although he has come close to Master on several occassions.

As far as that old farm house is concerned it looks as if our bid won out, but we're still waiting for the paper work to lock up the deal. Friday is the target date to close but this broker is really a non-mover.

Once again, they'll be further entries here once there's something to write about -- or we get back on the road -- which ever happens first!

Odometer reading = 60,529
Miles for day = 0

 

9/22/03 to 9/29/03
(Louisa VA)

It was only a few hours short of a week when we finally got our power back. It seems that the damage Isabel did to the power distribution system was quite disproportionate to the strength of the storm itself. As hurricanes go it was not very powerful (in the Charlottesville area) with winds mostly in the 40-50 mph range, yet in my lifetime I've never experienced a weeks power outage. The return of unlimited hot water and showers was certainly a welcome return to normalcy.

There's still nothing new with the house. We called again this morning and were told that the contract had been signed and was still working its way back from Texas. Also that "they" wanted to close October 7, a week from tomorrow. Imagine if this "all cash -- full disclaimers by seller" was a complicated deal. We're still undecided if problem is with the broker or the Texas mortgage corporation (which owns the property as the result of a foreclosure sale) but communication is nonexistent.

Anyway, last week we called the power company to have the electric turned on in our name (we're clearly proceeding as if the deal is going through). We were told that it could take a week because all their people were engaged in hurricane related activities so we pulled the meter and turned it on ourselves, attaching a note with the date and meter reading. Several days later, on Saturday (today is Monday), we moved the motorhome over here.

We had figured it would take an hour or so to clean up around the concrete slab (that once had a garage on it) where we were putting the motorhome. That cleanup took us until after 6:PM. We hadn't realized that all the weeds, honeysuckle, and Ailanthus at the end of the slab were hiding all the broken cement blocks that had once been the back wall of the garage.

The 100' extension cord we had running out from the house did not allow us to draw enough amperage to do much more than use lights, TV, and the computer. Last night it got pretty cold and we couldn't run our heat pumps. To make a long story not so long, this afternoon we ran the appropriate #6 conductors from the electric panel to the motorhome so we've got our 50 amp service up and running.. This is only a temporary fix as, after we close, the first job to be done will be putting in a 200 amp panel and bury all utilities to the motorhome slab.

At this point we've been cutting grass, cleaning, picking up debris, garbage, and broken beer bottles and generally improving the appearance of the outside. Until we close we can't do anything inside the house because that starts out with stripping the interior down to the studs -- that's not something you can do to a house you don't own. Sharyn's concerned we're pushing it too far already.

Odometer reading = 60,601
Miles for day = 37

 

 

9/30/03 to 10/11/03
(Louisa VA)

Well it's Saturday evening and we finally closed last Tuesday. On Wednesday we started tearing out sheetrock and generally stripping the entire place down to the studs. Shane is in the process of constructing a wraparound porch that will go across the front and down the side of the house. We're moving the kitchen to another room and knocking down several walls to enlarge some interior space.

The well that we thought we'd have to replace seems to be okay. We've found the septic tank and so far it seems to be handling waste from the motorhome without any problem -- that could mean that the drainage field is working also. Those are all good things and the associated savings could go a long way to help offset some of the cost estimates that are coming in higher than we had hoped -- mostly the heating and cooling system (heat pump). This house has never had a central heating system, has no basement and a limited crawl space, so it's not a question of just upgrading an outmoded system. It's the whole thing from scratch.

Our target is to have everything completed by Christmas, but since we are doing a lot of the work ourselves it will take a lot longer than it otherwise would. After Christmas we'll be leaving, finished or not. By that time it's too cold to stay here. Besides we had planned to be back in Quartzsite in January. It may not be feasible to be in Virginia for Christmas and then in Quartzsite by (say) mid-January. In any event, after Christmas we'll be heading for warmer places, not coming back to Virginia until March or April. We'll then spend some time here before heading for Newfoundland where we plan to spend the summer.

For the last year or so we've been talking about buying something to use as a "base" (so as not to be completely homeless). Now we'll have one. A great big plus is that three of our four kids are less than a hour away. Jordan, who has an apartment in Faber, about 50 miles from here, will actually move here. That also works out well as it eliminates the concern of our being away and the house being empty for months at a time.

As for this website I suspect we're going to lose some of our readers since for the next few months it won't be much of a "travelog" since we won't be traveling. I plan to do weekly updates, mostly so readers will know we're still out here. Once again, we are not giving up our full-timing. We'll be back on the road after Christmas, staying here when we come to Virginia, much as we stayed in Phil and Kim's driveway in the past.

Odometer reading = 60,601
Miles for day = 0

 

10/12/03 to 11/8/03
(Louisa VA)

It's been a month since I've done anything with this site but we've been working pretty much nonstop on the house. The motorhome hasn't moved so there really isn't any "travelog."

Shane and his employee/helper/friend Mike are doing most of the work except for the more specialized trades, plumbing, HVAC (heating and cooling), and electrical. Except for his father, who is doing the electrical, everyone else that has been on the job is a friend of Shane's. The plumbing is all roughed in and waiting for the fixtures and appliances. The HVAC system and all the duct work is complete except for the setting in of the compressor unit (which had to wait for the plumber to get out of the way). The electrical is complete except for the wiring to the compressor and the security lights which will illuminate the entire area surrounding the house. Jordan will be living here when we're not here and we want her to have maximum security.

Sharyn and I were going to do all the insulation this weekend but another friend of Shane's, an insulation guy, came by several days ago and said he'd do the walls for 35 cents per square foot. We were buying the insulation (foil backed R-13) from Lowe's for 31 cents. For the extra $40 we told him he had the job. He's also going to caulk and foam where appropriate -- plus Shane and I will be on site the entire time.

Tuesday (today is Saturday) Shane and Mike will start the sheetrock. After they have completed the ceilings the insulation guy is coming back to blow in R-38 worth of cellulose.

When the sheetrock is complete "Mac," the HVAC guy, will mount the thermostat and we'll have heat. The one piece tub/shower is already installed. Last night Sharyn and I brought in the hot water heater. Several days ago we bought the toilet and the microwave oven that doubles as a vent over the stove.. This coming week the stove, refrigerator, and pedestal sink for the bathroom, will all be delivered.

Monday, while the insulation is being installed, Shane and Mike will be putting the plywood on the porch roof. Since the rest of the house has a metal roof we have a metal roof guy coming to put the metal on the porch roof and tie it in with the existing roof.

While we won't be having Thanksgiving dinner in this house (actually we've been invited to Phil and Kim's for Thanksgiving) it's pretty clear that it will be completed before Christmas.

Here are some photos if you'd like to look at them:

First delivery of materials

Wrap around porch begins to take shape

Close up of porch deck

Shane (on the right) and Mike

Old porch gets incorporated into new kitchen

"Mac" hard at work on HVAC

Project under discussion (Mike, Shane, and "Mac")

Supervisor looks on

Our neighbors over the south fence


Odometer reading = 60,601
Miles for day = 0

 

 

11/9/03 to 11/16/03
(Louisa VA)

Nothing spectacular to write about, but progress is steady. The roof now covers the porch, the walls are insulated, and the sheetrock is going up.

We had a tree guy to remove an extensive amount of dead wood from the trees overhanging the house. We've decided that we'd rather have the motorhome in the back, instead of (where it is now) on the concrete slab located in the front side yard, so we also had him take down a somewhat ratty hickory tree that interfered with that plan. To take down the tree he cut off all the branches as he went up the main trunk; then he cut off the trunk in six foot sections as he came back down. He sure made it look easy.

From 1985 to 1998 we had a wholesale nursery operation on a 95 acre farm in Free Union, Virginia (not Christmas trees -- about 85 different varieties of flowering and ornamental trees). During all that time our sons and their numerous friends hunted deer and turkey on a regular basis. One of their friends, Josh, is now a stone mason, always busy and in high demand. Where we extended the kitchen into the old enclosed porch we wanted to put a block wall to support the room and enclose the area underneath. Shane asked Josh if he'd do the job. We provided the materials and Josh built the wall. He didn't charge us anything, saying that we'd let him hunt our property all those years so he'd do the wall for free. That's kind of neat -- lots of guys hunted the property, but Josh is the only one who said, "let me do this for you."

Hopefully, by this coming weekend we could have the kitchen sheetrocked and the kitchen floor done which would allow us to install the hotwater heater, washer, and dryer (they go behind bi-fold doors at one end of the kitchen).

Another picture of Shane and Mike. I tell Shane that the only thing worse than having an owner on the job is having the owner on the job when the owner is your father.

Odometer reading = 60,601
Miles for day = 0

 

11/17/03 to 12/3/03
(Louisa VA)

I was surprised to see how much time had gone by since I last updated this page. This typically gives me a problem because I lose any continuity between what I write now relative to what I've written before.

It's too bad our anticipated time frame, described in the last entry, did not materialize. While the Spackling in the kitchen is just getting its third coat, the kitchen did not get done first so it's the entire house that's now probably one (or two) days from completion of the Spackling. The kitchen (and bathroom) floor, and trim throughout the house, will be next. Once the floor goes down in the kitchen we'll be able to install the cabinets and countertop and put all the kitchen appliances into place (right now they're either on the porch or being shuffled around the living room.

This past weekend we moved the washer and dryer into position so Sharyn could get some laundry done without having to go to the Laundromat again. Since the hotwater heater is not yet installed it was a cold wash and we vented the dryer out through a window, but everything came out clean and dry so I guess it was all okay.

Our nighttime temperatures have been in the 30's which means that our heat pumps in the motorhome have been getting very close to switching over to the propane furnaces. The propane tank has been reading empty for over a week and we haven't been able to get anyone to come and fill it up. They all say to bring the motorhome to them, that their trucks can't fill a tank that small (20 gallons). I don't buy that since we've had it filled by truck on several occasions. Anyway, several days ago we pulled in the slides, etc. and took the motorhome to an RV supply place several miles down the road and filled the tank. It was a good thing because last night it went below 20° and the furnace in the bedroom came on. I had shut off the heat in the front of the motorhome because with all the glass area that furnace would have run nonstop all night. At that rate I'd be having to refill the propane by the end of the week. This morning it was 39° in the front of the motorhome and the furnace had to run for over an hour to bring it up to 68°. It wasn't too long after that that the system switched back to heat pumps as the outside temperature reached 35.°

The Scottsville PTA is having a craft fare this Saturday and Sharyn is going to display, and hopefully sell, some of her turquoise and silver jewelry. This will be the first time she put it on sale to the public. I hope it goes well. Buy the way, the plan is to create a new section on this website where Sharyn's jewelry will be displayed and can be purchased. I suspect it will be at http://www.stringbean.com/designs (don't go there yet -- it's not there yet).

That's about it for this time. We still hope to be in the house by Christmas and Shane assures us we will, but we're not quite as sure about that as he is. Jordan is really concerned since she told her landlord she'd be out by the end of December and he's showing the place to prospective tenants. To clarify, when I say we'll "be in the house" that doesn't mean we're moving out of the motorhome into the house. Just that the house will be occupiable (?) -- and, of course, that Jordan will be in.

Rather than incorporate photographs into the text as I've been doing over the years, this time I will again, just list them at the end of the entry as I did several weeks ago. This may became my new format -- it enables me to use pictures that I'd like to use without having to tie them in to the narrative which sometime becomes strained.

Feedback is welcome!

Shane and Mike about two weeks ago.

Shane and Mike a few days ago

The house and shed when the motorhome was not parked on the concrete slab

My lovely wife creating another "Southwest Design"

Southwest Designs busniess card

The cat that used to live next door (but now seems to live here)

 

Odometer reading = 60,617
Miles for day = 16

 

12/4/03 to 12/31/03
(Louisa VA)

Clearly I've been remiss in any serious attempt to keep this site current, but here it is New Years Eve and it's time to bring this page to a close and begin a new page for 2004. This requires the creation of new files, modification of numerous links, etc. It takes me well over an hour and I usually don't get it all right the first time.

In any event, we got the house to a level of completion that enabled us to have Christmas dinner in the dinning room, complete with Phil and Kim and their two kids and Shane and Michelle, his girl friend. Of course we had to rent a table and 12 chairs ( 83¢ each) and told everyone there would be an 83¢ per head surcharge. It was all very nice and Sharyn got to do a family Christmas Dinner in her own kitchen -- something she loves doing and has not been able to do for a number of years.

While some of the trim in the house remains undone, Shane expects to have it all completed within the next several days. The two big things that are not yet done are the exterior siding and the metal roof over the new porch. These things will have to wait for our return sometime in or about May. For now we're both ready to leave

We arrived at Phil and Kim's house on August 30, planning to stay for several weeks before heading west. Finding, buying and renovating this house was not part of our plan so our anticipated several weeks turned into four months. That's okay. This house has worked out well financially and it will work out even better a providing a "base" for us to stop off at as we pass through this section of the country (which we do once or twice a year since three of our four kids live here in the Charlottesville area).

As I said, however, we're both ready to leave for now and should be out of here within a week. Heading south for warmer weather. We're supposed to meet up with Bill and Cheryl at the Allegro factory in Red Bay, Alabama the week of the January 19th. We have a few things we'd like to have done to the motorhome and they have a brand new 2004 Allegro diesel that have have a punch list for the factory to take care of. We figure to spend a week together, after which they'll head back to Fort Smith, Arkansas and we'll probably go to Florida to visit and maybe spend some time with Sharyn's brother and sister and some friends we have there.

As we get back on the road again I'll be back to keeping this travelog up-to-date (in case we still have any readers left). It's difficult to do a travelog when you're not traveling.

By the way, being the last day of the year, it's time to reset the counter on my camera. In 2003 I took 1059 photographs. Tomorrow I'll start again with 0001.

Here are a few of those 1059 pictures.:

Kitchen October 8

Kitchen (relocated) on December 9

The same view today

Another view today

Bathroom October 8

Bathroom today

Ice storm on December 15

 

Odometer reading = 60,617
Miles for day = 0

 

 

2004

 

 

 

1/1/04 to1/11/04
(Louisa VA)

Once again it's been awhile since I've made any entry here, but that situation is about to improve. Today is Sunday and we plan to leave here Tuesday morning. At this point we've been here for over four months and that's too long to stay put, even if it's at what now could be called "home."

Besides, it's way too COLD! Last night the temperature went down to 4°. Yesterday morning it was 11° when I got up. There's been no running water in the motor home for three or four days as things are frozen. Tomorrow we are supposed to hit 50° and we're hoping that will allow things to thaw out and that we will not have sustained and damage. I've placed 60 watt bulbs in the basement compartments that house the water tanks, filters, pump, etc. but they did not prevent the freezing. RVs just are not intended for single digit temperatures -- neither is this RVer!

We've continued to make progress on the house but at this point what remains to be done will just have to wait until we come back here in the spring -- probably May. In addition to the cold, I'm ready for an extended break. At the same time I'm looking forward to returning in the Spring to get on with the completion of what needs to be done. By that time my enthusiasm will have returned. The one really big item being left undone is the new siding. Sharyn really feels bad that we are leaving the place looking as it does, wrapped in that "Energy-Wrap" covering, but neither of us is ready to put up the siding in the middle of January.

By the way, we notice that every morning as the sun comes up our neighbor's horses all stand broadside to the sun to soak up all the warmth they can get.

Horses soaking up the rays

The cat on Jordan's black futon

The cat on Jordan's black futon when he gets weird

Odometer reading = 60,617
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/12/04
(Louisa VA)

Today Sharyn finished up moving stuff into or out of the motorhome as tomorrow's departure date gets closer. I told her it really doesn't matter how far in advance a departure is planned, all preparation will occur in the last 24 hours.

Odometer reading = 60,617
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/13/04
(Wytheville VA)
North 36.93540°
West 80.99351°

Well it finally happened. Shortly after 10:AM this morning we pulled out onto the highway heading for the Allegro factory in Red Bay, Alabama where we will meet up with friends Bill and Cheryl.

We had sort of planned to go as far as Bristol, the city that straddles the Virginia/Tennessee state line, but we were pretty tired so when we saw a Flying-J just off of I-81 in Wytheville we decided to there for the night even though it was some 70 miles short of our "planned" destination.

Flying-J is a chain of truck stops that in recent years has also made itself very RV friendly with separate fuel islands for RVs complete with dump station facilities, propane, water fill facilities, etc. They also provide for overnight RV parking (no hookups) the same as they do for truckers.

In any event it was cold and we were tired so we went to bed early, read for a bit and turned the light off at eight o'clock.

Playing with the Magellan Gold GPS that Sharyn gave me for Christmas I've included the coordinates of this Flying-J. This feature may become a regular part of these travelog entries.

Odometer reading = 60,815
Miles for day = 198

 

 

1/14/04
(Huntsville AL)

North 34.58795°
West 86.68412°

Having gone to bed at eight o'clock, I was up at 4:30 this morning reading and drinking coffee. Sharyn was up at 7:am and we were on the road by 8:00.

With the super-cold weather coming down through New England towards the mid-Atlantic region for the second time in ten days we wanted to get as far away as we could. I told Sharyn today that when a motorhome goes all day and does not get a single bug on the windshield it means that, wherever they are, it's too cold.

Traveling through Southwest Virginia and Tennessee I again have to mention that after almost four years of full-time RVing we've been to all of the 50 states except Hawaii and Rhode Island. After all of that my favorite section of the Country is basically Western Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and Western North Carolina.

Anyway, we're at the FamCamp (actually it"s an Army Travel Camp -- the same thing) here at the Redstone Arsenal and it's probably 60° outside. The miles covered today were well worth it!

Odometer reading = 61,225
Miles for day = 410

 

 

1/15/04
(Huntsville AL)

We had a great nights sleep last night, and even though we had no compelling need or reason to get up this morning, we were up shortly after eight o'clock. With no jobs to be done and no errands to run we thoroughly enjoyed our relaxed, and extended, coffee and conversation.

The first thing I did was to set up my Internet satellite, check my e-mail, etc. Later we drove to the commissary and PX where we bough a few things before returning to the campground. The campground is across the road from the Tennessee River, nine miles from the commissary and PX -- this is really a large facility. At a cost of $5 per day this is probably the least expensive campground we've ever stayed at -- and that includes 50 amp service!

We are looking forward to several days of nothing to do but read, relax, and generally enjoy the lack of activity.

Odometer reading = 61,225
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/16/04
(Huntsville AL)

Today we had our granddaughter Mary with us and the three of us enjoyed it very much. We threw rocks into the Tennessee River, played on the swings and slides at the playground, "painted" on the computer with Photoshop, ate pizza and played games at Chuck E Cheese, etc. Eventually we had dinner with Tammey and Rick and then said good-bye to the three of them. We'll certainly be back again even if it takes a year or two.

Giving in to a years worth of pressure from our granddaughter Katlin I had to concede that the pictures of the World's "most cool" Grandchildren elsewhere on this website were somewhat dated and needed to be updated. I was finally able to report to Katlin that has been done and now a new link from the "grandchildren" page will take the reader to some much more current photos (even including a new kid).

Odometer reading = 61,225
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/17/04
(Red Bay AL)

N 34.45489°
W 88.15149°

Having left the Redstone Arsenal somewhere between 10 and 11 this morning we were about 50 miles from Red Bay when we got a call from Bill and Cheryl as to where we were. They had just arrived at the Allegro factory campground and seeing that we were not there saved us the site next to theirs. They spotted our yellow kayaks coming down the road.

As we pulled into the saved site next to their new 38' rig they came over to welcome us and the party began. That's somewhat of an exaggeration, but not entirely. We have a lot of fun together everytime we see them.

After checking out their new unit (very nice) we all hung out for awhile catching up on what we'd all been doing since we saw them last. Later on we all went out to dinner. It's kind of cold and rainy and is supposed to continue like this for several days, going down into the 20's in the early part of the week.

When we arrived at the Redstone Arsenal several days ago it was our plan to go to Florida after we finished here at the factory (we have some things we'd like to have done to the motorhome). Now, however, we're thinking of going to New Mexico and Arizona instead. Sharyn buys her silver and turquoise online, but she'd like to be able to select the individual stones -- particularly for color. In Gallup NM there was the largest selection of places to go and collections to select from. Right now it's pretty cold there, but it'll be somewhat warmer by the time we get there (if we do in fact go there).

Also, returning to the base at Redstone last night, the MP's at the gate saw that Sharyn's ID card had expired on January 4 so they confiscated the card. Being Friday night we'd have had to stay until Monday to get a new one, so it looks as if from here we'll go to Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS and get her a new card. One, because she needs it and two, because Biloxi is one of her favorite places. From Biloxi we'll clearly have to decide if we go east or west. If we all get finished here at Allegro early enough in the week Bill and Cheryl may go with us to Biloxi -- Bill has two weeks, but Cheryl has to be back to work a week from Monday.

In the meanwhile we'll see how it all works out -- having fun along the way, of course!

Odometer reading = 61,332
Miles for day = 107

 

 

1/18/04 through 1/20/04
(Red Bay AL)

We were put on the list at the factory on Monday morning and were told this afternoon that we are the next two units to be brought into the plant and will probably called up at 7:am tomorrow. While the Allegro campground is a regular commercial campground in that anyone can come here, as a practical matter the only people who do come here are Allegro owners looking for maintenance or repair, or people who want to tour the factory. It's not too busy this time of year, but during the busy season you can wait two weeks or better to work your way to the top of the list. The wait used to not be quite so long but Allegro sales have gone up 15% each year for the last three years.

Anyway, we hope that they finish with both of us by early afternoon tomorrow so that we could head for Biloxi tomorrow. Cheryl has to be back to work on Monday so the time frame is somewhat limited.

It's been unexpectedly cold since we've been here. Last night was in the teens and tonight is supposed to be in the 20's (as were all the other nights. Today might have been the first day that went above freezing. It's pretty much as it was back in Virginia -- too cold.

Last night Sharyn made chicken for all of us, while the night before Cheryl made "white chili." The last time we were with them Cheryl made chili without beans -- I thought chili was just a way to prepare beans. I guess she showed me otherwise. Okay, so even if chili doesn't have to have beans at least it contains some kind of tomatoes and is red in color, right? Well I guess not. If chili does not need beans and can even be white in color, what does it take to be called "chili"? Got me!

Odometer reading = 61,332
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/21/04 and 1/22/04
(Red Bay AL)

Yesterday morning Bill and Cheryl's rig was called into the plant about 9:am. Since we're #2 on this list the night before we figured we were only minutes away. To make a long story shorter, when we hadn't been called by 2 o'clock I went over to see what was going on. They thought I was already there since they had long ago called the campground to send us over. Anyway, we immediately brought the motorhome over and they started working on our list. When it came to quitting time they asked if it was okay with us for us to spend the night in the motorhome in the plant. We said it was and we, along with Bill and Cheryl in their unit spent the night in the plant. I found that preferable to the campground as it was probably 65° in the plant vs 25° in the campground (each bay in the plant has a 50 amp hookup). The only downside was that out TV satellite didn't work. Anyway the four of us went out to a Chinese buffet for dinner where we ate a great deal.

This morning we were up at 6:am as the plant begins work at 7:am. By 2 o'clock they had us finished, including replacement of the cracked windshield (insured). As for a broken bracket under the battery rack they fixed that under warranty. That's a pretty generous expansion of a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. Our units four years old with over 60,000 miles.

Bill and Cheryl don't expect to finish up until sometime tomorrow afternoon and since Cheryl has to be back to work on Monday it looks as if the four of us going to Biloxi is not going to happen.

Anyway, for now Bill is getting set to barbecue some steaks from one of their steers they slaughtered a few weeks ago. As for what do we do tomorrow we'll have to wait and see.

Some of the Allegro work bays in the early morning hours

Odometer reading = 61,335
Miles for day = 3

 

1/23/04
(Red Bay AL)

This morning we went back to the plant as Sharyn had another item she wanted fixed. It had to do with the motorhome (the "box") not being perfectly aligned with the chassis. The guy agreed with her that it was not right and they fixed it by moving one end of the rear axle housing forward 3/8 of an inch. That also was done on warranty.

We finished up just about the same time that Bill and Cheryl finished and we all went back to the campground where Sharyn gave us left over bean soup from several days ago.

Odometer reading = 61,353
Miles for day = 18

 

 

1/24/04
(Red Bay AL)

Someone had told Cheryl about the great breakfast you get at "Swamp John's" Restaurant five miles east of town so we all went there for this outstanding breakfast. To say that it didn't meet our expectations would be an understatement. Anyway we ate and returned to the campground where we talked for an hour or so before heading on down the road. Bill and Cheryl headed back to Fort Smith, Arkansas while we went south towards Biloxi. While our plans of all going to Biloxi together for several days did not materialize, we still enjoyed the company in Red Bay. We'll try again another day.

We weren't on the road too long when the dark sky darken more and it started to rain so we didn't go as far as we had thought we might. At Columbus, Mississippi we pulled into Wal-Mart where we spent the night.

Swamp John's Restaurant

Waiting for Breakfast

Bill, Cheryl and Roy Rogers (in window)

Odometer reading = 61,434
Miles for day = 81

 

 

1/25/04
(Biloxi MS)

Having gone to bed before eight o'clock last night I woke up several times during the night thinking it was time to get up. The first time this happened was 12:04 AM. One time I heard something hit the motorhome and got up to see what it was. The wind had blown a shopping cart into the side if the motorhome, but it was 5:30 so I stayed up and put the coffee on. As I was pouring the first cup Sharyn got up also.

We had our coffee and conversation and pulled out onto the highway in the pouring rain before 7:30. After a number of hours of uneventful travel in the pouring rain we were about 30 miles from Biloxi when the sun finally came out. Unfortunately, ten miles from Biloxi it started to rain again.

In any event, we are now in a 20 amp overflow site at Keesler AFB FamCamp where we'll stay until a regular full service site becomes available.

Odometer reading = 61,691
Miles for day = 258

 

 

1/26/04
(Biloxi MS)

I was having my coffee and Sharyn was still sleeping when the campground host knocked on the door to tell us he had a full hookup site available for us. We paid $84 for a full week on this site. I'll put up a picture tomorrow.

After getting moved over and set up we went to the base to get Sharyn a new ID card since her's expired on January 4 and was confiscated several days later by the security guys at the gate at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama (we hadn't realized the card had expired). She was photographed and her new card issued in less than ten minutes. We then went to get a new base sticker for the motorhome (when our windshield was re[laced at Allegro we couldn't get the old sticker to stick to the new windshield) . Unfortunately, and unbelievably, the base has run out of base stickers -- they say they should have more by February 2.

We then walked around the BX before going to the commissary to get some groceries. Later, back at the motorhome and before dinner, I played with the computer while Sharyn read her book.

Odometer reading = 61,691
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/27/04 to 2/8/04
(Biloxi MS)

We've now been here for two weeks and while our days have been easy and pleasant they don't lend themselves to interesting or exciting reading -- that's a big part of why there have been no entries for all this time.

We did several trips to the casino (no big wins or big losses on the nickel slots), several afternoons spent at Barnes and Noble, and a number of trips to other stores, etc. We ate out twice, once at Cajun Chicken and once at KFC. Sharyn did some shopping and I washed the car and the motorhome, both for the first time since before we left Virginia.

Until a short time ago if I wanted to use the printer or scanner I had to go and get them out from storage and hook them up with the computer. It was a pain in the neck and frequently avoided by just not scanning or printing. Just before leaving Virginia I built a "computer desk" with two slideout shelves for the scanner and printer so they could always be connected and ready to go. There were, however, several problems. I was using multiple power strips to have everything plugged in, plus my satellite modems and my external hard drive had to be unplugged to shut them off -- not too cool of an arrangement!

Today I fixed both of those problems. The powerstrips were replaced with a four gang outlet box and three switches connected to the outlets enable me to selectively shut of the modems, the external drive, and the third switch cuts the power to the printer and scanner to preclude the possibility of closing the desk and inadvertently leaving one of them on (I did that once).

We had thought of taking a daytrip to New Orleans, about 80 miles west of here, but there's been a lot of rain so we didn't go. We're leaving here Monday so we called the FamCamp at the Naval Support Facility in New Orleans to see what was the chance of getting a site if we showed up before noon on Monday. The lady checked and we now have a four day reservation starting Monday .

 

A portion of the FamCamp here in Biloxi

Newly installed outlets and control switches

Computer desk reinstalled

 

Odometer reading = 61,691
Miles for day = 0

 

 

2/9/04
(Summerdale AL)

We're at an Escapee Park here in Summerdale, Alabama about 20 miles south of Mobile. That could give rise to the question how come we're not in New Orleans -- after all, that's where we were headed?

Well, it was a three part scenario that killed the visit to New Orleans. First of all, from the time we told her we were going there, Jordan has been unhappy with that plan. She said that with all the crime in New Orleans she was concerned about our personal safety. That as an "older" couple, obviously tourists, we would be prime targets. I should mention that Jordan visited New Orleans with us several years ago and says that it is an "evil" place, and so strongly so that she can't understand how come we don't feel it as well. In fact, maybe to some extent we do).

On top of Jordan's unhappiness, Sunday's New Orleans Times-Picayune's (http://www.nola.com/t-p/) front page story was about New Orleans being the murder capital of America. Then the topping on the cake was this mornings news about six shootings in New Orleans over the weekend. The cumulative effect was that we decided to skip New Orleans.

The question about whether we'd go to Florida or New Mexico was decided by looking at the weather in Gallup NM which would have been our specific destination. The forecast was for nighttime temperatures in the single digits with daytime highs only in the 40's. Florida became an easy choice.

Incidentally, having finally gotten my hand held GPS to talk to my computer today was the first time we tried two two in conjunction with each other. We put our desired route of travel into the computer and told it to take us tthere. It did, complete with several, "turn left onto Route 34 in point six miles in one minute ten seconds." The only problem was that when we intentionally turned onto the wrong road to see what it would say, it didn't say anything! Besides that it was pretty cool.

Now we have to get a longer power cord and cable so we can put the flat screen monitor up front so we can see it while driving without having to turn around and look at it on the floor behind our seats.

Odometer reading = 61,791
Miles for day = 100

 

 

2/9/04 to 2/14/09
(Summerdale AL)

At this point it's been about three weeks since we first got to the Gulf coast back at Biloxi and it hasn't stopped raining since we've been here. It has varied between "rain all day" and "overcast and cloudy with occasional showers." There have been no "nice" days and we're getting kind of tited of it. To maintain our perspective we note from what we see on TV that we have been spared the snow and cold temperatures in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, some sunshine would be a welcome change.

Here at the Escapee park there is a Valentine's Day dance tonight that we are going to. I can't remember the last time we danced together -- it's been years! It was our plan to leave here after the dance and go to the FamCamp at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. We've been there several times and we like it there. Besides we still need a new DOD (Department of Defense) windshield sticker for the motorhome which we could get at Pensacola. Well several days ago we drove there with the car (it's only 36 miles from here), got some groceries at the commissary and also got our new sticker. Our plan now is when we leave here to continue on to Tyndall AFB at Panama City. That's about 150 miles.

Our departure from here is now going to be delayed, however, because we are waiting for our new telephone to arrive from Cingular. After four years with AT&T Wireless we were anxious to switch to another carrier, but we wanted to keep our phone number. Now we are doing that. We have no complaint about AT&T's nationwide "one-Rate" service -- if there was a cellular signal we could use our phone with "no roaming, no long distance." The problem was too many dollars for too few minutes (we'll now have 5,000 night and weekend minutes instead of 1,000, and for fewer dollars). We signed up with Cingular yesterday and they sent us our phone FedEx second day air. Hopefully it will be here Tuesday and we can leave Wednesday -- we want to go find some sunshine!

Usually I do this site at night, but I started this when I first got up this morning. Sharyn just came out of the bedroom so I'm going to end this now and proceed to coffee and conversation. I've already been doing the coffee.

A soggy and dreary campground

Odometer reading = 61,791
Miles for day = 0

 

 

2/15/04 to 2/24/04
(Summerdale AL)

This is a rather short entry as there's not much to write about these last ten days. There were three consecutive days of beautiful sunshine and clear skies with 70° temperatures and non-stop rain on all the other days. We're STILL waiting for a telephone that works. It's a long story that would take many paragraphs to cover all that's gone on with Cingular. I don't want the aggravation of having to go through it all.

The real reason for this entry is that it was four years ago today that we pulled away from what had been our home on Wendover Drive In Charlottesville, Virginia and began our life of full-time RVing. In that time we have covered almost 62,000 miles and been to 48 of the 50 states (all but Rhode Island and Hawaii) plus eight of the Canadian Provinces; north to the Arctic Circle and south to the southern most tip of Key West.

From being stuck in traffic on the George Washington Bridge to drycamping in the Arizona desert, the vastness and beauty of this country cannot be explained, described, or photographed. We have 5,411 photographs of our travels but, like peeking through 5,411 keyholes, they are only bits and pieces of the big picture.

We don't know how long we will continue to do this but it's a cumulative experience that will be with us forever.

Odometer reading = 61,791
Miles for day = 0

 

 

2/25/04 and 2/26/04
(Summerdale AL)

We have finally arrived at two conclusions; one by me and one by Cingular. I've concluded that the Cingular guy in Virginia never shipped us a telephone and probably never will (turns out he's an "authorized dealer" as opposed to a company store). Cingular has concluded that there is no way to activate our phone unless it connects to a tower in Virginia. Actually that has been the position of most of the Cingular people we've been in touch with, but there were others who "knew" how to do it from Alabama. Anyway, this afternoon we shipped the phone to Jordan to activate it and then ship it back to us wherever we may be at that time.

Tomorrow we're leaving here and going to the FamCamp at Tyndall AFB in Panama City in Florida.

Odometer reading = 61,791
Miles for day = 0

 

 

2/27/04
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

We had a somewhat late start leaving this morning. Actually when we pulled out of the Escapee Park it was one o'clock -- that's late even for us. Add to that the fact that we don't go terribly fast, that when we stopped in a Wal-Mart parking lot for lunch Sharyn did some grocery shopping, and it's easy to understand why we didn't get to Panama City today.

We arrived here at the FamCamp at Eglin AFB just north of Fort Walton Beach shortly after five o'clock. There are no available sites and only three spots remaining in the overflow area. Since the overflow sites have electric that's not much of a hardship.

After getting parked Sharyn wanted to go check out the BX which we did. It's a big BX. One of the biggest we've seen. While Sharyn was looking at clothes and jewelry I checked out the computer and electronics section as well as the books. I told Sharyn that when I don't see anything I need or want I must be in pretty good shape.

We had chicken in the food court at the BX/Commissary complex so there would be no dinner preparation or clean up. We're now back at the motorhome, but because of all the trees our TV satellite doesn't work so we'll read and talk (and I'll do this page) until bedtime.

If we decide to stay here for more than just tonight I'll set up the satellite dish for my online access and upload this page tomorrow. Otherwise the upload will have to wait longer.

Odometer reading = 61,881
Miles for day = 90

 

 

2/28/04 and 2/29/04
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

No campsites became available yesterday and I didn't try to set up my Internet satellite because it was doubtful I'd have been able to get through the overhead tree cover.

This morning we asked in the office if we could dry camp on the beach rather than stay in a regular (overflow) site. He said we could and we had no sooner moved over to the beach when someone in the campground pulled out a day early so that spot became available. After checking out the site we thought it was a nice enough situation that we paid for a week. Sharyn likes this spot, the base, and the overall package. Our checkout date is now March 7, but continues to be extendable beyond that.

The last several days have been very nice with lots of sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Now all we need is a telephone!

Sharyn relaxing at the edge of the water

The view from our campsite.

Odometer reading = 61,881
Miles for day = 0

 

Addendum to 2/29/04

As Sharyn watches the Oscar awards program I am struck by the fact that this is a large group of people who, for the most part, are shallow, vain, not too interesting to anyone other than themselves, and basically produce neither goods nor services of any intrinsic value.

In spite of all of this, they manage to orchestrate this giant production focusing on their empty sphere of nothingness.

At the same time these people were doing what they celebrate tonight, others in the fields of medicine, science, literature, etc., have made truly great accomplishments that will benefit all aspects of human life for generations to come. This latter group of people are largely unknown, hardly celebrated, and don't have the need for the self-aggrandizement that the "Oscars" represent.

While I think there's something wrong with this, I suspect that the difference is that one group knows that what they accomplish has real meaning so they don't need the spotlight to say to their compatriots, "look at me, how great I am."

The saddest aspect of this might be that it probably reflects what we, as a society, think is important.

 

 

3/1/04 and 3/2/04
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

The nice weather continues and we're thoroughly enjoying it.

Having shipped our phone to Jordan she was able to activate it only after Cingular told her where there was a Cingular tower that she had to drive to. After getting it activated near the tower she returned to the house where she got an AT&T recording that she couldn't make a call from there. She and I are now both in communication with Cingular to get this deal off the ground. When I complained that we were only a week away from our first monthly bill and still have no operating telephone they said they'd waive any billing until we get it working.

Over the years we've tried to see Savannah on several occasions but for one reason or other always had to drive right on past. Since we plan to be back in Virginia for Easter we've decided that this time we will stop in Savannah (on our way back to Virginia) and finally get to check it out.

Our campsite at Eglin AFB FamCamp

Odometer reading = 61,881
Miles for day = 0

 

 

3/3/04 to 3/8/04
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

We've been planning to leave here for several days now but every morning we wake up to see the sun across the bay and decide to stay for another day. This time we're serious -- in spite of the beautiful day that we anticipate tomorrow we're going to leave anyway.

We're only about 50 miles from Tyndall AFB and the FamCamp there that we like very much, but it's not our plan to stop there (but who knows)!

This has been our first time here at Eglin AFB but it's now one of our favorite places. There is a new FamCamp here that is scheduled to open within a matter of weeks. We drove down to look at it the other day and it looks like it will be quite nice with modern full hookup sites situated in a wooded area adjacent to the marina. The plan is to keep this section in operation even after the new campground opens which we think is a good idea because we like being right on the beach.

If this doesn't read too smoothly it's because I'm doing this while watching David Letterman and I can't do more than one thing at a time.

Odometer reading = 61,881
Miles for day = 0

 

 

3/9/04
(Panama City FL)

It's like I say, our plans are never firm until after the event. In spite of our plans to the contrary, we pulled into the FamCamp at Tyndall AFB just after noon. We've been here 4 or 5 times in the past and always had to spend some time in overflow until a regular site opened up. Not this time. I guess this is a little later in the season and some of the people who spent the winter here have moved on.

While we're here I hope to see the new F-22 Raptor, the Air Force's new stealth fighter that will replace the F-15 (which was phenomenal in itself). There are two F-22's here that are being used to familiarize Tyndall's F-15 pilots with the new F-22 that will soon be deployed here.

F-22 Website

Odometer reading = 61,966
Miles for day = 84

 

 

3/10/04 through 3/13/04
(Panama City FL)

The weather here has been mostly warm and sunny which is always a plus.

Today being Sunday it's pretty quiet. During the week there are a lot of low flying aircraft, mostly F-15s, taking off and landing. The FamCamp, being directly in line with the runway, experiences some pretty loud flyovers -- loud enough that all conversation has to stop and you can't hear the TV no matter how far up you turn the volume. As we were checking in at the office an F-15 flew over, nearly causing the ground to shake. After the noise faded out a guy standing there commented that was why he didn't like coming to Tyndall, that it was too noisy. Another man responded to him, "That's the sound of freedom." We're with the second guy!

There are a number of people here who spend most or all of the winter here and have been doing so for a number of years and have developed somewhat of a community here in the FamCamp. The other day we went with a number of them (there were about a dozen of us) for lunch at Bayou Joe's in the old area of Panama City. Bayou Joe's is right on an inlet and is actually built out over the water. The menu is simple, but the food is good and the portions are large. Sharyn had a "Trash Burger," listed on the menu as being covered with lots of what ever the chef has on hand at the time. They also had a "Garbage Potato" (I only know from Dan Quale that there's no "e" in "potato") that is described somewhat like the burger. Anyway we all enjoyed the lunch and the outing.

Last night a number of us went on a "sunset sail" on a 55' catamaran. Apparently this is something that they've done before because a number of people knew the "crew" and visa versa. While I froze to death, in spite of my sweat shirt and jacket, everyone had a really good time (a free glass of wine is included with the sail). It was just about dark as we were re-entering St. Andrew Bay from the Gulf of Mexico and came upon a school of dolphins working the outgoing tide off the stone jetties. We lingered there for perhaps ten minutes watching these large mammals.

When we got back to the dock we (Sharyn and I and the couple riding with us -- who had arranged the sail) decided to go to a Chinese buffet place about halfway back to the base. The food selection was immense and was excellent besides. Of course we all ate considerably too much, but we don't do this too often we'll probably survive.

We have not been a regular about our walking as we should be (and once were), but we've walked campground trails several times. While doing this I play with the GPS to see if it would get us back to the motorhome if we didn't otherwise know where it was. The answer appears to be yes -- which is very good.

 

Sharyn at our campsite

A "resting bench" along the trail

A small bay adjacent to the campground

Bayou Joe's

Our "sunset sail"

Sharyn converses while under sail

 

Odometer reading = 61,966
Miles for day = 0

 

 

3/14/04 through 3/18/04
(Panama City FL)

We had planned to leave here this morning but we've been quite comfortable here, plus the weather has been and continues to be very pleasant. I went to the office this morning and paid for another day. Will we leave tomorrow? We have no plans one way or the other.

While RVers, by definition, do their thing in RVs, there are others who do it differently. This 31' sailboat anchored off the base marina is owned by a couple who have been full-timing on this boat for six years. She's an architect and he's retired military. They don't even have a generator, obtaining all their electrical power from solar panels.

Today we walked along the beach, both for the tranquility and so Sharyn could get some more shells to make her "magnolia blossoms." Several days ago Sharyn gave me another haircut (short at my request) and today I got sunburned on top of my head.

Full-timer's sailboat

"Magnolia blossom"

Beachcombing

Effect of snow fence on beach

Sharyn and me on the walking trail


Odometer reading = 61,966
Miles for day = 0

 

 

3/19/04
(Valdosta GA)

This morning, over coffee and conversation, we decided to leave Panama City and head east. Pursuant to that plan we took off.

About 15 miles down the road, where the road was running right along the Gulf of Mexico, we pulled over so that Sharyn could try a new beach for a specific kind of shell. After we had walked the beach for about a half hour I returned to the motorhome where I got one of my magazines and returned to the beach where I sat on an abandoned beach chair and read my magazine. After awhile Sharyn returned and we took off again.

We tried two more beaches before heading north (away from the Gulf) up past Tallahassee to US-84 where we again turned east. Shortly before 6:pm EST (we had crossed into that time zone) we pulled into a Wal-Mart in Valdosta, just in time to watch Brett Hume and Fox News.

Now, having eaten dinner, Sharyn is watching a movie while I do this.

The GPS says we traveled 207.57 miles while the odometer says 206.3. A difference of half a percent is pretty impressive.


F-15 over FamCamp

Odometer reading = 62,172
Miles for day = 206

 

 

3/20/04 and 3/21/04
(Sumter SC)

Yesterday morning we were both up before six o'clock. No particular reason, it just worked out that way. As a result we were on the road before 8:am.

We had no particular plan as to how far we'd travel, but as we approached the South Carolina state line and it was still early afternoon, it seemed that continuing on to the FamCamp at Shaw AFB (our favorite campground) became the default decision.

It was a long day, but once again the FamCamp had few occupants and we got our "regular" site.

Today, except for a trip to the commissary and BX, we took the day off and enjoyed the smell of the pine woods..

Odometer reading = 62,502
Miles for day = 329

 

 

3/22/04 to 4/7/04
(Louisa VA)

Our grandson Scott is being confirmed in Southold Long Island on Sunday and Sharyn wants to be there. Actually, that's why we left the Gulf Coast when we did. Since she was driving from here to there we cut short our stay in Sumter so that she'd have several days with Jordan and Phil and his family before having to leave. It was good to see everyone again even though we only left here after New Years.

Jordan and I spent this past Sunday with Phil and Kim. I helped Phil with some of the wiring in the basement, and then we all went to the gun range where Katlin was shooting with a youth group sponsored by the club. On Sunday afternoons the indoor range is open for kids to shoot and learn gun safety. It's a pretty successful program with the average age appearing to be about ten. At one point I counted and five of the seven shooters were girls!

Anyway, from the range we all went back to the house where enjoyed the dinner that Kim had prepared.

We plan to be here for a number of weeks, primarily to put the siding on the house and put the metal on the porch roof. (The story of the house probably begins about here). While I'll periodically write something here, until such time as we're back on the road there is no "travel" for the travelog. When we do leave here we'll be on our way to Newfoundland so we're really looking forward to what we hope will be another memorable segment of our travels.


Katlin shooting

Katlin's 3 shot group

Some of the other "shooters"

 

Odometer reading = 62,894
Miles for day = 392

 

 

4/8/04 to 5/10/04
(Louisa VA)

When I update this site every day I pretty much remember what happened during the course of that day. When I update after several days I call upon Sharyn to help me remember what we did. Now, after a month, it's sort of a vain attempt.

As I recall, there are only three things to mention. They are: (1) Progress on the house, (2) Sharyn's birthday, and (3) Our trip to Long Island in a Penske Rent-A-Truck.

As for the house:
When we got back here in March we had planned to put the vinyl siding on the house and put the metal roofing material on the porch roof before leaving for the summer. We figured some of the remaining interior work could wait until we returned in the fall.

So far so good as far as that goes. We basically finished the siding on the front and one side except for the top course where we have to do the soffit/fascia trim stuff. The metal roofing went well and when we come back in the fall we hope to be able to paint the entire roof (the new galvanized must weather before it will take paint -- we don't know for how long).

Tomorrow I plan to start the rest of the siding (it's 90° today). So far it's gone very well, but on the other side and the back we'll be working a good 10 to 15 feet off the ground as we get higher up. Once we get above step ladder height it could get kind of tricky.

Sharyn's birthday/Mother's Day:
Sharyn's birthday was a cool surprise for Sharyn. Phil works for a major landscaping outfit in Charlottesville and for Sharyn's birthday he, Kim, Shane, and Jordan all got together and planned and installed a planting bed across the front and side of the house.

Sharyn had said that since her birthday was on a Monday when everyone had to work, that she'd do a birthday dinner on Sunday when everyone could come. Dinner was to be a 5 o'clock. Shane showed up shortly after ten, but since he only lives 800 feet down the road Sharyn didn't think anything of it. When Phil, Kim, Katlin, and Philip pulled into the driveway a short time latter Sharyn said with some surprise, "It's not five o'clock yet." Then she saw the plants and mulch on the trailer behind the truck. The plan, which they had let me in on a few weeks before, was that Sunday would be a surprise workday when they'd all do the bed preparation and planting, with dinner and birthday to follow. It was a great surprise and Sharyn was (and remains) thrilled and excited with the result.

Trip to Long Island.
For several years we've had one of those 10 x 10 rental storage things in Southold, plus an attic full of storage boxes and accumulated stuff. That some day we were going to have to go get all that stuff was something I'd always known but preferred not to think about. I had viewed that trip/job as the worse undertaking I was going to have to do for the rest of my life.

Sharyn and I left here Thursday morning at 9:40 with a standard shift Penske rental truck with a 26' long box body. Twelve hours later we pulled into Greg's driveway in Southold. Southold is on Long Island about 80 miles east of New York City and you can't get anywhere on Long Island without driving through the City. Not only it rots, but on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway we came to a sign to said all trucks over 12' 9" had to exit. We did -- into the middle of downtown Brooklyn with no idea of where we were or how to get out of there. We had our hand held Magellan GPS so we turned it on and zoomed way out until we had the outline of Long Island on the display and then just continued driving east until we eventually (an hour later) regained our bearings.

First thing Friday morning we were at Liberty Storage where we emptied our 10 x 10 x 10 foot high storage bin. That took several hours (we had it packed ten feet deep), after which we went to the house that Jordan had been living in before moving back to Virginia. That house is about a mile from Greg's and we now have it rented out. A number of years ago I covered the entire attic with plywood so would could use it for storage. The attic measures 25 x 35 and was pretty nearly full -- that's a bunch of stuff!

Not only is it a bunch of stuff, but everything up there (mostly packed boxes) has to be passed down through the opening in the ceiling, brought down the step ladder, and taken out to the truck. Two things that made it possible were the hand truck and the hydraulic tailgate on the Penske truck. Even so, it was still after dark when we finished up. Luckily, after Greg closed the pharmacy (Shelter Island Heights Pharmacy -- go there -- there's even an old fashioned soda fountain) he came by to help us finish up. There were two boxes of old LP's (great albums), two boxes of the Great Books, and one steamer trunk, none of which we were able to get down the ladder. Greg got them down for us. There was a time when we could have done it, but the ravages of time changes all things!

By the time we got back to Greg's house we were really dragging. Pizza, showers, and to bed, and by shortly after nine o'clock Saturday morning we were back on the road for our twelve hour (the truck only goes 60 mph) return trip to Virginia. By the time e got back to Louisa (around 9:pm) we were running on something -- maybe adrenaline (nothing pharmaceutical or illegal) -- so we started unpacking the truck. When we had gotten all the furniture and "big stuff" out -- probably 50% of the floor area but only 25% of the cubic volume, we quit for the night. We started again at 7:30 Sunday morning and had the truck back to Penske before noon!

That was yesterday. It's now Monday afternoon and the porch of the house is still loaded with stuff from the truck -- basically so is the inside of the house. Sharyn and Jordan both think it's going to work. I see a problem -- when the cubic volume of stuff exceeds the cubic volume of space there is a problem. For the last several years Sharyn's been making a habit of being right -- I sure hope she's right this time time!

When we went to Southold I took my camera figuring I'd get some new pictures of Scott and Patrick but that's not the way the time went. They have both grown up substantially -- never mind I would not have recognized either of their voices. Plus, Scott looks just like Shane.

That's pretty much where things are at this time. Again, not much to write about on a day to day basis.

One more thing, we've been in touch with the Air Force FamCamp in Seward, Alaska and might end up hosting there from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2005. Seward was Sharyn's favorite place in Alaska. We stayed there dry camped for about a week -- she loved it -- I froze to death. As campground hosts we'd have hookups and HEAT!

 

Me taking a break

Jordan shooting last month's IDPA match (Phil with timer)

Me finishing up siding on gable

Good picture of Sharyn

Birthday workday gets started

Every little bit helps

The job nears completion

Katlin's centerpiece for birthday party

Some of the stuff from storage

More of the stuff from storage

 

Odometer reading = 62,894
Miles for day = 0

 

 

June 5, 2004


In Memorium

Ronald Reagan

 

A Great American

1911 - 2004

 



 

 

5/11/04 to 6/22/04
(Louisa VA)

You might think that for a 6 week period we'd have a lot to write about, but that's not the case.

We finally did finish the vinyl siding -- Amen for that! I knew it would take a while to do the siding but I guess I didn't realize just how long.. On the side and back of the house there are gable ends which are not reachable even from a step ladder placed on the scaffold. At that point progress is real slow. Lots of up and down ladders. What I used to do in a day now seems to take almost a week While getting older may have some downsides, it also has a number of benefits; plus it beats the alternative big time!

One day we again went down a stretch of the Shenandoah River with Phil and Kim and their family. After we stopped for lunch we switched; they took our kayaks and we took their canoe. We have frequently discussed if perhaps we should have bought a canoe instead of kayaks (we'd previously had a canoe for 20 years) so that gave us a chance to try a canoe again. We decided we had made the right choice. Apparently Phil and Kim thought so too because about two weeks later they bought themselves two kayaks -- Dagger Elements. Phil claims theirs are cooler than ours and he's probably right. Next time we go we'll have to try the Daggers.

One thing we did before leaving was to put four new tires on the back of the motorhome. That's something Sharyn's been wanting for some time and we had gotten to the point that I agreed it was time. To have gotten 63,000 miles out of those tires is something we can't complain about. We bought the new Good Year G-670 RV's which are supposed to have been designed specifically for Class A motorhomes. Everything we've read indicates that they are doing their intended job very well. People who have bought them like them and we have not heard any negative reports. By the way, it was the trip into Charlottesville for these tires that accounts for the 47 miles put on the motorhome.

We look forward to the next time we come to visit. While there are still some things that need doing it will not be another work, work, work, kind of situation. We will enjoy just being able to sit on the porch and relax.

 

Canoeing (and fishing) on the Shenandoah

Siding takes a lot of ladders

 

Odometer reading = 62,941
Miles for day = 47

 

 

6/23/04
(Woodstock VA)

Today has been our planned departure date for several days. An early morning start was neither necessary nor sought after. The longer we've been at a particular place the longer it takes us to get reorganized to move. That's particularly true when we've been at Jordan's because all our "stuff" seems to get co-mingled. Anyway, we pulled out of the driveway just after 3:pm. It was our plan to go to the Flying-J at the Virginia/West Virginia state line on I-81. Flying--J is like Wal-Mart in that they welcome RVers to spend the night in their parking areas. They even have RV "islands" for fueling up, dumping holding tanks, taking on fresh water, etc. Really quite nice accommodations.

Anyway, we didn't get that far. We were tired and at Woodstock we got off and stayed at Wal-Mart, probably 50 miles short of the state line.

Our ultimate destination is Newfoundland where we intend to spend a chunk of the summer. We plan to stop at my sister's in Portsmouth NH before heading up along the coast of Maine.

Since we like staying at military campgrounds whenever there is one available, Sharyn was looking through the military directory to see what might be up ahead and took note of a FamCamp at a Navy facility on Narragansett Bay just north of Newport RI.. About 30 years ago when we were doing a lot of sailing we spent several days in Newport and enjoyed it thoroughly so we decided to head there again. That required us to head in an easterly direction sooner than originally planned which, in turn, will bring us close to Boonton NJ and Harry and Irene, friends for 50+ years.

We spent $83 in Wal-Mart, so they give us a free place to spend the night and we do our grocery shopping while we're here.

Odometer reading = 63,059
Miles for day = 118

 

 

6/24/04
(Stroudsburg PA)

A relatively uneventful travel day.

We spoke with Irene and we'll be stopping to visit with them for several days. At this point we're only about 50 miles from their house.

We had just pulled into a Wal-Mart to spend the night when the security guy pulled up and said we'd find it much more quiet in the parking lot they had behind the main store store building. We moved to where he told us and a short time later he came by and spoke with us. He said they do security patrols several time an hour throughout the night and wished us a pleasant stay. He even said we could stay for several days if we liked. We declined that part of the offer.

After watching the news I attached my Dell flat screen monitor to the computer desk top so that I could leave it standing in place while we traveled. Previously I'd take a pillow from the bed and put it on the desk, laying the monitor face-down on the pillow for travel. I like this arrangement much better.

 

Odometer reading = 63,343
Miles for day = 284

 

 

6/25/040 to 6/27/04
(Boonton NJ)

It was only 53 miles from Stroudsburg to Irene and Harry's so we arrived there mid-morning on Friday. As always we enjoyed our entire stay with them. After 50 years you develop a level of comfort and familiarity which really lends itself to a relaxed and pleasurable visit.

Sunday dinner was particularly enjoyable as two of their three sons with wives and grandchildren were all there for dinner, along with Irene's 88 year old mother. Irene's mother, who has always had an unencumbered sense of humor and has recently lost her left leg as a result of poor circulation, is looking for another woman with the same shoe size who has lost here right leg.

Anyway, while we were there I had a reasonable amount of wine and an excessive amount of ice cream -- all of which was very good.

 

Wine and cheese by the pond

Irene weeding one of her flower beds

Across the pond

 

Odometer reading = 63,396
Miles for day = 53

 

 

6/28/04 to 6/29/04
(Woodport NJ)

Upon leaving Irene and Harry's we first went to Brian's sign shop where he put a vinyl American flag on the back of our motorhome. Several years ago he did the lettering for our "Home is where we park it -- traveling the highways of America." We asked Brian about a flag on the back of the motorhome because we have been using static cling flags which rapidly faded from the sunlight. This is a major improvement!

We then headed for Mahlon Dickerson Park, where we checked in for two days. It's a county owned park that is part of a larger nature preserve type area. The campground is heavily wooded so we have no satellite for either TV or Internet

 

American Flag on back of motorhome

 

Odometer reading = 63,422
Miles for day = 26

 

 

6/30/04
(Hyde Park NY)

During the two days at Mahlon Dickerson Park we flushed our fresh water system with a Clorox solution that we had put into the tanks at Irene and Harry's, dumped our holding tanks, and changed our water filters. I then played with Photoshop and the printer making 5x7 prints of a number of photos that I wanted to put into a photo album that I bought at the last Wal-Mart we stayed at. Most of the pictures we take just get stored on the computer (plus an external hard drive) and burned to CD. Perhaps 5% end up on the website and even fewer get printed. That's now going to change and I'll be printing any that I really like. Of the ones I just printed, my favorite is Sharyn examining a rock in the middle of the tundra just south of the arctic circle in the summer of 2002.

Mahlon Dickerson being extremely quiet, plus the trees keeping the sunlight from getting through, render it rather dark and very conducive to sleeping late in the morning -- which we almost never do. This morning it was 10:15 when we woke up and almost one o'clock by the time we got on the road.

Our next destination is at my sister's in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. While of course it's not true that "you can't get there from here," that doesn't mean that there's a good way to go. Looking at the map, without going via Interstates there was no clearly defined route to travel. Hundreds of small country roads, but nothing that stood out and said "take me." So we told DeLorme's Street Atlas to plot us a route. DeLorme wanted us to go through upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and all the heavy congested areas surrounding the New York City metropolitan area. We nudged it to pass through Poughkeepsie NY and Bennington VT, after which it redid the route more to our liking. We printed out a series of AAA type "trip ticks," more to see what they would look like than anything else, but basically worked our way out of that part of Jersey by plugging the computer into the GPS and following the big orange line displayed on the computer. Even doing that we missed two turns but were able to get back on track pretty quickly.

We're now parked on what had had once been the concrete slab in front of a gas station across the road from Roosevelt's home at Hyde Park. Sharyn had me inquire at the restaurant next door if we could stay here. They had no problem with us staying here and said that where we are parked is now owned by the Nature Conservancy.

 

Sharyn on arctic tundra

Niagara Falls (September 28, 1999)

 

Odometer reading = 63,512
Miles for day = 90

 

 

 

7/1/04
(Keene NH)

This morning we were up at 6:30, watched Fox and Friends for a while, had some eggs for breakfast, and went across the street to FDR's home and Presidential Library where we spent three or four hours.

We didn't care much for the house. It was much nicer before they (FDR's mother and father) added the extensions and stucco exterior. We enjoyed the Presidential Library and museum.

Throughout the library and museum building there are numerous displays that are playing speeches that FDR made at various times during his life. One tape we heard was when he went before Congress on December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor. Thinking of his, and the Country's, response to that attack I pointed out to Sharyn that neither he nor anyone else said, "we have to find out why they hate us so."

It was early afternoon by the time we got on the road, and after stopping for lunch at one point, we eventually ended up in a pull-off area at the top of a long grade with four big trucks. Sharyn had some reservations about spending the night there but was reassured by the trucks being there. Unfortunately, by the time we had watched the news and had dinner three of the trucks had left.

We spoke to the other driver who was a retired trucker. It turns out that he and his wife have a 35' Winnebago and on their last pass through Florida they bought a house. He says he's now working again, this time to buy furniture.

Anyway, Sharyn wasn't crazy about staying there so we left. We tried a State Park camping area a number of miles further along but they were full. I wasn't too happy about the fact that by this time it was getting dark (I don't like to drive after dark) but we continued on to Keene where we pulled into the parking lot by a small Wal-Mart situated in a small strip mall.

 

FDR and Eleanor outside the Presidential Library

 

Odometer reading = 63,672
Miles for day = 159

 

 

7/2/04
(Portsmouth NH)

At 7:30 we were up, dressed, and just about finished the coffee pot when we saw a guy going "door to door" among the several RVs that had also spent the night. As he approached us I met him at the door to have him say to me, "You parked right in front of a sign that says 'No overnight parking.'" He then continued with, "Have a nice day and enjoy your weekend."

Eventually we got to Portsmouth where we were to visit with my sister. There is a Wal-Mart less than a mile from where she lives, but Portsmouth has a city ordinance that forbids RVs (but not trucks or other vehicles) from parking overnight in commercial parking lots. The last time we were in Portsmouth and saw the signs in the Wal-Mart lot we spoke to the manager about them, inquiring if Wal-Mart had changed it's corporate policy with respect to RV parking.. He said they had not, that it was a city ordinance, and that he himself had no problem if we spent the night there. We did spend the night, but this time Sharyn didn't want to stay there. My sister had told us about another Wal-Mart in Newington, six miles away, so this time, as we came into Portsmouth we continued on through to Newington. Leaving the motorhome at Wal-Mart we took the car back to my sister's.

We talked a lot, ate a lot, and then went to watch the (early) 4th of July fireworks display at the city park. After the fireworks we went to a restaurant where we ate some more before going home (to the motorhome) for the night.

Odometer reading = 63,781
Miles for day = 110

 

 

7/3/04 and 7/4/04
(Portsmouth NH)

Yesterday Ann and Greg, a young couple friend of my sisters, came for the day and we all went to the city park to see a play that was part of the summer theater schedule. We went there mid-afternoon to spread our blankets on the grass, thereby saving our spot for the evening performance. Returning to the blankets an hour before play time with our picnic lunch (including dessert), we were about half way finished with the food when we learned that there was no play. The night's entertainment was a series of bands each doing their own kind of music. We enjoyed the music, food, and the company anyway, after which we all walked around the old downtown section of Portsmouth (which is VERY nice).

Today we again walked and drove around Portsmouth and the surrounding area; Sharyn and my sister checked out a number of small shops while I took some pictures.

 

Bess and Ann prepare our picnic lunch

Eating our picnic lunch

Downtown Portsmouth after dark

Luncheon downtown

 

Odometer reading = 63,781
Miles for day = 0

 

 

7/5/04
(Portsmouth NH)

Yesterday, while walking around downtown Portsmouth, I spoke to a group of police officers about the level of enforcement of the overnight RV parking ban. They said that unless they get a complaint no one is going to bother us. Based on that, this morning we took the motorhome to the Wal-Mart by my sisters and left it there. That's only a one minute drive to my sister's house and about as convenient as it can get.

While they went to the outlets in Kittery (Maine) I stayed behind reading and watching TV.

In the evening we went out for lobster dinner, after which Sharyn and I returned to the motorhome.

We had no sooner set up the coffee pot for morning coffee when we had a knock at the door. Several Wal-Mart people, including the manager, told us they had been trying to get in touch with us because we could not leave the motorhome there overnight. From the ensuing conversation it seems that the city manager has taken to periodically checking parking lots at night looking for parked RVs. Since Wal-Mart's corporate policy is to welcome RVers to spend the night in their parking lots, the store manager had not been telling overnight RVers to leave. As a result of what he saw as non-cooperation by Wal-Mart the city manager contacted Wal-Mart's home office which in turn contacted this particular store. The bottom line is that Wal-Mart's policy with respect to RVers is secondary to the policy of being "a good neighbor" and being cooperative with local governments. That certainly makes sense on Wal-Mart's part, but it kind of stinks on the part of the city of Portsmouth and it's city manager -- particularly when there are no campgrounds in Portsmouth.

Anyway, they told us about the Wal-Mart at Newington and we laughingly told them we had just moved over from there that morning. Obviously we went back to Newington and went to bed.

Odometer reading = 63,796
Miles for day = 14

 

 

7/6/04
(Gardiner ME)

Leaving Portsmouth (actually Newington) this morning we headed north on US-1 and had an uneventful trip to my cousin Myra's driveway here in Gardiner. At one point we passed a yard sale where Sharyn saw a set of dishes that matched one she already had. We stopped on the side of the road and walked back a half mile only to find that they did not match. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained -- and we've got lots of time to venture (whatever that means).

In Myra's driveway we're plugged into electric for the first time since since we left Jersey about ten days ago. The best thing about that is that I don't have to concern myself with how long the computer remains on. We also would have the same benefit with respect to the TV except that right now there is a giant fir tree that blocks our TV satellite signal.

With respect to satellite signal, I suspect we might not be too far from the northerly limit of our Internet satellite signal (that dish sits on a tripod so I can usually place it clear of interference from trees, buildings, etc). Somewhere between here and Newfoundland we're going to no longer be able to access the Internet. When that happens this site will no longer be updated until we return back further south, probably sometime in October. I will still be updating the travelog on a regular basis but will not be able to upload it to the server. One possibility might be to buy a 250' roll of telephone wire and periodically see if we can't connect via phone line. Since I'm now using a built in desk top system that won't happen too often.

Anyway, we had lots of dinner and conversation with Myra before going to bed.

With respect to Myra, the following is a "cut and paste" from the travelog entry from our last visit here on August 2, 2001:

Incidentally, Myra is one of my more interesting and accomplished relatives. When she was in high school she wanted to be an engineer but was told by her guidance councilor that "girls cannot become engineers." She originally graduated with a Bachelor's degree in nursing; at forty something she got her law degree; she retired as a full colonel from the Air Force reserve with a combined 30 years of active and reserve time; and she's now the Executive Director of the Maine State Board of Nursing. Along the way she also got her Master's degree in Nursing, a private pilot's license, gave "social training" to dogs who were to be trained as seeing eye dogs, and during her years in Europe was active as a ski patrol and rescue person -- all that and she's younger than I am!

Odometer reading = 63,906
Miles for day = 111

 

 

7/7/04 and 7/8/04
(Gardiner ME)

During the first part of the day (yesterday) Sharyn and I got caught up with stuff in the motorhome. Myra came home from work early and drove us around some of the seacoast villages. At one point we stopped and had giant lobster rolls at a sidewalk booth called "Red's Eats." They also have giant ice cream cones, but that's what we had when we were there several years ago.

From there we drove to Boothbay Harbor. A really nice waterfront village that we also visited several years ago, but in the early evening hours -- all the shops were closed when we were there. This time we all got to check out all the little stores, including the one that sold the dark chocolate covered peanut clusters. The library used book shop was closed, but they have shelves of books on the porch. You just take what you want and leave ten cents for every book you take. Between the three of us we took about a dollars worth.

Today was kind of cold and rainy. Myra was at work and I went to get the 20 pound propane bottle filled so we could use our catalytic heater (we're only plugged into a 20 amp outlet). They are great heaters, this one by Olympian, puts out 8,000 BTUs when on high, and when on low only uses 1/6 pound of propane per hour while making no sound and using no electricity. The plan is that I'm going to run a gas line from our bulk tank for the heater, but in the meanwhile the bottle is a makeshift arrangement. On low it kept the motorhome very comfortable through early afternoon when we were able to turn if off.

Most of the day was spent playing with the computer, scanning and printing some old family photos that predate me, while Sharyn read her book. Later on Sharyn made dinner for the three of us.

Right now our plan is to leave here in the morning and probably go up to Bangor or perhaps on towards Machias.

Red's Eats (from the front)

Red's Eats dining area

Buying books

My parents five weeks before my birth

Odometer reading = 63,906
Miles for day = 0

 

 

7/9/04
(Bangor ME)

Following some extended coffee and conversation with Myra, we finished getting ready to leave and went as far as Augusta, about ten miles, before stopping at Barnes and Noble. We didn't stay too long before leaving there and then going to Staples and then to Wal-Mart for some groceries -- all in the same shopping complex.

It was 3:pm by the time we crossed the Kennebec River on US-202 headed for Bangor.

I wanted to talk to a Dometic service technician who had worked on one of our heat pumps in 2001 and had been very knowledgeable. We found him still working at Rec-Tec on US-1A in Brewer, just south of Bangor. By that time it was after 6:pm and we went to a Wal-Mart about a mile down the road to have dinner, watch the news, and go to bed.

Odometer reading = 63,993
Miles for day = 86

 

 

7/10/04
(Bangor ME)

This morning we moved a few miles down the road to a campground next door to Rec-Tec where we checked in for one day. We needed to stop somewhere as we had to dump our holding tanks and take on fresh water.

We're spending the day relaxing, reading, playing with Photoshop, and doing some cleaning. Pretty much a layover day.

Yesterday I bought some peel-off label material and today I made some 1" square and 2" square "Boycott France" stickers to put on bottles of French Wine, French perfumes, etc., displayed on store shelves -- maybe I can start a trend!

In fairness to Sharyn I should say that she doesn't approve of what I intend doing.

Anyway, tomorrow we figure to leave here and head for Machias, a small, picturesque fishing village on the coast where there is no campground and not much ever happens.

 

Boycott France sticker

 

Odometer reading = 63,995
Miles for day = 2

 

 

7/11/04
(Bangor ME)

We woke up to a beautiful sunny day. While having our coffee and conversation we decided to stay here for another day. As campgrounds go this one isn't very much, but it's clean, friendly, and quiet.

We spent most of the day just sitting outside reading. Having just upgraded to Photoshop CS, that's what I've been reading about. Of course I'm also reading No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin (about FDR during WWII) and the latest issue of Shutterbug magazine.

With respect to the issue as to how much further north we can go before we lose our Internet satellite, we've made some inquiries and it appears that along the east coast of North America the signal is useable all the way up through Newfoundland. That would be great since we know we won't have cell phone service (our plan with Cingular) after we pass into Canada. I prefer e-mail anyway -- I send my message when I think about it or feel like it without any concern as to the time of night or whether or not the recipient is at home. By the same token I've never been awaken by an e-mail, nor has e-mail ever interrupted my dinner or my shower. Can't beat it!

Odometer reading = 63,995
Miles for day = 0

 

 

7/12/04
(Machias ME)

This morning, while I was dumping our holdings, Sharyn was talking to a fellow from Nova Scotia who was heading for New York City. He said that gas in Nova Scotia was running about $2.45 per gallon -- that's somewhat better that the $2.75 we had been told -- hope he's right.

From Bangor (actually we've been in Brewer) we headed southeast on US-1A to Ellsworth where we picked up US-1, the "Maine Coastal Highway." While heading north (actually more easterly) along US-1 I told Sharyn we could make a U-turn and take US-1 all the way to Key West. US-1 was the first "interstate" highway to have been completed from one end to the other -- from the Canadian Border to Key West, Florida. Of course at that time it was mostly a 2-lane dirt road, but it was fine for the time.

While US-1 "follows" the Maine coast, you don't get to see the coast very often. The coast of Maine is shaped something like the edge of a partially completed jigsaw puzzle, while US-1 is a relatively smooth curved line that tries to stay near the edge of the unfinished puzzle

Many years ago I helped crew a 36' sailboat from Greenport NY to Corea ME (just east of Acadia National Park. We left Provincetown MA (the tip of Cape Cod) at dawn and made landfall at Matinicus Island off the Maine coast at dawn the following day where we then followed the coast, frequently sailing between the numerous small islands that dot the coast, to a small inlet at Corea.

Since that time (early 1970's) I've told about how you look forward to something, anticipating what it's going to be like, only to have the reality fall short. In my lifetime there have been two occasions when expectations were actually exceeded. The coast of Maine, seen from the water, was one of them. It's like an endless panorama, any segment of which could be on the cover of National Geographic.

Anyway, back to Machias and 2004. We got here in the early afternoon and parked the motorhome in from of a closed motel, drove around with the car, took some pictures, bought some groceries, and eventually returned to the motorhome where we spent the night.

 

Photo taken in East Machias

 

Odometer reading = 64,083
Miles for day = 88

 

 

7/13/04
(St. John NB)

We were up and on the road fairly early for an uneventful, but pleasant, day on the road.

Crossing into Canada we have always encountered some kind of a line, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter, but there was always a line. Today there was no line at all. We suspect that it has to do with high fuel prices which hit RVs (a large percentage of vacation traffic into Canada) particularly heavy.

Right now we're at the Rockwood Campground in the city of St. John. This is where I was on 9-11 when Sharyn had flown to Florida to visit her ailing mother. I was very impressed by, and will always remember, the fact that the day after 9-11 there were more American flags flying in this Canadian city then there were Canadian flags. We liked it here the last time so this time we paid for a week in advance.

Last night I called Cingular to see about doing something with our phone plan so that our phone would work in Canada. Changes were made that were supposed to address that. I don't know what the deal is but our phone has a full signal (this is a good size city) but we can't make any calls. What a pain -- now I have to find a pay phone to call Cingular to find out why the phone doesn't work and see if it is correctable, and Cingular's 800 number probably doesn't work with calls from Canada.

I asked Sharyn in what order did she give priority to have the following things working properly:

1. Satellite Internet

2. Satellite TV

3. Cell phone service

(that's listed in my order of priority)

Her priority is the exact opposite of mine -- no surprise there.

 

Odometer reading = 64,224
Miles for day = 141

 

 

7/14/04 to 7/16/04
(St. John NB)

It looks as if we'll have no telephone until we get back to our "home area" in Virginia which is somewhat ludicrous. It seems that when Cingular put our "North American Plan" (no roaming or long distance charges throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico) into the system it displaced or removed our original plan. No problem there except that our telephone has to download this new info and this can only happen when the telephone is connected to a Cingular tower in Louisa VA. Also, for more reasons that I don't understand, (I'm told) that even to reverse the change that was put into the system would require the phone to attach itself to a Cingular tower in Virginia.

Anyway, yesterday we went into town, both to walk around the city and the old city market, as well as to buy some groceries. Not too far from the old city market is the more contemporary Market Square -- a large indoor mall type affair of what appears to be several large buildings connected by covered pedestrian walkways. At one point while Sharyn was checking out some of the shops in Market Square I bought a newspaper and sat in the large atrium area where a western singer/guitar player was singing American country and western songs from the 50's and 60's. He was clearly a fan of Hank Williams, Sr.

From time to time we take an unexplainable liking to a particular campground. This is one of them. It's basically a giant gravel parking lot with hookups, but not much more. Why do we like it? We don't know.

It's been unseasonably cold since we've been here with rain, fog and drizzle. When we were in Bangor we called Leon, a friend of ours who lives in Lunenburg NS. He said that so far this has been one of the wettest, coldest summers in recent years. It figures. This summer has been warm and beautiful in Alaska while when we were there in 2002 it was the wettest coldest summer in anyone's memory -- I froze to death the whole time we were there. Hopefully as the days and weeks continue the weather will improve.

Sharyn in a Market Square shop

This mornings rain and fog


Odometer reading = 64,224
Miles for day = 0

 

 

7/17/04 and 7/18/04
(St. John NB)

We haven't done very much these last two days -- mostly just hang out, read, and do some more grocery shopping.

We experimented by buying a one gallon (actually 4 liters) bag of milk. We've seen these bags all throughout Canada but never bought one. Mostly because we didn't know what to do with a plastic bag filled with milk. This time we asked a lady in the supermarket. It turns out that inside the big plastic bag are three smaller tube shaped bags. You put one of these tube shaped bags into a similar sized pitcher, then cut the corner off of the bag to pour the milk out. We asked the lady why she bought milk in bags rather than in 1/2 gallon (actually 2 liter) containers (milk does not seem to be available in 4 liter containers). She though for a second and then said she really didn't know why.

For the sake of a cultural experiment (plus curiosity) we bought the bag of milk plus the pitcher. We won't do it again. It's certainly not very convenient (it's a pain in the butt), plus, when we get back on the road an open bag (small bag) of milk in a pitcher sitting on the refrigerator shelf is too likely to spill.

This morning we washed the motorhome for the first time in more than six months. It was looking pretty ratty.

Right now our thoughts are that we will leave here in the morning. If we do it could be several days before we set up our Internet satellite again so this page may not be updated for awhile.

Odometer reading = 64,224
Miles for day = 0

 

 

7/19/04 and 7/20/04
(St. John NB)

Well we didn't leave when we thought we would. For one thing our paid in advance week stull had another day to go, plus we paid for another day after that.

Also the refrigerator hinge came off of the door and had to be repaired. This is the third time we've had trouble with the door hinges. The first time the door plain fell off when we opened it. Anyway it looks as if we fixed it good this time by expoxying the hinge into its receptical. We've had more trouble with this refrigerator than all the rest of the motorhome combined. It's a Norcold. Next time we'll be sure to have a Dometic.

Odometer reading = 64,224
Miles for day = 0

 

 

7/21/04
(Alma NB)

At about noontime today we pulled out of the campground at Rockwood Park and went to Sobeys (a supermarket) to get some groceries before heading to Alma and Fundy National Park.

After setting up at our campsite we went into Alma, a small fishing/tourist village at the bottom of the hill (for the coverage of our first visit in 2001 click here). It was pretty foggy as we took a number of pictures and stopped in at an ice cream shop before returning to the motorhome.

Our campsite

Boat dock

Fishing boats at dock

Same boats when tide is out


Odometer reading = 64,312
Miles for day = 88

 

 

7/22/04
(Truro NS)

Leaving Alma and Fundy National Park we continued on along the two lane winding road past Hopewell Rocks (to read about our 2001 visit to Hopewell Rocks click here) on our route to Nova Scotia.

At one point we missed our turn that was just as well. As we drove past where we were supposed to have turned we saw a low railroad bridge that we would not have been able to pass under, plus there would have been inadequate room to turn around. This brought to mind our last trip through this area when we came across a low bridge in the middle of Moncton, a moderate sized city, and had a problem finding our way to the other side of the track. We decided to get off the narrow road to avoid any low bridge encounters.

Now traveling Canada Route 2 and then Route 102, both dual lane divided highways, we began to make good time, arriving at Truro NS late in the afternoon.

We pulled into a Wal-Mart and parked next to two other RVs, both 5th Wheels from Ontario, who were also spending the night.


A meadow where we pulled over for lunch

Odometer reading = 64,487
Miles for day = 175

 

 

7/23/04
(Lunenburg NS)

After watching Fox and Friends (we really like our inverter -- AC power without the generator) we pulled out of the parking and got back onto Canada 102, less than a half mile away. That's another thing we like about spending the night at Wal-Mart, they're either on or just off the highway.

We were in Lunenburg before lunch and went to the same city owned campground we stayed at the last time. It's two blocks from the city's business district and overlooks water on three sides.

View from our bedroom window

Late afternoon view from our campsite


Odometer reading = 64,602
Miles for day = 115

 

 

7/24/04 through 7/26/04
(Lunenburg NS)

It was over thirty years ago, when we were sailing the area between Eastern Long Island and Nantucket that we met and became friends with Leon, who now lives in Lunenburg. We spent several days talking about all kinds of things, both current and from long ago, and getting a tour of the Lunenburg area. The rain and drizzle continued for most of this time so the photographs we took are somewhat drab and gray, although the area itself is really beautiful.

One day we took Leon's power boat to a bakery somewhere on the other side of some water and behind some islands where we had coffee and assorted bake goods (largely to warm up). When we got back to the dock we returned to Leon's where he made dinner for the second time. Cooking is somewhat of a hobby with him and the finished product is really good!

We had planned to leave here this morning (Monday the 26th) but then this morning we decided to stay another day and drive over to Mahone Bay, another beautiful and picturesque village that we passed through on our way here. Walking around Mahone Bay we (of course) took a number of pictures, visited a number of small shops, bought ice cream cones, and bought one of our kids a Christmas present (we're not saying who or what).


Fishing shack

Waterfront scene

Rocks and boats

View from Leon's porch

Sharyn and Leon behind bakery

Leaving dock behind bakery

Small boat at dock

Leon's chair

Street scene in Mahone Bay

Sharyn in Mahone Bay

Another Sharyn in Mahone Bay

Buoys on fence

Mahone Bay churches

 

Odometer reading = 64,602
Miles for day = 0

 

 

7/27/04
(Halifax NS)

Not having enough gas to get to Halifax (about 60 miles) we pulled into the "full service" island of a gas station advertising gas at 91.9 cents per liter (about $2.69 US per gallon). We could not get the motorhome into the inside islands, but when the guy told us that the full service island was four cents per liter (about 15 cents per gallon) extra we decided to try elsewhere. A few miles further on we found gas at $89.9 per liter. We took 255 liters for $229.70 Canadian That works out to about $177 for 67 gallons of regular gas -- we get just over 7 mpg. We had thought that the high cost of gas and diesel, particularly here in Canada, would have resulted in fewer RVs on the road, and particularly those traveling up here from the US. That doesn't appear to be the case.

Arriving at the outskirts of Halifax we were headed for a campground ten miles north of the city. We still had six miles to go when we came upon a Wal-Mart and decided to stay there instead. Not only would a drive into Halifax and back be 12 miles shorter, but we saved the $29 campground fee. Since we had full batteries, full water tanks, and empty holding tanks, all we really needed was a place to park the motorhome. For that, Wal-Mart works well.

Leaving the motorhome we drove into Halifax, not knowing exactly where we were going or what we were looking for. We found the downtown waterfront area and eventually found the last parking space in the city.

Like a good number of seaport cities Halifax has done very nicely with their waterfront area. Shops, eateries, malls, open public areas -- a continuing concourse of such places along the waterfront -- and in the case of Halifax, a large casino as well. We spent most of the afternoon walking around and looking at all of this until I told Sharyn that I'd just "sit down and wait here."

Eventually we returned to the motorhome where we had dinner and watched the news -- made up mostly of the Democratic Convention.


Street scene in Halifax

Another street scene

Sidewalk coffee

Crossing the street in downtown Halifax

 

Odometer reading = 64,664
Miles for day = 62

 

 

7/28/04
(New Glasgow NS)

This morning there were 9 RVs in Wal-Mart's parking lot -- six of them large motorhomes.

After coffee and conversation and Fox and Friends we were on the road again heading for Cape Breton and the northerly tip of Nova Scotia. While Sharyn had picked up a few groceries last night, we realized we needed more milk so we stopped at the Wal-Mart in Truro where we had stopped on our way to Lunenburg. This time we were only there a few minutes before continuing on.

As we approached New Glasgow, Sharyn, concerned that we wouldn't find a place to stay as we got closer to Cape Breton, suggested that we see if there was a Wal-Mart in town. As we were coming down the big hill into New Glasgow we passed a big RV dealer just off the highway and just before the first New Glasgow exit. A month or so ago the strap that pulls the awning out had broken and Sharyn made a temporary replacement from some ribbon she had. Several days ago that also broke so I though this was a good time to exit the highway, see if we could get a replacement strap at the RV place, and inquire about a Wal-Mart all at the same time. We did and it worked out well -- they had a replacement and there was a Wal-Mart a mile away.

Since it was only 1:PM when we pulled into Wal-Mart, we had lunch and then Sharyn checked out an adjacent shopping center and read her book, while I bring all this stuff up to date (I'm doing five days worth). While I can't upload it to the server (because I'm not setting the satellite up in the parking lot) I can get it all typed and select which pictures to use. While I don't type this every day, I do make daily notes to refer to when I do type it up.

Having typed this far I'll now work on the pictures, hopefully finishing up before the 6 o'clock news (after which I'll be reading more of No Ordinary Time).


RV's in Wal-Mart's parking lot

 

Odometer reading = 64,761
Miles for day = 97

 

 

7/29/04
(Baddeck NS)

Cape Breton is an island constituting approximately 20% - 25% of Nova Scotia and separated from the Nova Scotia mainland via a half mile long causeway. Baddeck is about 60 miles onto the Cape and is the southerly tip of the "Cabot Trail." The Cabot Trail is a 185 mile loop that for most of its length follows the coast of Cape Breton, and is supposed to provide some of the most spectacular coastal views available anywhere in the world. Tomorrow we will beging the Trail, traveling in a clockwise direction, and over the next week or so we will find out for ourselves how spectacular the views are and anticipate taking pictures that will confirm all that we have heard.

Take note of the sky in the following pictures. A few rainy and/or cloudy days are okay and are to be expected, but at this point we've had enough. It's time for some sunshine!


Causeway as seen from Cape Breton

View from the road to Baddeck

Small harbor in Baddeck

Odometer reading = 64,889
Miles for day = 128

 

 

 

7/30/04
(Corney Brook Campground, Cape Breton NS)

We left Baddeck this morning with full water and batteries and empty holding tanks. My thought was we'd only go as far as Margaree Harbor, about 35 miles from Baddeck. Since that's on the coast I figured we'd stay there for several days using it as a base while we used the car to check out the surrounding area. It turned out that Margaree Harbor has one tiny store, one church, two dozen houses, and no place to get the motorhome off the road. We stayed about 20 minutes, took several pictures, and continued on our way up the coast along the Cabot Trail.

We passed through Cheticamp, Petit Etang, and several other small Acadian Villages where practically every house was flying the French flag. These people are many of the descendants of the original Acadians expelled from Nova Scotia by the British in the 1700's. I was good. I didn't use any of my "Boycott France" stickers.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park covers a big chunk of Cape Breton and stretches clear across the island from one coast to the other. As we entered the park we paid our daily user fee and continued on to Corney Brook Campground, a Provincial campground on the Gulf of St. Lawrence -- at this point, pretty much the Atlantic Ocean. Corney Brook campground, like most of the Provincial campgrounds in the park, is dry camping only, and on a first come first served basis.

After setting up in our site we took the car and drove to several overlooks and picnic areas along the coast. At a picnic area about a mile from the campground I was taking pictures when I called Sharyn's attention to a brown colored bear moving through the low brush. When she looked at him through the binoculars it turned out not to be a bear. It was a giant set of antlers moving through scrub growth that was taller than a man's head. The bull moose was heading towards the entrance road to the picnic area so we got in the car and headed in his direction hoping to get a closer look, and of course some pictures. As we got close to where we though he should be we saw a cow moose on the road in front of us so we stopped to watch her. As we sat there Sharyn spotted the bull in the thick brushy woods no more than 50 -60 feet from the car. We stayed there for about ten minutes with the camera trained on him, waiting for him to change his position and become somewhat more visible. He finally just laid down on the ground right where he was and continued to watch us.. He was still laying there when we left.


Village of Margaree Harbour

Heading north along the Cabot Trail

Bull moose laying down in woods

Corney Brook Campground

Aerial post card view of campground

 

Odometer reading = 64,950
Miles for day = 61

 

 

 

7/31/04
(Corney Brook Campground, Cape Breton NS)

We arose to a beautiful sunny day and decided we'd stay here another day. We spent the first part of the day just sitting outside talking and/or reading. By mid-afternoon we decided to take the car and drive on ahead and do some of our "sightseeing" by car.

We went about 20 miles, stopping numerous times along the way, until we reached Pleasant Bay, a tiny fishing village that the park boundary actually skirts around. We took a few pictures, bought a loaf of bread, had some ice cream, and headed back home to the motorhome. As we approached the campground we decided to continue past it and go back to where we had seen the moose yesterday. It was about the same time of day and we though he might be back again. He didn't show up, but while we waited Sharyn watched several American Bald Eagles working the area. There was a strong onshore wind tat, upon hitting the mountain, would have to raise to cross over. The eagles, using this upward movement of the air, soared continuously up and down and back and forth never flapping their wings. With their white heads and white tails, gliding effortlessly overhead on their huge outstretched wings, they were magnificent to watch. Sharyn particularly enjoyed it as these great birds have probably thrilled her more than any other form of wildlife we have encountered.

Back to the mundane -- we are beginning to run out of groceries. While it is possible to pick up some milk or bread at a small store we have yet to see any place on Cape Breton to really buy groceries. The tourist and travel information should tell you to arrive here with enough groceries to last you for the duration of your planned stay.


Fishing boats in Pleasant Bay Harbor

Sharyn watching American Bald Eagle
(arrow depicts where I saw brown "bear")

Corney Brook campsites


Odometer reading = 64,950
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/1/04
(Ingonish NS)

When we got up this morning the sky looked dark and stormy and it was very windy. In fact Sharyn said the window awnings beating in the wind had kept her awake for most of the night. As we left the campground the initial four and a half miles climbs from sea level to 1400 feet and probably took us 20 minutes, in second gear all the way up. After passing through Pleasant Bay we began an even steeper climb that kept us in first gear (10 mph) for several miles. At the crest we were able to get sufficiently off the road for the traffic behind us to pass before we began our descent down the other side. Sharyn thought it should be called "Throw up Mountain" because that's what she was going to do. Anyway, that turned out to be the steepest, and one of the longest, climbs of this trip.

We stopped at a place called Neil's Harbour, another picturesque but tiny fishing village, where we had lunch and walked around before getting back on the road.

Broad Cove Campground in Ingonish may be the only Provincial Campground in the park that has hookups. We made that our destination and found it to be very nice. Definitely a family oriented campground with mostly tents and small popup trailers and about a zillion kids. There are 261 campsites, about 20% of which have hookups. We are surrounded by kids and really enjoy watching and listening.

This afternoon after getting all set up we took a walk to and along the ocean beach. Sharyn was engrossed with all the rocks she was finding and I moved on ahead of her to take a picture of some offshore rocks further down the beach. As I started back towards Sharyn I thought she was examining the rock face of the cliff that overlooks the beach and ocean. When I got to where she was I saw that she was looking at the skeletal remains of what must have been a less than full grown moose. It appeared that he probably fell from the cliff above which has grass and trees growing right to the crumbling edge. He probably stepped near the edge and had it give way beneath him.. I told her I'd make her a wall hanger from one of the hoofs but she wasn't interested.


The downside of "Throwup Mountain"

Neil's Harbour

Sharyn examining moose that got too close to edge


Odometer reading = 65,005
Miles for day = 55

 

 

8/2/04 through 8/4/04
(Ingonish NS)

During our stay here we've visited Mary Ann Falls, basically a swimming hole up in the mountains, the village of Ingonish, a local grocery store, two swimming beaches, and a nearby general store with homemade blueberry pies.

In the evenings we (mostly Sharyn) sit outside and listen to nearby campfire conversations and guitar playing. While we originally registered for two days, we've now extended twice, but plan to leave here in the morning.


Mary Ann Falls

Where Ingonish River flows into Ingonish Harbour

Odometer reading = 65,005
Miles for day = 0

 

 

8/5/04
(New Glasgow NS)

This is out of sequence, but the other day we came across an area near the beach where numerous trees had what what appeared to be "moose rubs." Examining the scraped surfaces, the shreds of remaining bark and the texture of the damaged surfaces were exactly like the buck rubs from whitetail deer, but on a whole different scale. It's too bad I didn't take any close-up shots of the damage.

Anyway, we were back on the road by mid-morning heading south (still going clockwise) along the Cabot Trail.

At one point, at the top of a long steep grade, we pulled off the road to allow the traffic behind us to go by only to find that we were in the parking lot of the Gaelic College of Celtic in St. Ann's. Of course we went in, visited the gift shop, and spoke with the young piper standing out front dressed in kilts and playing his bagpipes. I asked him if he was working off demerits but he said no, that he was an employee of the college. We made a short video of him playing his bagpipes (with audio) to put on this site. Unfortunately it's a 3,100k file -- about 100 times larger than the typical photo we put up.

In any event we finished the Cabot Trail and, continuing south, left Cape Breton and continued on back to the Atlantic Superstore in New Glasgow where, after finally stocking up on some groceries, we spent the night.


Moose rubs on tree?

Portion of downgrade on Cabot Trail

Piper in front of Gaelic College of Celtic

Dock seen from Cabot Trail

 

Odometer reading = 65,197
Miles for day = 192

 

 

8/6/04
(St. John's NB)

After leaving New Glasgow, except for a stop to cut Sharyn some cattails to make a floral display, we had a pretty uneventful trip to St. John's.

As we approached St. John's we decided that instead of checking into the campground in time to watch the news, have dinner, and go to bed, we'd go to Wal-Mart's for the night and check into Rockwood Park Campground in the morning.

Odometer reading = 65,430
Miles for day = 233

 

 

8/7/04
(St. John's NB)

We arrived at Rockwood Park Campground a little after 11 o'clock and got the same site we had last time -- just across from the laundry room. Since laundry was our primary purpose in stopping here this was the ideal site to have.

In the afternoon we took the car into town to get a couple of Cuban cigars for Jordan's cigar smoking neighbor back in Virginia.

We're only about 75 miles from the US border so tomorrow night we'll be sleeping back in the United States.

Odometer reading = 65,434
Miles for day = 4

 

 

8/8/04
(Machias ME)

It was 72 miles from Rockwood Park to the US border and we arrived back in the US with an empty gas tank. About 30 miles into the US we finally stopped and put 75.1 gallons into our 75 gallon tank at a cost of $150. At least I know that our "low fuel" warning light works.

Heading south on US-1 we decided to stop and see FDR's summer cottage at Campobello Island off the coast of Maine. We didn't realize that the Island belonged to Canada (it's part of New Brunswick). The FDR International Bridge connects the Island to the town of Lubec, ME. Lubec advertises itself as the most easterly town in the United States.

Unfortunately, the first thing we did after leaving the welcome center just inside Canadian customs was to drive to the East Quoddy Lighthouse at the northerly end of the Island. That was nice, but by the time we got to Roosevelt's cottage it was closed for the day. We walked around and looked through the windows but had missed being able to really see inside. One conclusion we clearly came to however was that it sure was a nicer house than the one at Hyde Park which we didn't like at all.

Getting back to the lighthouse, it is on the northerly tip of the Island which, at high tide, actually becomes its own island off of the Island. At low tide you can walk across the rocks to the "island" with the lighthouse. There is a signing those crossing over that the incoming tide rises at the rate of 5 feet per hour (this is all in the Bay of Fundy) and if you don't get back across in time you'll be marooned on the lighthouse island for eight hours Signs also warn about strong currents that no one can swim against In the picture below the tide you can see the ladder on the other side that is now inaccessible due to the tide (the lens compresses the distance -- the ladder is about 200' away).

Anyway, coming back over the bridge to Lubec we decided to spend the night beside a gas station that was no longer in business. As we were having dinner and watching the news a number of young guys with their pickup trucks began to gather in the same area. Later on Sharyn watched a Harry Potter movie and I got into bed to read my book. After I dropped the book for the third time I shut off the light and went to sleep. Several hours later Sharyn woke me up and said we had to move; that the guys outside had been getting too rowdy, climbing onto the top of their trucks and doing all kinds of weird things. We brought in the bedroom slide (the only one we had out) and drove out of the lot. As a security precaution, whenever we are somewhere other than a campground we make sure the car is always in neutral and the motorhome keys are in the ignition. As a result of these routine precautions we were able to start the motorhome and drive away without even turning on a light inside the motorhome. It turned out that Sharyn had wrapped herself in the bedspread to keep warm and was curled up in one of the chairs to keep an eye on these guys.

From Lubec our next planned stop was Cutler, a miniscular little fishing village we had visited several years ago. I wanted to go back to take some more pictures. Leaving Lubec we headed for Cutler but upon arriving there we could not see well enough in the dark to find a place to pull off and park. It was close to midnight and there were no lights anywhere. Continuing on we finally came back out on US-1 at East Machias. We knew there was a good sized supermarket with a large parking lot just west of Machias so that's where we went. Within three minutes after pulling into the parking lot Sharyn was in bed and sound asleep.


Looking off the north end of Campobello Island

High tide isolates the northern tip of the Island

View of lighthouse from another and higher position

FDR "cottage" on Campobello Island

 

Odometer reading = 65,616
Miles for day = 182

 

 

8/9/04
(Gardiner ME)

It was an absolutely beautiful day. We actually lingered with our coffee outside the motorhome before getting started this morning, just enjoying the cool crisp air and the bright warm sunlight (the way we were parked at the edge of the parking lot, stepping out of the motorhome we were on the freshly mowed grass beyond the parking lot.

Finishing our coffee we took off heading south on US-1.

At one point we stopped at a wooded rest area where we made coffee and sat at a picnic table drinking our coffee, talking (coffee and conversation), and enjoying the smell of the woods in the cool air. We then continued on to Myra's house in Gardiner. By the time she got home from work we were all set up in her driveway.

Odometer reading = 65,764
Miles for day = 157

 

 

8/10/04 to 8/11/04
(Gardiner ME)

For the last two days we've done quite a bit of visiting with Myra, checking out some of the stores in Augusta (including, of course, Barnes and Noble), and visiting most of the antique stores in Hallowell, a tiny village with a Main Street about 4 blocks long with brick sidewalks lined on both sides with mostly antique and used book stores.


One of the many flower boxes lining the sidewalks in Hallowell

Odometer reading = 65,764
Miles for day = 0

 

 

8/12/04
(Portsmouth NH)

Leaving Gardiner we headed back to my sister's in Portsmouth NH. Due to Portsmouth's "No RV parking after midnight" law we actually took the motorhome to the Wal-Mart in Newington, about six miles from my sisters, in spite of the fact that there's a Wal-Mart a 1/2 mile from her apartment.

Anyway we were making ourselves at home in her apartment when she got home from work. We had dinner and talked for a number of hours before returning to the motorhome for the night.

Odometer reading = 65,872
Miles for day = 108

 

 

8/13/04 through 8/15/04
(Portsmouth NH)

We had a rather low key visit for several days, returning to the motorhome each night. The solar panels are really nice to have in that while we are gone during the day they recharge whatever power we have used from the batteries the night before (assuming of course that we haven't used too much).

We celebrated my sister's birthday and, one afternoon, we picnicked at a local park. A hundred yards across from where we were there was a large white awning set up and a number of people milling about in formal/party dress. When a horsedrawn carriage came through the park carrying a bride to the white awning Sharyn and my sister seemed to get somewhat excited. As a matter of fact we would have left the park earlier except for the fact that we had to "wait to see the bride." How exciting that was!!

Wal-Mart having a corporate policy of inviting RVers to spend the night in one of their parking lots, I had sent e-mails to a number of RV organizations describing our Wal-Mart experience on July 5 of this year when we had to leave the parking lot shortly before midnight because of Portsmouth's no RV parking ordinance. Shortly thereafter I described our experience on a number of RV forums in a piece I titled "Portsmouth NH -- RV Unfriendly." It seems that the city manager had heard from a least one of these RV associations (Escapees) and received a number of unfriendly e-mails as well. Anyway, this time I spoke at some length with Jason Page, Portsmouth's Zoning Enforcement Officer, who told me that, following my similar e-mails and forum postings several years ago when we last encountered this ordinance, he had talked with Wal-Mart and told them that if they'd apply for a variance "it would probably be granted" but that Wal-Mart wasn't interested in pursuing a variance application.

Anyway, it's their town so I guess they can run it anyway they like.

Odometer reading = 65,872
Miles for day = 0

 

 

8/16/04
(Fishkill NY)

A month or so ago as we passed this way on our way north we stopped at Hyde Park NY to visit Roosevelt's home and the Presidential Library and Museum. However, we didn't visit Val-Kill, Eleanor's home. We later decided that we should have, so as we passed through the area on our way back south we figured we'd stop again and see Val-Kill.

Hyde Park and Val-Kill on on Route 9 about 20 miles north of where I-84 crosses. Heading back towards Virginia we are traveling the Interstates, something we usually do not do, so as we approached the exit for Route 9 at Fishkill we got off of I-84. About a mile north we came to a Wal-Mart where we pulled in and spent the night (along with half a dozen other RVs).


Eleanor Roosevelt's home

Odometer reading = 66,169
Miles for day = 297

 

 

8/17/04
(Carlisle PA)

We began our day (after coffee and conversation) by driving up to Val-Kill where we did the guided tour through Eleanor Roosevelt's home before backtracking down to I-84 and continuing or trip south back to Virginia.

After leaving Val-Kill Sharyn asked me why did I think the dining room table was not set properly. I told her I had no idea (I had not noticed) but that that's the kind of question she should have asked the tour guide. The tour guide was an elderly black lady who had known Eleanor for many years prior to her death and used a good deal of her personal knowledge to enhance the tour with many of her stories which brought forth smiles and laughter. I'm not sure how "historically accurate" these stories may have been, but they were stories nevertheless.

One thing about traveling the Interstate rather than our usual two-lane roads is that you sure get further in the same length of time. That's a big part of why we're doing it this way. I'm somewhat surprised at myself, but I've got some of that horse-going-back-to-the-barn syndrome -- we keep moving along.

At Carlisle PA we got off at a Flying-J where we spent the night.

Odometer reading = 66,446
Miles for day = 277

 

 

8/18/04
(Louisa VA)

Before pulling out of Flying-J this morning we dumped our holding tanks and filled our gas tanks. Just as we try to patronize Wal-Mart for letting us stay in their parking lots, we do the same with Flying-J service centers.

By mid-afternoon we were back on the concrete pad at the house in Louisa. While we bought this place to have a "base," we also now tend to think of it as"home." I'm not sure why because even when we're here we still stay in the motorhome.

In mid-October we have to be in Florida for a combination party. It's Sharyn's cousin Diana's 40th wedding anniversary, her (her cousin's) mother's 80th birthday, and her father-in-law's 90th birthday. Until we leave to go to Florida there won't be much to put into a "Travelog" so there may not be much added to this site.

Odometer reading = 66,677
Miles for day = 231

 

 

8/19/04 through 10/9/04
(Louisa VA)

Well it's been some 6 or 7 weeks we we arrived back here in Virginia and now it's time to leave again. There's a McDonald's about five miles from here where we occasionally go for soft ice cream, and it's right next to a large truck stop. Whenever we come out of McDonald's to get back in the car we are facing long rows of big rigs all lined up as the drivers rest for the night. I always comment to Sharyn that come daylight they're all getting back on the road heading in all directions for all kinds of different places and tell her that I kind of feel like I'm being left behind. She says she doesn't feel that way at all. Well tomorrow it's our turn again!

While we've been here we enjoyed time with Jordan, Shane, Phil and Kim, and Katlin and Philip. We now even have some pictures we can post.

I finally ran a sewer line from the motorhome pad to the septic tank so that we have a regular RV sewer hookup. To say that's convenient is an understatement!

We also solved the problem with the giant tree that blocks our satellite TV signal from spring to fall when there are leaves on the tree. The motorhome is setup with DishNetwork's Dish 300 system with the dish permanently mounted on the roof. Jordan has DishNetwork's SuperDish system. We contacted DishNetwork and got a connector switch that enabled us to connect our box to her dish and we now get our programing through her dish. Pretty cool. We also buried the 50 amp electric service and put in a permanent RV park electric hookup.

A week or so ago Sharyn drove the car up to Long Island to visit Greg and Paulette and Scott and Patrick and had an enjoyable visit. While she was there I took the motorhome to Phil and Kim's where I sort of "house watched" for three days while a contractor installed a heat pump for their now finished basement. They were all back at the house after school and work, but I was also around during the day when the workmen were working in the house.

It was almost a month ago that we were driving in to town (Charlottesville) to do some grocery shopping when Sharyn said I better take her to the emergency room instead. She was experiencing lightheadedness and tightness in her chest. After examining her in the emergency room, sending us home, and then calling to tell her to come back to the hospital, they admitted her for the night and did a cardiac catherization the following morning. It seems that her arteries are quite clean and everything looks good. They gave her a monitor to wear but she has not had any further symptoms. While we have always recognized our good fortune that neither of us has any real health problems, that scare make me appreciate it all the more.

Tomorrow we'll be on our way to Apollo Beach in Florida for next weekend's "party."

 

Phil & Kim

Katlin

"Soccer killer" Philip

 

Odometer reading = 66,744
Miles for day = 67

 

 

10/10/04
(Wilson NC)

We long ago realized that the longer we have been in one place, the longer it takes us to get started when we decide to leave. Today further confirmed that's the way it works -- it was 12:30 by the time we pulled out of the driveway.

While we have repeatedly said that we prefer the "two lane roads" to the Interstate, this trip is different since we'd like to be in Florida by Thursday, or Friday at the latest. Accordingly, the bulk of our trip will be on I-95.

After about four hours of uneventful travel we pulled into the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Wilson NC where after watching the news and eating dinner I went to bed (while Sharyn began watching Dirty Dancing for the 139th time).

Odometer reading = 66,933
Miles for day = 188

 

 

10/11/04 and 10/12/04
(Sumter SC)

Having gone to bed so early I was up before six. We were back on the road by 7:30, and pulled into the FamCamp at Shaw AFB a few minutes past noon.

Followers of this site know that this is our favorite campground for reasons not at all clear to us. We plan to stay here tonight and tomorrow and leave Wednesday morning. We learned this afternoon that the South Carolina State Fair begins in Columbia (35 miles west of here) on Thursday. Unfortunately, we won't be here to attend -- you can't have or do it all!

Since I've received a complaint from Sharyn's "married for almost 40 years" cousin that it takes too long to download this page, I've now separated the more current stuff from that which occurred further back. Actually I always did this in prior years -- no excuse for not doing it sooner this time.

Yesterday being Columbus day the commissary was closed so today we went back and did some grocery shopping. The commissary save us a pretty routine 30-35% on the cost of groceries. Plus the stores themselves are almost always quite nice.

I also washed the motorhome, probably for the first time since last spring. The last time it was waxed was when we were in North Dakota in the summer of 2003 so I might try to do it again while we're at Bill and Cheryl's in Arkansas.

Odometer reading = 67,144
Miles for day = 211

 

 

10/13/04
(Jacksonville FL)

We had an easy drive down I-95 to Jacksonville where we picked up I-295, the loop around the city. We stopped at a Wal-Mart Supercenter just off of the loop so we could watch the news, have dinner, and be done with showers, etc. before the debates.

Both the sheriff and the Jacksonville Police Department have an annex in the Wal-Mart lobby so this is probably about as secure a location as we could have. Sharyn might see it somewhat differently. She wonders why they need such a large law enforcement presence.

Anyway, we did all our stuff and watched the final debate. This time we both thought Kerry won, but happily all the pundits seem to say that Bush won. Sure hope they're right. My own view is that America electing Kerry would be like Britain electing Chamberlain in 1940 to lead Britain through the Second World War. That would have been dumb and a catastrophe, and so would be the election of Kerry. I'm very concerned about this election.

Odometer reading = 67,430
Miles for day = 286

 

10/14/04
(Ruskin FL)

We are here! This is where the great party of 2004 is to take place Saturday night. Diana (Sharyn's cousin) and Carl are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary; plus it's her mother's 80th birthday and his father's 90th birthday. We're in a campground about eight miles south of where they live so we will be able to readily commute back and forth throughout the weekend.

Tonight, with only a small number of the expected people there, there were wall to wall babies, plus the parents, grandparents, and great grandparents of those babies. Actually the parents all went out (I guess to party early) while the rest of us stayed at the house.

With four generations present we have moved up to the second oldest group. It doesn't seem that long ago that they were our babies crawling around on the floor.

By the time we got back to the motorhome and got the lights turned off it was 1:30 AM.

Odometer reading = 67,657
Miles for day = 227

 

 

10/15/04 through 10/17/04
(Ruskin FL)

In the last entry I said that the party was Saturday night (last night). That was in error -- the reality is that the party has been ongoing for several days!

Yesterday afternoon and last night there was an endless flow of food, plus a greater selection of Greek pastries than I would have thought available anywhere in the state of Florida.

While this entry will probably be updated later this evening (it's not yet noon) we'll go with this for the time being.

The following photos by Sharyn will probably be of interest to family members only but feel free to look anyway.

 

Aunt Phyliss (80th birthday) with Carl's father (90th birthday)

Carl and his father

The anniversary couple Diana and Carl

Two sets of great grandparents


This afternoon there was some winding down by those who had not left this morning while Jenny (Diana and Carl's daughter)and Steve whose house it is, and who had hosted the entire affair, began to get their household back to normal.

We returned to the motorhome about 8:30 PM and plan to leave in the morning.


Relaxing at poolside

Jenny and Steve

Odometer reading = 67,657
Miles for day = 0

 

 

10/18/04
(Ruskin FL)

We didn't leave this morning as we had planned to because yesterday afternoon Aunt Phyliss was taken to the hospital with chest pains. While they are still holding her, all her tests seem to have come back favorable and she's doing much better.

We anticipate leaving here tomorrow.

Odometer reading = 67,657
Miles for day = 0

 

 

10/19/04
(Umatilla FL)

It was probably noon by the time we got out onto the road.

Passing through Tampa we stopped at Camping World to see if we could find a 12 volt fan that would be suitable for a wall mount installation in the bedroom.. While I frequently need an extra blanket, Sharyn needs a fan blowing on her all night. A year or so ago we bought a 120 volt fan that only draws 1/4 amp. Since that time, however, we have done some rewiring so that we were at the point that at night we had to keep the inverter on for the sole purpose of supplying that 1/4 amp to the fan -- not a very efficient use of battery capacity. With a 12 volt fan, wall mounted and hard wired into the 12 volt system of the motorhome, we'll eliminate the need for running the inverter at night, have an esthetically improved arrangement, plus have a fan that does a better job of keeping Sharyn cool at night.. While the fan we bought has not yet been permanently installed, we did have it jury rigged last night and it worked very well. (None of this electrical efficiency stuff matters when we're plugged in to external power or running the generator. Only when we're running off the batteries).

Camping World in Tampa is adjacent to (and somehow connected with) Lazy Days RV Center. The overall complex is quite large and, with hundreds upon hundreds of motorhomes in the sale areas, has an inventory value that is more than I can imagine!

Anyway, we left there and continued on our way to Ron & Peg's house in Umatilla. We were on I-75 within sight of our exit when Interstate traffic just came to a complete stop. When helicopters appeared overhead we turned on the radio to see if we could find out what was going on. It turned out that President had just left a 22,000 person rally at The Villages, a nearby retirement area and was apparently getting onto I-75 northbound. After about 30 or 40 minutes everything began to move again. As we exited the Interstate and began to move through the next town there were police cars everywhere, traffic cones being removed, etc. It wasn't too long after that when we pulled into Ron & Peg's driveway. They're friends that go back more than 30 years (to the days when we (and they) sailed the waters of Eastern Long Island and New England) and we usually stop and visit when we come to Florida. At this point they're no longer living on the farm and have a new "regular" house, which means no 30 amp outlet at the barn for us to plug into. With a 100' extension cord plugged into a 15 or 20 amp outlet in the garage we can't draw very much current. Accordingly, we're running one air conditioning unit from that circuit and have (electrically) isolated the rest of the motorhome from that incoming power. Everything else is either 12 volts or is running off of the inverter -- therefore the need for electrical efficiency. Our goal (maybe just my goal), is to use only as much power from the batteries as the solar panels can replace. At this point we may be able to accomplish that. I like to tell Sharyn: "Now if we could only recycle our water . . . ."

Odometer reading = 67,791
Miles for day = 133

 

 

10/20/04 through 10/21/04
(Umatilla FL)

Several days with Ron and Peg are always a pleasure. We get to talk about the past, present, and future -- all good things to talk about. It's too bad we hadn't given it more thought ahead of time to give them more notice that we were coming. As Ron said, with greater lead time he could have arranged to take time off from work. Next time we'll do that!

Odometer reading = 67,791
Miles for day = 0

 

 

10/22/04
(Perry FL)

This morning we said good-bye to Peg (Ron's gone before 7 o'clock) and headed towards the Florida Panhandle, once again on our (slow) way to Arkansas.

Once again we stopped at the Westgate Motel and RV Park in Perry FL. It's a somewhat run down operation in what appears to be a rather depressed area. We still seem to stay here (one night only) every time we pass through. The place has been for sale for several years and has lots of deferred maintenance, but a very convenient location. Heading north up from the Florida peninsular you'll hit Perry just as you turn and head west along the Panhandle and the Gulf Coast. The campground, which is behind the motel, backs up against an auto recycling facility and for reasons that we probably could not explain our preferred location in the campground is the row of campsites along the recycling facility. Actually, "easy-in and easy-out," plus a clear view if the sky (for satellite), has a lot to do with our site selection.


Odometer reading = 67,943
Miles for day = 151

 

 

10/23/04 and 10/24/04
(Panama City FL)

Leaving Perry on our way to Tyndall AFB (one of our favorite FamCamps) in Panama City, the question was should we once again take US-98, the same two lane road we have always taken, or should we go a little further north and take I-10, which we have never taken. Sharyn opted for US-98, but half way there commented that she had forgotten what a "boring" road it was. It is, for a large part of the distance, a narrow two lane roadway built through the swamp/jungle. As you proceed westerly, however, particularly past Panama City, there are more towns and villages along the route.

Anyway, we arrived at Tyndall AFB mid-afternoon and got a campsite set back in the woods overlooking a small wilderness area inlet for St. Andrew's Bay and the Gulf.

The day after our arrival we went to the Commissary where we did some pretty extensive grocery shopping (over $150 worth). Remember, we have a pretty small refrigerator and even smaller freezer, plus limited storage space. That's a lot of groceries for us -- probably $225 worth at a civilian supermarket!

We then rode into town where I had to get some female spade connectors to wire the 12 volt fan into the bedroom light switch. While in the strip mall (where I bought the connectors at K-Mart) we saw the Hong Kong Buffet and I asked Sharyn if she'd like to eat there. We went in to see what it looked like and recognized it as the place where we had eaten with another couple in March of this year following a "sunset cruise" on a big sailing catamaran. I was somewhat disappointed as while the food was good, and the selection extensive, the food was not hot. As we paid on the way out I mentioned that to the guy (apparent owner) at the checkout. Half of his response I couldn't hear, and the other half I couldn't understand. I suspect we'll still go back again.

 

Our bench and the sunset as seen from our campsite


Odometer reading = 68,100
Miles for day = 157

 

 

10/25/04
(Panama City FL0

Last night it had been our plan to leave here this morning but we decided to stay another day. Around midday the sky began to brighten so we decided we'd go to the beach. Tyndall AFB has about 10 miles of beautiful white sand beach on the Gulf Coast. We regard it as the nicest beach we've encountered in all our travels; largely because as beautiful as it is there's practically no one there.

After parking the car we were surprised to see that the wooden walkway from the parking lot to the beach was, for the most part, still there. We had thought that the hurricanes earlier this month would have taken out the entire thing, but the bulk of the half mile long walkway survived a pretty rough period.

After perhaps a half hour on the beach it became clear that rain was not too far away so we started back to the car. I did use the zip lock bag that I had brought for my camera. By the time we got back to the campground it was pouring (and it still is).

 

Upland end of wooden walkway

Approaching the beach end of walkway

Sharyn searching for shells before the weather hits


Odometer reading = 68,100
Miles for day = 0

 

 

10/26/04
(Biloxi MS)

It was late morning when we pulled out of the FamCamp at Tyndall AFB, and, unlike yesterday's rain, it was a beautiful sunny day. We headed west along US-98, which follows the Gulf Coast and is known as (and markets itself as) "The Emerald Coast."

The extensive hurricane damage that we expected to see in Panama City just wasn't there. A few trees down, but not too much else. That scenario changed, however, as we approached Pensacola. There was massive damage everywhere. Signs were down, buildings destroyed, trees and debris lying all over the place, and the occasional boat sitting in the woods or field hundreds of yards from the water. There were numerous big piles of debris that were obviously buildings that had been destroyed and pushed up into piles by heavy machinery.

The thing that probably most strongly evidenced the human costs of the storm was the innumerable houses that had their roofs covered with multiple large blue tarps. Many of these houses had piled in front them rolled up carpet, ruined furniture, wet mattresses, and (we don't know why) refrigerators. In some areas in and around Pensacola probably 75% of the homes were covered with blue tarps. As Sharyn said, considering that what we saw was after a month of cleanup, we can't imagine what it must have been like in the days immediately following the hurricane.

With all the work that needs to be done, particularly roof repair, it seems that it could take the better part of a year before it can all be completed -- how many roofers can there be in Florida? Signs posted around warning that anyone making repairs without a Florida contractors license is guilty of a felony may protect some people, but is certain to also limit the pool of available workers.

Anyway, it was our plan to stop at an Escapee campground just outside of Foley AL, not too far off of US-98. However, as we approached the downtown business district of Pensacola work traffic was beginning to build so we did not take US-98 Business as we usually do, and instead followed the signs to regular US-98 West. I thought it strange that the sign sent us in an easterly direction but figured that we'd change direction within a matter of several blocks. That did not happen and we found ourselves sort of trapped, going in the wrong direction and no place to turn around.

To shorten a long story, we went north to where we could pick up I-10 and then took the Interstate to (and through) Mobile AL. Of course that put us north of and beyond the Escapee campground. We stopped at a Wal-Mart several miles southwest of Mobile where we ate and watched the 6 o'clock (Eastern time) Fox News. Neither one of us cared much for where we were (plus it was hot and humid) so we decided to continue on to Biloxi which was only about another 50 miles. Of course that meant driving after dark, which we basically never do, but for the relatively short distance we figured we'd go for it anyway.

A longer than expected day, but then on the other hand we've picked up a day on our time frame to Bill and Cheryl's in Arkansas.


Odometer reading = 68,351
Miles for day = 251

 

 

10/27/04
(Biloxi MS)

We had a slow and easy day today. Sharyn did the laundry and checked out a few stores in town. I read some online news stories and listened to the Dennis Praeger Show on KRLA out of San Diego via Internet radio. He's an extremely well thought out, soft spoken, Jewish conservative who speaks softly and does not argue with or demean his callers. Listen to him from noon to 3:PM Eastern time (9:AM to noon West Coast time) by clicking here.


Our site at Keesler FamCamp

 

Odometer reading = 68,351
Miles for day = 0

 

 

10/28/04
(Biloxi MS)

After an extended coffee and conversation (that still happens every day) we went to the BX where we spent a considerable amount of time.

We again looked at a particular Lazy Box rocker/recliner that we like a lot and find to be quite comfortable. We could put one where Sharyn's chair is, but my chair, together with my computer setup, occupies the space where we used to have a couch. To see if I could reconfigure that space to fit a Lazy Boy and my computer would probably require bringing a Lazy Boy into the motorhome to try it out. I'm not sure how you get the BX (or another store) to go along with such an experiment. This is a bigger issue than it would appear to be. When we first started this full-timeing almost five years ago there were only two things I missed; online access and my Lazy Boy. The online access was solved about two years ago with Internet access via satellite. However, with respect to the Lazy Boy issue, space could be a major impediment.

Anyway, after leaving the BX we did some grocery shopping and returned to the motorhome. I was our plan to then go to the Barnes and Noble in Gulfport, about ten miles from here, but neither of us felt like going out again.

As a none related add-on, you can watch the entire movie "Stolen Honor" by clicking here.

 

Odometer reading = 68,351
Miles for day = 0

 

 

10/29/04
(Baton Rouge LA)

This morning, as I was getting the motorhome ready to leave, Sharyn went to the BX to get something that had just gone on sale as of today. While she was there she inquired about taking a Lazy Boy out to the motorhome to see if it would fit. The manager okayed it, so when we pulled out of the FamCamp we went back to the BX. Putting the Lazy Boy in place of Sharyn's chair we saw it fit pretty well, so we bought it.

Unfortunately when she was sitting in it her feet didn't reach the floor and she said she preferred her original chair (which we still have). We subsequently switched and put the Lazy Boy on my side with the computer. While it physically fits, it's not as suitable as it was on Sharyn's side. Looking at the computer station it looks as if I can reduce the front-to-back dimension by about five inches which will make that much more space available for the chair. I'm going to have to make this work because it sure is comfortable.

Anyway, it was past noon when we finally headed out of Biloxi, driving westbound on US-90 with the white sandy beaches of the Gulf on our left. It was a beautiful day (if kind of hot) and I was thinking that I'd rather spend the day on the beach and leave tomorrow. However, since Sharyn was ready to leave we were on our way out of town. It turns out that she also would have preferred to stay but thought that I wanted to leave. You'd think that we spend enough time together so that this kind of thing would not happen!

We spent the night in a Wal-Mart just outside of Baton Rouge.


Odometer reading = 68,511
Miles for day = 160

 

 

10/30/04
(Shreveport LA)

Since we are "just looking to get to Arkansas" we are not following our usual approach of taking the 2-lane roads, but yesterday and today we have relied heavily on the Interstate system. We took note of how much further and faster you go on the Interstate

In spite of the distance traveled, we got to the FamCamp at Barksdale AFB at 2:30. I was looking forward to a relaxed afternoon of doing nothing and then getting an early start tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, Barksdale AFB is the Headquarters for the 8th Air Force and the 8th Air Force Museum is right here on base. Since there was not adequate time to do the museum today, we'll have to do it tomorrow morning -- so much for an early start..

Incidentally, we had a big "God Bless George Bush . . . God Bless our Troops" poster left over from an anti-anti-war rally we participated in in Charlottesville VA several years ago. With only a few days left to go before election day we decided to tape this poster to the back of the Honda. Louisiana is Bush country. We got lots of signs of support and approval all along our route.


Honda with poster on back


Odometer reading = 68,760
Miles for day = 249

 

 

10/31/04
(Greenwood AR)

We were at the 8th Air Force Museum when it opened and had already looked at the planes on display outside of the building. We spent less than an hour in the building before topping off our gas tank at the base gas station and heading north towards Ft. Smith AR.

We arrived at Bill and Cheryl's late afternoon to find them sitting on the porch waiting for us. They claimed to have been on the verge of coming to look for us. They think it's funny that we take three days to travel the distance they cover in one day. Oh well . . . .

We took immediate notice of the temperature -- it wasn't hot! It seems that as soon as Virginia began experiencing pleasant fall temperatures we left and went to Florida. Since then we've had nothing but 90° type temperatures until we got here in Greenwood (about 25 miles south of Ft. Smith). What an improvement!

Bill and Cheryl have a gravel pad for their own motorhome, complete with 50 amps, etc., that we are using while we're here. We had hardly gotten set up when it started pouring down rain, but by that time we were in the house enjoying the company our visit.


P-51 Mustang

WWII B-17


Odometer reading = 69,008
Miles for day = 248

 

 

11/1/04 through 11/8/04
(Greenwood AR)

We had a pleasant week doing those kind of things that one does when with friends. Pleasant and enjoyable, but not too interesting to strangers to the group. Bill and I drove to to Fort Smith several times, Sharyn and Cheryl drove to Little Rock where Cheryl had a job promotion interview, Sharyn and Cheryl went shopping, Bill and I installed a 100 amp service in his barn, we all went out for dinner, etc.

Hopefully at some time in the future they'll be able to come and visit us when we're at Jordan's house in Virginia. Actually that was the plan for Thanksgiving this year until Cheryl was thrown from one of her horses and had to undergo a hip replacement from which she is now painfully recovering.

About a year or so ago when I bought my Dell desktop system I was unsuccessfully trying to hold down the cost. As a result I ordered the cheapest speakers available -- I think they were $20 dollars. My reasoning was that I did not use the computer for listening to music, watching movies, etc., and the various "beep" type sounds for emails, certain keystrokes, etc. did not require anything other than a beep. Recently, however, I've discovered Internet Radio, particularly KRLA out of California, and pretty regularly (when we're not on the road) listen to the Dennis Praeger Show. For prolonged listening those speakers were really bad. I knew I didn't like them, but didn't realize how bad they were until I heard the speakers on Bill's computer. Anyway, that day we went to town (Fort Smith) where I bought some real speakers. What a difference!

 

Cheryl has Roy dressed for Halloween

Cheryl's horse trailers at daybreak


Odometer reading = 69,008
Miles for day = 0

 

 

11/9/04
(Malvern AR)

not on road until almost noon

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wal-Mart just south of I-30


Odometer reading = 69,149
Miles for day = 141

 

 

11/10/04
(Vicksburg MS)

As always, when we spend the night in a parking lot, Wal-Mart or otherwise, we seem to be out and on the road much earlier. We stopped to eat near the top of some mountain near Pine Bluff. We then continued on for awhile until we came to a big place on the side of the road selling all kinds of crystal and other rocks. We stopped to check it out, bought a few pieces, and continued on our way.

Our destination for the day was the Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg and we got here sometime in mid-afternoon. We only spent about an hour in the casino before returning to the motorhome for a while before we were going to go back to the casino for dinner. Casino security came by and we asked if we were allowed to spend the night where we were. He said that was no problem as the parking lot was never crowded during midweek.

It turned out that we didn't go back for dinner after all. Sharyn wanted to watch West Wing, plus it didn't appear that they had the steak and lobster dinner that we had last time and planned to have again. Sharyn said she'd rather go out in Biloxi.

The parking lot and casino are right on the bluff over looking the Mississippi River, and once again I was amazed while watching the tugs push their giant load of barges up and down the river. A flotilla (or whatever you call it) of barges all tied together make a pretty big thing to be pushed up the river. The pictures below are of a single (but VERY big) tugboat pushing a group a barges upriver against the current -- barely making any headway (note the current in the foreground). As for the size of the tug, notice that it's five stories tall. Also, look at the size of the doors. Anyway, it was an hour between the time he approached the bridge until he disappeared around the curve just upstream. The line of barges is so long (over a quarter mile) that as he's approaching a bend in the river the current coming around the bend is trying to push the lead barges sideways long before the main part of the group is into the bend. These tug captains must have tremendous river skills as they never seem to loose control.

Interstate 20 bridge over the Mississippi River

Tugboat and barges shortly after passing under bridge

BIG tugboat!

Tugboat and barges entering curve in river


Odometer reading = 69,373
Miles for day = 224

 

 

11/11/04
(Biloxi MS)

We had an uneventful trip back to Biloxi where we again checked into the FamCamp -- this time paying for one week in advance.

We got everything all set up, including our Internet satellite, but the overcast cloud cover is so dense that we are unable to maintain our online connection. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no sunshine in the forcast. We'll just have to wait it out -- we've got time.


Odometer reading = 69,582
Miles for day = 208

 

 

11/12/04 through 11/18/04
(Biloxi MS)

It's been a quiet week. For the most part we stayed around the motorhome with a few trips to town. With no schedule or time frame we've just kind of been enjoying free time and each others company. Our week is up today but we've extended our stay until tomorrow. While I'm doing stringbean Sharyn has gone back to Stein Mart, a local store that she likes.

This afternoon I plan to make some fat free, sugar free, oatmeal cookies that are both healthy and delicious -- particularly after being soaked in rum.

Tomorrow we plan to move east to Tyndall AFB in Panama City where we'll probably stay for a number of days before heading back to Virginia for Christmas.

We enjoy special parking privileges at the local Winn-Dixie


Odometer reading = 69,582
Miles for day = 0

 

 

11/19/04
(Valley AL)

Once again we are reminded that our plans are never firm until after the fact. This morning we left Biloxi on our way to Tyndall AFB in Panama City FL. Somewhere around the Mississippi-Alabama border we called Phil and asked if we showed up for Thanksgiving would they feed us. He said he thought they could handle that, so we turned left and headed for Virginia.

Our new route took us up through Atlanta so we decided to make a short detour and go visit Jim and Sheila, friends that live just outside of Athens GA.

We got as far as a place on the Alabama-Georgia border that seems to be called "Valley." I think that's the name, but you'd think it would be a two word name such as "Pleasant Valley" or "Deep Valley" or something other than just plain Valley. Oh well, it's their town.

Based on the above I suspect we spent the night in Valley's Wal-Mart parking lot.


Odometer reading = 69,893
Miles for day = 311

 

 

11/20/04
(Bogart GA)

Before pulling out of Wal-Mart's parking lot we put Jim and Sheila's address into DeLorme's Street Atlas and had it plot our route (we have a hand held Magellan GPS plugged into the computer). It worked well and following the directions of the female voice coming out of the computer we drove right up to their front door. It's probably the first time we ever went directly to their house without getting lost.

Anyway, we got there around noon and Jim even had an electric extension cord coiled up on the driveway and plugged into the garage. We enjoyed our visit and all the catching up on whose doing what, what all the kids are doing these days, etc. While at this point we don't get to see them too often, there was a time many yeas ago (when Sharyn and Sheila were still having having babies) that we did a lot together.

The conversation continued on until some of us were having trouble staying awake -- at that point we all called it a day and went to bed.


Odometer reading = 70,033
Miles for day = 140

 

 

11/21/04
(Gastonia NC)

This morning the conversation kind of picked up where it ended last night and it was probably somewhere around noon before we left.

Not too much to write about and we drove north on I-85. It was near dusk when we pulled into a large shopping center just off the Interstate in Gastonia NC. We parked among several big 18 wheelers who looked like they were there for the night. After it got dark, as we had dinner and watched TV, one by one, the big trucks pulled out. By morning several other RV had pulled in and parked near us.

Typically, the way it works is that we're the first ones off the road in the evening and the last to get started again in the morning. We're comfortable with that!


Odometer reading = 70,227
Miles for day = 194

 

 

11/22/04
(Louisa VA)

We got off the Interstate at Greensboro NC and took US-29 north to Charlottesville VA. Having traveled more Interstate since leaving Virginia a month or so ago we've come to the conclusion that while you go further faster we still prefer the "two lane roads." It takes longer, but then the idea is that we aren't supposed to have to be anywhere at any particular time.

It's rained for the last two days, and as we got "home" (I guess it's "home") it was getting dark. Dark and rainy is not my kind of driving conditions -- in fact, we pull off before that happens. We got home just in time.

We're here about a week or so earlier then originally planned, but that's okay -- it gives us more time to see and visit with the kids and grandchildren.

After Christmas we'll be back on the road to somewhere warmer. We're considering Sumter Oaks, an Escapee Co-op park, in Bushnell FL, Panama City or Biloxi along the Gulf Coast, or Quartzsite AZ. Quartzsite is a nothing crossroads in the middle of the Arizona dessert that, in January, turns into a Mecca for RVers. Something like 200,000 RVs gather together throughout the desert in about a ten mile radius around Quartzsite. In Quartzsite there's a big RV show, a rock and gem show that probably covers 100 acres, what is billed as "the world's largest flea market," etc. With the annual influx of what is estimated to be a half million RVers it's a pretty neat place to be -- but it's 3,000 miles from here and we have this "rule" against doing more than 200 miles a day. We'll see what happens.

In the meanwhile, there won't be too much posted on this site as hanging out with family does not make for very interesting reading for those outside of family who visit this site. Again, we'll see what happens -- check back in a couple of weeks.

 

Quartzsite RV show January 2004


Odometer reading = 70,550
Miles for day = 322

 

 

11/23/04 to 12/31/04
(Louisa VA)

These last weeks have been a period of what would probably be described as a retired couples routine family life (except that Christmas is certainly not "routine").

Aside from the time spent with kids and grandchildren, which we thoroughly enjoy, there has been the time thawing out and replacing the frozen water filters in the motorhome, which we enjoy very little. Temperatures in the lower teens are not compatable with RV living (without special preparation).

Anyway, this is a travelog and there has been no travel. In the next two or three days we will be heading south, most likely to Biloxi. For now it's the end of the year and the end of the 2004 Travelog.

 

Odometer reading = 70,550
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

1/1/05 and 1/2/05
(Louisa VA)

Not too much of interest to write about.

We finished up getting Jordan's house back to it's "pre-Christmas" condition and, in general, began getting ourselves ready to leave.


Odometer reading = 70,550
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/3/05
(Oxford NC)


This morning we finished up with all the "getting ready to leave" stuff, put air in Jordan's tires, and got off to a leisurely start around 11:am. We don't yet know where we're going, but for now "south" is good enough. When we get to Shaw AFB in Sumter SC we'll stay there until we have a real destination.

In the meanwhile, during the course of the day we stopped three times; once for gas, once for lunch, and once for a blowout. We were traveling south on US-15 at a place where it is a four lane highway and had pulled into the left lane to pass some guy doing 40 mph (one of the few times we ever passed anyone). As our front right wheel came adjacent to his driver's window the tire blew with a loud bang, followed by the flapping about by a lot of loose rubber. Sharyn later said the guy must have thought we shot at him -- it sure did sound that way!

Anyway, we spent the better part of a hour changing the tire. It was not a good place to pull over and we had some difficulty getting the motorhome jacked up high enough so that the tire cleared the ground. Actually, the motorhome's leveling jacks make it easier to change a tire on the motorhome than on the car. Of course the car tires aren't quite as heavy.

The tire that blew was the last of our original tires and, judging from the amount of remaining tread, had spent some time as a spare. When we get to Sumter I suspect we'll be in the market for a new tire..

For now, we're in Wal-Mart's parking lot here in Oxford NC waiting for the six o'clock news on Fox.


Closeup of our blowout


Odometer reading = 70,712
Miles for day = 162

 

 

1/4/05
(Sumter SC)

I was tired last night and went to bed at 8:30. As a result I was up this morning at 4:15, had my first coffee, and began getting ready to get an early start (after a night in Wal-Mart's it only takes about 15 minutes to get ready to leave -- there's not too much involved).

When I was otherwise ready I brought in the bedroom slideout, hoping not to wake Sharyn in the process. I have told her many times that she could stay in bed when we start off in the morning, but she wants nothing to do with that. I think she's afraid to let me drive by myself. Anyway, it didn't matter. She woke up and said she wasn't going to stay in bed and let me drive away.

As I poured her a cup of coffee she saw that the time was only 4:45 but didn't seem to be too upset about it. At that point we didn't leave for another hour, instead we had a very pleasant coffee and conversation in the quiet pre-dawn darkness. I even commented about what seemed to be the special nature of the early morning solitude. (Is there any such thing as solitude for two?)

We pulled into the FamCamp at Shaw AFB about 11:am. That's pretty impressive as that's pretty close to our normal departure time.

For only the second time ever we didn't get site #7 (our favorite campsite). I guess the guy there didn't realize that was our site and that we'd be here.

For the rest of the day we just enjoyed the 73° sunshine and the scent of the surrounding pine trees.



Odometer reading = 70,940
Miles for day = 217

 

 

1/5/05 and 1/6/05
(Sumter SC)

These two days just confirm how much we enjoy this place. It's just a pleasant place to be where we always feel relaxed and comfortable. It's still our favorite campground and we still can't explain what makes that so. We just like it here!

I finally finished the new water filter installation replacing the one that froze and split open one night several weeks ago when the temperature went down into the lower teens. When the weather was getting so cold I put a 60 watt bulb in the utility bay by the filters and water pump thinking that would be sufficient to prevent damage. Clearly it was not. After that I replaced the 60 watt bulb with an 850 watt electric heater with a thermostat. The heater was only $12 at Lowes, and with the thermostat just above the lowest setting, it seems to maintain a safe temperature for the utility bay. Actually, I plan to buy another one to place in the bay that houses the 75 gallon fresh water tank. The motorhome is designed with heat vents from the furnaces going into these "basement" areas, but we were using a catalytic heater and not the furnaces.

Sharyn has done a remarkable job of cleaning the carpet, cabinets, and the two leather seats. The interior of the motorhome looks great! The outside is pretty gross, but I'll wash it tomorrow. It's also time to compound and wax the entire exterior again. I try to do it once a year but somehow I missed this past summer.

Of course we also replaced our blown tire (at a cost of $310.74). We now have six new tires, all but one of which are the new Goodyear G-670 RV, a tire specifically designed by Goodyear (not a French owned company) for RV's. Everything we're read about these tires has been positive. Several RV manufacturers have dropped Michelin and now install these Goodyears as original equipment.


New water filter installation


Odometer reading = 70,940
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/7/05 through 1/11/05
(Sumter SC)

Mostly we've enjoyed the 70° sunny days and the 50° clear nights, but we also did some other stuff.

Genealogy wise, we went to three cemeteries in Sumter and Clarendon Counties where Broadways (my mother's family) have been being buried for about 200 years. We've been to these cemeteries before but I wanted determine the global coordinates while I still know how to find them. The Broadway Cemetery, the smallest of the three, contains only about a dozen graves including that of Lewis Broadway (1798 - 1857), my great-great grandfather. If any of my descendants ever want to find these places I'm sure the navigation systems that will be in their cars will take them right there.

Yesterday we drove up to visit and have lunch with my cousin Bobby and his wife Teresa in Florence SC. Lewis Broadway is his great-great-great-grandfather.

Today I finally replaced the spring that retracts the left rear leveling jack on the motorhome. I've had the spring since March which proves that sooner or later everything gets to the top of this list. I wasn't happy having to replace that spring because several years ago a hydraulic shop in California rebuilt that jack for us. In the process he stretched the retraction spring to the point that it no longer fully retracted the jack. We were probably a thousand miles away by the time we realized it. Anyway, now it's fixed.

As of now we plan to leave here in the morning and continue south -- perhaps to Andersonville , the notorious Civil War prison in Andersonville, Georgia where some 13,000 Union prisoners died in captivity. In 1998 the National Prisoner of War Museum also opened at Andersonville.


Me, Bobby, and his wife Teresa


Broadway Cemetery

Odometer reading = 70,940
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/12/05
(Sumter SC)

I guess it should be no surprise that we're still here. This was just too nice a package to leave. I suspect we'll still leave in the morning.


Our campsite


Odometer reading = 70,940
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/13/05 to 1/24/05
(Sumter SC)

I'm not sure exactly what to write as, at this point, it will seem both repetitious and dumb, but we're still here. However, in the morning we're leaving and going back to Virginia to provide a support system for our daughter.

About a week or so ago we paid what would have been the balance for a one month stay that took us up to February 4. I spoke to the fellow that kind of runs the FamCamp office to see if we could not have a credit for our unused time until the next time we come here. He said he'd make a note of our unused days and talk to his boss about it. He didn't think it would be a problem.


Odometer reading = 70,940
Miles for day = 0

 

 

1/25/05
(Wilson NC)

It was almost noon by the time we were actually on the road. First we stopped at the gas station on base where we took on 75.32 gallons of regular gas. That's an awful lot of gas for a "75 gallon" tank. We then proceeded to Southern States where we filled our 80 pound propane tank. From there we headed north on US-76 to Florence where we picked up I-95.

Around 5:PM we pulled into the Wal-Mart in Wilson NC where we watched the news, had dinner, and went to bed.

When we first parked off on the edge of the parking lot we were the only RV there. By the time we went to bed we had been joined by two 5th wheels, a trailer, a motorhome, and two tractor trailers.


Odometer reading = 71,156
Miles for day = 216

 

 

1/26/05
(Louisa VA)

I was up this morning at 5:50AM When the coffee was ready I poured Sharyn's cup and then, trying to be unobtrusive, woke her up to tell her her coffee was getting cold. I think it was about 7:30 when we pulled out of the parking lot (the tractor trailers had already left, but the RVs were still there).

Four hours later we were backing the motorhome onto the snow covered concrete pad next to the house.

Again, since we'll be here for awhile, it may be awhile before there is any further update to this page.


Odometer reading = 71,350
Miles for day = 193

 

 

8/11/05
(Sumter SC)

Some seven months after we unexpectedly left the FamCamp here at Shaw AFB in Sumter, we're back again. Much more importantly, after a seven month hiatus, we're back on the road again and back to our full-time RVing.

As we've written a number of times, this is our favorite campground and we could never figure out why there was practically no one here. Well, when we came in last night we were somewhat taken back by the fact that the place was practically full (including our two favorite campsites). We now realize that we always come here in the winter when there aren't a great number of "campers" out and about.. Anyway, when we left here in January we had paid for a month and still had 12 days to go. This morning they said they would honor our 12 unused days.

What we expected to be about an eight hour trip took us over eleven hours, the result of three separate construction areas on I-95 in North Carolina, plus a motorhome problem in Pleasant Hill NC.

After taking on fuel in Pleasant Hill I went to start the engine and nothing happened -- nothing at all -- even the gauges on the dashboard didn't move. With Sharyn driving the car she was able to push the motorhome away from the pumps to the truck parking area behind the station. Continuing to try to diagnose the problem I found that by jiggling the key I could get the gauges to sometimes come on, but no starter action. I was pretty sure it was a bad ignition switch (which we had replaced several years ago under warranty), but Sharyn kept saying it was a dead battery. I was about to take the car and go talk to a Ford dealer several miles down the Interstate but Sharyn was so insistent about the dead battery that, in large part to appease her, I jumped the battery by connecting it (the chassis battery) to the four Trojan house batteries (there is a button on the dash to accomplish this). Pushing the button and turning the key the motor started instantly! I told Sharyn I was going to take her out to dinner for solving our crisis problem. She said, "I just know these things."

Anyway, much to our relief, we finally arrived at Shaw AFB more than eleven hours after we started out.

There's not a great deal to write about the last seven months but I'll include the following three pictures to depict some of the weather that full-timers are never supposed to encounter. The date was March 5.

Parked in our daughters yard

Storage shed

Sharyn enjoying the snowfall

 

Odometer reading = 71,741
Miles for day = 391

 

 

 

8/12/05
(Sumter SC)

The main event for today was the purchase and installation of a new battery for the motorhome. After installing it I turned the key and the motorhome instantly roared to life. A very happy sound.

One of the changes we've talked about implementing in our approach to full-timing is to stay longer at the places we stop, and move less frequently. There is a two fold purpose in doing this. First, we will get to know more about the places we stop and have greater interaction with the people there -- both campers and residents. Second, it will offset the increased costs of fuel. (In 1998 when we bought our 26' Travel Master we were paying 87 cents per gallon for gas).

Actually we've been talking about doing this even before the price of fuel went through the sky. While we've been to all the states except Rhode Island and Hawaii, there is a big difference between having "been to" (a particular state) and having "seen" (a particular state). While in 5½ years we've been to all these states, we figure it would take 20 years really "see" all of America. We probably don't have 20 years, but we'll start anyway.

Part of the reason for mentioning this is that when we stay in one place for a longer period of time there will probably be less to write about on any given day. Accordingly there will probably be more lapses when I make no entry for several days (I try to avoid too much of "first we went to the grocery store, then we went to the post office"). However (particularly now that I have my new camera - a Canon 20D), I'll probably post more pictures. I'll see how it all works out.

 

Odometer reading = 71,741
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/1/05
(Sumter SC)

It was our plan to fill up the gas tank when we first arrived here at Shaw AFB. However, because of the battery problem we were experiencing when we pulled onto the base we decided to forgo stopping at the base gas station. The day we came in gas was $2.17. This morning Sharyn was on her way to the BX and saw that gas, which has been going up continuously, was up to $2.69 and thought that she'd fill the tank on her way back. On her way back, an hour later, gas was up $2.92! (we are now three days post hurricane Katrina).

The Enlisted Spouses Club is sponsoring a craft fair here on September 24 and Sharyn has a table to sell some of her jewelry. Accordingly she's been working on building up her inventory. Hopefully she will do well.

It was probably several years ago that we bought an Olympian catalytic heater to use as a high efficiency heat source that requires no electricity. It's a great thing to have because we can use it while boondocking and not have to worry about using up battery power (the blower motors in the furnaces will draw down your batteries in short order). We also use it when plugged into AC and the temperatures go into the 20's. When it's that cold the heat pumps shut down and the furnaces automatically come on. Since we're plugged in the electricity used by the fans is not a problem but the furnaces use LOTS of propane -- largely because they put as much heat outside as they do inside. Take note of the amount of heat exiting the exterior furnace vent -- the "chimney" if you will. Besides I don't like the noise of the furnace fans. The catalytic heaters require no electricity, are totally silent, and extremely efficient -- all the heat remains inside the motorhome. Because they do consume oxygen out of the air you should crack a window at night to allow for this oxygen to be replenished. During the daytime there is enough in and out to insure sufficient air exchange. When the heater uses one pound of propane it depletes the oxygen from so many cubic feet of air. I've been trying to find out just how many cubic feet but so far have not been able to find the answer. If and when I get the answer I'll put it on the site.

The only drawback to the catalytic heater was that we were using a 20 pound propane tank that sat on the floor next to the heater. That took up a big chunk of space, plus it was ugly. For well over a year I've been going to run a gas line from our chassis tank to a connection in the living room area. Finally I actually got it done. I tapped into the gas line right at the tank and ran 3/8 copper tubing along the outside of the chassis frame until I came up to a shut off valve under the copilot's seat (with another shut off valve right where I tapped into the original gas line). To insure against the tubing wearing or weakening from vibration or chaffing I used a heavy plastic conduit tied off every 24-30 inches. There's almost no movement allowed and I'm pretty comfortable with the finished job (Sharyn accuses me of trying to blow her up with the gas line under her seat).

 

Large nugget necklace made by Sharyn

Turquoise and silver necklace

Gas tap at chassis tank

Coming up under Sharyn's seat

Connection valve behind seat

Our campsite

Sharyn reading her book

 

Odometer reading = 71,741
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/2/05
(Sumter SC)

We went into Columbia today. Regular gas is running up to $3.35 per gallon and a number of stations are out of regular gas.

With all the TV coverage of what hurricane Katrina did to New Orleans we think back to our last visit to New Orleans in March 2002. This picture taken on Bourbon Street is one of the many things that the French Quarter used to be all about. We wonder if this man survived the hurricane.


New Orleans musician March 13, 2002

 

Odometer reading = 71,741
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/3/05 to 10/26/05
(Sumter SC)

After a number of false starts we are finally getting ourselves ready to leave Sumter and the Shaw AFB FamCamp. Since I typically can't remember what happened yesterday, the following is my best attempt to put together some kind of coherent account of what we've been doing for the last two months. Since we've been here the temperatures have fallen dramatically (about 40°) to the point where we've been in the high 30's at night. Shorts and T-shirts have been replaced by dungarees and sweatshirts. It's a good feeling.

We have become very comfortable being in Sumter. Several years ago while we were staying here we even looked at some houses in the area. Several days ago I told Sharyn that to the extent I could live in one place, Sumter probably comes closer to being that place than anywhere else I could think of. We have also talked about the "need" for a house anywhere, if a motorhome or RV is an alternative. At the FamCamp here at Shaw we pay $350 a month. For that we get to live in an, admittedly small, but very nice home (the motorhome of our choice) in a crime free "gated community" with around the clock armed security, yard maintenance, all utilities, and real estate taxes included. Discount shopping and groceries (BX and Commissary) are additional benefits. Since we long ago decided that wherever we were in January is not where we'd want to be in August and vice-versa, the ability to relocate our home at any time and to any place, gives the motorhome an unchallengable advantage. We incur no expenses in Sumter while we are somewhere else -- with a house the expenses remain pretty much the same whether you are there or not.

Perhaps not unrelated to all of the above, when we leave here we'll be on our way to Red Bay, Alabama to look at the 40' Allegro Phaeton (diesel).

Now to move on to Southwest Designs, Sharyn's creative endeavor. A few years ago, just fooling around, she made a few eyeglass chains that she gave away to friends and relatives. From that beginning, she has evolved to the point where the pieces she makes are all one-of-a-kind, of her own creative design, and are beautifully made. This past weekend she displayed her pieces at the Annual Sumter County Octoberfest. Not only did she sell a good number, but as a result of some of the other crafts people who saw her stuff she has been invited to participate in two upcoming shows, one Ashville NC in December, and one in Myrtle Beach in the spring. The nice thing about these invitations is that they are to participate in high end shows that require your sale items to be pre-approved as to quality, workmanship, etc. These people were duly impressed with her jewelry. A few weeks ago we began a website for Southwest Designs. Take a look -- it's really neat stuff.

Not too long ago, while we were in Columbia, we went by the State Capital Building so I could see and photograph some of the damage inflicted upon the building by Sherman's artillery during the final days of the Civil War. Each place where a shell hit has been marked with a gold star -- there are about a dozen such stars.

 

As an aside, William Tecumseh Sherman is one of my favorite Civil War heroes. Everyone, particularly Southerners, are well aware of the burning of Atlanta, his "March to the Sea," and his alleged his Burning of the City of Columbia. Less known is the fact that he was the first president of Louisiana State University, and that when Confederate General Joseph Johnston surrendered his army to Sherman near Hillsborough NC (five days after Lee had surrendered at Appomattox) Sherman was even more lenient with Johnston than Grant had been with Lee. So much so that many in the North regarded him as a traitor, and the US Government subsequently rejected some of the terms agreed to by Sherman.

Sherman is also credited with being the first to employ the principle of modern warfare that you don't win by defeating the enemy's army, you win by defeating the morale of the people so that they will no longer support the war -- hence his "Scorched Earth March to the Sea."

It worked then, it worked in Vietnam (ask Lyndon Johnson) and, to some extent, it may be working in Iraq (ask George Bush).

 

Having seen what happened to gasoline prices after hurricane Katrina, as soon as hurricane Rita hit the Gulf shore we thought it was a good idea to top off the tank in the motorhome before the hurricane effect pushed up the prices again. By that time the price was down to $2.62 so we wanted to lock in our cost at that price. We unhooked all our lines, brought in the slides, etc. and topped off with 58.53 gallons for $154.50. Now that we're ready to leave, gas is down to $2.54 which, while we aren't complaining, proves you can't win. Oh well!

As regular readers may know, several years ago we rigged a pretty substantial flag pole arrangement to the motorhome with a 20' telescoping pole. The problem has been that you are not supposed to leave the flag up after dark unless it is illuminated. It was not, yet I did not take the flag down at night (rationalizing that it was better the flag flew all the time rather than not at all -- a dumb rationalization since it did not have to be 24 hours or nothing). Anyway, for a very long time it has been my plan to arrange some kind of a spotlight on the roof to illuminate the flag at night. In fact, I bought the light fixture over a year ago! Well, I'm writing about it now because I finally got it installed, running a 12 volt line up through the refrigerator vent. The light is on it's own circuit with a switch at the electric panel just below the refrigerator

Another job completed in the last few days was a new computer table setup. When I bought a new scanner last winter so that I could scan slides and negatives, the new scanner did not fit in the old desk I had made several years ago. The new desk, while it fits the new scanner and has some improvements over the original, is really not too different than the one it replaces.

Finally, for a combination Father's Day/Birthday, Phil gave me Sirius satellite radio for the motorhome. Last week I purchased a second vehicle docking station for the car so that we could move the satellite radio back and forth between the car and the motorhome. I just installed that yesterday, except that for now it still has to be plugged into the cigarette lighter. That has to be hard wired into the 12 volt system which I'll get to not too far down the line. For now, all my jobs are done!

It looks as if we're going to leave here Friday morning (today is Wednesday), stop and visit friends in Athens GA, and then proceed to Red Bay AL. We'll see if it really happens that way.

Sharyn waiting for me at State Capital Building

South Carolina State Capital w/ Strom Thurmond Statue

Impact points of two Union artillary shells

F-16 approaching Shaw AFB (photo taken from off base)

A cool picture in Clarendon County

Sharyn getting ready for Octoberfest

My favorite Octoberfest picture

Flagpole spotlight

New computer table

 

Odometer reading = 71,750
Miles for day = 9

 

 

 

10/28/05
(Athens GA)

Yesterday we did some preliminary getting ready to leave -- the longer we have been in one place, the more there is to getting ready to leave, and we've been here two months. We've never been that long in one place except for two occasions when we were at the house in Virginia where our daughter lives.

This morning we had a delayed start for several reasons. First of all we learned last night that our daughter had forwarded us a bunch of mail which had not yet come. This morning we decided we'd pay for another day and hope that it arrived tomorrow morning (Saturday) before the office closed for the weekend.

Fifteen minutes after we paid for the extra day the guy came over from the office to give us the newly arrived mail. He also said that if we liked, he would reverse the payment on our card. We did that and then prepared to leave.

Next problem. The bedroom slide would not come in (we have never had a slide problem). There was no sound whatsoever when we activated the switch so I said it was probably a fuse, but we couldn't find the fuse in question. I knew that there was an emergency crank to bring the slides in if one of them failed to function properly, but while I knew where the crank point was for the living room slide, I couldn't find the one for the bedroom. Rather than continue to look I called Allegro and asked them. The guy told me the circuit board and fuse were in the closet wall behind the switch plate and that there was a removable access panel, probably in the closet. Only problem was that there was no access panel. I told him that this motorhome was on the assembly line when they shut down for two weeks at Christmas in 1999 and that we had found several things over the years that we attributed to the workers coming back to the partially completed motorhome after two weeks and saying, "Now where was I?" I told him I though that was what must have happened to the access panel. I suspect that he thinks the panel is there and that either I don't see it or don't know what it is. He also told me where the crank point was to crank it in by hand (it's under the bottom panel in the storage area under the bed) so we emptied out that storage and cranked it in.

Next problem. Having pulled out of the site and into the road to hook up the car, we were standing there talking to another camper when we noticed the right rear tires seemed kind of low. The chrome wheel covers that cover the lug nuts are held on by two chrome nut covers that are supposed to pop right off. We could not get them off, and without getting the wheel cover off you can't get to the tire valve (you're supposed to be able to but you can't). Since our route was going to take us through Columbia, I told Sharyn that I had seen a big Sears store just our side of Columbia and that we'd stop there and buy one of those infrared thermometers that you just point at something and get a digital readout of the temperature of that object. If there was a significant difference in the temperature between the rear tires on the left and those on the right then we'd know that at least one of the right side tires was low.

Next problem. In the Sears parking lot, about 30 miles from Shaw, the tires on the left side were 94° and 95° while the tires on the right were 105° and 114°. Clearly we had a problem, but I still couldn't get the wheel cover off. Sharyn suggested I talk to the guy in the Firestone place across the parking lot. He said to drive it over and he'd take a look. He got the cover off and found that while the outside tire had 100 pounds of air, the inside tire only had 20 pounds -- pretty much a flat tire. He was unable to do anything with our size tires because his equipment only handles automobile tires, but he put 100 pounds into the inside tire and it seemed to be holding (we kept the wheel cover off because that tire is going to have to be removed and looked at. Several times throughout the day, and again when we stopped for the night, we took temperature readings of all four rear tires and everything seems to be okay. That thermometer is really quite amazing. I told Sharyn that technology is beginning to resemble magic!

That was it. No more problems. In fact, in spite of the fact that it was probably almost 2:PM by the time we left Firestone (who did not charge us anything) it was a nice day. I attributed that to the fact that we are under no pressure whatsoever to be at any particular place by any particular time. From Columbia we traveled US-378 and US-78, mostly two lane highway through the countryside and small towns. The sun was shinning and the gas tank was full -- how much better can it get?

We are parked for the night at a Wal-Mart Supercenter at the edge of Athens. At one corner of the parking lot there is a Chinese Restaurant, the Golden Sun, where we had dinner. The food was excellent, it was hot, and the waiters were all grownups. Sharyn said that's the difference between a buffet type place and a "real restaurant." I guess she's right (again)!

On the way back to the motorhome we saw the Wal-Mart Security truck and asked the security guy if it was okay where we were parked and if it was okay to stay there for the night. He said we were fine, but suggested the far corner of the lot as being possibly quieter. In any event he said he'd advise his relief who was coming on at midnight to keep an eye on us.

For anyone who may be interested, running this computer system on 120 volts from the inverter, at this point the computer has used 153.3 watt/hours and has been on for 1 hour 10 minutes. That seems like a fair amount of draw, but now I'm done!

 

Craftsman infrared thermometer (Great for $50)

 

Odometer reading = 71,938
Miles for day = 188

 

 

 

10/29/05 and 10/30/05
Red Bay AL

Yesterday morning in Athens I was up at 6:30, Sharyn was up at 7:00, and we were on the road at 7:40! That's really good for us -- even starting from Wal-Mart.

I don't recall anything else about the drive here -- it was pretty uneventful. Asking Sharyn to help me with yesterday, she said, "What do you mean? We came here, that's it." One thing that stands out is that we broke our 200 mile max rule.

We got here (the Allegro campground in Red Bay) around six or seven o'clock. Pulling in we were really surprised at how many units were here. The place is pretty full. There must be $10 million dollars worth of motorhomes in the campground. Most of them are pretty new and the owners have come here with "punch lists" of things they want fixed or changed.

This morning we got up pretty early. Last night we were supposed to have set the clocks back two hours; one hour for daylight savings time, plus one hour for having crossed into the Central Time Zone.

During the day we talked with other owners about all kinds of things that we have done, they have done, places, different ways of doing things, the 2006 Allegro line, etc. Just about anything. There is a good amount of camaraderie among Allegro owners, particularly when all are gathered at the factory. One very big change that has occurred since the last time we were here is that in the past all maintenance or repair was done at the factory several blocks from here. They'd send someone over to get you when it was your turn. That section of the factory has now been turned into the woodworking shop. Allegro (Tiffin) makes all their own cabinetry. A new facility with 40 repair bays and customer lounge has been build adjacent to the campground. Two wash bays have also been constructed for use by owners. Separate and apart from the motorhomes themselves, which are very nice, it's easy to see why Allegro owners are so loyal to Tiffin. We, for instance, when we talk or think about a new motorhome, think or talk about about a new Allegro -- that's just the way it is.

Anyway, some of the wives had the idea of a pot luck dinner this evening, so at 4:pm, with some tables and chairs, about 30 of us, mostly couples, enjoyed various delicacies presented, which together with lots of stories, lasted until just about dark.

As I am writing this Sharyn is working on her jewelry. All in all it has been another good day!

 

Some of the motorhomes at the Allegro Campground (Scroll horizontally to see entire picture)

Pot luck dinner group

Sharyn at pot luck

 

A few minutes ago, at my insistence, Jordan sent me this photo she took of the trophies she and Phil won this past weekend at the IDPA Virginia State Match. It seems that Jordan does better with a Glock 17 than a Sony 707, but that probably does not make her unhappy. (As I understand it these are glass plaques with the image engraved on the back surface).

 

Phil and Jordan's Trophies

 

Odometer reading = 72,266
Miles for day = 328

 

 

10/31/05 to 11/3/05
(Red Bay AL)

 

We've now been here for about a week and it has been both pleasant and relaxing. Unlike most of the people here, we came to look at the new units, not for repairs. However, while we were here we did have an access panel installed in one of the cabinets so that we would have access to the circuit board and fuse for the bedroom slideout, plus we had the fasteners that hold the ladder on the back of the motorhome replaced. Total cost, $16 (no charge for the access panel since that should have been there in the first place).

We've been her four or five times in the past and have usually wandered through the factory at least once on each of those visits (the entire factory, including the assembly line, is open for visitors at all times). Now, in addition to being able to walk through on your own, they have a factory tour twice a day. Several days ago we did the tour (and took many pictures). We also checked out the new units, particularly the 40' Phaeton QDH which we also took for a test drive. With four slideouts, 350 hp Caterpillar diesel, 6-speed Allison transmission, three or four times the storage space, a washer/dryer, half again as much kitchen counter space, plus a king size bed, it is quite nice. In fact, we are seriously considering one.

The other night we went out to dinner with another couple who are here having work done on their 2005 Allegro Bus. They are both accountants from upstate New York and we enjoyed their company. Last night they invited us over for some homemade apple pie (we supplied the ice cream). Walking down the row towards their unit and trying to determine which one was theirs I told Sharyn that it's like trying to fins a particular house in a "ticky tacky" village -- they all look the same. They finished up this morning and pulled out of here about an hour ago (it's now noon time on Thursday). They have to be back to work on Monday.

In spite of the fact that we had two "quality" tire gauges, we were unable to get either one of them onto the inside right rear tire valve. Yesterday we bought a third gauge and found that that tire still had 85 pounds of pressure. When we leave here in the morning we'll stop and put 100 pounds into that tire and then keep an eye on it for several days to see if the pressure holds. We won't put the wheel cover back on until we're either satisfied the tire is not leaking (we have less than 2,000 miles on the four rear tires), or we have it fixed.

 

A 40' Phaeton near the beginning of the assembly line

Further down the line

Closer to the end

Partial view of the finished interior

Another interior view

The one we took for a drive

From the rear (with bedroom slide in)

Floor plan

 

Odometer reading = 72,266
Miles for day = 0

 

 

11/4/05
(Starkville MS)

It seems that on most Thursday nights the Allegro Campground sponsors some kind of Bluegrass/Western/Gospel music entertainment. The musicians are mostly people from Red Bay and the surrounding area who work different jobs but share the love of music. Last night we went to the warehouse across from the camp store where we were treated to two hours of such music and song. If we had been aware of this Thursday night entertainment we would have made it a point to have arrived in Red Bay a few days earlier so we could have been there last Thursday as well. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

It's a good thing we went for another reason as well. During our stay in Red Bay we heard about the Coon Dog Cemetery located not too far out of town, and we had planned to go there. However, and no one will believe this, we forgot. As fortune would have it, one of the musicians told the story about the song he had written and recorded back in 1974 called Freedom Hills.

Everyone in that part of the country knew about the coon dog cemetery. In 1937 a fellow named Key Underwood was coon hunting with his dog Trooper, when Trooper upped and died. He buried Trooper on the spot (today there are over 160 coon dogs buried there). Anyway, this fellow (the musician) is telling the story of the song he wrote about Trooper and how he was hunting and was buried back in the "Freedom Hills" The point was that those hills had no particular name at the time he wrote the song and the name Freedom Hills was just part of the song lyrics. The name Freedom Hills stuck and that today that's how the entire area is referred to.

Anyway, the point that I am making is that that all reminded us that we had forgotten to go out to the Coon Dog Cemetery (actually, probably reminded me, as the cemetery was not on Sharyn's "must see" list). That oversight delayed our departure this morning. After getting everything set to go we took the car out into the Freedom Hills to see the cemetery (I'll skip the details about how I missed a turn and we drove out an extra 30 miles).

What really caught me by surprise were all the flowers (plastic) on the graves. I though that was not only strange, but gave an overall tacky or carnival look to what would otherwise have been an otherwise nice serene place. Sharyn disagrees; she thinks the flowers are fine. Anyway, the story of the Coon Dog Cemetery can be found at http://www.coondogcemetery.com/. Physically it's located at N34.62989° W87.96662°

With respect to our tire problem, as we finally pulled out of the campground and got underway, we pulled into the gas station across the road where, after filling the gas tank (70 gallons at $2.32), we pulled up to the air hose. It didn't appear to be working properly and we soon had gone from 85 pounds to 80 pounds. It turned out that the station only had 80 pounds in their tank so we actually lost air as the tire equalized itself with the tank. Skipping the details we eventually found another station where we brought the problem tire up to 100 pounds. We still haven't put the wheel cover back on as we want to see if that tire will hold the 100 pounds. I suspect it will, but that will leave unexplained the previously lost air -- a leak that causes the tire to loose its pressure over a period of months? Maybe.

Eventually we finally left Red Bay on our way to Starkville MS to visit with Gerard and his wife Sherry. Gerard is a flight instructor in the Air Force and they have been following "stringbean" since 2003. They have a 5th wheel and plan on full-timing when he retires in less than two years. Seeing that we were fairly close to where they live, we received an e-mail inviting us to visit with them and we accepted. They keep their 5th wheel on an RV pad next to their house, but for right now they have moved the 5th wheel and we are on the pad, complete with full hookups.


The musicians

Musicians with their audience

Coon Dog Cemetery

Tombstone: Black Ranger

Tombstone: Ranger

Tombstone: Troop

 

Odometer reading = 72,357
Miles for day = 91

 

 

11/5/05
(Starkville MS)

Around midmorning, Gerard, Sherry, Sharyn and I all went into town where we had an early lunch before proceeding out to Columbus AFB where Gerard is CO of one of the training squadrons. The Air Force was doing a fly-over at half time during the Mississippi State-Alabama football game and Gerard was flying one of the planes. Also, there was sort of a job fair on base today where different types of aircraft had flown in from bases all around the Country so that student pilots could have the opportunity to meet and talk with the pilots and/or crew members of the different aircraft types to help them decide which way they wanted to go (fighters, bombers, tankers, etc.). While it was not open to the public, we had the good fortune to be there and see most of what was presented.

We got to see some of the headquarters and training facilities as well as a number of different aircraft with their crews. While Gerard was gone with the fly-over group, the three of us went to the commissary and BX where Sharyn bought some much needed groceries and a running set (shorts and shirt) for Jordan.

Shortly thereafter the fly-over group returned to base making a high speed pass over the runway before landing. I missed the picture because they were gone before I even realized they were coming. The lack of a picture doesn't really matter because with a high speed pass, while the visual is pretty impressive (and cannot be captured in a still photo anyway), it's the audio that brings out the goose bumps!

I told Gerard that while I certainly understand the benefits of retirement, I would find it difficult to walk away from the very impressive deal he presently has with the Air Force.

Anyway, after leaving the base we returned to their house where we subsequently had dinner and than sat around the fire in the backyard until fairly late.


Sharyn, Gerard, and Sherry in front of their house

Student pilots flight gear

KC-135 refueling tanker

This F-15 came up from Tyndall AFB

Sherry and Sharyn, standing in, and shooting the breeze

This F-16 came from Shaw AFB

I like this picture

A 1.6 second exposure around the backyard campfire

A very cool gas campfire

 

Odometer reading = 72,357
Miles for day = 91

 

 

11/6/05
(Red Bay AL)

Originally (24 hours ago) our plan was to leave Starksville this morning and head for Fort Pillow, north of Memphis. Then last night one of the draw slide brackets under the dinette seat broke off. Actually, both dinette drawers had broken brackets for quite some time, but the drawers still worked so we just ignored it. Last night, however, one of them broke all the way and now the drawer doesn't work. So, we adjusted our plans and decided we'd come back to Red Bay on the way to Memphis since we'd be passing through Tupelo anyway, only 30 miles west of Red Bay.

Then, this morning we had breakfast with Gerard and Sherry, one thing led to another, and soon Sharyn came and said she'd see me later, that she and Sherry were going for a drive in Sherry's BMW convertible (Starksville is a college town -- I think they were looking for guys). When they returned almost an hour later the four of us (in Gerard's car) went to a cafe in town so Sharyn could get "a real old fashioned greasy cheeseburger."

By the time we got back to the house we were uncertain about whether or not we should leave or wait until tomorrow. We opted to leave, but didn't get to Red Bay until after dark -- not our original plan.

Anyway, we are now set up in the Allegro Campground. Tomorrow we'll get the parts for the drawer slides and Sharyn will do the laundry while I fix the drawer slides. As of right now we plan to head for Fort Pillow on Tuesday morning.

 

Sherry and Sharyn said they were leaving . . .

. . . and they left!

 

Odometer reading = 72,448
Miles for day = 90

 

 

11/8/05
(Fort Pillow TN)

Yesterday morning when I went to fix the drawers under the dinette seats I saw a better way to make the repair than replacing the broken hangars. It had to do with fastening the sliders to two short pieces of 2x4. At 10:am, without having used any Tiffin parts, the repair was complete. Nevertheless, we decided to spend the day there visiting with some of the same people we had met several days previously.

This morning we were on our way to Fort Pillow, a Civil War battle site of particular interest to both fans and critics of General Nathan Bedford Forrest (I am a fan). Unless there is a reason to do otherwise, or we are traveling a route that we know and are familiar with, we usually let DeLorme's Street Atlas select our route from Point A to Point B. This gets us to our destination with the shortest travel distance (we ask for shortest distance rather than quickest time) and typically shows us a representative cross section of the areas we are traveling through. Sometimes it surprises us, as when, in Henning TN, not too far from Fort Pillow, the road passed under a single lane railroad bridge with a vertical clearance of just 7' 8." That is a low bridge by any standard! A man standing nearby gave us directions to a nearby railroad crossing where we could go over, rather than under, the tracks.

Fort Pillow is now a Tennessee State Park, and while it has a campground, it is basically a "tents only" facility, although they will allow small "van type" campers. Not to be deterred we figured we try anyway so we turned into the campground with all of our 36' (50' if you include the Honda in tow). Luckily it turned out to be a "pick your site and register yourself" arrangement. There was no one else in the campground, and there were so many fallen leaves that we could not tell where on site ended and another began. Ignoring the campsites, we just found a place where there was a level space with enough room between the trees to back the motorhome in off the road (I don't believe I didn't take a picture).

After running out the slides (no hookups) we filled out the registration card and inserted the card and a $3.50 check into the deposit box. When we got to the office/museum, about 3 miles away, it was only an hour before closing so we did the small museum and viewed the 12 minute video.

We then returned to the motorhome where we had dinner and watched the news and NCIS.

Tomorrow we'll check out the fort site itself and the head for Little Rock.


Low bridge (7' 8")

Couple fishing at Fort Pillow State Park


Odometer reading = 72,617
Miles for day = 170

 

 

11/9/05
(Little Rock AFB)

First thing this morning we went to the site where Fort Pillow had stood overlooking the Mississippi River from high on the bluffs. At the parking lot we met up with a young white lab that toured the fort site with us.

No part of the original fort remains, but a partial replica has been erected on the site. As in Vicksburg, since the Civil War, the Mississippi River at Fort Pillow has cut itself a new path and is no longer at the foot of the bluffs. It is now approximately one mile west of it's 1864 location

I had the same problem here that I have at many other Civil War sites -- the underbrush on the actual battle site is dense and thick so that you can't see more than 50-100 yards in any direction. You can't see the shape of the terrain, the high and the low spots that may have made the battle go the way that it did. In short, you don't see it the way it was, the way the soldiers fighting there saw it. There really isn't anything that can be done about this as, with the passage of time, the underbrush grows back, that woodlines moves, and the forest restores itself to it's natural prewar condition. But, like so many other things, you must take it the way you find it, and do the best you can with the way it is.

I wasn't sure how we were going to negotiate the exit road from the campground as the leaves were so thick on that section of the ground that you could not ell where the edge of the road was. Plus it was a sharp S curve with a concrete lined drainage ditch on one side. As luck would have it, when we arrived back at the campground there was a young man on a small tractor with a large leaf blower attached who was blowing sites clean at the other end of the campground. I asked him if he could do that section of the exit road which he said he'd do immediately. He also apologized for the leaves not having been previously cleaned up, but explained that that tractor had been in the repair shop until just that morning.

By 10:30am we were on the road heading for Little Rock AFB, about 10 miles north of Little Rock.

Upon arrival we checked into the FamCamp, got everything set up, had dinner, watched some TV, and went to bed early.


Sharyn with our new found friend

Mississippi River, looking south from Fort Pillow State Park

Sharyn crossing ravine to Fort Pillow

Our site at Little Rock FamCamp

 

Odometer reading = 72,818
Miles for day = 201

 

 

 

11/10/05 through 11/13/05
(Little Rock AFB)

We came to Little Rock to visit with Bill & Cheryl, friends we originally met at the First Annual Great North American RV Rally in Gillette WY in the summer of 2000. We've continued to meet up with them in different places over the years (Cheryl has 3 more years to go before retirement when they plan to begin full-time RVing). They've recently bought a place on a lake west of Hot Springs and we just got back from spending the weekend there with them. That was the first time we spent a night away from the motorhome since Sharyn's mother's funeral, and only the second time since we sold our home an pulled out of the driveway on February 25, 2000.

While we were there Bill and I pretty much just hung around the house, but Sharyn and Cheryl did their usual thing -- they went shopping! -- but only one day.

We are planning to spend the winter at Tyndall AFB in Panama City in Florida and we're trying to get them to bring their motorhome to Panama City to visit with us while we're there.

A week or so ago I was thinking that it had been a long time since I added anything to our page of Interesting and Unusual Signs. Well this weekend, somewhere west of Hot Springs AR on US-270, we had to stop and go back to this new addition to our page.

 

One of the views from Bill & Cheryl's lake house

Sharyn & Cheryl on screened porch

Our Interesting and Unusual Signs

 

Odometer reading = 72,818
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/14/05 and 11/15/05
(Little Rock AFB)

These two days have been very active weather wise. Pretty much nonstop thunderstorms with numerous tornado warnings throughout the entire area. I guess we lucked out since while we got rained on we didn't get picked up and blown away.

Last night while brushing my teeth I suddenly had a rock in my mouth -- a giant filling had come out of one of my molars. First thing this morning I called Bill (of Bill and Cheryl fame) who happens to be a dentist with an office in Little Rock. By 2 o'clock this afternoon he had me put back together.

After leaving Bill's office we drove over to see Clinton's locally famous "doublewide" (a/k/a his Presidential Library). Somehow or other it doesn't appear too "presidential."

Anyway, as the afternoon wore on the strong cold front that has been stuck over Central Arkansas began to move on through as the sky began to clear and the temperature dropped dramatically. Last night's low was 68° while tonight is supposed to go down to 35.°

This evening we met with Bill and Cheryl for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the FamCamp

Tomorrow we'll be on our way to Kansas to see Kim and our grandchildren before heading south for the winter. It could be a week or so before this site gets updated again.


View from the motorhome at 10:am today

Bill Clinton's "doublewide"

The sky clears as we head for dinner


Odometer reading = 72,818
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/16/05
(Little Rock AFB)

While we had planned to leave her this morning it's going to get very cold tonight -- 25° here, but considerably colder as you move north, so we decided to remain here for another day. By tomorrow the temperature will begin to moderate (a little bit).

After making that decision during coffee and conversation, we decided that time was unimportant so we had more of both.

Eventually we went to the commissary and stocked up on groceries. This base has a really nice commissary. Sharyn said it could be the best one we've ever been to, that they have a lot of hard to find gourmet stuff. That she can't afford to buy everything she wants to buy, and can't afford to eat everything she bought. Anyway, when we got back to the motorhome, while Sharyn was putting the stuff away I went to photograph some airplanes that are on display, and to identify two that I didn't recognize.

One turned out to be a B-47 Stratojet, much smaller airplanes than I thought they were. The other one I still don't know what it is.

As I pulled up back at the motorhome Sharyn was sitting on the step where I got her picture through the front windshield.

In anticipation of the upcoming cold nights when we're going to be drycamping I brought in the catalytic LP heater. This will be the first time we use that heater without having to have the LP bottle here in the motorhome (now that we have the LP gas connection under Sharyn's seat


B-47 Stratojet

What's this one? (I need help)
(11/22/05 In response to my "I need help," I received the following link from Lt. Col. Gerard Rowe from the 43FTS at Columbus AFB: http://aeroweb.brooklyn.cuny.edu/specs/martin/b-57g.htm)

Sharyn relaxed on the front step

Olympian 8000 BTU catalytic heater



Odometer reading = 72,818
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/17/05
(Ozark MO)

Having extended our stay in Little Rock for an additional day to avoid the 17° temperature up towards Kansas City really failed to accomplish its purpose since it was 19° at Little Rock AFB when we woke up. Having disconnected the water lines the night before, the cold temperature caused us no problem -- it was just COLD.

Anyway, we were on the road by 10 o'clock, on our way to Olathe (a suburb of Kansas City KS), planning to do the 400 mile trip in two days. About 30 miles out, we left I-40 and headed north on US-65. When we got off the Interstate, gas in that area was going for $1.93. A real bargain -- plus we needed gas. However, I have this thing that gas at the Interstate exits always costs more than it does further down the road -- so we kept going. As the miles went by, and the gas gauge, gas prices went up. So much for my theory.

Several times during the day we stopped for coffee, lunch, etc. (we don't push too hard). About 10 miles south of Springfield MO we were really needing gas when we saw the sign for Murphy's Gas (Wal-Mart's brand). It worked out very well; the gas (75.8 gallons) was only $1.89, plus we bought milk from, and spent the night at, Wal-Mart.

 

Odometer reading = 73,026
Miles for day = 208

 

 

 

11/18/05
(Olathe KS)

I got up at 3:am to turn on the furnace in the bedroom -- it was 45° in the motorhome. Shortly after I got back in bed Sharyn rolled over and asked me if I had turned the coffee pot on. I told her I had not, that it was only 3:30. At 5:am I got up anyway, plugged in the coffee pot, and turned the catalytic heater up from low to high. Sharyn was up at six, and we were on the road by seven.

After a few stops for coffee, breakfast, etc., we pulled into Olathe's Wal-Mart at noon, checked out the neighborhood, etc., and by 5 o'clock we were having dinner at Kim's, catching up with what was new with her and the kids. We stayed for several hours before returning to the motorhome for the night.

As I understand it, the plan for tomorrow is shopping.

 

Odometer reading = 73,224
Miles for day = 197

 

 

 

11/19/05
(Olathe KS)

Sharyn and I had a quiet morning as we waited for Kim and the grandchildren to arrive. When they did arrive we all visited for awhile before leaving on a Christmas "shopping preview" to get some ideas from Katlin and Philip as to what they would like for Christmas.

After several hours perusing the toy aisles (where we saw numerous other parents and grandparents getting similar previews) we all went for dinner at The Machine Shed (as recommended by Katlin). It turned out to have been an excellent choice -- we all left there stuffed and happy!

We continued our visiting as we returned to the motorhome where, after a while, Katlin and I walked over to Wal-Mart to get some AAA batteries for a game that grandma had bought for Philip, who was very anxious to play with it. It wasn't too long after they left that Sharyn and I were in bed.

Tomorrow we're on our way back to Red Bay.

 

Odometer reading = 73,224
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/20/05
(Sikeston MO)

As predicted, it rained last night, but as predicted as a possibility, it did not snow. That was very good!

I was up at five, Sharyn was up shortly after, and we were on the road by 6:30. There is very little traffic at 6:30 on a Sunday morning.

Heading west towards St Louis we ran into some light drizzle on several occasions, but although the weather was cold and blustery we had no real rain or snow. Turning south as we neared St Louis we decided that south meant warmer, so we decided to go as far as we could. Plus, the further we went today the less we'd have to do tomorrow. The total distance from Olathe to Red Bay is something like 625 miles.

A week or so ago we had been saying that we looked forward to when we left Olathe because from that point on we'd have no appointments or timetables and could meander on at our own, somewhat relaxed, pace. The need (desire) to get to warmer climate modified that somewhat -- we broke our 200 mile rule (almost twice) and went 399 miles before quitting for the day at Wal-Mart's Supercenter in Sikeston MO.

 

Odometer reading = 73,623
Miles for day = 399

 

 

 

11/21/05
(Red Bay AL)

It was early afternoon when we arrived back here at the Allegro Campground. It was kind of nice to be back -- several of the people we had met before were still here.

As we were setting up, the bedroom slide would not go out. We had the same problem about a month ago when the slide would not come in. That time we cranked it in by hand, but after that it worked fine and, until today, we did not have the problem again. I had to laugh -- where would be a better place to have such a problem. After messing around with it for quite a while I finally gave up and we cranked it out by hand (to get to the manual crank we have to empty everything out from the under-the-bed storage area). There was no 12 volt power at the switch, the disconnect switch, the breaker, or the fuse. Going back beyond that the wire disappears into the floor through the closet wall. Tomorrow I'll see if there is any such thing as a wiring diagram for the motorhome -- that would be a nice thing to have anyway.

For the first time since since we left Little Rock I've got my satellite back up so I'm back online again. Also, first time back with hookups.

Tomorrow we'll see what kind of a timeframe we can expect for the windshield and (if necessary) the slideout.

 

Odometer reading = 73,850
Miles for day = 226

 

 

 

11/22/05 and 11/23/05
(Red Bay AL)

First of all, the slide is fixed. That wire that disappears into the floor runs to and is directly connected to the battery terminal. When the crimp connector that fastens the wire to the battery was crimped to the wire, the crimp missed the wire. I replaced the crimp and all is well.

With respect to the windshield, they got to us this morning and removed both passenger and driver's side windshields. After reworking some of the fiberglass around the opening, installing new rubber, and reinstalling the glass, the technician said that while it was a lot better than it had been, it was still not as good as he would like to see it. After talking it over with the technician (David) we decided we'd stay over until Monday, after Thanksgiving, at which time he will again remove the windshields and buildup the fiberglass in the areas he is not happy with. As far as Allegro is concerned this is a problem that we should not be having and they are doing all this "on warranty" even though it expired years, and thousands of miles, ago. David said that since this is regarded as warranty work, our campground stay "for warranty work" is also free. It's difficult not to feel good about this company.

While Sharyn was hanging out in the customer lounge I went back over to the factory to reexamine the layout of the Phaetons and the driver and copilot seats in the bus (we want the bus seats). When I got back to where Sharyn was I also joined in all the ongoing conversations (albeit to a lesser degree). It's really remarkable how varied and different all the people here are -- doctors, farmers, stunt drivers, accountants, retired business owners, nurses, truck drivers, authors, retired military, etc. . There is absolutely no such thing as a "typical" full-time RVer. While all of the stories and experiences are different, and there sure are lots of them, all the wives have the same things to say about the husbands (that what Sharyn tells me), and all the husbands have the same things to say about the wives (I gave Sharyn that information). It's amazing that such a diverse group, with such diverse backgrounds, all tell the same stories about their spouses. Does that mean something?

 


Our windshield under repair

Tiffin's new repair facility

 

Odometer reading = 73,850
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/24/05 (Thanksgiving Day)
(Red Bay AL)

While this place is usually a bee hive of activity at 7:am as motorhomes are moving into the 40 workbays adjacent to the campground, this morning all was quiet. Many had left for Thanksgiving, while for those who remained it was what amounted to a vacation day, and we all slept late.

The day could not have been nicer; bright and sunny with a cloudless sky and cool breeze -- temperature around 70.° As the day progressed people began be be out and about, enjoying the weather, and enjoying the camaraderie that this place fosters. It's interesting that pretty much everyone here is here because they need some kind of work done on their unit, yet just about no one complains -- and most of these units are only one or two years old. As one couple told us this afternoon, "we'd come here even if we didn't need to have any work done."

Anyway, at 3 o'clock this afternoon there was sort of a potluck Thanksgiving dinner, complete with three turkeys donated by Tiffin and prepared by Marsha, the campground hostess. All the food was delicious, and there was plenty of it -- plenty of turkey, stuffing, etc., and lots of conversation! It's not exactly Thanksgiving with family, but it's not bad at all!


Potluck Thanksgiving

A portion of the campground after dinner


Odometer reading = 73,850
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/25/05 through 11/28/05
(Red Bay AL)

Today was the Monday after Thanksgiving. For the last several days we have just been hanging around with the other people that at here, all waiting for today when Tiffin reopens all of their activities and scheduled work begins again. In the meanwhile we've all been visiting with each other, sharing experiences, war stories, etc.

As per our arrangement with David, the technician who repaired our windshield, we had our motorhome pulled up in front of his repair bay a few minutes before 6:am, and at six o'clock the bay door went up and we pulled in. David had come in an hour early to be doubly sure he'd be able to have our unit finished today. He had us finished around 3:pm. The total invoice came to $1133.58 and was charged to warranty -- no cost to us. On a six year old motorhome, out of warranty by three years and 50,000 miles, that's a pretty nice way to treat your customers.

While we were being worked on inside, the cold front that spawned thunderstorms and tornados in Alabama, Arkansas, and Missouri passed through Red Bay with severe winds and torrential rains. Unfortunately, the satellite system that we use to access the Internet, which is set up on a tripod, was blown over. We didn't try to set it up again as we are leaving here in the morning. I sure hope it still works!

 

Odometer reading = 73,850
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/29/05
(Prattville AL)

After saying goodbye and checking out at the campground office (no charge for the campground either) we were on the road by ten o'clock.

After stopping several times to eat, make another pot of coffee, etc., it was around 4 o'clock when we eventually pulled into a Walmart Supercenter just north of Montgomery to spend the night. We parked in the furthest corner from the store, and as we locked the door and started walking towards Walmart the security truck drove up. We asked if we were okay where we had parked and if it would be for us to remain there for the night. She said we were fine and that she'd tell her relief to keep an eye on us.

In Walmart we bought a gallon of milk, a 12" pumpkin pie, and not much else, yet it came to over $40 -- oh well!

 

Odometer reading = 74,073
Miles for day = 222

 

 

 

11/30/05
(Panama City FL)

This morning we were up at 5:50 and on the road by 7 o'clock -- but not before we finished the pumpkin pie we bought last night. It would have been better if we had not bought that pie!

I think I've mentioned before that we've been using Street Atlas 2003 in conjunction with a GPS to plan our travel route from Point A to Point B. With this system we can tell the computer what kind of roads we want to travel by telling it to prefer or to avoid (or to treat as neutral) limited access highways, US highways, county roads, local roads, farm roads, etc. We can also say we want the quickest route or the shortest route.. We usually select shortest route and avoid farm roads and ferries. This gets us to travel a neat cross section of America. Some Interstate, but mostly state and county roads, with some of what are called local roads. It was one of these local roads where we encountered that railroad underpass with a vertical clearance of 8' 7".

An example of why we avoid farm roads came to us today when we were talking and, not paying attention to the monitor or the voice directions, I missed a turn from one local road to another. These local roads don't provide much opportunity to turn around without unhooking the Honda, so I scanned ahead on the computer and saw that we could take a left on White's Road and that would bring us back to our proper route. As we turned onto White's Road we went less than 100' when we quickly stopped -- there was a bridge that might not support a heavily loaded pickup truck, never mind our 24,000 pound rig. Anyway, we unhooked the Honda, backed it out, and the backed the motorhome back out to the other road.

Having gotten an early start this morning, we were here at the Tyndall AFB FamCamp before 1 o'clock. While the sites we would have preferred were taken, we were both lucky and relieved to get a full hookup site (most of the sites here have water, electric, and cable, but no sewer). We paid for a month and we'll how it plays out at the end of that time. Until last year there was a 90 day limit which would have allowed us to to stay here through February. Now there is a 45 day limit, after which, if someone is waiting for a site we will have to move to another available, non-sewer, site. If no such sites are available we'll have to go to overflow and wait for something to open up. We'll see what happens.

 

A farm road bridge

 

Odometer reading = 74,280
Miles for day = 206

 

 

 

12/1/05 through 12/11/05
(Panama City FL)

The first several days we were here it was sunny and quite nice. After that the giant cold front that brought blizzard conditions to the upper Midwest and northeast passed through the Florida panhandle bringing rain and cooler temperatures. While the rain has passed, the clouds and cooler temps have lingered on. That means we've been in the 50's rather than the 60's, but speaking with our kids in Virginia and New York make it clear that "cooler temps" is a relative term.

Last week we went to "Tops in Blue" at the Panama City Civic Center. Tops in Blue is a show put on by a group of Air Force personnel that travels the world, entertaining more than 250,000 military personnel, their families, and communities, presenting an average of 120 performances at 100 locations worldwide. This is not their job however. They are radar operators, nurses, armament specialists, intelligence analyzers, security personnel, etc. who, for one year become and travel with "Tops in Blue." We thoroughly the show. In fact, we will be paying attention to the show schedule and will go again whenever our paths cross (which they will).

To see just what Tops in Blue is all about click here

To see if they will be performing near you (admission is free) click here.

With respect to Christmas shopping (we don't do "Holiday shopping") it seems that we are about done. Several days ago Sharyn drove to Destin because she said they had better stores -- Destin is about 75 miles west of here! She enjoyed her day there and did have some successful shopping. One day while Sharyn was shopping in the BX I took the car and went to the beach for an hour. If you like to walk on the beach then Tyndall AFB is a great place. The base encompasses more than ten miles of beautiful, wide, uninterrupted, uninhabited, Gulf shore beach. You might call it "The Seashore Primeval."

One thing here that is a pain in the neck is that our cell phones don't work in the campground -- no one's phone seems to work in the campground, but as soon as you leave the campground area everyone has a full signal. We (I) assume that it must be the heavy foliage, but that seems pretty extreme. Who knows?

 

This years "Tops in Blue" cast (from program guide)


Picture taken on Tyndall's beach

 

Odometer reading = 74,280
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/12/05 to 12/22/05
(Panama City FL)

It's been rather quiet here in Panama City. Christmas shopping is finished.

Several days ago Sharyn and I went for a prolonged walk along the beach which we enjoyed. We had just concluded several days of rainy, stormy weather so the beach was in pristine condition -- not even any footprints. Sharyn came back with quite a collection of shells, some of them unique (at least to us).

Yesterday we picked Jordan up at the airport as she has flown down to spend Christmas with us. While it's only been about 4½ months since we've seen her, it was still good to see her again.

While we arrived here with the idea of spending a good part, if not all, of the winter here, we've kind of changed our minds. Since our first (and last) visit there in 2003 I've been looking forward to returning to returning to Quartzsite AZ for all the RV related things that go on there from mid-January through mid-February. Jordan's flight back to Virginia is on the 27th and within a day or two after she leaves we'll be on our way to Quartzsite. For us, two thousand miles in two weeks is a lot of mileage in a relatively short. We *really* like to go along at a slower pace, but then we want to be in Quartzsite for the whole deal.


Our clearing in the jungle (campsite)

Part of the walk to the beach

Beach scene

Shell on beach

Jordan at airport coffee shop

Jordan leaving terminal building

 

Odometer reading = 74,280
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/23/05 to 12/29/05
(Panama City FL)

The three of us thoroughly enjoyed Christmas day here at Tyndall. There certainly was no shortage of presents for any of us. Christmas day we had our own Christmas dinner in the motorhome, but Christmas Eve we went up to the clubhouse where most of the campers shared a pot luck type of Christmas dinner. We, as most people there, ate way too much. When 50 women who have been cooking for 40 years (that's a combined 2,000 years cooking experience) bring their prize dishes to a Christmas Eve dinner you get quite a selection of rather delicious things to eat -- and that's what we all did!

Several days after Christmas, having enjoyed the unrelenting fun and humor of her parents, Jordan returned to Virginia.

At this point we're ready to move on towards Quartzsite for the big midwinter RV rendezvous that begins in mid-January.

Christmas Eve - Early Arrivals at the clubhouse

A little later

A Christmas present that only a few can appreciate

 

Odometer reading = 74,280
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/30/05
(Summerdale AL)

After spending a month at Tyndall, around noon today we pulled out and headed west along US-98 to Foley AL and the nearby Escapees Park in Summerdale. We've stayed here a number of times in the past and find it a friendly and pleasant place to stay. Plus, it's a convenient stop as we follow the Gulf Coast. Besides, with respect to this particular visit, Sharyn was very clear when she told me that she was not going to spend New Years Eve in a Wal-Mart parking lot. With attitude like that, how could I not love her?

We'll probably leave her Sunday, January 1, 2006. Then again, maybe we won't!

By the way, any serious RVer, particularly full-timers, should consider an Escapees membership. We only belong to two groups or organizations; Escapees and Passport America. Escapees is a great organization and Passport America will save you money. It's as simple as that

 

Odometer reading = 74,429
Miles for day = 149

 

 

12/31/05
(Summerdale AL)

This morning we had a french toast, sausage, orange juice, and coffee breakfast at the clubhouse for $2.50. After that we drove into town (Foley), bought some stuff at Walmart, drove down to, and around, the Tangier's Outlet Mall (where Sharyn said we should have come here for Christmas rather than Tyndall), and returned to the park. As I am finishing up this page, Sharyn is preparing the "finger food" stuff to bring to the New Years thing tonight.

Today I'm wrapping up "Travelog 2005," pasting the bulk of it onto the end of "Travelog Complete" (which incidentally is the most accessed page on the "Stringbean" site [large file - not suitable for dial-up connection]), modifying the necessary links, and cranking up "Travelog 2006."

That's it for 2005; time to upload all this stuff to the server.

Happy New Year!

 

Odometer reading = 74,429
Miles for day = 0

 

2006

 

 

1/1/06
(Biloxi MS)

Last night we went to the New Years Eve celebration at the clubhouse where we had a good time and even danced a bit. There were four people providing live music -- I particularly enjoyed the guy on the sax. Saxophones just make great music (Katlin take note). The Tennessee Waltz, Georgia on My Mind, Carolina Moon, and a number of other songs of the same vintage made for some great music and fun dancing. They were also trying to do at least one song from each state (don't think they accomplished that though).

As we were walking back to the motorhome shortly after 9:pm, I told Sharyn that celebrating New Years with old people has a big advantage in that we celebrated the arrival of the new year at 9:pm precisely

As early as it was when we got back tot he motorhome, we still didn't shut the light off until past one o'clock.

Anyway, we were on the road around noon today, on our way to Biloxi -- historically, one of our favorite places. Because we were so late getting started I didn't review the route the GPS plotted out when I entered our destination. I told Sharyn we'd experiment and take a chance, relying on the GPS to do it right. It did, it worked, and we are here.

Having traveled west on I-10, we were not traveling along the coastal highway, US-90, (as we usually do) until we entered Biloxi from the north. Part of the reason we did not travel and enter Biloxi on US-90 is that we knew from the TV coverage of Katrina that the mile and a half long US-90 bridge that connects Biloxi to Ocean Springs to the east had been totally destroyed.

The destruction from Katrina is absolutely overwhelming. Houses and other buildings along US-90 are pretty much not even there any longer. When we come here (the Keesler AFB FamCamp) we turn of off US-90 right by Beauvoir, the ante-bellum mansion and estate where Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, spent the last years of his life. As we drove the highway I told Sharyn that it was a good thing the turn would be indicated on the GPS screen as there are basically no remaining landmarks along the highway to enable you to know where you are. The coastal destruction in Biloxi is near total.

It was our plan to spend one night here and the move on tomorrow morning. Seeing what's here, we've decided to stay tomorrow and take a number of pictures that we will post to a separate page on this site, hoping to convey, to some extent, the loss and human suffering that this place has sustained.

We are in temporary overflow area that has been set up in the FamCamp. Most, if not all, of the regular campsites are occupied by regular active duty personnel whose housing has been destroyed, and FEMA workers. After getting set up, it was just about dark, but Sharyn suggested that I drive back and take a picture of the Pirate Ship Casino that we passed in the fog on our way to the FamCamp. In Biloxi (actually in all of Mississippi) Casinos were not allowed to be built on land -- they all had to be on floating boats. We have been to the Pirate Ship Casino a number of times, but now it lays destroyed on the beach.

As an aside, I believe that since the hurricane, the Mississippi legislature has enacted legislature allowing casinos to be built on dry land.

 

Escapee's New Years Eve Party

Sax Player

Shipwrecked Pirate Ship Casino in the fog and on the beach

 

Odometer reading = 74,530
Miles for day = 101

 

 

 

1/2/06
(Biloxi MS)

We drove US-90 from Biloxi, west to Gulfport, a distance of about seven miles, taking more than 50 pictures of the damage done by Hurricane Katrina. It's pretty much like taking pictures of the Grand Canyon, or the vistas of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska -- no matter how many or how good the pictures are, they cannot begin to convey what it was like to be there.

When we got to Gulfport we went to Barnes and Noble which is just north of I-10, and about five miles from the Gulf. There were steel shutters covering what had been the entrance and windows. One uncovered side door allowed us to peer inside. There was nothing inside -- no shelving, no books, no cafe -- nothing! Just a large dirty space. The sign said they would re-open "in early 2006."

 

Multiple photos of Katrina damage


Odometer reading = 74,530
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/3/06
(Crowley LA)

After dumping our holding tanks we left Keesler FamCamp about 9:15 am. At Gulfport we got back on I-10 heading west. As I-10 gets within 30 miles of New Orleans it dips south and goes along the southern edge of Lake Pontchartrain At that point I-12 continues due west for about 85 miles to where I-10 comes back up from the south and I-12 ends. We had planed on taking I-10 down along Lake Pontchartrain to New Orleans, but as we approached the point where I-10 veered south, there was a flashing sign warning that I-10 only had one lane open ahead. We took I-12.

In Baton Rouge we stopped at a Barnes and Noble, bought a book on Photoshop CS2 (which Sharyn gave me for Christmas), had two $3 cups of coffee, and got back on the road again.

At Crowley LA we pulled into a Walmart where I watched the news while Sharyn went inside. Later, after dinner, we both went back into Walmart where we bought a few small options.

As the evening progressed three other motorhomes pulled in and parked over in the far corner by us. One was a 45' Prevost with tandem rear axles -- close to a million dollar rig. So much for the die-hard belief of some RV forum people who say the only people who stay in Walmart are those who are too cheap to pay for a campground. Somehow I doubt that Prevost guy was worried about a $20 campground fee.


Odometer reading = 74,749
Miles for day = 219

 

 

 

1/4/06 to 1/6/06
(Livingston TX)

I'm writing this on January 6 and as far as I can remember we had an uneventful trip from Crowley to Livingston.

We're at Rainbow's End, the original Escapee Park, and the headquarters of what is now a fairly extensive system of Escapee Parks. We picked up our mail for the first time in a number of months, did some end of the year bookkeeping, etc. Sharyn did the laundry.

We had planned to leave here yesterday, but last night we decided to stay for another day and take care of some housekeeping and maintenance items (including getting this site up to date). Actually, we accomplished everything on our list, including a thorough cleaning of the bathroom, washing the kitchen floor, vacuuming, checking and adding distilled water to all the batteries, tighten hardware on the pull-out pantry, defrost the refrigerator, get a haircut (Sharyn cuts my hair), etc.

Tomorrow we'll be back on the road to Quartzsite.


Odometer reading = 74,936
Miles for day = 187

 

 

 

1/7/06
(Columbus TX)

Leaving the Escapee Park in Livingston we stopped at the local Walmart for a few grocery items and then headed south to Houston where we again picked up I-10 westbound. Eventually we pulled into a tiny Walmart in the small town of Columbus, but the parking area was so small that we didn't feel we could get sufficiently out of the way, so we left and went back several miles to the previous exit where there was a Shell truck stop. The truck stop was also not too large so we asked if it would be okay for us to remain there for the night. The lady said we would be fine.

We were also unexplainably tired and went to bed at 9 o'clock. After about five minutes I told Sharyn that I was too tired to read, put down my book and turned off my light. It was only 2 or 3 minutes later that Sharyn turned off her light as well. We were both very tired.


Odometer reading = 75,092
Miles for day = 155

 

 

 

1/8/06
(Mile Marker 358)

As frequently happens, I began to awake before daylight, but the the bed was warm and I was comfortable, so I just stayed in bed, half awake and half asleep. After awhile, now more awake than asleep, I realized that Sharyn also was not really asleep. Looking at my watch and seeing that it was 4:am, I asked her what she though about getting up at 4:am.

She immediately sat up in bed and said, "if you want coffee, it's ready." It turns out that she woke up earlier and, thinking it was time to get up, got up and plugged in the coffee pot. When she then saw it was 3:am she left the coffee pot plugged in, but got back in bed.

Anyway, we got up, had our very early coffee and conversation, and were on the road by 5:am. The Exit Guide (a very useful publication that lists all the rest areas and exits along the Interstate Highway System, plus lists all the services located at each exit) indicated a rest area about 100 miles down the road so we decided to go that far and then stop for breakfast.

We pulled into that rest area at 7 o'clock and were surprised that at that hour it was still dark. While we were still in Central Standard Time, we had moved quite a distance west from Panama City FL, so daylight was coming quite a bit later than we were accustomed to. Surprisingly, twenty minutes later it was pretty much full daylight, although the sun had not yet come up over the horizon.

I don't remember just what time it was, but passing through San Antonio that early on a Sunday morning, there was basically no traffic.

When we stopped for lunch Sharyn was very tired and slept for about an hour -- I promised I would not drive away while she was sleeping (She thinks I can't drive the motorhome unless she's sitting in the right seat to assist).

I think it was about 3 o'clock when we stopped again at another rest area. This time I slept for an hour. When I woke up we decided to stay here anyway. Our goal was to do 400 miles today but we didn't make it (Bill and Cheryl will find that funny).

The dilemma now is that while we're both tired, we don't want to go to bed so early that we'll be up at 4:am again tomorrow. Our goal for tomorrow is to get as far as El Paso. For now I'm going to take a shower and get ready for bed.


Parked for the night

Looking east along I-10


Odometer reading = 75,439
Miles for day = 347

 

 

 

1/9/06
(El Paso TX)

We had a good night's sleep, not waking up until 8:30. It was kind of cold in the motorhome, but after running the generator and heat pumps for about half an hour it was warm and comfortable, but we let the generator run for an additional half hour to give the batteries an initial quick boost towards recharging from last nights battery usage. With the 100 amp charger that's an integral part of the inverter I pretty much always run the generator in the morning when the initial rate of charge is 100 amps. As the rate of charge tapers off to around 50 amps I turn off the generator and let the solar panels and engine alternator finish the recharge. The quickest way to ruin a set of batteries (in our case that's four Trojan T-105's) is to run them down below 50% charge and/or not bring them back up to a fully charged state.

Anyway, we got underway and had an uneventful trip to El Paso with intermediate stops for fuel and lunch.

For awhile we listened on satellite radio Judge Alito's congressional confirmation hearing. However, after listening to half a dozen senators make their public consumption speeches, and learning that Alito's testimony was not going to begin until tomorrow, we turned it off.

We eventually pulled into a Walmart in El Paso and while Sharyn was buying some groceries I hooked up our catalytic heater (LP gas) so we could have some heat throughout the night without the use of the inefficient LP furnaces that, in addition to burning lots of propane, put a heavy draw on the batteries to run the circulating fans.

Shortly after Sharyn came back with the groceries we decided that we didn't like being where we were so we moved on to another Walmart midway between El Paso and the New Mexico border.

The picture below shows several giant wind turbines, part of a line of such turbines we saw today that extends along a ridge line that must continue for ten miles. In our travels we have come across several such turbine farms and we can't begin to comprehend the size of the capital investment that must go into such an installation. We also wonder how long it takes to recoup that investment, and the expected operating lifetime of one of these turbines.

Several miles before we took this picture, we passed an operating oil well that had this line of turbines visible in the distant background. At that time we talked about the contrast between the two sources of energy (I'm sorry we could not have stopped and captured that view). Our discussion was along the lines that organized environmentalists are opposed to oil drilling (seemingly anywhere), are opposed to nuclear power generation, and don't even like wind turbines because "they kill birds." We wonder where, in the real world, they would like to see us get our electrical power.


Tiny part of wind turbine farm


Odometer reading = 75,780
Miles for day = 341

 

 

 

1/10/06
(Sierra Vista AZ)

This trip from Panama City has been a rather unique trip for us in that we have always tended to travel the "two lane highways" rather than the Interstate. This time we will have basically been on I-10 for two thousand miles. Whew! We're doing this because of the time frame we've been operating in -- we want to be in Quartzsite by next week. We certainly do cover a greater distance in a shorter time by traveling the Interstate. The downside is that it makes for a much less interesting trip; you see less that the area may have to offer, and you can't pull off and visit an interesting looking shop, restaurant, etc.(Or pull over to photograph an oil well with a turbine farm in the background).

All of that preamble was setting the stage to say that we had an uneventful trip from El Paso to Apache Flats, the FamCamp here at Fort Huachuca, located just outside of Sierra Vista in the southeast corner of Arizona, about 15 miles from the Mexican border. We had no idea what it was going to be like here, but we certainly like what we found. Unfortunately, we had no reservation (we never make reservations) and the only site available is only available for three days.

Anyway, having been dry camped for a number of consecutive nights, and having been on the road all day, every day, it's good to be somewhere for several days. The fact that we are hooked up to water, sewer, electric, etc. makes it all the better.. Also, it gives me the opportunity to set up the satellite and bring this site up to date.


View from our motorhome while in Apache Flats FamCamp


Odometer reading = 76,075
Miles for day = 295

 

 

 

1/11/06 to 1/14/06
(Sierra Vista AZ)

We are really enjoying our stay here. Sharon, the campground host (not Sharyn), has been finding ways and places for us to stay beyond our first three days. Yesterday she had to put us in a non-site dry camp spot, but last night someone had to leave due to a family emergency and today she moved us to their site. We'll be here until Wednesday. These are really nice sites and the people staying here are a fun group. If it wasn't that the Escapee Boomer group that are meeting up with in Quartzsite start their "Boomerang" on Friday we'd stay here longer.

Several days ago, we took a ride to Tombstone, the historic town of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, the OK corral, and numerous bad guys. We've been to other "historic" places that have either been preserved or recreated (eg: Mystic Connecticut) but none of them have had the authenticity that we found in Tombstone. It may be because, in large part, what it is is what it was. Several blocks in the center of town are blocked to vehicular traffic (except for the stagecoaches) and the street is still dirt. It may also be that "town" isn't much bigger today than it was back in the 1800's. Go several blocks and you're out in the desert.

While we were there we also visited Boot Hill Cemetery on the outskirts of town. It seems that to die a natural death was not the norm. Hangings and shootings were the most popular, while Indians and accidents killed more than a few.

We still want to visit Bisbee, an old mining town about 20 miles from here. We'll probably do that on Monday (today is Saturday).

Getting back to Apache Flats FamCamp, the day before yesterday there was a pancake breakfast. Last night there was a "social hour" with hors d' oeuvres and bring your own wine. Then it went on to everyone going up to the microphone and telling jokes and/or stories. I even told the story about the laid back bumble bee that got eaten by a cow.

This morning there was something that I don't know what it's called. It was sort of like a neighborhood yard sale where everyone brought stuff that they wanted to sell, get rid of, or giveaway. A few people also brought stuff that they routinely make or sell, like Sharyn set up her jewelry stuff. I saw very little stuff being bought and most people took back what they had brought down. Sharyn bought a two baskets for a dollar each, plus another basket full of realistic make believe ivy for two dollars. The basket of ivy looks good on the dash.

Even though buying and selling was at a minimum, everyone enjoyed the coffee and deep fried apple fritters (deep fried while you waited), while kidding each other about whose junk was the most useless.

I'm not sure when this will get uploaded to the server because lately I've been having trouble with my satellite Internet access. The dish seemed to keep losing the satellite and I noticed several days ago that the tripod head had movement in it. Before setting it up on this site I went to tighten up the head and discovered that the corner of a cast piece was broken. That most have happened when the whole deal got blown over during a thunderstorm back at the Allegro factory in Alabama. I can't recall, but that could coincide with when I started having trouble. Anyway, I'll have to come up with something to get back online.

 

Stagecoach picking up passengers

Don't know these guys

He unknowingly bought a stolen horse - they didn't believe him

Another boot hill grave

Our campsite

 

Odometer reading = 76,075
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/15/06 to 1/17/06
(Sierra Vista AZ)

This entry ( Jan 15-17) may not flow, and may, in some respects, be repeated in subsequent entries, because it's being hand written the night of Jan 27. Putting all these hand written pages together I see that I never wrote about this three day period.

Anyway, it turned out that my computer problems involved more than just a poor Internet connection and/or a broken tripod that my dish is mounted on. My computer was in the early to mid stages of a crash. It's discussed later, but basically the hard drive crashed, had to be reformatted, and XP reinstalled.

But getting back to these three days at Fort Huachuca, from what I (we) can remember at this time, we checked out the museum depicting the history of Fort Huachuca, the territory it protected in the days of the early west, and what went on there during the Second World War. We also visited the Army Intelligence Museum, also on base. It had always been my understanding that when the US recovered an Enigma encrypting machine from a German U boat that her crew was unable to scuttle quickly enough was when we and the Allies gained access to the German code. That was wrong -- the British had broken the code years earlier but were not sharing the code with us, so the capture of the Enigma was still a windfall to the US.

We also drove to Bisbee, an old mining town about 35 miles east of Sierra Vista. Unfortunately, we got there very late in the day and not too long before nightfall. From what we saw we were sorry that we had not arrived earlier. Particularly since we were leaving for Quartzsite the following morning and would not be able to make a second trip to Bisbee to see the place in greater detail.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Fort Huachuca and the next time we are in this part of the Country we will try to make reservations for an extended stay (maybe a month). That may be dependent on Sharon still being the camp host. In large part, she makes it the place that it is.


Original Homeland Security (that's Geronimo on the right)

 

Odometer reading = 76,075
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/18/06
(Gila Bend AZ)

This morning, after coffee and conversation, Sharyn went to the commissary while I got the motorhome ready to go (mostly dump the tanks, fill the water, and put away all the loose stuff). When I finished I went to a large parking lot near the commissary where, while I waited for Sharyn, I had breakfast and cleaned the windshield and mirrors.

It was quite a while before Sharyn got there, and when she did she probably had more groceries than we've ever bought at one time since we've been in the motorhome. Since we're on our way to Quartzsite where we'll probably be boondocked in the desert for two weeks or better, the idea is to have enough stuff to get us through most of that time period.

Our computer crashed several days ago and I had to reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows. At this point we have reinstalled most of our software, but have been unable to get Direcway to operate properly (our Internet access is via Direcway's satellite) so we have been unable to get online. Obviously that means we can't send or receive e-mail or update stringbean, but more importantly, we can't access bank accounts or pay bills.

We bought our Direcway system from RV Sat-Link in Gila Bend back in 2003, so we decided to stop at Gila Bend to see if they could get us back online. Unfortunately, we found out that they are all in Quartzsite.

Anyway, we're parked at RV Sat-Link where we've had dinner and, since I can't upload this anyway, I'm conserving battery power by writing this out on a yellow pad. I suspect we'll probably go to bed early and get an early start in the morning. We're only about 130 miles from the Escapee "Boomers" rendezvous location in Quartzsite.

 

We met this couple in a rest area

 

Odometer reading = 76,269
Miles for day = 193

 

 

 

1/19/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

Since we tend to go to bed early when dry camped, we also tend to get up early. Also, when dry camped for one night only, getting back on the road in the morning only means bringing in the slides and driving away. Accordingly, we were up and on the road to Quartzsite fairly early.

It was early afternoon when we arrived at the Boomers group. We were the 26th rig to check in. This annual gathering out in the desert several miles east of town is at N 33.65051 and W 114.15218.

The only other time we were in Quartzsite was in January 2003. As I probably described here at that time, from mid-January to early February has to be the world's largest gathering of RVs -- if for no other reason than that there is no where else that can accommodate so many RVs -- an estimated 200,000 RVs and 500,000 people people occupying mostly federally owned lane under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) spreading out over a roughly ten mile radius (actually more north and south than east and west) from town. There are numerous private campgrounds in and around Quartzsite but the numbers that they can accommodate are an insignificant part of what's here. Quartzsite is basically a crossroads town with a fixed population of about 3,000 people where US-95, running north and south, crosses over I-10, running east and west.

Every RVer should "do" Quartzsite at least once, although most people we talk to have been here multiple times -- some many times.

In addition to the RVers, there are numerous shows going on at any one point in time (talking about the period mid-January to mid-February). Some follow others, some overlap with others, etc., but there's always a lot happening. The main focus is probably RV related stuff, then rocks, gems, and minerals, followed by usual, but very large array of flea market kind of stuff, although the flea market stuff is heavily oriented towards RVers and gem and jewelry people. All of this is happening simultaneously, and covers an area of a square mile or more. It takes place on both sides of I-10 and on both sides of US-95. It is hailed as "The World's Largest Flea Market."

Anyway, after locating our motorhome so that we would be upwind of the dust raised by passing vehicles, have the sun on the front side, and have the sunrise come through the front windshield, we took the car into town to "check it out." We walked all over the place, checking out all kinds of stuff, particularly looking for RV Sat-Link. Eventually we tired out, gave up, had some ice cream, and returned to our home in the desert. We'll still have plenty of days, and time, to walk the shows.


Sharyn checking out some large crystals

 

 

Odometer reading = 76,404
Miles for day = 135

 

 

 

1/20/06 and 1/21/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

These two days each started off with the usual coffee and conversation, followed by our driving into town and finding a parking space on "this side" of the main congestion (which already puts us into some of the displays, vendor tents, etc. From there we walk more of the show. Again, when I say "the show" there are actually a number of shows going on, but the lines of demarcation are invisible to show goers -- it's just one big happening

After several hours, we (mostly me) tire, and we start back to the car and then the motorhome in the desert.

There is a daily 4 o'clock "happy hour" at the Escapee gathering place, followed several hours later with a big gathering around a bonfire. We have not yet gone to one of these bonfire gatherings, but I believe they are every night.

Anyway, we are still off-line as our Direcway satellite problem remains unresolved. Yesterday we called Direcway, and for $99 plus a 15 month commitment at $59 per month (the same as we've been paying for three years) they are sending us a DW-7000 modem that is two generations newer than DW-4000 dual modems that we have been using. In addition to being faster, both upload and download speeds, the DW-7000 does not require any software.

Since 1995 I don't think we've ever been off-line for more than several hours, if that. Now we've been off for a week and it will probably be another week before the modem gets here. Going without Internet access is not as bad as going without water or electric (not referring to boondocking) but it's not too far behind. We are cut off from all the information in the world.

The daytime temperatures approach 70° while just before dawn it's pretty close to freezing. Our Olympian 8,000 Btu catalytic heater is the sole source of heat we've been using at night, and when we first get up in the morning. Using very little propane and no electric, it's performance meets all our expectations.


Part of our water conservation program

An aerial view of the Boomer group (looking west)

Another view (looking east)
Note: Before this file was reduced from 12 MB to 83KB you could see Sharyn taking the photographer's picture

Sharyn's picture of the picture taker

Another one

 

Odometer reading = 76,404
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/22/06 to 1/27/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

The big news is that our new modem arrived yesterday, and as of several hours ago we were back online for the first time in what has probably been three weeks.

Since we're trying, with some degree of success, to live off of our solar panels and not run the generator, there is pressure to not keep the computer up and running for extended periods of time (certainly not 24/7 as when we are enjoying full hookups). Since January 20 I have been doing the travelog on a yellow pad to minimize computer time since I can't upload anything anyway. In addition, the pictures that will accompany these entries have not yet been selected or "Photoshopped." This will probably all be done and uploaded tomorrow when the sun is shinning bright.

Yesterday we went with about ten other couples on a 4-wheel drive trek through and across the desert about 50 miles north of Quartzsite. For the most part 4-wheel drive wasn't really necessary, but a little more ground clearance would have been nice.

It seems that in the last 3-4 days the nights have not been as cold as they had been, rather staying in the mid 40's with the daytime temps around 70°, with intense sunshine pretty much all day, every day. While we still aren't crazy about the desert, the weather sure is nice. Actually, yesterday Sharyn remarked that the desert does tend to grow on you.

Because of the messed up way that this travelog stuff has been getting done since our computer crashed things are a little messed up and maybe out of sequence. That's why the following pictures may not relate to this particular entry but I wanted to post them anyway.

The 14 miles traveled is when I took the motorhome into town to have one of the solar panels checked out. While in town I also dumped our holding tanks, and filled up with water and propane.

 

Sharyn selecting gem stones

One of my show favorites

Sharyn enjoying the nice weather

There are all kinds of rigs parked in the desert

Taking a break on our 4-wheel cross country

Warning sign

At this point Sharyn thought we were going to tip over

 

Odometer reading = 76,418
Miles for day = 14

 

 

 

1/28/06 and 1/29/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

Yesterday we went back to the show again as I had seen a really neat tool that I liked but had not bought. It basically wraps wire around the end of a hose, tube, or plastic pipe where you would otherwise use a hose clamp, or if you had one, a crimp with the matching crimp tool. Several months ago, and then again a week ago, I was looking for someone to make me up custom propane hoses (for the first application I eventually used copper tubing and ended up with a better job as a result). Had I had this tool I could have made up both lines myself. Anyway, now I have it. We also bought the two aerial photos posted this morning. He usually sells his pictures as 8x10 prints, but we wanted the picture in digital format so he gave us two pictures , out of the hundreds he had, on a CD for less than the price of one print.

We then went to fill up our two five gallon collapsible water jugs, but on the way to the water place we stopped and looked at a bunch of motorhomes. One Winnebago we looked at had a very interesting floor plan -- quite nice and very different from what we usually see. Most motorhomes have floor plans that are only slight variations of a few common schemes.

From the time we got back to our home in the desert, until I finally shut off the computer around 11 o'clock last night I was working on bringing this site current. It was not until midday today (Sunday the 29th) that I had it current, with photos, up through the 27th.

Last night, while I was still doing this website, Sharyn walked down towards the fire pit and discovered a sing-a-long, story telling, gathering that we had known about but had forgotten. She stayed for a while before coming back to get the camera. Unfortunately, campfire pictures taken in what is otherwise total darkness are difficult when the subjects (people) are spread out or some distance from the fire.

Right now it's mid-afternoon and we're both sitting outside enjoying the bright sunshine and the, just beginning, cool breeze. It's on the verge of being too hot to stay in the sun (I've changed to T-shirt, shorts, and Birkenstocks). Sharyn is making some new pieces with some of the great materials she found here at the show (check out her stuff), while I'm "composing" this on a yellow pad before turning on the computer to type it in.

With this upload stringbean will be fully up-to-date for the first time in about three weeks.

 

Our neighbor has been cooking dinners in his solar oven (350°) for ten years

Last night's sing-a-long

New modem up and running


Odometer reading = 76,418
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/30/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

While the five gallon collapsible water containers on the kitchen and bathroom sinks help us to conserve the water in our main tank, and thereby enable us to remain longer in the desert, there was room for improvement.

Several years ago we replaced our RV water pump with one of the, then new, quiet type. This morning I went into town to get some ½ inch tubing to convert our old water pump into a transfer pump. It works terrific. Now we have about a two foot hose coming out of the pump that connects to our regular water intake. Another two feet of hose from the pump inlet gets put into one of the five gallon containers, connect 12 volts to the pump and in about two minutes the five gallons has been pumped into our main tank. It has even gone through our filter system.

During the day today there were two "seminars" around the firepit. The first one was about connecting to the Internet with Direcway's satellite system. I went, but didn't stay long. It was really "Intro to Internet via Satellite 101" for people who were interested in satellite access but knew nothing about it. The second "seminar" was about boondocking and we both went, figuring that we'd get some worthwhile hints from people who had a great more experience than we do. It did start out that way, but was soon hijacked by what you might call a few earth friendly environmentalists hung up on "we all use too much water, energy, etc." Unfortunately, what should have been an opportunity to learn got turned into a lecture on how we should all live our lives. The average age here is sixty something and most of us decided long ago how we were going to live our lives. I don't think anyone here was seeking such advice. After about a half hour we folded up our chairs and left, followed by a few others.

After that we went into town to the western end on the north side of I-10. We had not yet been there, but as it was now late afternoon we just walked around a short while, Sharyn found and bought some some neat clasps, and we returned to the motorhome.

On the way back we stopped to refill our two 5 gallon containers at a water dispenser where you put in a quarter and 5 gallons of water comes out. In the right place there's a market for everything.

 

The mid-morning view from my chair

Two wire crimps made with that cool tool I bought

Transfer pump in operation (with temporary wiring)

 

Odometer reading = 76,418
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/31/06 through 2/4/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

The number of RVs in the Escapee Boomers group has thinned out considerably over the last 4-5 days, as have the number of RVs in Quartzsite generally. While other shows and exhibits still go on, the big "Quartzsite RV thing" is over.

Yesterday we had to take the motorhome into town to dump our black water. After dumping we did not return to the remaining Boomers, but instead selected another spot that does not require the two mile trip out the dirt road (which really is less like dirt and more like talcum powder).

The Boomer group, which maxed out at about 140 rigs, is now probably down to about fewer than 30. Where we are now we are sharing an area of about 25 acres with seven other RVs. A week ago we probably could not have fit in here. We even have a fire ring and some some kind of a tree/bush that provides mid-afternoon shade. The only downside to where we are is that I-10 passes within several hundred yards of where we are and we get traffic noise.

Before leaving the Boomer area and taking down our satellite system, we uploaded some of Sharyn's new necklaces to her website (support our retirement -- buy stuff). We had not moved since switching to our new modem system and we weren't sure we'd not have a problem getting setup again and back online again. As it turned out we were okay.

This morning I walked to the end of the paved road and back -- about three miles. I could not help but notice that while there were probably something close to 1,000 RVs camped along this road last week, there is not a single piece of debris to be seen. I think that says a lot for all those people who were here.

The other day I had gone into town to go to the post office, and while I was there I stopped in again again at the bakery for a cup of coffee and a Danish. I find it amazing that out here in the middle of nowhere there is a real old fashioned family owned bakery A remnant of the past that almost doesn't exist anymore.

The temperatures continue to warm up a little more every day. We no longer leave the heat on at night (we do use the catalytic heater on low before we go to bed), and the daytime temps have been around 80° (sunshine seems to be a given).

This afternoon we went to the Arts and Crafts show which was a waste. We also went to the Gem and Mineral show and the car show. We have to go back to the Gem and Mineral show because Sharyn wants to do it again when it's not so hot. (the sun never stops). With respect to the car show, I'm not as car oriented as I was once upon a time, but there were several cars there that I photographed, and which must be mentioned.

In 1943 my parents bought a 1939 LaSalle for which my father had a great deal of enthusiasm. In 1953 they bought the first new car they ever owned, a 1953 Chevy. When they got the Chevy my father gave me the LaSalle. I was only 15 years old, and with no drivers license and no license plates I could only drive it on dirt/farm roads, but I had fun anyway. It was my first car. There was a 1939 LaSalle at the car show -- perhaps the only other one I've ever seen. As an aside, one of the things my father like best about the LaSalle was that it had no running boards. One of the first cars not to have them.. The one at the show had running boards, so I asked the owner, "how come?" It turns out that running boards were available as an option.

In 1956 I got the first car I ever bought. It was a 1946 Ford Coupe. The guy I bought it from worked for Mr. Hulse, a local farmer who was a friend of my father. He wanted $30 for the car . I only wanted to pay $25. Mr. Hulse, hearing this discussion came over and said, "Philip, you're going to pay him $27.50, and (whatever his name was), you're going to take $27.50." The deal was done. The car at the show was a 1948, but from 1946-48 they did not change.

Another car at the show was a 1957 Chevy. I didn't care too much for the '57 Chevy (I had a 1958), but this car was really something. It has never been restored, repainted, reupholstered, or anything. The present owner bought it from the family of an 89 year old lady who bought it new when she was 65. He keeps it in a carpeted, insulated garage. When the lady bought it from the dealer in 1957 it could not have been cleaner or shinier than it is now. I told the owner it was the most impressive car in the show.

 

Our new location

Our chairs, our "tree/bush," and our fire pit

Sharyn searching our area for cool rocks

1939 LaSalle

1946-48 Ford Coupe (mine was a little rough around the edges)

 

Odometer reading = 76,429
Miles for day = 11

 

 

 

2/5/06 to 2/9/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

Since we've moved to this spot it certainly has been more convenient to go into town -- and we have been doing so frequently. The selection and availability of materials for Sharyn's jewelry making sure is better here than anyplace we've been in the past. As the time for us to leave draws near (and the gem and jewelry shows wind down) Sharyn has been going over her inventory of supplies, but at this point it looks as if she's set.

Tomorrow we're moving into town for a day or two so we can dump our tanks, take on water, do laundry, and most of all, equalize our batteries that have really been carrying our electric load since we first moved into the desert three weeks ago today. After taking care of all those things, and taking a couple of long hot showers, we plan to move west to Joshua Tree National Park where we intend to try dispersed camping, a term and option we were previously unaware of.. It allows dry camping, or boondocking, on federal land in areas outside of the regular campgrounds. The idea is that such disbursed camping allows campers the opportunity to get out and away from improved areas and enjoy the natural environment. Also, because the campers are widely "dispersed," rather than all grouped together in campgrounds, the impact on the environment is minimized.

We'll see how it works for us.


Where we've been for the last week

This place had really nice material

Odometer reading = 76,429
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/10/06 and 2/11/06
(Quartzsite AZ)

Yesterday morning we left the desert and moved into Katie's RV Park on Main Street in Quartzsite. It's not exactly a five star facility, but we have water, electric, and sewer. They have propane, and a Laundromat, plus there is a grocery store across the street, and the bakery is next door. That all adds up to a lot of convenience

We celebrated our arrival in town with long hot showers and a half gallon of ice cream that we ate in one sitting.

Now that the laundry is done and the batteries have been equalized, we'll be leaving in the morning with water, fuel, and propane full, and holding tanks empty.


View from motorhome before we came into town

Parked in Katie's RV Park


Odometer reading = 76,433
Miles for day = 4

 

 

 

2/12/06
(Joshua Tree National Park CA)

This morning, in spite of the fact that the bakery is closed on Sunday, we were in no real hurry to get out and going. After doing all the dumping and filling and taking down the satellite, we pulled up to the LP pump where we took 14.2 gallons. Since we had topped off our propane on January 23, that seemed like a lot of propane to use in only 21 days. However, considering that in addition to cooking, the refrigerator is using propane, plus the catalytic heater which we were using quite a bit for the first few weeks in Quartzsite, plus the occasions when we turned on the hot water for showers (instead of heating a kettle on the stove for sink baths), 14 gallons is probably not an excessive amount.

Before getting onto I-10 we pulled into a Pilot station whose sign said $2.319. It turned out it was only $2.299 at the pump where we took on 52 gallons.

About 30 miles down the Interstate, just over the California border, we pulled off at Blyth to get some groceries at Albertsons. We also took note that gas in Blyth was $2.859. Fifty-six cents more than we had paid. A $29 savings on a tank of gas is pretty substantial!

It wasn't that much longer before we got to Joshua Tree National Park. It turns out that RV camping, as opposed to tent or backpack camping, is only allowed within established campgrounds in the park. The dispersed, or free range, camping we were interested in has to be outside the park boundaries.

The lady in the office who told us this also told us that she believed it was BLM land south of the park boundary and north of I-10. That's where we are now as I'm writing this on a yellow pad while sitting outside the motorhome enjoying the late afternoon sun. From where we are sitting we can see the traffic along I-10, but unlike in Quartzsite, we're now several miles away and can't hear any of the traffic noise.

Since our choice of where we can park the motorhome has been substantially reduced from what we had anticipated, it looks as if we'll head for San Diego tomorrow. Also, as Sharyn says, we just spent three weeks boondocked in the desert, so she's not too upset about this unexpected turn of events. There must be maps or some other way to locate BLM lands. We'll have to pursue that.

 

Our "campsite" for the night
.

Odometer reading = 76,540
Miles for day = 107

 

 

 

2/13/06
(Joshua Tree National Park CA . . . just outside of . . .)

When Sharyn got up this morning I was sitting outside in my pajamas having my coffee.

It was quite mild outside even though the sun had just come over the top of the mountain. It was peaceful, quiet, comfortable, and quite enjoyable. Sharyn suggested we see about finding another spot not so close to the entrance road to the park. We used the car to search about and decided upon another site about ¼ mile west of where we were.

After several hours in our new spot we decided to remain here for several days so I set up our satellite system so we could be online.. The almost unbroken silence is very nice, as is the weather.

This afternoon we walked further down the dirt road to where it was washed out so that Sharyn could check out the wash for new and/or interesting rocks. The was is about ¼ mile past where we now are -- it was because of the wash that we could not go further west. Anyway, we came back to the motorhome with only 5-10 pounds of rocks. Not a very productive search.

The Interstate is about two miles south of us, and about 1,000 feet lower in elevation. When sitting outside we face south, looking out at the mountains that raise up on the other side of the Interstate that runs east and west through a valley formed by the mountains on either side. We are probably half way up the mountain on the north side. The northern end of the Salton Sea lies about 12 miles to the southwest and we can just barely see the northwest corner from our location. Yesterday, from a higher vantage point in the park we had a much better view of it. In December 2002 we drove the eastern shoreline of the Salton Sea on our way to "Slab City" as we were working our way towards Quartzsite. In fact, we stopped at a state park along the shoreline to take a break and make a pot of coffee. We thought the location was so pretty that we ended up staying the night.

This evening we had our dinner sitting outside, eventually coming back in after the sun went down and the temperature began to drop.


Sharyn searching the wash

Examining the day's take

A look at where we are

Our campsite

At the Salton Sea December 27, 2002


Odometer reading = 76,540
Miles for day = ¼

 

 

 

2/14/06
(Joshua Tree National Park CA . . . just outside of . . .)

Our prearranged plan for today was to go through the park to see the Joshua trees on the northern end and to stop at the park headquarters to see what information we could get about BLM lands. After our coffee and conversation we headed north through the park

After traveling about 40 miles to the north side of the park we arrived at the headquarters where we got a California atlas that also showed the BLM lands within the state. We also learned that the San Andreas Fault runs right through the park and under our motorhome.

Leaving the park headquarters we came upon and stopped at the Twenty-nine Palms Marine Corps Base where we did some grocery shopping at the commissary and, of course, checked out the BX. We then headed west, and then south, basically going around the western end of the park to the BLM regional office that the lady at the park headquarters has directed us to.

The BLM has 15 large, detailed maps that show all their land in California in much greater detail than we probably need. Since these maps are four dollars each we only bought the one showing the area where we are now, mostly so I could familiarize myself with the details and format of their maps. The atlas pretty much gives us the information we were looking for -- it shows us where the BLM lands are.

By the time we had completed our circumnavigation of the western half of the park we had traveled 159 miles and arrived back at the motorhome not too long before dark


Cactus growing in the park

Parked by the "cactus garden"

Sharyn said it was her turn to take a picture

Joshua trees

Our campsite as seen from I-10

 

Odometer reading = 76,540
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/15/06 through 2/20/06
(Joshua Tree National Park CA . . . just outside of . . .)

We have not done a great deal in the days since the last entry, having used the car on only four occasions.

One day we went to Indio, about 25 miles west of here to do some birthday shopping (Katlin :-) and find a post office. Another time we went to Barnes & Noble in Palm Desert, about 15 miles past Indio. There was a Macy's next door to Barnes & Noble and Sharyn thought that was cool. On the way back we stopped at a Ralph's for some much needed grocery shopping.

The other trip was much shorter. We went to Chiriaco Summit, a tiny place at the next Interstate exit, just 5 miles east of here that, we discovered, has it's own post office. It also has an old Route-66 style cafe where we went to eat. For quite some time Sharyn has been craving "a thick, old fashioned, greasy, hamburger." She found that at at Chiriaco Summit (it was really very big, very good, and not greasy at all). I had liver and onions with mashed potatoes, gravy, and asparagus. If we lived here, we'd be regulars at the cafe.

Chiriaco Summit also has a story to it. In 1927 Joe Chiriaco drove from his home in Alabama to California to see Alabama play Stanford in the Rose Bowl. He never went back. He bought a piece of property on the gravel road to Blythe where on August 15, 1933 he opened a gas station and general store. When the hard surfaced US-60 came through business only got better. In 1942, on orders from the War Department (anticipating the desert war in North Africa), General George S. Patton established the Army's Desert Training Center with it's headquarters near Chiriaco's general store and gas station. The Desert Training Center (subsequently renamed the California-Arizona Maneuver Area) was enormous, ultimately extending 350 miles in width from Pomona, California to Phoenix, Arizona, and 250 miles deep from Yuma, Arizona to Boulder City, Nevada. Between 1942 and 1944 1,000,000 men trained there. Eventually, the Interstate Highway System came through and then finally, on June 21, 2000, commercial electric power came to Chiriaco Summit and they were able to shut down their generator for the last time. Today the business is still family owned and is run by his grandchildren.

Anyway, enough of that. For the last 4-5 days it's been too cool to sit outside, particularly with the wind -- bummer! However, listening to the cold temperatures that seem to be in place all around the country I don't think we can complain that it's in the 60's and not the 70's. At least we've got sunshine.

Today I went back to Chiriaco Summit to take some pictures. This time I did some exploring along the way, first taking a narrow dirt road up into the mountains on the south side of the Interstate (the mountains that we've been looking out at for the last week), and then going to Chiriaco Summit via what I think is the old abandoned US-60 (took more pictures).

In the meanwhile, Sharyn has signed up for a booth at the Escapees Spring Escapade at the Fairgrounds in Chico, California April 23 -29 where I expect she'll do very well selling her jewelry.

As of now, it's our plan to leave here in the morning and head towards San Diego, probably stopping when we pass through California's 600,000 acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, west of the Salton Sea. We'll see what happens!


Half-way up the mountain

Where I turned around

Chiriaco Summit (all of it)

Chiriaco Summit Post Office (on cafe patio)

Traveling abandoned US-60

Our campsit as seen from US-60

 

Odometer reading = 76,540
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/21/06
(Joshua Tree National Park CA . . . just outside of . . .)

Well, we didn't leave here this morning as planned, but then that doesn't surprise us. I think we'll really leave tomorrow.

Today I took Sharyn up the road into the mountain where I went yesterday. She said it was not a place where she could feel relaxed and at ease -- it certainly is remote. As we came back down we stopped several times when Sharyn saw interesting rocks that needed to be investigated. Before we got to the bottom we diverted onto another dirt road that followed a power line, eventually turning onto still another dirt road that took us to the old US-60 which we than took to Chiriaco Summit.

We had lunch at the cafe and then visited the General George S. Patton Museum that is a part of Chiriaco Summit. Yesterday, in an attempt to spare the details, I omitted the fact that Joe Chiriaco and his wife, Ruth, established a memorial to General Patton which, over the years, and with the help and cooperation of the BLM, evolved into a real museum honoring Patton, the Desert Training Center, the men who trained there, and all the men and women who have fought for America. During the six years we've been full-timing we've come to discover that every place out in Nowheresville seems to have a museum for something or somebody -- more often than not, just a way to get you to leave a bit of your money behind. That's not the case here. Four dollars ($3.50 for us old guys) is a great price to pay to see this well done museum.

Patton has always been one of my favorites (I have a number of them) and walking around looking at the exhibits I again gave thought to how this country's military has always been successful when the military ran the operation (e.g. American Revolution, Civil War, WW I, and WW II), but cannot succeed when hamstrung by politicians making political decisions (e.g. Korea and Vietnam).

Anyway, anyone traveling I-10 between Indio and Blythe should get off at the Chiriaco Summit exit, have lunch at the cafe, check out the Patton Museum, and appreciate the story of how it all came together.

 

Up in the mountain

Statue in front of museum

Don't know the story of this car, but it sure looks good

Odometer reading = 76,540
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/22/06
(Anza-Borrego Desert State Park -- specifically: N33.30309° W116.27485°)

We sat around this morning with a little bit of "should we go, or should we stay?" Since our black water needed dumping we had no choice about that. We disconnected from the satellite dish, pulled in the slides, got rid of the "loose stuff," and I proceeded to take the motorhome six miles up the hill (mostly in 2nd gear) to the nearest dump station in Joshua Tree National Park. When I got back we decided that even though it was past noon, everything in the motorhome was ready to go, so we'd leave. By the time we'd put away the satellite system, lowered the solar panels, hooked up the car, etc., it was one o'clock when we pulled out.

While we had finished the coffee, we had not had anything to eat, so when we got to Mecca we pulled off on the side and had lunch. The transition from the road to Mecca, to Mecca, is both abrupt and amazing. Mecca is on the western side of the Salton Sea, which is several hundred feet below sea level. The road we traveled, Box Canyon Road, basically runs from the south entrance to Joshua Tree National Park to the northern end of the Salton Sea. For the most part, the road seems to run down the center of the big wash that carries all the run-off from the mountains north of I-10, funneling it down from it's initial width of a number of miles to something in the order of maybe a 100 yards. The contours of the land, and the high stone walls that give Box Canyon Road it's name seem to preclude any alternative. I guess when it rains the road just gets overrun with roaring, running , water. The road work crews and equipment that seemed to be putting the road back together in numerous places would seem to bear that out -- and it hasn't appeared to have rained in several months.

Anyway, back to my transition into Mecca. After following this dry and sometimes sand swept road through the barren, dry desert for a good number of miles, we came over a small crest, and before us appeared the the flat, emerald green green fields of Mecca. Initially, citrus trees and grape vines, but I'm sure there were other crops as well. Mecca is clearly a farming community that shows what irrigation can do for otherwise dry desert land.

We continued on past Mecca, soon entering the 600,000 acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Looking for a place to spend the night, we saw a number of roads and washes going out into the desert, but were concerned that the motorhome could get bogged down in some soft sand. Our 24,000 pound setup is hardly intended for "off road" exploring, so we try to be careful about where or when we pull off the pavement. Around 3:30 we came upon an area where there were perhaps a dozen RVs spread out over a ½ mile area. It looked pretty good so we drove out into the same general area where we sat outside and enjoyed the warm, late day sunshine, had some fresh popped (microwave) popcorn, and eventually retired back inside the motorhome as the sun went down behind the mountain and it started to cool off. Having had dinner, Sharyn is reading her book while I write this. Tomorrow we'll be on to San Diego.

We note that while it has been dark for several hours and there are now as many as 20 RVs in the area, there is total silence. Not a generator anywhere!


Our spot in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Another view of our spot

Odometer reading = 76,616
Miles for day = 79

 

 

 

2/23/06
(San Diego CA)

During our morning coffee and conversation we decided that we didn't care for the Anza-Borrego Desert (at least this part) as much as we did the desert south of Joshua Tree Park.

Anyway, we were underway before mid-morning. It was probably no more than 20-30 minutes before we had passed through the tiny town of Borrego Springs and the road began an upward climb that would, within two hours, bring us from the sea-level desert to snow on the side of the road at 5,000 feet. Upon getting into the higher elevation we commented on how nice it was to once again see saturated colors, greens, and even water flowing in mountain streams.

Coming back down the western side of the mountain we had no sooner gotten onto I-8 about 35 miles from San Diego when we came upon a sign warning "6% Grade Next 10 Miles." We sure came down faster than we went up!

Coming into a major city with all kinds of merging and intersecting limited access highways, when I'm not sure where I'm going and everyone is driving 70 miles per hour is not my favorite kind of RVing. Anyway, without missing any of our turns we did find and cross the bridge linking downtown San Diego with the very picturesque village of Coronado.

Fiddler's Cove, the Navy FamCamp, is about two miles south of Coronado on the east side of the highway, which puts it right on San Diego Bay. The Pacific Ocean is on the west side of the highway. Initially we drove right past the (practically) unmarked entrance and came upon the State Park Beach on the ocean side a mile or two beyond Fiddler's Cove. They have a large parking lot that runs for a mile or so between the highway and the sandy beach, and there were a good number of RVs spread out along the beach edge of the parking lot. We inquired, but it was $23 per night to dry camp there. As pretty as the beach was that sounded kind of steep.

Back at Fiddler's Cove the sites with hookups (water and electric only) were extremely narrow -- to the point that your awning would almost touch the next guys slideout. We opted for the dry camp area with much larger sites (most of which were empty) for half the price ($12 vs $22). After 6 weeks boondocked in the desert, hookups don't seem too important.

When we went to setup in our assigned site, Sharyn noticed that several sites down there was a sloped area that provided access to the beach/water, and that if we had the site next to that we'd, in effect, have a site twice the regular size. While I unhooked the car Sharyn went back to the office and got our site changed.

By the time we were all set up it was only about 3 o'clock, so we drove over to the North Island Naval Air Station on the other side of Coronado where we checked out the BX (NEX in the case of Navy), bought some groceries at the commissary, and returned home.

We like it here. With the motorhome facing San Diego Bay, we look out across the Bay to the ships at the San Diego Naval Station and the City of San Diego.

 

Climbing out of the desert

The road we've just traveled

Our view of the Coronado Bridge

Odometer reading = 76,735
Miles for day = 116

 

 

 

2/24/06
(San Diego CA)

When I woke up at 8 o'clock (yesterday I was up at 4:30) it was quite comfortable in the motorhome. Since we are facing north, when the sun comes up it covers the entire right side of the motorhome, warming it up fairly quickly -- at least by 8:am.

We had planned to go to the San Diego Zoo today, but after an extended coffee and conversation, setting up my satellite system, and sitting outside looking out over the Bay, it had suddenly gotten to mid-afternoon so we decided no zoo today. Actually we figure the zoo will be an all day trip.

We went to the Travel and Ticket Office by the BX, talked to the girl, and got brochures on a number of things to do and see in and about San Diego. We've decided we really like it here and could stay here for a week or more. We'll have to put together a list of what we'd like to do and see. I'm sure we'll run out of money before we run out of time.


Why we didn't get to do anything today!


Odometer reading = 76,735
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/25/06
(San Diego CA)

Last night I typed up the travelog text for the last several days (I try to do the text on a daily basis, although when we are not hooked up to electric I may do the initial writing on a yellow pad to save on battery consumption -- it takes less time to type it out if I'm not putting it all together at the same time). This morning I did the pictures to go with the text and uploaded the whole deal to the server.

We then drove into San Diego to see the aircraft carrier Midway which is docked adjacent to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We paid for four hours parking, figuring we'd spend two hours on the Midway, and then two hours looking at all the shops, etc., along the waterfront. Well we spent the entire four hours on the Midway and if our parking time was not running out we'd probably have spent the better part of another hour. The brochure says that the "complete tour" (there is a shorter version) takes about 2½ hours.

The format is excellent. Throughout the ship there are about 40 numbered exhibits or marked areas. Every visitor is given a small player device the size of a deck of cards with a set of earphones. Push the button for the number of the exhibit you are interested in or standing in front of, and you hear the story or explanation that goes with it.

Of course the main event, so to speak, is just the opportunity to wander about this incredible ship, much of which is put into clearer context by the audio program.

As a bit of trivia, what kind of mileage do you think the Midway got when underway at sea? Think about it. You'll come to the answer further down.

One of the things that impressed me was that fact that during its years of service (1945-1992) there were 225,000 men that served onboard. That's almost a quarter of a million men!

In addition to the do-it-yourself audio program, there were retired pilot speakers at both the arresting cable location and at the catapult launch location, who explained in detail the operation of the respective system, and then answered any question. By the way, the Midway travels one mile and burns 260 gallons of fuel.

Anyway, after we got back to the motorhome and had something to eat, we went to checkout a local Walmart about 10 miles south of here (and about 2 miles north of the Mexican border). After buying milk, windshield washer fluid, and aspirin we headed back to the motorhome, but decided to continue on past Fiddler's Cove and go into Coronado to find an ice cream shop. We did, and it was good!


Sharyn in companionway

Engine room

On hangar deck

Mess area

Island as seen from flight deck

Forward flight deck as seen from flight control (forward planes are in catapults)

Another view with carrier Nimitz across the bay

View from dock to give concept of scale

Great photo taken from www.midway.org


Odometer reading = 76,735
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/26/06 to 2/28/06
(San Diego CA)

Somehow or other I missed the fact that February 25, the day we visited the Midway, was the first day of our seventh year of full-timing. Seven years and 76,000 miles -- we've seen a lot and done a lot. Life is really a great opportunity!

Several nights ago as I was getting into bed, the lights across the bay caught my attention. There is much that we see but, for numerous reasons, can't capture on (digital) film. That midnight view out the front windshield was not such a case. Since I would require a long exposure time I had to first get out and set up my tripod, which I did. I like the results (link below).

Yesterday we drove into Coronado, parked the car, and spent several hours walking around town. Coronado is really a very attractive little town. Sharyn says she could live there, in part, because there is a "flower lady" on a little park-like corner. She says every pretty little town should have a flower lady.

Our walking included checking out numerous little shops that line the main street. If the shop had a bench out front, and many of them did, I sat there and read the paper. I decided long ago that women "shop," that is they browse all kinds of stores and shops looking for all kinds of stuff, without any specific intention of buying anything -- what I describe as "recreational shopping" (maybe in lieu of tennis). Men, I think, "go to buy." If they need something they go and buy it. If they don't need anything they don't go looking in stores. Of course you might ask the question, "what do you mean by 'need?'" That's a whole other matter.

The Coronado Hotel was one of the places we checked out. Built in the 1880's it certainly is a grand and magnificent structure. Of course we looked in all the upscale shops (admittedly they had nice stuff), checked out the main lobby (grandeur from a bye-gone era) and several of the dinning facilities. All very nice and quite impressive.

Anyway, on several occasions, as we walked and shopped, it started to drizzle. It was overcast and cloudy all day yesterday and the forecast was for a big wet weather system to hit the west coast and linger for 4-5 days. Last night it was here in full force with high winds and heavy downpours which have only let up slightly today. They are now saying that this will last through most of the week. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me yesterday to get any pictures of what I have described. We'll have to go back and get the pictures to add to this entry.

The area where we came across the mountains into San Diego are under flash flood warnings for flooding along rivers and streams with possible mud slides, particularly in areas burned over in the recent fires. The forecast is for more than 15" of rain to fall before this system passes through.

These are not good dry camping conditions. Our solar panels are producing next to nothing so the generator has to make up the deficiency, and the weather precludes any outdoor activity. As the song says, "Into each life some rain must fall," and that's okay.

 

Midnight view across bay

Odometer reading = 76,735
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/1/06 through 3/7/06
(San Diego CA)

Having been here for about two weeks we've decided that this is really a nice place -- I'm referring more to Coronado than to San Diego, but the little bit of San Diego we've seen has been nice also.

We did the San Diego Zoo as well as the San Diego Wild Animal Park about 35 miles north of town. While they're both nice, we preferred the zoo. We had wanted to see both and it turned out that it was cheaper for us to join the San Diego Zoological Association and get unlimited one year passes to both, instead of buying two adult tickets to each. If it was not for the lions and gorillas at the Wild Animal Park (they have gorillas at both) I'd say go to the zoo and forget the Wild Animal Park. One cool thing that happened at the Wild Animal Park was that at the gorilla display I asked the guy standing next to us about the large Canon lens he had on his camera. He asked if I'd like to try it on my camera, which, of course, I did. A 100-400mm zoom really does enable you to reach out and touch someone.

Another place we visited in San Diego was the Seaport Village, right near the Midway. It is a collection of small shops in a park-like setting along the waterfront. We had figured we'd spend half a day there, but were finished in about an hour. It was not nearly as large as we had envisioned. Front Street in Greenport on Eastern Long Island is better, and Mystic Seaport in Connecticut is much better (a whole different category of better).

Here in Coronado (meaning this side of the bridge) it nice to just walk along the sidewalks or sit on one of the many sidewalk benches and enjoy the sunshine and the people walking by. One place you don't want to miss is the Mootown Creamery Ice Cream Shop. They have some of the largest portions we've ever run across, plus the ice cream itself is excellent -- even if it's really bad for you (high fat content I'm sure). We've enjoyed their product several times!

Not too much more to say, but I've sure got a lot of pictures (and most of them I haven't used).

 

Looking north along the ocean with Coronado in the background

Someone at the zoo

Sharyn's favorite - the pandas

This guy was really worked up -- apparently having a bad day

First one of these I've ever seen

Polar bear

Baby hippo under water

Male gorilla (at zoo)

Must be Florida!

Coronado -- we ate here -- 64oz ice cream floats

Hotel Del Coronado

The Flower Lady Stand

Daytime view out of front window of motorhome

Sharyn at Seaport Village with Coronado Bridge in background

I like this one

Male gorilla zoomed to 375mm

One big sleeping lion

Sharyn likes this picture better (I don't like the reflection in the glass)

The crowd liked him too

Downtown San Diego from Coronado Bridge (USS Midway in center background)

That's a lot to pay to have it pumped for you!

Waiting for pizza in Coronado's Village Pizzeria

Our last visit to Mootown Creamery

Another view of Coronado's sidewalks


Odometer reading = 76,735
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/8/06 through 3/12/06
(El Centro CA)

Leaving San Diego we climbed from sea level to just over 4,000 feet (a lot of 2nd and 3rd gear climbing) over and through the Tecate Divide and Laguna Mountains, then back down to 75 feet below sea level at El Centro Naval Air Facility in the desert of the Imperial Valley. Since this area is flat desert in almost all directions we did not understand the "Valley" part of Imperial Valley. Looking at our topo we see that the Imperial Valley is a wide swath of below sea-level land extending south from the Salton Sea (which itself is more than 200 feet below sea-level) down into Mexico, bordered on the east by Chocolate Mountains (elevations around 1500 feet), and some 50-70 miles to the west, by the Laguna Mountains.

When we got to San Diego it was our plan that from there we'd be heading north. Sharyn has a booth at the Escapees Spring Escapade in Chico the week of April 23rd and we're slowly moving in that direction. However, while we were in San Diego we learned that the Blue Angels, the Navy's precision flying team, were putting on an air show at El Centro NAF. We figured we could not be that close and not go to see them.

Arriving at the El Centro FamCamp we learned that there was no place for us to stay. We knew that with the scheduled air show there would be no sites with hookups, but El Centro had unlimited dry camp space. Well, that has changed and now there are only some 20 such sites in a paved lot, and none of them would be available until the next day so we drove into town, El Centro, and spent the night in the old Walmart parking lot.

El Centro certainly has changed since we were here three years ago. We both had the recollection of a sleepy, dusty little town that looked more like Mexico than the US. That is definitely not the case today. New shopping centers, major stores, and new businesses have really revamped El Centro. Anyway, we returned to the base the next morning and got the just vacated dry camp site. Having been dry camped for the last 7-8 weeks we were looking forward to trying some electricity.

Yesterday, Saturday, a good part of the base and flight line was opened to the public for the air show. The weather , which had been kind of cool and windy, but otherwise quite nice, was terrible -- dark, cold, and blustery -- and the forecast was even worse, calling for heavy rain and thunderstorms. The show was scheduled to start at 10:am, and we walked over to the flightline shortly before that. Having dressed for the weather (I'm always cold anyway), I was wearing long underwear, pajama bottoms (layering), dungarees, shirt, wool sweater, and down vest, all covered with hat, foul weather gear, and Gore-Tex boots. Sharyn was similarly dressed, but not as extreme (she's never cold). Anyway, after an hour or so of watching individual aircraft do their acrobatics -- the Blue Angels were not scheduled until 2:pm -- we decided to go back to the motorhome to get warm before returning for the Blue Angels. We were probably at the motorhome for about an hour, during which time the sun came out, the sky seemed to clear up, and it got much warmer. We returned to the flight line no longer prepared for the weather we had prepared for in the morning. Bad idea!

It wasn't very long until the sun disappeared , the sky got dark, the temperature dropped, and the wind picked up something terrible. About 20 minutes before the Blue Angels were scheduled to fly the sky opened up, and the cold, wind driven rain quickly dispersed the crowd which tried to find some degree of shelter behind or under vendor's tents, trucks, aircraft, etc. We had found shelter under a large display tent, so while we were out of the rain, there was no protection from the cold wind. Because we were in an area without the public address system we couldn't tell if the Blue Angel's flight was delayed, canceled, or what. After 75-80% of the people had left, we finally gave in and, cold and wet, returned to the motorhome. I had no sooner begun to remove my wet clothes when the Blue Angels screamed right over the top of the motorhome. Quickly getting my foul weather gear back on (I had not worn it the second time out), I put my camera into a big zip-lock bag and hurried back to the flight line. Unfortunately, the show was cut short and I did not get much in the line of pictures. However, as Sharyn said, we'd been watching them fly, and taking pictures, for several days, so to some extent, the show was somewhat anti-climatic. It was worth it to come here.

On another topic, the air show being over, many of the RVers in both the FamCamp and the dry camp area left today. At 10:am this morning we moved into a full hookup site. After all these recent weeks of dry camping it's really great to again be plugged into unlimited electricity, have unlimited hot and cold water, etc. We've paid for a week and could stay for a month. By the way, today was bright and sunny, with clear skies and warmer temperatures. A beautiful day!

 

These are pictures of practice sessions during the days before the show:

Practicing over the base

This clearly would have been better if I had caught the nose of the lead plane instead of the power lines

More practice over the base

 

These pictures were shot during the show

Sharyn with one big helicopter

The weather is looking questionable

Sharyn with Ricky Recruiter (who is trying to steal guys from the Navy)

A lone Air Force F-15 makes a high speed pass over the runway

I got this one while hurrying back to the flightline

Their final pass -- my final picture

 

These pictures are lo-res downloads of some of the hi-res pictures from the Blue Angels official website

Photo #1

Photo #2

 


Odometer reading = 76,874
Miles for day = 139

 

 

 

3/13/06 to 3/20/06
(El Centro CA)

Well it's been over a week since this site has been updated, and Jordan is telling me it's time -- so here goes.

There really isn't a great deal of interesting stuff to write about. Our week in the FamCamp was up on Sunday (yesterday), but we've extended for another week. The weather continues to be really nice, plus, if we began our movement north, it's still kind of cold up that way. There's not much incentive to leave sunny 70° to go to overcast 55°.

We've gone into town on several occasions, and several nights ago we went to the movies here on base (free movies every night at the base theater). I've also done a few minor repairs on the motorhome, plus changed the oil and filter in the generator which was way overdue.

Since Fox News and Tony Snow are back on Sirius Radio again I've reactivated my account with Sirius. The Sirius equipment I have is quite nice (a birthday/father's day gift from Phil), particularly when compared with the $25 XM radio I bought which appears to be made out of paper maché. Until yesterday, while the satellite radio antenna lead in the car had been snaked from the roof, through, under and behind all kinds of things and places to be out of sight, the 12 volt power supply still came sticking the plug into the cigarette lighter. Yesterday I finally hard wired the radio into the cars 12 volt system. Once upon a time, on my 1950 Mercury for instance, that would have been a nothing job, but on a 2000 Honda CRV it's considerably more challenging -- kind of like playing with a Rubric's Cube, only knowing you have to get it back together again.

Anyway, the point of this is that while removing sections on the center dash/console I was very impressed with the number of screws holding everything together. On one particular component I thought that whereas American auto manufacturers would have used two screws, saying, "That'll do," the Japanese used eight screws saying, "That'll NEVER move." That comparison also reminded me of the story I came across back in the 70's. In that story there was a group of Japanese auto design/engineers at a conference. A newly designed electric switch was passed around. As they all handled, examined, and flipped the switch on and off, they were all excited about the smoothness and silent operation of the switch as well as it's quality build. When the same switch was passed around in a group of their General Motors counterparts, the switch was just passed from one person to the next, generating no interest whatsoever except for an occasional, "a switch is a switch."

I'm sure that no longer represents Detroit's attitude, but it may be too late!

That's it Babe (Jordan) -- updated!


The air show is over, but the Blue Angels are still flying


Odometer reading = 76,874
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/21/06 to 3/25/06
(El Centro CA)

Several days ago we went to Algodones, Mexico, a small border town slightly southwest of Yuma, and just across the border from an Indian Reservation (I forgot the name of the tribe). The tribe has a giant sized newly paved parking lot where for three dollars you can park your car and walk across the border a few hundred yards away, which is what we did. As soon as we got to the Mexican side the street was lined with store front signs for dentists, optometrists, and pharmacies -- apparently the mainstay of Algodones We had been told that lots of retired military go there, as apparently do many others from the Yuma area. That's not to say, of course, there there are not also vendors of all kind of items -- jewelry, leather, and clothing seem to be the favorites. Vendors seem to fit into one of two groups; those that appear to be tired and bored, and those that really seem to enjoy what they were doing and were both funny and friendly. Several pleading, "let me sell you something you don't need."

Algodones doesn't appear to be a very big place -- not more than half a dozen blocks in each direction. We came upon an outdoor cafe at the edge of town where we had a Mexican lunch to the loud beat of what I guess you'd call Mexican music. Actually, everywhere we went, the music was there. We'd almost walk from one speaker to the next -- all of which were playing different songs, but with the same sound. As loud as it was, it all went together to make an overall party or carnival atmosphere. It was a fun day.

If I recall correctly, it was the next day that Sharyn went to the Imperial Valley Mall, an inside mall about 12 miles from the FamCamp. We had been to this mall previously, and while it was OK as malls go, shopping in the abstract is just not something that brings me pleasure. This time Sharyn went by herself. That way I do not suffer, and at the same time she can be relaxed without concern that she's taking too long and I'm getting anxious. We've discussed this numerous times and have concluded that if it's purely recreational shopping it's better for both of us that she goes alone.

On this occasion, one of the things she bought was a pair of New Balance walking sneakers for me. We've been looking for walking sneakers for me for several weeks, but without success. Great selection for running, but no men's walking sneakers. Sharyn bought herself a pair in Coronado and has been super pleased with them. It turned out that the pair she bought for me, while they were my size, didn't fit right, so later that evening we went back and exchanged them for a pair that fit better. They do seem to be better than what I had before.

Yesterday we went to Mexicali, Mexico, only 20 miles from here, and just across the border from Calexico, California. Unlike Algodones, where there were nothing but Americans walking around, and all the vendors and shopkeepers spoke English, in Mexicali, which is a much bigger town, there were no Americans anywhere, and almost no one spoke English.

Again, we had parked the car on the American side and walked across. We had not gone but a few blocks into Mexicali when Sharyn, feeling somewhat uneasy, said she was ready to go back. We didn't, but continued to walk around, looking in store windows, checking out what was being sold by sidewalk vendors, etc. This was definitely not a tourist town and as a result was much more genuine Mexico. We had been there for several hours when I said I'd like to find something to eat -- as much for the experience as for the food (I had enjoyed eating in Algodones even though Mexican food is definitely not my favorite). Anyway, we were standing in front of some kind of a food place where they gave you the food, but there no place to sit and eat it except for several chairs out on the sidewalk. I told Sharyn that I wanted a place where I could sit at a table. At about that point a man standing nearby inquired if we were looking for a place to eat. The scenario that followed we thought was kind of funny, even if it doesn't come across that way in the telling. The dialog went like this:

 

 

Helpful Man: Are you looking for a nice place to eat?

Me: Yes.

Helpful Man: There is a very nice place. It's very clean and has good food. Not expensive.

Me: Sounds good.

Helpful Man: (Motioning towards the nearby corner) It's right down that street. It's only about four blocks. You take a taxi.

Me: Why do we need a taxi, we'll walk?

Helpful Man: It's only 70¢

(There are several taxis there and, after he and the driver of one converse in Spanish, the three of us get in. We drive about a mile until he points to a small open air restaurant and tells the driver something. The driver stops and the Helpful Man gets out, speaks to the driver. We also get out.)

Helpful Man: That's four dollars.

Me: What happened to 70¢?

Helpful Man: He said it's a "special situation" because there were so many people. It's not my fault.

(We don't have four dollars in small bills or in pesos [we had hit an ATM machine on the way to the border], but have about three dollars in US and Mexican coins. Helpful Man takes the coins out of my hands, gives the to the driver, tells him something, and the taxi goes away. Helpful Man walks us into the open air restaurant)

Me: Just tell me how we get back.

Helpful Man: I'll stay with you.

Me: That's okay, just tell me how to get back.

Helpful Man: (Pointing) Turn at that corner and keep going straight.

Me: Got it

(Helpful Man [sort of] starts to leave)

Me: Wait a minute

(I have no coins or small bills. I ask Sharyn what she has. She also has no small bills but finds some change we give him and he leaves)

 

 

Although she likes Mexican food, Sharyn wasn't hungary and just had a diet Coke. I had enchiladas. It was one of the things on the menu, but I didn't know what any of the stuff on the menu was. The waiter, who really tried to explain the menu, could only do so in Spanish so I really didn't get too much out of the explanation. Anyway, when it came it was a pretty large plateful and I told Sharyn she should have some because I would not finish it. She didn't, but I did!

After eating, we walked the mile or so back to the central downtown area, passing an entire block of good smelling eating places, did a little more shopping, walking, and looking, and then headed back to the border and our car. In spite of Sharyn's initial hesitancy, we both enjoyed the day, and we both liked Mexicali better than Algodones


Our campsite

Algodones

Flower lady in Algodones (sorry for large file)

Outdoor restaurant in Algodones

Algodones -- $1500 designer pocketbooks for $20

Sidewalk in Mexicali

Another sidewalk view in Mexicali

A third view

Where the Helpful Man took us to eat

 

Odometer reading = 76,874
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/26/06 to 4/8/06
(El Centro CA)

Looking back in this Travelog I see it was a month ago today that we arrived here from San Diego. Since my last entry somewhat over a week ago we've led rather sedate lives. We've been to town a number of times, have eaten out on, I think, two occasions, gone to the movie here on base several times, and a couple of days ago we went to Yuma for the day. I guess we've been doing what a lot of retired people do, which is not too much.

By and large the weather has been near perfect -- a few days could have done with less wind. We thought that if we could get our kids to move out this way, then we could more easily spend the winters here. It does seem to work the way we mentioned in the past. People, at least RVers and retired people, do move north and south with the seasons -- from the northeast to Florida, and back -- from the northwest to the southwest and back. There appears to be very little east/west movement. Basically, no one here is from the East Coast, and no one in Florida was from the West Coast. While Florida gets you out of the cold, it's too humid and too crowded. Anyway, that's my opinion. I really do like the southwest.

While we've been enjoying all this beautiful weather, we have been following the weather in the rest of California, and have extended our stay here on several occasions (canceled our departure) because of the apparent unrelenting bad weatherthroughout all of the Central and Northern parts of the state. Reading in today's Sacramento Bee, it appears that not only are there major concerns about dam failures and flooding throughout major portions of the state, particularly the San Joaquin Valley, it seems that there are two major weather systems, in the Pacific and over Siberia, that are responsible for the unprecedented rainfall, and the meteorologists are saying that the precipitation could continue for several months. That sure sounds pretty ominous, but it also means that we may as well get going.

We plan to visit the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley as we head north. Sharyn will be selling her jewelry at the Escapees Spring Escapade in Chico the week of April 23rd. She also has a sister and a niece in Oroville that we will be visiting with, prior to and during the Escapade. Our destination from here is the FamCamp at Beale AFB south of Oroville. We'll stay there until we move onto the fairgrounds in Chico on April 22. Rain or no rain, we're moving that way.

The price of gasoline around here has gone up more than 20¢ a gallon since we got here, and is running about $2.899, with some places getting $2.999. Might as well call it $3 per gallon. When gas first passed $2 we said that $2 gas, while we were not happy about it, it would not be a problem. We also speculated that if it got to $3 it would then have become a problem. I think we were right. At $3 per gallon it costs us about 40¢ a mile to move down the highway. At that rate, the 77,000 miles we've traveled would have cost us almost $31,000 -- Holy Cow!

At our first fillup we paid $1.329 per gallon, and our total motorhome fuel costs since we've been on the road has been $15,458.38.

Not too much more to add at this point, except to say that as of midnight last night Sharyn and I have completed 14,245 days of marriage -- 39 years!


Wind generators in the mountains between El Centro and San Diego


Odometer reading = 76,874
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/9/06
(Simi Valley CA)

There always comes a time to leave and this morning the time had finally come. While at El Centro we've been typically getting up around 7-8 o'clock and today was no exception. Without any particular effort to hurry, we were on the road by 9:30, which was only one hour after we started our "let's get ready to leave." The initial leg of today's travel was to backtrack along I-8 back to San Diego, then head north on I-5. We had at one time considered taking Routes S-2 and 79 that would have taken us 130 miles in a northwesterly direction through the mountains to Jobba Hills, an Escapee park near Temecular where we spent Christmas several years ago, but ultimately we decided against that route.

Anyway, after passing through San Diego, as we headed north on I-5 we again came to Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps base just north of Oceanside, where we thought we'd dry camp for the night and buy gas while on base. The FamCamp there is right on the ocean, but they had no dry camping and all their campsites were full hookups and cost $25. We decided we didn't want to spend $25 to park for one night. That, plus the fact that it was early afternoon and we were only 130 miles from Simi Valley, we decided to continue on. The satellite gas station near the FamCamp had only 10' vertical clearance so we ended up not buying gas either. We later encountered some stop and go traffic in Los Angeles, but otherwise arrived in Simi Valley without incident.

The Reagan Library website (http://www.reaganfoundation.org) says that they don't have adequate parking for large RVs and suggests the Walmart in Simi Valley as an alternative, so Walmart was our immediate destination.

After getting set up at Walmart's, we walked through the store, and then I took the car to go see just where the library was. I started to take my camera, but then decided that since it was getting dark and we'd be going back tomorrow anyway, I didn't bother. Anyway, I found the library just where it was supposed to be. I then thought I'd drive around a bit to see what else was in town (Simi Valley is a very nice community). At one point as I crested the top of a hill I saw before me a giant red-orange sun poised just above the top of a distant mountain. The sky was glowing with the same red-orange color as were the thin clouds above the sun, while the valley between me and that distant mountain contained wisps of fog that glowed semi-irridescent with the same color. I couldn't believe that I was seeing this and did not have my camera. It never fails, the best photo opportunities seem to occur when I have left the camera behind.

When I got back to the motorhome I described that scene to Sharyn and told her that from now on I'm taking my camera anytime I go someplace. It was 6:18 pm when I saw that setting sun, and if we're still here at that time tomorrow, I'll be back on that hilltop with my camera, hoping for a repeat performance.

 

Odometer reading = 77,141
Miles for day = 266

 



4/10/06
(Simi Valley CA)

We were up this morning before 7:am, had our coffee and conversation, and even a little breakfast before setting off for the Reagan Presidential Library. We both thought it interesting (and a nice sign) that each of us, without any discussion of the matter, and independent of the other, upscaled from our normal dress of shorts and T-shirt.. Upon realization of what we were each doing, we made the comparison to when we were in Little Rock. We saw the Clinton Library, which is only a few blocks off the main drag in town, and is a prominent structure along the the river as you drive across the bridge from North Little Rock. Having seen it from the bridge, we decided to drive over and get a closer look at what Bill and Cheryl refer to as "Clinton's Double Wide". We looked at it from the parking lot and took several pictures, but did not go in -- to have to do so would have come too close to recognizing or paying homage to a U S President who deserved neither. Ronald Reagan, on the other hand, was a great American, a great president, and a great leader who made the world a better and safer place for everyone.

Getting back to the Reagan Library, it is a giant trove of historical facts, artifacts, and history. The largest display, by far, is Air Force One used by Reagan, and retired from service under President George W. Bush. We don't know how the library came to get this plane instead of the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio where the other Air Force One planes are on display. The Air Force Museum is an absolute must see for anyone who ever gets within 500 miles of Wright-Patterson in Dayton, Ohio. We spent three entire days there -- beyond imagination!


The 707 that was Air Force One under Ronald Reagan (and other presidents)

This marble engraver, asked what he does if he makes a mistake, replied, "I try not to."

President Reagan comes to speak with Sharyn

Replica of Reagan's Oval Office

From patio area, looking out over the Valley

 

Odometer reading =77,141
Miles for day =0

 

 

4/11/06
(Kettleman City CA)

Our day started early today when Sharyn noticed flashing lights outside the motorhome around midnight. We, along with two other motorhomes in the Walmart parking lot, received tickets for illegal parking. Since the parking lot is lined with signs saying no overnight parking there is no real basis for compliant. The problem is the Library has no parking facilities for RV's and there are no campgrounds anywhere around Simi Valley. Since the Walmart parking lot is not owned by Walmart and the City enforces the no overnight parking, it might be appropriate for the City to consider just what RVers visiting the Library should do.

Anyway, its been kind of wet and raining for two days, I've got a cold or some kind of thing that makes me feel lousy. This morning we were up and out fairly early, worked our way back to I-5 and again headed north. I was not feeling well at all and we eventually pulled into a rest area after having only gone 75 miles. The mountain terrain makes progress pretty slow. While we go downhill at 60 mph, half the distance is uphill. Uphill we only go 40 mph if we can do it in third gear, or 25 mph if we are in second gear.

Shortly before we pulled off we witnessed a woman nearly get killed. Two cars, the woman, and a police car were off on the side of the road, but barely out of the traffic lane. As we approached I moved slightly to the left because the woman was standing next to her car in what I thought was a very dangerous situation. (I've always marveled at the way people pull off the road and then stand next to their cars, oblivious to 60-70 mph traffic passing by within inches). She then opened the door and got into the car just as the tractor-trailer in front of us hit her open door and sent it flying through the air. Luckily she was mostly into her car and didn't get hit, but I told Sharyn if she was pulling the door closed she probably sustained injury to her hand when the truck hit. Sharyn said the flying door did not get the police officer. I didn't even see where it went. The motorhome ran over the interior door panel which had separated from the flying door. This entire scenario took perhaps two seconds (60 mph = 88 feet/second, so things happen pretty quickly).

Anyway, after our 75 mile stop we got back on the road again trying to cover some distance so that we could arrive at Beale Air Force tomorrow. We finally exited the mountains and got down into the San Joaquin Valley where we engaged our cruise control for 58 mph. We really need it to be level to use the cruise control as the slightest incline will force a downshift -- which we typically don't want. Anyway, around 2:pm we pulled off again behind some fast food places at one of the exits when I told Sharyn I'd like to sleep for a hour before continuing. I did go to sleep but when I awoke we decided to just spend the night. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day -- I think we've got about 230 miles to go.


When we pulled off we had the place to ourselves

Odometer reading = 77,318
Miles for day =177

 

 

 

4/12/06
(Beale AFB CA)

When we woke up this I felt much better (practically normal). When we pulled in here yesterday afternoon there was no one else here, but as the evening drew on more rigs began pulling in, both RVs and tractor trailers. Anyway, this morning we had our coffee and conversation and wondered about all the UPS tractor-trailers that were dropping off their trailers and driving away, while other tractors were coming in, hooking up to the trailers and leaving. We asked one of the drivers who told us that they come from Sacramento to the north and from Los Angeles to the south, switch loads and go back. Sharyn had said that's what they were doing, and it made sense. It just seemed to me that UPS would be doing this at some kind of a depot or facility, not just a dirt spot on the side of the road.

We also watched a young girl pull in in front of us with a horse trailer behind her truck. She opened the empty trailer and just hung out while her silly little dog ran around. Eventually another truck with several more girls and a horse trailer pulled in. We watched as they all unloaded the horse from the second trailer and negotiated with him to eventually get into the first girls trailer. Girls, trucks, horse, and dog all drove away, followed shortly thereafter by us.

We made several stops at rest areas as we continued north along I-5 as far as Sacramento. There was no shortage of evidence of all the rain that has come down in this area over recent weeks and months -- flooded farm fields and over flowing rivers. Passing by one large lake we realized that the lake was, in fact, a flooded park with various signs, fence lines, and small structures sticking up above the surface in numerous places. The other day we read in the Sacramento Bee that a water district in the San Joaquin Valley was telling farmers that they could draw off all the water they wanted for free. It looked to us as if the farmers would be more interested in having the water district take back some of the water standing in their fields.

It was mid-afternoon when we arrived here at the Beale AFB FamCamp. Checking in at the office we met the couple that had been parked next to us at one of the rest areas earlier in the day. They are now our next door neighbors, and are also on their way to the Escapee's Spring Escapade in Chico. Entering the FamCamp charge into Quicken we saw that the last time we were here was back in October/November 2002.

I had trouble getting my Internet connection up and running so while I was messing with Direcway Sharyn went to the BX to get some stuff we needed. Eventually I gave up on Direcway, we watched some TV, read some, and went to bed.

 

Odometer reading = 77,580
Miles for day = 262

 

 

 

4/13/06 to 4/16/06
(Beale AFB CA)

It seems that all those weather reports from Northern California that we were following while still in El Centro were really telling it as it was, and it continues unchanged. The rain here continues pretty much unrelenting, and speaking to other people here they tell us it's been raining non-stop for over a month. The grass in the FamCamp has yet to be cut this spring as the ground is too wet to support the mowing equipment. You might call it a rather depressing environment.

Tomorrow we plan on going up to Chico to see about getting Sharyn the necessary business license and resale tax number. We also want to take a look at the physical layout at the fairgrounds where this Spring Escapade is scheduled to take place. If the plan is to put any RV's on areas of grass that's going to be a major, major problem.

Not much else to write about. We'll be leaving the FamCamp on Thursday and probably spend Friday in Oroville before checking in at the fairgrounds in Chico on Saturday morning.. The Escapade begins Sunday -- a week from today.

For now, have a Happy Easter!


Our campsite

More rain on the horizon

Odometer reading = 77,580
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/17/06 through 4/20/06
(Beale AFB CA)

Things have really improved. The last three days have been sunny and beautiful. The ground has begun to dry out, and they even cut the grass in the FamCamp!

Several days ago we drove up to Chico, both to locate the fairgrounds and to see what the situation was going to be for Sharyn's setup at the Escapade. We were a little concerned to find out that we'd be parked on grass, but with three good drying days since then it looks as if it will be okay. The Escapee people who are on-site getting things ready are doing a great job, plus they have done this a good number of times in the past and have had nothing but successes.

Yesterday we drove up to Oroville to visit with Sharyn's niece Kelly.

On several occasions at night we have heard coyotes barking out in the large field behind the FamCamp. One time they were more like screaming. In fact, at first I thought it was a bunch of kids fooling around until the sound changed to the more conventional howling bark. In addition to the coyotes we also have a pretty good supply of rattlesnakes. There are warning signs all around the base, but what brought it home to all the campers happened yesterday afternoon when our neighbor's young dog was bitten in the face by a small rattler, 18-20" in length. They rushed the dog to a vet in town but then had to take him to another veterinary clinic some distance away as that was the only place with the anti-venom. Anyway, "Charlie" came home from the clinic this evening, and while I'm sure he's happy to be home, he still seems a little woozy.

Our other neighbor, Sherry, of Bob and Sherry, sent out invitations for a "Celebrate the Sunshine" get together in the M circle (the campsites here are set out in groups of eight around lettered cul-de-sacs) at 4 o'clock this afternoon. With everyone bringing something to eat, something to drink, and a chair to sit in, it was a festive event that we all enjoyed. Most of the people here are full-time RVers and it turns out that probably 50% of them are Escapees and are going to the Escapade.


Kelly showing Sharyn one of her three or four horses

Our "Celebrate Sunshine" celebration

Another view

Charlie -- still not quite himself

 

Odometer reading = 77,580
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/21/06
(Beale AFB CA)

It had been our plan to leave here this morning and move up to Chico where we were going to spend the night in Costco's parking lot (Costco is right down the road from the fairgrounds) so that we'd be in good position to check into the fairgrounds early tomorrow morning as scheduled. We commented this morning how sometimes when it's time to leave a particular place you feel you're ready to leave and move on -- other times you'd prefer to stay a little longer. This morning it was the latter. So, I walked down to the office and extended for another day. Our plan now is that we'll take down the satellite and get everything ready tonight so that we cane pull out of here early in the morning. Ideally, I'd like to be at the fairgrounds at 8 o'clock.

I saw Charlie this morning and, unlike yesterday, he seems to be pretty much recovered from his ordeal

We have a small swarm of bees that moved into a tree next to our campsite. They began gathering there yesterday afternoon and now seem to be comfortably settled in. The guy in the office called someone to see about having the swarm removed. He said, "If some kid throws a rock at them . . ." Someone did show up later on, looked at the swarm, hung around for a bit, and then left. I don't know what's happening, but the general consensus seems to be to just leave them alone and they'll move off on their own within a few days.

Unfortunately, the clear and sunny weather has given way to overcast with occasional light rain, periodically interrupted by blue sky and sunshine. Apparently the same weather is occurring in Chico. I just hope the ground there doesn't get too wet for all the RV traffic that will be entering the fairgrounds over the weekend. Once everyone's settled in it will be much less of an issue.

This paragraph is an add-on. The picture of the swarm of bees contains quite a bit of detail -- leaves, bees, twigs, etc -- which tends to make a larger file size, even when reduced. Years ago, when everyone had dial-up, I used to worry (and even feel bad) if picture files got over 40K. The bee swarm, which was 1.3MB before cropping and reducing. It's now down to 78K. Today, when I think few people use dial-up, I tend to think that's an acceptable size (unless I get too much comment to the contrary).


This swarm is about the size of a basketball


Odometer reading = 77,580
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/22/06 to 4/27/06
(Chico CA)

We left Beale AFB fairly early in the morning and stopped in town (Marysville) to get gas. We were going to get gas on base but the canopy over the pump area did not have enough vertical clearance for the motorhome -- we basically need 12 feet. Anyway, after topping off the tank we continued on to the Chico Fairgrounds, running into occasional drizzle as we drove north.

It was not raining when we got to the fairgrounds but apparently they had had over a ½" before we got there. They were directing all RVs into the paved parking lots that they were using as staging areas while they gradually got people moved into their setup spots on the grass. While a few vehicles did get stuck, for the most part the several days of sunshine had greatly improved field conditions and the mud problems that we had envisioned did not really materialize. By the end of the day, we along with all the other vendors, had been checked in, put into our assigned locations, and were preparing for the arrival of the regular show attendees the following day.

We thoroughly enjoyed our entire time at the Escapade even though, while I wandered around a bit, for the most part we spent our time at the motorhome where Sharyn had her vendor tables set up. While we have been Escapees since 1999 this is the first Escapade we have attended. We have, however, been to a number of other large RV rallies over the years, and they, like the Escapades, sponsor numerous seminars on all kinds of RV related subjects. In the beginning we did attend many of these seminars as there is a lot to be learned. However, after several years of full-timing (or even non-full-time RVing) you learn a lot, particularly from reading. Since most of the seminars are done at the entry level (i.e. RVing-101) they are greater value for those just starting out.

Anyway, we met and enjoyed our neighbor vendors and hope and plan to see some of them again. Actually, Nick and Melodie (Drawstrings of Malibu) have invited us to stop and visit at their home as we head for the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon -- if, in fact, we do decide to go north -- as we'll be driving right past their house. They sell really nice stuff -- 100% pre-shrunk cotton wear made in the USA (Sharyn bought some).

Sharyn's jewelry was well liked by everyone who saw it, and by the end of the show she had little inventory left to sell. Many of the people who came by also told Sharyn that she should be getting more money for her stuff -- that she was selling it too cheaply. Actually, she has heard that in the past from a number of people, mostly those who buy it. We had talked about doing a Pow-Wow coming up in Stockton next month, but at this point there just isn't enough inventory for another show. I guess that's good.

The show basically ended at 3:pm this afternoon and everyone has to be off the grounds by noon tomorrow to allow for the auto races taking place tomorrow night. Earlier today Bob (of Bob and Sherry, our neighbors at Beale's FamCamp) invited us to accompany them and two other couples to Chico's weekly street fair/farmer's market in downtown Chico. The eight of us, all full-time RVers, had dinner downtown at Smokin' Mo's Barbecue and spent several hours walking around the vendor booths and displays set up on all the downtown area streets. It was a nice event and an appropriate culmination of a fun week. As Sharyn and I were leaving the motorhome to head downtown I said "I'm not going to take the camera." After my experience with the glowing sunset in Simi Valley several weeks ago, and my promise to never go anywhere without my camera, that was a totally inexcusable idea -- proof of chronic dumbness! As a result, all of the really neat goings on at the street fair, and there was a lot to photograph, may never be seen by those of you reading this travelog Dumb, dumb, dumb . . . .



Some wet spots remain

Official "Welcome to Spring Escapade 2006"

Sharyn with her display

A portion of the Outdoor Market area

Sharyn being cute

 

Odometer reading = 77,641
Miles for day = 61

 

 

 

4/28/06
(Beale AFB CA)

Last night they announced that the official attendance at the Escapade was 842 RVs with just over 2100 people (I forgot the exact number), and 250 walk-ins. Anticipating a mad rush as 842 RVs tried to exit the fairgrounds early this morning, we decided that we'd not get up early, have our usual coffee and conversation, take our time, and play it by ear (I had suggested leaving last night when we returned from town, but that idea was quickly vetoed). Anyway, it turned out not to be a problem at all. Gradually, with no rushing or crowding whatsoever, people were moving out. It was about 9 o'clock when we said good-bye to our neighbors, hooked up the car and drove away. I should mention that a number of what I guess would be described as professional vendors, those who routinely travel the country setting up and selling their wares at dozens or more shows, did comment that, as groups go, Escapees are the nicest, friendliest, most easy going group they ever encounter.

It didn't take us long to get back to Marysville and the FamCamp at Beale. We are once again in the M circle, a few sites from where we were before. Passing through Marysville we passed by the gas station where we filled up on our way to Chico. We had paid $2.859 per gallon. Now, six days later, the price is $3.079, up 22¢. Ouch!

Sharyn spent a big part of the day doing laundry. I must have done something, but I can't remember what it was.

When we checked in at the office the guy told us that six rattlesnakes have been killed in the campground since we left. Several other campers have warned us about the number of snakes as well. We're not crazy about having so many around. Apparently they're in the grass (at least two killed on the blacktop) and not too visible as you walk across. They're keeping the grass cut short, but with those numbers it doesn't seem to be helping very much. By the way, Charlie is still here and seems to be a pretty happy dog -- I guess he's recovered. Also, the swarm of bees left a day or so after we did.


Sharyn relaxing (and wishing I'd go away with the camera)

 

Odometer reading = 77,702
Miles for day = 61

 

 

 

4/29/06 to 5/6/06
(Beale AFB CA)

It's more than a week since we returned to Beale and we continue to enjoy our stay here. We were scheduled to leave yesterday (Friday) but extended for another week. We have now decided that instead of leaving on a predetermined date we will just stay here until we want to leave or go someplace else. I suspect that when we do leave it will be to head north into Oregon and Washington, but we'll have to wait and see how it develops.

Sharyn's birthday was on May 3rd and her sister Sandy had us over to her home in Oroville for a birthday dinner the day before. That was very nice and Sharyn really enjoyed it. Sandy's daughter Kelly and granddaughter Ashley were also there, as was Kelly's friend Brad. It was probably 25 years ago that Kelly lived with us on Eastern Long Island for the better part of a year. Ashley is now about the same age that her mother was back then, and during conversation Ashley said that she'd like to travel with us for awhile during her summer vacation. We told her she would be very welcome, and that while we would thoroughly enjoy her company (as we had enjoyed her mother's some 25 years ago), she might not enjoy ours. While we can be interesting for an hour or so, over a period of days, weeks, or months, I don't think many 15 year olds would find us too interesting.

On another topic, we've come to the conclusion that while there are some rattlesnakes around here, there is nothing like the number we had been led to believe. We have been looking (I figured I could maybe get some photos) but have not seen a single snake. Also, it is very strange that they kill six rattlers the week we're in Chico, but none the week before that and none the week we have been back. Also, I told Sharyn that with that many around here the landscape guys must get them all the time with their high speed lawn mowers. So, the other day when they were mowing in the campground, I asked one of machine operators. He said it only happened once, and I got the impression that it was not too recently. So much for the idea of rattlesnakes run amuck.

One day, before we had decided the rattlesnake thing was a hoax, I took my camera and went for a walk out towards a fuel storage tank thinking I might get the opportunity to photograph a rattlesnake up close (but also wishing I had a longer lens). Following the gravel road out through the pasture I saw that as the road approached the tank the main part curved off to the left and went up a hill. I decided I'd go as far as the top of the hill and then turn around. However, as I got to the crest of the hill I saw a pond or lake some distance ahead so I decided I'd go as far as the pond. At the pond I took a few pictures and met a young airman who told me he'd only been stationed at Beale for two weeks but that this was one of the best bass ponds he'd ever come across. Still didn't see any rattlesnakes.

Several days ago we drove into Yuba City, a small community just across the Feather River from Marysville, where Sharyn got to check out a small shopping mall. Yesterday we drove down to Rocklin and Roseville, two communities about thirty miles south of here, not too far from Sacramento. Our first stop there was Camping World where we walked around for some time, looked at everything, and ended up buying two small, folding snack tables. Jordan tells us we should replace the two folding lounge chairs that we have had for five years or so, but the ones we looked at yesterday ran from $129 to $200 each, comparable to what we paid for the ones we have, but even though they certainly looked better than ours, none of them were as comfortable. Admittedly, the fabric is kind of worn on ours, to the point that Sharyn has put a pair of socks over the end of the arms on one chair to keep the padding from coming out. Maybe we'll try to recover them. Anyway, after Camping World we drove a few miles to a big shopping center where Sharyn dropped me at Barnes and Noble while she went to check out Macy's, Nordstroms, and numerous other places that I'd rather not go to.


Blowing out the candles on Sharyn's cake

Ashley in the backyard

View of pond from top of hill

A corner of the bass pond

Best bass pond he's come across

Site M-2 at Beale FamCamp

 

Odometer reading = 77,702
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

5/7/06 to 5/15/06
(Beale AFB CA)

I'm updating the travelog at this time because I haven't done so for quite some time -- not because there is much to write about.

At the Escapade in Chico, one of our vendor neighbors, Smokey and his wife, was selling DRI-WASH 'n GUARD, something that makes your car or RV clean and shiny without washing or waxing. I think it a polymer kind of thing. I was talking with him about it and asked him to show me how it worked on our motorhome and I guess I was impressed. The following day, after Sharyn told me I had to get past Simonize Paste and Blue Coral, I gave Smokey something like $50 for the stuff he thought I needed. Well now I've just about finished doing the motorhome and I'm pleased and satisfied with both the result and the relative ease of getting that result. In the following picture of Sharyn you can see how the motorhome now looks. Bear in mind that the last time the motorhome was properly done (compounded and waxed) was at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota back in July 2003.

Yesterday was Mother's Day which started when I brought Sharyn "breakfast in bed" -- coffee and a freshly toasted, buttered bagel. I opened the bedroom door, turned off the fan, opened the window, and generally made a considerable amount of noise, all to no avail. Sharyn continued her peaceful sleep and showed no sign of waking up. Figuring that a mother should not be woken up on Mother's Day if she'd rather sleep, I returned to the living room with my coffee and half of her bagel. Later in the day we joined Sharyn's sister, Sandy, and her two sons, for dinner at Sandy's.. Dinner was good, as was the overall visit and the conversation that flowed. While we were there we also worked on getting Sandy set up with e-mail so that she can communicate more readily with Sharyn, their sister Carol in Florida, and other assorted cousins, etc.

Beale is the home of the Air Force's 9th Reconnaissance Wing flying and supplying U-2 aircraft for surveillance and reconnaissance around the world. When we first approached Beale in October 2002 I told Sharyn that the planes we were seeing looked like U-2's but that I had to be mistaken because U-2's were from a bygone era and were no longer in service. My identification was correct, my history was wrong. The U-2 that most people would be familiar with would be the one flown by Gary Powers and shot down over Russia on May 1, 1960. The plane bore no markings and the pilot carried no identification. President Eisenhower at first denied that the US had anything to do with the the alleged "spyplane" shot down by the Russians until it became clear that Gary Powers had miraculously survived the shoot down and was in Russian custody. While the incident was a major embarrassment for US Intelligence, the U-2 had, and continues, to recover vast amounts of valuable reconnaissance information. As far as my idea that the U-2 was a relic and no longer in service, it turns out that the Air Force has plans for the U-2 at least until 2020. For a great site with a lot of non-classified information about the U-2 go to http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/u-2.htm. Everything written here with respect to the U-2 is published information and is in the public domain.

Finally, for several decades, in spite of trying to limit my intake of high-fat and/or saturated fat, my cholesterol has lingered in the low 200's. Plus, my ratio of LDL's to HDL's has been even worse. Last summer I got my doctor back in Virginia to start me on Lipitor. Lab tests done this morning show my total cholesterol to be 152 and my ratio at 5.8 -- very acceptable numbers. Now I can eat more ice cream (sprinkled with Lipitor, of course).

Sharyn in front of shiny motorhome

Air Force photo of U-2

Odometer reading = 77,702
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

5/16/06 to 5/24/06
(Beale AFB CA)

The 95° weather that we were experiencing last week has passed on through and we are now enjoying weather that is pretty close to perfect (except for an occasional light sprinkle).

As I may have mentioned earlier, most of Beale's 23,000 acres is open pasture with low gently rolling hills. The local cattlemen's association has worked out some kind of a deal with the Air Force whereby the local cattlemen can use vast areas of the base for grazing their cattle. There are several herds of cattle grazing on various parts of the base. One of these herds is only a mile or so from the FamCamp so we can them any time we look in that direction.

This morning Sharyn saw several "cowboys" driving a part of the herd into a smaller loading area -- they were riding Honda type quad-runners. Sharyn commented that "John Wayne would be embarrassed." Anyway, later in the day I took another walk out to the pond I described the other day and on my way out I passed the loading pen, and by golly, the cowboys sorting the cattle were on horseback, using lariats, etc. I took pictures to show Sharyn so that she could feel better, and John Wayne could once again be proud. Also, a week of so ago as we were coming back onto the base there was a cowboy, on a horse, riding along the side of another herd down by the flightline.

As I started my walk towards the pond, before I got to the cattle, I came across a dead rattlesnake in the road. He was freshly killed, I assume by a car, but when I first came across him I wasn't sure that he was dead -- I used a stick to make sure. An hour or so later as I walked back, the snake was gone. Probably picked up by a buzzard.

The other day I used the car to clock the distance to the pond and back -- it was just about exactly three miles.


The road to the pond as seen from the FamCamp (some cattle are visible)

Dead rattlesnake

Picking their target

Going for him

Got 'em

Redwinged blackbird down by pond



Odometer reading = 77,702
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

5/25/06 to 6/4/06
(Beale AFB CA)

When there is a lot going on, or we are traveling, I tend to do more frequent updates. When we are staying in one place, relaxing and taking it easy (easier), I update less often. This poses a double problem; there is less to write about, and, what there is to write about happened several days ago and I can't remember it. That having been said, this entry will be more pictures and fewer words.

Last Thursday (today is Sunday) we picked up Sharyn's sister Sandy, in Oroville, and the three of us continued on to the Street Fair (Farmer's Market) in Chico. We had a barbecue dinner at Mo's (again) but this time I had ribs (as did Sandy), while Sharyn opted for the salad again -- saying she liked it the last time and was going to do it again. Dinner was on Sandy which we thought was unnecessary, but very nice. After dinner we just walked around looking at all the people and all the stuff. Before leaving Chico we stopped at Starbucks where we all had Mocha Frappachinos.

This weekend, both yesterday and today, the Air Force Thunderbirds performed at the Beale AFB Open House Air Show. The Thunderbirds are to the Air Force what the Blue Angels are to the Navy. We went yesterday and saw some really impressive stuff. In addition to the Thunderbirds, who were the main attraction, there were a number of other aircraft that performed, including a WWII P-51 Mustang, the finest fighter to see action in that war, and a Russian Mig-17. Probably the most impressive plane was the big, cumbersome appearing, C-17 that after the demonstration flight landed and came to a complete stop in just 1500 feet. It then proceed to back down the runway (didn't know planes could do that).

I most enjoyed the F-15. The deafening roar of it's afterburners that, at close range and full throttle, vibrate your bone marrow, gives me goose bumps -- I love it! He made a low pass over the runway at 500 mph, then circled back, and at midfield, went into a vertical three mile climb (that's literally out of sight). With a top speed in excess of 1800 mph, the F-15 has been around since 1974. I can't wait to see a demonstration of its replacement, the F-22 Raptor!


My walk to the bass pond turns left just before the storage tank

Taking a shortcut back to the FamCamp (over the creek and through the woods) I came upon this guy fishing in another pond

Street scene at the farmer's market

Beautiful onions

Sharyn and Sandy on line at Starbucks

This guy from California's Cereal Bowl (fruits & nuts) was not there this time
(Photo by Sherry, who took this picture on our last trip to Chico when I did not take my camera)

Carl Jr's in Marysville

Thunderbirds before the show

Thunderbirds pass directly overhead

Amazing (this is NOT Photoshop!)

Thunderbirds bring their own mobile control tower

One of Army's Golden Knights Parachute Jump Team about to land on target

F-15 and P-51, each the finest of their era, do a joint flyby

This C-17 Globemaster III landed and came to a full stop in 1500 feet!

Lots of cargo capacity

And finally, it provides shade for spectators when the official temperature at Beale AFB reaches 94°

 

Odometer reading = 77,702
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

6/5/06 to 6/7/06
Beale AFB CA

This coming weekend it would be two months since we arrived here at Beale. I think that's the longest length of time we've spent in one place since we started this back in February 2000.

This afternoon Sharyn's niece Kelly brought her 15 year old daughter Ashley out to the base. Ashley is going to travel with us for a month or so. She's looking forward to meeting her cousin Katlin who is just outside of Kansas City, and then some more of her cousins in Virginia

In the morning we're heading east to be back in Virginia for Jordan's birthday on June 28. Three thousand miles in three weeks is not the way we prefer to travel. When we first got here it was our plan to head north, spend a month or so in Western Washington in and around the Puget Sound area, and then head east at a leisurely pace so as to end up in Ohio for the Escapees Fall Escapade, then to South Carolina for the Octoberfest in Sumter, then back to Virginia for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We'll see what happens from here.

For now it's time to upload this to the server so I can take down the satellite dish while there's still some daylight left.


Golden Eagles in a nest several hundred yards down the road


Odometer reading = 77,702
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

6/8/2006
(Winnemucca NV)

This morning did not get off to a good start -- at least not for Ashley. She had just finished her shower and was standing in the bathroom under the open roof vent (you can't stand in the bathroom and not be under the roof vent). Sitting on the top edge of the open roof vent cover was a bird who did what sitting birds so often do. While the vent screen kind of "filtered" it, what came through got all over the previously clean Ashley. She was not happy!

We were on the road shortly before ten o' clock, but when we pulled into a rest area on I-80 at one o'clock we had only gone 100 miles. The narrow, winding Rt-163 that we took to get to I-80, plus the constant climbing on I-80 that pretty much held us in 2nd and 3rd gear, insured that we would be off to a slow start. After we reached the Donner Summit at 7,239' we had a lot of downhill travel that not only helped our time, but certainly improved our gas mileage. By the time we passed through Reno and got into Nevada the terrain had pretty much leveled out to the flat high desert at about 4,000' elevation.

As the afternoon progressed we decided to go on as far as the Flying-J in Winnemucca where we'd fuel up and spend the night at either Flying-J or Walmart (Flying-J, like Walmart, welcomes RVers to spend the night in their parking areas). I had thought that after fueling up and having dinner I'd be be good to drive another 100 miles to the next Flying-J. A big chunk of my reasoning was that I'd like to make it to the FamCamp at Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming by the day after tomorrow, so an extra 100 miles today would reduce our remaining distance to Cheyenne from 800 to 700 miles. However, after we fueled up at Walmart (67 gallons for $205) the consensus was to stay here, so that's what we did.

Actually, there was one other thing that went wrong today for Ashley. She discovered that when she left her local calling area she could no longer send text messages on her telephone. Now if this doesn't sound like a big problem, then you just don't understand the significance of not being able to text message with Chris in a sequence that goes something like:

"Hey, what r u doing?"
"Not much"
"That's cool"


Ashley at Beale the morning we left

Sharyn and Ashley at Donner Summit


Odometer reading = 78,000 (note that round number)
Miles for day = 298

 

 

 

6/9/2006
(Evanston IN)

We were probably on the road by 8:am again heading east on I-80. We crossed over two summits, one before Salt Lake City and on after. Climbing out of Salt Lake City was both long and steep -- it was a difficult climb and we were discussing if the motorhome no longer had the power it once had, or if the seeming lack of power could be attributed to altitude. Anyway, within a distance of a very few miles we went from the high, flat desert country to steep, but beautiful, lush green mountains. A massive thunderstorm chased us into Salt Lake City (it came close, but didn't get us). As we approached the Wyoming border another thunderstorm was bearing down on us, only this one caught us just as we crossed the state line. We pulled into a Walmart at exit five (5 mile marker) only to find that with all the big trucks and RVs that were either spending the night or were just sitting out the storm there was not much room left for us.

Perhaps a 100 yards from the motorhome there was s Sonic drive-in fast food place. While we've never seen one on the east coast, they are a common sight in many parts of the Country. We've never been to one, and Sharyn was excited that now she'd get to check one out (envisioning shades of White Castle on Long Island in 1959). Not even waiting for the rain to stop we ran over to experience whatever it had to offer. What it had to offer was the pits. We're all in agreement that we don't have to do another one. One good thing did come from our visit, however. Ashley got to see what a carhop was -- she had never heard of such a thing, and at first didn't believe that you parked your car and they'd bring your order to where you then sit and eat it. She watched as it happened the way we had described it. Her question; "why not just go to a drive-thru?"

When we got back to the motorhome it was cold. We turned on the furnace as we watched two more episodes of 24 on the DVD player.


Thunderstorm just outside Salt Lake City

Sonic Drive-in as seen from motorhome


Odometer reading = 78,435
Miles for day = 435

 

 

 

6/10/2006 and 6/11/2006
(Cheyenne WY)

We got off to a bit of a late start this morning because the front right tire of the car was totally flat. Using the compressor Sharyn had given me for Christmas I put air into the tire and was able to drive around to Walmart's tire service area. The tire had a cut in the sidewall and was not repairable. The end result was that we bought two new tires, plus the lady who ran the tire section said that one of our other tires was wearing in a manner that it should not have been, so she replaced that tire on warranty. When we left on our delayed start we had three new tires on the car.

It was, in fact, our plan to get to the FamCamp at Warren AFB in Cheyenne and take a day off from driving, which is what we did. Between the fact that it was the weekend, and that we weren't looking to do anything anyway, we did very little while here, other than relax and enjoy the nice day.

The base has an interesting history having been established as Fort Russell in 1876 to enable the Army to better protect the railroad workers constructing the Intercontinental Railroad from the Indians. (To read a short but interesting history of Fort Russell/Warren AFB click here). We spent several hours driving around the base looking at and photographing the old brick buildings. In it's early days the fort was a cavalry outpost with between 4-5,000 horses. I particularly liked the beautiful large brick stables that line a number of streets.

Ashley's photo of her feeding one of these things at rest area where we stopped to eat

Antelope on hilltop just outside of FamCamp area

One of the old cavalry stables

Another view

Odometer reading = 78,974
Miles for day = 359

 

 

 

6/12/2006
(Lincoln NB)

We had wanted to visit the base museum but it is closed on weekends. This morning (Monday) we did check out the museum before leaving Cheyenne.

Late in the afternoon, after having covered some 450 miles we pulled into a Walmart in Lincoln, Nebraska. Unfortunately Lincoln must be one of those towns that restricts overnight RV parking. There were signs all around the parking lot saying no overnight RV parking so we pulled around behind the store where there was more than enough space for us to park for the night, which is what we did.

As soon as we were settled Sharyn and Ashley went into Walmart to get some groceries. Ashley, who had never seen a Walmart Supercenter, could not get over the size of the place. "This is the biggest Walmart I've ever seen in my life!!!" (with amazement).

The only problem we encountered was in the middle of the night the automatic sprinkler system came on and when the spray went across the side of the motorhome Sharyn (who hears everything) woke me (who hears nothing) with a "what was that?" When the spray came by again and I heard it, I didn't know what it was and said, "I don't know." By that time Sharyn, who had been listening to it for awhile said, "It's a sprinkler." I said something like "that's nice" and went back to sleep.


Our parking spot behind Walmart


Odometer reading = 79,248
Miles for day = 452

 

 

 

6/13/2006 and 6/14/2006
(Olathe KS)

We have two fine grandchildren here in Olathe. The last time we visited Kim and the kids we stayed at Walmart some 5-6 miles away. However, the local elementary school is only a few hundred yards from the house and a week or so ago Katlin told us someone had parked a 5th wheel in the school parking lot and remained there for several days. This time we figured we'd try the school also. It really worked out well as we could all walk back and forth between the house and motorhome.

It was particularly nice for Katlin and Ashley as they could hang out together and do their thing -- even if they had to watch Philip some of the time. While this stop was really a visit, it also doubled as a layover day, which was good because this cross-country trek is getting a little long in the tooth.

We had only been here for several hours when a lady came to the door and spoke with Sharyn. She turned out to be the head custodian at the school and was just inquiring about the motorhome. Sharyn told her we were visiting grandchildren and the the last time we had stayed at Walmart. The lady said, "this is much better than Walmart," that we should stay where we were, and that if anyone said anything to tell them we had cleared it with her.

Thinking about it, this was a very good stop for Ashley because she got to sleep in the house in a real bed, instead of the inflatable mattress we had bought for her to use (since we have taken out the sofabed and replace it with a chair and computer station we have lost some of the extra sleeping space). Since we have to get to the other side of Kansas City when we leave here, and we plan on an early start in the morning, we told Ashley she could sleep in the house again, but only if she'd be back to the motorhome before 6:30 tomorrow morning. She said she would.


The "crew"

Hambone -- "Take my picture Grandpa"

Katlin

Ashley

To everyone's amazement (except mine) grandma demonstrated that she can still ride a bike


Odometer reading = 79,450
Miles for day = 202

 



6/15/2006
(Someplace in Kentucky)

The alarm went off and we were up at 6:am. At 6:15 Katlin and Ashley came to the motorhome. Ashley went straight back to bed, while Katlin talked with us for a few minutes before going back to the house. We were on the road by 6:35 -- pretty impressive!

There was nothing outstanding about the day's travel other than the distance traveled (622 miles) and the total time on the road. We pulled into a Walmart at 8:25 pm, almost fourteen hours after starting out this morning -- too far and too long for one day, although it will be much easier to get to Jordan's tomorrow (only 422 miles to go) -- one day earlier than planned.

At this point I should probably mention that when Ashley signed up for this trip we warned her that it was not going to be like what she reads in this travelog; that this was going to be a mad marathon across the Country that could take several weeks of nothing but driving all day everyday. She said "That's fine." Turns out that some friend of hers (who has probably never been out of Oroville) told her it was only a 3-4 day trip. Ashley has been bored silly. We now know that one of the things she does to amuse herself is to take silly pictures of herself (WOW!).


Ashley taking picture of herself


Odometer reading = 80,072
Miles for day = 622

 

 

6/16/2006
(Louisa VA)

We woke up this morning to find that the entire parking lot area where we had parked had been roped off during the night and there was nothing or no one around us. Sharyn opened up one end of the rope and we got an early start for the day.

It was late afternoon when we drove up to the house where Jordan was out on the lawn throwing tennis balls to Jill, her newly acquired female shepherd. We were happy to see her, and she was both surprised and happy to see us. Jill was more interested in the tennis balls.

It was a very long trip in too short a time; 2,795 miles in eight days (six actually on the road), but now we're here.


Jill

Jill again


Odometer reading = 80,497
Miles for day = 425

 

 

 

6/17/2006 to 7/1/2006
(Louisa VA)

It's two weeks since we arrived back here in Virginia and it is only in the last day or so that things have pretty much settled in.

Ashley flew back to California several days ago after having been treated to a whirlwind tour of all the shopping places in and about Central Virginia, a tour of Montecello, Thomas Jefferson's home in Albemarle County, and pretty much any other place that Ashley wanted to go.

Jill, Jordan's new German Shepherd, who only arrived on the scene shortly before we did has acclimated quite well to her new surroundings and enthusiastically has taken Jordan as "her person." Phil has offered to let Jordan use his invisible fence charger since he isn't using it at the moment.. I suspect that within the next week or so we'll (me AND Jordan) will be installing approximately 1,000 feet of perimeter wire to enclose the entire property so that it can be regularly patrolled by Jill.

I may have mentioned in the past that the downside of parking our motorhome on the concrete slab near the house (where we have installed full hookups) is that when we sit out in front of the motorhome we are looking at the shed and the house -- the back side of the motorhome faces the road and the front lawn. While at El Centro several months ago we were sitting outside enjoying the warm, dry climate and talked about the nice new slabs in the FamCamp with landscaping around the perimeter. At that point we began to consider putting such a slab, with hookups and landscaping, here in Louisa. Anyway, about a week ago we moved the motorhome to the far rear corner of the property, situated in such a manner that now when we sit outside we face across the lawn with the house somewhat off to the right, and the road off to the left. While we are presently getting our electricity through a 100' extension cord that limits us to about 15 amps, this is a much nicer location for the motorhome. Whether or not we'll do the slab is still up in the air (first estimate was $4,500 for a 20'x33' slab consisting of 5" of fiberglass reinforced concrete over a 3-4" gravel base). It depends a lot on how often we will be here and how long we will stay when we are here. We have no idea. In the meanwhile, since we have no sewer connection here, yesterday Sharyn and I drove up to Camping World in Manassas and bought one of those famous blue Tote-Tanks for draining and carrying away your holding tank contents. We run our gray water into the woods, but today I did the black water into the blue Tote deal, then pulled it over to the sewer drain at the slab we had been using previously. It's a yucky job!

From my point of view, the best thing that has happened since we got here is that I got a new lens, the Canon 70-200 f/4. This is one of Canon's finest "L" series lenses. I have never heard or read a single negative comment about this lens. In fact, I have been longing for this lens for the last six months. It's too bad I didn't have it for the Blue Angels and/or Air Force Thunderbirds air shows. My existing lens (the "kit" lens that came with the Canon 20D) only reaches out to 55mm). While Sharyn supported my getting this lens, she also says she hopes I like eating peanut butter.

By the way, on several ocassions over the years I have stitched together (in Photoshop) a series of photos to make a wide panorama. The results have not been terriffic. Anyway, the other day I came across a program, Autostitch, available for free download, that does an amazing job, even when the photos themselves present some technical difficulties. To check it out and/or download the free version, go to http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html

When are we leaving here? Where are we going when we do leave? Got me -- I only know two things; Sharyn has a spot at the Escapees Fall Escapade in VanWert, Ohio in September, and she just received a notice for jury duty -- she has to report to the Louisa County Courthouse on July 13.

 

Canon 70-200 f/4 with and without lens hood

My new "desktop" as photographed at a local Starbucks

Our new, "experimental" location

Our early morning visitor on the day I cut the grass (this is the only photo here taken with new lens)

Panorama of five photos stitched together by Autostitch

 

Odometer reading = 80,497
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

7/2/06 to 8/18/06
(Louisa VA)

We've been here for over two months and it's definitely time to leave. It's too bad we didn't spend the summer in and around the Puget Sound area as originally planned, but we did get to see and spend time with most of the kids and grandchildren while back here in Virginia

While it was much nicer having the motorhome parked on the far corner of the property we did not like the limited electric that we could draw at the end of a 100' extension cord. After several weeks we moved back to the concrete slab and the full hookups with 50 amps. Until the last week or so the weather was so oppressively hot and humid that there was no such thing as sitting outside anyway (so the view didn't matter).

By the way, after about two weeks of jury duty (which was supposed to run until September 16) Sharyn sent the judge a letter explaining that while we owned the house here in Louisa, it was our daughter who lived in it, and that we were full-time RVers who just happened to be here visiting when the mailman delivered the jury notice. The very next day Sharyn received a letter from the court that she was excused from further duty!

Anyway, we're leaving in the morning with no other plan except that we're heading in a northwesterly direction towards Ohio where we have reservations at the Wright-Patterson AFB FamCamp for two weeks beginning September 2. The last time we made a reservation was in 1998 when we were not full-time and had a 1985 27' Travelmaster. We made a reservation at the FamCamp at Fort Fisher just outside of Wilmington NC and we were a day late getting there. Hopefully, this time we'll do better. At the end of the two weeks we'll be moving on to the Escapee Fall Escapade in Van Wert, Ohio.


Odometer reading = 80,497
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/19/06
(Summersville WV)

It was probably midmorning when, after saying good-bye to Jordan and Jill (who escaped from the house when I opened the door), we pulled out of Louisa and headed west on US-250. During the course of the day's travel we stopped at almost half a dozen places to get propane, but without success. Either they were closed on Saturday, had closed early because it was Saturday, or there was no one available to pump it. So much for propane. Our primary concern was that once we run out (which will be any minute) we will lose our refrigeration. Of course when we are hooked up to electric that is not a problem, but it would be while we ware on the road.

Anyway, our immediate destination was Battle Run Campground, an Army Corps of Engineers facility just south of Summerville WV. We like the COE campgrounds because they are always on some kind of a water project under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers -- meaning there is always a lake or river, usually providing waterfront campsites. Usually they are in more rural, natural settings. Getting here late on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of the summer I was concerned that there might not be any sites available. We really lucked out on that -- we got the last site -- a prime site at the end of a tiny peninsula.

We had hardly gotten settled in when a violent thunderstorm moved across the lake taking the awnings off of several of our neighbor's rigs. Since the rain continued after the storm had passed over we didn't do much of anything this evening. We've paid for two days so we'll see what happens tomorrow.


Thunderstorm approaches the campground


Odometer reading = 80,723
Miles for day = 224

 

 

 

8/20/06
(Summersville WV)

When I woke up this morning it was only 1:30 -- way too early so I went back to sleep. The next time it was six o'clock so I got up and turned on my coffee pot. It's probably silly, but after almost 40 years Sharyn and I now have separate coffee pots. It seems that in recent months she has preferred her coffee weaker, while I have been liking mine stronger, so rather than making it medium where we could both drink it, but neither of us enjoy it, we bought a separate 4 cup coffee maker and we each make our own (weird -- but we both like our coffee better).

After pouring my coffee (and turning on Sharyn's coffee pot) I sat outside and watched as daylight broke and the fog lifted from over the water. All was calm and quiet -- much different than last night. By the time I thought to get my camera it was pretty much daylight.

Since Sharyn wants to go to a bead and jewelry show in Columbus, Ohio next weekend (only about 225 miles from here) we've decided to stay here for the week and continue on up to Columbus on Friday. The only problem was that someone has already reserved our campsite so we had to move. Oh well, the site we are now on is fine, actually quite nice, just not as nice as the one we had. We can get spoiled in less than 24 hours!

After getting repositioned in our new site we drove in to a brand new Walmart Supercenter just outside of Summersville to get a few groceries. By the time we got back to the campground it was raining again -- it's been raining off and on all day. During the gaps in the rain I managed to get my satellite up so I'm back online and can update stringbean.

 

Early morning fog has pretty much lifted

Another view

Our campsite out on the point

 

Odometer reading = 80,723
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/21/06 to 8/24/06
(Summersville WV)

Since the rain of our first full day here ended we have had nothing the beautiful weather all day, every day. We've decided that, for two reasons, we like this campsite better than the one on the point. First, all of the sites on the water, in fact, most of the sites in the park, are occupied by families with lots of kids who get much more out of the water than we would. Also, from our present site located on a knoll we get to watch all the little kids having almost more fun than they can handle -- we thoroughly enjoy watching and listening to them.

Several nights ago we went to a Chinese restaurant on the highway going into Summersville. It was undoubtedly the worst "eating out" experience we can recall. It was really terrible -- the chicken was tough and dry, the shrimp were mushy, and everything was cold. Bad!

The restaurant experience, however, was unable to make a dent in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable week. This is a great park, particularly for families with small children, grandparents with young grandchildren, and people like us to can just enjoy watching it all happen. There are more bicycles here than tents and RVs, and half of those bicycles have training wheels on them. The speed limit is 10 mph but few people drive more than 5 mph.

As we travel we almost never use the shower or restroom facilities at campgrounds. We just prefer the ease, convenience, and cleanliness of our own. However, since these campsites have no water or sewer hookups (have 30 amp electric only) we have been trying to go the entire week without having to refill our water tank or dump our holding tanks. Accordingly, after taking the first night's shower in the motorhome, I went down to one of the restroom/shower facilities to take my next shower. It was perhaps the cleanest, best maintained, such facility we have come across. So much so that the following day I went to the little office building to tell them how impressed I was. Today, I was riding my bike (more about that in a minute) along the top of the dike that partially borders the lake when I stopped and spoke with the guy running a bushog. We talked about a number of things, but I also mentioned how attractive and well manicured the grounds were. He said that while he likes to hear that, everyone who works in the park takes great pride in the park, the way it's run, and the way they keep it -- it really shows in many ways.

The place is Battle Run Campground on Summersville Lake, run by the Army Corps of Engineers, just outside of Summersville WV (304-872-3459). The lake is 2,790 acres with 60 miles of shoreline.

It was probably about a year ago that we began to think we would probably use bikes more than we were using our kayaks. We certainly have not been using the kayaks at all and there have been a number of times when I had wished I had a bicycle for one reason or another. After doing some online research -- "How to Buy a Bike" -- "What Kind of Bike is Best For You" -- etc., yesterday we drove to Beckley (the closest town with a "real" bike store). First we went to a new Walmart Supercenter and looked at their bikes (and spoke to the guy does does all their bike assembly), then we went to Ride N Slide Sports on a small side street in Beckley. After talking with the guy for some time I tried out what seemed to me like the best bike for my (our) purpose and ended up putting it in the car and bringing it home. It's a Specialized Exhibition Sport -- also known as a Hybrid, or "comfort" bike. With 24 speeds, fat tires, and a front fork suspension it's good, but not ideal, for use on paved surfaces; good, but not ideal, for off-road use on dirt roads or trails. Pretty much fits the bill. After riding yesterday and today, mostly on dirt and gravel trails, I've got a somewhat sore butt -- but I also got places to take pictures that I otherwise would not have been able to get to. Now if Sharyn would just get one.


Panoramic view from our campsite

Another view (looking to the right)

Campground as seen from beach

Campground panoramic as seen from top of dike

Another view of lake (several miles from campground)

Our campsite

 

Odometer reading = 80,723
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/25/06
(Circleville OH)

We both agreed this morning that while we could leave this campground without any difficulty, we could also stay longer. Anyway, we left, dumping our holding tanks, filling our water tank, and then proceeding out to the highway where we finally got the propane we so badly needed. It was noon when we pulled out of the propane place on our way to Columbus.

When we drove up here from Virginia last week we came a good number of miles on US-60, a very narrow, twisting, two-lane road that goes up, over, around, and through the hills of backwoods West Virginia. Today, after about 15 miles we were back on US-60, once again heading north through the hills (I don't know if I've mentioned it before but, as a kid, I was told that if they flattened out West Virginia it would be bigger than Texas).

We're not sure if we'd be able to get into the parking lot at the Veteran's Coliseum prior to the show opening tomorrow, and since the Coliseum is smack in the middle of downtown Columbus we didn't want to find ourselves looking for an alternative safe place to spend the night. We never even consider parking somewhere for the night in a big city -- we go on the assumption that there's too much potential for trouble. Accordingly, at six o'clock we pulled into a Walmart Supercenter in Circleville Ohio, about 25 miles south of the Coliseum and well outside of Columbus.

As we pushed our shopping cart across the parking lot, after having bought our groceries, Sharyn commented on how friendly all the people in the store had been -- a good number of them had smiled and nodded as we passed them in the aisle.

It seemed very hot today, and now at 8:pm it's still 81° outside and 83° inside (plus it's very humid). If we don't get some drastic cooling off it's not going to be a good night. Actually I suspect it will probably be down around 60° by daylight, but that won't be helping much over the next several hours.


Kanawah River in Gawley Bridge WV

 

Odometer reading = 80,925
Miles for day = 202

 

 

 

8/26/06
(Dayton, OH)

When we went to bed last night this whole end of the parking lot was full of tractor-trailers which had pulled in for the night. When we awoke this morning almost all of them were gone -- and they had all pulled out without us hearing a thing!

Anyway, since we only had about 30 miles to travel we had a leisurely morning of coffee and conversation before starting out. We had previoulsy located the Coliseum on the GPS map so it was just a question of following the big orange line. Somehow I still missed a turnoff onto a tiny side street and we had to circle on around and come up from the other direction. It was not a problem, and I frequently tell Sharyn that after following the GPS and that big orange line for a number of years and many thousands of miles I don't know if I could get anywhere by more conventional means.

Pulling into the parking lot (it's a good thing we didn't come here to spend the night) we were charged a double fee and when I asked how come she replied, "You are going to take more than one space." That's certainly true, but no one ever charger us for multiple spaces in the past.

Well, the two day show that we figured we could probably do in one day we actually did in less than two hours! I'm sure glad this show was on our way to Dayton. When the magazine ad for this show (a half page ad) did not say how many vendors would be there I said to Sharyn that we really could not tell how big an affair it was. It wasn't big at all -- only 24 vendors. Luckily the one vendor that Sharyn knew was going to be there (she had talked with them) is a high end supplier that Sharyn had only dealt with once and she very much wanted to see more of their stuff. She saw it, loved it, and bought a good bit of it -- extavagently beautiful handcrafted sterling silver beads and clasps.

Leaving the show we had lunch in the motorhome while admiring Sharyn's purchases.

Finishing lunch we headed for the FamCamp at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. The first and only other time we ever made reservations was in April 2000 at the Fort Fisher FamCamp in Wilmington NC. That time we arrived a day late. This time we arrived a week early. Since we arrived after the office closed we just took an available spot that we liked.

 

One of Sharyn's purchases -- a 2" gold plated toggle clasp

 

Odometer reading = 81,024
Miles for day = 99

 

 

 

8/27/06 and 8/28/06
(Dayton, OH)

As we were enjoying our coffee and conversation we saw the host lady checking sites so I quick got dressed and went out to talk with her. She had us on another site beginning September 2 (the first day of our two week reservation), but we told her we really liked where we were and when I later went to the office to pay she had made several changes and we are going to stay on the site we now have for our entire stay, which will now be three weeks. That was certainly nice of her to do that.

We later drove around going to the commissary, BX, and "Home Center," before returning to the FamCamp.

We were here back in June 2000 when the site for this FamCamp was under construction. While the old campground on the other side of the base only had 30 amp service and no slabs or sewer connections, it was set in much nicer surroundings -- a wooded area with ponds behind the row of RVs and a large stream of clear running water across the road. The new campground has everything the way it should be, but it's somewhat "sterile" in comparison.

I rode my bike around to the old campground but after 3½ miles I came to a closed gate -- only a few hundred yards from where I was trying to get to. I'll have to try another way, but I have to wait for the rain to stop.

This morning we went to a Hobby Lobby that's only about 5-6 miles away, plus we checked out some other stores that were in the same area. I'd like to get some kind of a rear view mirror for my bike but haven't found one I like. I think I'd like one of the tiny ones that clips onto your eyeglass frame but haven't found any of those. In the meanwhile, it's been raining on and off (mostly on) since we got here and the forecast is for this to continue for several more days. Oh well -- "In to each life . . . . "

 

Odometer reading = 81,024
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/29/06 through 9/5/06
(Dayton OH)

The stormy, cloudy, rainy weather finally moved out and now we've had two really nice days. In spite of the weather I've made it a point to ride my bike every day -- 10 miles yesterday, 8 miles today, lesser amounts on prior days. I'd like to get to 10 miles every day as a minimum daily routine. I was having difficulty carrying my camera on the bike so I bought a rear rack and a camera bag-like affair that mounts on it. Now I can carry camera, lenses, filters, etc. I also bought a mirror, helmet, and "computer" (actually a speedometer, odometer, etc. that gives numerous readouts) that's about the size of my watch.

We've made several trips to the local Barnes and Noble as well as the base library where we have checked out several books and magazines.

The most exciting thing that happened was when we got a call from Jordan that her car, a 1992 Toyota Tercel with well over 200,000 miles, had finally died and she bought a 2004 Toyota Corolla with only 20,000 miles on it. I suspect that our level of excitement is nearly as great as hers. Sharyn particularly had been extremely concerned about Jordan driving that old, unreliable Toyota, particularly with winter coming on.

There clearly isn't too much to write about but I don't like to go so long without making a travelog entry.


Me on my bike

Jordan's new car

Our campsite

A relaxed Sharyn with a book

Odometer reading = 81,024
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/5/06 to 9/14/06
(Dayton OH)

Since we're leaving here in the morning to go to the Escapade in Van Wert, about 100 miles north of here, this is an appropriate time to update this site.

Sharyn has been spending a good amount of time making more jewelry for the Escapade and has a lot of very nice pieces to sell. Some of what she has is considerably more expensive than what she has had in the past and she's concerned that it won't sell as well. I doubt if that will be the case. While the new pieces have been photographed I have not put them up on her website because I think we're going to redo that entire section of our website.

Today we bought one of those 10 x 10 canopies that you see at lots of trade shows. Sharyn will need it at the Octoberfest in Sumter SC next month to set up her outside booth. I'm going to use it at the Escapade as we're going to set up a "Have your picture taken at the Escapade" booth next to the motorhome. The Escapade is set up differently than most shows in that vendors set up right next to their RVs. That makes it particularly nice for trying the picture taking experiment because the computer, printer, etc. are right there -- have your picture taken and pick them up in 20 minutes.

Sharyn took one day off when she went to a nearby mall which even included a Macy's where she was able to find a birthday present for our grandson Scott who will be 17 in two more days.

I may have mentioned that the training center for the military workdogs is about 50 yards from our motorhome. While we see them come and go we usually don't see them training. The other day they did some practicing in the FamCamp while we were sitting outside. The dogs were supposed to find things that had been hidden and they were pretty good. It's amazing how these dogs are totally focused on what they're doing. When they're working they're totally oblivious to people or things going on about them. One dog came right to the edge of our concrete pad and gave no sign of being aware that we were sitting less than 10 feet from him (I'm sure he knew we were there). The dogs looked like mixed breed, but they all looked the same. We asked one of the security guys what they were and he said they were Belgian Malinois, a variety of Belgian Shepherd.

I've been riding my bike every day and doing my ten miles on most days. In order to keep track of my progress (if I continue, and if I do make progress), and to play, I downloaded OpenOffice.org (from the website of the same name), primarily for the spreadsheet that's part of the suite. OpenOffice is a complete office suite like Microsoft Office only it's open source software -- it's downloadable and free to anyone who wants to use it. Other open source software in common use includes the Firefox browser and the e-mail application Thunderbird, both by Mozilla, both of which I have used for years. There is a bit of "anything but Microsoft" in my psyche that goes back to when Microsoft first started with Internet Explorer.


Necklace of hand crafted, free form, sterling silver beads

Black onyx necklace with Swarovski crystal roundels

One of Sharyn's favorites -- turquoise and silver

Security dog waiting for command

Information page on Belgian Malinois

 

Odometer reading = 81,024
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/15/06
(Van Wert OH)

When I wrote yesterday's entry I forgot that we were actually going to arrive in Van Wert a day early. -- we aren't supposed to get here until tomorrow, and can't get into the fairgrounds until tomorrow. The problem was that the Annual Air Force Marathon is taking place on Wright-Patterson AFB tomorrow and all roads on the base will be closed to traffic from 6:AM until 3:PM. We certainly didn't want to leave that early, and 3:PM would be too late in the day. That's why we left a day early.

Anyway, it was a very relaxed drive through the Ohio countryside to the small town of Van Wert. We've decided that we like Ohio and the people who live here. Most everyone we meet is friendly and seem to be very happy and content. It's make for a nice environment.

When we got into town we inquired as to the location of the new Walmart Supercenter from a man working in his flower garden. We had the location of the old Walmart on our GPS mapping program but we knew that it had been replaced by a Supercenter even though we didn't know where that was. We certainly were not the only ones to have arrived early -- there were about 15-20 RVs in the parking lot. After getting parked and speaking with a number of our new "neighbors" about where they had come from, were they full time, etc., we went into the store to get some of those clamp-on lights with the 10" aluminum reflectors to use for my planned portrait taking endeavor. We then went to a Chinese Buffet at the far end of the parking lot that was highly recommended by the other RVers, It was very good and we'll probably eat there again while we're in town.

 

Odometer reading = 81,121
Miles for day = 97

 

 

 

9/16/06
(Van Wert OH)

I was up at 5:30 this morning and Sharyn got up about 15 minutes later. It was very foggy as we enjoyed the peaceful quiet of an early morning, foggy parking lot as the background for our coffee and conversation. Two nearby rigs pulled out about 7 o'clock so we decided we should get dressed and leave also. We were out by 7:30!

It wasn't too long after arriving at the fairgrounds that the parking people directed us into our spot, or more accurately, onto the place on the grass where we should set up. It seems that the best way to get a lot of rain is to schedule an RV rally. They sure must have had a bunch of rain in the last several days as the tires on the left side of the motorhome went about 4-5 inches into the soft grass. The real bad news was that we had apparently left most of our blocks at Jordan's house -- not sure how that happened. Anyway, scrounging around one of the fairgrounds maintenance shed we found some pieces of wood that we could use as blocks. The problem was exacerbated by the fact that the tires were so deep into the surface that with a single 2" piece of wood under the jacks we could not lift high enough to get the wheels out of and off of the ground to put blocks under then, retract the jacks, put more blocks under the jacks and start all over again to raise it further. In addition, the rear jack broke the wood we had put under it and the jack pad went all the way down into the muddy ground. Hydraulic jacks, unlike electric jacks, have no positive retraction power but rely instead on a powerful spring to retract the jack when the pressure is released. Unfortunately, the spring could not pull the foot of the jack back out of the goo. I had to dig it out with a shovel until the remaining mud released its grip. At that time we were only back where we had started from with the motorhome six inches lower on the left side. At that point the parking guys said I could reposition the rig several feel further to the right which would improve conditions substantially. We did and it did and we finally had ourselves set up and level.

We then opened and assembled the canopy tent for the "photo studio." I got our neighbors to pose for a test run portrait to see how our background, etc. would work out.. As I'm typing this Sharyn suggested that we place the scarecrows/logo (which we have mounted on a 20x30 inch piece of foam board) on the ground leaning against the people's legs. That a great idea because we were having trouble getting a good height and location of the board with respect to the person/people.

Late this afternoon he management people brought Sharyn a great big table for her display set up which we won't do until the morning. I was much relieved to see the table arrive because there was some question as to whether they could even get us a table. We are in the outdoor market area and are supposed to provide our own tables. We sure appreciate them finding that table!

This evening we went to the "vendor's appreciation dinner" where we had fried chicken which I really like.

Since we'll be here until Friday with only the water and holding tank capacity we arrived with, I checked out the fairground's showers and decided I'd take my showers there. Earlier I had ridden my bike around checking out what was going on but didn't do anything near ten miles -- maybe two!

One problem I almost forgot about is that we, and all other Cingular customers here, are unhappy about is that we have no cellular phone service. Everyone else does, but Cingular customers get "No Service." They don't tell you that in their TV commercials.


Walmart's parking lot around 6:AM this morning

Our neighbors and the test photo that will be posted on the front of the tent/canopy

 

Odometer reading = 81,127
Miles for day = 6

 

 

 

9/17/06 to (the morning of) 9/18/06
(Van Wert OH)

We've come to the conclusion that this Escapade is not going to be a good experience. It started off with getting stuck in the mud. Then yesterday afternoon the wind caught our brand new canopy and blowing it over did substantial damage to some of the frame members -- that's the end of our photo booth. Now it's pouring down rain and is supposed to continue with showers, thunderstorms, and high winds through tomorrow night. Besides effectively shutting down all the outdoor booths, including Sharyn, for the next several days, it raises some question as to our ability to drive out of here on Friday morning as scheduled. That's not just us -- there are probably in the neighborhood of 600-800 RVs parked on grassy areas throughout the fairgrounds.

Anyway, Bill and Cheryl (a couple we first met at the Great North American RV Rally in Gillette WY in July of 2000 and have been friends with ever since) got here yesterday afternoon and after several hours of talking, laughing, and catching up, we all went to the Chinese Buffet for dinner. Again, it was very good and we all ate too much. The place was packed with RVers from the Escapade. Clearly the word has spread that that's the place to eat!

The first picture below shows a woman who has been full-timing by herself for three years backing her 36' 5th wheel into place behind and parallel to the motorhome on the right. With basically no room to maneuver that was a pretty impressive job -- plus she did it with no problem!


No room whatsoever to maneuver

Our "photo studio" blew away

Sharyn's table setup

This guy lives in the tree in front of Sharyn's table



Odometer reading = 81,127
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/18/06 to 9/21/06
(Van Wert OH)

Well the show/rally wrapped up at 3 o'clock, about an hour ago. The sun is shinning and it's 75° and beautiful.

Right now Sharyn is finishing putting all her stuff away. Specifically, she's putting all the earrings in their respective little ziplock bags. Bill and Cheryl, together with Debbie and Russ (our neighbors across the way who "modeled" for the camera the other day), have gone to the main pavilion for the closing ceremonies where there will be drawings for a number of prizes including a six day rally at the Oshkosh Fly-in Air Show with all show expenses paid. Two nights ago our name was drawn for two $25 dinners at Cracker Barrel but you had to be there to win and we weren't there. There are entertainment shows every night with prizes awarded but we haven't gone to any of them. Why not? Got me -- who knows?

Anyway, when they all get back we're all going to the Chinese Buffet for dinner. Actually last night was the first night we didn't all go out to eat. We've eaten at the Chinese place twice, the VFW, and a pizza place called East of Chicago. Last night we stayed home and had Sharyn's bean soup. When we got here I weighed 182; now I'm 186, and tomorrow I'll be 188.

I'm doing this now because we might get back kind of late and I want to take down the satellite tonight so it will take us less time to get out of here in the morning when, together with Bill and Cheryl, we'll be going back to the FamCamp at Wright-Patterson for a few days to visit the Air Force Museum. I've told Bill and Cheryl, as I tell everyone else, if they ever get within 500 miles of Dayton OH the Air Force Museum it is an absolute "must see."

*********

It's now 9:30, we've all been to the restaurant and beck again, I've taken my shower, and after I upload this I'll get in bed and read while Sharyn is watching TV. In the morning we'll be saying good-bye to Russ and Debbie who are about 15 years younger than we are and are in the process of positioning themselves to go full-time. We have to talk them into Quartzsite in January.


Sharyn & Cheryl discussing Sharyn's display

"Smoky" -- he was our neighbor in Chico at the Spring Escapade

The current version of our satellite system

A classic 1976 motorhome with 350,000 miles on it

Bill & me keeping watch

Debbie, Russ, and Cheryl talking it over

Wine, cheese, etc.

Bill is always happy

Chinese Buffet


Odometer reading = 81,127
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/22/06 to 9/28/06
(Dayton OH)

It will be a week ago tomorrow that we arrived back at Wright-Patterson AFB with Bill & Cheryl as our sponsored guests. Clearly, the big attraction here is the Air Force Museum (officially called National Museum of the United States Air Force) which is free and open to the public 7 days a week.

The four of us went there two days and Bill and I returned for a third day. Other than the museum, Sharyn and Cheryl spent one day shopping at a large local mall while Bill and I stayed at Barnes and Noble on the other side of the highway. One day we drove down to Springfield, a suburb of Cincinnati, for some Cajun food at Pappadeaux's. The food, service, and physical plant were all so thoroughly enjoyable that even I think the $100+ bill was well worth it. Pappadeaux's will be a regular stop for me and Sharyn whenever we come across one -- unfortunately, most of their locations are in Texas.

Earlier today Sharyn and I went back to the museum again, this time to go to the Imax theater to see Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Flag on the super giant screen with the overwhelming audio system. "Operation Red Flag" is the ultimate training exercise for fighter pilots and support personnel in the world and air forces from other nations actually participate. It's a massive annual exercise that takes place at Nellis AFB just outside of Las Vegas and involves in excess of 250 units, 700 aircraft, and 11,000 personnel, who will fly 12,000 sorties and log over 21,000 flying hours. The story of how such an exercise came to be is itself quite a story -- read it here!

Bill and Cheryl returned home to Arkansas two days ago.

This evening the couple in the next campsite are coming over for wine and cheese and to talk about full-timing as they are about to make the transition.

Tomorrow we'll be leaving here and heading for Shaw AFB in South Carolina -- probably arriving there on Sunday (in three days).


One of the hundreds of aircraft on display at the museum

Another

Kamikaze trainer (an oxymoron?)

The B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945

The bombardier's station in the B-29 Bockscar

The bomb that was dropped

Descriptive sign in front of bomb

Bill, Cheryl, and Sharyn take a break

Stuffed at Pappadeaux's

My daily bike ride took me around the far end of the runway

This wall display in the museum bears a warning that too many in Congress choose to ignore
(This picture has been added to the opening page of www.stringbean.com)



Odometer reading = 81,229
Miles for day = 101

 

 

 

9/29/06
(Exit 9 on I-77 in West Virginia)

We were up shortly before 8 o'clock, but between getting all set to go and talking with the neighbors we had over last night, we didn't get out of the FamCamp until almost 11:am, and by the time we filled up with gas at the base shoppett across the highway it was 11:45 when we finally got on the road.

Not much to write about -- around 2:pm we pulled into a rest area where I made a peanut butter and jelly (actually preserves) sandwich and Sharyn bought a USA Today.

Shortly after six we pulled into a Walmart Supercenter at Exit 9 on I-77 where we had BLT sandwiches for dinner. It's now 9 o'clock and Sharyn's reading here book while I'm doing this. Now I'm going to get in bed and read (we routinely read for an hour or so when we go to bed).

When we got back to Wright-Patterson from the Escapade I put the catalytic heater away since we were once again on full hookups. Tonight we'll be using the furnace in the bedroom. By keeping the bedroom door closed we'll only be heating a very small area so the furnace will not run very much. The furnace circulating fan is a big draw on the batteries so I'm not crazy about using the furnaces. I much prefer the catalytic heater (no battery draw, plus almost 100% efficient). Of course we use the heat pumps when we are on utility company electric.

I think Sharyn finds me to be somewhere between funny and amusing when I talk about furnace fan, battery capacity, etc. She tends not to spend too much time on such issues.


Odometer reading = 81,515
Miles for day = 286

 

 

 

9/30/06 to 10/4/06
(Sumter SC)

We arrived at Shaw AFB here in Sumter by mid-afternoon after a pretty routine day on the road. Street Atlas USA had selected the route for our GPS to follow from Wright-Patterson to Sumter. We were somewhat concerned when traveling a narrow road through the pine forest and Street Atlas was telling us that we were only 20 miles from the base because we had not passed through Columbia, which is about 40 miles west of Sumter and which we (in our minds) we had to pass through to get here. Best of all it did this without running up excess mileage.

Our two favorite campsites were occupied when we got here, but they had us down to move into one of those sites this morning (Thursday,Oct 4) when one of the sites became available. We're now set up and paid through the month of October.

Yesterday as we were coming back from the commissary a flight of F-16s were coming in right over the road to the FamCamp. I had my camera in the car and got the picture shown below.


F-16 landing at Shaw


Odometer reading = 81,809
Miles for day = 294

 

 

 

10/5/06 to 10/15/06
(Sumter SC)

We've pretty much settled into a relaxed semi-routine, doing the things we feel like doing and not doing too much besides that. I'm riding my bike on most days and think I'll be alternating between two routes on alternate days, one 8 miles and one 3.6 miles -- working my way to doing the 8 miles every day. Shaw AFB is the ideal place to ride. Perfectly flat and very little traffic to worry about -- none on weekends.

Last Sunday we went to IHOP for breakfast where we ate too much and felt less well when we left. We try to eat kind of healthy at home and find that when we eat out we almost always eat the wrong kind of food, and too much of it. The usual result is that we tend to feel better when we walk in to a restaurant than when we walk out.

Several days ago we went down near Charleston to visit our youngest granddaughter, Mary. Now that she's in SC we'll get to see her more often than when she was in Louisiana or Florida. She certainly has grown rapidly -- and talks a mile a minute. We really enjoy her.

Yesterday we "did" the Sumter Octoberfest where Sharyn had a booth to sell her jewelry. It was kind of a bust, very few people (mostly kids and teenagers). Sharyn did last years Octoberfest and did pretty well -- that's why she did it again this year, but it's doubtful she'll do it again. We've kind of concluded that very small, very local, affairs just don't bring out a sufficient number of people to make a successful show from a vendor's point of view (unless you're selling hot dogs).

Anyway, we had ordered replacement parts for the tent/canopy for Sharyn's display (it blew over and was damaged at the Escapade in Ohio) which only arrived the day before the Octoberfest, but we had it all repaired in time. This time we fastened it to the ground better and it worked out fine.

I (I think "we") thought the best part of the day was Mike Townsend across from us who hires himself out as a DJ for parties, weddings, etc. He has over 50,000 songs on his computer, including the top 100 (for as long as they've had a "top 100" -- before that it was a "top 25") for every year from 1900 to 1999, except for 23 songs that he has not been able to find. Many of them he suspects no longer exist. Those that he has found most recently, the oldest and rarest to find, have been on wax cylinders. He has the equipment to play, cleanup the clicks and hisses, and re-record from any format. He's been in radio and working on this project since the 60s.

Since he was taking requests I asked for a song called "Fraulein" from 1957. A lot of time was spent in the BX at Steward AFB that year, drinking 3.2 beer and listening to Fraulein on the jukebox. I don't think I've heard it since. His immediate response was "Fraulein by Bobby Helms, coming up." I was impressed; I had no idea who the artist was. I later requested Danny Boy from the album Sil Austin Plays Pretty for the People. It also is very old. He said there were a number of renditions of Danny Boy by Sil Austin, but he'd get the one from the Album. That probably took him 2-3 minutes. Again I was impressed, but later when I asked for Cry Me a River by Julie London I said I know you'll have this." Of course he did. As Sharyn and I said, with 50,000 of the top songs of the 20th century, it's unlikely that there's anything either of us has ever hear of that he doesn't have.

At the end of the day as everyone was breaking down their display, he gave us a DVD, "100 Top Hits of the 20th Century." We were up until 1:AM listening to some of the original recordings from the early 1900s. What took us by surprise was that those songs (say pre-1950) that we were familiar with were often not the original recordings. e.g.: Bird in a Gilded Cage by Jere Mahoney from April 1900. (Listen) Mike's website is at http://www.freewebs.com/creativeprogramassociates Just bear in mind his forte in music, not website design.


Mary

Mike Townsend at his booth (his shirt reads "Quit Work, Make Music"

Entry in Custom Car Show

Another entry (this one's really a portable stereo system)

Winner - Custom Motorcycle

Kids entertainment

Sharyn's booth

 

Odometer reading = 81,809
Miles for day = 0

 

 

Vote on Election Day

But before you do consider this . . .

 

Would you like to see Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in control of Congress?

 

 

10/16/06 to 11/7/06
(Sumter SC)

Since the last entry in this travelog we have been going about living our often sedate lives with activities (or non-activities) that would hold little interest for readers. However, readers, like everyone else, must take the good with the bad, the interesting with the boring, etc.

The biggest or most exciting thing that happened was several weekends ago when there was a knock at the door shortly before midnight. Sharyn opened the door to a "Hi Mom" from Jordan. Jordan had arranged to have a long weekend and wanted to come down to visit and surprise us both. However, some practical considerations required that she let me in on her plans -- practical considerations such as making sure we'd be here when she arrived. Also there was the issue of getting into Shaw AFB. It worked out well -- earlier that day I had gone to the security office and arranged to have a visitors pass waiting for her at the gate. Sharyn could not have been more surprised. We all enjoyed being together for several days. It was a really nice happening.

Sharyn really likes old houses, particularly old houses with character. If they are large old houses with character that's even better. Anyway, ever since we've been here the same ad has continued to run in the local paper for a big old plantation house "for sale or lease." One Sunday we called the owner and arranged to drive out and look at it. The house was very nice, but it's contents and furnishings, were magnificent. It was, however, much larger than it appeared in the ad, and something we might have been interested in when we were a lot younger than we are now. Of course, that would also require that we reevaluate of present full-time life style.

For the last several years I have been looking back into my mother's family's history here in South Carolina. With a great deal of help from a cousin, Bobby Thigpen, I have good data going back to William Broadway who was born in Sumter District, SC, in 1760, joined the Third Regiment of the SC Continental line on July 24, 1776 and served until 1784. As strange as it is I probably have more unknown answers relating to people in the last 50 years, particularly my own generation and younger. Trying to fill in some of those more recent blanks I located a first cousin of mine, Katherine Broadway, who we went to visit. There is a family photograph showing her and I as flowergirl and ringbearer in a wedding that took place about 65 years ago (I think we'd only seen each other twice then). It was a nice visit, and since she has always remained here in South Carolina, she has much greater knowledge of the cousins, etc., here than I do. She gave me a great deal of information and is in the process of gathering together some of what she could not recall off the top of her head.

Since Katherine lives about 15 miles from the Camping World just outside of Myrtle Beach, when we left Katherine's house (she has grandchildren living with her who are the 5th generation in that house) we went to Camping World to see about getting some new chairs to replace the ones we bought in May of 2002. The old chairs have really needed replacement for a year or so, but while we have looked at replacements in the past, none of them have been as comfortable as what we had. Anyway, the old chairs had gotten to the point that even I was forced to the conclusion that we could not continue to have them out in front of the motorhome. The mistake we had made was to buy chairs that had foam padding and really could not get wet or be out in the weather. In spite of our best intentions they did occasionally get wet. Plus over time the sun basically rotted away the fabric. Anyway, we did buy two new chairs that are not as comfortable as the old ones, but are fine nonetheless. Another 10 years years we'll probably have to replace them also!

This past Saturday we went on a day trip on an off shore gambling boat that sails out of Little River, SC. The trip to Little River was via a small bus operated by Shaw AFB which carried about a dozen people, mostly humorous old ladies who like to gamble -- a number of them seem to do this on a fairly regular basis. We left at 7:30 in the morning and did not return until 8:30 at night. The boat goes three miles off shore before turning on the slot machines and opening the tables. It was an interesting experience, but not one I think we'd do again. For one thing, you can't just leave when you're ready to go -- the ship's sitting out in the ocean. Also, this particular boat (big boat - small ship) was rather cramped and dirty. Not exactly like the casinos in Vegas or Biloxi. Anyway, at the end of the day Sharyn had only lost $26 and we had had a free brunch on board -- plus the overheard conversations during the bus ride were quite funny. An okay day.

We had originally planned to leave here yesterday and go to Savannah for a week or so. Not knowing if the campsites at Savannah would be under trees and preclude us from getting our TV satellite signal, and not wanting to miss the election returns, we decided to stay here until tomorrow. Now, however, it's been raining all day and is supposed to continue for several days, both here and in Savannah. We'll see what it looks like in the morning and decide what we want to do.

We have always marveled at the amount of dust that seems to permeate the motorhome all the time. We used to attribute it to the vibration, bouncing, etc, as we travel down the highway. More recently we have taken note that the dust seems to appear just as quickly even when we are staying put. Thinking that maybe we just keep recycling the same dust through the heating and air conditioning system (roof top units), I have substantially modified and upgraded the filtering system on these units, including some ideas that could more easily be incorporated into the manufacturing design. I just did this today and if it proves effective I'll describe in some detail just what I did so that any interested readers could do the same thing with their own units. Dust seems to be a chronic motorhome problem.


Jordan (indulge her father)

More than we want to deal with at this stage of our lives

Me and Katherine circa 1942

Can you tell the old from the new?

Another F-16 photo (taken from off base)

 

Odometer reading = 81,809
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/8/06 to 11/12/06
(Savannah GA)

Actually this really doesn't start until the 9th as we did not leave Sumter the day we had planned -- imagine that! Anyway, we have planned on numerous occasions to visit Savannah, yet each time something came up that precluded us from stopping. This time we finally made it. We are at Skidaway State Park, a beautiful campground/wildlife sanctuary on one of the many sea islands that border along this area of the South Carolina and Georgia seacoasts. Not only is it quiet, secluded, and beautiful, but it's only ten miles from the old downtown riverfront area of Savannah. After getting ourselves organized in our campsite I took my bike and checked out the rest of the campground as well as some of the trails that wander throughout the park. It's all quite nice and, of course, sunny and 75° does not hurt the perception or the reality.

On our first full day here we drove in to the visitor's center in downtown Savannah where we were told there was a great deal of worthwhile information available. Leaving the car at the visitor's center we took the free city trolley to the downtown waterfront area. The trolley is really neat (it's actually a small bus). It travels a 40 minute route through the main city area stopping at 30 "shuttle stops" as it goes. You get on and off at will, and as I said, it's free. We did quite a bit of walking along the riverfront and the downtown area business area, including the City Market and some rather "touristy" sections -- the waterfront is almost pure tourist stuff, but has some really nice eating places. We had lunch at the Cotton Exchange where the waitress talked me into having their "world famous" Ruben. That was too bad, because within a pretty narrow range a Ruben is a Ruben. The Greek salad looked outstanding and I should have stuck with that.

After many hours of walking, looking, and taking pictures, we ended up back at the corner of Bull and Broughton where we had gotten off of the trolley There was a Starbucks on the corner so we stopped for a cup of coffee before continuing on to the City Market several blocks away. A short while later while walking through the market we saw the trolley coming so we got on and returned to the car and the campground.

The next day, after an extended coffee and conversation (the conversation outlasted the coffee) we drove out to Tybee Island to see the lighthouse (the oldest and tallest in Georgia) and whatever else happened to be out there. The lighthouse is actually located on a 5 acre parcel that is the lighthouse support facility that includes the lighthouse keepers cottage, summer kitchen building, fuel supply building, etc. When the original structure was built the only way to access the island was by boat coming out the Savannah River from town. Later they built a short run railroad, and eventually a bridge and US-80. Across the street from from the lighthouse property is the Tybee Island Museum, housed in what once was Fort Screven's Battery Garland built in 1898-99. A 12" gun was placed atop the battery and was a part of America's Coastal Defense System until it was decommissioned at the end of WWII in 1945.

By the time we finished with the museum it was getting near to 3 o'clock and we were hungry, so we went to the beachfront bar and hamburger place that we had seen from the top of the battery gun emplacement. The hamburgers we had were not made from patties, but rather were a good 1¼" thick chunk of chopmeat prepared with some kind of flavor/seasoning that made it the best hamburger either of us can recall in recent time. Anyway, from there we continued further out along US-80 looking for an Arts & Crafts Fair that was supposed to be going on. We found a small one that took us less than 20 minutes to complete.

From there we started back towards Savannah, stopping at Fort Pulaski, a historical site maintained and run by the National Park Service as a National Monument. The fort is in remarkably good condition. Completed in 1847, the fort had taken 18 years and 25 million bricks to build. At the time it represented the cutting edge of fortification design and technology and was considered by all to be invincible. However, some 7 months after the commencement of the Civil War, in November 1861 the Union established a beachhead on Hilton Head Island, some 15 miles north of the Savannah River and Fort Pulaski. Over the next several months, operating under cover of darkness and behind Sand dunes, the Federals erected 11 artillery batteries with 36 guns and mortars along the northwest shore of Tybee Island -- about 1½ miles south and to the east of Fort Pulaski. Ten of the Union guns were the new rifled cannon that had much greater range, accuracy, and destructive power than anything seen before. On April 10, 1862 these guns opened fire on Fort Pulaski and after 30 hours and 5,275 rounds the Union fire had actually blown away the 7½ foot thick wall at the southeast corner of the fort. The age of masonry fortifications was over and the fort surrendered. The Union troops took possession of the fort and rebuilt the damaged wall in six weeks This is the only fort that Sharyn or I have ever seen that was surrounded by a moat (7½ feet deep and containing at least one alligator).

This morning (Sunday) we went to the Omelet House, about 3-4 miles down the road for breakfast. When we pulled up and saw the line standing outside we almost didn't stay. Luckily we did, however, as the line moved rapidly and the breakfast we had was really good. I had a seafood omelet made with shrimp, crab, and scallops, plus grits on the side. I wasn't sure how compatible those ingredients would be in an omelet, but as I always told my kids, you should always seek to broaden your "repertoire of experience" (funny, I don't think they ever liked hearing that). Even as we finished eating and left there was still a line waiting to get in.

This is a heavily wood campground and the tree canopy blocks all all satellite signals for TV, Internet, or Sirrius radio. There is a cable connection at the campsite for TV so we have been relegated to watching the three networks and CNN for our news. We usually get our news from the Internet and the Fox News channel -- what a difference! I told Sharyn this morning (as we watched some of Chris Matthews and Tim Russert), "Wow, talk about a one sided perspective on what's going on!" Forget about "fair and balanced," you wouldn't even know there was another point of view!

For now I'm going to stop typing and go buy a newspaper. Tomorrow we'll be leaving here and going to the Mayport Naval Station FamCamp located near Jacksonville FL, As I understand it the FamCamp is located on the point where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It's supposed to be quite nice.

 

Entrance to campground

Bike/hiking trail at Skidaway Island

Our campsite

Shops along the riverfront

Sharyn loves a "penny candy" store

Looking west you see where US-17 crosses the Sanannah River

Riverboat rides are an option

Sharyn window shops

The second street back from the river is at a considerably higher elevation

Tybee lighthouse complex

Closeup of top of lighthouse

Moat and drawbridge at Fort Pulaski

Gun mount at Ft. Pulaski

Interior view of fort

Mounds cover powder magazines and tunnels to gun emplacments

Underground powder magazine

1862 photo of destroyed southeast corner of fort

Repaired corner as it looks today

Makeshift Memorial Day Display along side of highway

 

Odometer reading = 81,987
Miles for day = 177

 

 

 

11/13/06 to 11/20/06
(Mayport FL)

The FamCamp here at the Mayport Naval Station is pretty much as we understood it to be. The campground is right on the Saint John's River with all the boat traffic on the river, including all the Navy vessels, passing in review right in front of the campground -- there're some really impressive ships going in and out, both from the Navy yard as well as from other facilities further up the river (the river runs right through the center of Jacksonville, some 25 miles upstream. The pride of the fleet here at Mayport is the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. It's in port now and is, by far, largest thing on the horizon. I'd love to see it sail out past the campground, but unfortunately, I guess that isn't going to happen while we're here.

Several days ago Sharyn again went to sea for a day of offshore gambling on a large ship out of Mayport (the Town). This time I didn't go, but get get a picture of the boat as she and it returned to port that afternoon.

Sharyn likes that part of the Jacksonville area that we have seen and visited -- mostly along Atlantic Boulevard (State Rt-10) running west from the ocean. There certainly are lots of shopping options along that route, and it looks as if there are a number of really nice residential communities on the streets running off of Atlantic. The area does meet two of the criteria that we have always said we would want in a community, 1. a Barnes and Noble, and 2. a major military installation (for commissary and BX).. Add to everything else all the surrounding water that Sharyn loves and I can see why she likes it here.

One day we went to Barnes and Noble, and while I stayed there Sharyn walked down the road a ½ mile or so to a shopping center that had a number of stores that she likes, and on several other days she explored on her own and estimates that she has probably completed more than 50% of her Christmas shopping.

I've been trying to ride my bike every day and have come pretty close to being successful. Had it not been for the fact that we were both sick for three or four days (with some residual remaining) I think I only would have missed two days. The best part is that, unless I fall back, I've gotten to the point where I can ride ten miles every day. Whether I do or not is a different matter.

Looking across the river through binoculars we can see several RV's that appear to be boondocking on the beach so this morning we decided to drive over there and check it out. Going out the back gate of the base puts us right in the little fishing village of Mayport, originally settled in 1564. Of course I don't know how big a settlement it was then, but it really isn't too much bigger today. Anyway, from Mayport we took the ferry some 1700 feet across the river where we then followed Highway 105 for several miles to Huguenot State Park. It turns out that those RVs are actually in campsites right on the beach -- not exactly boondocking, but paying $7 per day for dry camping. We liked site 70 so we signed up for that spot tomorrow -- again, that spot was only available for the one day as someone has it reserved after tomorrow (today is our last day here -- our time is up and someone has this spot reserved through Thanksgiving).

While the weather has been very nice (sunny and high 60s) that is supposed to change by tomorrow and begin several days of cooler, cloudy weather with 30% chance of showers each day. Depending upon the weather and how we feel about it, we'll do the one day on the beach and then either move to a different site or begin a gradual movement northward towards Shaw AFB and Virginia for Christmas.

Getting off the ferry back on the Mayport side we went into a small seafood place for lunch (after I checked it out and assured Sharyn it was not just a bar). Lunch was very good. Everything is fresh caught and cleaned the day you eat it. Sharyn even had some of my hush puppies and said if the first hush puppies she ever had had tasted like that she would like hush puppies. Mayport, and where we ate, are quite unique in that while they are probably unchanged in 20-30 years there are no tourists to be seen (except on the ferry).

Our two oldest grandsons, Scott and Patrick, are both major high school soccer fans and players. Last week their school went all the way to the state finals, where unfortunately they lost, and were feeling kind of bummed. However, as I told our son, to be number two in the State is a pretty major accomplishment and nothing to be down about.


Coast Guard heading out past FamCamp

Sharyn checking out USS Kennedy and other vessels

Navy ship entering port as seen from motorhome

Casino ship returning (can't quite make out Sharyn)

USS Kennedy (and Honda CRV) as seen from (at) Huguenot State Park

Sharyn checking out beach at Huguenot State Park

Fishing boats tied up in Village of Mayport (as seen from ferry)

Where we had lunch

Information about Mayport Naval Station From Wikipedia

Scott celebrates scoring after rebound

Southold team upon learning they made state finals

 

Odometer reading = 82,156
Miles for day = 169

 

 

 

11/21/06
(Fort George Island FL)

Last night and this morning the weather was cold and windy with occasional rain -- pretty crummy! We talked about just staying at the FamCamp and moving into the overflow area but decided to move across the river anyway. After getting our propane tank filled we left the base and took the ferry across the Saint John's River to what is known as Fort George Island. The motorhome with two passengers and the car in tow (overall length about 50 feet) cost $4 -- that has to be one of the best deals in America -- several years ago we paid $26 to drive across the George Washington Bridge in New York.

We checked in at Huguenot State Park where we had prepaid for one day. While the site location was terrific, it was too cold and windy to enjoy the beach, the water, or anything to do with outside (temp in the 40s and wind gusting to 30 mph).

Since the forecast for tomorrow is for more of the same we decided we had no interest in extending for another day. We will, however, keep this place in mind for a future visit with better weather.


Our campsite at Huguenot State Park with aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy in background

View from windshield towards mouth of Saint John's River

Another view of our site (these last two pictures were taken quickly when the sun popped out for a minute)

Odometer reading = 82,165
Miles for day = 9

 

 

 

11/22/06
(Sumter SC)

Since Huguenot State Park has no hookups, getting ready to leave only entails bringing in the slides and lifting the jacks. After our coffee and conversation it was only a few minutes before we were hooking up the car and leaving the park.

Wanting to get to Shaw AFB before dark, we only stopped twice -- once for gas, and once to have lunch and make a pot of coffee. Unfortunately, with only about 60 miles to go, traffic on I-95 came to a complete stop. We spent almost an hour until we were able to get off and travel US-15 instead. That delayed our arrival at Shaw to about an hour after dark, but when we saw that our favorite site was vacant we figured it was a good day. A couple of hot showers just topped it off.

 

Odometer reading = 82,462
Miles for day = 298

 

 

 

11/23/06 through 11/30/06
(Sumter SC)

My granddaughter Katlin gets on my case about my updating this website whenever I become derelict beyond a reasonable degree. I guess I'm beyond a reasonable degree because I've heard from her about it. Now, since I'm doing this on December 3, I'm relying on memory which is never a good method. Nevertheless . . . .

While it rained our first day here, after that the weather turned beautiful -- sunny with temperatures in the 70's. Wherever we are, it's always a nicer place when the weather is so perfect. Sharyn, of course, did a great deal of Christmas shopping. Christmas must be an especially joyous season for those who love to shop.

We ate out several times and even checked out another house for sale that turned out to have been pulled from the market by the owner. It was on the same street and only about three blocks from the house my grandparents lived in when I was a little kid (pre-kindergarten).

We thoroughly enjoy our stays here at Shaw. What precipitated our leaving was the weather forecasting an end to the sunshine and warm temps. With a week of cloudy, cool weather, with frequent rain and showers on the way, we decided it was time to leave.



Odometer reading = 82,462
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/31/06 through 12/3/06
(Louisa VA)

Our plan was to take two days to drive up from Sumter. We have done it in one day on a few occasions but find a two day time frame much more comfortable. Accordingly we made no effort for an early start and didn't get on the road until shortly after 11 o'clock. We seem to be doing more traveling on the Interstates than we have in the past and that has a lot to do with how it comes about that our 200 miles per day rule has been being broken so frequently. Anyway, when it got to what would have been a reasonable time (for us) to stop for the night we had little more than 100 miles to go -- so we went.

It was after dark when we arrived at Jordan's house. Having unhooked the car several miles from her house, Sharyn had driven ahead and pulled the car into the yard in such a manner that the headlights were illuminating the concrete slab that we put the motorhome on. It worked well -- within ten minutes we were level, slides extended, and plugged into 50 amps. The water and sewer connections waited for daylight.

It's nice to see our kids again, and Sharyn enjoys seeing all her "stuff" in the house.

Sharyn has now wrapped all (or most of) the Christmas presents she (we) have bought. I've managed to ride my bike every day even though it was raining the first day and I turned around and came back after only a mile or so. Since then I've twice pedaled a seven mile route that has lots of hills. While none of these hills are serious, this is the first place I've ridden that has had any hills at all. Not only does it make for more interesting riding, but as I told Sharyn, when it's flat you can pedal as hard or as easy as you want. When there are hills, below a certain level of effort the bike just won't go. Also, the ups and downs probably make for better exercise.

We'll be here until shortly after Christmas when we'll leave for warmer climates. In the meanwhile our activities probably will not lend themselves to interesting writing or reading, so there probably won't be too much written here until we're back on the road.

In the meanwhile, check out the new link below read about and download OpenOffice, a free open source office suite that pretty much parallels Microsoft Office. This is NOT an oddball software package for geeks. The governments of India, France, and hundreds (perhaps thousands) of other municipalities have switched from Microsoft Office to OpenOffice, as have innumerable private corporations, state and private schools and universities, libraries, etc. OpenOffice.org forums provide more information than you (I) can absorb http://www.oooforum.org/forum/. Check it out and give it a try -- I switched over several months ago.



Odometer reading = 82,860
Miles for day = 396

 

 

 

12/4/06 through 12/16/06
(Louisa VA)

Since we've been back in Virginia we've been busy shopping, wrapping, shipping, visiting, and generally getting ready for Christmas.

Several days ago Katlin sent me a great photo she had taken of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. I liked it a lot and told her I was going to put it on the website. Check it out!

Not much else to write about at this time except to say that if you highlight (click and drag your mouse across) the area in the box below you will discover a secret message that no one else can see but you!

We wish you a Very Merry Christmas

 

Photo of the Gateway Arch taken by Katlin from a moving car!

 

Odometer reading = 82,860
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/17/06 through 12/23/06
(Louisa VA)

This entry has to do with two newspaper articles I recently came across -- nothing to do with RVing. Interestingly enough, and as way of background information, I believe it was 1996 or 97 that I started this website. It was going to be what is today called a "blog," It certainly would have been one of the first, if not the very first. There were no blogs then and there may not have been any such word! I wanted the name of the website to be "Attitudes" -- www.attitudes.com. Unfortunately that name was not available. Neither were the next dozen names I tried to get (how and why I got stringbean is another story).

Anyway, the first news article had to do with dumb things people do with their vehicles when they are using a GPS. In one instance the guy was supposed to make a right hand turn at the corner, about 50 yards ahead. The voice said, "turn right now." He did -- $2600 worth of damage. Another guy drove his car into a river in Germany. He was supposed to have waited for the ferry but told police the GPS display looked like it was a bridge. In a third instance the driver ran right through and into a construction area. He told police he thought his GPS knew a shortcut! These stories were reported by Reuters, not my favorite news service, but it does seem to have some followers. All of these stories remind me of my thoughts when the "No Left Turn" signs first began appearing at the end of the approach ramps leading onto the Interstates. If we really needed those signs we were in big trouble! Now it's years later and it seems that we do, and we are!

The second news story was that Toyota, the most profitable auto manufacturer in the world will, in 2007, surpass General Motors and become the world's largest auto manufacturer (as well as the most profitable). That reminded me of an article I read more than 40 years ago depicting the difference between the Japanese and American auto manufacturers. There was a meeting of automotive design engineers. At the meeting someone produced a prototype for a new on/off electrical switch. As the switch was passed around the Japanese engineers examined it closely, marveled at its smooth action and silent operation. The American engineers were pretty unimpressed and brushed it aside with, "a switch is a switch." It's too bad no one at General Motors ever heard about what went on at that meeting -- or maybe they did!

 

Odometer reading = 82,860
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/24/06 through 12/30/06
(Louisa VA)

Well Christmas has come and gone and I think everyone enjoyed it (it is certainly supposed to work that way). It gave us the opportunity to be with three of our four children which is about the most we can ever get together in the same place at one time, and even that doesn't happen too often.

We had planned to leave here yesterday but Sharyn wanted to help Jordan get her house back to it's pre-Christmas condition. They're doing that as I'm kind of getting the motorhome ready, updating stringbean, and generally probably not being too useful. When it comes to creating order out of chaos Sharyn cannot be beaten. At the same time I don't know where to begin (I'll get rid of the Christmas tree and help put stuff back in the attic).

Anyway, this will be short because I want to get this uploaded to the server so I can take down the satellite.


Shane, Jordan, and Phil


Odometer reading = 82,860
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/31/06
(Sumter SC)

We pulled out of Jordan's driveway at 9:45 this morning, topped off the fuel tank at the corner market, and headed south. With only two stops we arrived at Shaw AFB at 6:pm. Unfortunately our two favorite campsites were taken so we pulled into a spot next to one of them. That way I'll be able to set up the Hughes Net satellite dish on the line between the two sites. If the other guy leaves before we do we can then change sites and not have to move the dish. Of course we don't know who will leave first, in large part because we don't know how long we're staying here.

Tomorrow we're stuck on base because our DOD windshield sticker on the car expires at midnight tonight and we won't be able to get a new one until Tuesday. Until then, if we leave the base we won't be able to get back on.

For now I'm going to close up this 2006 page and start one for 2007.

Happy New Year!

 

Odometer reading = 83,255
Miles for day = 395

 

 

 

Travel Log

January 1 to December 31, 2007

Go back to 2006

 

1/1/07 through 1/11/07
(Sumter SC)

The new year started off nicely when the guy in our site pulled out first thing in the morning and we moved our rig onto (what we regard as) our regular site. Also, security gave us an extension on our expired base sticker until everything reopened on January 3 (actually they said we had a two week grace period but we got a new one on Tuesday anyway).

Since then we have been enjoying pretty nice weather, as has most of the Country. One day we drove up to Florence to have lunch with my cousin Bobby and his wife Teresa at the New China Buffet. Two weeks earlier they had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and the following day was Teresa's 70th birthday. All that, plus Christmas and New Years within a two week period -- Wow! We like Chinese and eat out at Chinese places fairly often. The New China Buffet in Florence is far and away the best Chinese buffet we have found anywhere. Anytime we're in Sumter we make it a point to drive up to Florence at least once. If you're ever in Florence SC check it out (in the middle of Town on US-52 maybe a mile south of US-76).

Since I got my bike back in August I've been wishing that Sharyn had one also so she could ride with me. She wasn't crazy about the idea, but we went to a local bike store here in Sumter and she got a 2007 Specialized Expedition Sport. It's basically the same as mine except a women's 2007 model. It's quite nice, but so far she's only ridden it three times. Bicycles sure have come a long way since we had our last bikes back in the early 70's (a Raleigh and a Peugeot).

It had been our plan to be in Quartzsite AZ by mid-January, after which we were going to go back to San Diego (actually Coronado) for awhile before heading north through California as winter turned into spring and then spend the summer in the Puget Sound area of Coastal Washington. Our oldest grandson is graduating high school in New York in June and, rather than change of whole itinerary, we were going to fly to New York from wherever we were at the time. It has now developed, however, that we also have a wedding in Georgia in May and another one in Jersey in October. Cumulatively all this has required a rethinking of our West Coast plans. We don't really have a plan now but whatever materializes will almost certainly involve staying in the eastern part of the Country. We are now considering returning to the Navy Base at Mayport, near Jacksonville FL. We were there back in November and liked it. Sharyn particularly enjoys being on or near the water.

Stay tuned to see what happens -- I'll do the same!

Our bikes at Shaw


Odometer reading = 83,255
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/12/07 to 1/25/07
(Sumter SC)

Well now we have a plan, of sorts. This morning we received a phone call from Bill and Cheryl (friends we met in Gillette WY in 2000 and have traveled and visited with numerous times since then) who are going to be at the Allegro factory in Red Bay AL the week of February 19. They have some things they want to have done to their Allegro Phaeton, so we'll met them their and while their unit is going worked on the four of us can tear up the town of Red Bay (if you've ever been to Red Bay you know that's a joke -- but we'll have fun anyway). They're also going to bring their bikes so we can ride around town. I'm sure we'll also go to Swamp John's for breakfast at least a few times. As you may have suspected, that's what's called genuine "country cookin'."

As for between now and then, who knows?

In the meanwhile, since the last entry on this page our activities have been somewhat mundane. Sharyn has sort of taken up knitting and crocheting and seems to really enjoy both. I have continued to ride my bike on most days and have gotten Sharyn to accompany me on several occasions. I have further enhanced my Bike Stats spreadsheet (created with OpenOffice.org's Calc) with another cool graph. Of course I don't really need all that information, but I find it interesting. Besides I like to play with numbers and I figure that just as riding the bike keeps my body functioning, playing with creating spreadsheet keeps my mind functioning. In both cases the question is, "for how long!"

Several weeks ago we saw an Airstream Bambi pull into the FamCamp here at Shaw. It was Denis and Mary, the couple we had had met at Wright-Patterson FamCamp on September 28, 2006, just before we left there to come here. We had wine and cheese with them the night before we left and talked a lot about RVing, places to go, etc. We told them how much we enjoyed Shaw. Well, they were here because we had told them how nice it was. We sure were glad when they told us they agreed with our evaluation of Shaw's FamCamp -- whew! Anyway, we enjoyed their company for about a week before they had to leave to go to their daughter's in Florida.. I'm sure we'll meet up with them again.

This weekend Sharyn was supposed to go on a tour/trip (or whatever) to a large shopping mall near Myrtle Beach but it was canceled today when they did not get the required number of people to sign up.

(Interrupt)

We just now received an e-mail from Gerard and Sherry, a couple we met after they had been following this travelog for a number of years and invited us to visit them as he approached his retirement from the Air Force (see travelog entry 11/5/05). They're now full-time RVers and we're going to see if we can't get together at Mayport in early March as they head north from Key West.


Sharyn (avoiding camera), Mary, and Denis

http://www.stringbean.com/BikeStats.ods (requires OpenOffice.org Calc to open)


Odometer reading = 83,255
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/26/07 to 1/29/07
(Sumter SC)

As I've mentioned in the past, we take lots of pictures as we travel, plus we had a lot of pictures before we started, plus a year or so ago I scanned a big bunch of slides (going all the way back to the 50's). Bottom line -- according to Photoshop Album, one of the software applications we use to view our photos, we now have a little over 11,000 photos on the computer. The reason we originally bought Adobe Photoshop Album, and the feature I probably like best about it is the "thermometer-like" timeline across the top of the main screen. You can go directly to the pictures of any month in any year. Anyway, the other day I was up early and for whatever reason started the slideshow function beginning with the first slide (Harry Shannon sitting in his 1950 Mercury on March 15, 1956). With four second intervals the entire slideshow would run for something over 24 hours, so it was still going when Sharyn got up. As we had our coffee and conversation we continued to watch the slides until sometime around noon. We concluded that, indeed, life is an ongoing phenomenal experience!

While I try to ride my bike every day, riding doesn't do for Sharyn what it does for me, but the other day we rode up to the BX for ice cream and pizza and then continued around the flightline and back to the FamCamp, for a total of just over eight miles. That's pretty impressive for what's only her 4th or 5th bike ride in 30 years!

Yesterday we went on another "check out an old house for sale" drive. This one had a small photo in the paper with a "$50,000 as is" caption. We found it with no problem -- talk about out in the sticks! What I found most interesting about this one was that it did not face the road. At one time this was a proud and stately home that faced out over the vast cotton fields that surrounded it. Today the cotton fields are still there, but judging from the dilapidated wire fences separating the fields from the house, I suspect that the land was sold off long ago so that today this once majestic home sits in decline on a small overgrown piece of yard.

The door latch was inoperable so that a push on the door caused it to swing open. Walking through the somewhat dark interior I commented to Sharyn that this would have been too much of an undertaking for us even 25 years ago (we've done several of these over the years). When she continued walking around and replied, "I'm not so sure," I got nervous. However, after a short while she said she didn't like it. I have to say, that did not make me sad. Anyway, we took some pictures and left.

On the way back we talked about the probable past and future of the house. It's past, at one time, was grand. It's future -- it probably doesn't have one. It's out in the middle of no where where no one is going to want to put into into it what it would take to bring it back. The small piece of land it sits on is probably not worth the cost of removing the house so we think it's destined to remain unsold for decades until it eventually collapses into itself. Maybe we're wrong.


A once proud home

Once upon a time . . .

Odometer reading = 83,255
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/30/07 to 2/14/07
(Sumter SC)

At this point we've been here at Shaw for about six weeks but will be leaving in the morning. While we like it here a lot, we would prefer that it be a little warmer than it has been. However, looking at the weather around the rest of the Country we really don't have too much to complain about with daytime temperatures mostly in the 50's and 60's. Still, warmer would be better and we plan to be sitting on the Gulf Coast in about two weeks.

Several days ago I decided to try a longer distance bike ride than the eight mile rides I'd been doing around the base perimeter. I took US-76 towards Sumter to see how far I could go. The problem is that you don't want to go more than half the distance you can ride because you need the second half to get back again. Anyway my round trip was 17.52 miles. I thought that was pretty good but I also thought 20 miles would have been a good round number. Two days ago I did a 21.68 mile ride (with a stop at Baskin Robbins for a pint of ice cream)!

For the last several years I've been doing some on again - off again genealogical research on my mother's family (the Broadways of Clarendon County, South Carolina). About a year ago a third cousin and I discovered each other's existence. Margaret has been researching (in a much more intense manner than I have) the Owen Family who came to South Carolina from England in the 1800's. It turns out that Margaret's great-grandfather and my great-grandfather were brothers. Anyway, Margaret has invited us to her annual Valentine's party just outside of Atlanta for couples who have been married for a minimum of 30 years, so that's where we'll be Saturday night.

When we're at Shaw, weather permitting we frequently leave the door open. Yesterday was such a day and yesterday afternoon when I went back into the motorhome I heard a scuffle under the table. It turned out we had an unexpected visitor who eventually found the still open door and left. Unexpected visitors would be of particular concern in moose country.


Our unexpected guest surveys his predicament


Odometer reading = 83,255
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/15/07
(Marietta GA)

Had I given it more thought I would have gotten myself into gear earlier this morning so we could have arrived here with more daylight time remaining. We didn't get out until a little after eleven and I had some initial concern that we might not get here until after dark. We're at the FamCamp at Dobbins AFB just north of Atlanta which is a small, heavily wooded campground with hills and twisting narrow roads. Getting into a site here after dark would have been somewhat difficult.

The trip was pretty straightforward and uneventful. The only stop we made was at the Georgia welcome center where we had lunch. Because of the heavy tree cover we have no satellite TV and I didn't even try to set up our Internet satellite. Tomorrow we'll pay for our site and check out the area.


Our campsite at Dobbins


Odometer reading = 83,525
Miles for day = 268

 

 

 

2/16/07 and 2/17/07
(Marietta GA)

This campground would be much nicer in the spring or fall when it's not so cold. In fact with nice weather it would be quite pleasant. Sharyn likes the area quite a bit as we discovered lots of shopping opportunities along the I-285 loop. We also made a dry run past Margaret's house Friday afternoon so we would not be trying to find it for the first time in the dark. Not far from her house we found a Goldberg's Bagel shop where we stopped for coffee and real bagels (what else?).

The Valentine's party was very nice -- we enjoyed it and the other guests very much. We think it's amazing that, in this day and age, you could get together such a large group of couples married for thirty years or more. The fact that this was a church Sunday school based group has a lot to do with it! Margaret has been put on my short list of "preferred relatives."

I've not been too successful in my attempt to ride my bike every day. It probably has to do with not trying hard enough, but when it's as cold and windy as it has been my enthusiasm gets somewhat diminished. One day I tried to ride around the base perimeter but ran into several dead ends and locked gates and eventually just backtracked the route I had traveled. My total ride was 8.23 miles including one long steep hill that dead ended at a locked gate. One result of pedaling up that hill is that I have had to adjust my "maximum heart rate" (MHR) which I have been figuring at 150 beats per minute. One's MHR is generally said be be 220 minus your age in years. That would make mine 152 but I've been using 150. Climbing that hill I was running 153 which I suspect makes my actual MHR in the upper 150's, but I really don't know. Knowing the percentage of MHR you are working at tells you the level of exertion you are at. It's also useful in determining your lactose threshold (LT), another measure of level of work or exercise. Oh well, so much for all of that!


This would be very nice when it's not so cold


Odometer reading = 83,525
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/18/07 to 2/21/07
(Red Bay AL)

Dobbins FamCamp does not have sewer hookups at individual campsites and we had not taken on water or dumped our holding tanks since leaving Shaw. Since we knew the water would be turned off at the Allegro campground in Red Bay we decided to fill our tank before leaving Dobbins. While the water hookups are wrapped with insulation the valve itself it exposed and was frozen. In order to get the water to begin flowing we had to pour hot water over the valve to thaw it out. Anyway, having done that we filled our tank and took off for Red Bay to meet up with Bill and Cheryl.

It turned out that they, instead of starting out for Red Bay this morning as planned, had left from Benton AR at midnight last night (Bill said he couldn't sleep). Anyway, sometime around five o'clock this morning, when only 30 miles from Red Bay he said he was too tired to continue and need a "quick catnap." They pulled into the Walmart in Fulton MS and went to sleep. An hour later they awoke to start again only to discover that while they were sleeping someone had stolen their bikes and the bike rack off the back of the jeep they were towing. The bikes were locked to the rack but the rack was not locked to the jeep. They were, understandably, pretty upset about that. Because they had parked way off at the outside edge of the parking lot they were outside of the viewing area of the security cameras. I would have thought that by 5:am all the "bad guys" would have gone home -- I guess not.

Anyway, when we arrived at Allegro the campground host told us that Bill and Cheryl had already checked in and had saved us the site next to them. The last time we were here was at Thanksgiving 2005. Because the Allegro campground and repair facility is located on what used to be the Red Bay Municipal Airport, the RV sites are all on the old runway and and adjacent hard surfaced areas and I could not properly anchor my Internet satellite system and tripod to the ground. A fast moving thunderstorm moved through the campground and blew the tripod and dish over. While the tripod was damaged the dish and transceiver luckily survived. It's been pretty windy since we've been here, and with possible thunderstorms in the forecast I have not set up the system. This is probably the longest length of time we've gone without being online since we bought the system four or five years ago. In addition to our regular e-mail communication we also do our banking, bill paying, get weather forecasts, keep this website up to date, and a number of other miscellaneous activities via our Internet connection. We have on occasion talked about a Wi-Fi card but with the satellite it would be used very infrequently. There is Wi-Fi here however so right now we'd be using it. We may reconsider getting a card.

In the meanwhile Bill and Cheryl had all their work completed and we had a few odds and ends tended to, including having a new kitchen sink and upgraded faucet installed. Tomorrow we're all off to the casinos at Tunica (about 20 miles south of Memphis).


With Bill & Cheryl at Allegro campground

Cheryl unknowingly models as I show Bill my 70-200 lens


Odometer reading = 83,804
Miles for day = 278

 

 

 

2/22/07
(Red Bay AL)


Last night the four of us had dinner at O'Ryans Steakhouse just down the road from the campground. We always eat there at least one time when we're in Red Bay and I always have the Cajun style catfish.

This morning we decided not to go to Tunica. Sharyn wasn't feeling too well (she's NEVER sick), plus having spent more time here than anticipated there would be less time to spend in Tunica (Bill and Cheryl have to be back to work on Monday). Since our next destination is the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area of the Florida panhandle, Tunica would be a 300 mile detour. For the two days we'd have there it's probably not worth it.

Yesterday and today have been two beautiful sunny days with comfortable temperatures. It's about time.

Since it's at least a two day trip to the Panhandle we decided that would really be too long to be off-line and out of contact with the world so we set up the satellite. It's now mid-afternoon and while Sharyn still doesn't feel well she says it's getting better -- that's good!

It's time to upload this to the server and go for my bike ride..


Odometer reading = 83,804
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/23/07
(Greenville AL)

This morning we had our leisurely coffee and conversation after which we got things ready to leave. When we were all set Sharyn went up to the office to pay our bill while I took the motorhome to the washing pad to fill the water tank and dump the holding tanks (the water is turned off at the individual campsites for the winter).. I believe it was about 10:30 when we pulled out of the campground on our way to the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area of the Florida panhandle.

At some point between Birmingham and Montgomery we pulled into a rest area for lunch. While having peanut butter and conversation we changed our destination to Biloxi MS, reprogramed the GPS (188 miles to Biloxi), and pulled back onto the highway.

Prior to hurricane Katrina Biloxi had been one of Sharyn's favorite places to visit. The last time we were there was in January 2006, several months after Katrina. The devastation was beyond comprehension, and in spite of all the TV news coverage of all the damage we were completely overwhelmed seeing it firsthand (see photos we took on January 2, 2006). At this point we have no idea how much may or may not have been rebuilt.

The sun was still shinning when we pulled into a Walmart just off of I-65 at exit 130. After parking in a far corner of the parking lot we went in to do some grocery shopping. Red Bay is a great place to buy a motorhome but for anything else there is very little selection.

Having had dinner I'm now doing this while Sharyn is reading her magazine. I suspect we'll go to bed early and get an early start in the morning as well.


Odometer reading = 84,057
Miles for day = 253

 

 

 

2/24/07
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

As I suspected, we were in bed by 8:30 last night and up at five this morning. Even with coffee and conversation we were on the road well before seven o'clock. During coffee and conversation Sharyn said she changed her mind about Biloxi (I tell her she sometimes reminds me of the "Orca" lady on TV), so we're back to the Destin/Fort Walton Beach plan.

After checking out the Maxwell-Gunter FamCamp at the north end of the Mid-Bay Bridge we opted not to stay there. The appeal for that campground has to do with the sites right at the edge of the water, but since there was only one site available and it was way in the back, we decided to try the main FamCamp at Eglin (Maxwell-Gunter is also part of Eglin AFB).We were here at Eglin several years ago when the new FamCamp was under construction. The old FamCamp was right on the water -- beautiful location but severely lacking in physical amenities. For quite some time now Sharyn has been wanting to come back and see the new facility. Unfortunately there are no available sites at either the old or the new campground but two people are scheduled to leave the new campground tomorrow and we're #2 in overflow. Overflow (dry camp) is located down by the marina about 50 yards from the beach. The wind, however, is coming across the water at 20-25 mph, so with dark and cloudy skies and the temps in the low 60's it's really not beach weather.

Of course we checked out the BX which is massive. Eglin AFB is the largest Air Force base in the world covering 724 square miles, almost half a million acres! We knew it was large but only found out how large from some of the literature they gave us. I don't know if there is a road around the perimeter of this base, but if there is it's one perimeter I will not be encircling with my bike! I did do fourteen miles worth of exploring with my bike this afternoon.

Hopefully we'll get a site tomorrow.


Waiting in overflow

Our site in old FamCamp in 2004


Odometer reading = 84,198
Miles for day = 141

 

 

 

2/25/07
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

We lucked out this morning in that the guy who was #1 to move into the FamCamp decided to leave so we got the first spot that opened up.

After we got relocated Sharyn went back to the BX and commissary while I just messed around the motorhome and campsite, set up the Internet satellite, etc. The only thing that might be considered a downside with this site is a pine tree a hundred yards or so away that seems to be blocking our TV satellite. Since that dish is permanently affixed to the roof of the motorhome we can't really move it to "a better place." We tried moving the motorhome back a forth 8 or 10 feet but that apparently still not clear the tree. The only thing I'll miss is "24" and "Boston Legal." I can still get Fox News via satellite radio so I'm happy!

While it rained for a few minutes this morning it soon cleared up. It sure is nice to be enjoying sunshine and 75° -- I guess that's why people come to Florida in the winter!

We occasionally get e-mail from some of the readers of this site and I always respond even if it's just to says thanks for visiting. However, in the last two weeks, when I tried to reply to e-mail received from people using hotmail and msn.com I had my e-mail returned to me with the message:

"Connected to 65.54.244.232 but sender was rejected. Remote host said: 550 Your e-mail was rejected for policy reasons on this gateway. Reasons for rejection may be related to content such as obscene language, graphics, or spam-like characteristics (or) other reputation problems. For sender troubleshooting information, please go to http://postmaster.msn.com. Please note: if you are an end-user please contact your E-mail/Internet Service Provider for assistance."

Going to the suggested website provided no useful help whatsoever (I usually find that to be the case when I go to a Microsoft help site). Anyway, if you are using hotmail or msn.com as your e-mail provider, please know that I will (at least for now) not be able to respond.

I should also mention here that today is the first day of our eighth year full-timing. It was on February 25, 2000 that we pulled out of the driveway of the house we had sold the day before. We had no plan then, and still have no plan today, as to how long we will continue this for, but I don't think either of us expected it to continue for as long as it has.



Odometer reading = 84,199
Miles for day = 1

 

 

 

2/26/07 to 3/2/07
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

Yesterday we spent a good portion of our time watching a giant storm system pass by just slightly to the west of us. Watching the satellite imagery at http://www.wunderground.com we could see that we were inside the outer edge of the system that was vast in size and seemed that it would never finish passing through while the weather radio kept beeping new tornado warnings every 15 minutes. This was the system that destroyed the high school in Enterprise AL, about 60 miles northeast of the Eglin AFB, killing a number of students. It was 11:pm before the last of the tornado warnings expired and we went to bed.

Sharyn is really enjoying her crocheting and has made a number of very pretty scarves and is now working on an afghan which will take considerably longer to complete.

Several days ago we bought a new chair to replace one of the two barrel chairs in the "living room." It's much nicer than the one it replaces and the color is perfect.

Gerard and Sherry, a couple we met several years ago when, after following our travels via this travelog for several years, they invited us to stop and visit with them as we passed through their neck of the woods (see travelog entries 11/4/05 and 11/5/05 ), will arrive here at Eglin this weekend. Gerard is just retired from the Air Force and they have been full-time for a month. As Gerard says, they're in their shakedown mode. We're anxious to see them again and find out what they think of it so far.

Other than that, I've been riding my bike pretty much every day, most often doing the 12 miles around the flightline. On several occasions when Sharyn rides with me we go a shorter distance and I'll do a longer ride later in the day. In February I did 203 miles!


Some of Sharyn's scarfs

Our new chair

Sharyn & Sherry going "shopping" in November 2005 (slightly Photoshopped)


Odometer reading = 84,199
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/3/07 to 3/9/07
(Fort Walton Beach FL)

One day this past week (I forget which one) we went to check out Destin Commons, a semi-upscale shopping village in Destin. We actually spent more time in the Bass Pro Shop than any other place. One big advantage of living in a motorhome, as I see it, is that you cannot buy any or all of that cool stuff you see when shopping with wives -- there just isn't any place to put it!

Gerard and Sherry arrived here as scheduled and we all enjoyed each other's company during their stay. The day they arrived Sharyn made pizza (as shown her by Mary back at Shaw AFB some weeks ago). The following night we all went to The Crab Trap, a local seafood restaurant where we had dinner, followed by a stop at Baskin Robins on the way back to the base. The third night we all enjoyed Gerard's propane campfire followed by dinner in their 5th wheel.

The other day I rode my bike to the post office on the other side of the base to mail Phil's birthday present. By the time I got back I had passed the 1,000 mile mark with the bike. I'm still trying to ride every day and keep my Bike Stats spreadsheet (created and maintained with OpenOffice) current. If I was starting the spreadsheet over again I would do some things different, particularly the graphs. I may still redo them at some point but now I forgot how I got some of them to work.

By the way, you may have noticed that Microsoft, ever since it set out to bury Netscape more than ten years ago, has been seeking to take over the world, and has met with more than a little success. If this does not make you happy you can do your small part by joining, what I regard as the growing resistance movement, and downloading and using OpenOffice. It basically does everything that Microsoft Office does (it's components equate to MS Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Etc), plus it's free and totally compatible with the Microsoft products. OpenOffice can open and edit documents created with Microsoft Office and people who use Microsoft Office can open and edit documents created with OpenOffice. Forty million people can't be wrong!

While I'm on the topic you might also dump Internet Explorer and switch to Firefox. It's better, faster, more secure, and you can download it for free from here. You can also get away from Outlook Express (which can be a real spam collector) and go with Thunderbird as your e-mail application. Thunderbird, like Firefox, is better, faster and cleaner than it's Microsoft counterpart. Again, it's free and can be downloaded from here.

Okay, back to the travelog. There is a great deal of flying that goes on here at Eglin. I guess some people might find the noise a problem, but I love it. I also like that this base seems to have a greater number of F-15's than most of the places we stay at (I like F-15's). Unfortunately, the only good opportunity I see for getting close up photographs would be from photos taken on base and I'm not comfortable with that -- even from areas with no camera restrictions.

We still have no satellite TV because of that pine tree blocking our dish but last night we did watch this past Monday's episode of "24" on the computer via the Internet. It's definitely better on the TV, but you make do with what works. Sharyn's not happy because she can't watch Gray's Anatomy. And life goes on . . . .

 

Sharyn doing her knitting

Our campsite

Sitting around Gerard's propane campfire (unfortunately Sherry is in the shadow)

Finishing dinner with Gerard and Sherry in their 5th wheel (photo compliments of Gerard)

F-15 over FamCamp

"Retired" F-15 on display

Sharyn waiting patiently as I take preceding photo



Odometer reading = 84,199
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/10/07 to 3/11/07
(Panama City FL)

The evening of March 9th we were still undecided whether we'd extend our stay at Eglin or move on to Tyndall AFB here in Panama City. Yesterday morning, however, during coffee and conversation we decided to leave. For all the usual reasons (mostly we don't move fast) it was noontime (11:am by the pre-daylight savings time clocks in the motorhome) before we were actually underway.

We tried to buy gas on base at $2.48 per gallon but had to back out when the motorhome would not clear the canopy. On the way from Red Bay to Eglin we had bought gas in Alabama for $2.07. Having traveled over 500 miles since our last fill-up we needed gas and found the price to be pretty uniformly $2.59. However, about 25 miles out we found a Walmart with gas at $2.45 where we took on 64 gallons for for $156.

Anyway, we arrived at the Tyndall FamCamp where, as expected, there were no available sites and we were #2 in overflow. However, the lady in the office said the #1 guy was leaving in the morning so we'd get the first site available, and there were several scheduled to leave in the morning -- unless they extended. Overflow is just a wide unpaved area adjacent to the campground, but there are water connections and 20 amp outlets available so it's really not so bad at all. We didn't mess with the water (we have 75 gallons on board) but did plug into the electric. Since the overflow is out in the open without any tree cover our TV satellite had a clear view of the sky so we had our TV back again.

After checking out what was new in the clubhouse and riding our bikes through the campground we decided to go to the Hong Kong Buffet in Panama City where we have eaten on several prior occasions. We each ate a bunch -- probably too much -- mostly because of all the seafood selections; muscles, numerous kinds of shrimp, several kinds of crab, and giant oysters on the half shell.

We were unaware of Panama City being a dangerous or high crime area, but coming through town yesterday afternoon we saw several police officers in a parking lot putting a handcuffed guy into a patrol car. Then tonight on the way back from the Hong Kong Buffet we saw more officers putting a handcuffed women into a patrol car. Maybe there's more going on in this town than we're aware of.

 

Odometer reading = 84,280
Miles for day = 81

 

 

 

3/12/07 and 3/13/07
(Panama City FL)

First thing yesterday morning they told us we could move into site #42 which we did.

Tyndall was one of the first bases to get the new F-22 Raptor and the ones flying over the FamCamp were the first one's we've ever seen. In order to get some better photos (the campsite is heavily wooded) I took my camera and rode my bike down US-98 to a more advantageous location. After taking several photos of the F-22's flying over the highway I then rode down to the beach (Tyndall AFB includes about 12 miles of beautiful Gulf Shore beach) where I took a few photos before returning to the motorhome.

This morning we checked out the BX, did some grocery shopping at the commissary, and bought a number of bottles of wine at the Class 6 (sort of like a liquor store). Someone asked for a picture of me and Sharyn and it seems that the only picture we have of the both of us was one taken at Phil and Kim's wedding about 15 years ago. Since we seem to take well over 1,000 pictures per year we decided to set up the tripod and take one of the two of us. It actually came out pretty good, but we certainly have changed in the last 15 years. This afternoon, other than doing the picture, we pretty much just hung out at the campsite.

In the interest of full disclosure I should say that while typing this up I asked Sharyn what did we do yesterday (to help my memory). She said that while I was riding my bicycle she did the ironing, cleaned, scrubbed, made dinner, changed the bed, did the dishes, and broke her fingernail!


Our campsite

F-22's over US-98

Sand Piper on beach

Little girl at beach

Me and Sharyn (today's photo)

Me and Sharyn (15 years ago)

Odometer reading = 84,280
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/14/07
(Chiefland FL)

We stopped to dump our holding tanks as we let Tyndall's FamCamp and proceeded east along US-98. We stopped for lunch at what has become our "standard" stop at Carrabella Beach's rest stop/picnic park right on the beach. This time Sharyn did not walk on the beach and it wasn't too long before we were once again on our way.

We pulled into Walmart in Chiefland in time to watch the Fox News shows before having dinner , etc.

The last time we spent the night in Chiefland was November 1999 when we had the 1985 27' Travelmaster. We were on the way from Sharyn's mother's to Red Bay AL to follow our new motorhome (the one we have now) as it proceeded down the assembly line at the Allegro factory. Several miles outside of Chiefland there was a loud "BOOM" from somewhere under the motorhome, followed by lots of severe vibration with what appeared to be white smoke coming out from behind. To make a long story shorter, a wrist pin had broken, allowing the piston to come loose totally destroying a front quarter of the engine block. After sitting behind a gas station in Chiefland for two days (a tow service had towed us into town), and not coming up with any viable alternatives, we rented a car and paid another tow company to tow the motorhome back to Virginia for $1,600. We ended up replacing the engine with a rebuilt for an additional $3,000. Several weeks later we sold the Travelmaster with 50 miles on the new engine. On January 17, 2000 we took delivery of our Allegro Bay.

This visit to Chiefland was much less stressful.


Odometer reading = 84,502
Miles for day = 220

 

 

 

3/15/07 to 3/18/07
(Apollo Beach FL)

We pulled into Diana and Carl's driveway sometime around noon, happy to have arrived. Diana is Sharyn's cousin and their lifestyle has always been as interesting, fun filled and non-conventional as our's. The first full day we were there we went to the Wine Warehouse where we bought three gallons of Opici Homemade Style table wine together with several smaller bottles of other stuff. We were introduced to Opici Homemade several years ago here in Florida (in Boynton Beach actually) but have never been able to find it again since then. Three gallons should last quite awhile. Diana bought more than we did (not Opici). It's too bad I had not brought my camera as this store was the size of a small Walmart -- by far the largest wine store either of us has ever seen.

From the Wine Warehouse we went to Circuit City where I bought an Linksys Wireless-N network adapter so that when we are somewhere where there is a wireless signal we can be online without setting up the satellite. We've talked about doing this every time we're in a campground with Wi-Fi. Since Diana has a router set up to provide Wi-Fi throughout her house and pool area we figured this would be a good time to go for it. Sitting in her driveway we were picking up five signals. We latched onto the strongest one (which was not Diana's) and it worked very well. We don't know whose signal we were on, but since everyone in the neighborhood has cable it's safe to assume that we were accessing the Internet through someone's cable connection. It sure was a lot faster than our satellite!

On Saturday, St. Patrick's Day, we loaded four bikes into Carl's truck and drove to Fort DeSoto Park, a beautiful family oriented beach/park with bike paths and walkways throughout where we rode our bikes, watched the wind surfers (you stand on a surfboard and use a giant sail/kite type thing to pull you across the water), and ate some ice cream. It was a beautiful day, sunny and nice but very windy. The wind surfers were having a time.

That evening we had corned beef and cabbage at Aunt Phyliss and Uncle Harold's (Diana's parents - Sharyn's aunt and uncle) with Jenny (Diana's daughter) and Steve and their two daughters. If I was going to steal some little girls it would be them (see pic's below).

We had planned to leave on Sunday but then decided to stay an extra day. We have done a lot of visiting during the years we've been traveling, but this was one of the most enjoyable visits we've ever done.


Diana and Carl's front yard this past weekend

Diana, Carl, and Sharyn at Fort DeSoto Park

Sharyn and Diana plan our ride

Checking out one of the beaches at Fort DeSoto Park

End of ride

Carl caught this fish in Aunt Phyliss' back yard with a bent pin tied to a piece of string

Sidney

Angelina

A beautiful Sunday afternoon . . .

. . . but too cool for boating

 

 


Odometer reading = 84,643
Miles for day = 141

 

 

3/19/07
(Tampa FL)

This morning we said good-bye to Diana and Carl, thanking them for a great visit, before moving on the 28 miles to the FamCamp at MacDill AFB where the southern tip of Tampa sticks out into Tampa Bay. We were here several years ago but the FamCamp is unrecognizable today from what it was then. We are already talking about maybe making a reservation for next January/February even though that would preclude all the activities in Quartzsite in January. We'll see what happens.

Unfortunately, here at MacDill the Wi-Fi is just at the marina at the other end of the FamCamp so we're now back on our satellite. I suspect that the Wi-Fi will still turn out to have been a good purchase.

Tonight we're going to go to bed early. We can't believe how tired we are!


While I was checking in at the office Sharyn photographed this osprey (too bad the longer lens was not on the camera)

 

Odometer reading = 84,681
Miles for day = 38

 

 

 

3/20/07 through 3/25/07
(Tampa FL)

When we first arrived here we registered for several days but have since extended to leave on Thursday the 29th. However, since there is a two day air show (open to the public) scheduled for the following weekend we might stay for that. The Navy's Blue Angels will be the main attraction and while we saw them at El Centro, their winter base, I wouldn't mind seeing them again. Particularly since I have since purchased a Canon 70-200 f/4 lens that should allow me to "reach out" and get some real great photos.

We did try to make reservations to stay here for an extended period next winter but they are already booked up. It seems that when people arrive here (usually shortly after Christmas) they check-in and simultaneously make their reservations for the following year. You can make reservations for a year in advance and for a stay of up to six months. We're going to wait until December and then make reservations for the following winter. Since we seldom know where we'll be until we get there that's pretty long range planning for us.

A few weeks ago we were speaking with Irene and Harry, friends from New Jersey whom I've known for over 50 years, and found out that they were going to be here in Tampa at the same time we were. Also, they were going to be here visiting Manny and Grace, mutual friends whom I've probably known for over forty years but haven't seen since the wedding of Harry and Irene's son Brian about ten years ago. Anyway, the other day we went to Manny and Grace's where the six of us enjoyed the afternoon together, a visit to a neighborhood park, and ultimately followed by Grace's lasagna. It took a number of coincidences all coming together simultaneously to make all that happen! It was a very nice afternoon/evening.

One afternoon we went to the beach that borders the FamCamp but only stayed for about a half hour as the breeze was offshore and it got too hot in the sun. It's a beautiful white sandy beach where, from the people we saw in the water, it appears that you can walk out quite a ways and still reach bottom. A great beach for kids/families.

Another day we visited the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. We spent several hours there, including lunch, after which we drove out to Camping World about 10 miles east of town, just of off I-4. We had no particular need or purpose to go there but we, as most RVers tend to do, just like to walk through and see what's there (it's always the same stuff, none of which we need). This Camping World, like many of them today, is located at a major RV dealership (or maybe the dealership is located at Camping World -- can't tell which is which). This dealership was Lazy Days, certainly one of the largest RV dealers in the Country -- they have a number of locations. Of course we gravitated to Lazy Day's Allegros where we again checked out both the Allegro Bay (we have a 2000 Bay) and the Phaeton. I really do like that 40' Phaeton QSH. Too bad money matters. Anyway, when we were ready to leave Lazy Days we could see that the traffic on I-4 was quite heavy with work traffic so we decided to eat at the Cracker Barrel that was right next door. Later we were sorry we had, not because the food wasn't good, but it's just a much heavier (less healthy) kind of cooking than what we prefer. Also, Steve (Diana and Carl's son-in-law) had recommended we eat at Tinapapas (make sure have your speakers on if you click on the link) several blocks from the aquarium and we would have stopped on our way back if we had not already eaten. We still plan on eating there at least once while we're here.

It seems that every RV here in the FamCamp has two bicycles parked next to it. I've done pretty well with my daily ride (about 8 miles here at MacDill) and we've ridden a number of shorter rides together.

The day after we arrived at MacDill we realized that our refrigerator wasn't working. The freezer was 40° and the refrigerator itself was hardly cool at all. Luckily we hadn't done any grocery shopping so did not have a great deal in it (we did have to eat all the ice cream but that was okay). This refrigerator problem is one that seems to pop up periodically. From what I understand it's probably crystallization that forms in the cooling tubes (it's an evaporative system). Usually if I rapidly run a heavy rubber mallet up and down the coils a bunch of times (like running a stick along a picket fence) that seems to fix or correct the problem. This time I was afraid it wasn't going to get fixed, but after two days of repeated tries it slowly cooled back down to the proper temperatures (0° in the freezer and 38° in the refrigerator). When this first began occurring Norcold, the manufacturer, said the "cooling unit" was bad. When pressed for an alternative solution to replacement they said we could try turning the unit upside down which would allow the liquid ammonia to run up into the coils and dissolve and crystal formation that might have formed there. There were two problems with this suggestion; first, they said it probably wouldn't work, and second, this is a built in refrigerator so turning it upside down means first getting it out of the wall! If anyone really knows what the problem is please let us know.

Sharyn, having finished switching the summer and winter clothes, is now at the commissary buying replacement groceries as I do this website. (And I thought full-time RVers were not supposed to EVER see winter)!


Me, Sharyn, Manny, Grace, Irene, Harry (photo compliments of Grace)

Sharyn on the beach

Another view of the beach

Last view of the beach

Dragon fish (it's a real fish!) at Florida Aquarium

Aquarium scene shot at f/4 1/40sec at ISO 3200 (pretty much a "shot in the dark")

Floor plan of 40' Phaeton QSM

 

Odometer reading = 84,681
Miles for day = 0

 

This is kind of an add-on that really has nothing to do with the Travelog

Some time ago I wrote this as what I thought should be the way one approaches life as one gets older. Later, I superimposed it over the picture of Sharyn and our two oldest boys at White Sands NM in 1970. Of all the photos we have I thought that this one best reflects happiness and fulfillment.

It has been suggested several times that I should make prints and sell copies. Instead I have posted it here, along with a higher resolution version that can be downloaded and printed for noncommercial use only. The downloadable file is 2100x1442 (623KB) and will make a 5x7 print at 300dpi.

Click to download
Life printable.jpg

 

 

3/26/07 and 3/27/07
(Tampa FL)

The reason I'm posting this entry is because I've got some cool pictures to put up. Being right on Tampa Bay I suspect that there are a good number of osprey in the area. The photo Sharyn got the other day was one of the pair that have a nest just outside the FamCamp office. The other evening I rode my my bike over there to see if I could get some close up photos with my 70-200 mm lens. I positioned myself near where the one seems to spend a lot of time and waited for him to show up. I could see that one of the pair was sitting on the nest but pretty much all you can see is the bottom of the nest. After about a half hour I gave up, got on my bike and started back to the motorhome. At that point the shadow of the big bird with outstretched wings crossed over the grass in front of me. By the time I got off the bike and able to point the camera he was too far away to get the picture I wanted. Each time he perched on a pole or piece of equipment I walked over towards him and he, not being too happy with my presence, would take flight again. Since I was always approaching from upwind he'd take off pretty much flying over my head. Two of the photos are posted below.

That same afternoon Sharyn spotted an armadillo in the grass across from the motorhome. I walked over to see if I could get some pictures without scaring him off. At first he kept turning his backside towards me which wasn't the angle I was looking for. Eventually he started moving in my direction and actually came up to the edge on my shoe, which was too close to focus. I don't know whether he was even aware I was there. I asked him if he was blind, but he didn't answer so I guess he's deaf as well as blind. His picture is also posted below.

As we go back into Tampa we always drive along Bayshore Blvd, basically from the FamCamp, through the Bayshore gate, and then pretty much all the way into downtown Tampa. It's a pretty ride with the last several miles in Tampa being like a waterside park with a pedestrian/bicycle promenade along the waterfront. It's an inviting looking area, but when driving through there's no place you can stop, so I decided to make myself a sandwich and ride in with my bike so I could sit at one of the benches and have my lunch while looking out over the water. That's what I did, and while eating my sandwich there was a sudden commotion in the water right below where I was sitting. A school of porpoises had moved in by the concrete bulkhead and (I don't know what they were doing)! It would seem that they were feeding, except instead of eating the fish they caught they'd throw them into the air and then go catch them again. While I took a bunch of pictures, most of them aren't too good. The porpoises were moving fast as they frolicked in the water and I never knew where they were going to surface until they were already on their way back down. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed watching them. A few of these pictures are posted below also.

Finally, and unrelated to pictures, I have fixed my Bike Stats spreadsheet (requires OpenOffice to open) so that the graph "Miles by Month" actually does show ALL the miles I ride and not just the "measured" miles where I record all the data (heart rate, speed, etc). That's what it was doing before and I thought that fixing it would be easy. I was wrong. The complexity of some of the things I'm trying to do exceed my skill level with Calc (OpenOffice's spreadsheet program). Eventually, with the help of Stephane, a contributor to the OpenOffice forum from Siberia, that graph now works as I want it to. Since I've made it that heart rate data also records as the % of maximum heart rate, a more relevant figure, my "Heart Rate" graph no longer works properly. I'll work on that next. BTW, I'm not obsessed with that spreadsheet and all it depicts -- it's all for fun. Some guys like golf, I like numbers!


Osprey in flight

Osprey in flight (a better shot)

A deaf and blind armadillo

End of the promenade (exactly 10.0 miles from the FamCamp)

Where I had lunch (promenade ends at bridge)

One porpoise throws fish

Another has a fish

 

Odometer reading = 84,681
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/28/07 to 4/1/07
(Tamps FL)

The big event going on here at MacDill is Airfest 2007, the annual two day air show hosted by MacDill and open to the public. The main attraction this year is the Navy's Blue Angels. We went yesterday (the same show repeats the second day) and sat right at the edge of the taxiway from about 9:am to 4:30 pm. In addition to the 247 photos we got we also got some sun! The show begins with what you'd have to describe as the less exciting exhibitions and culminates with the Blue Angels. Some of the earlier shows are performances by older, vintage aircraft which Sharyn says she likes the best. I enjoy them also, but I much prefer the stuff that shakes the earth with the roar of the afterburners! In any event, there's plenty for everyone, whatever your preference. (As I'm typing this Sharyn is outside watching today's show from in front of the motorhome).

[. . . time out for drive into Tampa . . .]

Well we finally got to check out Tinatapas in town. It was good and we'd go there again. The restaurant is part of a complex called "Channelside" which seems to be located and set up for the cruise ships that tie up right there. If you go by car it costs $5 to park and the overall small size of Channelside doesn't warrant the parking fee.

In the morning we're going to cross over to Patrick AFB on the east coast of Florida where we figure to stay for several days while we visit Sharyn's sister in Palm Bay (at least that's the plan right now).


Blue Angels over FamCamp the day before show (photo by Sharyn)

Opening ceremonies began with jump by Special Forces (the lead man carried the flag)

Sharyn liked the performance by Otto the helicopter (in this photo picking up his yo-yo that he actually plays with)

As I have mentioned in the past the F-15 is cool

"Heritage Flight" consisting of P-51, F-86 Sabre Jet, F-16 (from Shaw AFB), and F-15 (from Eglin AFB)

F-104 (privately owned and one of only two still flying)

Blue Angel Team just prior to take off

Blue Angels flying in close formation

This pink flamingo did an unannounced flyover at the show

Entrance to Tinatapas

Sharyn having lunch at Tinatapas

Sunset over Tampa Bay as seen from FamCamp beach

 

Odometer reading = 84,681
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/2/07 to 4/4/07
(Patrick AFB FL)

Monday morning, before leaving the base we stopped to fill up the gas tank where we took on 61.9 gallons before heading across Florida for the FamCamp at Patrick AFB which is conveniently located about 15 miles from Sharyn's sister in Palm Bay. With winter winding down up north, the FamCamps, like most of the campgrounds in Florida, are beginning to thin out. At Patrick we got a site with partial hookups (30 amps and no sewer) but the day after Sharyn spoke with the campground host a vacancy occurred in a full hookup site and we got it.

Yesterday afternoon we went to Carol and Roger's where we stayed for dinner and enjoyed visiting with them, their daughter, and grandchildren. Today Sharyn and Carol both went to a hairdresser who works out of her house. Sharyn is very happy with the outcome -- says it's the best cut and coloring that she's had in a very long time. It sure looks great!

The big story, however, is that our refrigerator, after years of periodic shutdowns, has breathed it's last. After several days of trying to decide what to do about it we ordered a rebuilt cooling unit which we plan on installing ourselves. The rebuilt unit was $480 (+ $49 shipping) vs $1,087 for a new unit, vs $1,380 to have the RV repair place do it, vs $1,400-1,600 for a new refrigerator. UPS should have it here on Monday. We plan to do the job on Tuesday.

One thing we have noticed is that without a refrigerator we tend to have less food around, and with less food around we are eating less. Oh well . . .


Sharyn watching sun go down from FamCamp this evening

 

Odometer reading = 84,839
Miles for day = 158

 

 

 

4/5/07 to 4/8/07
(Patrick AFB FL)

Today we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary! That's a really long time, but it's been great!


Sharyn after 40 years


Odometer reading = 84,839
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/9/07 through 4/13/07
(Patrick AFB FL)

The big news is that our new (rebuilt) cooling unit arrived and, starting around 9:30 in the morning, by 5:pm we had pulled out the refrigerator, replaced the cooling unit, and reinstalled the refrigerator. We lucked out on this job in that our neighbor had changed his unit several times and came over to help. The best part came when we finished the job and saw that it was actually working! The next day when it was still working we went to the commissary and restocked our grocery supplies. I suspect it will be quite a while before we taken refrigeration for granted again.

One day we went into Melbourne where I went to Barnes and Noble while Sharyn checked out shopping opportunities. On another day Sharyn and Carol had a "sister's day out" kind of day that I think they both enjoyed.

A week or so ago we stopped at Beach Bicycle Works where US-192 meets the Atlantic Ocean. It was a neat bike store and yesterday I decided to ride there with my bike, more because it gave me a destination to ride to than anything else. There and back was 26½ miles and took me 2½ hours. That was my longest ride to date.

I've ridden over 1300 miles (see BikeStats) since I got the bike the end of last summer and never had a flat until we came to Florida. Two weeks ago I had my first flat at MacDill AFB when I picked up some kind of sand burr. After that I bought a self sealing tire tube but did not get around to putting it on the bike. Yesterday morning, as I started to the bike store I had another flat. There was a thorn in the tire and it had evidently gone flat during the night. I swapped out the leaking tube with the new self sealing one (both of these flats had been on the front wheel) and off I went to the bike store. On the way back to the base I met another thorn and got another flat; my third in two weeks. This time on the rear tire. Luckily Jordan had given me a small tire repair kit which also contained two CO² cartridges to reinflate the tire after patching it (I obviously didn't have the compressor with me on the bike). Anyway, after three flats I now have self sealing tubes in both tires.

This morning Sharyn and I rode our bikes to the food court at the BX to have coffee and donuts at Dunkin' Donuts but by the time we got there we were more in the mood for cold drinks than hot coffee so instead we bought the second self sealing tube and a water bottle bracket for Sharyn's bike. By the time we got back to the motorhome we had gone 9½ miles. Like Sharyn said, if you go slow and easy you can go pretty far.

Anyway, as of right now, the plan is that we're leaving here in the morning and heading back to Shaw AFB in SC.


Sharyn displaying the old cooling unit

Odometer reading = 84,839
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/14/07
(Savannah GA)

I pulled out of our site at the Patrick FamCamp just after 11:am. Sharyn had gone to the BX to pick up some last minute stuff and we met each other (as arranged) on the road to the truck inspection gate where we hooked the car onto the motorhome and left the base, heading north on I-95.

It used to be that we avoided the Interstate system and always traveled the "two lane"roads. However, with the dramatic increase in fuel prices over the last several years we have made some changes in the way we travel. Most prominently, we tend to stay longer in one place and move less frequently. Also, if the Interstate is the obvious best choice to get to our destination, we'll take it. Previously we'd have taken alternate routes.

Going through Jacksonville on I-95 we were backed up for miles due to construction when we eventually came to one of those flashing highway information signs that said there was an accident ahead that had closed two of the three northbound lanes. With traffic almost not moving at all it took quite some time, but eventually we came to an exit and got off. Using the GPS (displayed on an ancient Dell laptop) we negotiated our way through downtown Jacksonville to Us-17 which we took for 15-20 miles before reconnecting with I-95 well north of the accident.

It had been our plan to stop for the night somewhere in SC -- keeping open the option of continuing all the way to Shaw. Listening to the continuing weather updates, however, it appeared that the giant storm system heading for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern part of the Country and causing tornado watches and warnings all through the southeast seemed to be headed more for South Carolina and Northern Georgia. We were just a little south of Savannah when we decided that the further we proceeded the worse weather we were likely to encounter tonight and tomorrow morning so we pulled into a Walmart at the southern edge of Savannah for the the night. Sharyn counted 15 other RV's sharing that distant corner of the parking lot.

Going into Walmart, as we always do when we spend the night in their parking lot, we bought some Slime (a tire tube sealer) for Sharyn's bike, some fresh strawberries, and a half gallon of French Silk ice cream (which we finished before we went to bed).


GPS display on computer screen -- photo taken in Sumter SC
(Scale: top to bottom; left screen approx 10-12 miles, right screen approx 1 mile)

 

Odometer reading = 85,139
Miles for day = 299

 

 

 

4/15/07
(Sumter SC)

Last night was not a good night for sleeping. With the driving rain we couldn't leave any windows open and it was kind of warm. Plus, the weather radio kept going off all night with new/updated tornado watches for Savannah and surrounding counties. Had there been a tornado warning I don't know what we would have done -- probably nothing, and that's probably dumb. I guess it has to do with my concept of probabilities; I don't think Sharyn is going to win the lottery, and I don't think we're going to get hit with a tornado. Of course she might and we could.

Anyway, after a prolonged coffee and conversation period we decided that it wasn't going to be a nice day, but that it probably would get better as the day progressed (but also get worse as we moved north). The winds were reported at 35 mph out of the south, and judging from the look of the trees that was probably right. The amazing thing was that it was a tailwind -- we never have a tailwind! At one point we were catching up to some really bad looking stuff so we decided to get off at the upcoming exit and have breakfast rather than continue to the rest area we had planned on which was still another 10 miles ahead. That turned out to have been a good decision because we had no sooner pulled into an area where several big trucks were parked than the sky opened up with a torrential downpour that cut visibility to probably 20-30 feet. By the time the rain stopped we had eaten, but Sharyn said we weren't going to get out because we were going to be stuck in the mud. The place certainly was flooded but the ground under the water hard and, much to Sharyn's relief, we pulled out with no problem.

We arrived at the FamCamp at Shaw AFB early this afternoon, got set up, went to the commissary to get some milk and bread (plus more ice cream), and haven't done much since. I suspect that tonight we'll go to bed early.


We've finished eating and the rain has basically stopped

 

Odometer reading = 85,305
Miles for day = 166

 

 

 

4/16/07 through 4/19/07
(Sumter SC)

Since arriving at Shaw we haven't done a great deal, but we both acknowledge a kind of feeling like we're back home (me), or enjoying a feeling of familiarity (Sharyn). I guess that's what happens when we spend so much time here -- but that's good.

I got to ride my bike my "usual" route around the flightline and saw that I could shave three minutes off my previous best time back in February; 33:52 vs 36:58 on a 7.85 mile ride (see Bike Stats).

The really BIG event was that Jordan has been bugging Sharyn for some mother-daughter time together so, the opportunity being at hand, Sharyn left Shaw this morning to go on ahead to Jordan's (we were on our way there anyway so it was not such a big change in plans, at least not destination wise). In spite of her concerns I assured Sharyn that I could really take care of myself for the several days involved.


Odometer reading = 85,305
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/20/07
(Erwin NC)

Today was my mother's birthday and if she was still alive she would be 97 years old. Unfortunately she died from breast cancer 41 years ago when she was only 54 years old.

I started off the day by washing the motorhome and then spent some time on the computer. The original plan was that I would stay here at Shaw until Sunday (day after tomorrow) and then take two days to get to Virginia. However, by yesterday afternoon I was thinking that maybe I should leave Saturday afternoon so I could get a head start and arrive in Virginia on Sunday. Anyway, to cut the story short, at 3:30 I decided "I'm going now." After 40 years of marriage, the last 7 years in a 36' motorhome, you kind of get used to the other person being around. It's certainly not the same when they're not there.

Anyway, by the time I got everything ready to roll and filled the gas tank at the base gas station, it was 4:44pm when I pulled out of the gate. I drove until just about dark, by which time I was approaching Dunn NC on I-95. My GPS showed a Walmart in Erwin, three miles west of Dunn, so I exited and went to Walmart to spend the night. After eating dinner I took a shower and then turned my attention to the dirty dishes that had accumulated since Sharyn left. It was a pretty noisy parking lot with lots of young guys showing off and comparing the cars and trucks, revving their engines, squealing their tires, and generally hanging out in a small town on a Friday night. Not only did the noise not bother me, but I had to smile at some of the loudest noises -- it all reminded me of myself and what I was doing some 50 years ago. Boy did we have fun!



Odometer reading = 85,472
Miles for day = 167

 

 

 

4/21/07 through 4/25/07
(Louisa VA)

Although Sharyn and I spoke on the phone several times a day I did not tell her I was going to get here early. The last time we spoke it was only for a few minutes, in large part, because I didn't have too much to say, not wanting to tip my hand to the fact that I was only a half hour away. Sharyn and Jordan were both surprised to see me. Jordan said she would not have thought I could have "pulled it off" (whatever that means).

Not wanting to interfere with that mother-daughter time I pretty much stayed away from the house (except for dinner time) for the first couple of days (I actually prefer the motorhome anyway; it's been home for a long time.)

The other day Sharyn and I went to Short Pump (just west of Richmond) where I bought a new printer, a Canon iP6700D. It turns out super quality color prints and has several features that I like a lot. First of all it has two paper feeds so I can keep plain paper in one while I feed photo paper in the other. Next, it does two sided printing (I only use this for non-photo applications) where the printed page comes out, then gets drawn back into the printer where the reverse side is printed. I also like the driver functions. My old printer was a Canon S820, also a great photo printer that I've had for a number of years. That printer now belongs to Jordan.

Today I rode my bike to Kent's Store where I met two guys on bikes who left Yorktown VA on Sunday. They're following the TransAmerica 76 Bike Trail that runs 4247.5 miles from Yorktown VA to Astoria OR. While I rode with them for a couple of miles I don't think I would have signed up for a 4,000+ mile bike trip even when I was 20 years old. These guys are in their 50's and their goal is to complete the trip in 100 days! I wished them good luck and told them that when they get their webpage up I'd link to it.


Odometer reading = 85,712
Miles for day = 240

 

 

 

4/26/07 to 5/10/07
(Louisa VA)

It's time to update this site if for no other reason but to establish that we're still alive and kicking -- i.e.: we haven't fallen into a canyon somewhere.

May 3rd was Sharyn's birthday and we all (Phil, Shane, and Jordan) arranged to meet at a local restaurant for a birthday get-together and dinner. It was not a surprise (since Sharyn picked the restaurant) but it was nice to get everyone together. The following day I sent them all an e-mail saying that if Sharyn and I lived here we'd make sure that at least once a month we'd have a family get together where we'd all gather for dinner and conversation and suggested that they do the same.

Two days ago we drove down to visit our friend Jean who has and maintains a very lovely place. Like us, she is not as young as she used to be and says she can see the day coming when she will no longer be able to keep up this beautiful place. Life goes on.

We were going to leave here this week but with Mother's Day being on Sunday I suggested that we should stay until Monday which is what we're going to do. We're both getting kind of "antsy." It's time to move on.

Bob and Dick, the two guys I met at Kent's Store who are bicycling across the United States have their website up and running. As of May 8 they were 450 miles from their starting point at Yorktown VA and about 3800 miles from their destination on the shores of the Pacific Ocean!

 

Old barn on US-250

Main intersection in Kent's Store VA

Part of my bike ride route

Sharyn calls these "Oreo" cows

Sharyn's birthday

Gift giving took place in the parking lot after dinner

Driveway to Jean's house

Jean's house

Jean's kitchen door

Jean's barn

 

Odometer reading = 85,712
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

5/10/07 to 5/13/07
(Louisa VA)

Mother's Day is just about over, as is our visit to Virginia. At some point tomorrow we'll get set to leave and probably leave here sometime mid-afternoon. Since we have a wedding in Athens GA next Saturday our plan is to go back to Shaw AFB where we can then leave from Friday morning for the four hour drive to Athens.


The grass is cut, the tomato plants are in, the place looks good, it's time to leave.


Odometer reading = 85,712
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

5/14/07
(Wilson NC)

I had thought that we'd leave Louisa mid-afternoon and then drive until dusk. That would have put us half way to Sumter, just as when I left Sumter several weeks ago I left late afternoon (4:44 to be exact) and drove until dark. Anyway, Sharyn said she didn't like the just hanging around killing time concept so when we were otherwise ready we just left. It was one o'clock. That actually worked out pretty well as when we were approaching the 200 mile mark (half way) we were coming up on a Walmart Supercenter. As we traveled the three miles or so from the Interstate to Walmart I commented to Sharyn that I recognized where we were and that we had stopped there in the past.

Once we were parked Sharyn went into Walmart to get some milk and I watched the news. After dinner we watched "24" and went to bed.


Odometer reading = 85,905
Miles for day = 192

 

 

 

5/15/07 through 5/17/07
(Sumter SC)

We arrived here at Shaw without incident (the best way) and got ourselves organized for what we knew was going to be a very short stay in as much as we have a wedding to go to in Athens GA on Saturday. Yesterday Jordan arrived here from Virginia as she is also going to the wedding and will be riding and staying with us.


Odometer reading = 86,120
Miles for day = 215

 

 

 

5/18/07 and 5/19/07
(Bishop GA)

We were all up and ready to leave fairly early Friday morning as we were to be at the rehearsal dinner in Athens at six o'clock. According to our GPS mapping program (DeLorme's Street Atlas) which calculated our route to the Pine Lake Campground some 12 miles south of Athens, the trip was to be 215 miles and would take four hours. That turned out to be right on the money (which it usually is) and we were all set up at Pine Lake in time to relax for a bit before changing and finding our way to the hotel in time for the dinner. Actually the dinner was preceded by a lengthy period of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with much celebration and gaiety as people who had not seen each other in years met up with old friends, etc.

The bride, Sarah, and her sister, Susie, had been in nursery school with Jordan back on Long Island when both we and their family lived in Southold way out on the east end of the Island. Then, back in the 80's, we moved to Virginia and they moved to Georgia, but we have all kept in touch and remained good friends over all these years. Because of all the relocations involving all the parties there were people from (I believe they said) seventeen different states and five different countries there to celebrate the wedding. To better accommodate all these out of town people there were over 100 people invited to the rehearsal dinner at the Georgian Inn. It was quite a dinner and experience for everyone.

The wedding was on Saturday at the University of Georgia Catholic Chapel followed by the reception at the Jennings Mill Country Club with considerably more people in attendance than at the dinner the night before.

The reception could not have been nicer, nor could the food have been better or in greater quantities. Long after I had been over stuffed and finished eating I had cause to walk past the table where the raw oysters were still being served. I had to take another large plateful. In spite of my best efforts I still could not finish all that was being provided!

The music and dancing was nonstop all night long. What was interesting was that periodically the tempo of the music would change from something that was very loud and unrecognizable to something like Earth Angel or Party Doll. When that latter was played the average age on the dance floor tripled (that's when we danced).

After the reception we went to Sheila and Jim's home (the bride's parents) for some quieter visiting and to say good-bye until next time. By the time we got back to Pine Lake (having gotten lost on the way back) it was well after midnight, and 2:am by the time we got to bed. It was a terrific weekend!


Jordan, Sarah, and Susie (together again)

Jordan and Sharyn approaching chapel

Sarah and Tom getting married

Bride and Groom arrive at reception

Their first dance

Jim and Sheila dance

I got to dance with Sharyn . . .

. . . and with Jordan

Good friends

Back at the house

 

Odometer reading = 86,335
Miles for day = 215

 

 

 

5/20/07
(Sumter SC)

I set the alarm when we went to bed last night because we certainly would not have woke up early on our own accord and it was necessary to get a fairly early start back to Sumter. While time doesn't matter to me and Sharyn, Jordan has to be back to work at 7:am tomorrow and has another six hours of driving from Sumter to Virginia. When we got up we had Jordan move into the bedroom where she could continue to sleep while we traveled. That worked well as she slept until past ten o'clock.

I also used the occasion to point out to Sharyn that the motorhome actually can move down the road when someone is sleeping. I'm a morning person while Sharyn is not, and there have been times when we have been traveling and I've been up before daylight and would have liked to get started while Sharyn continued to sleep. I think we have a rule against that(?)

Anyway, we arrived back a Shaw, somewhat tired but otherwise okay. After a little while Jordan got her car from where she had left it by the office and headed back to Virginia. Sharyn and I didn't do much for the rest of the day, but we did go to bed early. We plan on staying here for a week.

 

Odometer reading = 86,550
Miles for day = 214

 

 

 

5/21/07 to 6/3/07
(Sumter SC)

It was about a week or so ago that we went to the Sumter Iris Festival here at Swan Lake. It's an annual affair that takes place when the iris gardens at Swan Lake are at their peak. We did not know it, but apparently people come from all over the United States (and a number of other countries) to view these gardens which are free and open to the public. Also of interest were the swans. There are eight species of swans throughout the world and all of them are represented in Swan Lake. While the Iris Festival is over, we intend to go back to the park again to take more pictures and maybe this time pack a picnic lunch (as soon as the rain stops). Rather than writing more about Swan Lake and the gardens (not just limited to iris's) I'll just provide this link to the Swan Lake Gardens website maintained by the City of Sumter.

While I don't specifically recall, I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned that for several years now I've been doing some genealogical research on my mother's family, the Broadway's, mostly from in and around Clarendon County, SC. In this effort I've had a great deal of help from Bobby, a third cousin in Florence SC, who has doing this for years and has over 55,000 names in his database, all confirmed or documented descendants from Abner Broadway (my 4th great-grandfather) who died in 1810. Abner's son, William Broadway, served with the 3rd Regiment of the South Carolina Continental Army from July 24, 1776 until 1782. On September 6, 1784 he was issued "seven pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence Sterling for 115, one hundred and fifteen days Militia duty done in 1782 & in Gen. Marion's brigade."

Somewhat over a year ago I discovered Margaret, another third cousin (or we discovered each other), who is an Owen from my maternal grandmother's side of the family. She has been researching the Owen family for almost ten years and has exhaustive detail surrounding the lives members of the Owen family. The Owen's having come from England starting in the late 1800's, much of Margaret's research has been in England. Prior to meeting Margaret I had very little information on the Owen side of the family in spite of the fact that I knew many of the names of cousins of my mother's generation from stories she had told. For the last several days Sharyn, Margaret, and I have been driving around Sumter and Clarendon Counties looking for, and at, places of family history, and of course several cemeteries. The other day we all went up to Florence where we visited and had lunch with Bobby and his wife Teresa. While Bobby and Margaret are not related to each other they did enjoy meeting, talking, and "filing in some blanks" as they both do this in a very serious and professional manner (much more so than I do).

 

Lily near entrance to Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Black swan and white swan swim together

White swan in solitude

Iris's at water's edge

Fountain spray

Sharyn, Margaret, Teresa, and Bobby in Chinese restaurant in Florence

Margaret and me after breakfast at IHOP this morning

 

Odometer reading = 86,550
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

6/4/07 to 6/10/07
(Sumter SC)

I went back to the Iris Gardens to spend more time there and take more pictures but that didn't pan out too well. First of all the iris's were well past their peak and while they still had their color the petals (if that's what they're called) were beginning to wilt and droop. Second, it was very hot and it wasn't too long until I was beginning to droop also.

One day we went into Columbia, primarily because I wanted to go to Columbia Photo Supply, a "real" camera store conveniently located pretty much right where we enter into the City of Columbia. Except in large cities, camera stores seem to have become a thing of the past. Today it's Wolf Camera or Ritz Camera, which are to camera stores what McDonald's is to restaurants. Anyway, I wanted to see and handle two camera bags that I had checked out online. They had one there, a very nice Lowepro, that Sharyn then bought me for my birthday present (but I can't have it or play with it until my birthday).

While in Columbia we went to the PX at Fort Jackson and had lunch in the food court. Of course we also went to Barnes and Noble where I did some reading (I even bought a book) while Sharyn walked through the small mall that B&N is a part of.

Sharyn's daily walks and my bike rides had to be somewhat rescheduled to early morning or just before dark to accommodate the rather high temperatures reaching into the high 90's on a number of days.

As we were leaving Shaw to head to Charleston we stopped at the base gas station to fill up the motorhome. While I was filling the tank Sharyn, who was standing on the other side, saw and pointed out to me, that several hundred yards away there was an Air Force Honor Guard removing a flag draped casket from a railroad car and placing it into the back of a hearse. As she said, It was very sad to see. It's one thing to read about the military casualties taking place in Iraq and understand that young people are dying. It's quite another when you are spending time on a military base, seeing all the young men and women (don't call them "kids") with their kids and families going about their daily lives, and then seeing in real time that one of them will no longer be there for any of that. Knowing how it affected us, I cannot imagine how it affected those who knew him, and who realized right from the beginning that that was the price that some of them would pay. Yet they undertook the job anyway.

 

Odometer reading = 86,550
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

6/11/07 to 6/13/07
(Charleston SC)

With all the time we spend in Sumter SC we have on numerous occasions talked about going down to the FamCamp at the Naval Weapons Station (NWS) in Charleston to see what it was like, plus to see our granddaughter Mary and check out the Charleston area. Until now we have never acted on the idea.

We picked Mary up on our way to the NWS where we checked into the FamCamp for a three day stay. We liked the campground and thought that the area, particularly its proximity to the Greater Charleston area, warranted a longer stay than the three days we have. While we usually have no time frame and can spend whatever time we wish in any particular place that's not the case this time. We have to be back in Virginia by Saturday, June 17.

It was a good thing that we brought Mary's bike along with Mary as bike riding seems to be her favorite thing. The FamCamp is adjacent to base housing which makes for excellent (and safe) bike riding both on the streets and along the several bike paths that wander through the housing areas. We went for bike rides several times a day. When she wanted to ride to the swimming pool I didn't think that was a good idea, telling her I didn't think she could ride all the way there and back, a distance somewhat over two miles. She had no problem and could easily have gone twice that distance. I didn't know little kids, she's nine years old, could ride that far and do it so easily.

About a week or so ago the linkage arm that connects the motor and gear assembly to the steps for the motorhome broke in half. This is the system that automatically retracts the steps when the motorhome drives away. Without this arm the steps sort of hang loose, neither extended nor retracted, so I've been using a short piece of 2x4 to keep them extended while we're parked and a nylon strap to hold them retracted when we're underway. The automatic system certainly is a lot more convenient. Anyway, there is a newly opened Camping World four miles from the base that miraculously had that linkage arm in stock. For over 40 years what is now Camping World was Sonny's RV Center. The part was one that had been stocked by Sonny's. Unfortunately the part did not solve the problem because, as I had anticipated, two of the four screws that hold the gear assembly housing together broke off rather that come out (in spite of the fact that I kept them saturated with WD-40 for several days before attempting removal). After seven years and 86,000 miles of exposure to rain, dirt, and road debris being kicked up by the front right tire the screws had become one with the aluminum housing. When we get back to Virginia I'll see if I can drill them out and hopefully get the entire step mechanism back in operation.

After returning from Camping World Mary and I were getting ready to ride to the swimming pool when the sky turned dark and the rain started coming down. We waited for it to clear up but it never happened -- rain and thunderstorms continued for the rest of the day. Since we're leaving here in the morning it looks as if Mary will not get to go swimming.


Mary working intently at the computer

 

Odometer reading = 86,659
Miles for day = 109

 

 

 

6/14/07
(Smithfield NC)

After we all got up, dressed, etc., Mary and I went for our morning bike ride and got things all ready to go. Leaving the FamCamp we first went by Mary's house to drop her off before heading north. While for three days she had been wanting to know why she could not "travel the United States" with us, it only took about 30 seconds of being back home to forget about that.

It wasn't too long until we were on I-95 heading north towards Virginia. It was probably sometime around 5 o'clock that we got a call from Shane who was on I-95 heading south for Savannah. He has a job coming up down there that he has to start sometime next week and was taking some tools and equipment to the jobsite. Since we were going to pass each other in about a hour we tried to get him to stop and spend the night with us but he had a guy waiting to help him unload so he had to keep going.

Having started out quite late, it was about 6 o'clock when we pulled into the Walmart parking lot in Smithfield NC where we watched the news, had dinner, took a shower, and went to bed a little earlier than usual. Going to bed is not the same thing as going to sleep because we always read for an hour or so before turning the lights out. This time, however, for some reason, Sharyn was not comfortable with where we were and kept getting out of bed to investigate sounds or other things "going on." I heard little and didn't think anything was going on. Once she fell asleep, however, she slept like a rock, so I guess it was okay after all.


Odometer reading = 86,921
Miles for day = 261

 

 

 

6/15/07
(Louisa VA)

Since we awoke in Walmart's parking lot we decided it would make sense to do our grocery shopping there before getting back to Louisa. Then, having purchased whatever we needed we got back out on the road and arrived at Jordan's early in the afternoon.

We're back in Virginia for several reasons (one big one being it's too hot in South Carolina!). We're heading north both for Scott's graduation on Long Island, and because that's the way to Newfoundland. Also Fathers' Day is on Sunday and my birthday on Monday. Sharyn said that for the last several years it's just been the two of us on my birthday, and this time it would be nice to be able to be with the kids.

Sharyn had suggested to me that a combined Fathers' Day/Birthday celebration would make it easier on Phil and Shane as they would not have to drive out to Jordan's house two days in a row, and I agreed with that. However, after we had finished with Father's Day, I was surprised to learn that everyone was coming back again on Monday -- they had rejected the idea of combining the two events! That really made me feel good, and I appreciated it a lot. Being a father can be a cool deal!!

It was also time to deal with the repair of the step mechanism which had begun to develop into something I didn't want to have to deal with. Those broken off screws turned a job not much more difficult than changing a light bulb into a job where I wasn't sure that I would not end up having to buy an entire new unit (approx $400). The problem was that when you try to drill out a piece of a small (#10) steel screw that broke off in an aluminum housing, the drill bit inevitably will slip off the hard steel and drill into the soft aluminum. Shane had an excellent suggestion -- put both halves of the housing back together using the screws that came out without breaking, then use the empty screw holes in the top half of the housing as guides for the drill bit which will go a long way towards keeping the bit focused on the broken off screws. That suggestion, plus using Phil's drill press, worked well -- even if the bit still moved part way off of the broken piece of screw resulting in a hole that was somewhat curved and slightly crooked. By running the drill bit up and down several times the "curve" became somewhat less pronounced. Plus, being crooked doesn't matter, because I put a nut and washer on the protruding end and it still worked. Without the drill press and the bit guide idea, I would not even have come close to getting it.

 

Odometer reading = 87,136
Miles for day = 215

 

 

 

6/21/08
(New Jersey Turnpike - Mile Marker 78)

Getting onto or off of Long Island is always a royal pain in the neck, particularly with a motorhome. It requires passing through New York City where the roads are horrible, and the traffic is even worse. I always worry about physical damage to the motorhome as a result of damage either from the pounding that comes from the road condition or from the crazies driving the delivery vans as if they were in a demolition derby (on three occasions we have had to visit a welding shop for repairs after being bounced along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and/or the Long Island Expressway).

Our plan for this trip was simple: we would drive to the northern end of the Jersey Turnpike, spend the night in a rest area and get a very early start the next morning to get through NYC before the daily traffic got going.

We pulled into the Joyce Kilmer Service Area at mile marker 78 just as it was getting dark and found a parking space among the tractor trailers. We went inside to the TCBY where, for $8 and change, we each had a dish of yogurt. By the time we were ready to return to the motorhome, the thunderstorm that had been approaching was directly overhead, and the rain was coming down in torrents. While I ran back to the motorhome, Sharyn walked, but it made no difference -- we were both soaking wet.

 

Odometer reading = 87,431
Miles for day = 295

 

 

 

6/22/07 to 6/26/07
(Southold, NY)

We were up at 4:20 this morning, and even with our coffee and conversation, we were on the road at 5:10. Our plan worked well. Except for traffic congestion at the George Washington Bridge (where countless lanes of traffic are reduced to 3 or 4) we actually had clear sailing through the city and all the way to Southold at the east end of Long Island.

Arriving at Greg and Paulette's house we backed in on the lawn next to the driveway so as to leave the maximum amount of parking space available for the graduation party. Preparations for the party had been underway long before we got there (we actually had to wait for the landscape guys to finish mowing the grass where we were going to put the motorhome), and continued all throughout the day with the crew coming in and erecting the tent, the caterers setting up their cooking grills, the Porta-Potty delivery guys doing their thing, Greg, Phil, and PJ setting up the coolers, serving tables, etc. All that was either finished or put on hold that evening when Greg barbecued a bunch of steak, hot dogs, and hamburgers for dinner. There was substantially more than could be eaten.

A great deal of preparation continued on graduation day until later in the afternoon when we all had front row seats to see Paulette, who is also vice-president of the school board, present Scott with his diploma. I think they were both overcome by the emotion of the moment and the event.

Following graduation we all returned to the house for more celebration and a dinner catered by Pepe's Restaurant in Greenport.

Preparation was still going on the day after graduation, getting ready for the 150 some odd people coming to the party. The first guests began arriving even as preparations were winding down. It was a great party that apparently continued on long after Sharyn and I had gone to bed. This was confirmed the next morning when Greg was cooking breakfast for all the leftover guests from the night before. Eventually they also began to leave and the day evolved from cleanup in the morning to fall asleep in the afternoon.

For probably a decade or so Greg had a picture of a Black Fin 31' stuck up on his garage wall -- it was his ultimate fishing boat. Several years ago he got one, and the day after the party he took PJ, Phil, Jordan, and his friend Paul out for a day of fishing. They left fairly early in the morning and were to have been back at the dock by 3:pm. We had planned a small "surprise" 6:pm 30th birthday dinner for Jordan at Pepe's Restaurant, which is on the bay and adjacent to the marina where Greg keeps his boat. As things evolved they didn't get back from fishing until 6:pm, at the same time the rest of us were arriving at the restaurant. It worked out fine as they just went from the boat (no time to shower and change) to the restaurant. I think that Jordan was particularly surprised and enjoyed seeing Charlie, her godfather, whom she had not seen in a number of years. Charlie was also surprised at how much both Jordan and Phil had changed. He had not seen Phil since we left Southold 22 years ago and he had no idea who he was.

All told, it was a great four days and I left town weighing five pounds more than I did when we arrived!


Paulette & Scott as she presents him with his diploma

PJ, as part of the high school band, blows his horn during the ceremonies

Scott poses with Aunt Jordan for photo

Scott poses with Grandma for another photo

The balloon girls decorate the tent

PJ packs the cooler chests (beer was only for those over 21 -- which did not include PJ)

PJ, Phil, Scott, and Greg getting things ready

Grandma enjoyed it all

Parking was tough

It was a nice crowd of nice people

Some of Scott's friends

Sharyn and Greg

Breakfast the next morning

Hooking a big one

Jordan's first fluke (what a fluke)

Greg and Paul -- heading back to the dock

Jordan's birthday dinner

When all is said and done -- Greg, Jordan, and Phil

Photo taken while riding my bike around Southold

Another such photo

 

Odometer reading = 87,579
Miles for day = 137

 



6/27/07 to 6/29/07
(Boonton NJ)

The parties are over, the visiting is over, and it's time to get back to routine. For Greg and Paulette that means going back to work, for Phil and Jordan that means driving back to Virginia so they can be back to work tomorrow, and for me and Sharyn, heading down the highway.

We started out around 10:am (about an hour and a half after Phil and Jordan left), making a stop at a campground in Peconic, about five miles from Greg's, where Woodalls Campground Directory said there was a dump station. While at Greg's we had been running our gray water out onto the lawn, but now we wanted to dump our black water before getting to Harry and Irene's. The campground was very small with perhaps only 20 units occupying all of the immaculately manicured sites (they all appear to be there for the summer), but no dump station. At this point the term "they are full of it" begins to take on new meaning (or maybe just becomes more literal)!

Anyway, after making our way back down Long Island and through New York City we arrived at Harry and Irene's in Jersey. As I've mentioned before I've been friends with Harry and Irene for 50 years (since high school), while Sharyn only met them more recently when she started dating me in 1966. The day we arrived Irene had George and Bunny over for dinner (more friends from high school days) and the six of us enjoyed good food and good conversation.

The next morning Irene, Sharyn, and Bunny went shopping to find a dress for Irene to wear to her son Neil's wedding in October. It caught Harry's attention when they said their first stop was going to be Neiman-Marcus. He commented that their dresses probably started at $1,000. No one seemed to pay attention. Many hours later they returned from a very successful trip -- Irene had her dress!

We wrapped up our third and final day with the four of us going out to dinner at the Peking Restaurant, Harry and Irene's favorite Chinese restaurant. It was a very pleasant evening out. As I have said for years, when you go out for dinner the food is only incidental to the occasion -- it's the people you are with that make it enjoyable.


Our "campsite" at Harry and Irene's

Sharyn, Bunny, and Irene return triumphantly from Neiman-Marcus or wherever

Irene models her new dress (that she'll wear to Neil's wedding in October)



Odometer reading = 87,715
Miles for day = 136

 

 

 

6/30/07
(West Point NY)

It was a great visit. Not only did we get to visit with Harry and Irene, but we also got to see their three sons, together with assorted spouses, girl friends, and grandchildren. Since we've known their kids as long as we've known our own it's always nice to see how they continue to progress through life with expanding families and good fortunes. It's the youngest son Neil's wedding that we're coming back for in October!

Anyway, after an extended breakfast, coffee, and conversation we pulled out of their driveway and headed for the FamCamp at West Point. It was a short and easy drive but that's okay. We've got more than three months to work our way to Newfoundland and back to the wedding.

During the course of the morning Brian had brought his two daughters, Madison and Erin, over to visit. After we had left and were talking about our visit I told Sharyn how cute those little girls were and that "It makes you wish you were young again and could have another bunch of kids," to which her instant response was, "No it doesn't."

Anyway, arriving here on the Saturday before the 4th of July we were relegated to an overflow site, but that's fine and perhaps even better. Almost all of the campsites are heavily wooded, while the overflow is merely parking on the blacktop in front of the maintenance building. Since we already emptied our black water at the dump station (that was getting critical) and we have 30 amp service service plus water in overflow, the only difference that matters is that instead of trees, we have a clear shot at the satellite that gives us Internet access. Since our number priority right now is to get this travelog up-to-date, that's an excellent trade off.

After getting all set up we checked out the PX and then went to the commissary to do some grocery shopping. The FamCamp is situated around a small lake, so after returning to the motorhome I rode my bike around the lake. Lots of ups and downs, some of the pretty steep, but only 8/10ths of a mile around -- all of it quite pretty.


Irene with granddaughters Erin and Madison

 

Odometer reading = 87,768
Miles for day = 52

 

 

 

7/2/07
(Beddeford ME)

When we went to bed last night our plan was to head northwest and go through Binghamton NY and Syracuse NY then on to Fort Drum up near the Canadian border, then east to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. By the time we were ready to leave, however, we were back to our original plan which was to go east to I-95 and US-1 pretty much following the coast. That's what we did.

Having worked out our route from West Point to the ferry slip in North Sidney NS on DeLorme's Street Atlas 2007 on the desktop we were all set. The problem arose when we attempted to put that route onto the laptop that is connected to the GPS. The laptop is eight years old and is running Windows-98. SA-2007 will not install on a Windows 98 system so we're still running SA-2003 on it. Problem is SA-2003 ends at the Canadian border. What a bummer! I guess we'll have to use a map after we cross the border -- how unique!

Anyway, as soon as we got into New Hampshire we started looking for a place to stop for the night. Since we were only looking for a place to park we were not looking for a $30-40 campground. Knowing that Portsmouth has an ordinance that precludes Walmart from letting RV's park overnight in their parking lot, we stopped at Walmart in Seabrook, about 15 miles south of Portsmouth. Apparently Seabrook has a similar prohibition against such overnight parking as the "no overnight parking" signs were there (Walmart's corporate policy is that RVers are welcome to spend the night in their parking lot). Anyway, we continued north on US-1, until about eight o'clock, to a Walmart in Beddeford NH where we, along with several other RVers, spent the night. We have a problem with municipalities (they are very tiny percentage) that say "stop in our town, eat in our restaurants, fill your gas tank, spend your money, but leave before dark."



Odometer reading = 88,069
Miles for day = 301

 

 

 

7/3/07
(Cutler ME)

I woke up this morning at 4:50 but stayed in bed until 5:50 when I got up and plugged in the coffee pot.. It was colder inside than it was outside so I got dressed and walked around the sunny parking lot to give Sharyn some more sleep time. We've definitely moved into long pants and long sleeves country. It wasn't very long until Sharyn got up and, after coffee and conversation (I had already finished my half of the coffee), we pulled back out onto US-1 and continued north.

The water both in Southold and at West Point contained significant amounts of chlorine, to the point that Sharyn could not drink the water and did not like coffee or tea made with it, so we stopped in Rockland ME to buy several cases of bottled water. The shopping center we stopped at also had a TJ Maxx, a place that Sharyn cannot ignore. While she was checking out TJ Maxx I went to Staples and bought some Canon 4x6 glossy photo paper.

Machias ME was our target destination for the day. Years ago my cousin Myra told us that if we ever passed through Machias we should be sure to stop at Joyce's Restaurant for the best wild blueberry pie ever. The first time we got there we did stop at Joyce's, had dinner and wild blueberry pie, and the owner gave us permission to remain parked there for the night. To show our appreciation we returned for breakfast the following morning. Upon our arrival earlier today we again returned to Joyce's only to find that it was under new ownership with a new name. Also, there were no cars in the parking lot -- not a good sign. We ended up eating at "Helen's," another restaurant that someone had recommended to Sharyn. I had liver and onions while Sharyn had a lobster roll. We both enjoyed our dinner.

After eating we decided to go to the FamCamp at the Cutler Navy Station, about 12 miles east of Machias. The problem there arose from the fact that while Woodall's new campground directory lists the campground, it was closed down 6-7 years ago. In fact, the bulk of the Navy installation is now in civilian ownership. The manager of the condo complex (that used to be base housing) told us we could stay in the parking lot adjacent to what once was the baseball field. The surroundings were quite nice and totally quiet.


It was cold in the motorhome when we got up this morning

Our overnight parking spot in Beddeford ME

 

Odometer reading = 88,307
Miles for day = 237

 

 

 

7/4/07
(St John NB)

This morning, for the first time in a long time, we left without the GPS and laptop in operation. Since we were only about 60 miles to the Canadian border when our mapping program would run out of roads we decided not to bother with it.

Before we got to the border we topped off the gas tanks in both the car and the motorhome for $3.099/gallon. That was well worthwhile because in Canada the price was $1.08/liter, or about $3.84 per gallon after factoring in the dollar conversation. With today's conversation $1.00 (Canadian) costs 95¢. When we were here in 2004 we'd get $100 (Canadian) out of the ATM and our bank only took $77.12 out of our account. That kind of exchange rate basically subsidized our time in Canada.

Anyway, after crossing the border we proceeded to Rockwood Park, a city owned park and campground in St John where we've stayed on several occasions in the past. Actually I was here on 9/11/01 (Sharyn had flown to Florida to visit her sick mother) when the World Trade Center went down. The following day there were more American flags flying in St John than there were Canadian flags. I will never forget that.

We've paid for three days here at Rockwood Park, set up our satellite systems for TV and Internet, had dinner, and now we're relaxing and doing nothing (except this website). Unfortunately the weather is predicting rain and showers for the next three days.


Between Cutler and the Candian border

 

Odometer reading = 88,445
Miles for day = 138

 

 

 

7/5/07 to 7/7/07
(St John NB)

The first two days here we woke up to dark clouds, rain and drizzle.. The first day we stayed at the motorhome with Sharyn doing laundry (we're only 100' from the laundry room) and catching up on her ironing. I kept trying to get back online as the tripod our satellite dish is mounted on, which was standing in 2" of water, kept sinking into the ground and losing its alignment. It actually wasn't until the next day and two relocations that we obtained a signal that stayed.

The second day (cabin fever comes quick in a motorhome, although Sharyn didn't feel it) we drove into St John where we spent a number of hours walking around what is called "Uptown St John." I like the uptown area a lot -- it's nicely done, close and compact, yet not crowded with people.

The City Market has been in operation in the same big old brick building since 1876. Mostly local produce and fresh seafood, there are also a few small niches where you can get a sandwich or a bowl of soup. All very nicely done. Of course there are also some vendors of sweatshirts and touristy gifts, but that's not the focus.

Then there's the Market Square; a large complex composed primarily of large 100 year old brick warehouses that have had their interiors redone so that they enclose a hotel, convention center, shops, restaurants, and a museum.

Finally, as I see it, there is the Brunswick Square Shopping Center. A beautiful, multilevel complex (pretty much a mall) with over 70 tenants including banks, shops, restaurants, etc. The architecture is very cool; modern without being grotesque. All of these places are within a several square block area, and to a large extent you can just walk across the street (or use the elevated "pedway") to get from one to another.

There is also, right across the street from one of these places, a real camera store which is very heavy on Canon and Nikon and has lots of high end gear. I checked out a Canon Speedlite 430EX, trying it on my camera and taking pictures with it for comparison with my camera's built-in flash. The price was $385 Canadian, plus 15% tax that brings it to $395 US. Looking online I can buy it from Amazon.com for $219, no tax, and free shipping. It's a really nice store and I like the hands on "try it out," but the prices, at least on that flash unit, are kind of painful.

We were supposed t0 leave here this morning, but the sun is shinning (at least a good part of the time) and it's cool and pleasant. We decided to stay another day even though we have no specific plans for the day. Actually, as I'm typing this Sharyn is sitting outside reading her book and looking totally content. I guess we'll leave tomorrow.


A rather crummy day

Uptown St John in the distance (as seen from top of hill in campground)

Sharyn in the City Market

Interior courtyard at Market Square

Brunswick Square Shopping Center

 

Odometer reading = 88,445
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

7/8/07
(Truro NS)

When we crossed over into New Brunswick from the US we entered the Atlantic Time Zone which is one hour earlier than Eastern Time. We have not changed our clocks, so this morning when we pulled out of Rockwood Park in St. John at 11:30 we were actually 1½ hours beyond their 11:am checkout time. Oh well . . . .

We had a non-eventful trip from St John to Truro where we exited Route 104 and pulled into a large but sparsely occupied parking lot in front of a Zeller's, which was itself part of a large strip mall. Sharyn wasn't too comfortable there so we went on to the next exit, which was also in Truro, where someone told us there was a Walmart. When we got there, however, the parking lot was posted with a "No Camping" sign which we took to mean no overnight RV parking. We then went back to a truck stop we had passed about a mile before Walmart. Parking between two big rigs (we had no room to put our slides out) Sharyn made dinner of fish, rice, and vegetables which was very good and hit the spot.

During the course of the day we experienced both dark skies with light rain as well as beautiful clear skies and sunshine. Right now, looking to the west, there are some black clouds coming our way so we could be in for some more rain. Once we're parked, however, as we are now, it really makes no difference. By the way, earlier today our weather radio came on to warn us of something bad -- it only comes on to tell us about bad things happening or about to happen. The voice was speaking in French so we didn't garner too much information from him, however, the warning light is on the front of the radio is still on and the display says "Severe thunderstorm warning." I guess that's what he was telling us.

Here it is, the rain has just hit us!


Our truck stop parking spot

Odometer reading = 88,648
Miles for day = 204

 

 

 

7/9/07
(Lunenburg NS)

We were both up quite early this morning (just before and just after 6:am) and knowing that we only had about 100 miles to go today we skipped breakfast and were on the road pretty quick (after coffee and just a little conversation). The truck stop exited onto the ramp to Trans Canadian Highway (TCH) 103 so we lost no tie in getting up to speed. With the price of gas in Nova Scotia running about $4.75 per gallon in American dollars it's now costing us over 60¢ per mile just for gas. Accordingly, "up to speed" means no more than 55 mph. We've also taken note that thus far (two campgrounds) campgrounds with full hookups are running $30 per night. Since I drink a lot of milk I have also taken note that skim milk costs $7 per gallon. We may have to find jobs and work our way back to America!

Anyway, we arrived here at the city owned campground at 10:am and decided on a dry site (no hookups) for $20. We have full water, full batteries, and empty holding tanks, so we really don't need to connect to anything at this time. Plus, when we leave here we can fill our water and dump our tanks.

When we pulled up to the site that had been assigned to us it was occupied by three guys on motorcycles who were working on one of the bikes. It's funny how you can have instant impressions and how wrong they can be. These guys, one in particular, seemed a little rough and gruff -- he was the one working on his bike. He had just installed a cruise control and was putting back on all the fiberglass sections that cover the bike itself. On the back of the bike he had a big sticker that read "Real Men Love Jesus." They were nice guys, two from Detroit, on a three week vacation on their way to Newfoundland. In order to maximize their time in NF they've been riding 700 miles per day. I don't know how anyone can endure 700 miles per day on a motorcycle. But like they said, if they something like our 200 miles they'd have to turn around and head back to Detroit before they ever reached their destination.

We discovered that our solar panels are not putting out all the amperage that they are supposed to and when I went up on the roof to check them out I discovered that one panel is not putting out anything at all. I checked out all the wiring on the roof and behind the control panel and everything seems to be as it should be. I'm not exactly sure how to check or what to do further, but I guess I'll have to do something. While the panels are guaranteed for 25 years (we have two 120 watt panels) the bummer is that it's not too often that we're counting on them to do their job, but this trip is one of those times.

Anyway, after getting all setup in our campsite and checking out the solar panels we drove out to see our friend Leon. We met Leon in Greenport, Long Island, in 1972 when we were all sailing, and have been friends ever since. We did some catching up on whose kids are doing what, how grandchildren are growing up (Scott graduating high school), etc.


The motorcycle guys heading for Newfoundland

Odometer reading = 88,755
Miles for day = 106

 

 

 

7/10/07 to 7/11/07
Lunenburg NS)

We've taken a pretty good number of pictures in the Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and Blue Rocks areas. Those that we took today were taken in some pretty heavy fog that never burned off. According to Leon, July is a rather cool, damp, month in NS with lots of foggy days. The pictures posted here are only a small sampling of what we did and saw.

Last night on our way to Leon's house we stopped at an auto repair place and asked the owner and his wife if we could spend two nights parked in the area adjacent to their building. Not only did they say we could, but they said if we parked closer we could plug in to their electric. We told them that just allowing us to stay was enough.

After dinner we returned to the campground and were talking to our neighbors, Gene and Carol, a couple from Virginia who live less than 100 miles from Jordan. This morning they had gone to see Peggy's Cove and while they were there someone had broken the side window out of their car and had stolen her pocketbook with all her identification, debit, and credit cards. The pocketbook had been out of sight and apparently someone had been watching and knew it had been left in the car. They had spent the entire day making phone calls back to the US to cancel credit cards, arrange for money transfer, file insurance claims, etc. They had also arranged to have the window replaced tomorrow in a nearby town. As we were talking with them it began to get dark and cool off a bit (they are camped in a small round popup tent about 6 or 7 feet in diameter) so we invited them into the motorhome so we could all sit down and be comfortable while we continued our visit. It was a nice visit with nice people and we intend to stay in touch.

First thing this morning we dumped our holding tanks and filled our water tank before pulling out of the campground and moving over to our new spot. After getting setup (about 5 minutes) we went to a small supermarket down the road to get some stuff we needed before returning to the motorhome and having lunch.

A little later Leon came by and we all went to Mahone Bay, a touristy but nice little village about 7-8 miles away. Leon and I walked around taking pictures while Sharyn checked out all the little shops. We then moved on to Blue Rocks, an incredibly picturesque area that I remember from the last time we were here. There I took a lot of pictures; boats, docks, fish shacks, and other related scenes, all of which were shrouded in fog. It's too bad the camera didn't capture the sound of the fog horn which would rounded out the pictures perfectly.

We had dinner one last time with Leon, after which we lingered and talked for a considerable period of time before returning to the motorhome for the night. We told Leon that seeing as how we were here in 2001, 2004, and now 2007, if that pattern holds true we should be there for dinner in 2010.


House on water near Lunenburg

View from Leon's back yard

Kayak place in Mahone Bay

Leon taking a picture at Blue Rocks

Someone's front porch at Blue Rocks

Perhaps my favorite picture from Blue Rocks

Maybe this is my favorite

This was not from Blue Rocks

Me and Leon


Odometer reading = 88,758
Miles for day = 3

 

 

 

7/12/07
(Ecum Secum NS)

We woke up this morning to wind, rain, and fog. As it became time to leave we decided to take the Marine Drive Scenic Route, the winding, narrow road that basically follows the coast from near Halifax as we head for the causeway to take us to Cape Breton and eventually the ferry at North Sydney. All went well until we got to the end of Route 103 in Halifax and saw no hints as to where Route 107 might be. On the map it looked almost as if one began just where the other ended, and seeing that they were both major routes into and out of Halifax we figured the transition would be well marked. I had even remarked that, "one probably runs right into the other." Forget that. We got lost right in the middle of Halifax. Eventually, with some help from some very nice people in a gas station we were headed for the bridge that would get us out of town and headed in the right direction. Problem was that what looked like the ramp to the bridge turned out to be a road that ducked down and ran under the bridge, not over it.

Anyway, eventually we got on track and were headed in a general easterly direction along Route 7 a/k/a Marine Drive. Now the major reason we took Marine Drive was that the map showed a continuous line of small villages all along the coastal route and we thought that would make for a very pleasant and interesting drive. In fact, every several miles we'd come upon a sign with the name of the village followed by "Welcome to Our Community" underneath. How nice is that? The only thing wrong was that there was nothing beyond the sign -- no village, no community, no nothing. Eventually we'd come to another sign just like the last one -- the only thing different was the name of the village.

As it got later we began to look for a place to stop for the night, but there wasn't even a place to pull off the pavement. At one point I turned onto another road going towards the water. Several miles later we came to a sign saying "Road Ends" and it did! As I turned onto that road Sharyn said it was going to be a dead end, but I figured how can she know, she just worries a lot. The road ended at a small dock at the edge of the water. Even after unhooking the car we barely had enough room to get the motorhome turned around. Luckily it had stopped raining while we were doing all the hooking and unhooking of the car. For some reason it all struck me as very funny and I was laughing (not my usual self).

Eventually we came to a rather broad intersection where a small side road came down the hill at an angle and merged with the main road. There was a closed up gas station on the side and it made a pretty nice place to spend the night. Plus, Sharyn found it satisfactory. At the bottom of the hill was a big homemade sign advertising a place selling hamburgers, chips, ice cream, wings, cotton candy, and all kinds of stuff, and it was open until 10:pm. The sign had an arrow pointing up the hill that said "1 minute." Since, as I described earlier, there was nothing on this road except signs, and now this closed up gas station, I could not imagine what could be up that hill. Especially what would be open until ten o'clock. I told Sharyn that while she was making dinner I was going to take my camera and walk up to see what was there. It turned out the place (it really wasn't a place) was a shack about 6'x10' sitting on a luggage trailer kind of thing and they did have all the things they advertised. It was basically a take out restaurant that really smelled delicious. They even had a customer who was picking up his dinner. We were all talking and the owner said he'd give me a ride back down the hill (about a mile) so I wouldn't have to walk back in the rain -- it had started to drizzle. The customer said he could take me since he was going that way anyhow. I told the owner that after we had dinner we'd be back for dessert.

After dinner we did go back up the hill and Sharyn had a $2 ice cream cone while I had a $2 dish of ice cream. For $2 you got two of the biggest scoops either of us have ever seen. Plus it was good ice cream -- the same brand we had enjoyed at Leon's.


One of the "Welcome to our Community" signs

The end of the dead end road that Sharyn warned me of

Parked in front of the closed up gas station (if you can see through the fog)

Wild flowers are everywhere

The take out "restaurant"

 

Odometer reading = 88,922
Miles for day = 164

 

 

 

7/13/07
(Port aux Basques NF)

This morning as we were getting ready to leave two ladies walked by on their morning "constitutionals" and we began talking with them. When we mentioned all the signs for nonexistent villages, they laughed and said it was true, that only 300 people live in Ecum Secum and the nearest real place was 30 miles away. The people in Ecum Secum are very friendly.

Because of our experience getting lost in Halifax, we set up the GPS to work with the desktop computer. While I can't see it from the driver's seat, if the need arises, Sharyn can go back and look at it.

We drove pretty much without interruption until we were only several miles from the ferry terminal at North Sydney when we decided to top off both the gas tank as well as the propane on the theory that it would cost substantially more to do so in Newfoundland.

Arriving at the ferry terminal we confessed that we had no reservation. The attendant didn't say so, but his overall response, as our conversation ensued, was that he was thinking "what a jerk." However, our failure to have a reservation was the result of two things: First, we just don't do reservations because we frequently (almost always) change our plans and/or time table. Second, from reading the RV forums, it was our understanding that even if you arrive without a reservation you have a good chance of getting on a boat that day anyway, and if not, the next day. In our case, we were boarded on the next boat ($271.00) and within two hours after our arrival in North Sydney we were on the ferry and on our way to Newfoundland.

Our boat left at 5:15pm and arrived in Port aux Basques NF six hours later. Upon docking, the captain announced that the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) had asked that he warn passengers that the entire area was encased in extremely dense fog, that driving was very dangerous, and that moose were on the highways (?). Driving off the ferry we had no idea where we were or where we were going. I could not see more than 100 feet. On the ferry we had met John and Janet, a couple from Ontario. They farm, plus he drives big rigs all over the eastern part of Canada and the US. He had told us that there was a truck inspection station just a few miles from the ferry on TCH 1, and said that with the visibility being what the captain had described they would almost certainly allow us to spend the night there.

Since almost all truck traffic off the ferry would be following TCH 1, as we exited the ferry I told Sharyn that I was going to follow the truck pulling out ahead of us -- in 30 seconds he had disappeared into the fog. Creeping along with both of us trying to see through the fog, we followed the road for several miles and, after trying to get off the road and into a visitor's center parking area after missing the entrance ramp, we came to the inspection station. Pulling in we saw that it was closed but we parked along the back edge and with no further adieu, went to bed. It was 1:am.


Sharyn on the ferry to Newfoundland

North Sidney waterfront as the ferry pulls away

 

Odometer reading = 89,112
Miles for day = 190 (+108 via ferry)

 

 

 

7/14/07 to 7/16/07
(Port aux Basques NF)

 

We awoke in the morning to a completely different world from the one we went to sleep in. We could see where we were and what was around us -- very reassuring.

Leon had told us that one place we had to see was Rose Blanche, a small fishing village about 35 miles east of Port aux Basques, so after breakfast we headed back past the ferry terminal and east along the very hilly, narrow road that actually ends at Rose Blanche. The small villages that lie along the coast east of Rose Blanche are accessible only by boat -- there are no roads going to these villages.

It had been our plan to stay in Rose Blanche for several days, and when we first got there we parked in what we thought would be out of everyone's way and suitable for a two day stay. We asked the lady in a nearby house and she said we'd be fine where we were. After unhooking the car we drove around exploring the village and taking numerous photographs. We also drove up to where the lighthouse was but you had to pay to walk out to it. We declined. It was not much more than an hour later that we felt we had seen all there was to see and that we might as well leave. The people we saw were not particularly friendly and, I think, looked upon us as unwelcome intruders. -- which I guess we were. It reminded me of 25 years ago when we lived in Southold, Long Island, a place where the influx of summer people pretty much overwhelmed the community. One of our sons bought a sweatshirt that said "Summer People Go Home." I suspect that was the feeling of the people in Rose Blanche and I fully understand how and why they felt that way.

The only thing I felt sorry about as we headed back towards Port aux Basques was that the fog was lifting and I would like to have been able to get some fog free pictures in Rose Blanche (more vivid colors). Anyway, coming back to Port aux Basque we pulled into the visitor's center (the one we missed in the fog the night before). When we left there, after spending some 20 minutes with Don, we had a set of guide booklets for all the different areas of Newfoundland which had been described in detail, along with a suggested list of priorities. Don is excellent at his job and has the perfect personality for it.

From there we drove on about two more miles to the Provincial Park and campground where we figured we could stay for a day or so and get some organization and direction. There are 19 Provincial Campgrounds throughout Newfoundland, and with a $20 annual pass (which we bought) you can stay in any of them for $13 per night for a no hookups site. None of the Provincial parks have hookups. Before setting up on our site we dumped our holding tanks and topped of our water tank.

We have not been online since we left St John's NB over a week ago. This far north and east the satellite for our Internet access is only 12½º above the horizon and I was not too optimistic about getting over the tree tops. Sharyn suggested setting the tripod up on the picnic table which is what we did and it worked. We're online. Since we have no cell phone service, e-mail is our only connection to the rest of the world. Also, we use the Internet to do our banking, pay some bills, etc. It's just better having Internet access.

There is a sign near our campsite with an arrow pointing to the "Beach" so we decided to walk down and see what was there. It was a longer walk than we had anticipated and the beach was a little cold and windy, but it was a nice walk. We also got to enjoy more wild flowers along the way. The woods here seem to be loaded with what we would call Japanese Iris if they were in a commercial or residential landscape. It would not seem that Japanese Iris would be growing in the wild in Newfoundland so I guess that's not what they are


The truck inspection station when we awoke

Fishing boats at rest in Rose Blanche

Waterside shed in Rose Blanche

Fishing shacks in Rose Blanche

Me at the beach

Wild iris along the roadside

We can't explain this, but Sharyn calls it "Left Behind" (get it?)



Odometer reading = 89,182
Miles for day = 70

 

 

 

7/17/07
(Stephensville NF)

Over the last several weeks we have gotten into the habit of going to bed about 9 o'clock and getting up around 5:am. It's daylight when we go to bed and it's daylight when we get up. We assume that somewhere in-between it gets dark. I told Sharyn that the way we're going we'll soon be going to bed at 4:pm and getting up at midnight.

We had a great experience today. It was sunny and beautiful all day long. We have had other sunny days on this trip but neither of us can remember when they were.

We spent several hours this morning trying to get both solar panels working, but after all the time we spent on the panels, wiring, controller, etc., we still only have the one panel working.

It was past lunchtime when we finally pulled out of the campground and headed north on TCH-1 towards a campground in Kippens that has full hookups and a laundry room. Kippens is a tiny village just a few miles past Stephensville. We decided that since we would be arriving pretty late in the afternoon it might make better sense to just park somewhere in Stephensville and then move in to the campground in the morning when we'd have the benefit of being there the entire day and night. Asking about a place to park for the night we were directed to a location about a mile away where we told there was a whole bunch of RVs. It turns out that in a big parking lot by the beach were all the Airstream owners and their caravan that we had run into at the provincial park in Port aux Basques. There are over 70 rigs from the US on a 59 day trip that cost them just under $4,000 each. Because 70 rigs would be kind of unwieldy traveling together they have split into two groups. This is one of the groups. We're counting on them staying here tomorrow because we'll then leave our motorhome here and explore locally by car, leaving the campground until the following day.

After getting setup in the parking lot (5 minutes) we rode our bikes back to a shopping center about a mile away where we bought some picture frames. After returning to the motorhome we noticed that beyond the parking lot the road continues on down along the beach and has separate lanes marked for cars, bicycles, and joggers/walkers. We rode along this road for a short distance until we came to a sign that said riders had to wear helmets. Since we were not wearing our helmets Sharyn said we had to go back, which we did. We had some left over soup and scones for dinner while we listened to Fox News via satellite radio. We can't find the satellite for DirecTV. That's mostly because when we enter the latitude and longitude coordinates we get an "invalid entry" instead of the azimuth and elevation settings. On several occasions we have been able to find the satellite by swinging the dish and looking where we thought it should be, but lately that has not been successful.

We also have had no cell phone service since we arrived in Newfoundland and I'm pretty unhappy about that. Before we left Maine I had called Cingular (I guess now it's AT&T) and told them that the last time we were in Canada we had no service and that this time we'd be in Newfoundland for an extended period and I wanted to make sure we wouldn't have the same problem again. I was assured that we would have no problem. Without a phone I can't even call to suspend the service.


Sharyn riding on beach road without a helmet

This guy flew over to check us out


Odometer reading = 89,300
Miles for day = 118

 

 

 

7/18/07
(Stephensville NF)

Another beautiful and sunny day. After breakfast I rode my bike down the same road we started out on yesterday, but the road ended after three miles. There were quite a few walkers and joggers on the road, a few bicyclists, and one pretty girl on roller blades. It appears that most of these people drive here and park their cars in a small parking area adjacent to where we and all the Airstream people are, and I suspect that this is their daily routine.

Our first day in Newfoundland we made a mistake when we drove the motorhome to Rose Blanche. Although it had been our plan to stay there for several days, it would have worked out much better insofar as being able to stop on the side of the road or make quick U-turns to take pictures, plus it would have saved copious amounts of gas. Anyway, we learned from that experience, so today we left the motorhome here in the parking lot and took the car exploring the coast of the Port au Port Peninsula. We made numerous stops along the way, more than a few U-turns, and stopped at Kathy's Restaurant at Cape St George for lunch. We did all that (90 miles) for about 3 gallons of gas, none of which would have been possible with the motorhome (could not pull of the road, could not make U-turns, could not fit in Kathy's parking area). Just as we learned from our trip to Rose Blanche, we also learned from today. Today's lesson -- pack a lunch! There aren't any places to eat in some of these areas and if Kathy hadn't been there we might have starved to death.

Arriving back in Stephensville we went to Dominion's, which is a chain of large grocery stores that carry lots of non-grocery items. In the seafood section we bought some fresh seafood salad. Then in the bakery section we bought two rolls and some hi-fat, hi-calorie, delicious Hermit Cookies, most of which we had for dinner. After I had four of the cookies Sharyn took them away saying that at 190 calories each, I had had enough.


A derelict rowboat on the beach

Road to Kathy's Restaurant

Typical small lobster boats on the beach

A rocky shoreline

Sharyn at Kathy's Restaurant


Odometer reading = 89,300
Miles for day = 0 in motorhome (90 in car)

 

 

 

7/19/07
(Lark Harbour NF)

After two beautiful sunny days we woke up this morning to a somewhat dark and overcast day. Sharyn and I had talked last night of going for a bike ride this morning, but we had planned on another nice day. Since my daily bike rides, and my 200 miles per month, seem to have gone out the window several weeks ago, I decided to ride the beach road anyway. This time I went past the end of the road onto the gravel road that continued for several hundred yards and ended at a small inlet with some docks and tied up fishing boats.

Shortly after I got back it started to rain so we decided to leave. The fire hydrant at the edge of the parking lot had been set up with a regular garden hose adapter so we used it to top off our water tank. About 100 yards from the hydrant was an RV dump station which we also used. It seems as if the hydrant, dump station, and large parking area have all been made available for the free use of RVers passing through the area. That certainly puts Stephensville high on the list of RV friendly places to visit.

As we were getting set to leave we had some intermittent rain, and we had not gone very far when it started raining for real. We had not yet gotten back out to TCH-1 when a cow moose trotted across the road in front of us. We didn't have to slow down as she was not that close and she crossed rather quickly. A truck coming towards us, however, did have to stop. I would really hate to hit a moose. The bad thing about them is that they weigh as much as a small car—the good thing is that they don't seem to run out onto the roadway, but rather amble along, or trot, giving a lot more time to respond. We had an otherwise uneventful trip to Corner Brook where we exited TCH-1 into town. Once we exited, however, we had no idea where we were in town or how to get through town to Route 450 that would take us to Blow Me Down Provincial Campground about 30 miles west of town. Again, the map we have has all of Newfoundland on one side which makes it about 12 miles to the inch. Since Corner Brook is only several miles across it gets less than a ½ inch on the map. That obviously compromises some detail, so we pulled into a shopping center where we turned on the desktop and the GPS to get us through town and out onto Route 450. Route-450 from town to the campground was extremely narrow with tight turns, mostly short steep hills, and not such good pavement. Second gear was very popular, and one hill required first. With the price of gas being what it is I cringe whenever we downshift to second gear for a long slow climb.

Arriving at the campground, when we went to pay the camping fee, we had two of our debit cards declined. That was not good. We're too far away from "home" to be cut of from funds. We later called the bank to find out they had frozen our accounts because of the flurry of out of Country purchases. That's probably good, but we're still glad it's been straightened out. In the meanwhile we had used a credit card to pay the fee. The very friendly ranger gave us a map of the place and told us that since we were self contained we could, if we wanted to, park down at the beach. We are parked right at the edge of the water in what may be the most picturesque setting we've ever had. Sharyn is concerned about high tide. We met and talked briefly with a couple who relocated from Massachusetts to Aiken SC four years ago. They came to Newfoundland via the 14 hour ferry from North Sydney to St John's and now they're making their way to Port aux Basques where they'll take the short ferry back to Nova Scotia. They can't believe we've had bad weather as they've had nothing but sunny days. Hopefully, as we proceed east we'll have the same experience.


Our camping spot right on the beach

This man is fishing in our front yard in the rain

Then the fog rolled in


Odometer reading = 89,383
Miles for day = 83

 

 

 

7/20/07
(Lark Harbour NF)

It was another foggy, rainy day, not too conducive to any kind of outdoor activity, so we took the car and drove into Corner Brook to get a few things at Staples and to buy some needed groceries at Dominion. This is the second time we've shopped at a Dominion and it's a really nice grocery store. Their bakery section is pretty extensive, not just with cakes and cookies, but with many kinds of fresh baked breads, rolls, muffins, biscuits, etc. Their produce also looks fresher and is more extensive than most of what we see in the States.. One thing Sharyn has commented on in several stores is that the fresh chicken is white, like what she used to buy when we were first married -- not the yellow skinned chicken that they sell today.

Since we have no cell phone service we bought a prepaid calling card that lets us call the US for 4¢ per minute. We also called AT&T to complain and to put our $80/month service on some kind of suspension until we get back to the States. We have two phones and were assured before we came here that we would have good service. After getting through to the right department they told me the problem was that out telephones were not compatible with the system they use here. It seems that they should have told me that when I made my initial inquiry -- we might have upgraded our phones. I asked to have our service suspended until we got back to the US since we couldn't use it anyway. They said there was nothing they could do about it and we'd have to continue paying the $80 anyway.

After everything else we decided to get something to eat and thought we'd try Tim Horton's, a very popular chain up here that we thought was like an Appleby's. It wasn't what we thought so we went to a Subway instead. When we eat at a Subway we usually big a large sandwich and split it, but this time we each got a large, ate half and then took the other half home which we later had for dinner with a bowl of soup.

If it's still raining tomorrow we'll probably leave.


Frenchman's Cove (on road back to campground)

Fisherman cleaning catch (note hill going towards Corner Brook)

Village on side of hill on road to campground


Odometer reading = 89,383
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

 

7/21/07
(Deer Lake NF)

 

Another rainy day. We keep saying it can't rain forever, but it keeps raining anyway.

When I was using the pay phone up by the office yesterday afternoon I took note of a sign on the bulletin board for Marlaine's Cafe in Lark Harbour, a tiny village at the end of the road, about a mile from the campground entrance. After coffee and conversation we decided to drive over to Lark Harbour (you can see it across the water from the campground office) and check it out, and have another cup of coffee at Marlaine's. There's not much more to Lark Harbour than what you can see from across the water, but Marlaine's was kind of neat. In fact, we had five cups of coffee and a homemade cinnamon bun (she only charged us for two coffees -- refills are free).

When we returned to the motorhome I went back up to the pay phone and called AT&T again. I restated my complaint and was again told there was nothing they could do about it. I told him I didn't want to terminate the service because I didn't want to lose our phone number, but I wanted to drop our second phone (we have two phones) and switch to the cheapest plan they have until we get back to the States. He asked me told hold on while he went to check something. When he came back he told me that "what they are doing to you is not right," and he was going to credit our account with two months billing. They sure change their approach when you're going to switch to another carrier. It's ironic, we started with AT&T when we started full-timing because back then no one else had a comparable "nation wide" plan. We didn't like AT&T then and as soon as it got to where you could switch carriers and take your phone number with you we switched to Cingular.. Now AT&T has bought Cingular and we're right back to where we started.

Yesterday we had said that if the weather improved we would take the kayaks out and go around the point to the other side.. Also, I wanted to get several hundred yards off shore to get a picture of the motorhome with the mountain behind us. Anyway, the rain did not stop so we decided to pack it up and leave , which we did. We only went as far as a truck stop here at Deer Lake, which also happens to be the turn off to go to Gros Morne National Park, an absolute must stop, must see, place according to everyone we've spoken with, including Leon.

Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow!


Marlaine's Cafe

Sharyn didn't like these guys hanging out by Marlaine's

Photo by Sharyn


Odometer reading = 89,452
Miles for day = 69

 

 

 

7/22/07
(Lomond NF)

We were up early again this morning, had our coffee and conversation, and talked about our "plans" for the day (whatever that means). We were only about a mile from the Gateway to the North Campground with it's 50 amp service and wireless Internet. When we pulled into the place the office was closed and it appeared that everyone in the place was still sleeping. We turned on the computer to see if their wireless signal reached out over the entire campground or just the few sites nearest the office (which is not unusual for a "wireless" campground). We had a very strong signal and a fast connection, but the sign on the office said that checkin was 3:pm. Since that was about six hours away we just downloaded our e-mail and continued on our way.

In and about Gros Morne National Park there are numerous campgrounds, both government run and privately owned -- the government campgrounds have no hookups. We thought that Lomond River Campground sounded good in the book so when we came to it we pulled in. We have full hookups, and even though the electric is only 15 amps it's the first time we've had electric in about three weeks. It's really nice to have. The biggest plus, particularly since we're online, is that I don't have to turn the computer off to save battery power -- we're online 24/7, at least for as long as we're here. It's kind of interesting that while we have no TV or cell phone, we can still set up our dish and get Internet via satellite, but what's even more interesting (at least to me) is that satellite radio has been with us constantly without the need to set up any dish or locate the satellite. It's just there, even when there are no other radio stations available.

As the day progressed today, the sky cleared up and the sun came out. How cool is that? The humidity in the motorhome has actually returned to normal, although my Omega-3 fish oil capsules are still all stuck together.

The biggest deal of the day, as far as I am concerned, is that the travelog is up to date.


Odometer reading = 98,478
Miles for day = 25

 

 

 

7/23/07
(Lomond NF)

It was another nice day today — we're really on a roll!

We decided to drive out to Trout River which is where this road ends. We had been told that it's a beautiful old fishing village where the fishing is still the mainstay of the economy. Based on what people have told us we also stopped at the Discovery Center on the way. It was okay, but not something I'd tell anyone they had to see.

Trout River was another story. If you're looking to take pictures of a genuine working fishing village, Trout River is the place to go. We spent several hours there, driving and walking around and taking lots of pictures. At one point I asked a man who was painting his lobster pot buoys if I could use his dock as a platform for taking some more pictures. He said I could, and I asked him if the people there ever got tired of all the picture takers roaming around their community. He was nice and responded, "we don't get tired of it."

Before we started back to the campground we went into the Seaside Restaurant where we had some excellent seafood chowder, a sandwich, and ice cream. Apparently this little restaurant is well known as a place to go to whenever you're in this part on Newfoundland and has been written about in the Travel Section of the New York Times. We enjoyed it!

On the way back to the campground we took some more pictures, but eventually we got back. We plan to leave here in the morning and travel to L'Anse aux Meadows at the tip of Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula where the Viking were supposed to have established their first North American settlement about 1000AD. That's somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 miles from here and we have no specific plan as to how long we'll take to get there — remember, our next scheduled event is a wedding in Jersey in October so we're not in any real hurry. Also, we'll have to come back this way again because there is only the one road going up the peninsula and, except for a ferry that goes to Labrador, that road is a dead end. All of that means there's no telling when we'll be back on line again to update this travelog, but sooner or later it will happen.


On the road to Trout River

This poster at the Discovery Center caught our eyes

Lobster boat tied up a low tide in Trout River

Fishing boats tied up in Trout River

Lobster gear belonging to man who said I could use his dock

This toll gate in Trout River cost us $2

Sharyn liked and took this picture

We watched as they unloaded and weighed the fish

Wool socks for sale in Trout River

On the way back to the campground

Taken from a much closer vantage point

An interesting arrangement


Odometer reading = 89,478
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

7/24/07
(Sally's Cove NF)

This morning we decided that before we left we'd walk down the foot path to the river. You can hear the river from the beginning of the footpath so we figured it was only a few hundred feet away. That was probably the case, but the path didn't really go to the river, but rather followed along the river bank about 30 feet above the water. Eventually we came to a place where we could climb the embankment to the water which was fast running and crystal clear. Sharyn thought it would be a good kayaking river, but I think that the multilevel waterfall just upstream, as well as most of the rest of the river, is well beyond our skill level.

We didn't stay by the river for very long as we had seen several piles of moose droppings along the path, plus a rather large hoof print in the mud. I told Sharyn the droppings looked like from a baby moose but that didn't relieve her concern. As she said, a cow moose with a calf is extremely protective and can be quite dangerous.

We were all ready to pull out of the campground when a couple from North Carolina pulled into the site next to us. They were on their way back down from St.Anthony's (where we're headed) and she didn't think it was worth the drive up—that if you've seen one fishing village you've seen them all I definitely don't agree with that. We had one person tell us to just get on TCH-1 and go straight to St. John's, that there's nothing in-between Port aux Basques and St. John's that's worth seeing, while another guy says St. John's not worth the trip. Others have said that it's all the little side trips to the coastal villages that make the trip to Newfoundland such a great experience. I tend to go with the latter. For the most part, if you wrote off all the places that someone said weren't worth the trip you'd just get off the ferry and turn around and take the next one back.

Anyway, we're on our way to the northern tip of this peninsular, worth it or not—I think we're going to enjoy it.

Driving Route 430 along the coast of Bonne Bay we encountered steep grades, one right after the other—the kind you climb at 15mph in second gear. Then of course every uphill has a down hill. Right after we started into the hills we came to a large billboard warning to watch out for moose on the roadway, that there had already been eight moose/vehicle accidents so far this year on that stretch of roadway. Once we got past Rocky Harbour at the mouth of the bay, about 40 miles, the road then ran along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and was much less hilly—almost flat in some places. At Sally's Cove we saw an out of business restaurant with a big For Sale sign out front where we pulled in to spend the night. The restaurant was across the road from the water and I would have preferred being on the water side, but there were not too many places along this stretch where we could pull off the pavement . The wind was really whipping up a storm and we'd probably have gotten everything coated with salt if we had stayed on the water side. I rode my bike back up the road a ways to take some pictures and both the bike and the camera (and me) got coated with a fine salt spray. I washed of all the camera surfaces but I wasn't too happy about that.

About 100 miles across the water is the Provence of Quebec.


Sharyn looking down at the river from the footpath

The waterfall just upstream from where we climbed down to the river

Where we parked for the night

Where I rode my bike to take pictures of the water

One of the pictures (and where I got the salt spray)



Odometer reading = 89,523
Miles for day = 45

 

 

 

7/25/07
(Port au Choix NF)

We had a good night's sleep, not getting up until 7:30 (even though Sharyn woke up at 5:30 and plugged in the coffee pot before getting back in bed). With the high winds, we had expected it to be cold last night, but it wasn't, and we awoke to a beautiful sunny day.

As we continued north on Route 340 we stopped half a dozen times, mostly to take pictures, but also for lunch, etc. We turned off the main road twice, one time to go to Cow's Head, and the second time to go to Port au Choix. At Cow's Head we stopped next to a small botanical garden next to a church. We asked the ladies working in the garden about the wild iris' we see everywhere that look like Japanese Iris. They are a wild native species that the Newfoundlanders call Blue Flag. When we turned off to go to Port au Choix we still had a few miles to go when Sharyn saw some of the trees that we have seen on occasion along the coast that are growing nearly horizontal because the wind never lets them stand up straight. I'd been wanting to get some pictures of these trees but never could find a spot to pull off in time. This time, however, the trees were growing along a narrow gravel road that forked off to the left towards the water so I made the turn. The road followed the edge of the water and dead ended about a half mile from the highway. We had anticipated that we would not be able to turn around without unhooking the car, but when we did unhook and get turned around it was such a beautiful spot that we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon and night.

After getting turned around, rehooking the car, and running our slides out, we walked down to the edge of the water. There is no beach, just flat smooth rock It must be that with the incessant wave action against the shoreline all the soil and softer material has eroded away leaving nothing but the flat rock surface that looks like a giant lava flow had come down the hillside and hardened at the water's edge. I guess that's why Newfoundland is sometimes referred to as "The Rock."

A hundred yards from where we parked we found some remnants of a dead moose, including a giant bone that I thought would bring joy and happiness to Jordan's dog Jill. Unfortunately, Sharyn told me I was sick and that that bone wasn't coming in the motorhome. A sad day for Jill. The wind was really blowing. Trying to take pictures I could not stand still or hold the camera steady, the wind was buffeting me so hard. When I tried to brace myself against the motorhome I found the motorhome was moving around more than I was.. I can see why the trees grow flat to the ground


Small harbor on road to Port ax Choix

Boats and fishing shacks along the bulkhead

Along the way we stopped to look at "The Arches" along the coast

Some of the horizontal trees

A view of our "campsite"

Looking back up towards the motorhome

Sharyn making herself a cup of tea

The moose bone that Jill will never get to see


Odometer reading = 89,613
Miles for day = 90

 

 

 

7/26/07
(L'Anse au Loup NL)

For whatever reason we were both up at 4:30 this morning. That's probably an all time record for an early start to coffee and conversation. Last night the wind never let up but continued buffeting the motorhome all night long. Sometime during the night it began to rain and the rain continued even as we pulled out onto the highway a little before 6:am. It was still not 6 o'clock when we got to Port au Choix. It was dark and rainy and there was no one moving about. Not knowing what to do we parked the motorhome in the school parking lot and drove around with the car, eventually driving out to the lighthouse and visitor's center. The visitor's center was not yet open and the rain continued, so we decided to continue on our way and revisit Port au Choix on our way back down (when maybe it won't even be raining).

About 60 miles down the road we came to the turnoff for the Labrador ferry and by this time the sky was getting brighter and it looked as if the sun might even come out. Since there was no one in the ferry terminal—apparently there is only someone there two hours before departure time—we went across the road to an RV parking kind of place. You can stay in your RV there or just leave the RV while you just take the car to Labrador. There are only two 30 amp spots in the parking lot, but several where they will run a 15 amp extension cord to your unit. When your RV is there you also get the use of the new, very clean and neat building with a large sitting room, kitchen facilities, laundry room, showers, etc. Our plan was to leave the motorhome there and just take the car across on the ferry to Labrador for the day. To make a long story short, while the lady at the "campground" suggested that we do an overnight to Labrador with just the car, staying the night at a B&B, against her and Sharyn's advice I pushed for taking the motorhome, which we did. That was a mistake. For what it cost to take the motorhome on the ferry ($90.25CA with two seniors) we could have spent two nights in a B&B and not have to deal with where to put the motorhome while we explore Labrador. From where the ferry docks in Labrador there are only about 100 miles of a single paved road—about 55 miles running north to Red Bay, and about 40 miles to nowhere in Quebec where the road ends. Beyond Red Bay the road on to Cartwright is gravel

Anyway, we were there with the motorhome and I saw a great place to camp. It was a dirt road that ran out along the edge of a cliff overlooking the water. It turned out to be not as suitable for a non-4-wheel drive vehicle as it had appeared. I should say "as it had appeared to me." To Sharyn it had not seemed suitable right from the time I suggested it. It seems they are doing some site preparation work for something they're going to build there—it's a phenomenal spot—and this was the "road" the construction equipment is using to access the site. It was much rougher than it looked, but more importantly, there were some soft spots. We did get the motorhome there all right. It was my plan to park it there and then use that as our base of operations while in Labrador. At that point Sharyn said that if it rained we'd never get out, which was 100% true. Long story shorter, we did manage to get it turned around and back out to the paved road, disrupting everything in the overhead cabinets. Sharyn was much relieved and I was a little bit too.

Further on down the road we asked at Earl's Grocery if we could park on the side of their property and were told we could. However, while leveling the motorhome we blew a hydraulic line to the front right jack. Apparently when it went it sprayed hydraulic fluid all over the exhaust manifold which instantly vaporized the fluid which to Sharyn, who was standing nearby, appeared to be smoke billowing out from under the motorhome. She thought it was on fire and didn't know why I wasn't getting out. The fact is that I was watching the level indicator (which had stopped moving towards level) and had not seen outside the window. We were extremely fortunate that the fluid did not ignite.

After getting setup (but not level) we drove around the village of L'Anse au Loup for a few minutes and then headed north along the coast. In doing so we saw a number of icebergs, and at one point watched what must have been half a dozen small whales feeding right by the shoreline.. While we got a number of pictures none of them captured a clear image of the tail which is what I was hoping for. We understand that the Straits were heavy with icebergs several weeks ago and the from early June to mid-July the iceberg traffic is at it's peak. By this time they have either melted or become quite small.

At one place where we were photographing an iceberg we asked someone if there was anyone in the area who could make up a new hydraulic line (hose). The man was very helpful in telling us whatever it was he said, but when the conversation was over all that either Sharyn or I had gotten out of it was over a bridge and turn right. While the people here have a very pronounced accent—Sharyn says it's a brogue—this man did not appear to be speaking English. Of course he was, you just couldn't tell.

On the way back to the motorhome we stopped for dinner at Robert's Family Restaurant right at the edge of the village and just over the bridge. Both the waitress and the other lady working there were extremely friendly and talked with us almost the entire time we were there (there were no other customers). One of the things on the menu was codfish tongues. We didn't know that codfish (or any fish) had tongues. The one lady brought one out to show us what they were. Sharyn things the concept of eating fish tongues. is gross. Anyway, we're going to go back again tomorrow night and I'll have the codfish tongue dinner. Sharyn says she'll try one.


Fishing boats in Port au Choix at 6:am

More boats in Port au Choix

Port au Choix lighthouse

Can we get turned around without getting stuck or going off the edge—sure we can

Fishing boats in L'Anse au Loup

Some of the first icebergs we saw


Odometer reading = 89,705
Miles for day = 92

 

 

 

7/27/07
(L'Anse au Loup NL)

After coffee and conversation, where we finished a pot of coffee, we went as planned, to Dot's Bakery, about 100 yards down the road, for breakfast. After breakfast we went to O'Brien's Fishing Supply where we were told they could make up a new hydraulic line—and which turned out was the place that man had been telling us about. When we asked the lady behind the counter if they could make up the line she said she'd drive up and take a look at what was needed. Sharyn and I were both surprised. It turned out that she, her name was Mary Jane, is O'Brien's Fishing Supply and the hydraulic mechanic. The "fishing supply" part of the name has more to do with the commercial fishing boats at the dock, not hooks and sinkers for fun fishing. There's a good bit of hydraulic equipment on some of those fishing boats. As she explained it, the women here can do most anything, and they have to, because the men are often at sea for months at a time.

Mary Jane made up a new hose, 135" long, and the three of us got it installed in the rain. When the job was done she gave us a jar of dried fish, basically sardine like fish that she nets, salts, sun dries for two days, then bakes on a barbecue to get out all the fat before putting them into jars. She said that was so we'd have a "little bit of Labrador." They were delicious.

Later on Sharyn and I drove up to Red Bay, about 35 miles north of here, where the paved road ends. We took a number of pictures, went to the gift shop, and had lunch in the restaurant. I had Rudolph on a bun, a/k/a a caribou (reindeer) burger. It was good, perhaps better than beef, but not as good as lamb burger (as once produced by Sharyn's Sheep Farm).

When at the restaurant last night the waitress had told us that if we wanted to see whales we should be up at the lighthouse around 6 or 7 in the evening, so from Red Bay we drove back down to the lighthouse just south of L'Anse au Loup. We got there right at six o'clock and were there for an hour and a half. We weren't there too long when we saw what we first thought might be a school of porpoises, but turned out to be a pod of orcas, or killer whales. There must have been somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 or so and they seemed to be herding up, or encircling , a large school of fish. There was a lot of splashing going on with one of them occasionally getting high enough out of the water so that the distinctive black and white color pattern of the orca could not be mistaken. With all the pictures we took we failed to capture a clear image of this color pattern. They were probably there for about 20-25 minutes, gradually moving further out from the shoreline where we really couldn't see them very well.

A short time later Sharyn spotted a much larger whale that was much closer in to the beach. It turned out that there were two of them, and we later learned that they were humpbacks. They performed marvelously for more than a half hour. Slapping the surface with their tale flukes and staying right in front of us. It was a great display and far better than anything we would have hoped for. They were still there and still performing when we left. The black flies are horrendous, and while I have gotten some bites, they have really been doing a job on Sharyn. In fact, one of the things they sell here are hooded shirts where the front of the hood is netting to keep the flies away. They're not just a nuisance, they're painful. Had the flies not been there we would have stayed longer.

From the whale show at the lighthouse we went back to the Robertson Family Restaurant to tell the waitresses how right they had been about the whales showing up. The two waitresses from the night before were off, but we stayed anyway, talking to tonight's waitress instead. Sharyn had the shrimp dinner while I had the seafood platter, including three codfish tongues as add-ons, just so I could see what they were. They were okay, but I probably won't have them again. I had partridgeberry pie for dessert. After dinner we returned to the motorhome to look at our whale pictures.


Breakfast at Dot's Bakery

Sharyn and Mary Jane working on the hydraulic line

Waiting for lunch in Red Bay

Harbor scene in Red Bay

Growing in the weeds at the water's edge

Lighthouse that led us to the whales

While waiting for the whales this fishing boat passed by

Humpback whale's tail (severely cropped)

Another shot—one of my favorites (severely cropped)

I took this picture just because I liked it


Odometer reading = 89,705
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

7/28/07
(L'Anse au Loup NL)

This morning we had considered walking over to the bakery for breakfast but decided not to. Yesterday's breakfast was quite good, we had sausage and egg on a roll, with coffee, but they charged us for a coffee refill which bothered us both. I walked over anyway to get a fresh blueberry muffin. There was a different lady there so I asked her if you have a breakfast with a second cup of coffee if you're supposed to be charged for the second cup. She said you were. I told her that was something we had never experienced and that it was because we had been charged for the second cup of coffee yesterday that we didn't come for breakfast today. She said she'd pass that information on. Anyway, Sharyn made a second pot of coffee and the blueberry muffin was good. It's questionable whether or not we'd have gone to the bakery today anyway. The black flies have been terrible. Sharyn, who always seems to get bitten, is having a particularly hard time with these flies. She has been getting bites all over her neck, legs, and hands, and this morning her right eye is practically swollen shut from a bite in the corner of her eye. Benedryl seems to help a little, but she is hurting.

The engine was running, the bikes were away, and one of the slides had already been brought in. We were just about to leave for the ferry when Randy, the owner of the property, came over and was talking with us. We thanked him for letting us stay there, we talked about the village (he's also the mayor and Mary Jane is on the council), the general area and the people. He told us we should feel free to "stay for a week or a month." We decided to stay for another day. We took the car back to the ferry terminal at Blanc-Sablon (just over the line into Quebec) and made reservations back to Newfoundland on the 10:30 ferry tomorrow morning. Newfoundland and Labrador have their own time zone. While the other Canadian Atlantic provinces are on Atlantic Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Time, Newfoundland and Labrador are 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic time. I guess if you're Newfoundland and Labrador you can do whatever you want.

Anyway, after making the reservation we continued on south along the paved road for about ten miles into Quebec. We again took a number of photographs before returning to L'Anse au Loup and the motorhome.

I really like those dried fish that Mary Jane gave us, but I don't know what they're called, so I drove down to her house to ask. They're called "caplin," but she says they're not something you can find or buy in a store. However, she gave me two more jars, plus some frozen filets (I forgot the name of the fish). I suggested that while the local people would not be interested—they make their own—that mail order over the Internet could have great potential—I'd certainly buy them. This year she made 4,000 of them and has given away two cases to people passing through. In speaking with her and her husband, who had just returned home after having been at sea since April, I had said that Sharyn wouldn't eat them because she says she can't eat any fish that looks like a fish (e.g. sardines). About an hour later she and her husband came by the motorhome to bring Sharyn a dish of homemade cakes and cookies so that she should have something too. We have heard and read of the extreme friendliness and hospitality of the people in Newfoundland and Labrador.The village of L'Anse au Loup certainly has shown that to be true.

As an aside, while I'm writing this an iceberg has come into view off the beach. It's probably one of the ones we saw the other day a little further north.


Fishing boats at dockside in Quebec on a Saturday afternoon

Exploring a small fishing community in Quebec

This harbor is all based on flat rock

"Caplin"


Odometer reading = 89,705
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

7/29/07
(St. Barbe NF)

Because we had the ferry reservation for this morning we had discussed setting the alarm clock but, since we were already in bed and didn't know where the alarm clock was, decided that we wake up pretty early anyway. We did, had our coffee and conversation, and were at the ferry terminal an hour and a half before departure. It was foggy (of course) and from the time we pulled out of the ferry slip at Blonc-Sablon in Labrador, until we pulled into the slip at St. Barbe, we didn't see a thing. I told Sharyn that I could see how, in the days of sailing ships, with no real aids to navigation, shipwrecks upon the rocky coast of this part of North America would almost be commonplace. I also wondered about when a sailing ship left England bound for a particular port on the East Coast of the United States, how close would he be (north and south) when he made landfall. I have no idea.

Anyway, the ferry made it in with near zero visibility and we drove the half mile to the top of the hill where we stayed at the RV place we had considered leaving the motorhome at on the 26th before deciding to take it across on the ferry. The owner, the lady who had suggested we not take the motorhome to Labrador asked how it had worked out. I told her that while my initial reaction had been that it was a mistake to take it across (I think the round trip cost differential was $120), that, based on our experience, I now think it was the better choice. For instance, without having the motorhome with us we would not have spent the third day in Labrador.

While Sharyn was doing the laundry I set up our satellite system to see if we could get online. We have not had good success getting online since we left St. John's NB back on July 8. We have only been one time since then, and on that occasion it was the tech help guy at HughesNet that that got us on from his end. Sharyn had greater success with the laundry than I did with the satellite. I suspect that we're just too far north and east for the particular satellite we're on—we're actually about 1100 miles east of Washington DC.

Anyway, that was about it for the day—of course it was raining when we got here and it pretty much continued while we were setting up.


Approaching the ferry for the ride back to Newfoundland

Odometer reading = 89,726
Miles for day = 20

 

 

 

7/30/07
(St. Barbe NF)

We're just over 100 miles from the northern tip of Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula where the Vikings established the first European settlement in North America about 1000AD at what is now known as L'Anse aux Meadows. We wanted to see both the Viking site as well as St. Anthony's, a small village not too far from there that is supposed to be another place to see, but we were pretty sure we could do them both in the same day. Since from the tip of the peninsula we will have to backtrack all the way back to Deer Lake, 135 miles from here, but 235 miles from the tip, we decided to just take the car up for the day—we did pack a few things just in case for some reason we wanted to stay the night there we'd have that option. The day trip turned out to have been a good choice.

As you get close to St. Anthony's and the Viking site there is basically a "Y" in the road were you have to decide which one do you want to do first. We opted to do St. Anthony's first. Had it been a sunny day, or at least if it had not been so foggy, we might have gotten a different impression. I suspect that most of what St. Anthony has to offer would be magnificent views from it's rocky bluffs. Also, there are supposed to be more and larger icebergs drifting through "iceberg alley" just off the coast. With the fog we could see none of that. In fact, from the high point of the bluff, looking back towards town we couldn't see that either. Nevertheless, we did drive around and take pictures. We also looked for a restaurant—our kitchen was back in the motorhome—and opted for the very attractive restaurant by the lighthouse on the bluff. The only problem was that a bowl of chowder was $10. Kind of steep when you consider that two or three nights ago we had two seafood dinners in Labrador for just over $20. We left the restaurant and went to a Tim Horton's, the chain that we have seen all over the place but never tried. It was the only other eating place in town and turned out to be pretty good.

Anyway, we left St. Anthony's and went to L'Anse aux Meadows. That was excellent! Well worth while and a "must see" for anyone coming this way. The museum, or display area, in the visitor's center has a lot of really displays even though a lot of the articles are reproductions. There are several reconstructed buildings that are believed to be faithful reproductions of the original structures using all the same materials and building techniques. The walls are constructed of peat and are six feet thick. A big disappointment, but something that I guess makes sense, is that all the excavations that were done back in the 70's have been covered over to protect them from further deterioration from the ravages of time and the elements. The idea is that future technology and improved knowledge will enable more to be learned from the site if it can be better preserved by reburying it. In reburying the site that have preserved the outline of the original structures so you can see where they were, their size and shape.

Driving back down to St. Barbe we saw ten moose off the side of the road (we stopped for most of them) and got numerous photos. We concluded that we would not want to drive that road at night. It's questionable whether or not you would be able to see a moose crossing the road in time to stop. Anyway, arriving back at the motorhome just at dusk, we had hot soup from our own kitchen, and went to bed. We had covered 208 miles with the car.


A foggy harbor scene in St. Anthony's

Cooper's Island II tied up at dockside

St. Anthony's fisherman repairing their nets

Inside the Viking dwelling

Exterior view of the dwelling

One of the moose we saw on the way home

The last picture of the day

Odometer reading = 89,726
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

7/31/07
(St. Barbe NF)

Today was a layover day. We decided to just stay here and basically not do anything or go anywhere.

Sharyn did some ironing while I updated this travelog. I've been keeping the daily log on a yellow pad so as not to have to run the inverter and computer on a daily basis (when we're not hooked up to power). Today I typed in all the stuff from July 24 through today. Then we went through the pictures we've taken on all those days to see which ones we'd use. After that I process them through Photoshop, if appropriate, and then reduce the file size to something more appropriate for web posting (basically, e-mail size files).

Of course since we're not online none of what I type, nor any of the photos, can be uploaded to the server. The next time we do have Internet access all this will go up.



Odometer reading = 89,726
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/1/07
(Deer Lake NF)

This morning as we were preparing to leave we saw the owner of the campground and told here we had enjoyed our stay at her place. She was a very nice lady (as are most of the people we meet).

We backtracked all the way back to Deer Lake where we will again pick up TCH-1 as we now head east towards St. John's. As the day progressed the sky cleared and the sun came out. It was a beautiful afternoon. Gateway to the North, the campground we're staying in is brand new with full hookups, including 50 amp service (I think the first we've seen in Canada) and wireless Internet. While a number of campgrounds offer wireless in the office or some central building, that only helps if you have a laptop to take into that building. The wireless here is broadcast throughout the campground so we get to use it with our desktop in the motorhome Quite a treat for us.

We only use Mobile-1 synthetic oil in the motorhome and over the last several years the price has gone from $4.50 a quart to about $7, even in Walmart. This afternoon we stopped at a NAPA place where I bought two quarts for $23. Wow! Also, this morning Sharyn paid four dollars and change for a half gallon of skim milk. We are finding prices here to be so high that Sharyn is suggesting that we cut our trip short and head back to the States. I don't think we'll do that, but if we had fully realized how high prices were going to be we might have developed other plans for the summer.


Driving along Bonne Bay

Odometer reading = 89,908
Miles for day = 182

 

 

 

8/2/07
(Deer Lake NF)

After coffee and conversation we began to get ready to leave. Again the bikes were away, one slide was in, and I was dumping our tanks when the campground owner walked by and we began talking. Sharyn came out to join us and pretty soon we had a map spread across the picnic table as he was showing us what places we should see and things we might want to do. He strongly recommended the boat ride into the fjords about 50 miles back up the Northern Peninsula. We decided to stay another day and take the boat ride.

After doing some grocery shopping at the local market we headed up to where you get the boat tickets at a motel about 10 miles south of where you actually get the boat. As I understand it there is a 40 minute walk from where you park your car by the highway to where you actually board the boat. I say "as I understand it" because we never got there. By the time we started to go get the tickets we weren't sure what the exact name of the motel was but we figured there'd be a sign on the highway. Well, big mistake—we didn't see any sign and did not find any motel. When it got to be be 3 o'clock and we were still looking we knew that we were not going to make the last boat was was scheduled for 4 o'clock. The whole deal was pretty dumb on our part so I probably shouldn't even tell the story. Today was a spectacularly beautiful day—if we had special ordered the weather it could not have been nicer. Hoping that tomorrow might be the same, after we got back to the motorhome, we decided that if it was we would stay another day and do the boat trip.


Not finding the motel we headed back down the road to the motorhome

Odometer reading = 89,908
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/3/07
(Cape Saint George NF)

We woke up this morning to the sound of rain on the roof. That took care of our boat trip plan. With another day of rain the conversation part of our coffee and conversation had to do with whether we have been up here long enough and should head back to the USA. Decision making is not our forte (largely because we're each trying to accommodate what we believe the other wants) and it was only as we were pulling out of the campground that we decided to turn back towards Port au Basques and begin moving back towards the States.

I wasn't feeling too well, so by early afternoon, and only 75 miles, we pulled into a Provincial Campground about 20 miles east of Stephensville. We got the motorhome into a very nice, but rather small, site right on the lake. We considered putting the kayaks in the water but while the rain had stopped the wind had picked up considerably, to the point that there were whitecaps on the lake. We decided that if the weather was nice tomorrow we'd stay here for another day, but when she checked with the office we were told that someone has this site reserved for tomorrow.

We hope that this wind is not a prelude to some worse weather coming our way.

 

Odometer reading = 89,982
Miles for day = 74

 

 

 

8/4/07
(Grand Falls-Windsor NF)

As I mentioned yesterday, decision making is not one of our strong points. Last night, before going to sleep, we decided that it would be a mistake not going on to St. John's as previously planned. We then decided to wait and see if we still felt the same in the morning. This morning, the topic was obviously which way do we go. If we could just get a break from the weather we would not even be considering going back early. To go on to St. John's would entail either taking the long (17 hour) ferry back to North Sydney in Nova Scotia, or driving almost 600 miles back to Port aux Basques and taking the short (6 hour) ferry that we came over on. The cost differential is substantial.

Last night we were about 100 miles from Port aux Basques, but almost 500 miles from St. John's. If we had gone back to Port aux Basques the short ferry would have cost us $370. Going on to St. John's we have another 500 miles to go (at just over 60 cents/mile for gas), plus the long ferry would cost $951, plus either $36 for two reclining chairs, or $137 for a cabin (or we can sit in the cafeteria for 17 hours). Of course we can avoid the long ferry by driving back to Port aux Basques from St. John's.

When faced with these kind of choices we like to go on the assumption that whichever choice we make will turn out to have been the wrong choice, so to minimize the consequences of the "bad choice," we try to choose the option that will have the least bad consequences when it turns out to have been wrong. Using that approach we figured that if we cut this trip short and go back to the US now—and that turns out to have been the wrong choice—we will regret it forever. On the other hand, if we go on to St. John's and that turns out to be the wrong choice we'll say that we blew all that additional money—but that gets forgotten pretty quickly. So, on to St. John's, in spite of the fact that we woke up this morning to thunderstorms.

Over the last several weeks we've been experiencing a "thumping" sound that seems to match the rhythm of the wheel rotations. I checked several times but the tires (it seemed to be he front left) seemed to be okay with no bulges or uneven wear. However, as the sound became more pronounced, and I could feel it in the steering wheel, we decided to put the spare on the front left and see if that solved the problem. Having done that, after washing up and having lunch we again pulled out onto the highway—with the spare on the front left the motorhome was a totally different animal. Hopefully it's just an out of balance tire. A trucker told us about a tire place in Gander that might be able to address the problem. We'll see when we get there. (Also, while changing the tire at the Deer Lake truck stop we discovered that they had wireless Internet which we used briefly).

In the meanwhile we continued on to a small Irving station just past Grand Falls-Windsor hoping they would have wireless also. They didn't, but we're spending the night here anyway. Since we're at the far edge of their parking lot and only 50 feet from a Tim Horton's, we went there and got take out sandwiches for dinner.


Yesterday, Sharyn was checking the "thump-thump-thump"

Sharyn grabbed this quick shot of a moose running across in front of us


Odometer reading = 90,192
Miles for day = 211

 

 

 

8/5/07
(Twillingate NF)

It was probably 9 o'clock before we pulled out of the Irving truck stop and again headed east on TCH-1. It wasn't too far to Notre Dame Junction where we turned off onto Route 340 and headed north. Before turning onto 340 we pulled into the visitor's information center to pick up literature on local things to see and do. We checked in at Dildo Run Provincial Park, about 15 miles south of Twillingate, having previously decided that would be a good centrally located place to have the motorhome while we explored the surrounding communities.

Being as how it was still early in the day we drove the car up to Twillingate, Crow Head, and other, possibly unnamed, little communities that dot the coast. At Crow Head we checked out the Long Point Lighthouse, which happens to be one of the very few remaining "manned" lighthouses in Newfoundland. The lighthouse keeper invited me and half a dozen other people up into the tower where the actual light is located. While the original (1876) mechanism that rotated the beacon is still there, the rotation is now done with a small electric motor. The fresnel lens enables the light from the 20 watt bulb to be seen for 16 miles.

There was a fairly good size crowd at the lighthouse site, in part because the Airstream caravan group were there at the time. From the observation deck across the parking lot from the lighthouse everyone was looking at a large distant iceberg, that until yesterday had been grounded just off the point. Sharyn spotted several whales off in the opposite direction which got the crown attention from icebergs to whales.

By the time we returned to the motorhome we had taken a slew of photographs and were quite tired. We had BLT sandwiches for dinner, and at 8:30 Sharyn is already in bed—I'm only 10 minutes away.


Our campsite at Dildo Run

Long Point Lighthouse at Crow Head

View from base of lighthouse

Lighthouse lens (and lighthouse keeper)

Lighthouse keeper took this photo of grounded iceberg in 2002

Driving into Twillingate from the north

A lily growing along the roadside

Wild flowers grow everywhere

Tillingate neighborhood from across the harbor

Small boats at rest on a Sunday afternoon


Odometer reading = 90,263
Miles for day = 71

 

 

 

8/6/07
(Twillingate NF)

We woke up to a gorgeous, bright, and sunny day—we were elated! We decided to ride back up to Twillingate and Crow Head and maybe reshoot some of the photos we took yesterday in somewhat overcast conditions. We also thought we'd make reservations for the dinner-theater at the Crow Head Community Center, but before we got there Sharyn changed her mind (I call her "The Orca Lady" from the TV commercial).

Anyway, while riding around we met some of our campground neighbors in one of the small villages and they told us about an iceberg in a small village just south of the campground where there is a guy who will take you out to it in a small boat. We went there and followed his homemade signs until we dead-ended at a small dock. There was a man standing there and I asked him if he was the iceberg boat man. He said he was. Having told us that the boat ride was free unless we wanted to give him a tip, we got in the boat for the several hundred yard trip to the iceberg. He—his name was Ernest—told us it had been there for 14 days and was now only half the size it had been. From the boat, we circled the iceberg slowly, taking pictures from all angles. Between the sun and the wind it was melting rapidly and the clear water running down all the surfaces made the whole thing glisten beautifully in the sunlight. This particular iceberg is grounded on the bottom, some 100 feet below the surface. Because 90% of the mass of an iceberg is below the surface you want to be careful about getting too close since they will occasionally shift their position and roll over. When that happens you don't want to be either on it or under it. I thought it would make a very cool (no pun intended) picture if Sharyn was standing on the flat portion of the iceberg that is almost flush with the water's surface.

Anyway, at the dock Ernest had several chunks of ice that had broken off and he had us put one to our ear. You could hear the fizzle as tiny air bubbles trapped in the ice—supposedly for thousands of years—popped as the ice melted. He offered us a chunk about twice the size of a football, but having no way to carry it or keep it from melting, we declined it. Back at the campground, our neighbors, who had a cooler with them, had taken a chunk, had melted it, and were drinking the water.

While in Labrador we had seen "iceberg water" for sale in a grocery store for $1.50 a bottle. We later read in a local newspaper about a fishing family who, with some kind of a government moratorium on fishing, were using their boat to bring in large (like 1,000 pound large) pieces of icebergs and melting them and bottling the water for sale. We don't know if it was their water being sold in the store or not, but it probably was.

After leaving Ernest we slowly worked our way back home where we had dinner. Now I'm going to take a shower and go to bed.


Small fishing shack in Twillingate

Reflections at Twillingate

Ernest's iceberg up close

Another view

This view shows the flat surface (probably 50 feet wide)

One last fishing shack


Odometer reading = 90,263
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/7/07
(George's Brook NF)

After dumping our tanks and topping off our fresh water tank we moved on to Gander where we looked up the truck tire place we had to told about. Unfortunately, they told us that the tire had developed flat spots that were causing the thump-thump-thump and that was not correctable. It seems that we now have a spare tire that still has 80% of the rubber remaining.

Moving on from Gander, it was late afternoon when we came upon a pull over area where there were two motorhomes parked. We pulled in thinking that they were probably there for the night and that we'd stay there also. It turned out that they were two couples traveling together and had left their motorhomes there while they took a day trip to Bonavista. They were from California and we spoke with them for awhile when they returned. However, they were not staying there for the night because they had reservations somewhere in St. John's for that night. While Sharyn said she was still comfortable staying there after they had left, I don't think she was so we moved on to an Irving truck stop that had a very strong wireless signal (100%), but one that was secured. When we inquired about paying for access (in the US for example, most Flying-J's have wireless, but you have to pay for access) no one knew anything about any wireless signal. How weird is that? There wasn't anything else anywhere around so the signal, it seems, would have to have been coming from there. There was a small Ultramar truck stop/restaurant a quarter mile further down the road so we moved to there thinking that if the signal wasn't coming from Irving it must be from the other place. The Ultramar had no signal at all. The great unsolved mystery!

 

Odometer reading = 90,432
Miles for day = 168

 

 

 

8/8/07 and 8/9/07
(St. John's NF)

Approaching St. John's we went to Butter Pot Campground, another Provincial Park. After getting set up, we drove into St. John's where we walked around the downtown area and had lunch at the Celtic Hearth where our table was in front of the open window looking out over the sidewalk. For dessert we walked down the street to Auntie Crae's where they have some kind of machine that squeezes out fruit flavored yogurt.

After spending some time in the downtown area we started back to the campground but got lost and found ourselves up on Signal Hill with Cabot Tower overlooking the entrance to St. John's harbor. The harbor is pretty much carved out of solid rock, and the narrow entrance passes between near vertical stone bluffs. In the days of sailing ships I don't see how an enemy naval force could ever penetrate the harbor. However, I'm told that at some point the English successfully drove the French out. I'll have to wait until I can get online to find out exactly what happened and how they did it. Anyway, we did eventually make our way back to Butter Pot Park.

Back in June when we were visiting Irene and Harry in New Jersey, they told us that when we got to St. John's we should look up an aunt of Irene's friend Peggy. Irene even called Peggy to get her aunt's address and phone number. We called "Aunt Louise," who said we should come right over, which we did. After visiting with her in her home for a period of time, Louise (that's what she said we should call her) drove us around St. John's showing us a number of places of interest.


Sharyn in the window at the Celtic Hearth

Me eating frozen yogurt in front of Auntie Crae's Coffee Shop

Cabot Tower atop Signal Hill

Fisheries Patrol vessel entering St. John's Harbor (taken from top of Signal Hill)

View of the harbor with St. John's in the background (also taken from top of Signal Hill)

Fog rolling into St. John's harbor


Odometer reading = 90,509
Miles for day = 77

 

 

 

8/10/07 to 8/15/07
(St. John's NF)

We decided that Butter Pot Park, at 25 miles from St. John's, was too far out of town so we relocated to Pippy Park Campground right in town. In addition to the close proximity, Pippy Park also has water and electric at the campsites—a very nice perk, particularly when we're going to be here for more than a few days.

Pretty much every day we did some driving around, some days more than other days. Probably most of the driving around was with Louise driving us all around St. John's and surrounding communities and places of interest. On several occasions we ate at different restaurants, Louise's house, our motorhome, and even had afternoon tea in the crypt at St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral where Louise and her family have been major supporters for decades. Louise, who has the keys to the entire building, gave us an extended private tour, and detailed history, of all parts of the cathedral. Apparently Louise told the Church Archivist of all the photos we had taken and several days later we were back again taking more photos for the archivist.

Louise also gave us the tour and history of the Roman Catholic Basilica. Kept in the Convent adjacent to the Basilica is the amazing marble sculpture, "The Veiled Virgin." We were there late in the day and the convent was closed. Louise wanted us to see this sculpture and she went to "see if we can get in." Sharyn and I waited in the car and I told Sharyn that if anyone answers the door she'll get us in. Not only did we get in but they sent for the nun who could tell us the story behind the Veiled Virgin. Another private showing.

I have to say that I'm 69 years old and throughout my lifetime I have met many very interesting (read not run of the mill) people. Louise is right up there near the top of the list. She is 87 years old, and except for 30 years when she lived and worked in New York City, she has lived her entire life here in St. John's. There are few people alive today that know more about St. John's (and probably Newfoundland and Labrador as well) and its history than she does. I'm sure there's no one who knows the detailed history of the Cathedral as well as she does. Sharyn and I had considerable difficulty keeping up with her, and as Sharyn said, she carries herself and moves around better than I do. Anyway, she was our companion and private tour guide during our entire time here, and now is our very good friend as well.

One of the places we visited was Cape Spear, just a few miles southeast of St. John's, and the most easterly point in North America which lies 1,315 miles east of Washington DC (only 2300 miles west of Ireland).. From the bluff where the lighthouse is located we watched a number of whales that were feeding or playing in the water between the point and St. John's harbor. Whales are really everywhere.

I would have great difficulty describing everything we did and all the places we saw. Suffice it to say that Louise and St. John's are, and will remain, the highlight of this trip. Hopefully, the photos below will convey some sense of what we did.

 

Sharyn and Louise climb steps to Cape Spear lighthouse

Whales spouting off of Cape Spear (should have had my other lens)

Sharyn listening as Louise tells a story

View from Beachy Cove Cafe where we had tea

Louise gave me these—recommends 2 tablespoons of whisky in a jar of Seville Orange Marmalade

Inside the Anglican Cathedral

Louise describing the Catholic Basilica to Sharyn

The Veiled Virgin

Having tea in the Crypt

Sharyn and Louise ready for dinner

The waiter took our picture

Harbor entrance as seen from restaurant window at dusk

A small piece of downtown as seen from across the harbor

Old downtown residential neighborhood

A residential doorway

Another residential doorway

"Main Street" St. John's (that's not the name)


Odometer reading = 90,542
Miles for day = 8

 

 

 

8/16/07
(Clarenville NF)

Checkout time was 1 o'clock and that's when we pulled out of the campground. As Sharyn was finishing up getting us set to leave I ran over to Louise's to give her some more photos of the cathedral that we printed for her last night.

At around 3:pm we pulled off to make a cup of coffee before continuing on to Clarenville where we pulled went into town planning to spend the night in Walmart. It turned out that Walmart was closed and that the Airstream group that we keep bumping into was was parked in the parking lot. We pulled in anyway. It turned out that Walmart has relocated to a new location, while the old Walmart has been turned into a small mall. We talked about moving to the new Walmart location, but decided we're happy where we are. When we leave here in the morning we'll probably go by Walmart anyway so Sharyn can get some more yarn.


Coffee break time

Odometer reading = 90,663
Miles for day = 120

 

 

 

8/17/07
(Deer Lake NF)

Since we were going to pass through Gander today as we drove west, we decided to stop at that Walmart instead of going to the one in Clarenville. The one in Gander seems to possibly be larger than the norm. Anyway, we did stop there and Sharyn got the yarn she wanted (she said they had a greater selection of yarns than she's seen anyplace), plus some Jiff peanut butter which has been hard to find (we had to buy Skippy).

Not too far from Gander we passed another government truck that had just finished loading a dead moose from the side of the highway. We do keep keep a lookout for moose, and there are plenty of signs telling you you better. Maybe they need some signs about caribou also. We were probably going about 55 mph when a large caribou (reindeer), with a big rack, ran across in front of us, going from left to right (with caribou, both sexes have antlers). I hit the brakes hard enough to avoid hitting her, but within two seconds her calf ran out also. I thought the calf (not too small) was going to take out the front left corner of the motorhome, but at very last moment he saw us bearing down on him and took an emergency left turn that apparently did the trick—the sound of his crashing into the motorhome never came. That, I'm sure, was a great relief to the three of us.

As we were getting ready to leave St. John's Louise gave us a spray bottle of Rain-X to apply to the windshield. For most of the day today we were driving in intermittent rain and drizzle, accompanied by heavy cross winds, and never had to use the windshield wipers. The wind just blows the beaded raindrops off of the windshield. I really like that because I can't stand the noise the wipers sometimes make.

It was not our intention to go so far today, but since it was raining we just kept going. Shortly before getting to Deer Lake we came out from under the dark cloud cover and into the sunshine. We are now in the Irving Truck stop (with wireless Internet) where we'll spend the night. Tomorrow we'll probably go to the Gateway to the North Campground, about a half mile north of here.


Odometer reading = 90,943
Miles for day = 280

 

 

 

8/18/07
(Port aux Basques NF)

This morning it was again foggy and drizzling. Actually, when I got up shortly after 6 o'clock I could not see the truck stop building about 50 yards away. Checking the forecast for Deer Lake (we were online) we saw it was supposed to rain this afternoon and tomorrow. A big part of the reason we thought we might stay in Deer Lake for a day was that if it was halfway nice we'd do that boat ride into the fjords that we missed last time. With the weather what it was, and the forecast what it was, we decided to keep moving towards Port aux Basques and the ferry.

After about 100 miles we stopped and got 40 liters (about 10½ gallons) of gas for $45. We anticipate that gas will be much cheaper in Nova Scotia than it is here on Newfoundland, a/k/a "The Rock," or "The Island." It was raining lightly as we pulled into the gas station, and it began to pour when we pulled out. We're now set up at Chessman Provincial Park, about 6 miles from Port aux Basques, and it's still pouring down rain. The guy in the campsite across the road just moved because his site is now a small lake. We are backed up to the river, which we thought made it a cool site when we selected it, but now with the river running a little high Sharyn is concerned that we'll get washed away. Since we're only several hundred yards from where the river empties out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence I don't think that's a problem.

A few hours ago we drove the car into Port aux Basques and went to a small grocery store where we bought ten packages of Harvest Time Soup Mix, mostly different kinds of dry peas, barley, and rice. Sharyn bought several bags last time we were here and we really liked it a lot (she added some other stuff) but we have been unable to find it anywhere else. That's why we bought 10 bags.

We called the ferry company to get a reservation on the 10:am ferry tomorrow, but the first available space is on the 5:pm boat. We have reservations on that boat.


Sharyn watching the river rise

We're pretty close to the river

Odometer reading = 91,103
Miles for day = 160

 

 

 

8/19/07
(Millville NS)

We awoke to a sunny day, which was nice. We also noted that the river had almost receded to where it belongs. We had planned that if it was nice we'd drive back out to Rose Blanche and take more pictures, possibly retaking some that we took on July 14 when it was so foggy, but by the time we finished our coffee and conversation a somewhat heavy cloud cover had moved in so we canceled that idea.

Since the ferry company wanted us there at least an hour before departure we really didn't have much time to do anything else anyway, plus there isn't a lot to do in Port aux Basques, particularly when we were here about five weeks ago, so we figured we'd just get ready and go down to the staging area. After getting there early, the ferry didn't leave until 7:pm, two hours late. The six hour ride seemed a lot longer than that, and a lot longer than the trip over. Anyway, we got in to North Sidney at 1:am and only went a few miles to the gas station where we had fueled up on our way to Newfoundland several weeks ago. We pulled around to the side of the station where we put out the slides and went straight to bed. I guess we were both overtired and/or not relaxed because neither of us fell asleep very quickly.


Odometer reading = 91,118
Miles for day = 15

 

 

 

8/20/07
(Amherst NS)

I woke up at eight o'clock and, after plugging in the coffee pot, went into the gas station to tell the man who we were and why we were there. He said he hadn't even seen us and it was fine that we were there. Shortly after I got back to the motorhome Sharyn got up and we had our coffee and conversation + breakfast. After buying some gas, we thanked the man in the gas station for his hospitality and were on our way. We stopped in Antigonish were we bought some bread and salad before continuing on again.

We made one final stop on the side of the road near Truro where Sharyn made another pot of coffee which she put into our mugs so we could drink it as we drove. At Amherst we got off the highway to buy gas. After getting the gas we pulled in to the adjacent parking area of Canadian Tire where we're spending the night. After dinner we walked through Canadian Tire to check it out. They are great stores that I wish were in the US—sort of a mixture of Southern States/Advance Auto/and Lowe's without the lumber. I bought a six foot piece of 1/8th inch steel cable and some cable crimps to make a locking cable for my bike that would be the size and weight I want (I've bought two in the past that I ended up not liking).

It seems from our daily progress since leaving St. John's NF (not to be confused with Saint John NB which is where we're headed) that we may be afflicted with "the horse heading back to the barn" syndrome .


Odometer reading = 91,367
Miles for day = 249

 

 

 

8/21/07 to 8/24/07
(Saint John NB)

It was probably 10:am when we finally pulled out of the parking lot at Canadian Tire, headed for Rockwood Park, the city owned campground in St. John. It had been our intention to only pay for three days and then play it by ear from there. However, seeing that the cost was $28/day, but only $128/week we decided to do the week. The fact is we probably would have stayed a week anyway, just adding several days at a time (like we do in lots of places). Rockwood Park here in St. John seems to be our regular stepping off point both coming into and going out of Canada. It's just a giant gravel parking lot (although with full hookups) that we feel comfortable at.

Since arriving here we've been to Staples, Walmart, and several supermarkets, but have yet to go into downtown (actually they call it "uptown") St. John. If the rain stops we'll probably do that tomorrow. The first three days here we had beautiful weather—sunny, clear, and 75º—but since late last night it has been raining nonstop. Actually, we were not online this morning as the legs on the tripod the satellite dish is mounted on had sunk into the wet ground beneath the gravel to the point that the dish was no longer on the satellite. We realigned the dish and hope it doesn't move any further.

Yesterday was a *major* "clean the motorhome" day. Every interior surface, from the toilet to the windshield, was either vacuumed or washed down and scrubbed, things were reorganized, put away, or thrown away. The sinks and shower look brand spanking new. The entire place looks quite nice and uncluttered.

A new addition to this website is our granddaughter Katlin's journal of the ten day trip her church youth orchestra took back in June. I think she plans to edit it and perhaps include some photographs, but in the meantime, here it is.


Our rather wet campsite

Odometer reading = 91,502
Miles for day = 135

 

 

 

8/25/07 to 8/27/07
(Saint John NB)

After several days of rain and fog, today was a pretty, sunny day, and our last day in Canada. Several days ago we talked about leaving early because, once again, we were tired of the rain and fog, but once again, we stayed and eventually the sun came out. Our week here at Rockwood Park is up tomorrow and we'll be heading back to the US via the crossing at Saint Stephen/Calais It will have been eight weeks since we crossed into Canada on July 4th.

Yesterday we went into town (the "uptown" part) for a Sunday breakfast and to just walk around. We did both, but most places were closed. Being such a tourist destination we were surprised. Anyway, we went back again today (it's less than 2 miles from the campground), did our walking around, including the City Market and the wharf, bought a newspaper, had a cup of coffee, and just had an easy day (I know, they're all easy).


A portion of the City Market

Some of the produce

A view of Uptown Saint John from the wharf area

Sharyn reads the paper while I take pictures

I like this picture


Odometer reading = 91,502
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

8/28/07
(Newport ME)

We took our time getting ready to leave Rockport Park. Having been there for a week it's taken longer to get underway than if we'd only been there a day or two. Anyway, we were in no hurry so it didn't matter that it was past one o'clock when we pulled out.

It was 71 miles to the US border where, when we were inspected, they confiscated a rather old orange that had gotten lost in the back of the refrigerator. There was also some question about Sharyn's Christmas cactus, a plant that she has had for years. The girl said that it was clear that this was not a plant that had just been purchased in Canada, which would have had to been confiscated, and that in the exercise of her discretion she was going to allow Sharyn to keep it.

A few miles inside the US we stopped to fill our gas tank—71 gallons for $202. That was a lot cheaper than the $4+ we had been paying in Canada ($5 in Labrador). I guess wives and husbands, males and females, have certain gender traits. About 30 miles before reaching the US border, Sharyn wanted me to stop and get some gas so that we'd be sure not to run out. I pulled into a gas station and put in 18 liters (almost 5 gallons) for $20. While I was pumping the gas I was talking to the guy on the other side of the pump (another American) who was putting gas into his car that was towing a small popup. I told him that ideally you'd cross the border into the US and pull into a gas station with your tank on reserve. He said that's what he was going to do but that his wife made him stop. I laughed and said, "mine too." He bought $15 worth.

It was probably around 5 o'clock (Eastern time) that we pulled into Walmart here in Newport ME where we bought groceries including milk and ice cream, both for half what we would have had to pay in Canada. I would not buy ice cream in Canada because at $7 for a half gallon I would have had to cry while eating it.

A few other thoughts or comments about this latest trip into Canada: (1) The price for gasoline, milk, and ice cream were particularly egregious, although almost everything seemed to be quite expensive. It may be that this was also the case on our prior visits and that the US/Canadian dollar exchange rate (then very favorable) sort of hid the facts—but I don't think so. (2) On top of the prices there is a 14% sales tax (they call it 14% HST) on everything. That 14% tax is even added to traffic tickets and postage! (3) The people are very friendly throughout the Maritime Provinces (Atlantic Canada), more so the further east you go. (4) We had too much rain. We certainly didn't expect all nice and sunny days, but more sun than rain would have been nice (it actually got that way towards the end, possibly, in part, because of the time of year). (5) The two most memorable segments were Labrador and St. John's NF —the two places we almost didn't go. Labrador would not have been as good if we had not blown the hydraulic line which caused us to meet Mary Jane, the hydraulic repair person, and extended our stay there. Louise not only made St. John's a great part of the trip, but she herself will always be the most memorable part. It's all far away, but we are already talking about returning.


Odometer reading = 91,701
Miles for day = 199

 

 

 

8/29/07
(Gardiner ME)

It didn't take too long to drive to Augusta ME where we sought out and pulled into the shopping mall that included Barnes and Noble where I spent most of the day reading. Basically Sharyn did the same except for a short time she went to walk through some of the other stores. I've often said that if I had to live in one place it should be an apartment upstairs over a Barnes and Noble.

Shortly before 5:pm my cousin Myra, who we had talked to earlier on the telephone, stopped by the motorhome (which was parked in front of B&N). We all talked for several hours before deciding to move to Myra's driveway in Gardiner, about 7 miles south of Augusta, where we spent the night.


Odometer reading = 91,757
Miles for day = 56

 

 

 

8/30/07
(Sacco ME)

Myra drives a Toyota Prius, which is a hybrid car. When she leaves the house in the morning there is no sound of a starter engaging the engine, but rather the car moves forward out of the driveway powered by a silent electric motor. She never made a sound and we didn't know she was gone Anyway, when we got up we didn't know if we'd be leaving today or not. Sharyn wanted to go to Freeport to check out the stores and outlets, and of course, LL Bean. With this being Labor Day weekend we figured that if we were going to go to Freeport it would be a good idea to be in and out before the weekend started.

I arranged to meet Myra to help her buy a laptop computer since the only one she has belongs to the State of Maine and she will not put any personal stuff on the State's computer. After Myra had bought her computer Sharyn and I returned to the motorhome, hooked up the car, and headed for Freeport. Arriving in Freeport we were met by a sign directing us to "Bus and RV Parking," which we followed. Walking the 100 yards from the parking lot to Main Street, we found ourselves in front of the LL Bean bicycle store—I didn't even know that LL Bean sold bicycles. Not being in the market for a bicycle or any bike accessories we didn't stay too long,but I did look at a nice Specialized that I picked up to see how light it might be. It weighed very little, but cost $2,000. I told Sharyn that for $2,000 it shouldn't weight anything!

We then went to the main LL Bean store where Sharyn walked around and bought a few things while I sat and waited on a bench. The main store is quite nice, but I don't think it's the same one that was here the last time we were in Freeport. In fact, it seems to me that the bike store is what used to be the main, and at that time the only, LL Bean store. After leaving LL Bean we walked around for a bit but Sharyn said that all the other stores were the same as the outlet stores in all the outlet places so we went back to the motorhome and left town.

Heading for Manchester NH to visit our grandson Scott, who is a brand new collage freshman, we drove as far as Sacco ME where we spent the night in the same Walmart we had stopped at when heading north several months ago.


LL Bean's Courtyard at Main Store

Odometer reading = 91,828
Miles for day = 71

 

 

 

8/31/07 to 9/2/07
(New Boston NH)

Arriving at the FamCamp at the Air Force Tracking Station on Labor Day weekend it was not surprising that they had no available sites. The host, however, was very helpful and told us we could set up on the lawn in front of the office where there was another unit, or he could put us by an equipment shed about ¼ mile away, which would be ugly, but where we could plug into 20 amps. We opted for the 20 amps, but while we were setting up a major (who turned out to be the deputy base commander) drove up and wanted to know who told us we could park there. To make a long story short, the campground host got chewed out and we ended up on the grass, which was a far nicer setup, but without any electric (water and sewer aren't too important for several days, but electric is nice to have). This really isn't a base at all, there are no barracks, mess hall, or anything like that. Just the big satellite tracking antennas and lots of security carrying automatic weapons. We wondered if perhaps there should not even be a campground there

Anyway, the next day we went to visit Scott, picking him up in front of his dorm and taking him into town (Manchester) for lunch. After lunch we brought him back to the motorhome for awhile before returning to campus where we checked out the bookstore and allowed him to return to his dorm to do laundry. Since his roommates were still sleeping (it was only about 1 o'clock) we didn't get to see his dorm room.

The next day we drove up to Concord NH, about 25 miles, where we spent a big chunk of the afternoon at Border's Books. Greg and Paulette had given me gift cards from Border's and I used the cards to buy several books and a magazine.


Dry camped on the grass

Sharyn took this picture of Scott in front of his dorm

 

Odometer reading = 91,915
Miles for day = 87

 

 

 

9/3/07
(Portsmouth NH)

It was only a short drive to the Walmart near Portsmouth (there is a Walmart in Portsmouth but the City of Portsmouth has a law that says RVers may not stay overnight in Portsmouth except in a licensed campground) where we stay whenever we visit my sister in Portsmouth. Parking the motorhome in the area behind the building, we drove the car to my sister's apartment where she had prepared a luncheon for the three of us. After lunch we drove downtown where we walked around for awhile and sat at a sidewalk table where we talked and watched all the people milling around. Later we walked across what my sister refers to as "my bridge" (where US-1 crosses the Piscataqua River) before going out to dinner at a waterfront seafood restaurant. After dinner we returned to the motorhome where it took us quite a while to get to sleep because of the heat that had built up during the day.


Downtown Portsmouth

This has to be the coolest car in Portsmouth

This flower was growing in the parking lot

Dock behind the restaurant where we ate

 

Odometer reading = 91,973
Miles for day = 58

 

 

 

9/4/07 to 9/8/07
(Bedford MA)

It was around midday when we arrived at the FamCamp at Hanscom AFB about 13 miles (as the crow flies) northwest of Boston. There were no full hookup sites available but they gave us a very nice no sewer site (that's not much of a problem)in the trees that was close enough to the office that we were able to get on their WiFi Internet connection. That evening the host husband came by and told us we could move to a full hookup site the next day, which we did.

The FamCamp is off base and I have taken up riding my bike again, after a two month hiatus, going to the commissary for milk or the BX for auto polish. There has clearly been a deterioration of endurance since I stopped riding. I'll have to get that back. For the most part we've just been enjoying the luxury of having all our utilities, including cell phone, satellite TV, and satellite Internet, all or most of which was unavailable for much of the last two months.

Sharyn has a warm spot in her heart for witches, so today we drove over to Salem (about 25 miles) to check out the Witch Museum and other witch related stuff. Well, it was clear to both of us that the Witch Museum is as fraudulent as the witch trials themselves. Our expectations were not too high, but we thought it would be a museum with stuff on display. It wasn't. It was a large dark room with multiple balcony like alcoves depicting the trials, secret meetings, etc., that were illuminated one at a time as the taped story was told. Not to be too critical, but it was like a poor imitation of Disney World. Actually the high point of the trip was our stop at Ben & Jerry's

Yesterday and today the temperature topped out in the 90's, but prior to that the weather could not have been nicer. Even with the 90's, they were beautiful days. Right now, however, the leading edge of a cold front is pushing severe thunderstorms down upon us.

Also, today is our granddaughter's 10th birthday—Happy Birthday Mary!


Sharyn walking through "downtown" Salem

A witch offering directions ?

Just a nice photograph

Odometer reading = 92,039
Miles for day = 66

 

 

 

9/9/07 to 9/18/07
(Bedford MA)

We've now been at the Hanscom AFB FamCamp for two weeks and we're really enjoying everything about our stay here; the surrounding area, the historical sites, the weather, and the bike trails. We have even commented that maybe we should come back the same time next year and stay for a month!

Pretty much everyone in America is, to some extent, aware of the the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and the battles at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 (for a brief refresher/description which will put much of this in context click here). The FamCamp is located about two miles north of the road between Lexington and Concord—pretty much smack in the middle of where the American Reveloution began—and we have been traveling to both Lexington and Concord, mostly by bicycle, for a number of days. A portion of the road between here and Concord runs through Minuteman National Park and within the park several miles of the original road (Battle Road) have been preserved and can followed today by bike or on foot, which we did when we rode to Concord. While this old road has been preserved, it does not look as it did in 1775. The road from Lexington to Concord, Battle Road, is today largely a road through the woods. At the time of the Revolution the road ran through open fields and farmland. All the trees has been cut down for fuel and building material probably 100 years before the battles of Lexington and Concord.

There is also a great bike trail that begins about two miles from the FamCamp and runs for eleven miles, about half way to Boston. This is a "rail to trail" route that used to be the railroad from Bedford to Boston. Today you can ride the trail to the end, at which point you can still take the train the remaining distance to Boston. Anyway, about 3½ miles from here the bike trail runs right through Lexington and we have ridden it several times—it's really quite nice. We also like Lexington. It could be a Norman Rockwell town.

By the way, the other day as we were just getting into Concord on our bicycles, we met another couple coming the other way along the trail. As they went by the lady smiled and said "good morning." Sharyn said she looked and sounded like Doris Kerns Goodwin, perhaps my favorite historian/author. I said I hadn't noticed her face, but that it did sound like her and that she did live somewhere in New England. Well, it turns out she and her husband live in Concord and it was her..


Bike path on way to Lexington

Sharyn and tour guide at Lexington Green beneath statue of Capt. John Parker

The North Bridge in Concord

Sharyn at Minuteman Monument at far end of North Bridge

Minuteman Monument as seen from middle of bridge

One of the numerous graves of British Regulars

Sharyn at site of Paul Revere's capture

Historical map of battle route Boston to Concord

Map of Minuteman National Park

Hartwell Tavern on Battle Road - a popular stop for travelers going to and from Boston

Waiting for lunch in Concord

Sidewalk restaurant in Lexington

Lexington sidewalk as seen from my bench

A "traveling 'bent" for two

 

Odometer reading = 92,039
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/19/07 to 10/2/07
(Bedford MA)

We've been here for almost a month which is quite a while for us to spend in one place. We really have enjoyed the area and our stay here. In fact, in spite of the fact that the people of Massachusetts continue to elect people like Ted Kennedy and John Kerry to represent them in Congress (can't figure that out), we have found them to be very pleasant, friendly and helpful. In fact, we had been talking about maybe coming back again the same time next year and spending another month. That has now morphed into the possibility of our hosting here for six months next year, from May 1 through October 31, 2008. We met and enjoyed the present host couple, Davvy and Bernie, who say that they're not crazy about having a full time job for six months straight. If this works out, next year we'll both be here and take turns—e.g. two weeks on; two weeks off, etc.

We, maybe most people, tend to get caught up in the area where we are at the time. Being here has gotten me looking into more about the American Revolution, events leading up to it, etc. Reading Thomas Paine's Common Sense (which I was probably supposed to read in school a lifetime ago) I was impressed with his writing and expression of thought. I'm also reading John Adams by David McCullough which contains portions of letters written by Adams, his wife, and other people of the time. As I told Sharyn, people today don't and can't write like that (clear, precise, expressions of thought set forth with beautiful use of language). Probably because written communication between people seldom occurs anymore. You just call on the phone and speak, and spoken words tend to be much less precise or thought out. Anyway, those are just some thoughts that probably have nothing to do with anything.

We've continued to do quite a bit of bike riding—even Sharyn who rides very little and says she doesn't enjoy it has, on several occasion, proposed we ride to this place or that, usually via the bike trail. I rode the length of the Minuteman Bike Trail all the way to Cambridge, and several times beyond Cambridge (some 20+ miles) several times. By the skin of my teeth I made my 200 miles for the month of September after doing almost no riding in July and August. (See Bike Stats -- requires OpenOffice.org). I have to mention that the people here are very accommodating to bicycle riders on the roadways. Approaching an intersection or trying to cross a street, drivers, perhaps without exception, are quick to stop and signal you to cross. An entire line of oncoming traffic will stop and wait for you with no one seeming to be impatient or bothered by the delay. I find that quite amazing, particularly in that there seem to be no exceptions.

Other than all the above we've just been living our lives doing routine kind of stuff that doesn't bear writing about.


Minuteman Bike Trail between Lexington and Cambridge

Another intruder in the motorhome

 

Odometer reading = 92,039
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

10/3/07
(Boonton NJ)

After meeting with the director of Hanscom AFB Outdoor Rec about our hosting next year we said good-bye to this year's hosts, Davvy and Bernie, (who we would be co-hosting with next year) and pulled out of the FamCamp around one o'clock. We had a pretty uneventful drive through Massachusetts and Connecticut, eventually picking up I-287 that enables us to totally bypass the entire New York City metropolitan area. As it worked out, at dusk we were approaching Boonton NJ where Harry and Irene live. It's their son Neal's wedding that we're going to in Atlantic City on Saturday so we called ahead to see if we could spend the night in their driveway. Not getting any answer we opted for Walmart instead. Normally we would just have pulled into their driveway and let them come home and find us there, but we were afraid that with the wedding just days away, coming home and finding us there, Irene might think that we had showed up three days early. We didn't want to shock her with that fear so that's why we went to Walmart.

A short while later while Sharyn was in Walmart buying some knitting yarn they called and invited to their place but I told them we were all set for the night.


Odometer reading = 92,275
Miles for day = 236

 

 

 

10/4/07 and 10/5/07
(Fort Dix NJ)

Fort Dix being not too distant from Boonton we arrived here well before noon and checked into Willow Pond FamCamp. Fort Dix has two very small campgrounds, each with only eight sites. We haven't seen the other one, but we like it where we are.

After getting set up we rode our bikes over to the BX which turned out to be located on McGuire AFB (McGuire AFB is located within the confines of Fort Dix just as Pope AFB is located within the confines of Fort Bragg). It's one of the largest BX's we've seen and I ended up getting new Ralph Lauren slacks and jacket because Sharyn said I needed them (I've lost over 25 pounds since I bought my suit), plus even I had to recognize that it was too good a deal to pass up.

Halfway to the BX I realized that I had forgotten to wear my helmet. As we were leaving the BX to ride back to the motorhome I was stopped by security and told that I could not ride on base without it. It being too far to walk, I used Sharyn's helmet to ride back and get mine, then ride back to the BX to bring Sharyn her helmet so we could both ride back to the motorhome. It was a good ride.

The unrelated bad thing is that we have a leak in our hot water tank that was discovered when Sharyn went into the bedroom barefooted. The carpet was damp! Luckily it seems to be a slow leak, but one that has probably been happening for several days. Anyway, we have an appoint with a Camping World not too far from here to have the tank replaced on Monday. In the meanwhile we keep the water to the hot water tank turned off unless we're taking a shower.

Tomorrow morning we're moving 50 miles to a private campground that is less than two miles from the wedding and reception.


Willow Pond Campground


Odometer reading = 92,367
Miles for day = 92

 

 

 

10/6/07
(Abescon NJ)

We left Fort Dix a little after 10 o'clock and arrived here at Shady Pines Camping Resort just before noon. At $40 per day this is definitely one of the most expensive campgrounds we've ever stayed in, but it's less than two miles from the Marriott Seaside Resort where both the wedding and the reception took place (six miles to Atlantic City). This isn't a campground in the usual sense of the word in that while they have some sites for RVs, the bulk of their 140 sites are occupied by more permanent "park models" that are never moved. When checking in I noticed that the seasonal rate was $2800.

Anyway, one night will work for us. We took showers, got dressed, and went to the wedding. Neil is Harry and Irene's youngest son, well into his 30's, and the last to get married.

Watching what I think of as "all these young people" (mostly in their 30's and early 40's), guys in their suits and tuxes, pretty girls in their gowns and dresses, I can't help but think that in their minds they are where it's at—that's what we thought when we were that age. We were right, and so are they. Time moves on, and that's good. I've always used the analogy of the leaves turning brown and falling from the trees to make room for the new spring growth.

Unbeknowingly accentuating the point, Danny, their oldest son, grouped four of us together to take our picture. Harry, George, Manny, and myself—friends since high school, more than 50 years ago. Danny's going to e-mail me that picture, and when he does I'll post it here.


Odometer reading = 92,425
Miles for day = 68

 

 

 

10/7/07
(Swedesboro NJ)

We unhurriedly left Shady Pines around midday and drove to Camping World here in Swedesboro, ten miles north of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, where they are scheduled to replace our leaking hot water heater sometime tomorrow. The temperature was well into the 80's but we managed to park in the shade of the building and it wasn't too bad, particularly with the good breeze that was blowing. However, as it began to get dark, the air got still and it became somewhat uncomfortable. While the outside air temperature may have cooled off, all the blacktop surface of the parking lot which had been acting as a giant heat sink all day began radiating back all the accumulated heat of the day.

Before going to bed I took a cold shower which helped a lot. By the time we were in bed and reading (we always read at night) it was quite comfortable.


Odometer reading = 92,491
Miles for day = 66

 

 

 

10/8/07
(Swedesboro NJ)

It was Monday morning and we were up and ready well before Camping World opened at 9:am. It seemed that there had been no need to hurry as they did not get to us until a little past 1 o'clock There is nothing anywhere near Camping World so until they were ready for us we pretty much just hung out in the motorhome and read. I was not too happy that we could not remain in and with the motorhome while it was being worked on, but we did it their way. Once they took our unit into the shop we were stuck with nothing to do and nowhere to do it. We did the obligatory walking around their retail store, but at this point there isn't too much that we need so we didn't buy anything. It was a good walk around, however, as Sharyn spotted a sign on the hot water heaters that said if you bought a heater before October 17 you'd get 50% off on installation. They had not mentioned that to us, but had quoted an installation fee of $213.

At 5:pm, when the job was finished and it was time to pay I reminded they guy doing the invoice about the sign we'd seen. As he redid the invoice he said he wished I'd mentioned it before he had started. It seems that he/they should have told us. The installation fee went to $106.

Anyway, after a dinner (we were hungry) of salmon roulade, asparagus, and salad, we took hot showers and went to bed.

 

Odometer reading = 92,491
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

10/9/07
(Louisa VA)

We were up by 6:am, on the road by 8:am, and in Jordan's driveway (actually on the slab adjacent to the driveway) by 2:pm. Shortly after Jordan got home we had finished hooking up all our utility lines and connected to the TV and Internet satellite dishes that are permanently attached to the back of the shed (tree branches block our usual setup procedures). As the three of us sat in the yard talking Phil stopped by to see us and stayed for dinner.

It was a nice day!

 

Odometer reading = 92,728
Miles for day = 237

 

10/14/07

Two pictures from the wedding on 10/6/07, compliments of Danny

The four old guys—friends for 50 years (Manny, George, me, Harry)

Three of the brides—Bunny, Sharyn, Irene

 

 

 

10/10/07 to 12/3/07
(Louisa VA)

This has probably been the longest interval between updates since we've been traveling. Normally we would arrive here in Central Virginia just before Thanksgiving and remain until just after Christmas. This year, however, a November 2nd appointment with the eye doctor required us to be here earlier than we would have.

Bill and Cheryl, friends from Arkansas that we first met at the first Great North American RV Rally in Gillette WY in July 2000, came with their motorhome for Thanksgiving week. We all enjoyed their visit which, in addition to Thanksgiving dinner, included a trip to the Museum of the Confederacy and the Confederate White House in Richmond, and a day trip to the Norfolk Naval Station (the largest naval base in the world). We were surprised to see the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy, which we had seen in Mayport last year, being decommissioned at Norfolk.

Several days ago Sharyn and Jordan went to New York where they are going to visit our son Greg out on Long Island and then spend several days in Jersey with Harry and Irene which is to include a "girl's trip" into Manhattan to shop and see the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center.

Rather than try to find some other things worth writing about I'll just put up some pictures (with commentary where appropriate).


Virginia's summer drought becomes apparent when Jordan mows the grass

One of the roads I travel along my bicycle route

A little further on I pedaled past this scene

Red maple leaves in fall color

Bill at the entrance to The Museum of the Confederacy

USS Nimitz — what a giant ship! (We had been right up to it but were not allowed to take pictures while in that area)

Phil, Bill, Cheryl, Sharyn, Jordan, and myself have dinner at Romano's Italian Restaurant

Jordan and her hound dog Jill

Cheryl and Sharyn on Charlottesville Downtown Mall

The motorhomes seem larger than the house (it's close)

Shane, Jordan, Phil, and me (I can't believe I didn't change)

 

Odometer reading = 92,728
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/4/07 to 12/28/07
(Louisa VA)

Sharyn and Jordan returned from their trip to New York and New Jersey where they had a great time. Sharyn is very much a "people person," plus she loves the Christmas Season, so walking the streets and stores of midtown Manhattan, including Macy's , Lord and Taylor's, FAO Schwartz, Tiffany's, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, etc., with all the festive Christmas shoppers was the best of everything for her.

This was a rather unique Christmas as our kids were spread out all over the Country; from Long Island, to Kansas City, to Savannah, Georgia. Jordan was the only one in Virginia. While it was not a big table for Christmas dinner, we all enjoyed the day, the company, and the occasion.

Today, while I was getting all the motorhome related stuff ready to leave, Sharyn helped Jordan get her house back to its "before my parents got here" condition. Tomorrow morning we're leaving here and heading to South Carolina.


Sharyn opens a Christmas present while Jill sleeps

Jordan with her father and her dog

Lots of work in the kitchen


Odometer reading = 92,728
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

12/29/07
(Sumter SC)

This morning Jordan joined us for coffee and conversation in the motorhome which went on for some time as we were all enjoying it, and saying good-bye at the same time.

It was midmorning before we actually got going. After about 40 miles we stopped for gas and saw that the right rear tires were running hotter than the other tires (we use an inferred pointer kind of thing to measure the surface temperature of the tires) and appeared kind of low. It turned out that the outside tire only had 20 pounds of air. We then checked the remaining tires, all of which had the proper 90 pounds. Checking the pressure in the rear tires requires pulling the wheel covers so it's not something I do as regularly as I should. It was actually on my list of things to do yesterday in the getting ready process, but because it was raining I didn't bother.

The air hose at the gas station (50¢ for air!) would not go on to the tire valves so we used the small compressor Sharyn gave me for Christmas several years ago. It took awhile to get that tire up to 90 pounds, but at least we were able to do it. Several years ago we needed air and could not find anyplace (it was a rural area) that had enough pressure. One place we did try we found the air was leaving the tire and running back into the air take which turned out to only have 35 pounds! It was after that that Sharyn gave me the compressor.

It was about noon by the time we were back on the road again, but the rest of the trip was non-eventful. We stopped at the North Carolina Welcome Center for lunch, and later on, at dusk, we stopped at a Flying-J for propane. We briefly discussed whether we should continue on or spend the night at Flying-J, but opted to continue on — it was only another 75 miles.

It was a week or so ago that we called the FamCamp here at Shaw AFB to reserve our favorite site, which we were told was available, and which we then paid for. When we got here, however, we found that site to be taken by someone who has been here for a number of months. Since it is the weekend the office is closed so we just took another site. I'm not sure what's the purpose in prepaying for a particular site. Oh well . . . .

We're not sure how long we'll be here since we really have no specific plans for the period between now and May 1, and then only if we do the campground hosting at Hanscomb AFB in Massachusetts.


Jordan at early morning coffee and conversation


Odometer reading = 93,132
Miles for day = 404

 

 

 

12/30/07 and 12/31/07
(Sumter SC)

We've only been here for two days, and those days could not have been more different. Yesterday it poured down rain, practically nonstop, all day. Today, on the other hand, was beautiful, bright and sunny, with temperatures in the upper 60's. Sharyn did her walk around the base fitness trail and sat out in front of the motorhome reading her book and enjoying the sunshine. I rode my bike around the Perimeter Road before joining Sharyn on our "patio.". It sure is flatter terrain here than what's in Virginia.

There isn't anything else to write about, but this is a necessary entry to wrap up the 2007 Travelog.

It's also the date I have been considered terminating the Travelog. In fact, several months ago I told Sharyn that I'd wrap it up the end of this year. It seems to be more difficult coming up with things to write about than it was several years ago. I suspect that's the result of two things. First, since we seem to be moving around somewhat less than we used to, staying in one place for more extended periods of time yields less to write about that is of any interest to many people. Second, and this I'm not sure of, but having been writing this for eight years (actually 7 years 10 months) and it seems to me that there's less to write about that's new. Like I say, that may or may not be true, but it seems to be the case. In large part, this Travelog has become a place to post photographs that I like. (I guess since it's my Travelog that's okay too)!

Anyway, I think that what I'm going to do for now is continue the Travelog but change the format. I'm not sure what it will be, but I won't be trying to follow the same format that I've felt somewhat locked into. We'll have to see what develops.

In the meanwhile, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

Odometer reading = 93,132
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

 

2008

 

1/1/08 through 1/15/08
(Sumter SC)

Here we are a couple of weeks into 2008 and things are going pretty much as they were at this time last year—we're even at Shaw AFB as we were this time last year.

There are two primary purposes for today's entry. One is to let readers know that that the travelog is, in fact, continuing (we've had several e-mails from followers of this site that they'd like to see it continue, plus Jordan called to tell me that if I don't do something people will assume it's been abandoned and not come back—especially since there was no 2008 page).

The second reason has to do with the photographs that I've received from our granddaughter Katlin. Last summer the youth orchestra from her church, The United Methodist Church Of the Resurrection, did a ten day tour which she described as, ". . . very exciting with a little over 100 band/orchestra students . . . sharing the message of God with people who don’t normally get that spiritual." Part of their itinerary was to travel to some of the areas that had only weeks before been devastated by tornadoes to help with the cleanup effort. Her journal was posted on Stringbean with some of her photographs to follow. Well, the photographs have now been posted and the entire journal, including photographs, can be seen here.

Several nights ago we had a really big rig pull into the campground after dark. We couldn't make out just what it was except that it was different and it was very big. The next day it turned out to be a custom built 45' fifth wheel. In the front part he has the "living quarters," while the rear part (actually the bigger part) is a fully equipped and operational wood working shop, complete with a 15,000 watt generator that runs all his equipment, most of which runs on 220 volts. He weights in at just under 26,000 pounds (not including the truck). That's more than our complete rig including car and kayaks! I wanted to take a picture of the shop interior but he wouldn't let me. Too bad, it was really impressive.

As it stands now it looks as if we'll be here until the end of the month at which time we'll move on the Charleston to visit with our granddaughter Mary as well as a "cousin" who I recently located after not having seen or heard from in over 50 years.


Traveling woodshop

 

Odometer reading = 93,132
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

1/16/08 through 2/18/08
(Sumter SC)

At this time even I think this site is past due for an update. A few weeks ago Bob and Sherry, who we met at the FamCamp at Beale AFB several years ago, stopped by for several days. They have been using HughesNet's satellite system to access the Internet (as have we), but recently switched to Verizon's Wireless Broadband which they have found to be about as fast as DSL, which is considerably faster than satellite. The upside of Verizon's system, in addition to its speed, is that fact that a thing about the size of a cell phone attaches to your computer via a USB cord, and that's all the hardware necessary to get online. No need for setting up the dish, locating the satellite, etc. Plus, you're online all the time (e.g. driving down the highway, etc.). The downside is that you have to be within range of a cell tower. In recent years, however, we have found that we usually do have cell service. Also, I posted the question of accessibility with Hughes vs Verizon on one of the RV forums (this link will probably expire in a few months) and those that have, or have tried Verizon, find it compares favorably with Hughes, and, in fact, most prefer it. It looks as if we'll be hosting the FamCamp at Hanscomb AFB from May through October. Since they have WiFi throughout the campground we're going to cancel HughesNet when we get there, then when we leave at the end of October we'll sign on with Verizon (our cell service will remain with AT&T).

It wasn't too long after Bob and Sherry left that Denis and Mary arrived. We had met them at Wright-Patterson's FamCamp after we finished the 2006 Fall Escapade in Van Wert, Ohio. We ate with them a few times and Denis and I went bike riding several times (Sharyn and Mary both have bikes and were invited to ride with us but they declined). After a few days they left to visit their daughter in Florida.

For a number of years we've heard about geocaching as something that some RVers engage in—kind of a scavenger hunt kind of thing with a GPS. The other day, having visited http://www.geocaching.com/ we looked for caches in the Sumter area, selected two of them, and then set out to see just what this geocaching was all about, and to see if we could find them. It was neat, and we did find them. Actually the second one was a mini-cach, no bigger than a 35mm film canister. I couldn't see it even when Sharyn pointed to it! We haven't done it again since but I'd like to.

Another day we went to Florence, about 40 miles from here, because someone had told Sharyn there was a nice shopping mall there. We found the mall, complete with a Barnes & Noble. I stayed at B&N while Sharyn checked out the mall stores. She didn't too much care for what she found so she came back to B&N and we went into town (Florence) to the Chinese restaurant where we frequently eat with my cousin Bobby and his wife Teresa.

Not too much else going on. I've taken several books out of the base library, mostly having to do with South Carolina's involvement in the American Revolution and Civil wars. Sharyn likes suspense and murder novels and has been knocking them out at the rate of almost one a day! She has become a library regular.

My bike riding goes on, and now that we're out of the winter weather I'm back on track to get my 200 miles per month (See Bike Stats - requires OpenOffice.org Calc). Last week I rode into town to Baskin Robins. I figured that the bad effects of the ice cream would be neutralized by the 19 mile bike ride—and even if it wasn't, so what?


The sun comes up on the other side of the woods

Sharyn's little teapot left from the night before



Odometer reading = 93,132
Miles for day = 0

 

 

This is just to make note of the fact that today, February 25, 2008, marks the 8th anniversary of our pulling out of the driveway in Charlottesville VA to begin our new lifestyle. It is also the first day of our 9th year of full-time RVing

 

 

2/19/08 to 3/1/08
(Sumter SC)

About a week ago we got together again with my third cousin, Margaret, who has been working for the last ten years on researching the Owen Family which came here from England in the mid to late 1800's. She's actually doing this in a very professional manner, has traveled to England, Canada, and numerous other places collecting all the data that she can find. She plans on having all her work published within the next year. I, on the other hand, sort of play with this stuff, satisfying my curiosity and pursuing that which interests me. I recognize, however, that there is an addictive element that comes into play.

Anyway, Margaret wanted to go out to Bloom Hill Cemetery, located on what used to be the 8,000 acre Bloom Hill Plantation. The cemetery is now on a what is known as the Milford Plantation. Having contacted the land manager she arranged for us to go there. She was particularly interested in locating the grave of Luke Blumer Owen, her great grandfather who was born in Dorking Surrey, England on June 27, 1848 and died in Columbia, SC on December 17, 1886. We spent about 45 minutes at the cemetery.

Some number of years ago my mother's brother gave his daughter, Myra, his copy of a book that had been privately published in 1906, "A Genealogical Record with Reminiscences of the Richardson and Burford Families, by Elizabeth Burford Richardson 1906." Last summer I borrowed the book from Myra and photocopied the entire thing. While I had glanced through the book, and had read that portion concerning the Broadways, I had not read the entire thing until our return from Bloom Hill when I discovered that Bloom Hill Plantation was established by Capt. William Richardson, my 5th great grandfather, in the years leading up to the American Revolution, and that during the Revolution Bloom Hill was used by Gen. Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," and his militia as a supply depot and safe haven from the British. Having discovered that information I have since had to buy and read several books on the American Revolution in South Carolina, plus now I have to return to Bloom Hill to photograph the graves of some of my numerous ancestors that are buried there. The only problem is that we won't be back in the Sumter area until next January, and that's only if we don't go back to Quartzsite AZ.

Two things to mention: First, I have struck a deal with Jordan whereby she will digitize and proof read the digitized version of "A Genealogical Record with Reminiscences of the Richardson and Burford Families, by Elizabeth Burford Richardson 1906." At that point it is my intention to post it on the Internet (on stringbean as well as the Sumter County SC genealogical site) so that I might be accessible to others doing research on the Richardson and Burford families. Second, a good book about the guerilla activities of Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox , is oddly enough, "Swamp Fox" by Robert Bass. I particularly enjoyed it because William Broadway, my 3rd great grandfather fought under General Marion in 1782. (He also fought under General Sumter, Col Richardson, and Col Peter Horry).


Margaret, Louis (the property manager), and Sharyn, at the recently cleaned up Bloom Hill Cemetery
(Luke Blumer Owen's grave is the one in the corner by the fence).

In the 1700's the property to the right was part of the 8,000 acre Bloom Hill Plantation



Odometer reading = 93,132
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/2/08 to 3/6/08
(Goose Creek SC)

As I've mentioned before , the longer we've been somewhere, the longer it takes us to get ready to leave. Having been in Sumter for over two months our "getting ready to leave time" was somewhat extended, and that was even after some preliminary getting ready was done the day before. Anyway, it was a few minutes past noon when we pulled out of the campground and stopped for gas. At $3.069 per gallon it cost us $206 to fill the tank. Hearing that gas could go to $4 per gallon we realize that at that price we would have to factor fuel costs into our planning. At $3/gallon it costs us about 40¢ per mile to travel down the highway, and while we are more aware of fuel costs now than we were several years back, we have really made very few adjustments. At $4/gallon our costs per mile (fuel costs only) would rise to 53¢ per mile. At that point some consideration would have to be given to when, where, and how far it is.

Remembering that on other occasions when we stayed in one place for a long time we have experienced low air pressure in the outside rear right tire, I checked the pressure before we got started and it was down to 30 pounds (down from 90 pounds). That tire has been dismounted twice to discover the cause of that leak, but obviously it still leaks. It's slow enough that even submerging the tire in a water tank they were unable to find anything. We're going to have to have it done again, and this time I'll have the seal of the rim wire brushed and a new valve installed. Of course that assumes the leak is not in the tire itself. Anyway, using a little 120 volt compressor that Sharyn gave me we got the pressure back up to 90 pounds, but that little compressor takes quite a while to get there.

Full of gas and air we were finally on our way to the FamCamp at the Charleston Naval Weapons Station which is close to where our granddaughter Mary lives, and is only about 20 miles from downtown Charleston. We stayed here for the first time about a year ago and thought it was really nice. The problem was that this time they had no sites available. We ended up dry camped at the edge of the campground for the first night. The next day we got a site that was available for four days, but now the four days are up and tomorrow we're moving over to the FamCamp at Charleston AFB, about 10 miles south of here.

Yesterday Sharyn and I went to visit another Cousin" of mine, Annie Sue, whom I haven't seen in over 50 years—and who Sharyn had never met. We had lunch with Annie Sue in her apartment where we talked about what has gone on over all these years. The last time I saw her I was probably about 12 years old and she was a "grown up" in her early 20's.

After leaving Annie Sue we drove down to the Battery where we walked along the waterfront, walked up Meeting Street admiring the beautiful old homes and basically enjoying a beautiful sunny day in a very pretty area. Of all the places we've been, Sharyn says that no other place projected the era of pretty ladies strolling along in their hoop skirts, etc. as did the majestic houses along Meeting Street.


Annie Sue

House overlooking the Ashley River near the Battery

Fort Sumter as seen from the Battery (through 320mm lens)

From a bygone era

A window box on Meeting Street

Another magnificent home

This 13" mortar was used by the Federal troop in the bombardment of Fort Sumter in October 1863

 

Odometer reading = 93,242
Miles for day = 110

 

 

 

3/7/08 through 3/9/08
(Charleston SC)

The weather forecast for the day we were leaving the Weapons Station FamCamp called for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the morning, so the night before we put up the awning, brought in the bikes (it gets crowded with the bikes inside), put away all the outside chairs, etc., and disconnected everything except the electric line. That all turned out to have been very worthwhile as the following morning the rain was coming down in torrents. We considered not even hooking up the car but to have Sharyn just follow me and the motorhome over to Charleston AFB. She was concerned that if we got separated she might get lost so we went ahead and hooked up the car in spite of the continuing deluge. Anyway, it was just a short drive to Charleston AFB where we had gone the day before and paid in advance for our campsite.

By the afternoon the rain had stopped and we picked Mary up after school (complete with her bike). We had no sooner gotten back to the motorhome at the FamCamp then she wanted to go for a bike ride, which we did.

By the next day, the powerful cold front having moved through the area, the weather was much improved. It was sunny and cool, but extremely windy. Returning from another bike ride, we turned into the campground and headed straight into the wind. A sudden strong gust brought Mary's bike to a standstill. She thought that was pretty windy! We also did some shopping (how unusual), bought some groceries, and had lunch at McDonald's. It was a good day and we all enjoyed it!

The plan was that on Sunday we'd get everything hooked up and head back towards Virginia, making a short detour to drop Mary off at her house. It didn't happen that way. The real bummer was that Sharyn, who had had some kind of a flu for over a week, and had appeared to be over it, was up sick all night. I ended up taking Mary home while Sharyn stayed in bed. It was 3:30 before she got up for about a half hour, only to go back to bed again. To put Sharyn being sick into perspective, the last time she was sick enough to stay in bed was back in 1986—again with the flu. She just doesn't get sick!

As it stands now I'm not sure when we'll leave here. Even if Sharyn feels better tomorrow I think another day of layover would be a good idea..


Mary with Grandma's bicycle helmut

Me and Mary about to depart on one of our rides

 

Odometer reading = 93,257
Miles for day = 14

 

 

 

3/10/08 to 3/17/08
(Louisa VA)

Sharyn felt considerably better when we awoke and insisted she was well enough to travel. She had no interest in a layover day for further recovery so we headed north to Virginia. We left open the question as to whether we'd drive the entire distance in one day or make it a two day trip. On the one hand we have our 200 mile max rule, while on the other hand I tend to get that horse on the way back to the barn syndrome. The lure of the barn won out and a little after nine we were backing into Jordan's driveway.

At this point we've been here for a week. Sharyn is fully recovered and is looking great! Yesterday being St. Patrick's Day, Phil and his family came over for a corned beef and cabbage dinner. While corn beef and cabbage is not my favorite, Sharyn's is quite good—including the Irish soda bread baked in a cast iron frying pan (of which I ate too much).

There's not much else to write about except to say that this morning we got final confirmation from Hanscom AFB as to our hosting the FamCamp this summer. The campground opens May 1 and we plan on arriving there April 21.

 

Katlin and Philip battle it out with Othello

Katlin, Captain of the School Band, in her band photo



Odometer reading = 93,730
Miles for day = 473

 

 

 

3/18/08 to 4/16/08
(Louisa VA)

As the time to leave here approaches I thought I should fill in with some of what we have done while we have been here (plus there is some pressure to do so coming from the usual sources—Jordan and Katlin). Of course none of this has to do with RVing, so in an abbreviated format, here it is.

We had all the kids over for Easter dinner (except for Greg who still lives on Long Island), visited with our friend Jean who lives down in Lovingston (who lost the entire roof of her house a month or so ago when a freak windstorm—which they insist was not a tornado—wreaked havoc on numerous farms on her road), accompanied Phil down to Raleigh NC to pick up a new company truck, and, not to be forgotten, celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary.

Also, this past weekend, Sharyn, Jordan, and I met and had dinner with Susie, a friend and nursery school playmate of Jordan's, and one of my favorite 4 year olds (whose now 30). Actually, it was Susie's sister Sarah's wedding that we went to in Athens GA in May of last year.

I may have mentioned previously (with age comes repetition) that the FamCamp at Hanscom AFB has wireless Internet throughout the campground so we plan on canceling our HughesNet satellite service when we leave here, use the wireless network for the six months we'll be at Hanscom, and then get Verizon's Wireless Broadband when we leave there. Friends of ours, also full-time RVers switched from HughesNet to Verizon's Broadband several months ago and have been quite pleased with it. Jordan has been using Embarque's DSL service here in Louisa and has been very unhappy with it (customer service rots). She went with Verizon's Broadband several weeks ago and likes it. More importantly for us, I installed the software from her CD onto our computer and using her—whatever you call the thing that looks like a tiny cell phone and plugs into a USB port—use Verizon on our computer while Jordan is at work, and find that it's about four times faster than HughesNet. Another benefit from our point of view (besides speed) is that since our computer is on 24/7, even when we're traveling down the highway or stopped for lunch, with the Verizon system we'll also be online 24/7. The downside would be that if we're boondocked out in the desert or some remote BLM land location out west we may not get a signal. These factors considered, plus not having to carry around and set up the tripod/satellite-dish system to get on line, we think this will be a good move.

On several occasions now I have enjoyed having Jordan go bike riding with me. On numerous occasions I have told her of the health benefits from bike riding, particularly the cardiovascular aspects (she goes to the gym after work most every day), but that made little impression upon her and I still could not get her to go with me. However, one of the girls at work told her what sounds much like what I've been telling her, so now she rides with me (using Sharyn's bike). It must be a genetic thing she acquired from her mother, because it reminded me of something from years ago. Once upon a time, a lifetime ago, I was a lawyer doing a fair amount of matrimonial work when one day Sharyn asked me a question about divorce law. Something along the lines of, "What would happen if . . . ." I answered her, and she told me I was wrong. Over the years, from time to time, this came up in conversation and Sharyn continued to tell me that I was wrong. One day she said, "Do you remember, (whatever-referring to this question), well you were right." I said, "I know I was right, but what makes you think I was right?" She replied, "I read it in Ann Landers." Some things just run in the family.

Tomorrow morning we'll be on our way north, heading for what might be called our "summer employment," with a visit with Irene and Harry as we pass through Jersey. It seems that perhaps we should have left here two days ago, as yesterday we had two equipment failures. First, as DeLorme's Street Atlas was running our route from Jersey to Hanscom our nine year old laptop, running Windows 98, declared some kind of an error or malfunction and now will not reboot. This will be the first time in a long time that we'll have to travel from Point A to Point B without the aid of GPS. We'll have to rely on Sharyn's navigation. The second thing, and this is much more major, is that last night the rear heat pump died as it emitted the odor of burning electrical wiring. The timing on this is probably as good as it could be—assuming it had to die—in that we're at a time of the year when the outside temperatures demand relatively little in the form of either heating or air conditioning. The front unit can carry the needs of the entire motorhome, but we prefer to only run the rear unit during the day so we don't have to have the sound of system running (basically, we've always run the front unit at night when we're sleeping, and the rear unit during the day when we're up). Anyway, there is a Camping World in Chichester NH, about 70 miles from Hanscom, so after we get settled in at Hanscom I suspect we'll be taking the motorhome there for what will probably turn out to be a unit replacement.. Oh, happy day!


Jordan, once again having to deal with her father

Katlin accommodating her grandfather

Philip (trying to be accommodating)

Shane, Jordan, and Phil

Susie, me, and Sharyn after dinner

Jordan and me starting out on a bike ride

 

Odometer reading = 93,730
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/17/08 to 4/19/08
(Boonton NJ)

The drive from Virginia to Jersey was uneventful, if somewhat long. We stopped once for lunch at a highway rest area, and then a second time just before we exited the Jersey Turnpike to get gas and ice cream (actually a large TCBY). Continuing on, not too far from Harry and Irene's we passed a National Park sign for "Washington's Headquarters," which we returned to the following day with Irene and Harry. It had been our intention to leave the next morning, but while visiting Washington's Headquarters we learned of a reenactment that was going to take place the next day at Jockey Hollow, several miles from the headquarters and the place where some 10,000 soldiers of the Continental Army spent the winter of 1779 - 1780, so we extended our stay (Irene continued to feed us well) and the four of us returned the next day to see the camp and reenactment.[Everyone reading this should read John Adams by David McCullough—you know about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, etc., but you probably know very little about John Adams, the man who pulled it all together and made it happen!]

Anyway, on our way to the reenactment we stopped at the Book Barn which sells used books to raise money for the local hospital. After about 45 minutes I had bought six books for $9.00 (having put three back). Now I'm really behind on my reading!

Neil, Irene and Harry's youngest son gave me his old laptop computer to run DeLorme's Street Atlas on, but said he wanted credit on stringbean's website, so here it is, including picture below.


Private home used as Washington's headquarters during the winter of 1779-1780

One of the re-enactors, an officer, who was ready to answer all our questions

Representatives of the Continental Army (I believe it was two Companies)

Some of the woman at the camp

Neil, his wife Andrea (with Neil Jr due in August), their niece Erin, and Uncle Harry

And my favorite, Irene's wren house


Odometer reading = 94,095
Miles for day = 365

 

 

 

4/20/08 and 4/21/08
(Bedford MA)

We left Harry and Irene's at 9:30 and managed to find our way here without the aid of GPS and/or Street Atlas (I couldn't get Street Atlas to load properly). The only thing outstanding about the trip was the $22.50 toll to drive across the Hudson River on the Tappanzee Bridge.

We're at the Hanscom AFB FamCamp where we'll be for the next six months; longer than we've stayed in one place since we started this. We had hoped to get the same campsite that the FamCamp host had last year. It's a very nice site. Anyway, it turns out that that is the host site, so we do have it. In fact, it includes a small garden area that we plan to plant with some tomatoes, peppers, and probably some cucumbers. How's that for a perk?

As soon as we got ourselves organized we ran over to the commissary to get some of the groceries we needed (the commissary is closed on Mondays). The BX is part of the same complex so we walked through the BX as well. One of the items they sell there are snow blowers! I told Sharyn that when we see snow blowers in a store we know that we're too far north too early in the season.

As things settle in and we see/know how it's going I'll write a follow-up.


Our campsite (note small garden area to the left)


Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 240

 

 

 

4/22/08 to 5/3/08
(Bedford MA)

Having been here for almost two weeks, things have really begun to settle in. While the FamCamp officially opened May 1, we had been busy for several days before that—ever since Sharyn went on the federal payroll—getting the office cleaned and organized, and getting the bathrooms, showers, and laundry room ready to open. Even though I'm not on the payroll—the decision to hire me was only made several days ago and I have not yet had my prerequisite physical—I've been working as if I was. In our own minds we came here as a team and that's the way we're approaching the entire operation; basically, Sharyn runs the office and the business end of the campground while I'm grounds maintenance and other miscellaneous..

So far we've only had a half dozen "campers" check in, although there are probably 15-20 "homesteaders" who spent the winter in the campground and renew monthly (there are a total of 67 sites). The rules on homesteaders vary from one FamCamp to another. As we understand it, the reason there is no uniformity is that each FamCamp is under the jurisdiction of the individual base commander who I suspect has higher priorities to attend to than FamCamp rules and procedures. "Homesteading" is a controversial topic among FamCamp campers. As someone on one of the forums at http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/ stated the issue, "it's a question of whether you want a campground or a trailer park." Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) that decision is above our paygrade.

Anyway, on to other things. One of the first things we did was plan our vegetable/flower garden—I wanted vegetables, you can eat them; Sharyn wanted flowers, she said they make you happy—so we have both. Unfortunately, several nights ago it went down to 28° and although we covered the garden with a plastic sheet, some of the plants got burned, and the cucumbers are kind of dead! We'll wait another week or so and then replace whatever needs replacing.

There has been a lot of cold and rainy weather since we've been here so the weather, together with the time spent working, have detracted from the time available for bike riding. I've only ridden twice. The first ride I rode to Arlington Center for coffee and a scone. It's a small place along the Minuteman Bike Trail (a "rail to trail" that runs from Bedford to Cambridge—about 12 miles) that I stopped at several times last year. In Virginia, one of the routes I rode was 16 miles with 1,800 feet of vertical climb (which I found to be a good but difficult ride), so I figured that the flat 17 mile ride was a "nothing" ride. I clearly didn't remember from last year. I guess I started off as if it was going to be a sprint—it wasn't!

Several days ago we drove up to Portsmouth NH to see my sister who had three tickets to some kind of a presentation by Cokie Roberts on her latest book, basically a part two of her last book, Founding Mothers. Being somewhat interested in the Revolutionary War and the people and events surrounding it, I was looking forward to reading Founding Mothers, about the wives of the founding fathers, and the part they played in the early development of our country. Unfortunately, she had taken what I thought was a great topic and, instead of writing a serious history, wrote what I would have to describe as a "Women's Lib" version, clearly designed for the similarly oriented female reader. It would be nice if someone like Doris Kerns Goodwin, a serious historical author, would write a book on the topic. It was definitely a female audience; the woman sitting next to me asked if my wife had twisted my arm to make me attend. Cokie Roberts was funny and entertaining, but not someone I could take as a serious historian. Anyway, before the presentation we had gone out to eat and the dinner, as well as the visit, was very good.

Getting more current, yesterday was our 15,000th anniversary—that is 15,000 days that we've been married (I can't believe that Sharyn forgot). In honor of the occasion I gave here a pin to wear, plus we went out to dinner. Sharyn wanted "Chinese" so we went to "The Great Wall," two miles from the FamCamp and had a very nice dinner. We'll go back again. In the meanwhile, today is Sharyn's birthday so we're going to have dinner at the Minuteman Club here on base. We'll report on that another time.


FamCamp office

Sharyn at work in office

Our garden

A gang of these guys walked past the motorhome while I was typing

Sharyn's Anniversary Pin

 

Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

5/4/2008 to 6/4/2008
(Bedford MA)

Well at this point the FamCamp has been open for just over a month, I've been officially hired, and all is going well. Sharyn's official title is "FamCamp Manager," while mine is "Rec Assistant." As I've told our kids, what that all means is that Sharyn runs the FamCamp, office, etc., while I clean the toilets, cut grass, pump propane, and miscellaneous stuff like that. Right now Hanscom FamCamp has the cleanest bathrooms in the Air Force! I like the whole package—FamCamp, job, people we work with, location, etc. There's also "Chips," an ex-Navy man who's worked with Outdoor Rec forever and knows how to make it happen, whatever "it" is. Collectively, the FamCamp is our deal and we all like the way it's going. When he's not at the FamCamp, horse trading, or shopping with his daughters, it seems that he's volunteering at the Bedford VA hospital. The pins in his cap represent over 2300 hours of such volunteer work!

Since we're not traveling, there isn't a great deal to write about, in spite of my daughter and granddaughter mentioning that it's time for an update, but I'll post some pictures anyway.

 

First view of FamCamp from entrance road

Some of the wooded sites with fire ring in foreground

Barbecue sponsored by Andrea and Gabe

The force was with us at the first "smores fest"

Sharyn greets new arrival

A quiet evening at the fire ring

Our day off

"Chips"


Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

6/5/08 through 6/23/08
(Bedford MA)

A great deal has happened since our last update—some of it good, some of it not so good; somethings more interesting than others.

First of all, the Mattituck Lions Club (Eastern Long Island) were having their 54th annual Strawberry Festival Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Father's Day weekend and Sharyn had a vendor's booth for selling her jewelry. Also planned for that weekend, but unknown to me, was a surprise 70th birthday party at Greg and Paulette's home in Southold, about 10 miles east of Mattituck. In fact, the Strawberry Festival, while it was real, was Sharyn's cover to get me to go to Long Island for the weekend. The big event which almost killed the Strawberry Festival as well as the birthday party occurred on the evening of the preceding Tuesday when we received a phone call from a very upset Jordan. A violent thunderstorm had occurred at her house shortly before 7:pm, during which the intensity of the wind noise became so extreme that she likened it to the "sounds like a freight train" noise of a tornado bearing down and was seeking shelter in the bathroom (the only room without windows) when suddenly the noise ceased. Looking outside she saw that most of the large trees surrounding the house had either been blown over or broken off, two storage sheds destroyed—one blown over and one crushed from a fallen tree—and her car buried in the foliage of a downed tree. To put the size of these trees in perspective, the largest one which was blown over had a root ball sticking 12' out of the ground and measuring 20' across. These sheds, particularly the one crushed under the tree and inaccessible at the time, contained many of the things that we had accumulated over a lifetime and had stored for safekeeping. The loss, or assumed loss, of all these things was extremely unsettling.

Not knowing what to do, and being unaware of the planned birthday party (Jordan, Phil, and Shane were all going to be there from Virginia as part of the surprise) within the hour I was online checking for flights from Boston to Virginia and telling Sharyn we may have to abandon our plans for the Strawberry Festival. However, over the next 24-48 hours, between Jordan and Phil (and a very efficient insurance adjuster), and in spite of the fact that Jordan's car, which she loved, was totaled, they had the situation sufficiently under control that our trip to the Strawberry Festival was back on.

As an aside, what was that wind/storm that brought those trees down. Was it a tornado? There were no reported tornados in Virginia that day, plus no one else sustained any damage. Houses next door, across the street, down the road—nothing—no damage. Is there such a thing as a tornado that touches down for 150' and then just disappears? Could it have been a microburst—it was clearly straight wind damage, all the trees went in the same direction? We don't know!

Okay, the first event having been covered, now on to the surprise birthday/Father's Day celebration.

When we arrived at Greg and Paulette's no one was at home. We weren't there too long, however, until a car pulled into the driveway and Shane, Jordan, Phil, and Phil's friend J.C. all piled out. Since it was Friday, a regular workday, and the four of them should have been at work in Virginia, I was quite surprised. Being as astute as I am, I immediately suspected that something was up. Subsequent arrivals included my sister (from New Hampshire), my cousin Myra (from Maine), friends Linda and Bill (from Poughkeepsie, NY), and Cathy and Charlie, Jordan's Godparents! It was all very, very, nice, quite a surprise, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all. The party part part continued at one level or another through Sunday night when Sharyn and I joined the "Virginia contingent" for dinner at Orient -by-the-Sea before hurrying down the road the last 200 yards to catch the 8:pm ferry back to New London.

As for the Strawberry Festival, it was less than a stellar success, but since it was being used primarily as a means to get me to Long Island that didn't too much matter. The worse part was sitting in that booth on Saturday with a blazing sun, no wind, and what seemed like 110°.

By about 4:pm I told Sharyn I had to o back to the house to get some relief from the sun, but that I'd be back. When Jordan saw me she said that she'd go back at sit with Sharyn for the remainder of the day. That was very good!!

Several days ago a young couple with a six year old son came into the FamCamp with a motorhome they had rented from Cruise America. They were visiting from Germany and did not realize that this was a military campground and that a military ID was required. Several days earlier that had wanted to visit the Statue of Liberty but were unable to get into or find any campground in the New York City area. Now they had driven to Massachusetts to visit Boston. Sharyn told them they could not stay here, but almost immediately changed her mind and told them that she would sponsor them in the FamCamp. We talked about some of the things to do in the area and lent them our bikes, including a borrowed kids bike, so that they could ride the bike trail to Lexington, and Lexington Green where the British soldiers first fired on the American Patriots. They bought tickets for the Trolley Tour of Boston (which we sell in the office) and, since they are not towing a car behind there motorhome, the next morning I dove them to the subway that would take them into downtown Boston where they could begin the tour and spend the day. That evening, as it began to get dark and they had not yet returned, Sharyn began to worry about them and went down to check out their rig. It was just at that time that they returned to the campground by taxi, having had a great day in Boston. They were a nice family and we enjoyed having them stay here. If we ever get to Hamburg they have invited us to stop and visit with them.

Then this past Saturday we had our first potluck dinner of the season. For those who don't know, a potluck is when everyone comes and brings some prepared dish to share with the others. All of these dishes are set out on serving tables. Paper plates and plastic silverware is provided and everyone helps themselves to whatever they'd like. We had a pretty good showing with about 40 people showing up with a good mix of delicious foods. The FamCamp provided the paper plates, silverware, soda, coffee, cake, watermelon and whatever things Sharyn thought would be nice or appropriate. Everyone had a good time and many of us ate too much. I went kind of heavy on the chicken wings and Sharyn's baked ziti, plus of course the chocolate cake. Then also, it seemed that there were a lot of cookies being left uneaten and my mother always told me it was a sin to waste food!

Finally there is a National organization of retired and active duty military RVers called S*M*A*R*T (Special Military Active Retired Travel Club) that has a 20 rig caravan leaving on a 49 day tour of the Canadian Maritime Provinces. Hanscom FamCamp is their starting point and for the last week or so they have been coming in from all over the Country. They're a nice group with interesting and friendly people. At this point all but four of our 67 campsites are taken and we've really been busy keeping up with everything. Things will quiet down a bit when they leave on the 25th—for the last several days the office has been somewhat of a gathering place for conversation, inquiries, and story telling—but we'll miss the elevated level of activity.

Anyway, tonight we went out for dinner, and we're off tomorrow and Wednesday so we'll see what we do for the next two days.

 

This was the biggest tree. Midway between Jill and the shed you can see some red—that was Jordan's car
(for size reference, that's a 550 gallon tank)

This is only 1/2 of the big shed, the other 1/2 and the other door aren't there anymore

The blocks are the chimney from the big shed, the other shed is to the right

These trees in the front yard took out the other front yard trees

Jordan's new 2009 Toyota

Leaving New London the ferry passes by the U.S. Submarine Base at Groton

Approaching Orient Point, the Eastern tip of the North Shore of Long Island, with the Plum Gut light in the foreground

For swabbing the decks on the ferry(?)

Part of the group at Greg and Paulette's

Another view

Greg, Jordan, Phil, and Shane

Jordan with her Godparents, Kathy and Charlie

Phil with the beard we had not seen before

Paulette, Jordan, and Greg work in the kitchen (Phil looks on)

Sharyn's display at the Strawberry Festival

A view of the Strawberry Festival

Another view

The Ferris wheel

This guy can't fly and should probably make less noise and try to keep a low profile

I use Jordan to set up my camera for the next picture (the bruise is from her skeet shoot the previous weekend)

The six of us together—the first time in a long time

Our friends from Germany in front of their motorhome

Sharyn works on replying to Jordan's text message

FamCamp office with our "hybrid" vehicle parked outside—a cross between a pickup truck and a wheel barrel

Hanscom FamCamp's first potluck of the season

Another view

So how'd you like it?

 

Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

6/24/08 to 7/22/08
(Bedford MA)

This will cover a few things that come to mind that have occurred since the last update; probably not in chronological order.

We have had two more events here at the FamCamp (we're trying to do one a month); one to celebrate the Fourth of July, and the second a beer tasting. The 4th of July was not too different than the pot luck we did earlier, but it gives everyone the opportunity to get together for hot dogs, soda, and general gathering together to trade stories, etc. Keep in mind that we always have some campers leaving and others coming in, so the group is continuously changing, even though some people are here for a longer time—some for the season

The beer tasting started off in the planning stage as a wine tasting with cheese and crackers, etc. However, all the initial feedback was that there was little interest in the wine tasting, but substantial interest in a "beer tasting" (something we had never heard of). The "tasting" consisted of 7 different kinds of Samuel Adams and went over quite well. Outdoor Recreation procured the beer, while the Minuteman Club, the on base service club, provided The Ultimate Margarita, made with tequila, plus a pretty young girl to serve it (she was a hit with the security forces when they drove through). We also provided hot dogs and soda so as to have something for everyone. From the comments and complements that followed the event it would seem that it was more than successful.

One morning we had breakfast at an awards ceremony at the Minuteman Club where "Chips" had been nominated for the civilian employee of the quarter from the 66th Services Squadron. That day the FamCamp office didn't open until after 10:am.—everything has it's own priority!

Another event we tried was a "Yard sale/Swap meet." We advertised it as an opportunity to get rid of your old junk and replace it with new junk, but it bombed when almost no one participated. I did very well, however. A few weeks ago we went to Camping World up in New Hampshire where, after looking at several different models, we bought a new Weber barbecue. At our yard sale I came across the better model we had looked at for $199. The sign said, "$5 as is." Not seeing what was wrong with it I knocked on the door and asked what was wrong with it. The lady said it was dirty and she had bought a new one. It probably took me two hours to clean it, but now we basically have two new, and very nice, barbecues. It's too bad this yard sale thing wasn't two weeks earlier!

While this full time work stuff has really cut into my bicycle riding time. As of several days ago I only had 66.7 miles so far this month, but that hasn't kept me from playing with it. I mentioned that back in June my kids had gotten together and bought me a really nice GPS, a Garmin 760. Reading some of the online forums I came across some really top quality mounts from an outfit called Ram Mounts (they seem to have mounts for everything) that would enable me to mount the GPS to my bike—something I had not really thought about. The mount just arrived today and it installed quite nicely. I went for a test ride and managed to find my way back to the FamCamp, so I guess it works!

Having been an ice cream freak for well over 50 years, I find this place to be quite friendly to ice cream fans. We are less than 3 miles from Bedford Farms, a place that sells really big ice creams, and maybe six miles from Kimball Farms, a place that sells even bigger ice creams. Some times we go by car, sometimes I just ride my bike.

In closing, I am beginning to find a lot of big dead bugs as I clean the bathrooms. The other day I swept one up, and seeing he was in such good condition I decided to keep him to see if I could find out what he was. As he had been swept up with all the stuff on the floor, there was some lint between his pincers that I wanted to remove to "clean him up." Luckily I used one of my keys rather than my finger, because, dead though I thought he was, he clamped down on the key with considerable vigor! I took several pictures, but while I was putting the camera back in the motorhome he disappeared. Anyway, that's all for now!


I got started with the hot dogs on the 4th of July

At the beer tasting; the Margarita Girl, our boss Stephanie, and Sharyn, all wait on customers

Chips with his daughters following the awards breakfast

I bought this at the yard sale for five dollars ($199 at Camping World)

Chips most interesting sale items were not on his table

GPS as it mounts on my bike

A rainy night at Bedford Farms Ice Cream

A very aggressive and unfriendly bug



Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

7/23/28 to 8/31/08
(Bedford MA)

It is under extreme pressure and duress that this site is being updated at this time. Be that as it may, there are some things to talk about.

The first is probably our trip to Boston. With all the history that took place in Boston, all the things to do and places to go, I'm not sure why it took us so long to get there, but we finally made it. Everyone was in agreement that you do not want to take your car into Boston. We drove to the subway at Alewife Station from which it was only half a dozen stops to Park Street and the Boston Common (of course we went one stop too far and had to walk back to the Common). We walked the Freedom Trail (Freedom Trail Map) from the Common to Quincy Market which took us past about a dozen historical places including the Granary Burial Ground, King's Chapel, Park Street Church, The Old State House (site of the Boston Massacre), Faneuil Hall, etc., and took us all day. The Freedom trail is a 2 1/2 mile walking path through downtown Boston that takes you to 16 historical sites. The trail is marked by a big red line (in some places brick, in some places painted) so you can't get lost or off track. Not having finished the trail (there is LOTS to see along the way) we still have not been to the Old North Church (where the lanterns were placed to let Paul Revere know—"one if by land, two if by sea"), Bunker Hill, or the USS Constitution "Old Ironsides," which is a US Navy warship still on active duty. We will go back again!

One Friday night we had dinner at the Minuteman Club on base. I had prime rib, and opted for the larger size. It was delicious, but it blows my mind that it was so big I couldn't finish it. That's a first!

Several weeks ago we, along with 30-35 people from the FamCamp, went to "Tops in Blue" at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Tops in Blue is a show put on by a group of Air Force personnel that travels the world, entertaining more than 250,000 military personnel, their families, and communities, presenting an average of 120 performances at 100 locations worldwide. This is not their job however. They are radar operators, nurses, armament specialists, intelligence analyzers, security personnel, etc. who, having tried out and been selected are, and for one year, become and travel with "Tops in Blue." It was a great show, and while the Air Force provided a bus to take everyone there, the turnout was such that they had to send for a second bus. That delayed our arrival, but the delay didn't matter because all of the seats in the center front had been reserved for people coming from Hanscom AFB. To see and hear just what Tops in Blue is, click here. To see if the show will be presented in your area click on the Tour tab and look at the Tour Schedule—it's always free!

A month or so ago we were getting nothing but rain every day and we, along with everyone else in Eastern Massachusetts, were fed up up with the unrelenting deluge. Well that has changed. The weather has been beautiful for the last several weeks. Sunny with comfortable temps during the day, and quite cool at night—several nights in the 40's. Now, at night, we still set the thermostat on 68°, only with heat, not the air conditioning! It's all a very welcome change.

Several weeks ago FamCamp had an ice cream social for all campers, with all the ice cream you could eat —for free! Not surprisingly, it was a big hit with most of the FamCamp showing up.. An unexpected guest was Col. Parish, Deputy Commander of the 66th Mission Support Group who came with his family on a bicycle. While he was here he noticed what I call our "loaner fleet" of old bicycles leaning up against a picnic table by the basketball court. These are bikes that we've manage to acquire (for free) over the course of the summer for the use of kids who get here without a bike to ride. The Col. told one of the people from Outdoor Rec that there was a bike rack at such and such a place on base and that he should have it brought over to the FamCamp. Several days later we got our bike rack!

The FamCamp office also sells soda, ice cream, T-shirts, and a few miscellaneous items. We also had a small amount of RV related items that weren't really moving. We recently restocked our RV stuff with things that we think will be much better sellers. One of those items was a quality water pressure reducer to be used where you connect your hose to the campground water supply. Many campgrounds have excessive pressure (more than the RV might be able to handle) such as Shaw AFB which has something like 125 pounds. While most RVers use pressure reducers, most, including us, have a cheap $12-15 unit that, while it reduces the pressure, it also restricts the flow substantially. We ordered four of the quality reducers and have already sold three, including the one we bought ourselves. As an experiment, we had one of the people who bought one use the hose to fill a bucket of water. With the $15 reducer it took 48 seconds—with the $75 reducer it took 26 seconds (you can also adjust the pressure on the better unit while the pressure is fixed at 40-45 pounds in the cheaper one). We see and appreciate the greater flow, particularly in the shower.

It was probably last year that I read John Adams by David McCullough, after having read McCullough's 1776. They were both great books. I'm now reading John Adams, a two volume set by Page Smith. All that may have something to do with why, this past week, we visited the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, just south of Boston. My sister came down from Portsmouth and went with us. Transportation was a snap. We again drove the car to Alewife Station (the west end of the "Red Line," where we took the train to Quincy Center, pretty near the opposite end of the line. Getting off the train, we merely walked down the street a short block to the National Park Office where we got our tickets and the National Park Service tour trolley took us to the two historical sites that comprise Adams National Historic Park—the houses(adjacent to each other) that were the birthplaces of John and John Quincy Adams, and the Old House at Peacefield where John and Abigail Adams were the first of four Adams generations to live. Returning to Bedford we had dinner at Cafe Luigi, and then went to Kimball Farms for ice cream—two great places to go. My sister could not finish either her dinner or her ice cream. She could not believe it!

About a week ago Sharyn suggested that perhaps I should lead a group bike ride; she thought there might be an interest in such a ride. We put signs up in the bathrooms and laundry room, and two days later the FamCamp's first group bike ride, six riders, rode to Lexington for a 3 minute description of what happened at Lexington Green on April 19, 1775 (the first shots of the American Revolution were fired), followed by coffee and whatever from either Starbucks or the place across the street. We all stood gathered on the sidewalk as we talked, drank our coffee, and ate the giant cinnamon twist that one guy had bought before returning to the FamCamp. Actually, as we got closer to the FamCamp, some riders split off and went different routes or places (some to a nearby bike shop). It was a good idea, a good ride, and everyone enjoyed it.

Now, two things entirely unrelated to any of the above. First, it was a year ago this past May that we, with Jordan, went to a wedding in Athens GA. Well the other day, the bride, a nursery school friend of Jordan's, and the daughter of our friends, Jim and Sheila, sent Jordan a picture that the wedding photographer had taken of Jordan and I dancing. It's a great picture, although the one posted below is merely a picture of the picture because, for reasons I don't understand, Jordan has never hooked up her scanner and was therefore relegated to the rather archaic system (I'll scan it when we get back to Virginia). Secondly, yesterday Jordan ran the University of Virginia four miler to help raise money for breast cancer research. She completed the race in 56:49, and the event raised $302,170 for the UVA Breast Center. See how she feels about it in her blog. As for me and Sharyn, we're quite proud of her!

The actual posting of this update will not happen until tomorrow because about four paragraphs someone knocked on our door to tell us that there was a gathering around the fire ring and they'd like us to join them. Unlike the pot lucks or ice cream social, this was a spontaneous happening. Two other things happened at the fire ring tonight. One lady called for and announced a pot luck for tomorrow night, and another lady announced that I was going to lead another bike ride tomorrow morning. Since that's the case, I suggested we meet in front of the office to decide where we want to ride to.


Granary Burying Ground (burial site of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and the victims of the Boston Massacre)

Samuel Adams gravestone

Faneuil Hall (Google it)

Pedestrian Mall near Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall

We had lunch at Cheers

Norm directed Sharyn to the ladies room

The Old State House (On March 5, 1770 the Boston Massacre took place in what is now the middle of this intersection. Six years later, on July 18, 1776, the people of Boston heard the Declaration of Independence read from this balcony.

Chips with his latest motorcycle (there is no context for this photo)

FamCampers boarding the bus to Tops in Blue

From Tops in Blue

Beauty and the Beast from Tops in Blue

Another from Tops in Blue

Ice cream social

Two of the ice cream eaters

Some more ice cream eaters

Col. Parish and family head back to the base

Our new bike rack (with all our loaner bikes)

FamCamp host takes a break

$75 regulator and $15 regulator

Sharyn and my sister try to by a "Charlie Pass" so we can get onto the Boston subway system

John Adams was born in this house

John and Abigail Adams home "Peacefield"

John Quincy Adams "fireproof library (located just to the left of the house at Peacefield)

We had a late lunch at this outdoor cafe before heading back to the FamCamp

The first group bike ride leaves the FamCamp

A father dances with his beautiful daughter

 

Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

9/1/08 to 10/18/08
(Bedford MA)

Once again it's been quite a while since I've updated this so I'll just proceed as it comes to mind. First thing that comes to mind is that it's gotten cold, meaning it's getting near time to leave. This morning it was 37° and the high for the day was only in the mid 50's. Sharyn has noted that as the weather has gotten colder, the squirrels are still here, but all the chipmunks have disappeared! Anyway, the season ends October 31 at which time we'll once again be happily out of work!

In the meanwhile, the big event was when Jordan came up and spent a week with us. The three of us spent one day walking around Boston, one afternoon riding our bikes into Lexington for coffee, and Sharyn and Jordan spent one very long day shopping. One afternoon we drove up to Manchester NH to visit our grandson Scott who is in his second year of college and was getting ready to go home for what I guess was "fall break."

On another day we drove to the Samuel Adams Brewery to take the tour of their plant. Unfortunately, this brewery is their research facility where they experiment with new and different brews, etc., so it's a rather small operation. Also, the plant was nearly empty as everyone was in Denver for some kind of an awards presentation. While Sam Adams does very well in international beer competitions, they are really a very small operation (with several plants throughout the country). Their annual production is the same as what Anheuser-Busch produces—in one hour! After the tour we all went into the tasting room where we sampled three or four of their different brews (I preferred the Boston Lager). By the time we left, Sharyn's lifetime consumption of beer had doubled!

On Jordan's last day here my sister drove down from Portsmouth and the three of us had dinner at Luigi's, followed by ice cream at Bedford Farms. Other than that we pretty much just spent time together talking or doing rather ordinary things. All in all it was very nice!

Another event, one which we could have skipped over, happened about two weeks ago when our awning became the fourth awning in the FamCamp to be destroyed by the wind this summer. We were back at the motorhome having lunch when Sharyn asked me if the wind was supposed to pick up any more as the afternoon progressed. A few minutes after I said it was not supposed to we heard a tremendous rattling and banging around. I don't know what the sequence was, but within several seconds our awning had been ripped half way across, the attaching hardware was all bent up, and some of the mounting hardware pulled out of the side of the motorhome. Since the fabric was nine years old that in and of itself would not have been such a loss, but we really could have done without the other damage.

As the summer progressed things in the FamCamp continued to go well. Activities around the fire ring continued to occur, the group bike rides became a regular Friday morning event, and all in all I believe that everyone enjoyed themselves. In fact, we thoroughly enjoyed most of the campers who passed through here, a number of whom will be spending the winter at the FamCamp at MacDill AFB in Tampa and we've decided to join them there right after Christmas (I hope we can get in as MacDill is a very popular winter destination).

It seems that the people on the base are pleased with what we've been doing out here at the FamCamp as we were nominated for, and last week at the Quarterly Awards Breakfast we received the 66th Air Base Wing Quarterly Award for "Above and Beyond." That was very nice!

If it wasn't for the way the presidential election seems to be playing out, all would be well. Unfortunately, it appears that Obama may get to be the next president of the United States, and we're afraid that if that happens, with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid running Congress, America will no longer be what we have all known it to be in the past. We will become the North American version of a declining, socialized, leftist, pacifist Western Europe. As our friend Irene says, we should change the words on our money from "In God we Trust," to "God Help Us.!


Grouped around the fire ring

Some more of the group

The marshmallow cooker

Gathering for Friday morning's bike ride

Volleyball at the FamCamp

13 exposure panorama of St. John, Newfoundland that I did last summer

Our friend Charlie framed it for us as a gift and now it hangs in the motorhome

Sharyn in her garden

Scott back at school (after pizza)

Faneuil Hall in Boston (Google it again)

Meeting room upstairs in Faneuil Hall where between 1764 and 1774, Samuel Adams and others patriots lead cries of protest against the imposition of taxes on the colonies.

Jordan, a die hard Yankee fan, found Boston to be a strange place

The area around Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

Paul Revere's house (the neighborhood has changed)

Paul Revere statue with the Old North Church in the background ["One if by land, two if by sea"]

Jordan and Sharyn in Italian deli in Boston's North End

Waiting for the "T" (Boston's subway)

It was Jordan's first subway ride but she didn't think it warranted a photograph

Our Samuel Adams tour group

The tasting room

Sharyn and Jordan "tasting"

Some guys wear their pants low, but this . . .?

As the season winds down we have plenty of empty sites

Chips puts the tables away for the winter

Unrelated to everything else, our son Phil just emailed us this photo (via his Palm Treo mobile) from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia a few minutes after getting this deer. Nice buck and cool technology



Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

10/19/08 to 11/6/08
(Bedford MA)

Well the summer season has officially come to an end. The campers, or RVers, are pretty much gone. Of course the "Homesteaders" are still here and will be here throughout the winter. There are about a dozen of them, some of whom have been here for years.

With the departure of the campers the wild turkeys that were here in April have come back out of the woods and are again wandering through the FamCamp. This time, as opposed to last spring, they pretty much hung around for the afternoon and were pretty unconcerned about my taking their pictures. Actually, when I stopped shooting it was because I had plenty pictures.

The FamCamp closed on Friday October 31 and we were prepared to lock everything up at 5:30. However, midmorning we got a phone call telling us to lock it up at noon, that there was a pizza party at Outdoor Rec at noon. It turned out that that was to celebrate what was seen as the great job we had done with the FamCamp this summer, complete with our bosses, their bosses, etc. We were surprised, and certainly pleased, but it seems that merely doing one's job, even doing it well, should be the norm—the expected. Apparently that has not always been the experience at the FamCamp. Anyway, we were very pleased with the whole affair, and in fact, the entire summer. We enjoyed it all and look forward to returning here next April.

Since we closed we have had a great deal more free time than we had during the summer, and that was nice. One day we went to the Burlington Mall, about four miles from the FamCamp, where we spent several hours walking around and ended up having an excellent, if not inexpensive, dinner at Legal Seafood. Several days ago my sister came to visit one last time before we head south. We all went to The Outback Steakhouse where we really ate too much—possibly to the point of regret.

Tomorrow morning we'll be pulling out of here and heading back to Virginia to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with three of our four kids. Having been here for about seven months, the longest time we have stayed still since we pulled out of that Charlottesville driveway on February 25, 2000, we assume the motorhome will start and that we have an uneventful departure.


Our grandson Scott was a real McCain supporter (he's the "C")

As everything slows down I even get to sit in the office

Chips brings in the picnic tables

FamCamp staff; Chips, Sharyn, me

Pizza party at Outdoor Rec

The turkeys return to the FamCamp

Including "Big Tom"

. . . and make themselves at home

An F/A-18 Hornet takes of from Hanscom right by the FamCamp

End of the Summer



Odometer reading = 94,338
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

11/7/08 through 11/9/08
(Boonton NJ)

It was probably mid-morning that after topping off our propane tank we drove over to the base to top off the fuel tank and say good-bye to the people at Outdoor Rec. We then headed south to visit Harry and Irene, our good friends in Jersey. It was a nice visit and we hope to see then again in February when they visit us in Tampa.

Odometer reading = 94,583
Miles for day = 245

 

 

 

11/10/08
(Louisa VA)

Having extended our stay with Harry and Irene by one day more than originally planned, it was still 11:am before we got underway this morning. When we left we did not know if we'd do the trip in one or two days. It gets dark pretty early and I'm no longer crazy about driving at night. Also, Sharyn does not like I-95, which we usually travel when going up or down the East Coast, so this time we had decided to take US-301 instead and didn't know what that would do to our travel time. As it turned out 301 was a much more pleasant drive than the Interstate and took very little longer (if any longer at all) than I-95. With a few short stops along the way we didn't arrive at Jordan's until almost 8:pm.

It was a good trip and we plan on staying here until Christmas.

Odometer reading = 94,959
Miles for day = 375

 

 

 

11/11/08 to 12/28/08
(Louisa VA)

In spite of the fact that we've now been "camped" here in Jordan's yard for quite some time, there still isn't too much to say that would be of any interest to those outside of the family (and "family" probably doesn't want too much of it said).

Anyway, the first thing that we got to do was see Jordan's new bike that we'd been hearing about all summer. She's been telling us how much she loved this bike, and I have to say it really is quite nice. That's not surprising since it cost more than my and Sharyn's bikes together

The most frequent activity engaged in was, of course, shopping. This was pretty much Jordan and Sharyn who had many, many, "mother-daughter" shopping excursions. Jordan works four 10 hour days so every weekend is a three day weekend—lots of time for shopping! As for me, I did it all on line. Can't beat it—click the mouse and 48 hours later a nice man in a brown truck knocks on the door and says, "Here's your package." What's not to like about that?

The next most popular activity was cooking and baking, and again that was Sharyn and Jordan turning out more food and deserts than we could eat. At one point we had over half a dozen different deserts sitting about which tends to make one eat continuously throughout the day. My personal favorites were the pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll, and mincemeat bars, (in that order) all made from scratch. This all culminated with Christmas and Christmas dinner when everyone got lots of stuff; pretty much everything they wanted (Sharyn and I gave ourselves a 26" flat screen TV), and then proceed to eat way to much.

The problem with so much good food (Sharyn is the best cook I've ever known) is that one tends to get larger. When we arrived at Hanscom AFB last spring I was 180 pounds. Between Bedford Farms ice cream and Kimball Farms ice cream, Thanksgiving, and now Christmas, I have reached 196 pounds and sure do feel the difference! Very not good! My goal is now to get back to 180 by the time we arrive back at Hanscom in April

A few weeks ago Phil and some of his friends went goose hunting and got a whole slew of geese. He said that the best part was probably watching the dogs work. As he described it, those dogs seem to be better trained, and listen better, than any kid you'll meet today. I thought that we should have a Christmas goose instead of the usual Christmas turkey, but when I suggested that I got a resounding NO from Sharyn—and, of course, Sharyn rules! (For those that might be upset that they shot more geese than they could use, you should know that there were anxious takers for all the extras.)

The only drawback to our time here was the cold. I don't do well with the cold and there was plenty of that. In fact, on two night when the temperature went down to around 12° we woke up in the morning to find that we had no water. While I had small thermostatically controlled electric heaters by both the water pump and the water tanks, something somewhere had frozen up. I was both times relieved when the water again began to flow and we did not have any broken lines, etc.

I have said many times in this travelog that our plans are never firm until after the event. That's still the reality! Since leaving Hanscom it has been our plan to go to the FamCamp at MacDill AFB in Tampa for the winter. However, now that we are leaving here in the morning we're not sure whether we are going to go there or the FamCamp at Shaw AFB in South Carolina. I guess we'll know when we arrive.

 

"Camped" in Jordan's driveway

Jordan with her new bike (a Fuji Finest 2.0)

Sharyn and Jordan at work in the kitchen

Phil and friends with 28 geese (and one duck)

Jordan in the cookie factory

Shane takes orders for Christmas breakfast

Sharyn preparing dinner

Sharyn wanted a "non-posed" picture of Shane and Jordan

Shane cuts the turkey

Dinner's over

Sharyn & me

Santa Jordan

Our flat screen TV "installed" in the motorhome

 

Odometer reading = 94,959
Miles for day = 0

 

 

12/29/08
(Savannah GA)

At 8:45 this morning we pulled out of Jordan's driveway, headed south, destination still unknown. We really lucked out on the weather as it was a beautiful sunny day (no rain). Before getting onto I-95 we stopped and topped off the gas tank in Short Pump were we have always found gas to be the cheapest—this time we paid $1.43—probably the best price we've seen in almost 5 years!

We made but few stops along the way, passing by the exit we would have taken to go to Shaw AFB. Eventually, some eleven hours after our departure, we exited at a Walmart in Savannah to spend the night. This particular Walmart's parking lot had signs prohibiting overnight parking of RVs so we, along with about 30 other people parked next door by Home Depot.


Southbound rest area on I-95 is monopolized by RVs

Some of the RVs spending the night at Home Depot in Savannah


Odometer reading = 95,476
Miles for day = 517

 

 

 

12/30/08
(King's Bay GA)

At one point during the summer we had talked about spending time at the FamCamp at King's Bay Submarine base which is all brand new and supposed to be very nice. Since Savannah is only 100 miles north of King's Bay we decided that we'd stop there for the day. That would give us the opportunity to check it out and see if if it was someplace that we'd like to spend some time in the future. It is very nice. The sites are large, individually landscaped, each has a large concrete pad, full hookups, etc. There is also a large community center for the campers complete with kitchen facilities, lounge area, and free washers and dryers. Unfortunately, due to extreme dumbness I have no photos.


Odometer reading = 95,600
Miles for day = 124

 

 

 

12/31/08
(Apollo Beach FL)

We arrived at Diana and Carl's early afternoon where we again parked in their driveway. The ladder on the back of the motorhome sticks out into the street, but since it's a dead end residential street it didn't really matter. Diana is Sharyn's cousin and this was basically a small family gathering/New Years Eve party that everyone enjoyed. Sharyn and I even stayed up late!


Dinner and conversation


Odometer reading = 95,849
Miles for day = 248





2009

  

Travel Log

January 1 to December 31, 2009

Go back to 2008

 

1/1/09 to 1/3/09
(Tampa FL)

Sleeping until 10:am, we got dressed and went into the house to find that Diana was already back from the airport, having taken Philip and Marylou to the airport for their flight back to New York. We stayed for awhile having coffee, breakfast, and conversation.

Eventually we backed the motorhome out into the street, hooked up the car and headed through downtown Tampa to the FamCamp at MacDill AFB. The base consists of a large peninsula, just south of Tampa, that sticks out into Tampa Bay. The FamCamp is at the southern tip of the base and includes a large beach and marina. The FamCamp is separated from the rest of the base by what I understand is an excellent golf course. With all of that it is understandable that this is a very popular campground during the winter months.

There are some 336 RV sites with 54 of them set aside for maximum 2 week stays. Since the other sites can be reserved up to a year in advance, people make their reservations a year ahead of time, arrive here in October or early November and stay until spring. Since we want to spend Christmas with the kids the only sites available to us are the 2 week sites. Accordingly, on January 15 we either have to leave MacDill or move into the dry camp area (no hookups).

So far we're very much enjoying the 70° sunshine. For the last three days I''ve been wearing shorts and a T-shirt, while I week ago I was wearing long underwear and still freezing. We're not crazy about Florida, but it certainly isn't a bad place to be in January and February.


Our campsite in the two week area


Odometer reading = 95,881
Miles for day = 32

 

 

 

1/4/09 to 1/10/09
(Tampa FL)

Well we've been here for a week and a half and in five more days we will be moving to a dry camp site (no hookups—water, electric, or sewer). They don't seem to know how long we'll be dry camped before being able to move into a partial hookup site (at MacDill that means no sewer). Right now it seems that you are only dry camped for several days. Anyway, we like it here and it looks as if we'll stay here for an extended period of time. This afternoon we tried to make reservations for next November but discovered that several days ago they stopped taking reservations for next fall as there are already several hundred people on the waiting list. Oh well.

In the meanwhile, the weather is fantastic. Daytime temperatures have been in the 70's (one day in the low 80's), dropping into the 50's and 60's at night. Except for one day that rained, there has been nothing but clear skies and sunshine. This is definitely a nice place to be in January!

Whereas Hanscom FamCamp with it's 67 sites is a really nice campground, MacDill with it's 300+ is a community, and a nice community at that. There are numerous kinds of dancing several times a week (Sharyn took me to ballroom dance class several nights ago), potluck dinners, bridge, Sing-A-Longs, exercise groups, dinners at the Beach Club Restaurant, dinner trips to various Tampa Restaurants, free Continental breakfasts on weekends, Friday Night Live with live music and karaoke, sewing groups, etc. There are also boats available for rent at the marina, and judging from the number of guys I see heading that way while carrying fishing poles on their bikes, I suspect that the fishing must be pretty good as well.

The other day we checked out the multi-million dollar physical fitness center on the main part of the base and it looks as if Sharyn is going to sign up for the program they are putting together for the FamCampers. The physical fitness center is a two mile bike ride from the FamCamp. Also, today I rode my bike four miles to the BX, and then on the way back searched out the base library where I checked out several books. The library is about 2½ miles from the FamCamp. The weather is so perfect that with the wide roads and level terrain, everything lends itself to traveling there and back via bicycle. There must be a hundred bicycles in the FamCamp and I'm back to riding everyday. All and all, everything is great, and life is definitely good!


Downtown Tampa across the bay with exercise trail in foreground

Two of the beach pavilions with St. Petersburg in distant background

Another view of beach with Seascapes Beachclub Restaurant in background

One of the small boat docks at marina

Sharyn talks with one of the guys from the line dancing class

Chow line at pot luck dinner

 

Odometer reading = 95,882
Miles for day = 1

 

 

 

1/11/09 to 1/29/09
(Tampa FL)

Having been her for almost a month, we're enjoying it a great deal. After our original 2 weeks we had to move to the dry camp (overflow) area, but we were only there for three days when we got a partial hookup site next to a tidal canal. Sharyn said the canal was nice as long as there were no alligators, which there weren't. I think we were there about a week when we got back into a full hookup site. That was about three days ago. We're hoping that when this two weeks are up the FamCamp population will be on decline so that we do not go back to dry camp, but I suspect that will not be the case. It will probably not be until late February that people start pulling out and heading back north. In spite of how it sounds,and how we thought it would be, the moving about really isn't bad. While it is less than convenient, we keep getting new neighbors, and since all of the rotating people are in the same boat, it's okay.

Since the weekly bike rides at Hanscom were so successful I thought I'd try to start the same thing here. Sharyn reminded me that since we aren't the hosts here I can't just go posting signs around the place. Instead I printed up a bunch of paper slips

Group Bicycle Ride
Would you be interested in a casual, low speed, bicycle ride to the food court at the BX for coffee and . . . bagel, donut, whatever . . . ? If so, show up at the RV sale lot just south of the FamCamp office at 9:30AM on Wednesday mornings.

that I than distributed to people who had bicycles next to their RV's. The first week we had eight riders, the second week it was 46° and we only had four riders, but yesterday we had seventeen. Inasmuch as everyone (almost everyone) said they enjoyed it, I think it's clear that this eight miler will be a weekly event.

The other day when Circuit City started it's inventory liquidation we went to buy Sharyn a camera. The place was jam packed but the sales weren't as spectacular as we had been led to believe, but we did get her a small 10MB Nikon CoolPix that she can keep in her pocketbook for any "I wish I had a picture of that" opportunities. The first such opportunity came one day when, as we were going out the gate, a giant radar surveillance aircraft with the big saucer on the top came in right over the top of the car. Unfortunately, the camera was back in the motorhome! Oh well.

I think that Sharyn's favorite thing about this FamCamp is the line dancing that they have two nights a week. Sharyn, who was probably born to dance (and married me anyway), loves it, and never misses a night. An hour and a half later she returns to the motorhome pretty much worn out. There's a group of about thirty regulars, mostly women, who show up every time and have a lot of fun.

Several days ago we rode over to Camping World and ordered a new awning to replace the one that was destroyed last October when the wind coming across the flightline at Hanscom demolished our old one. We were either the third or fourth rig to loose our awning to the wind at Hanscom last summer. It had to be ordered, but by this time next week we should have it on the motorhome. It will be nice to have again, both for the protection from the hot afternoon sun as well as for the added protection it affords our bikes when it rains.

The other thing we finally took care of was addressing the fact that one of our solar panels was not working. We first discovered that one of our two 120 watts panels was not putting anything out back in the summer of 2007 when we were boondocking (dry camping) in some of the Provincial Parks in Newfoundland. Of course out in the wilderness there is nothing that can be done about it, and then upon return to civilization where we're not doing any extended dry camping it was a non-issue and was forgotten about. Anyway, the other day in dry camp, it again became a factor in maintaining our batteries. To get right to the point, I called the manufacturer, Kyocera, and told them that one of our panels wasn't working and gave them the serial numbers. A very helpful girl (lady) told me that those panels were manufactured at a time when they had some bad panels come off the line. Since the panels are warranted for 25 years they are sending us two replacements. I told her that only one panel was bad, but she said that since they had consecutive serial numbers they were going to replace both of them. They should arrive here tomorrow and all we have to do is place the old panels in the shipping carton and use the prepaid return shipping label to send them back. That's pretty nice customer service.

The only down side we see here at McDill FamCamp is that cell phone service really stinks. While everyone has a problem, we seem to have more of a problem than anyone else. Typically, our phones just don't work here. We are entitled to some kind of free, or discounted, telephone upgrade on March 13 so we'll see what we do then. It could be that our phones are not what they should be.


Dry camped in the overflow area

Sharyn reading one of her books

Yesterday's bike ride leaving the FamCamp (Photo by Sharyn)

Satellite view of FamCamp, beach, and marina

 

Odometer reading = 95,883
Miles for day = 1

 

 

 

1/30/09 to 2/16/09
(Tampa FL)

Since the last entry there have been a few things that I can write about, but the big event was Gasparilla. Everyone knows that New Orleans has its Mardi Gras, but fewer people are aware that Tampa has its Mardi Gras also —they call it Gasparilla!! It's sort of a loose reenactment/celebration of the return to Tampa of the legendary 18th century pirate, Jose Gaspar. Of course none of that's true, it's just an excuse to have a giant party. If you really want to know about the legend (or any of the several legends) of Gasparilla you might want to look at http://www.josegaspar.net.

Basically, the way it works it that "the pirate ship' is anchored in the bay just off of Bay Shore Blvd. for about a week before the big day. When the day arrives Bay Shore Blvd. is closed to traffic and the big Gasparilla parade gets started with all the large floats and land based hoopla.

The main action, however, and the part that we participated in takes place on the water when pirate ship, with cannons roaring and fireboats leading the way, is slowly towed to the head of the harbor and up the river into the heart of downtown Tampa. The trip takes several hours as the pirate ship is escorted into Tampa by all the boats participating in the event. Since anyone with anything that floats can participate, the bay and river get quite crowded with perhaps 800-1000 boats slowly moving into downtown Tampa. As the procession gets closer to the head of the harbor and then begins moving up the river it's like everyone is working their way through a funnel that's getting more and more narrow and more and more crowded. Eventually everyone gets jammed up and the boats come to a near stop as there is no remaining room to move or maneuver.

As all of this has been progressing up the harbor and then into and up the river, the people on the boats have been throwing Mardi Gras beads to other boats, along with a good number of Jell-O shooters laced wit rum, vodka, or whatever. There is also the occasional overheated girl who has to lift up her T-shirt to cool off. By the time everyone is jammed into downtown Tampa, the people on the boats and the spectators on the land are only separated by a few feet so the bead throwers, Jell-O shooters, and overheated girls are no less prominent on the shore than on the boats.

After a while an occasional boat makes its way back through the crowd and out into the bay to be slowly followed by another, and then another, until eventually there is a slow but gradual exodus back out to the bay. What may have gone on later in the heart of downtown as afternoon turned to evening I can't say as we weren't there.

This experience was made possible for us by Sharyn's cousin Diana and her husband Carl who had invited us and two other couples to experience Gasparilla with them on their boat. It was a great day and we had a great time.



The pirate ship gets underway

Led by the fire boats

Lots of boats

Really lots of boats

Lots of flags

Law enforcement was well represented

Could this be excessive power?

Captain Carl

Capt Carl's 1st Mate

Their daughter Jenny

Closing in on downtown Tampa

Overheated girl

Some of the dockside spectators

A particularly low key spectator

Some are younger than others

Could this be Jose Gaspar?

There were smaller boats . . .

. . . expensive boats . . .

and "party" boats

Shirts or beads, it's all the same

The exodus has begun

Diana and Carl live right around the next corner

All secured

Odometer reading = 95,941
Miles for day = 58

 

 

 

2/17/09 to 2/25/09
(Tampa FL)

Since Gasparilla things have been rather sedate around here. The weather has been beautiful, mostly sunny and in the 70's. Not bad for February!

Last week I took a two day course in picture framing at the framing shop here on base. Since then I've gone back and framed another photograph that I took a number of years ago. It's a beautifully equipped shop with all the professional picture framing equipment. Basically it's a framing shop where you take things to have them framed. However, if you take their training course you can then use all the equipment to do your own jobs. Pretty nice! I'll try to frame one more photo before we leave.

Once a month the FamCamp has a restaurant dinner trip where those that sign up travel (via FamCamp vans) to different restaurants in the area. We signed up last week when the trip was to Top's China Buffet in Brandon, about 20 miles from the base. We like Chinese so we frequently do Chinese buffets, but this one must have had twice the selection of the next best place we've ever gone to, plus the selection was all good stuff—more than we could even sample. The only problem was that as I was coming back to the dinning room with my fourth dish of ice cream everyone else (about 35 people) was getting up to leave. We'll go back again!

Several days ago we were visited by George and Bunny, and Manny and Grace. For the most part we spent the afternoon sitting outside talking and walking around the FamCamp. We then had lunch on the deck of the Surf's Edge Club adjacent to the FamCamp. That was the first time Sharyn and I had ever been there during the daytime and we had never sat out on the deck that overlooks the beach. The general consensus was that it was pretty nice.

By the way, it was nine years ago today that we started our full-time RVing life style. That makes this the first day of our tenth year!


My first framing venture (photo from Nova Scotia — 2007)

Our neighbor's water connection was leaking, much to the enjoyment of some other neighbors


Odometer reading = 95,941
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

2/26/09 to 3/3/09
(Tampa FL)

Having been here at MacDill for just over two months, tomorrow we're moving across to the east coast of Florida where we'll be staying at the Patrick AFB FamCamp while visiting Sharyn's sister Carolyn.

Yesterday I finished up my fourth, and last framing job. I used a cropped version of a picture of a swan that I had taken at the Iris Gardens in Sumter SC several years ago. It really came out nice and we both like it.

Last night was Sharyn's last night at line dancing which she has thoroughly enjoyed two nights a week since we got here. I think it was her favorite thing here.

This afternoon we returned the remaining books we had from the base library and had the front wheels on the car balanced at the auto shop. We had developed a front end shimmy that was getting worse. It now feels like a new car.

This morning we went to Dunkin Donuts at the food court for coffee and donuts (I had an egg sandwich), and tonight we rode our bikes to the Seascapes Beach Club adjacent to the FamCamp where we had big hamburgers with bacon and cheese for dinner.

Typically when we leave someplace it's because we've been there long enough and want to move on. That's not the case this time. We're both very comfortable here and would probably stay another month if we didn't have to be on Long Island by the end of the month to attend to a rental home we have there. Our tenant of six years is leaving and we'll have work to do to get it ready for, and find, a new tenant. Since we want to do some visiting before that, we must get started now. We plan, however, to be back here when we finish up our summer hosting job at the Hanscom FamCamp in Bedford, Massachusetts.


A Photoshop creation of Sharyn's line dance instructor that Sharyn gave her as token of appreciation

A quick snapshot photo of my framed swan

Sharyn (far left) as we wait for sunset at Seascapes

View from our table


Odometer reading = 95,941
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/4/09 to 3/11/09
(Patrick AFB FL)

We left MacDill around 11 o'clock and arrived at Patrick FamCamp several hours later. We rode our bikes around the campground to find Bob and Sherry (friends we first met in April 2006 at the FamCamp at Beale AFB in California) who we had talked to on the phone several days before. That evening we went with them to the Lobster Shanty, a popular seafood restaurant, on Route A1A, two or three miles north of the main gate. While dinner was good, the concusses was that it wasn't that good and was considerably overpriced. I don't think any of us will go back again.

The following morning there was a free Burrito breakfast served at what might be called the "community circle" in the middle of the FamCamp. There were several types of burritos, fresh fruit, coffee and orange juice (plus some other stuff I can't remember), all of which was supplied by Outdoor Recreation and was enjoyed by all.

Since then we have had dinner with Bob and Sherry at their place, and they at ours, plus shared wine and cheese on several occasions.

One day Sharyn met with her sister, Carolyn, who lives in Palm Bay, for lunch and a day of shopping. The following morning we picked Carolyn up ay her home and the three of us drove down to Port St. Lucie to visit their brother, Alan, and his daughter. After visiting with them for several hours the three of us drove over to my sister's who has a place not too far away, where we visited and stayed for dinner.

The only problem we are having to deal with is the lack of refrigeration. After a steady decline over the last several weeks our refrigerator has finally died. It was 23 months ago that we replaced the cooling unit (basically the entire back of the refrigerator). The unit has a two year warranty so when we get back to Virginia (mid-March) we will again remove the cooling unit and return it for replacement. In the meanwhile we are using two picnic coolers—not the most convenient system!


Sunset as seen from our table at the overpriced seafood restaurant

Cooking up the tortillas

Breakfast serving line

The overall turnout was substantial

Dinner at Bob and Sherry's

Bob and Sherry join us for wine and cheese

So did this guy (of course I was sharing the peanuts)

Our campsite

Sharyn relaxing on our "patio"


Odometer reading = 96,093
Miles for day = 151

 

 

 

3/12/09
(Patrick AFB FL)

Last night I had proposed to Sharyn that this morning we should go somewhere for "an intimate breakfast for two." She suggested that we go north from the main gate and look for a place in Cocoa Beach, which we did. As it worked out we went through Cocoa Beach and continued on towards Cape Canaveral. Stopping for traffic at a red light we found ourselves right at the entrance to a place advertising itself as having all kinds of breakfast omelets. It sounded good, so we pulled in. The place was kind of crowded and the sign said, "please wait to be seated," so we stood there, number three on line. Next to the please wait to be seated sign was a blackboard with the daily specials. At the top of the blackboard, in large print, it read, "Congratulations to our new president." The next line read, "Today's special, 'Barack Obama Special.'" I looked at that and said to Sharyn that I didn't want to eat there. She looked at it and said, "let's go." So we did. We ended up at Zachary's, a family restaurant in Cape Canaveral.

After breakfast we decided to continue north on A1A to see what else was there.

Last night they were supposed to launch the space shuttle from the Kennedy Space Center, about 25 miles north of here. Our plan was to watch the launch from the beach, but about two hours before launch time we heard on the news that it had been canceled due to a leaking valve. Driving along, as we approached the Kennedy Space Center we were looking off to our right to see if we could see the space shuttle on the launch pad. We didn't see it from the highway, so after we doubled back we decided to take the exit to the Space Center figuring if we got closer we'd see the shuttle. Well we never did see the shuttle, but we figured we stop at the visitor's center and check it out. Surprise!—the least expensive entrance fee to the visitor's center was $38, or $76 for both of us.

It seems to me that there's something wrong with that kind of admission fee. We, the American People, pay hundreds of millions of dollars per year to finance the space program, but then if we want to check out the visitor's center to see what it's all about, we have to pay still more. We left without going in!

From there we hit a Dairy Queen for a large Oreo Blizzard and then returned to the FamCamp


Odometer reading = 96,093
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

3/14/09 to 3/16/09
(Charleston AFB SC)

After pulling out of the Patrick FamCamp it was only a few miles to I-95. It had been our plan to stop at King's Bay, the first exit after crossing into Georgia, but before we got to that point we decided to just continue on. I've been having trouble with my back and there was some question as to how far I could drive (how long I could sit in the seat) in one day, but it was going okay. We set the GPS to take us to the FamCamp at Charleston AFB and just did as Jill (the voice we have chosen) told us. One thing that bothered me (and still does) is that Jill told us we'd be getting off of I-95 and onto US-17 at Exit 33. Long before we got there we pulled into a rest area to take a break and as we pulled back out onto I-95 Jill "recalculated" and told us to continue on I-95 to Exit 53 where we'd pick up US-17A. A computer that appears to arbitrarily change its mind is a somewhat scary thing and makes you wonder if you should pay any attention at all. Sharyn suggested that perhaps if we choose a man's voice instead of Jill he might be more stable!

One other thing that caught our attention was the fact that as we progressed north we were gradually moving the temperature control on the dashboard from full cool to ¾ heat. When we pulled into the FamCamp and were signing in with the host, he was wearing long pants, flannel shirt, and a jacket; I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt and freezing.

Anyway, the following morning we picked up our granddaughter Mary for a two day visit. Shortly after getting back to the FamCamp she and I went for a 4 mile bike ride. She thought the "4 mile" part was pretty cool. Unfortunately, it then started to rain and stayed pretty wet and rainy for two days. At one point it cleared up a bit and Mary, who plays tennis on her Wii at home, suggested to grandma that tennis was a real easy game (the tennis courts are adjacent to the FamCamp and basically right in front of the motorhome). After about ten minutes on the court with grandma Mary said that it was not what she expected and that it was a lot harder playing tennis on the court than it was playing tennis with Wii. Anyway, they both had fun.


Mary posing at grandpa's request

Mary returns the ball from grandma's serve


Odometer reading = 96,504
Miles for day = 411

 

 

 

3/17/09 to 3/21/09
(Louisa VA)

Since it would be quite some time before we are on another military base, Sharyn wanted to stock up on nonperishable grocery items at the commissary before we left. It was shortly after noon when we left the base, eventually heading north on I-95. We went as far as Wilson NC where we exited and drove some four miles to a Walmart to spend the night. We have stopped at this particular Walmart several times in the past and one of the eating establishments within walking distance was Golden Coral. We wanted to try the seafood buffet that Golden Coral has been advertising on TV so that was part of our decision to stop when/where we did. The crab cakes were quite good, and Sharyn also enjoyed the large coconut shrimp. They were good but I would have preferred without the coconut.

Anyway, after dinner we walked back to the motorhome and watched NCIS on TV before deciding that with Louisa only 3½ hours away we should just bite the bullet and continue on. Sharyn wasn't totally in favor of that since she also likes The Mentalist which follows NCIS, plus she thought I'd fall asleep driving. I don't know why she thought that since it has never happened in my life, but she sometimes thinks I'm getting old. I didn't fall asleep, and at ten minutes to one in the morning we backed into Jordan's driveway and onto our concrete slab, plugged in the electric, and went to bed.

Since Jordan leaves for work at 6:30 am we didn't see here until she came home that evening, but since she works four 10 hour days, she has been off ever since so we've had lots of time to visit.

One thing we've finally managed to do has been to pull the refrigerator out of the wall so we could remove the cooling unit and ship it back to the rebuilder under the two year warranty that runs out in three weeks. The whole deal is a real pain in the butt. This cooling unit died about a month ago and we've been using a picnic cooler since then to keep stuff cold (plus we've thrown away a lot that went bad). The plan was that when we got back here we'd ask Phil to help Sharyn pull the refrigerator (we've done it several times) but my back has improved sufficiently that she and I were able to do it ourselves. We have a Norcold refrigerator that, after 96,000 miles, has given us more trouble than all other components of the motorhome put together. This is the second refrigerator and will be the third cooling unit! If you have an RV and it doesn't have a Norcold, it will have a Dometic. Reading the RV forums, the people with Norcolds have all kinds of problems with them, and the people with Dometics don't like theirs either. It seems that someone should be able to build a reliable RV refrigerator. Sharyn's ready to just buy a new refrigerator (which we may end up doing) but I don't know if it we be any more trouble free than what we've experienced in the past.


Refrigerator on floor in motorhome prior to removal of cooling unit

Cooling unit after removal (this picture is actually from the time we did it in April 2007)

Jordan helping her friend Robert install locks on her sheds
Note: (1) She's not paying attention to what Robert's doing, and (2) That cool tool belt

Odometer reading = 96,980
Miles for day = 476

 

 

 

3/22/09 to 4/4/09
(Louisa VA)

We had planned on leaving Virginia on April 3, but the day before we were to leave Jordan asked us if we had gotten an e-mail from her friend Susie. We had not, but Jordan was running in the Charlottesville 10 mile race on April 4 and had not planned on telling us. Susie had told Jordan that if she (Jordan) did not tell us, she (Susie) would. Obviously we were not going to leave and not see her run, so we stayed over and went to watch the race and cheer on Jordan and the other runners. It turned out to be quite a nice day, and although we lost sight of Jordan in the mass of humanity at the starting lineup (some 2700 runners had signed up for the race), after the start we drove to a location about halfway down the course and waited for the runners to come by. When Jordan ran by with a wave and a "Hi Dad," I felt better knowing that she could still speak. Of course we were also waiting for her as she came across the finish line. I think it's great that she did, and was able to, complete the run. Actually, I think it's next week that she's doing a half-marathon (13 miles). The longest run she's ever done in the past was four miles!


Start of the Charlottesville 10 Miler

Jordan passes the half way point

A very happy Jordan crosses the finish line

Sharyn's most excellent chicken soup

Sharyn, Jordan, Phil, and I have dinner in a tiny home cookin' style restaurant near Phil's house

Phil's new goose blind

Jordan (a little blurry) demonstrates

It got foggy on the way home from Phil's

Odometer reading = 96,980
Miles for day = 0

 

 

4/5/09 to 4/11/09
(Southold NY)

Leaving the the day after Jordan's 10 miler, we decided to again take US-301 rather that I-95. Heading south to Virginia last fall we had taken US-301 and it had worked out pretty well (Sharyn does not like I-95). This time was markedly different—it took us more than 12 hours cover the 451 miles to get here. It was a very long day that, coupled with getting up at 5:30 two mornings in a row, left us exhausted.

On top of the long time frame, on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway some guy towing a large equipment trailer nearly wiped out the right side of the motorhome (that's what we thought had happened) but luckily only took off the mirror. The mirror was hanging from the electric cable (it's a heated, remote control mirror) and banging against the side of the motorhome, but Sharyn succeeded in leaning out the window and grabbing it. She held on to it for a half hour until we finally came to a place that was safe to pull off. With some oversized screws we were able to refasten the mirror and continue on our way. We had talked about taking the Orient Point ferry to New London CT when we leave here (about $100) for Massachusetts, but after once again experiencing driving the motorhome through New York City the ferry is now guaranteed. Sharyn said this was the first time the stuff in the medicine cabinet got knocked over. Think of an old fashion laundry scrub board and you'll have a picture of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the Long Island Expressway, the Cross Bronx Expressway, or any of the other roads that take you through New York City. They're all terrible!

Our destination in Southold was the small rental house we have here. Originally we had bought it for Jordan when she was working up here, but then when she went back to Virginia we rented it. Now, after seven years, our tenant has moved out and we are here to paint, clean, replace carpet, etc., plus find a new tenant. I might put a clause in this next lease that this tenant can't leave during my lifetime. Anyway, it was dark when we arrived in Southold so we just parked in the driveway for the night. Back when we first bought the place we had installed sewer and 50 amp hookups behind the house so that when we visited we'd be all set, but getting the motorhome in position behind the house is not something we can readily do in the dark.

The next morning, while maneuvering the motorhome into position, the front right wheel went over and collapsed the cesspool cover. Luckily that jack prevented the motorhome from dropping far enough to cause damage to any part of the motorhome, and by working with numerous blocks and two large timbers we actual managed to get the wheel up and out of the cesspool. That was a relief, and something I had not been too optimistic about. We had a fellow come today who replaced the cover with one twice as thick as the one that had been there, but I don't think we'll drive over it anyway!

At this point we've been cleaning for four days and still have a very long way to go. The place basically looked like an abandoned crack house and we'll really be hustling to get it finished and rented and get to Hanscom FamCamp in time for the May 1 opening. The photos below give some idea as to the condition in which we found the place. Bear in mind it was all freshly painted with new wall to wall carpet when the tenant moved in seven years ago.

With all that we are doing, our 42nd anniversary very nearly went by without either one of us realizing that it was April 8. That is something that neither one of us has ever forgotten.

One final thing (before I go to bed). Several hours ago the guy called to find out where to send the refrigerator cooling unit. It's finally fixed—but now we have no time to focus on it!


The storm door is destroyed and this is not wall-to-wall carpet, nor is it the carpet that was there when she rented the place

This also is not the original carpet (which means she destroyed two carpets)

She didn't clean windows either

Odometer reading = 97,432
Miles for day = 451

 

 


4/12/09 to 4/28/09
(Southold NY)

For these two weeks, while we did pretty much nothing else except clean, scrub, scrape paint, repaint, replace rotted window sills, clean up the yard, etc., there were a few diversions.

We celebrated Greg's birthday, and had dinner with Cathy and Charlie, friends from many years ago, and on Easter Sunday we had dinner with Greg and Paulette and her family. In addition, Sharyn went to see our grandson PJ play varsity baseball where he stole several bases and hit three home runs, including a grand slam (at the next game they walked him rather than pitch to him).

Unfortunately, when all was said and done, we will be heading for Hanscom AFB FamCamp tomorrow morning without having found a tenant. The house is now freshly painted, newly carpeted, and ready for a happy tenant. We've given it to a broker and hope she does well for us.


Easter dinner at Stonewall Golf Course (photo by Sharyn)

PJ steals home (photo by Sharyn)

Charlie came to visit with Eddie and (I forgot the dog's name)

Charlie, Eddie, and the unknown dog head back home


Odometer reading = 97,432
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

4/29/09 to 5/6/09
(Bedford MA)

Leaving Long Island, we lucked out on the 10:am Orient Point to New London Ferry. It was 9:30 when we pulled out of the driveway, and 9:58 when we pulled into the ferry facility at Orient Point (our goal was actually the 10:am boat). They held the 10:am ferry for us while they measured our length and Sharyn ran to the office to purchase the tickets. They measured us at 53' overall and it cost us $149.43. That sounds like a lot, but considering that it knocks 3½ hours and 179 miles off of the trip (including two toll bridges and negotiating through New York City) we see it as a pretty good deal. Besides, when we got off the ferry in New London CT, we were on I-95 and only 2 hours and 10 minutes from Hanscom.

While the FamCamp is supposed to officially open for the season on May 1, beginning this year the entire office operation will be computerized as are most of the FamCamps in the military system. Since we do not yet have our computer, the actual opening here has be delayed for one week until Friday, May 8. Hopefully, by then we will have our computer and some rudimentary training on Rec-Trac, the software system we'll be using. In spite of the fact that the FamCamp opening has been delayed we have cleaned and opened the bathrooms and showers. Chips had already opened the laundry room.

For purpose of explanation, even when the FamCamp is "closed" during the winter, there are a number of winterized campsites that are usable year round and a number of them are occupied during the winter months even though all the FamCamp buildings and facilities are closed down. During the winter any FamCamp business such as site payment or propane sales must be done at the Outdoor Rec office on base. The FamCamp itself is located off base, across the flightline from the base itself.

Sharyn's birthday was several days ago and it didn't go very well. My sister surprised her by coming down from New Hampshire to help celebrate the occasion, and later that afternoon the three of us went out for dinner. Halfway through dinner I developed pains in my chest/upper abdomen area. I thought I should go back to the motorhome and lay down, but they took me to the emergency room at the local hospital instead. To my surprise they kept me overnight and through the following day while they ran numerous tests. While the eventually ruled out a heart attack, which was a reversal of the preliminary diagnosis, I now have outpatient appointments with both a cardiologist and a gastroenterologist. While I feel fine, Sharyn's birthday was somewhat of a bummer for her.


Chips in front of his new 5th wheel (photo by Sharyn)

Odometer reading = 97,562
Miles for day = 130

 

 

 

5/7/09 to 6/2/09
(Bedford MA)

First of all, all the medical stuff described in the last segment turned out to be an anomomoly — all of the follow-ups that were done found nothing wrong. That was good. Also good, was that fact that my sister, who works at the pain management center at a New Hampshire hospital, set up an appointment for me to be seen by one of the physicians at the center for the back pain I've been suffering from since Gasparilla in Tampa back in February. It had severely limited what I could do, to the point that I was concerned about my ability to do my job here at at Hanscom. Anyway, he did a nerve block which within 20 minutes had reduced my pain by 90%, and within a week I had no discomfort whatsoever, no pain, no numbness, no nothing. It's wonderful!

So what else is going on? We officially opened the FamCamp on May 8 even though the computer had not yet arrived. We just continued doing things as we had been doing them last year. We should have opened on May 1 as scheduled, but that's water under the bridge. We are now doing all sales transactions, campsites, and inventory control, on the computer. As our proficiency with Rec-Trac, the software program we're using, has improved, we're to the point that the computerized system is an improvement over what we were doing before. Sharyn, who was initially intimidated by the computerized system (she successfully fought it off last year) is now showing me and Chips how to use it.

Last week we had a FamCamp barbecue, the first event for the season. Outdoor Rec (FamCamp is a part of Outdoor Rec) got us a brand new grill and we were excited about using our shinny new grill for the first time. Luckily, we checked it out earlier in the day, because, after showing it off all day, we discovered that one of the shutoff valves would not shut off the gas flow and we had to go back and get our old grill. The manufacturer is sending us a replacement valve which should get here before our next event. We didn't have quite as many people attend as we were having last year, but I think it's still a little early in the season (Sharyn thinks our occupancy rate is down from the same time last year).

My computer, a six year old Dell desktop, is kind of like the "old gray mare" — she ain't what she used to be! Not only has it been getting slower (and/or I'm getting more impatient), but my camera is producing photo files that are probably several times larger than the photo files I was producing six years ago. Some aspects of Photoshop, such as Adobe Bridge, go so slow that I can't even use them. Accordingly, it's been my plan for a number of months to upgrade my system with a larger monitor (I can't see as well as I used to) and a new computer. As for the monitor, I'm somewhat limited as to size by the fact that we're in a motorhome and the monitor sits on the kitchen table. After reading numerous reviews and following discussions about monitors on http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ (the best photo forum on the web), I had decided on a Dell 2408WFP. The purchase date of the monitor was accelerated when I found one, new in the box, on Craig's List for $400, about $200 below MSRP. With respect to the computer, I'm waiting for the arrival of computers with Windows 7 installed. I don't want Vista, and it seems that within the next several months Windows 7 will be available, preinstalled.

In the interim, the 1.5 TB internal drive that I installed last year when some 70 GB's of pictures had my hard drive bursting at the seems, has disappeared in that the computer can't "see it." When the IT guys on base connected the drive to another computer, all my files were there and accessible, but they could not get my computer to see or recognize the drive (I've called it my M Drive, and the only thing on it is the "My Documents" folder, which basically means everything I've ever saved is on it). I have an backup that automatically backs up every file I save or modify and that backup, on a separate external drive is intact. The day that the M drive disappeared I ran down to Staples and bought another 1 TB external drive and made a duplicate of my backup! Anyway, tomorrow I'm taking the computer to Computer Network Solutions (http://www.cnsonthenet.com/index.htm), a major service facility throughout New England. I've talked to them on the phone and am hopeful for a fix.

Other than all that, we've gone out for dinner on several occasions, and in an attempt to avoid the 10 pounds we each put on last summer, we have, thus far, limited our visits to Bedford Farms and/or Kindall Farm — great ice cream places — to a total of three trips!


Our brand new barbecue grill — the one that didn't work

Brought back into service, the old one worked fine

The FamCampers enjoyed their barbecue . . .

. . .Including these four

By night, this young camper (with grandparents) enjoyed the campfires

By day he nearly wore out our funny bike

My new Dell monitor sits on the kitchen table (as did the old one)

 

Odometer reading = 97,562
Miles for day = 0

 

 

 

6/3/09 to 7/8/09
(Bedford MA)

Early in June we took a drive to Gloucester to check it out — and, to see some of what this part of the Country has to offer. It was a nice drive and visit to a historic seaport village whose history goes back to the early 1600's. Unlike many places we have visited that speak of their historical heritage, yet have been paved over with parking lots and modern shopping facilities, or have designed and constructed a "restored village," Gloucester remains substantially lost in time, and largely dependent on the sea and commercial fishing. Not to say there is no focus on tourism, but tourism does not rule. We had been told that if we did go to Gloucester we had to eat at the Causeway Restaurant for some of the finest seafood available anywhere, which we did. We had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated and while we were waiting there was a guy at the end of the counter eating a big plate of some very good looking stuff. I asked him what it was and he told me it was "Peter's Platter" (fried clams, scallops, shrimp, fish, etc — I don't remember exactly) and that it would be an excellent choice. When we were seated I ordered Peter's Platter and Sharyn had lobster pie. Both were excellent, but I think that next time I'd go for the lobster pie also.

In mid-June we had a pot luck here at the FamCamp. We did not have a lot of campers at the time and the turnout was kind of light. Those that did show up had a good time and good food. As someone remarked last year, these women have been been cooking for 50 years and they've really got it right!

Our grandson PJ graduated from high school on Long Island on June 27. We did some shuffling of days off with Chips so that we had a four day weekend and took the New London Ferry ferry to Orient Point, Long Island to get to Eastern Long Island without having to drive all the way to and through New York City to get there. It worked out that we had one day to visit, one day for the graduation, one day for the party, and a final day to visit and head back to Hanscom. It was really nice since it doesn't happen too often that we have the opportunity to be together with our four kids. On Monday afternoon when we headed back to the ferry, the four kids went out on Greg's boat for an afternoon of fishing in Plum Gut (the water that flows between Orient Point and Plum Island).

On July 4 we had a big barbecue here at the FamCamp with a great turnout. We have been here since late April and may have had ten days of sunshine in all that time. When planning the barbecue we were concerned if anyone would come out if the rain did not stop. We really lucked out when it stopped raining that morning. I think that everyone here had cabin fever (OK, RV fever) after weeks of rain and was thrilled with the opportunity to get out and talk to someone besides their spouse. We went through 72 hamburgers, 48 hot dogs, several cases of soda, plus all the food that the people brought themselves. The sun lasted for Saturday, Sunday,and Monday, and then when we were off on Tuesday and Wednesday (today), the rains returned. Tomorrow we are going to start building the ark!

That's it for the text (not too much), but lots of photos to follow (many by Sharyn). . . .



Sharyn outside of the Causeway Restaurant

Inside Causeway "dining room"

Famous Gloucester Fisherman statue

This memorial is to honor the 5368 Gloucester men who went down with their ships since 1623. The memorial is circular in shape and surrounded by plaques containing the names of all 5368 men. The first plaque is visible at the very right edge of the photo.

A portion of the plaque the two men are reading in the above photo can be seen and read here

Gloucester's Main Street (the street is being repaved)

A very pretty window box on Main Street

Sharyn crossing Main Street

Fishing boats tied up at fish processing plant

Window boxes on house outside of Gloucester

Sharyn and Chips planning what's going to happen next

Sharyn with her favorite coffee cup

F-15 Fighting Eagle

C-5 (Unfortunately I missed the tail section on this aircraft that can carry a payload of 463,000 pounds — almost half a million pounds!)

Then there was this restored Stearman trainer from the 1930-40's

Sharyn got this one of Chips on his motorcycle

The turn out at our mid-June potluck was kind of light

Sharyn, Phil, Jordan, Scott, and Shane on Greg's deck prior to graduation or party

Greg, Scott, Shane, and Phil preparing for the graduation party

PJ with Paulette and his newly awarded diploma

Scott, Paulette, PJ, and Greg

PJ's ready to cut the cake

Jordan, me, and Phil watch the party goings on

The party begins to wind down

Greg at the helm of his boat during an afternoon of fishing at "The Gut" with all his siblings (Photo by Phil III)

As we were on the ferry heading for New London, Phil took this picture of the sun going down at Plum Gut

Chips and I work the grill for our July 4th barbecue

There was plenty of food for everyone

Including char broiled burgers

These were some happy barbecue'ers . . . .

. . . as were all of these!

 

Odometer reading = 97,562
Miles for day = 0







7/9/09 to 9/20/09
(Bedford MA)

I have trouble trying to remember what I did yesterday, so the idea of updating this page by trying to reconstruct the events of the last 2½ months from memory is almost silly. Typically, updates to this site cover a much shorter period of time. Also, I refresh my recollection by looking back at all the pictures I've taken since the last update. This time there are very few pictures to look at — partially because we didn't do too much, and partially because I didn't take my camera on a few occasions when I should have.

Anyway, searching my memory and looking back at the few pictures I did take, I am reminded of the following:

How about we bought and installed a new toilet? Many of the components in a motorhome or other RV are not designed or intended for full time use and will basically wear out. That's what happened to the toilet's valve assembly that is actuated by the foot pedal. I had replaced that assembly a number of years ago and considered replacing it again this time. Skipping over the details as to why, we ordered a new, and better, toilet through the campground store. Not only is it a better toilet, but it looked much nicer than the old one. For reasons not clear to me, Sharyn says she likes the old one better.

Bill and Cheryl, RVing friends from Arkansas that we met in Gillette, Wyoming, in the summer of 2000 came up for a visit (they have appeared in this travelog a number of times in the past). They had never been in this part of the Country before. Neither New England nor the East Coast. They are a fun couple and we always enjoy them. Unfortunately, a short time before they left Arkansas Bill had been bitten by a tick, and as a result of that tick bite he ended up spending two days here in the local hospital. He was substantially weakened by his ordeal and I'm sure it detracted considerably from what could have been a much more pleasant vacation for him. The four of us nevertheless managed to spend a day in Boston, dinner out on several occasions, multiple episodes of wine and cheese, etc., plus a few trips to both Bedford Farms and Kimball Farms ice cream.

One night we were invited by Ken and Gwen, friends and campers, to have dinner with then in a small restaurant located in the basement of a Revolutionary War era tavern in Concord that on Wednesday nights has a small New Orleans jazz group play. Apparently they ("they," for the most part, being whoever happens to show up that night) have been playing there for years. We had dinner while watching and listening. Dinner was good and the music was even better! That night I did not have my camera with me. Dumb!

It was in September, 2003, six years ago, that we bought the Dell computer that we've been using since that time. For a number of months now it's been giving us trouble of various sorts, frequently locking up and requiring a reboot. In addition, in spite of the fact that a long time ago I installed an additional 1GB of memory, some application were running extremely slow. Adobe Bridge was so slow that I could not even use it. I told Sharyn that I didn't know if the computer was getting slower or if I was just getting more impatient. She suspected it was a combination of both. Anyway, for some time it has been my plan to get a new computer when Microsoft replaced Vista with a new operating system. When they announced that Windows 7 would be available pre-installed on October 22 that pretty much became the plan. However, shortly thereafter Dell announced that if you purchased a new computer with Vista that you would get a free update to Windows 7 when it became available. That was good enough for me — I bought a Studio XPS Desktop with Intel's i7-920 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and over 3 TB of storage spread over 3 internal hard drives (two of which I already had). Since we have no real audio system in the motorhome I also got an upgraded sound card and a Bose speaker system. I plan on having this computer for quite some time. The only downside for this computer is the physical size of the box itself. When putting together the specs I didn't pay attention to the size of the box — mistakenly thinking that all computer cases were pretty much the same size. Oh well, it still fits under the table, and even if I had been aware of the size of the box I would have bought it anyway.

August 29, the day of Ted Kennedy's funeral, it poured down rain all day. When Kennedy's casket left Boston it was brought to Hanscom AFB to be flown to Washington for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. In spite of the non-stop heavy rain the roads to the base were lined with people standing five deep waiting to pay their last respects. While Ted Kennedy was certainly a prominent figure on the national scene, as non-Massachusetts residents we did not realize how the people of Massachusetts loved him. The outpouring of love and respect was overwhelming. For hours, Sharyn (not a Kennedy fan) stood by the fence that separates the FamCamp from the flightline waiting for and watching all that was going on. Some of the photos she took are shown below.

George and Bunny, friends of our from Jersey were up this way visiting their daughter and stopped by one afternoon for a visit. We all wrapped up the day with dinner at Luigi's and ice cream at Bedford Farms.

 After our trip to Gloucester back in June we were told that we should also check out Newburyport, so last week we did. Using the GPS to get there it wanted to take us on the Interstate. In order to stay on the back roads we told the GPS we were going by bicycle — the GPS knows that bicycles are not allowed on the Interstate so it took us along all the back roads. Newburyport is on the Merrimack River where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean and is quite nice. It is less of a working/commercial port than is Gloucester and more of a recreation/vacation destination. We (Sharyn) checked out several antique shops as we walked about the village (It takes quite a while to get past an antique shop when you are walking with Sharyn). We also walked the length of the boardwalk that follows the edge of the bulkheaded river. We ended up having lunch at the Starboard Galley. The lady in the antique shop told us it was her son-in-law's restaurant and that it was very good. I ordered a bowl of clam chowder and a shrimp basket. The chowder came in a dinner plate sized bowl and would have been sufficient by itself. It was a very enjoyable day. We returned to the FamCamp via I-95, and seeing as we were southbound we were unaffected by the work traffic northbound out of Boston.

Twenty-five years ago we lived in Southold, Long Island, and last winter while staying at the FamCamp at MacDill AFB in Tampa we saw another motorhome with a sign saying that they were from Southold. We stopped and introduced ourselves to Rob and Nan. It turned out that they were active duty Air Force when we lived in Southold so we had never met them. We did, however, know a lot of the same people. Anyway, last week they pulled into the FamCamp here at Hanscom and we had the opportunity to get together again. They were only here for a short while, but before they left we again went to dinner at Luigi's, finishing up with ice cream at Bedford Farms.

This past Saturday Sharyn went on a day trip to Martha's Vineyard that was sponsored by Tickets and Tours on base. There were about 25 people who took the trip, boarding the bus on base, they were driven to Falmouth where they took the ferry to Martha's Vineyard. On the island they boarded a guided tour bus to see the main sights, were given time to wander around and shop in Edgartown, and ultimately boarded the ferry for the ride back to Falmouth and dinner in a Falmouth restaurant before boarding the bus to return to the base. She returned tired but happy!


 What a beautiful toilet

Bill, Cheryl, and Sharyn at 99 in West Concord

Bill and Roy Rogers after Bill's discharge from hospital

Cheryl and Sharyn on Boston subway

Ken and Gwen; in their 80's, they still ride their bikes, play tennis, and go to jazz festivals

Kennedy's casket is loaded onto the plane

The plane taxi's to the runway

And takes off for Andrews AFB just outside of Washington

Sharyn in Newburyport

Our table at the Starboard Galley in Newburyport

As our last potluck dinner came to an end so had Sharyn (by this time it has been a 12 hour day)

These are our "bosses" Nicole and Stephanie

Rob and Nan in front of their Allegro Bus

The Harbor Master's Shack at Oak Bluff in Martha's Vineyard

View from the ferry while going in to Falmouth Harbor

FamCampers, in their 70's, their motorhome says, "Never be old enough to know better"

A relaxed Sharyn speaking to Jordan



 Odometer reading = 97,562
Miles for day = 0







9/21/09 to 11/3/09
(Bedford MA)

Once again, due to a combination of lack of memory and the fact that most of what we did during this time was rather routine and does not lend itself to interesting reading, this will be an abbreviated update.

Some time back, Bob and Sherry, RVing friends that we met years ago at Beale AFB in California, described the concept of a "chili dump." That's where everyone gets together, bringing a bowl of their favorite chili. All this chili is then dumped into a large common pot from which everyone serves themselves (seems like a pretty average chili). Anyway, on September 25, Hanscom FamCamp had its first chili dump. Being somewhat late in the season the turnout was not as large as some of our mid-summer barbecues, but everyone seemed to enjoy it and liked the concept. Since I don't like chili I limited myself to dessert. Anyway, that was the last event of the season. Sharyn had planned to have a smor'es gathering around the campfire on Halloween night, October 31 being the day the FamCamp officially closes. That was canceled, however, because by then it was "winter" at Hanscom — the first snow had occurred several days before!

Hanscom AFB has a quarterly awards breakfast where those whose job performance was particularly outstanding are recognized by a process of being nominated for the award in various categories. From those nominated in each category (most of the categories are military related) a winner is selected. On October 15, having been nominated, Sharyn was awarded Civilian of the Quarter in her category. It is too bad I missed getting her photo when the winner was announced as she was totally shocked and amazed. It goes without saying that everyone that has anything to do with FamCamp or Outdoor Rec is very pleased with the way in which she has been running the FamCamp — and rightfully so!

The group was smaller than for our mid-summer barbecues

But they kept coming back for more

Everyone seemed satisfied

At the awards breakfast Sharyn talks with Col Orr, the base commander, and our boss, Nicole

Sharyn's official Air Force photo (for the awards presentation)

On the morning of November 1 Chips lowered the flag and Hanscom FamCamp was closed for the season

Odometer reading = 97,562
Miles for day = 0







11/4/09 to 11/6/09
(Boonton NJ)

It was mid-morning when, after having been in the one place for over six months, we pulled out of the FamCamp heading for Boonton NJ where we planned to visit friends. It was an uneventful drive that got us to Harry and Irene's by mid-afternoon. While there we also got to visit and have dinner with George and Bunny, mutual friends that live about a mile away (Harry, George, and I have been friends for over 50 years and our respective wives for almost as long).

Unfortunately, Irene's 93 year old mother was hospitalized while we were there, putting additional strain on Irene.

The night before we left the temperature had gone down to 26° apparently freezing our water pump or (hopefully) one of the fittings to it. We were unaware of that until we stopped to get gas and saw water dripping out from the utility bay. I'm not sure how or why that happened since, while we were dry camped, we were running the bedroom furnace at night which has a heat vent that goes into the utility bay.

Odometer reading = 97,804
Miles for day = 241







11/7/09 to 11/10/09
(Louisa VA)

When we left Irene and Harry's it was only 7:45 in the morning — one of our earliest departures ever! The good thing about that is that we arrived at Jordan's fairly early in the afternoon. I no longer like to drive at night, and this time of year "night" comes early.

It turns out that Jordan had been sick for several days before our arrival. On our first full day here she left work early and drove herself to the Urgent Care Center at Martha Jefferson hospital where we met her a short time later. After administering fluids and anti-biotics via an IV they discharged her to home. While she's still not doing great (she has not returned to work) she is showing signs of improvement.

Being here at Jordan's we have a concrete slab with full hookups and 50 amp service, plus we get to use her washer and dryer, plus put stuff in here freezer. Since three of our four kids live in the area we plan on being here for Thanksgiving and then on through Christmas. Presumably there will be updates to follow.

Odometer reading = 98,164
Miles for day = 360







11/11/09 to 11/27/09
(Louisa VA)

Within a few days after the last entry Jordan was full recovered, back to work, and back to normal. That was good.

Of course the big event for this entry was Thanksgiving and all the preparation leading up to it — meaning food preparation! Sharyn, in particular, misses the holiday dinners that we used to have when the kids were small and our parents, aunts, uncles, etc., would all be at our house for dinner and the holiday festivities. Our parents, as well as most of those aunts and uncles are long gone, but good memories remain. I have always used the analogy of the leaves on the trees. There comes a time when all the leaves turn color and eventually fall to the ground to make room for the next generation to blossom and bloom. While we have not yet fallen from the tree, we are well into the fall and the world belongs to the next generation.

Mary, our 12 year old granddaughter, spent Thanksgiving week with us and got to meet her cousins, Katlin and Philip, as well as her uncle and aunt, Phil and Kim, none of whom she had ever seen. That was a very nice add-on for Thanksgiving and one that was particularly enjoyed by all the cousins


Sharyn a/k/a Grandma at work in the kitchen

How much help does Grandma need?

The turkey thing worked

All we need now are the rest of the chairs

Phil and Kim

Mary takes her own pictures

Philip and I play a computer game

Mary and Philip doing something

Philip III, Philip IV, and Philip Jr

Grandma and Grandpa (Photo by Mary)



Odometer reading = 98,164
Miles for day = 0






11/28/09 to 12/5/09
(Sumter SC)

Two days after Thanksgiving, Sharyn, Mary, and I took the motorhome to the FamCamp at Shaw AFB from which Sharyn took Mary home to Charleston. I've been having some back problems and the drive from Virginia to Shaw was all I was able to manage.

It used to be that we could come here in December or January and there would be only two or three other RVers in the campground. Over the years that has changed and when we got here the other day, out of the 21 sites there were only two vacant. Two of the rigs here spent time at Hanscom this past summer. If it's a small world, the FamCamp world is even smaller!

We still enjoy spending time here at Shaw. Sharyn particularly enjoys the total quiet with no interruptions, no inquires, and no need to do anything in particular.

Be that as it may, we plan to leave here early tomorrow morning and head back to Virginia for Christmas, hopefully to arrive before dark. As I understand it (from Sharyn) there is Christmas shopping yet to be done!


Sharyn returns from her almost daily walk along the exercise trail


Odometer reading = 98,564
Miles for day = 399







12/6/09 to 12/17/09
(Louisa VA)

We arrived at Jordan's mid-afternoon while she was still at work. As we approached Louisa snow began to appear on the sides of the Interstate and there was about 2" on the ground at Jordan's. The way Sharyn is about driving in the snow it was a good thing we did not arrive a day earlier when this snow was coming down. Actually we would have except that we delayed our departure from Shaw for one day because of the heavy rain in South Carolina. That South Carolina rain was Central Virginia's snow.

Sharyn has been doing a lot of Christmas shopping—she loves Christmas and she loves shopping, so Christmas shopping is a natural. On Jordan's days off they frequently go shopping together on day-long marathons. On those days Sharyn comes home beat. With the exception of one day I have done all my shopping online. I like the way it works when all I have to do is click the mouse and two days later the man in the brown truck brings me my package. Besides my back is still not good and I don't move around very well.

A week ago I made a January 4 appointment at the UVA Pain Management Center in Charlottesville. When the lady on the phone told me I was lucky to get an appointment so soon. I suggested that one's idea of what was "soon" was probably influenced by how bad it was hurting.

This past summer we had a couple at Hanscom who had bought two Euro Style swivel-recliners for their motorhome from Aafes online (the world wide BX online service) that they liked very much. We liked them also and a number of weeks ago decided we would like the same thing, but that we would order one first and try it out before ordering the second one. When the chair was delivered there was some assembly required which I did in the motorhome while sitting on the trunk that Sharyn had in front of the couch. It took perhaps a ½ hour to complete the assembly, but when I went to stand up I could hardly do so. It was my back!

Anyway, we both liked the chair, felt it was quite comfortable, and ordered the second one. The idea was that we would again remove the couch (as we had done several years ago), replace it with the chair, and move the computer from the kitchen table. Phil and Kim came out again to help move the couch into Jordan's back room. He also assembled the second chair for me.

Today Sharyn and I (mostly Sharyn) moved my entire computer setup from where it was, on and under the kitchen table, to a "temporary" setup next to the chair (with a 10' USB cable the printer remains in the drawer under the dinette). It's temporary insofar as we don't yet have a computer desk as such, but what we have set up seems to work pretty well. I can recline in my chair, work the mouse on the arm of the chair, and type with the keyboard on my lap. One problem that I have already observed is that it's quite comfortable and this evening, while reclined and reading Drudge, I fell asleep.


The morning after our arrival at Jordan's

Sharyn has decided she likes her new chair

New "temporary" computer setup

Odometer reading = 98,964
Miles for day = 400







12/18/09 to 12/22/09
(Louisa VA)

Snow, and lots of it! That’s the big story.

As the record setting winter storm roared up the East Coast the center of the storm passed about 30 miles to the west of where we are. That was close enough so that over two days we got 18” of the white stuff (Waynesboro, 30 miles west of here got 28”). Eighteen inches of snow, together with nighttime temperatures in the teens, makes this something other than RV heaven. With daytime temps in the 30’s (in the 40’s for the last two days) we would be able to use our heat pumps for daytime heating except for the fact that the snow on the roof has completely covered the heat pump so it won’t run. I suspect that snow under the cover is probably preventing the fan, and therefore the main shaft, from turning. Hopefully another day or two of 40° will change that.

We are using two 1500 watt electric heaters to keep it comfortable inside. While we are comfortable, at 9.2 cents/KWH we are paying almost $8/day just to keep the interior warm. In addition, we have two other electric heaters, 750 and 1,000 watts in basement compartments to keep our water tanks, pump, and filters from freezing. After freezing up on the first really cold night we turned up the thermostats on those two heaters and have had no problem since. Hopefully by the end of the first week in January we will be at MacDill AFB in Tampa where, as I type this, the temperature is 66° and sunny.

With only three days to go until Christmas, all the Christmas shopping is done, presents are wrapped, and we’re all ready for the big day.

Last night we went to Phil and Kim’s for dinner, and to celebrate Philip IV’s 10th birthday. While the roads by us were pretty good, as we got closer to Phil’s it was difficult to tell that they had been plowed at all (Phil’s just this side of the mountain from Waynesboro). Cars were creeping along at 20 mph which Sharyn said was way too fast for conditions. Things were only made worse by the fact that there were dozens of abandoned cars in ditches, along the side of the road, and sometimes still on the road. At one point abandoned cars were such that only one car at a time could get past. Anyway, we made it there and back, and a good time was had by all!

Happy Birthday Philip!!


The first night it snowed

The motorhome after the snow stopped

The cars were kind of buried

The road was plowed

The driveway was another story

Philip’s getting ready to blow out the candles (on a VERY chocolate cake)

He and Phil start putting the pieces together

With Kim and Sharyn looking on Katlin and her boyfriend Adam look for “Elvira” for some kitchen line dancing

They call this the “Cha-Cha Slide”

When we get home Sharyn and Jordan walk to the motorhome and house

Unrelated to anything, several days ago Jordan took this picture with her cell phone



Odometer reading = 98,964
Miles for day = 0







12/23/09 to 12/31/09
(Louisa VA)

Well most of the snow is gone (not all of it), the roof of the motorhome is clear, and when the outsider air temperature is above 28-29° the heat pump is again functioning (the rear heat pump has failed to heat or cool since mid-summer — we are going to have to address that). Our electric heaters are still doing their job and we (Jordan) have yet to receive the latest electric bill.

It was an excellent Christmas! While no one needed anything, everyone got what they wanted. Much more important than that were the multiple times the family got together, both before, during, and after Christmas.

Phil, Kim, Katlin (+ boyfriend Adam), and Philip, as well as Shane were here for Christmas dinner. Then on Sunday, two days after Christmas, Greg, Paulette, Scott, and Patrick “PJ” arrived after a ten hour drive from Eastern Long Island. That was really a special visit since it had been many years since they had been here. I don’t think Katlin had any real recollection of Scott and Patrick, and of course Philip was not even born at that time. While there had been a lot of relatively recent contact between the cousins via texting and Facebook, it was kind of neat when, after a decade, they all got together in person. In addition to eating massive amounts of food, there was a lot of game playing , loud conversation, Wii challenges, etc.

One very cold morning Phil took Greg, Scott, and Patrick to the range where they all got to try their skills with an assortment of exceptionally cool handguns and rifles. Being from Long Island where use of such weapons is forbidden (Chuck Schumer’s back yard) I think they particularly enjoyed it. Then the last day that Greg and them were here, twelve of us went for some non-serious bowling, followed by dinner at Phil and Kim’s.

It’s now New Year’s Eve afternoon, and while strictly speaking this 2009 travelog should not wrap up until midnight, it’s pretty easy to project ahead for the next eleven hours. Greg and his family are back in Southold NY. Phil and his family are, I suspect, home. Jordan is at work and will be there until 11:pm (she swapped days with someone else so as to get an extra day off while Greg and them were here). Sharyn and I may or may not go out for dinner, but in any event we are almost certain to be in bed before the new year arrives.

(As an unrelated aside, it was many decades ago, before we were married, that I had a date to take Sharyn out for New Years. That was the first New Years date that I ever had that as New Years approached I was not wishing I could somehow get out of it. Perhaps that was an omen?)


Our neighbors house on Christmas eve

A portion of Sharyn’s Christmas dinner table

Philip really enjoys his helicopter

Adam, Katlin, Greg, and Paulette help the cook

Phil & Kim in the kitchen

Time to eat again

Shane relaxes

PJ and Jill just waiting

It gets crowded in the living room

Jordan takes a few

Katlin appears happy

Time for more food?

Katlin, Adam, PJ, and Philip work on Philip’s model

Scott Bowls

Philip bowls

These guys watch (actually they did bowl)



Odometer reading = 98,964
Miles for day = 0



 

2010

`` 



1/1/10 to 1/5/10
(Louisa VA)

Right now, and for the last week or so, the focus has been, “it’s cold!”

Yesterday afternoon our water system finally thawed out after having been frozen for several days — and that was with two small electric heaters running in the basement compartments where the water tanks, pump, filters, etc are located. It all froze up the night the temperature went down to 19° with 20 mile per hour winds. Since then we’ve been down to 17° another night but without the wind. We are definitely ready to get out of here, and we’re leaving tomorrow morning for Shaw AFB in Sumter SC. The problem is that this cold is all up and down the East Coast. The morning we were at 17° I checked online and it was 17° at Hanscom (Bedford MA), and only 18° at Shaw. Miami FL was 32° — almost unheard off. This global warming is really starting to get me down!

About two weeks ago it seemed that my back started to improve on its own, and during the last week the rate of improvement has has been quite substantial, to the point that as of yesterday, when I finally had my appointment with the Pain Management Center at UVA, I was probably 95% back to normal. Because of that they really didn’t do anything to/for me other than give me two prescriptions to try if it began to get worse again. They also told me that now that I was in their system, if I needed another appointment they could probably get me in within a week, rather than the month that it took this time. It was about two weeks ago that in desperation I went to a chiropractor. He did some pushing and bending, but it didn’t seem to help. In retrospect, that could have been when I started to improve. I had not made that connection until it was suggested by one of the doctors at UVA.

In any event, tomorrow morning we head south to Shaw AFB in South Carolina, one of our favorite FamCamps.


Odometer reading = 98,964
Miles for day = 0





1/6/10 to 1/14/10
(Sumter SC)

As has become our normal routine when leaving Louisa and heading south, we topped off the gas tank in Short Pump where Route 288 crosses US-250. That has always been the cheapest gas price from Louisa to Sumter. When taking on 50 or 60 gallons that 10¢ per gallon difference is something to consider. As an aside, while I was pumping the gas Sharyn went into the little market where she bought a cup of coffee and a scratch off lottery ticket. As I began pulling out of the station Sharyn said I better wait as she might have a winning ticket. She was right. As she finished scratching the rest of the ticket she saw she had a $50 winner. I stopped the motorhome while she went back inside and got her $50.

We then got onto Route 288 to I-95 south. Somewhere in NC we stopped in a rest area for 13 minutes before continuing on. We arrived at Shaw just as it was getting dark—about 15 minutes after our target time. Anyway, we plugged into the electric and left the other hookups for the following morning.

Several days later my sister, on her way to Florida, stopped by to visit. The following day, Chips, who we work with at Hanscom FamCamp, finally got here. He has taken two weeks off from Hanscom and came here to escape the unrelenting cold of Bedford, Massachusetts. We were starting to worry about him when it took him three days to get here. It turned out he had snow and bad highway conditions in Connecticut which set him back considerably. As far as Chips is concerned, the sunny 40-50° days we are having here is pretty pleasant winter weather.

The other day Chips checked out another 5th wheel at Camping World in Myrtle Beach and as I type this Chips is emptying out his present unit and plans to go back to Myrtle Beach tomorrow to pick up his new unit.

In the meanwhile, we are also enjoying this weather and have signed up for another week. After that we plan on continuing south to Tampa.


Our site at Shaw FamCamp (that's Chips' 5th wheel on the other side of our motorhome)

New addition to our flagpole

Chips's 5th wheel


Odometer reading = 99,363
Miles for day = 399







1/15/10 to 1/19/10
(Sumter SC)

While we have had some rain, by and large the weather has been great. For the last several days it's been bright and sunny with temps in the 50's and 60's!

Several days ago we drove up to Florence SC to have lunch with my cousin Bobby and his wife Theresa at one of our favorite Chinese buffets. After lunch the four of us went to visit Myrtle, a cousin of Bobby's and a childhood friend of my mother. Myrtle is an amazing person. Several months ago she left the apartment she had lived in for decades and moved into an assisted living facility at the age of 99. She will be celebrating her 100th birthday this October and she's still sharp as a tack. Several years ago we went to visit her but she didn't answer her phone, had not been to church the previous Sunday, and no one had heard from her. Several days later the concern was alleviated when she returned home. It was autumn and she had taken her car and driven up into the North Carolina mountains to see the fall foliage. At that time she was in her early 90's and washed her car every weekend!

One evening the three of us, Sharyn, Chips, and myself went to the Golden Corral for dinner. There are no Golden Corrals in New England so Chips has never been to one. He really liked the concept of paying $12 and then being able to eat as much as you wanted for as long as you wanted (I like that also). The only problem was that there is so much available to eat that you can't even try it all. We did quit, however, before we got sick.

For a number of days now Chips has been familiarizing himself with his new 5th wheel rig and trying to get all his stuff organized. He says this rig has so much storage space that he's going to have to buy more "stuff" to utilize all this space.

On February 17, 1864, the Confederate submarine, H. L. Hunley, attacked and sank the U.S.S. Housatonic four miles off the entrance to Charleston harbor in South Carolina, becoming the first submarine to sink an enemy ship during wartime. The Hunley signaled the Confederates on shore, via a prearranged light signal, that the mission was a success. The Hunley never returned and her disappearance remained a mystery until she was found and raised from the bottom of the Atlantic on August 8, 2000, 136 years after she disappeared. The crew's remains were still aboard along with many items of personal property belonging to the crew members. On November 16, 2001 Sharyn and I managed to view the Hunley in Charleston. At that time there was only limited public viewing available because the focus was on preservation and the prevention of further deterioration — buried in the silt at the bottom of the ocean the Hunley was remarkably preserved. Upon being raised and (for a short time) being exposed to air there was great concern for accelerated deterioration. Anyway, last night Se. Glenn McConnell, the chairman of the Hunley Commission, gave a talk in Sumter about the Hunley, it's recovery, and the work of the historical investigation and restoration. I went to the talk, and it was terriffic. I wished that Sharyn and Chips had gone with me. To find out more about the Hunley go to http://hunley.org/index.asp (you do not need to join or log in to access the site).

As it stands now we plan to leave here in the morning and head for MacDill AFB in Tampa. MacDill being about 500 miles from here, we figure on making it a two day drive, spending one night (maybe two) at King's Bay on the Georgia/Florida border.

Chips is also planning on leaving tomorrow but because of the weather in Massachusetts (it's snowing now) he may have to adjust his departure and arrival times to accommodate weather and road conditions.


Myrtle and Sharyn after Myrtle got back from the North Carolina mountains

Chips with his new rig

Graphic from the Hunley website


Odometer reading = 99,363
Miles for day = 0


*** Something Big Happened Last Tuesday ***

With all that has changed in Washington since last Tuesday's special election in Massachusetts,
when independent voters sent Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate,
that election may well be remembered as the election that saved America!!



1/20/10 to 1/21/10
(Kings Bay GA)


There were substantial delays in leaving Shaw yesterday morning. Chips had planned to leave at 3:am while we had planned on a more laid back 10:am type time. When we got up around 7:am we were surprised to see that Chips was still in the adjacent campsite. It turned out that at 3:am he was all hooked up and ready to leave,but the bedroom slide on his 5th wheel would not go in. The hydraulic pump was running, and the other two slide came in properly, but the bedroom slide would not move.

Since he had only bought the rig five days earlier from Camping World in Myrtle Beach, he was waiting for Camping World to open at 8:am. When he did get hold of the people at Camping World and told them he was stuck in Sumter and couldn't move because the slide would not come in, their only response was that if he'd bring it in they'd see what they could do. For customer service or customer support that's about as bad as it gets. To make it worse, when Chips went to the FamCamp office to see if there was any RV service place nearby, the guy in the office told Chips that he was having computer problems and had no time to talk to him! Clearly the day did not begin well.

It probably took us about an hour to discover the problem. It turns out that the hydraulic cylinder the runs the slide in and out is attached to a piece of steel that, in turn, is bolted to what amounts to the floor of the slide. The problem was that the bolts holding the steel plate had pulled through the plywood so that while the piston pulled in the plate, the plate did not bring the slide along with it. With a bunch of pushing and shoving we managed to get the slide in. When he gets back to Hanscom the plate will push the slide back out and then Chips can, at his leisure, work on reattaching the plate to the plywood.

An hour or so after Chips got underway, we also, pulled out and headed for Kings Bay, a U.S. Navy submarine base just north of the Georgia/Florida state line. We arrived here just before 5:pm. and checked in for two days. The FamCamp at Kings Bay is only about 5 years old and is really a beautiful facility with a great physical plant (club house, full kitchen, TV and lounging area, WiFi throughout the entire location, free computer stations, free laundry facilities, etc., all for the use of the campers). It's in the middle of Nowheresville, but that's another story.

Today it poured down rain non-stop all day long with periodic thunderstorms throughout the day. We were also under a tornado watch for most of the day. While some tornadoes did develop, they were to the west of us.

Anyway, tomorrow morning we'll be on our way to MacDill, about 250 miles from here.


Odometer reading = 99,628
Miles for day = 265




1/22/10 to 1/23/10
(Tampa FL)

Arriving at MacDill AFB FamCamp late in the afternoon we found that there were some 60+ rigs in the dry camp overflow area (no hookups), and that it would probably be a week or more before we would rotate out to a partial hookup (no sewer). We didn't ask how long we might be in a partial site before we could move up to one of the full hookup sites. That would be tough for the office to answer. Besides, you only stay in full hookups for two weeks, then you rotate back to dry camp and start all over again. Things will be better next year though. We have a reservation for a six month site, full hookups with landscaping included, starting November 15, 2010. Not sure how we handle Christmas, but we'll work on that. The dry and partial sites aren't really that much of a problem. For the most part you don't spend much of the daylight hours in the RV anyway. For the next several days the forecast is for mostly sunny weather with daytime temps in the 70's and lower 80's, with nights being in the 50's and 60's. That makes neither heating nor cooling a priority, and as far as heating goes, our catalytic propane heater gives us up to 8500 BTU's per hour if we need it.

My only problem, and it's not a small one, is that the computer is always on, and online, 24/7. That's not the case when we're dry camped. Particularly, since I just discovered that this new computer will not come on with inverter power. While our inverter does not generate a full sine wave, in the 8 or 9 years we've had it we have never had anything that would not run on it.

TV time is also much limited. While it does operate on inverter power, it draws 180 watts, and that's quite a bit of current for 4, 5, or 6 hours of TV watching (which, of course, also requires the satellite box to be on). Loss of, or limited, TV does not pose too much of a problem for me as I can listen to Fox News via satellite radio. It is somewhat more of an issue for Sharyn.

Anyway, our solar panels and flag pole are up and we're settled in.

We've had cell phone service with AT&T for twelve years except for about two years when we went to Cingular before AT&T took them over. While the service was satisfactory, it does not provide anything but an intermittent signal at this FamCamp. MacDill AFB is located on a 25 square mile peninsular attached to the southern edge of Tampa and the FamCamp is located at the southern tip of that peninsular, right on the water. Last year we stopped at an AT&T Wireless office in Tampa to inquire about the problem and were told that AT&T was aware of it. The same problem still exists this year so we just switched our service to Verizon. We use Verizon Broadband to access the Internet, and that works fine in the FamCamp (and everywhere we've been for the last several years). Since their cell phone service operates off of the same towers as their Broadband, and the people in the office said that Verizon customers had no problem with their cell phones in the FamCamp, we switched over this afternoon. The phones do work fine so we're happy with the change. Also, since most of our kids use Verizon, calls to and from them are free (our daughter is our biggest cell phone minute user upper).

By the way, we spoke to Chips and learned that when he got back to Hanscom with his new rig he could not get into his site — it was covered with snow! He had to spend the night at the Inn and the following day used the bucket loader to clear his site. That pretty much defines the question we find ourselves asking whenever we talk about "where do we want to live if we ever stop full-timing?" Wherever we are in January, we don't want to be there in August, and wherever we are in August we do not want to be there in January. The answer appears to be to take your house with you as you follow the seasons. By Golly ! That's what we're doing now!


A portion of the overflow area as seen from the roof of our motorhome


Odometer reading = 99,873
Miles for day = 245




1/24/10 to 2/1/10
(Tampa FL)

Everything is going well. We spent 8 or 9 days in dry camp, but then only had to spend two days in a partial site. Yesterday, as we were about to drive over to see Aunt Phyliss and Uncle Harold at their home in Apollo Beach, we received a phone call from the office telling us there was an available full hookup site we could move to. We delayed our departure to Aunt Phyliss's and relocated to our new site which we will remain in for two weeks before rotating back to dry camp. In the meanwhile we learned that if you are staying here for an extended period of time (months rather than weeks) you can ask to be put on a list for a six month site if and when one becomes available. It is one of these six month sites that we will have beginning November 15, 2010. Since some of the people in these six month sites begin leaving here in February, and many more by March, we may well get to move into one of these sites later on this month. As it stands now we plan to probably leave here around the first week in April, taking three weeks to get back to Hanscom by May 1.

Regular readers may recall that back in December we bought two Euro style recliners to replace our couch and another chair. They were very nice and we have enjoyed them. However, the other day we saw a sign in the laundry room where someone was selling two rather plush leather chairs and reclining settee. When I mentioned the sign to Rob, a friend of ours from Southold, he told us it was his neighbor who was selling them and that they were quite nice. To shorten the story, we tried one for a day and then told the lady we'd take both chairs, which we now have. They are much nicer than the ones we bought in December (which are now for sale). Since they sell for three times what we paid for the other ones, and we paid less than we paid for the other ones, we are extremely happy (and very comfortable).

For some time now (ever since we got rid of HughesNet satellite) we have been using Verizon's Broadband for Internet access. About two weeks ago we replaced Verizon's "air card" or USB stick, with Verizon's MiFi 2200. It doubles as a modem and a router, providing a wireless hotspot, or access point, that enables both of us to be online at the same time. With a range of about 30 feet, Sharyn can, if she were so inclined, take her laptop outside and still be online. It can run off of the 120 volt power cord, a USB connection to a computer, or the self contained rechargeable battery, and basically enables us to travel around with our own wireless access point. Pretty neat.

There's not too much else to write about at this time. The sunny weather of the last week is giving way to some cooler, cloudy days, but we'll take it and be happy that we're out of the snow and extreme cold presently affecting most of the East Coast.


Our site for the next two weeks

One of our new chairs with ottoman

Verizon's MiFi 2200 modem/router


Odometer reading = 99,873
Miles for day = 0




2/2/10 to 2/17/10
(Tampa FL)

We finished our two weeks with full hookups, moved to dry camp again (but for only two days), and yesterday got moved to a partial site. We are considering opting to remain here for perhaps a week (you can opt to remain in a partial site for up to 30 days). The idea being that this really isn't bad, and if we don't go into a full hookup site until the last week in February we could remain there until mid-March by which time a number of people will be leaving and we might not have to rotate back into dry camp. We're still trying to figure out how all this works.

Several weeks ago we received an email from Debbie and Russ, a couple we met at an Escapees rally in Van Wert OH back in 2006. They were on their way from Ohio to Key West and knew from this travelog that we were here in Tampa. We arranged to meet them at an RV park across the bay in St. Petersburg where we got to see their new RV, a custom built Freightliner tractor that had the sleeper and one axle removed, the chassis elongated, and living facilities built upon it. It's quite an impressive rig, but with a 13 speed manual transmission Debbie declines to drive it. After examining their rig we all went to "the Pub" for dinner and further conversation.

They are chomping at the bit to go full-time and are getting closer to doing so. We talked about some "must see" things to do, particularly talking about Alaska and Quartzsite. In talking about Quartzsite we told them how the Escapees "Boomer" group always gathered together in the desert for the occasion and that we'd send them an aerial photo of that group from January 2006. In going back through the travelog to locate the date and the picture I began reading the entry of 1/19/06 when we arrived in Quartzsite and met up with the Boomers. I then got caught up in the reading and probably read (and looked at the pictures) for an hour or so — right through our time spent boondocking just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. I just told Sharyn that when we're too old to do this any more, or no longer do this for some other reason, that I'll go back and relive it all through this travelog and the pictures in it. In reading that time period it became clear to me that there was much more interesting reading when we were constantly on the move. We seem to have fallen into a routine of working at Hanscom AFB for six months, then spending most of the winter here at MacDill. While that's not a bad life, our day-to-day activities do not lend themselves to interesting reading. That also goes along with Sharyn's often repeated statement that the first five years, when everything was new and exciting, were the best.

Onto some other things, last week there was a craft show here at the FamCamp where Sharyn had two tables set up to sell her jewelry. While it was advertised base wide, I don't think anyone came other than the people from the FamCamp so the number of people passing through was somewhat disappointing. There were, however, several people who remembered Sharyn and her jewelry from last year and were glad to see her back again. Actually there was some talk around the campground about her jewelry and how beautiful it was.

We are thoroughly enjoying our new chairs and have sold both of the ones we bought back in December.


Sharyn enjoys the sunshine and her book

Russ and Debbie's custom RV

Russ and Debbie inside their unit

Sharyn, Debbie, and Russ at The Pub

Escapees "Boomers" desert rendezvous outside Quartzsite AZ in January 2006

One of our dry camp neighbors

An unrelated picture e-mailed to us from Jordan


Odometer reading = 99,875
Miles for day = 2




2/18/10 to 2/25/10
(Tampa FL)

Well we're back into full hookups again, but that's not the reason for this entry.

Today is the first day of our 11th year of full-timing — it was ten years ago today that we pulled out of the driveway in Charlottesville and headed down the highway.


Odometer reading = 99,875
Miles for day = 0




2/26/10 to 3/24/10
(Tampa FL)

We received a call from Bill and Cheryl about their plans to leave Arkansas in May and spend the summer months traveling to and from and touring Alaska. Bill had questions about our Alaska trip back in 2002; places we went, routes traveled, road conditions, etc. As we were on the phone I went back to that time in the travelog to help me remember specifics. The following day I again went back to the travelog, read the entire trip and looked at all the photos, from the time we crossed into Canada on June 21, through September 8 when we crossed back into the lower 48. I told Sharyn she should do the same thing. The trip was fantastic and the memories were well worth revisiting.

In rereading all of that, however, I was struck by two things:
1. Back then this travelog certainly made more interesting reading than it does now!
2. The pictures were, by and large, too dark and definitely too small when viewed on one of today's high resolution monitors. I can't believe that I shot all those pictures at a resolution of 640x480 (even though that was a common screen size at the time) when the camera I was using, a Sony 707, could just as well taken pictures at 2560x1920. How dumb was that? Anyway, a short time ago I began redoing the Alaska pictures in Photoshop, adding pixels to make them appear a bit larger on a monitor and lightening those that were too dark. While that all makes them better, they will never be what I wish they were. Today I shoot all my pictures at 4752x3168, the maximum resolution of my camera. Those that I post on this site I reduce to (typically) 1000x667 to reduce download time, but if the need arose, I could always go back to the high resolution original — for instance to make large prints.

Here at MacDill, about a month ago we finally got a "permanent" site, meaning we will no longer have to "rotate" and keep changing sites. When we got the call from the office the site they had for us was in the annex, about 1½ miles from the main FamCamp. While we were hesitant about going to the annex, we are now glad that we did and hope to be here again next year — actually, November this year. The downside to the annex is that it is removed from the beach, beach-club, laundry, etc. The upside is that the annex used to be where they had mobil home housing so the sites are much larger and not so crowded together. Also, there are fewer sites so it's very quiet and nice. We like it!

This year they started a program called "Fitness over 50" with trainers working once a week with older, non-active duty, people. Sharyn's been doing this for a while. I joined her more recently and now we're going to the gym 3-4 times a week. It's something neither of us has ever done before, but we're enjoying it. Now we'll have to check out the gym at Hanscom.

Once a month a group from FamCamp gets together and goes to a different nearby restaurant for dinner. Outdoor Rec provides two 16 passenger vans for transportation which is pretty cool. We don't have to know where these places are or how to get there. Also, we don't get lost. If we like the place well enough we can note the name and get directions later on. In addition to all of that, there is the social aspect. One of the places we went to last year was Tops China Buffet, about 20 miles east of here. We liked it a lot, marked it on our GPS, and returned this year with Rob and Nanci. It was as good as we remembered and we all enjoyed it. Then there was The Colonade Restaurant on Bay Shore Road, maybe three miles from the base, where the group went last week. It looks very nice from the outside and Sharyn had been wanting to go there for some time. Well, dinner cost $60 for the two of us, with no wine or drinks, and it was not particularly good. It's not a place we'll be going back to. About a week before the Colonade Sharyn and I went to Cellini's, a family owned Italian restaurant about a mile outside the base, where for (I think) $42 we had two excellent dinners, wine, cheese, bread, and dessert. We will definitely be returning there.

Looking through some old slides that I had scanned into my computer some years ago I came across a photo of an old friend sitting in my 1946 Willy's jeep that my father had gotten from the Charleston Navy Yard for $200. Bill and I had been friends from our early teenage years right on into our 20's. I probably had not seen him for 50 years — the last I knew he was living in Colorado. Anyway, I went looking for him online, got a phone number, and called him. It turns out that 10 years ago, after spending some 30 years in Colorado, he and his wife Joyce moved to Florida and now live about 75 miles north of MacDill. This past Sunday Sharyn and I drove up to have dinner with Bill and Joyce. Also at dinner were Connie and Bill (another Bill), other friends of ours that we had not seen for many years. It was a very pleasant visit, I believe enjoyed by all.

As an aside, it was raining as we drove up to Bill and Joyce's, and as traffic was moving along the Interstate we came upon something straddling the two northbound lanes with cars swerving around it on both sides. As Sharyn was saying, "Watch out for the bicycle in the road" I was pulling off onto the shoulder to get it. As soon as there was a break in the traffic I got it off to the shoulder, and with Sharyn's help put it into the Honda. The following day, on closer inspection I saw that except for a mangled handlebar and a messed up seat, the bike was basically fine. It's a 27 speed, Gary Fisher "Cobia" mountain bike with 29" wheels and a list price of $1100. I was all excited, thinking I was going to upgrade from my $300 Specialized Expedition Sport if the owner didn't/doesn't call me. There is a small sticker on the bike from a bike shop in Missouri and Sharyn said I should call them. I did call and give the store the serial number, telling them that if they knew the owner and he could tell me where he lost it he could have it back. The dealer said he doesn't sell many of those bike and he thought he could probably locate the owner. So far I have not heard anything. As for the upgrade, it turns out that I like my bike better. My bike is a "sit up straight" (Chips says like Mary Poppins) hybrid that I find to be much more comfortable. It seems like a bummer that I have an $1100 bike that I don't care for. When we get to Hanscom I'll put it on Craig's List. Right now it's the fourth bike we have which is really more than we need.

This past Saturday the Blue Angels, the Navy's precision flying team put on a demonstration here at MacDill AFB as part of the two day air show, Air Fest 2010. We were seated right at the edge of the flightline from 8:am until 4:pm watching all kinds of of aircraft perform, as well as having the opportunity to examine close up about 40 or 50 aircraft on display on the apron (some definitely more interesting than others). Other than the Blue Angels, my favorite performance remains the F-15, a rather old, but still very hot plane. The total thrust from it's two engines exceeds the loaded weight of the plane which enables it to accelerate while in a vertical climb. Part of the performance was when he made a low high speed pass just above the runway and then as he reached the viewing stand went into a vertical climb reaching an altitude of three miles in 20 seconds. The ground shakes with the roar of the afterburners and I love it. I took 225 pictures at the show, a few of which are linked to below.


Alaska Trip; June 21 to September 8, 2002

Sony 707 — a really cool camera (photo stolen from Internet)

Our site in the annex

Satellite view of FamCamp and Annex

Bill with 1946 Willys jeep (circ 1957)

Gary Fisher "Cobia" with 29" wheels

F-15 ready to taxi

F-15 and P-51 Mustang do "Heritage Flight" flyover

Special Ops team jumps from C-17

F-22 Raptor "Stealth" Fighter

B-1B Bomber

B-52 Bomber

Inside the bombay of the B-52

This was suspended during the show

Blue Angel aircraft on ramp prior to show

Blue Angels in tight formation

Blue Angels in inverted flight

Blue Angels in landing configuration (photo by Sharyn during previous day's practice)


Odometer reading = 99,878
Miles for day = 3





3/25/10 to 3/29/10
(Tampa FL)

Towards the end of last summer our rear heat pump stopped working. All indications were that the unit had lost its refrigerant, as the compressor would run, but sounded as if it was running without a load. Camping World and several other RV repair places, both in Massachusetts and in Tampa, said that the unit had no fill connection to recharge the system and that replacement was the only option. One guy described "those units" as ""throw-a-ways." Basically they were all in agreement; for $1300 we could replace the unit.

The idea that because there is no refill fitting the system cannot be recharged sounds ludicrous on it's face. A few weeks ago I spoke to another RV repair guy who I saw in the FamCamp and told him what all the other repair people had been telling me. He said, "I repair those units all the time." He's a pretty busy guy, but several days ago he got to us. He arrived at our site with tanks, gauges, hoses, etc., evacuated the system, found and fixed the leak, installed a refill fitting, charged the system, and presto magic, for $275 our heat pump works fine! If you are ever in the Tampa area and are having trouble with your air conditioner or heat pump, call John Williams, owner of All-American Mobile RV Repair at 813-735-6119.

Anyway, we came down here back in January to go through the winter with sunshine and warmth. It didn't quite work out like that. According to the National Weather Service this has been the coldest Florida winter since 1981 — and we were here! In the last two weeks, however, the weather has changed and he have been experiencing what we came he for back in January. Now that it's nice, it's time for us to leave. We'll be leaving here in the morning to begin our slow trek back to Hanscom AFB for the opening of the FamCamp on May 1.

This afternoon we went to visit and say goodbye to Sharyn's cousin Diana in Apollo Beach. Diana and Carl's daughters and grandchildren were there as well as Diana's parents, Aunt Phyliss and Uncle Harold — four generations, including the five great grandchildren. It was quite nice to see that many generations all gathered together enjoying each other's company.


Here are four of the five (photo by Sharyn)

Here's the other guy (photo by Sharyn)


Odometer reading = 99,878
Miles for day = 0





3/30/10
(Patrick AFB FL)

It was 11:30 when we pulled out of MacDill and headed east towards Patrick AFB on the Atlantic Ocean. Sharyn's sister Carolyn lives only a few miles from Patrick so this gives Sharyn the opportunity to visit with her sister before we head north for the summer.

Not only was the FamCamp full, but the massive rains of the last few days flooded some areas of the campground and required the evacuation of a number of sites. Once again we find ourselves in a dry camp situation, but we would have been here even without the flooding of some of the sites. While MacDill is now perhaps 30% emptied out, Patrick, being only a few miles from I-95 gets an influx of late season RVers who stop by on their way north from Key West and other campgrounds south of here. According to the camp host, there is a launch of the space shuttle scheduled for April 5 and that always brings in a good number of additional RV as people come here to watch the launch. Patrick AFB is about 15 miles south of the launch pads at Cape Canaveral which pretty much makes this place a ringside seat for the launch.

After checking in and getting set up, we did the mandatory checking out of the BX. After returning to the FamCamp we had dinner and were watching a pair of ospreys feeding their young in a nest on the top of a tower about 50 yards from the motorhome. A short while later Sharyn noticed that the nest was on fire and that pieces of the burning nest that were falling to the ground had started a fire inside the fenced enclosure. We called 911 and in a few minutes both base security and the base fire department were on scene. By that time the fire in the nest had pretty much burned itself out and the fire department had the ground fire out in a matter of minutes. After a short while the adult osprey returned and approached the nest several times, but the nest was still smoldering so they never landed. By that time it was almost dark. We assume the babies did not survive.


The still smoldering osprey nest

One of the ospreys approaches the burned out nest numerous times but will not land on it

The ground fire burns inside the tower enclosure

It takes the fire department two minutes


Odometer reading = 100,036 (passed the 100,000 mile mark — means this motorhome is not marketable)
Miles for day = 158





3/31/10 to 4/1/10
(Patrick AFB FL)

The morning after the fire the osprey was back again and rebuilding his nest. He had more patience than I do because while I wanted to take pictures of the rebuilding process, he would fly in with a stick and then just stand on the nest and, I guess, think about just where to put it. Anyway, after only one picture, I gave up.

Shortly thereafter the host came over and told us we could move to a partial site with water and electric. It was just about that time that Sharyn was leaving to go pick up her sister for a day of shopping fun. Rather than delay her departure, she decided to leave me to move the motorhome without her help/supervision — warning me, however, that there was water behind the new site and that I should not back it into the water. I was good — I didn't!

Anyway, Sharyn and Carolyn had a fun day together and that's good.

Today was a low profile day with nothing scheduled for either of us. Early this afternoon when I said I was going to ride my bike over to the BX and back Sharyn said that I should call her when I got to the commissary (right next to the BX) and that she'd drive over to meet me and we'd do the grocery shopping. That's what we did, and that was our afternoon activity.

Back to the ospreys, they did not have a good day. The Air Force brought in a large boom truck and totally removed all remnants of the nest and signs of the fire. Whether or not the osprey will settle for that is something we will not find out. First thing tomorrow we'll be out of here and on our way to King's Bay Submarine Base in Georgia.


The osprey just brought in that 3' long stick and is apparently trying to decide just where it should go.

This afternoon this guy walked past our site just so I could take this picture

And then he flew away

Our campsite

Odometer reading = 100,036
Miles for day = 0



4/2/10
(King's Bay GA)

We had four 6-volt Trojan T-105 golf cart batteries that we bought in Quartzsite back in January 2003. It was probably a few weeks ago that we realized that two of these four batteries had gone bad — they were completely dry, while the other two were as they should have been. Since the batteries had been equalized only a few weeks earlier and were full at that time I don't know what could have happened. We noticed this when the power at the FamCamp went out for several hours and the voltage to the inverter was barely over 12 volts when it should have been closer to 13. What was happening was that the two bad batteries (themselves connected in series, but connected to the other pair in parallel) were drawing down the good batteries. Short story; we needed four new batteries, and while we would have preferred Trojans (assuming a non-confiscatory price), they are are not as common or easy to find as other brands. I know that many RVers use the 6-volt golf cart batteries sold by Sam's Club and have good results with them, so as we were headed north on I-95 and Sharyn spotted a Sam's Club, we got off at the next exit and made our way back to the store. For $80, plus a $9 core charge each, we bought four of them. The sales guy took them out to the motorhome for us, and as we were walking across the parking lot towards the motorhome I said I had not expected them "to put them in." The guy said sure, and I happily replied that would sure save my back. Only problem was he did not mean "put them in" as "install" (not clear what he meant).

Anyway, Sharyn and I ended up swapping out the batteries. At 70 pounds each, and having to lift them up and over the top of the grill to get them in and out was not without some difficulty. In the process I bloodied my arm and tore my pants (Sharyn's much tougher than she looks). When we completed the job (and got back our $36 core charge) we noticed that the cigarette lighter into which we plug the GPS was no longer hot unless the ignition was turned. I'm not sure how we managed that. Even though there are a good number of wires that connect directly to battery terminals other than the battery cables, we have everything back as it was. Since then we have also noticed that the steps no longer work, nor do the seat adjustments, unless the ignition is on. That's really weird because even if improperly wired, that the difference would be all those things still work but require the ignition be on seems very unlikely (ideas are welcome).

We arrived at King's Bay after the office had closed, but we had called in the morning to confirm they had a site available and had made a reservation. Our reservation information was on the bulletin board waiting for us.


Odometer reading = 100,258
Miles for day = 222





4/3/10 and 4/4/10
(Sumter SC)

Once again we are back at Shaw AFB, sort of our home away from home — wherever that may be!

The dashboard heater/airconditioner has been occasionally intermittent for some time now in that it would shut off but then come back on after several seconds. Now on this trip it comes on for several seconds and then shuts off, although it has not come on at all since we left King's Bay. Obviously something is loose somewhere, but for now we don't know what it is or where it is and can't access anything under the dashboard without first removing the TV (this has been going on since before the battery replacement). Because of the lack of air conditioning, and with bright sunshine and temperatures projected to be in the 80's, we were up at 6:am and on the road by 7:am, figuring we'd get to Shaw and be off the road by noontime. No such luck. First of all we had trouble get off the base. The first two gates we tried were closed and we didn't know where any other gates were, or how to get to them. It was 7:am on a very foggy Saturday morning on a military base. There is no one to be seen anywhere, and the base is giant size. Eventually we pass a fire station where there are guys out front washing the trucks. They told us how to get to an open gate. We had always thought the gate we usually come in and out of was the main gate — obviously not so.

Several hours later, as we approached Savannah on I-95, we had just pasted through a 29 mile long construction project where they had those big concrete barricades right at the edge of the traffic lanes. We had no sooner gotten past the construction when we blew the inside right rear tire. Luckily there was a paved shoulder and a flat grassy area to the right of the shoulder so that we were able to get well away from the 70 mph traffic lanes. Had that occurred in the construction zone where we could not have gotten out of the traffic lane, traffic would have backed up all the way to Jacksonville (only slight exaggeration), plus there might not have been sufficient room between the motorhome and concrete barriers to remove the tire. Because of some residual in my back from the batteries the day before, I told Sharyn I didn't think I could change the tire, and she agreed. For the first time ever we called the road assistance that is part of our RV policy. We did not show up on their computer, and since it was a weekend they could not confirm our road assist coverage. They would send a truck, but we would have to pay the driver $200. We could then submit the bill, and if road assistance coverage was confirmed, they would reimburse us. I told Sharyn that I wasn't going to pay some guy $200 to change my tire, that I'd do it myself. What I didn't tell Sharyn is that it's possible we didn't have the road assist this time around. We have never used it, changing two previous blowouts ourselves, and I seem to recall discussing the need for such coverage with the company on our latest renewal. In past years there was always a rider for that coverage as part of the policy. That rider was not on this policy (which is why we had trouble finding the phone number to call and why I think we may not have that coverage).

Anyway, three hours after we pulled off the road, we pulled back out and continued our trip. The whole thing would have taken an hour except that we could not get the inside wheel off of the axle hub. We used a two sledge hammers, a pry bar, and WD-40. As I told our daughter, picture me lying under the motorhome, swinging a long handled sledge hammer trying to loosen the wheel. Eventually we were successful. Sharyn now says we need six new tires. Initially I disagreed since we just replaced four of them a few years ago. Turns out that was in June of 2004 when we had 62,941 on the motorhome and replaced four of the original tires. Much longer ago than I realized. While those tires have only 37,000 miles on the, and still plenty of rubber, it's time to replace them based on age. The rule of thumb for RV tires is that you replace them after seven years because of deterioration from time and sun light regardless of tread wear. This is particularly true of RVs that remain parked for extended periods of time, and for the last two years that's pretty much what we've been doing: six months at Hanscon AFB, then travel to MacDill for the winter where we remain parked again. Obviously we did not get here by noon as originally planned, but rather late afternoon — arriving hot and dirty.

We've decided to stay here for the rest of the week before moving on to Virginia where we'll spend several weeks visiting the kids before going on to Hanscom to open the FamCamp on May 1.

Today, Easter Sunday, we thoroughly enjoyed just staying put with nothing to do and nothing going wrong. We had talked about going to the Easter Brunch at the Carolina Skies Club here on base, but Sharyn decided she did not have the right kind of clothes for Easter Sunday. I went for a bike ride around the base perimeter road. It's an eight mile ride that I do quite regularly when we are here. Today it was particularly nice as the base is pretty deserted and their was no traffic whatsoever.



Odometer reading = 100,519
Miles for day = 261





4/5/10 to 4/10/10
(Sumter SC)

We called numerous places to get a feel for the cost of six new tires for the motorhome, including Goodyear dealers in both South Carolina and Virginia, as well as Camping World in Columbia SC. The best deal we found came from Palmetto Tire right here in Sumter. It's a small, owner operated place that we have dealt with before. Anyway, for the paltry sum of $2,421.96 (gulp!) we now have six new Goodyear G670-RV 245x70 19.5 on the motorhome. I suspect it was a good move and Sharyn certainly feels good about it.

Our neighbor here at the FamCamp was also at MacDill and Patrick while we were at those bases. They are traveling with two kayaks and two bikes and are now on their way home in Maine where they have an 18' Old Town canoe that they no longer use and would be interested in selling. We gave them our card and asked that they contact us when they decide on a price as we (I) would be interested. They are about 4 hours from Hanscom, which would be a long way to go to pick it up, but we'll see if we hear from them. I'm sorry I didn't get their information, but they said they would probably stop at Hanscom this summer as they travel.

Anyway, I did much better with my bike riding while we were here than I have done in the recent past, riding the base perimeter most days. This is one of my most "comfortable" places to ride. As far as riding goes, I going to try to get more serious about doing it on a regular basis as I had been doing up until a year or so ago.


Odometer reading = 100,541
Miles for day = 22





4/11/10 to 4/16/10
(Louisa VA)

We pulled out of the FamCamp at Shaw AFB at 7:am, and after topping off our gas tank at the base gas station, we had a long, but uneventful, trip to Virginia. After our last experience we found the "uneventful" aspect of the trip to be somewhat comforting. We also feel an improved ride with these new tires although, since they are the same as the old tires, we're not sure why they should ride any differently.

Once again we are set up in Jordan's yard with full hookups and all the conveniences that go with being in your daughter's yard — think washer/dryer and large refrigerator!

Yesterday we got to examining the "how come" of why things that used to work without the key even being in the ignition now need the ignition to be on in order for them to work. Those items are the radio, electric seat controls, satellite radio that is hard wired into fuse block under the dash, cigarette lighter where we keep the GPS plugged in, and the electric door steps. With the exception of the steps, all those items run off the same fuse block that draws its power from a solenoid device mounted on the engine side of the firewall. There are two pairs of terminal lugs on this device, with each pair having one terminal that is always "hot," and one terminal that is only hot when the ignition is on. The lead to the fuse block was attached to one of the terminals that is only hot when the ignition is on. By moving that lead to the "always hot" terminal we now have everything (except for the step) working as it did before. That's fine, except it does not answer how this could have happened — how could that fuse block ever have been hot without the ignition being on? The answer would seem to be that it could not have; except it was! One unexplained possibility that Sharyn thought of is that perhaps the two pair of terminals did not work alike; two separate solenoids activated from different sources, and one (the one providing power to the fuse block) has malfunctioned. We sent a detailed e-mail to Tiffin, the motorhome manufacturer, to see if they have any ideas. As for the electric steps and the dash mounted heater/air conditioner, they remain unresolved.


Odometer reading = 100,939
Miles for day = 398





4/17/10 to 4/21/10
(Louisa VA)

It was our plan to leave here this morning, but with the forecast being for rain most of the day we decided to stay over one more day and leave tomorrow when it's supposed to be sunny and nice. Since we figure we'd like to arrive at Hanscom a week from today, the delayed departure is no problem — we'll probably be at Hanscom prior to next Wednesday anyway.

Phil bought himself a bass boat several weeks ago, and he, Philip, and I tried it out on Lake Anna last Saturday, right after Philip finished his soccer game (which his team lost convincingly). Between the soccer game and the boating/fishing, last Saturday was a very enjoyable day. On the way back from Lake Anna we were going to pass through the hamlet of Louisa, so we called Sharyn, and she and Jordan met us at Roma's, an Italian restaurant right in Louisa. We have always marveled at how a tiny little place back in the woods of Central Virginia could have such a good Italian restaurant. Something must have happened, because as we were leaving the restaurant we all all agreed that if that had been our first visit, we would never go back! The crummy dinner, however, did not take away from a very nice day.

I'm doing better on my plan to ride my bike on a much more regular basis, and two days ago I undertook to ride a 15.5 mile route that has a number of tough hills with a combined vertical climb of 1182 feet. The last time I did that ride was April 14, 2008. You can view the route at http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/va/kents-store/574078489 (unfortunately MapMyRide no longer displays total vertical climb — too bad, that was a nice feature).

By the way, we did get a response from Tiffin about our strange electrical goings on. They said, understandably, that changing the batteries has nothing to do with any of it. They also said that the fuse block is wired to the "always hot" side of the solenoid (it is now that we moved it — it was not before). So . . . the mystery continues . . . .

Yesterday would have been my mother's 99th birthday, but she didn't even come close — she died of breast cancer when she was only 54.


Philip gets control of the soccer ball

Later he manages to kick it back to his teammates

This was the first fishing spot we tried

Then they tried this spot

Philip preferred his own spot

Where he caught these "fish eggs," the only catch of the day


Odometer reading = 100,939
Miles for day = 0





4/22/10 and 4/23/10
(Boonton NJ)

We pulled out of Jordan's driveway shortly after 7:am and headed for Harry and Irene's in Jersey. It's probably not an exaggeration to say that Sharyn hates traveling on I-95, particularly that portion between Washington and the New Jersey Turnpike. Accordingly we again traveled the greater portion of the trip on US-301. It was actually a much more "at ease" travel day than it would have been on the Interstate. As we approached Boonton I told Sharyn that I was much less fatigued than I would have been on I-95.

Anyway, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay with Harry and Irene as we always do. Sharyn and Irene got to do all the necessary shopping for the cool things they bought, while Harry and I, and later the four of us, talked and ate a lot.

Their granddaughter, Madison, spent the night and managed to get in some quality fishing time, catching better than half a dozen fish.


Madison goes for the big one . . .

. . . but gets this guy instead!

The vote was unanimous, we all liked Irene's new hair style

Sharyn and Irene enjoy the early morning sunshine


Odometer reading = 101,337
Miles for day = 397





4/24/10 and 4/25/10
(Bedford MA)

Mid-morning we pulled out of Harry and Irene's driveway and stopped to fuel up at the local Hess station before getting onto I-287. It seems strange to us that while Jersey does not allow you to pump your own gas — it must be pumped by a station attendant — it also has some of the cheapest gas anywhere in the Country.

We had been on the road for almost four hours when we were approaching a rest area on I-84 in Connecticut displaying several signs inviting drivers to pull into the rest area for coffee and donuts (or whatever) compliments of the Second Congregational Church of Coventry. While anything you wanted was free, the church was accepting donations from those who chose to give. Because of the large selection of food and drinks I asked one of the ladies if their donations covered their costs. She said they absolutely did, and that most of what they were serving had been donated anyway, so that the overall operation was an excellent fund raiser for the church.

Anyway, about five hours after getting onto I-287, and having made two stops along the way, we arrived at the FamCamp here at Hanscom AFB. We were surprised at how many units were here, almost all of them having apparently spent the winter. We pulled into our site and got all of our stuff set up, pretty much for the season. That was yesterday afternoon.

Today, except for a trip to the commissary to get some groceries, we didn't do much at all. About the only other thing we did was check out the office, bathrooms, and laundry, most of which Chips had repainted during the winter. The newly painted interiors look great. Unfortunately, the rough winter here, and the damage the snow plows did to the gravel roads and adjoining grass have left the grounds looking anything but neat and manicured. Hopefully, with time, that will also improve.

We both felt very tired today and attribute it to the fact that we're settled in, don't officially begin work until May1, and it's kind of like, "whew!"

As far as I'm concerned, it's good to be back!


Church set up at the rest area


Odometer reading = 101,582
Miles for day = 245





4/26/10 to 5/26/10
(Bedford MA)

It's been a month since anything was put up on this site and I'm happy to report that anyone who thought we had died was wrong. We are still alive and kicking!

I am presently reading Private Yankee Doodle, a first hand account of the day-to-day life of a Revolutionary War soldier, written by Joseph Plumb Martin, that soldier, years later when he was in his 70's. At one point, with respect to a particular six week period, he writes, " . . . many things transpired incidental to a military life, but which would be of little interest to the reader, and tedious for me to relate." That is frequently the situation with updating this travelog, while lots of things go on, most of it is not too exciting — while life is good, everyday is not an exciting adventure, and not everything we do is worth mentioning. Be that as it may, the following accounts for some of what has happened since our arrival here at Hanscom.

For Sharyn's birthday she got a new, large screen, Dell laptop. It's not that she really needed it — she had an older, smaller one — but after putting together a list of everything she needed, and seeing that there was nothing on the list, it seemed that there was no reason she should not have a really nice computer, so now she does.

Chips reached his 70th birthday and they had a surprise birthday cake for him at the Outdoor Rec office on base. Between the three of us here at the FamCamp, we have well over 200 years of life experience (not sure what that means)!

Several weeks ago the base had its annual flea market where you rent a table and set out whatever it is that you are selling. Sharyn had two tables set up with her handmade, custom designed jewelry. While she sold several pieces, it was not what she thought it would be. It was primarily young families selling used baby clothes, toys, and other children's things that had been outgrown or no longer used. While Sharyn's jewelry is very nice, the children's stuff is much more useful for the young military families stationed here.

Two weeks ago I bought a $200 canoe from Chips (who, as a side line, seems to buy and sell canoes on Craig's List). I tried it out on the Concord River which has a put-in about 3 miles from the FamCamp. Sharyn didn't go with me because she thought the river would be running fast because of all the rain we had just had, but that turned out not yo be the case. I had hoped we could go today (our day off) but the temperature reached a blistering 95°. A little too hot in the full sum. Maybe we'll try one afternoon after work, although we don't feel like doing too much at the end of the work day.

May 3-9 was "Marine Week Boston," when the Marines, among other things, display vehicles, aircraft, and equipment on the Boston Common. During the week the aircraft were kept here at Hanscom AFB, and with the flightline on the other side of the fence, we had front row seats to the coming and going of the aircraft. I particularly liked having the opportunity to see the V-22 Osprey taking off and landing. The tilt-rotor aircraft is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft. What I did not know, and had not thought about, was the fact that because of the length of the rotor blades it cannot land in conventional airplane configuration — the blades would hit the runway. It always takes off and lands in "helicopter mode."

It was just a couple of days ago that I received my update DVD for Photoshop CS5. It had been pre-ordered from Amazon several weeks ago, prior to the official release date. It's probably been five years since I updated to CS2, which I've been using since that time. Adobe only allows you to update if your current version is not more than three versions old. That means if I didn't upgrade to CS5, then I would no longer be able to buy future upgrades and would have to buy the full Photoshop. At $699 that just would not happen. Anyway, the pictures I put up for this update will be the first time I use CS5. There sure have been a lot of changes since CS2, so I'll see how it goes!

And with all of that, Sharyn got her little garden area cleaned up and re-planted (no vegetables this year).



Chips cuts his cake as Nicole and Brad look on

The "flea market" that wasn't

Canoeing up the Concord River

A V-22 Osprey taxis out from the apron . . . .

. . . . and lifts off

A CH-53 Sea Stallion (maybe Super Stallion?) comes in to land

Sharyn's garden, replanted



Odometer reading = 101,582
Miles for day = 0




5/27/10 to 7/14/10
(Bedford MA)

It has been suggested to me that that from May 27 until now there must be something that I could write about. There is some truth to that, so here goes.

We no longer have the canoe that I bought from Chips. I think I used it three times — one time with Sharyn. She said that she liked her kayak better (our kayaks are two 14' Wilderness Systems Pungos), plus while I liked the canoe, there is a cumbersomeness that somewhat limits what you can do or where you can go in a given time-frame. Anyway I sold the canoe and made a $50 profit on the sale. I started looking for a kayak that would move through the water with greater ease than either the canoe or the Pungos and decided that would require a longer waterline length, which in turn directed me to touring kayaks. Looking on Craig's List I eventually came across a 17' Dagger "Atlantis" that seemed to fit what I was looking for. Sharyn bought it for me for my birthday (several days later she also bought me a set of Thule kayak roof mounts from L.L. Bean right down the road from the FamCamp).

So far I have been out with it four or five times and thus far it meets or exceeds what I hoped it would be. As I said earlier, we are only three miles from a put-in on the Concord River. There is another put-in for the Concord River in the town of Concord that is seven miles from here. A week or so ago I put in there and paddled upstream looking for the place where the Sudbury and Assabet rivers flow together to form the Concord. I thought that this confluence was some half mile or so upriver from the put-in, but I wasn't really sure of the distance. Shortening the story a little bit, I went upstream quite a ways until I came to a large broad area with lots of long underwater grass and I had no idea was I was. It turned out that was Fairhaven Bay — I had paddled upstream for some five miles, never seeing where the two rivers came together! It turns out that the much smaller Assabet flows into the larger river about 200 yards from where I put in. I had just paddled up the larger river not seeing the smaller river coming in on my right. It was not until four hours later that I got back to the put-in, somewhat tired and glad to be back.

Yesterday I paddled up the Assabet about 1½ miles which was as far as I could go. It's been a number of weeks since we've had any rain and the rivers are probably 4-5 feet below where they normally are this time of year. Even to get as far as I did, at one point I had to get out and walk the kayak for 100' so. The Assabet is even prettier than the Sudbury/Concord, in large part because it is so much narrower that you are really paddling "through the woods." Sharyn says next year she wants to bring her kayak up here (I think she should also have a kayak that moves through the water easier than the Pungo, but we'll see about that at another point in time).

As an additional add-on for my birthday, Chips took his daughter Karin, Sharyn, and me out to dinner at Bugaboo Creek where we all had good food and good "conversation."

Hanscom FamCamp sponsored two events over the last several weeks; a pot luck for Memorial Day and a barbecue for the Fourth of July. The July 4 barbecue had over 60 people, the biggest turnout we've ever had for one of our events. In addition to the hamburgers, hot dogs, and soda provided by FamCamp, there were three tables of food brought by other people. A very good time was had by everyone. We really like it when it turns out like that — makes it all worthwhile.

Every Friday, if anyone shows up, we have a group bike ride. Since it's not always the same people, we typically ride the Minuteman Bike Trail (a rail to trail) to Lexington, a distance of 3½ miles, stopping at Lexington Green where we talk about what happened there on April 19, 1775 (British troops fired on the Lexington Minutemen), and ending up at Peet's Coffee and Tea for coffee and scones before returning to the FamCamp. For the last two Fridays, however, we rode to the Old North Bridge in Concord where several hours after the shooting in Lexington, Colonial militiamen acting under direct orders, opened fire on the British troops ("the shot heard 'round the world"). That's a six mile ride, two miles on the road and four miles following the old railroad bed through the woods — this is just a narrow dirt trail, not the paved rail to trail that goes through Lexington and continues on to Cambridge. At the bridge, part of The Minuteman National Park, a ranger gives a talk every hour describing what happened at the bridge that day and how it became the first battle of the American Revolution. As he says, describing the magnitude of the event, it is not too much of an exaggeration to equate it to the Concord Police Department opening fire on the United States Army. Returning to the FamCamp, two weeks ago I said we had the option of returning via the old railroad bed, or we could take the road and come back through Minuteman Park. They opted to return through the park which was a nine mile return, mostly in the sun, and with a number of hills. This past week, I again gave the option, but described the difference between the two routes. This time they opted for the railroad bed. It's too bad those Friday rides don't get a better turnout because everyone always enjoys them, plus the more people the more fun the group has. I am not the world's most fun person!

Several weeks ago we called DirecTV and changed our program package plus added a DVR. Soon after the guy installed the DVR the volume on the TV was so low that we had to keep it turned all the way up and still could hardly hear it. When we called DirecTV about it they said it was a system wide problem and they were working on it. A week later it was still the same so we called again (working our way through a 47 step phone menu) and were told that they were still working on it. As compensation for the inconvenience they were going to give us a $10/month credit for the next year. The third time we called we asked them to suspend our service and let us know when they had it fixed. She said they won't call us, we'd have to call them. From there it rapidly went down hill when I said to just cancel our service and she said that I could not do that since we had a contract. I agreed we had a contract whereby they would provide us with TV service and we would pay them money, but since they were not providing the TV we would not pay any money. Her response was, "well you have a picture, don't you?" When I said "sue me" she went away and came back a minute later saying that they were canceling the contract due to technical difficulties. I forgot to mention that prior to the third phone call we called several people we know who have DirecTV to ask if they were having the same no volume problem (since they told us it was a system wide problem). No one else was having the problem and a DirecTV service guy who lives here had never heard of any such problem either. It seems to me that if they had just sent a service guy out here on our first call he probably would have fixed it. Anyway, now we have no television.

Two days ago our satellite radio stopped working. Figuring that without the radio there was no point in continuing the service we called Sirius and asked them to cancel our service. He asked why we were canceling and when I told him he said, "how about we just send you a new radio?" I told him that would work. Maybe DirecTV should take a look at the customer service from Sirius!

For a year or so now the driver's window on the CRV has been getting sluggish, sort of like it wasn't quite going to close. Well yesterday it got halfway up and stopped. It would go up and down, but not get more than halfway up. Today, for the considerable sum of $369.26 we had a new window regulator installed. That struck me as a lot of money, but as Sharyn and I were saying, the car is a 2000 model with over 104,000 miles on it, plus an additional 95,000 miles towed behind the motorhome, and this is the first repair we have needed. Good job Honda!

Finally, since December we have been flying a Gadsden flag along with the American flag. A number of people have asked us about it, "what is it," "what does it mean," etc. So much so that we made up a one page history of the flag to give to people who asked about it. We had another inquiry in the office the other day which gave me the idea to make that history part of the August FamCamp newsletter. Since I was focused on the history I thought I'd also put it on stringbean as a .pdf file.

First trial for kayak

First ride on new roof mounts

Paddling up the Sudbury River (where I thought it was still the Concord)

This guy didn't give me time to get ready

July 4th the grill ran none stop until we ran out of burgers (but we still had hot dogs)

Best of all, no one went away hungry!

American and Gadsden flag fly together

History of the Gadsden Flag


Odometer reading = 101,582
Miles for day = 0





7/15/2010 to 7/27/10
(Bedford MA)

Since I got my kayak several weeks ago I have been looking for a touring kayak for Sharyn. We liked the Perception "Shadow" and missed out on one by several hours. Although it is still over 16' in length, it is a boat sized for women or somewhat smaller people. Fortunately, the next day we heard back from another guy who had the same boat but had not responded to my e-mails. Long story shortened, we arranged to meet him at a boating club on the Merrimack River in Lawrence MA where Sharyn could try it out. She thought it was okay (maybe), but when I told her I thought it was a perfect boat for her she said "okay." That was, I think, largely because she knew I wanted her to get it. Her apparent lack of enthusiasm did help in the price negotiation. "I'm trying to convince her to buy it, you have to make it easier with the price."

Today was our first day off since she got it so this morning we set of for the Concord River put in on Lowell Road in Concord with both kayaks. We put in and everything went well. Recent thunderstorms had caused the river to have a little more water than it did the last time I went which was good. We went upstream past where the Sudbury River becomes the Concord, but as the temperature climbed — heading for the 90's — it got too hot so we tuned around and headed back. A nice day in the 70's would be ideal, but that might not happen too soon. Anyway, Sharyn liked her kayak, but is not sure that she doesn't have a greater comfort level with her Pungo back in Virginia (last entry I said our Pungos were 14' — that was in error, they are 12' ).

Put in as seen from bridge. The Concord River begins at the top of the picture; the Sudbury is coming in from the left, and the Assabet is coming in from the right

We are just about to launch

Sharyn moves along the edge of the river

This is my favorite

Maybe this is my favorite

These rivers are beautiful places to paddle

I was there too

This guy ignored it all


Odometer reading = 101,582
Miles for day = 0





7/28/10 to 10/25/10
(Bedford MA)

On August 3rd we (FamCamp) did a 5 mile paddle down the Concord River through the 3600 acre Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge. We had nine people using 3 canoes and 3 kayaks. As the river wound its way through the mostly wooded landscape everyone found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable trip. It's something we will definitely do again next year.

The next evening we went to the Colonial Inn in Concord with Ken and Gwen, friends and fellow FamCampers, for dinner and New Orleans Jazz. The Colonial Inn has been in its present location since 1715 and was a regular gathering spot for some of those who would become prominent leaders in the time leading up to and during the American Revolution. Today it remains a great place to eat, and on Wednesday nights, a place to go to listen to real New Orleans jazz. Two things that you cannot do there while the band is playing are: keep from smiling, and keep you feet still. It's really great music.

About 1,000 years ago the indians of western Greenland used a somewhat unique style of kayak paddle that has, in recent years, enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with kayakers in many parts of the world. These paddles, referred to as "Greenland paddles," are considerably narrower than the more traditional kayak paddle and therefore offer less resistance when pulled through the water, enabling a paddler to maintain a faster cadence and supposedly go further and for a longer period of time with less fatigue. At least that's what I've read. One writer described it as somewhat akin to pedaling a bike in a lower gear; because the pedaling is easier you can continue pedaling longer and therefore go further. It has never worked that way for me on a bike, and as it turns out, does not work that way for me when paddling.

Anyway, having read all that stuff, I bought an 8' 2x4 of Western Red Cedar with near perfect, fine, straight grain. I also had to buy a small block plane (I have three planes back in Virginia) and a small surform plane type tool. Three days later I had a Greenland Paddle properly sized and shaped to fit me. After another week of oiling and finishing I tried my beautiful paddle (it is a beautiful thing) in the Concord River (actually at this point I've tried it twice). Using this paddle can I paddle longer and/or go further? I don't think so. As with the bike, it does not work for me. It still looks very nice, and at the present time is mounted over the head of the bed.

Trumbo Point is one of two Navy FamCamps at Key West, both of which are part of the Key West Naval Air Station. Trumbo Point is somewhat unique as there are no hookup whatsoever. Everyone is drycamping. Also, they have never turned anyone away at Trumbo. It is an old seaplane facility with what has amounted to unlimited space for RV's. To make a long story short, there is a group from Trumbo that had their summer reunion here at Hanscom last year. They so enjoyed it here that they came back again this year. We so enjoyed them that we plan on traveling from MacDill to spend several weeks with them at Trumbo this winter.

This summer it rained almost every day during the week they were here, but that did not dampen their fun or activities in the least. They held their lobster dinner under the tent and even had two big, beautiful lobsters for me and Sharyn (they even cooked them for us when Sharyn said she could not drop them into boiling water).

Al and Margie, friends from Long Island, came to visit with us late in August. Al was interested in the history of the area (particularly the Old North Bridge in Concord*), while Margie wanted to see The Garden in the Woods, the largest landscaped collection of wildflowers in the Northeast which happens to be in Framingham MA, about 20 miles down the road. We did both, and we all had a very enjoyable weekend together.

Some time ago Sharyn's cousin Carl called from Florida to tell me that he and a friend were going to be in the Alafia Challenge, an 11 mile canoe/kayak race on the Alafia River scheduled for November 13 and he thought I might be interested. I was interested, and now I am signed up to race as well. While there is a class for those "over 50," if your kayak is over 17' you can't be in that class, and my kayak is 17' 4". In some kind of preparation for this race I have been trying to go out twice a week, but recently it has been kind of cold and/or raining so I've fallen off to not much more than once a week. Most times out I do somewhere between 5 and 8 miles, but I've also done 10 and 15 miles (including another ten miler this afternoon). Anyway, if I don't do well I can always explain that I was older than the winner's grandfather! Since we now have to be in Tampa by Nov 13 we will not have the opportunity to stop and visit along the way as we otherwise would.

This year we have a "confirmed reservation" for a full hookup site at MacDill so we will not have to be in the rotation as we were for the last two years (rotation: two weeks in full hookups, then dry camp until a partial hookup site becomes available, and then wait again for another two weeks in full hookups, then start all over again). Since our confirmed reservation is for Nov 15 the race schedule only requires we get there two days earlier than we would otherwise have to.

Anyway, next Sunday, at the end of the workday, we turn off the lights, lock up the buildings, and the 2010 season will be officially over.


FamCampers load up their boats for the Concord River trip

As we get started down the river

Where we stopped for lunch along the way

Jazz group in one of Colonial Inn's pubs

The piano player is everybody's favorite

All FamCampers are not on Social Security

My Greenland paddle begins to take shape

Finished paddle with the tools it took to make it

C-17 taking off from Hanscom (maximum takeoff weight is 585,000 pounds!)

Sharyn closing out at the end of the day

A week of rain did not dampen the fun spirits the Trumbo group

Dinner

Margie & Sharyn take a break at the Garden in the Woods

He was there too

Margie, Sharyn, & Al in the Colonial Inn dining room

Minuteman statue at the Old North Bridge in Concord

Friday morning bike ride group returns from Lexington

A view of the Concord River

Another view

The Assabet is a smaller, narrower river

These guys usually jump in the water before you can get to your camera

This tracks course, speed, distance, time, etc., which can be uploaded to Google Earth or other mapping programs

Sharyn planted this Montauk Daisy from a 1 gallon container on 9/16/2008

Fall foliage at Walden Pond

Took this on way back from Walden Pond


*The Old North Bridge in Concord is where the American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, when the minutemen fired upon British troops. The inscription at the base of the statue (the first stanza of Ralph Waldo Emerson's Concord Hymn) reads:

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world."

Every time I stand there and read that I get goose bumps.



Odometer reading = 101,582
Miles for day = 0





10/26/10 to 11/1/10
(Bedford MA)

As of yesterday afternoon we have everything here shut off, locked up, and as of now we're ready to leave. Seeing as how the temperature last night was down in the 20's and forecast to be even colder tonight, we're not leaving any too soon.

Most of the day today was spent getting everything ready to leave. Shelves, tables, and counter tops cleared off, lots of accumulated stuff put away—into travel mode, sewer and water lines disconnected and stowed, flagpole taken down, outdoor chairs, etc. loaded into the car, and kayaks loaded onto the car and tied down for a 1,000+ mile trip (that's not the same as a 4 mile drive to the Concord River).

Anyway, as of now, all that remains to be done is to bring in the slides, unplug the electric line, and drive away. The plan is to do that before 7:AM tomorrow morning.


All hooked up and ready to roll!

Odometer reading = 101,582
Miles for day = 0



11/2/10 to 11/7/10
(Louisa VA)

We pulled out of Hanscom FamCamp at 7:30AM, pretty close to what we had planned. We had also planned to travel down I-81 to Virginia, but after we were underway we decided to take the Jersey Turnpike and US-301 instead. It has always been a two day trip from Hanscom to Louisa but as we drove along we just kept going, with no specific stopping point in mind. Eventually it became clear that it made more sense to just keep going. Some 15 hours and 608 miles later we arrived at Jordan's driveway. Not sure we'll ever do that again!

We had several days to visit with Jordan and Shane and Phil and his family, all of which was very nice. Our granddaughter Katlin is a high school cheerleader and we went to the "Senior Day" nighttime football game where we got to see her perform. Both she and the football team did well, but with less than a minute on the clock the other team made a two point conversion and won the game by one point.

The following day Phil used Sharyn's kayak and he and I went kayaking on the South Fork of the Rivanna River. Sharyn has been telling me that if I'd try her kayak I'd like it better than mine, and that her kayak goes faster/easier than mine (she has used both). After 5 miles up river, Phil and I switched kayaks, and we both agreed that mine is faster, easier to paddle, and more comfortable to sit in. The comfort part is probably due to the fact that Sharyn's is designed for a woman or smaller bodied person. I was surprised, however, that it did not perform better than it did. Anyway, Sharyn says when we get back to Virginia she want to get her 12' Pungo and then put this one on Craig's List.

Since we plan on flying back to Virginia for Christmas (leaving the motorhome at MacDill) Sharyn unpacked our winter clothes and left them with Jordan. As I write this it's not clear to me why full-time RVers even have winter clothes!

Anyway, we'll be leaving here in the morning to head south, hopefully to warmer weather.


Phil with Sharyn's kayak

Phil in my kayak after we switched (Sharyn's is prettier, but I like mine better)


Odometer reading = 102,190
Miles for day = 608



11/8/10
(Savannah GA)

We were on the road at 7:30, halfway between my 7:AM and Sharyn's 8:AM. Our target was the Walmart in Savannah where we have stopped on prior occasions. The GPS was telling us the Walmart was several miles from the I-95 exit. That sure did not match my memory as I was positive Walmart was right at the end of the exit ramp, which, in fact, is where it turned out to be.

The parking lot at Walmart was rather crowded with RV's, to the extent that they were somewhat interfering with the available parking for regular customers. I suspect that if it was like that all the time Walmart would would have to find someway to address the problem. This is prime time for RV's to be moving south and it's probably not so crowded at other times of the year. We, and other RVers, appreciate Walmart making their parking lots available for overnight parking. We always make it a point to shop at the Walmart when we spend the night, usually spending more than what we would have paid for a campsite. This time we only bought milk and bread, but that is not the norm.

We were in bed at 9 o'clock.


Odometer reading = 102,705
Miles for day = 515



11/9/10 to 11/11/10
(Tampa FL)

You can only sleep so long and having gone to bed at 9 o'clock I was awake at three. Recognizing that that was too early to get up, I stayed in bed until four, at which time I got up, plugged in the coffee pot, got dressed, and eventually (at 4:40) poured Sharyn a cup of coffee and woke her up. As she came out to get her coffee she saw the time and said (I guess to me), "You've got to be kidding."

Anyway, we stayed married, and were back out on I-95 by—I think it was—5:30. We did take note of the fact that when the sun came up over the Georgia marshlands we had already gone 100 miles.

It was lunchtime when we arrived at MacDill AFB. The fact that our "confirmed reservation" was for November 15 presented no problem. We got to select our site in the annex and we like our choice a lot. Since this will be our home until next April it's nice that we were able to pick our spot.

Since we got here it has been sunny and in the upper 70's to low 80's. Quite nice, and forecast to continue that way, at least for the immediate future. Makes the drive down here worthwhile.

For several years now our Internet access has been via Verizon Broadband for $60 per month. While the service is not bad, by today's standard the speed is not so great—typically running 200-400KB/sec—sometimes a little faster or a lot slower. One thing I do not like is the limit of 5GB bandwidth per month. While that has never been a problem, several months ago we went over by about 1,200 MB and were charged $70 extra! To pay for overage is one thing, but when you are over by 25% and the overage charge exceeds the regular bill, that is punitive and a ripoff! Right now, with two more days to go in the billing cycle, we are again right up against the limit.

Anyway, there are telephone lines running to these campsites so I called the phone company (Verizon—a different company than Verizon Wireless) to see if we could get a DSL connection. To make a long story short, they will be here Monday to connect us up with a 3,000KB/sec (3MB) DSL line for $40 per month, plus a one time charge of $35 that includes a modem/router that we will own. (The $40 per month charge is because we are not getting phone service with the DSL. If we got the phone service the DSL would only be $30). We will then put the Verizon Broadband service on suspension for $6 per month. Bottom line, we will pay less money, have ten times the speed and no limit on data usage!

Our campsite and new home

Odometer reading = 103,050
Miles for day = 345





11/12/10 to 11/14/10
(Tampa FL)

From the time we closed the FamCamp at Hanscom on October 31 we have been under some pressure to get here quickly as some time back I signed up to participate in the November 13 Alafia Challenge, a nine mile kayak/canoe race on the Alafia River, just across the bay from MacDill AFB.

Yesterday was the big day and we were on line as the gates to Lithia Springs Park opened at 7:AM. Lithia Springs is a natural spring that has water coming up out of the ground year round at a temperature of 72°. The water from the spring then flows into the Alafia River which some 15-17 miles later empties into Hillsborough Bay just across from MacDill AFB. The racers assembled at and around the pool or pond that sits over the spring. The starting line was in the stream whereby the pond flows into the river.

With 164 boats racing, they started two to four boats at a time at 1-2 minute intervals. Where spring water flows into the river the river is quite narrow—probably in the 20'-30' range, but quite variable along the shoreline. Over the nine mile course the river widens considerably until at the finish line where it is about 350' across. The current varies also, from nearly imperceptible at the finish line to perhaps 5-7 mph further upstream where narrow, shallow areas, or rocks, cause the flow to accelerate.

There were 17 boats in my class, "Men's Elite Kayak", basically any kayak that had a rudder, or was over 17' in length. My goal (if that's the right word) was to finish in 1hr:45min and not be in the bottom 25%. My official time was 1hr:50min:25sec. I placed 8 out of 17 in my class, and 49 out of 164 overall. Obviously I feel very good about those results.

The finish was at Riverview Park where there was what would best be described a a family fun day with food, soft drinks (including lots of water), loud music, and awards for 1st to 3rd place finishers. The whole affair was very well planned and executed. We, and everyone else, had a great time, and we plan to do it again next year.

Upon our return to the motorhome I took a one hour nap, which I never do. Not long after I got up Sharyn said she was going to go lay down also, which she did. All in all it was a very good day!


Cars lined up waiting for the gates to Lithia Springs Park to open

Don, Carl, and myself enjoy our free Continental breakfast before the race

Some of the first kayaks to get lined up at the water's edge

As the sun rose, the number of kayaks (and racers) increased

Still more kayaks

All kinds of kayaks

Soon there is no room to walk (also note the canoes in the background)

Karen Wagner (race coordinator) gives final briefing

Boats approach the start as their numbers are called

Three starters take off into the river

Me and #1409 get lined up at the start

We're off

We are in the river and on our way (Last year #1409 placed 3rd in his class and 3rd overall. This year he placed 2nd in his class and 2nd overall — obviously, he totally wiped me out)

I finally make it to the finish line!

After the race celebration party

Alfia Challenge race course as seen on Google Earth

This morning all is back to normal and Sharyn enjoys her book and her coffee
(except for this one, all photos by Sharyn)


Odometer reading = 103,050
Miles for day = 0





11/15/10 to 12/14/10
(Tampa FL)

I have been doing some fishing with the kayak. I haven't fished for years, but when I did, salt water fishing did not require a license and you could basically keep whatever you caught. Boy has that changed. The other day I caught three fish, one snook and two spotted trout. Having no place to keep them except on my lap (the kayak has a no-spare-room cockpit) I released the first two, but then kept the third by leaving him in the net and attached to the side of the kayak. I was sorry I had not kept them all as they would have been sufficient for dinner for both of us. I was also somewhat apprehensive as separate and apart from the no place to put them, they were all less than the 20" minimum size, plus I had no license. I like it better the way it used to be when there was no need for a license to fish salt water, plus if a salt water fish was big enough to eat it was big enough to keep. Lots of things change with time and it seems that where government regulation is concerned most of those changes are not for the better. Decades ago I used to say that we would get to the point where government would say how many sheets of toilet paper you could use. People thought that was silly, but for a number of years now government has limited a toilet flush to 1.6 gallons of water, so we are getting there.

Anyway, awhile ago Chips brought his 5th wheel down from Hanscom and stayed here for several weeks. He says if he had to do it again he'd join the Air Force, and if stationed at MacDill, he'd stay in forever. However he's now back at Hanscom freezing his butt off.

The guy next to us is here by himself so for Thanksgiving Sharyn invited him to join us and Chips for Thanksgiving dinner. The four of us had a great turkey dinner with all the usual trimming, etc. Not like it used to be with a dozen or more people around the table, but nice nevertheless.

Our site is in full sun all day and, as the motorhome faces south, we have the sun coming through the windshield, basically from sun up until sundown which causes considerable glare plus heat buildup in the front of the motorhome. Obviously this is not a new problem (or inconvenience) but, depending on time of year, where we are, etc., is something we have dealt with for years. Another windshield related item has been the fact that people can always see in. Of course we could close the windshield curtains to solve that, but then we can't see out. Anyway, we have solved all of that. Last week we had RV Windshield Covers of Florida install covers over the windshield and both front side windows. They are a husband and wife team who after full-timing for 14 years went into the business. They come to the site with their fully equipped van, measure the windows, cut and sew the fabric, and install the finished product. That's difficult to beat. The fabric substantially reduces heat and glare, we can see out but people outside cannot see in, etc. We should have done this years ago.

Several days ago winter came to Florida with nighttime temperatures in the 30's, some 30° below normal. A little further inland, away from the water, it has gone into the 20's on several occasions. This cold is supposed to remain here for the next two days after which it will return to the 70's, but we won't be here. That's when we are flying back to Virginia for two weeks to spend Christmas with kids and grandchildren.

We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas—as opposed to just "happy holidays"—and we'll see you again when we wrap up "Travelog 2010."


Thanksgiving Dinner

This guy lives in the tree behind the motorhome (photo as shot at dusk)

Same photo improved with Photoshop

Windshield cover

Inside looking out


Odometer reading = 103,050
Miles for day = 0





12/15/10 to 12/31/10
(Tampa FL)

On December 16 we flew to Virginia to spend the Christmas Holidays with Jordan, and be able to spend time and visit with Phil, Kim, Katlin, Philip IV, and Shane. We did all of that. Everyone was at Jordan's house for Christmas dinner, plus we had Christmas Eve at Phil and Kim's, and it was all very nice. However, I think it will be a long time before we go on another trip without the motorhome. The convenience and familiarity of being in your own home is pretty hard to beat—besides, that's why our home has wheels—so we can take it with us wherever we go!

The day we left the FamCamp here at MacDill AFB, the cold spell broke and the temperature was in the 70's. Unfortunately, we were not here to enjoy it. We were landing in 3-4 inches of snow at Richmond International Airport with temperatures in the mid 20's. Since the snow was still coming down, the roads had not yet been plowed and Jordan (who only got to the airport five minutes before we did) said her knuckles were white from holding on to the steering wheel for so long. (For those who might be reading this at some time in the future, that was the edge of the giant blizzard that shut down the East Coast from the Mid-Atlantic all the way up through New England for almost a week).

Marlene, a friend of ours had driven us to the airport that morning. When we got to the airport I realized I did not have my camera and that I had probably left it on the picnic table back at the campsite. When Marlene got back to the FamCamp the camera was there. That was a relief, but did not yield any Christmas pictures.

We got back to MacDill FamCamp on December 30. On December 31 the year 2010, and this travelog, both came to an end.


Odometer reading = 103,050
Miles for day = 0


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