Thoughts Along the Way.

The Storms Continue

2010-06-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

We've been on the road now for 22 days. We're sitting under stormy skies again, this time with thunder and lightning and it is causing the poor dog to shake. The rain is beating on the trailer windows so hard that it feels like we are under a waterfall. We are in Grangeville, Idaho on Jim's last work stop. Home is sounding very, very good to all three of us. We have been inadvertently following the Lewis and Clark trail and yesterday spent the night along the Clearwater river. It was anything but clear looking more like runny chocolate pudding. Logs and other debris were floating by. Since we were parked only a few feet from the river, it was quite an experience. With all the rain that the northwest is having, some flooding is occurring. In fact, we were turned around by a sheriff in one of the towns where we were going to take a more direct rout to Grangeville because the road was washed out. Yesterday, however, was a dry day and we soaked up the sun. I actually was able to put on capri pants and sandals and sit outside. We have met some friendly and kind people. I have heard of people that travel all year long, either working or just for fun. We are so thankful to have a home to return to and friends and family there as well.

Wow, Again

2010-06-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today we traveled to the east side on Glacier NP. We left the trailer at the RV park, packed a lunch and just went sightseeing. Our destination was St. Mary's Visitor Center. In the summer you can drive thru the park but today we had to skirt around on the edge of the park. We saw again, some amazing waterfalls, crossed the continental divide, and saw lots of snow covered peaks. We actually drove to the beginning of the plains. You could look east and see miles and miles of rolling grasslands. The lodge at East Glacier was amazing! It would be a real treat to spend a couple of nights there. I'm afraid it would be out of our price range! I can see why this is Glacier NP. It was cold and windy and we could see snow falling on the peaks. We found an Alliance Church that we are going to try tomorrow.

Wow

2010-06-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today was the day that has made all this rain and dampness worth while. We drove up to G lacier National Park this morning and the views far surpassed our expectations! It was pouring rain when we got to the Visitor Center so I sat in the truck and Jim walked around with the umbrella and peeked into the Visitor Center. Then we decided to drive on the Going-to-the Sun-Road. As we started we decided to check out the campground and stopped to chat with the host. Come to find out that up the road were some campground hosts who had worked in Death Valley last year. So we drove up to visit with them. In the meantime the rain stopped and the sun tried to come out. We have never seen so many waterfalls coming down such long distances from the snow fields. It was amazing! About 14 miles up this famous road we came to a place where they are repaving the road so we had to turn around. But we were able to stop at the famous Lake McDonald Lodge, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet. The season has just began at the park and this weather has kept people from visiting so there were few people around. We saw a few deer but no bears. Fun place! We'll take the trailer up there and spend a couple of days at the campground after Jim works in Kalispell tomorrow.

Glacier NP, We Hope

2010-06-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

We are now camped in the outskirts of Kalispell, Mt. We are just 3o miles from the National Park and I think we could see the mountains around Glacier if the clouds would move away. But alas, it is raining and the clouds are all around us. We hope to drive up to the park tomorrow and see if we want to camp there after Jim works at the office here. We were so glad to be able to find a mall in this town where we could actually walk around (out of the rain) and stay dry. It was disheartening to see so many shops in the mall closed up. Seems the economy is having an effect here. We see quite a few licenses from Canada which is not too far from here. One interesting thing about being this far north is that it doesn't get dark till after 10PM. I wonder if when it is clear people can see the northern lights at night. I'm about ready to get Harry a raincoat or duct tape a towel to him when we walk out!

Montana in the Sun

2010-06-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

What a difference a day makes. Today we had the sun shining on us for the first time in over 11 days! I actually was able to sit out in the lawn chair and soak it in. The temp got up into the mid 60's so it felt like summer, almost! Jim was able to walk to the FS office from the RV park and had to use the umbrella in the AM but didn't need it later on. What a blessing. I was thinking how we had been under a cloud on this whole trip. Sort of like the Israelites when they left Egypt and that was a sign of God's presence. But I sure do like the sun! Also,a good thing today was getting our laundry done. Sounds simple, I know but when you are using laundromats and need to find quarters, it becomes more of an issue. Tomorrow we drive to Kalispel, MT. Jim will work there on Friday and then we take the time to visit Glacier NP. We'll try to get some pictures.

Spring in the North

2010-05-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

We are on the road again. We've been thru Oregon, Washington and now Montana. It has rained every day that we've been gone from home. But we have seen some beautiful country! Still California seems pretty good to me right now. Usually, our adventures create memories that we can talk about for a long time. This seems especially true at RV parks where we see and sometimes meet some really unusual characters. We will be moving up to Libby, Mt. next week. I'm needing to see a store of some sort. This is just too rural for me.

Once in a Lifetime

2010-04-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

We leave in a couple of days for a dream vacation. As a child travelling with my folks to South America, I dreamed that some day I would be able to cruise with my husband just for fun. In my childhood, trips always meant leaving friends and family and prized toys for the unknown. But on Sunday Jim and I will be sailing with friends just to have fun and explore new places. What a treat! Here is a picture of our ship.

Time to Update

2010-04-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I put my thoughts together in the blog but due to an encouraging daughter, I will give it a try. Our fall last year included a visit with our Salem, Or. kids. They always make life interesting and challenging and those grand kids are so precious.

We had some good times in Death Valley in November, exploring new places and just kicking back and relaxing and visiting with old friends. Also, we committed with the rangers to host at Texas Spring Campground in October of 2010. Are we idiots? We know from experience how frustrating that can be! December found us flying to Kansas City to visit with our oldest son and family and of course, came during one of the coldest spells. Again, we loved our time with three grand kids that are quickly growing up! We pretty much became couch potatoes during January and February, enjoying our wood stove, visiting our library often and shoveling snow! In March we were invited to work with the Drew's, a couple that volunteer in Death Valley. They were hosting at a campground up high in the mountains that surround DV. Every year a group of students from USC comes on a week of Alternative Spring Break in the park. We assisted in helping the students in cutting a fire break around the campground and buildings near by. We enjoyed visiting with the students and hearing their stories. Most in this group were from out of the US. They were great kids and eager to work and learn about us as well! We enjoyed our time, got in shape from all the walking we did and met some cool people! So what's next? A trip in two weeks on a ship thru the Panama Canal! We are so thankful that our health is good and we enjoy visiting new places and meeting new people. Here is a picture of us at Wildrose in Death Valley with the students.

Glimpses of our Summer

2009-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

It seems like it is about over..... our summer. The best times have been with our family and friends! We've been alternating between the cabin and times with the kids. It's been fun!

Heading North

2009-07-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

After a great time with the Kansas City kids, we're heading North to Oregon to spend time with the kids from Salem. Trailer's packed, and we're looking forward to a beautiful drive over Hwy.88 and 395.

Brennan in Stitches

2009-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

We've been having fun with our grandson. He's got a special souvenir to take home: a scar on his left knee. Hopefully the stitches will keep the scar from being too obvious but never the less he will always remember his week at the cabin with his cousin. We're going to try it again this week and trust that we won't have to make a run to the doctor again. The cousins have been doing magic shows, with card tricks and playing games, and making us all laugh. The sad thing about Mr. B's stitches is that he can't swim for a week! Thankfully, the weather has been cool and the threat of another trip to the doctor has kept him less tempted to "fall" in by accident.

In the Mountains, At Last!

2009-05-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here's what we've been doing the last few days. Traipsing around the forest like happy little chipmonks! It's wonderful to be able to go up to our little cabin and wander around to our hearts delight or just sit and read. Loving it!

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

A great day to celebrate motherhood! We spent the morning in Angles Camp at the new church, then had lunch with the McCamey crew. Five kids make for an entertaining lunch, to say the least. Our granddaughter presented me with a petunia planted during her Sunday School class time and a lovely card. Being with family is such a blessing!

Taking Care of Grandkids

2009-05-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hi all.......... We are in Salem watching Kaleb, Hannah, and Diego while Jacob and Tania have a week-end to celebrate their anniversary. We took them to Extreme 3000 this morning, where they participated in a 1.5 kilometer run with what looked like all the other kids in Salem. Only Kaleb and Hannah ran. Diego watched and yelled Yay!!! and waved. Both finished and got medals to wear. It was a lot of fun watching them run from the grandstands at Willamette University. Here are some pictures of leaving the house and running.

Home one more time

2009-04-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a month in Arizona. Had a lot of fun and adventures. We traveled most of the time with the Eggers and met up with the Schmidts along the way. A highlight was attending church at Valley Community Church on Double Adobe Road near Douglas. That is the church that our friends, Arnie and Lucy Nordhagen attend. We tried a couple of new places that we hadn't stayed at before, Picacho Peak State Park, and Echo Lodge Resort on the west shore of the Colorado River near Parker. Picacho Peak had some great hiking, but poor Harry picked up a piece of Cholla cactus in his paw and in trying to bite it out, got it stuck in the roof of his mouth and couldn't close it. While Carolyn held his mouth open, I was finally able to reach in and pull it out. He was pretty grateful. The Colorado was fun, but the last night the wind blew so hard we didn't get much sleep. We hear a loud 'clang' at one point during the night and when I opened the trailer door in the morning, there was a ten foot palm frond lying on our metal doorstep. Made it home with no major mechanical troubles, but are now trying to get over colds we picked up somewhere along the way.

Look at this cute little boy! 1977

2009-02-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

2009-02-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is Isaak and the snowman he built for us last week, and the other picture is Jimmy and Connie in 1978. Times change but we get pleasure out of the same simple things; our kids, and the snow. I know, Isaak, you are not our kid, but thanks anyway for making us a small snowman.

Snow Again

2009-02-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

This morning was one of those mornings when I just couldn't stay in bed. It had been so quiet in the night and we knew it was snowing. So as soon as I could, I had to see what our world looked like. And it was awesome indeed! We feel so blessed to live where we do and have the views that we do. Of course, along with the beauty comes the snow shoveling. Jim has been doing this job for about 40 years. Today the snow was sticking to his shovel, even after spraying it with a lubricant. Too bad we didn't have any little guys around to make us a snowman. I miss those days.

A little desert reprieve

2009-02-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

We took a few days off to visit the desert again and this time camped instead of volunteer with DV National Park. It felt good just to be tourists, visit with friends and relax. Our good friends, the Eggers went along too so of course that made it even more fun!

Grandsons!

2009-01-13T18:53:00.000-08:00

We have been soaking up hugs and kisses from our grandkids the last few weeks. .... some in Salem and others here at home. And of course we have the cutest ones ever!

Beautiful Snowing Morning

2008-12-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

Bailey Christmas 1988

2008-12-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

How we've all changed!

Jimmy was with YWAM and we were missing him.

The view out the windows remains the same.

Snow Time

2008-12-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry, no pictures tonight.
This is what we missed in Death Valley last year.......
Wanting to bake just to warm up the house more
The lights on the Christmas tree and on the deck
Watching the neighbors slip and try again to come up the driveway
Just watching those giant snow flakes drifting down
Cozying up to the old wood stove, bottoms to the heat
Walking out to get our mail and newspaper so we don' t have to risk getting the car stuck
Curling up with a good stack of library books
Pop's even enjoying shoveleing a little snow.

Fourteen Days at Sea!

2008-10-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

Our latest adventure consisted of a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and then a sail back to North America, Ensenada, Mexico. Our friends the Griswolds had been wanting to go to the islands and so we were "forced" to join them!

Flying is not my thing but I have to say that the flight to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines out of Sacramento was as near to being good as it gets in my book! We were bussed to the ship and after getting unpacked, we began to explore Honolulu on our own. Our friends went their separate ways. We had fun. Jim and I hoped on the local bus and rode out to Pearl Harbor. We toured the Missouri, a battleship famous during the ending of the war. We also walked around the downtown and felt like locals. The fruit smoothies were so good. The next day during a light rain shower and beautiful rainbow, we sailed out to Kauai. That was the day we took a tour but up to Waimea Canyon. That was huge! Like the Grand Canyon. We learned also about their famous chickens. Next day we were in Kona. I kind of snorkeled, swam with turtles and got a slight burn. It was fun. The water was so warm. That night our captain sailed us by the volcano and we actually got to see the lava flowing off the side into the ocean. Hilo was next and we decided to hoof it around the city. We walked up to the Lyman Museum. They were one of the first missionaries in Hilo. Did some great things. It was a positive story, for which I was glad. We had some great shaved ice there at a hole in the wall place. The next day we were in Maui. We spent two days there (not enough). We took a submarine down 130 feet to a reef and way some wonderful fish. The history there in Lahaina was great too. And that's where I got sick. Jim and our friend Ray had been sickish and then Brenda and I got it too. Runny nose, fever, congestion etc. Shall we blame grandkids coughing on us before we left? Who knows. Anyway, the Pacific rocked me to sleep and Jim had plenty of food and company to entertain him so I just slept. In a couple of days, the seas smoothed out and it was pool time again.

We had a great time.... Thanks to the Griswolds and their dreams .

The Mystery is Solved

2008-08-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

After weeks and weeks of smelling a skunk in the cabin Jim finally solved the mystery by climbing up onto the fireplace and equipped with a flashlight and shop vac and pitchfork he pulled out a little dead skunk. How the skunk got in is a puzzle to us but we're glad to have him gone! The cabin began to smell better immediately.

Look What's New

2008-08-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

This past week Newel and Jim installed a new kitchen sink and Formica top with mouse proof cabinets up in our cabin! Later, Jim and I went up and sanded, stained and added knobs. We are so amazed at how nice it looks. I really feel like I can prepare meals in a clean environment! This was a great birthday present.

Mid-Summer Fun

2008-07-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

What fun!

Our Oregon kids came down for about 10 days and we had a great time. We all settled in up at our cabin and were favored with great weather, lots of fish in the river, good hikes, wonderful wildflowers and best of all, lots of hugs from grandkids! Except for a powerful skunk smell in the cabin, and the grandkids getting incredibly dirty, it was a great week! But what else can you expect up in the forest!

Later in the week, we all gathered at daughter Connie's home for swimming and cleaner fun!

The only thing to improve our family vacation would have been to have our Kansas City kids here too. Maybe next year! We sure did miss them!

Enjoying Our Flowers

2008-06-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

These are the days to enjoy the flowers and sit on the front porch and take a nap!

Staying at Home, Sort Of

2008-06-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

It feels good not to feel like we better start packing for another trip. Both of our good friends, the Griswolds and the Eggers are leaving the county this weekend for vacations but we are the ones staying home. That's a switch!
We did have a great weekend though. Saturday morning Jim and I and grandson Isaak drove out to our local airport for the annual Father's Day fly-in. I brought my lawn chair and Pop and Isaak walked around to their heart's content while I sat in the shade of a CHP plane. Then we attended the wedding of Maria Egger, one the the kids we've known forever! It was a lovely, outdoor wedding, a little nontraditional but interesting and sweet!
Monday, we drove up to the cabin and were pleased to be there while the FS came by to do their final inspection for our 20 year lease. We passed but were told to make a few additional changes. Twenty years from now it will be someone else's job to get the place ready for inspection! It was beautiful up there, again! Cool enough to have a small fire in the fireplace in the morning and enjoy a campfire in the evening. We cleaned and raked and dusted and tried to get things tidy for Jacob and Tania and kids. Can't wait to see them!

Home in the Foothills

2008-06-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

We pulled in last Saturday, driving for more hours that we had on any other day of our trip. I guess we just really wanted to get home!
Jim totalled our mileage and we drove 5079 miles all together. It was a great trip and we are thankful that we had no mechanical failures, no close calls on the highways and we were healthy the whole time! Our last day on the road, when we crossed into California, of course, we payed $5.09 for diesel. That was the most we paid. I guess we'll park the truck and drive the old Subaru when we need to.
We feel blessed to have been able to see more of this great country!

Pizza before heading home

2008-06-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

We all went out to Pizza on Thursday night to celebrate. Jacob passed his oral exam at work with 95 percent!! Tomorrow we are heading towards home and plan to be there in a couple of days. We will check out Valley of the Rogue State Park tonight, then on to somewhere around Redding tomorrow.

Diesel $4.75

Grandkids!

2008-06-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

We are having some good days of loving on three of the cutest grand kids! Hannah and I went to a couple of stores this morning and colored in her coloring books. Kaleb and Jim and I went to a nearby state park and walked along the Willamette river. this afternoon. We saw the largest black oak in the US, and saw a ferry at work on the river. The skies threatened to rain on us but we managed to dodge the rain drops. Yesterday, we somehow managed to all fit in the trailer for dinner. Tomorrow, we celebrate Jacob's completion to a major test for his job, and we will got out to eat! He has an oral exam tomorrow AM. Diego has taken a liking to Papa, reaching his little arms out to him all the time. I'm a little jealous.

Almost Home

2008-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

We made it to Oregon yesterday, to a wonderful little county park on the mighty Columbia river. Here at Boardman Marina and RV Park the river is huge. Because the wind is blowing, there are white caps bouncing across the water. Unfortunately, the wind is from the west and will push against us this morning, lowering out mileage. Nevertheless, we are enjoying this spot and would like to return some day when we can spend a little more time. Right now, we are like horses bound for the barn, and except for a visit with the kids in Salem, we want to get HOME!

Warm Weather at Last

2008-05-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

We are now camped near the Snake River, just east of Boise, Idaho. This morning we traveled thru some amazing mountains in Montana but finally started descending into the Idaho flat land.

We left the Lewis and Clark trail because they took a more direct rout west but our journey was a lot easier! Somewhere along the way we came upon the Oregon Trail and drove past places like Massacre Rocks, Register Rock.

After we got things settled at the campground, we drove to the Hagerman Fossil beds National Monument Visitor Center. On the banks of the Snake are hundreds and hundreds of fossils and a person can drive over there and watch the diggings that are going on. We, however, were tired of sitting in the truck so opted to get the literature and take it "home" and read it instead. But the other thing that was of interest to us was the display of memorabilia of an internment camp for the Japanese located near here. The fascinating thing was that pictures were on display of Turlock because the fairgrounds were used at one time as a relocation camp. That was news to us and we graduated from Turlock High!

Every time we turn around we are learning something new!

Beautiful Little Town

2008-05-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

We decided to pull in at Dillon, Montana. It's a beautiful little town with a gorgeous university. The buildings are made of stone and brick and are surrounded by lush green lawns. Everything you could need, you could buy in this little town. And it has a beautiful stone library as well. Sorry, no walmart. This town sits in a valley and round about are snow covered mountains. Yellowstone National Park is within a days drive of here. Wish we could go!
An interesting fact: the people who run the RV park have moved here recently from Snelling. CA so they know all about Tuo. Co. They recommended a Prime Rib place across the street and I think we'll go for supper.
Carolyn, Jim and Harry

2008-05-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Jim finished working today so it's time to head home!

Obama comes in tomorrow and we leave. I hear the Clintons will be here the next day.

Tomorrow we will be south, possibly in Idaho and probably not have Internet access. We've given up on the idea of going to Glacier. Too much diesel and not enough time to go up there. We'll do our sightseeing closer to home. Also, we can't wait to see the grand kids in Oregon.

Great Falls, Montana

2008-05-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well, she followed us to Billings! We were just getting ready to leave when we heard Hillary was coming in to the airport for a short visit. Is there something going on between Jim and Hillary?

This morning we did the tourist thing and drove around the city of Great Falls. Jim will work tomorrow and the next day. It's amazing that since we left Pierre, South Dakota we have been on the Lewis and Clark trail quite by accident. And here is the place that gave the group the most grief because of the falls. There are actually 5 falls in the area so the expedition had to portage their canoes for miles. What amazing courage they had to keep going without any maps and few directions. The Missouri right now is so full because of the great rain that has come down in the last few days. Actually, the locals say there is more water in the river than they have seen in 10 years. That same rain has made our KOA campground muddy so it is hard to keep the trailer clean. At least today it is not raining and occasionally we see the sun.

You can buy a house around here for $100,000 and there is no sales tax. Diesel: $4.47

You can have your house on the prairie. I'm glad we live in Tuolumne county!

Fun In the Great Plains

2008-05-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

We intended to zip up to our friends in Pollock, S.D. in just a few hours but the winds blew so hard from the north that it took us an extra day. However, because of that delay, we stayed at a delightful state park on the Missouri river. The birds were abundant, singing their hearts out! And we saw deer and snakes as well. But the next morning we were able to head north again in lighter winds and had a wonderful time visiting with our Death Valley friends. Of course, they wanted to show us everything, but we couldn't stay too long in Pollock. We did visit Sitting Bull's grave, toured their little town and met the neighbors. I helped Terry make a rhubarb pie from the rhubarb out of her neighbor's garden and for a person who didn't think I would like it, I enjoyed every bite!

Our next destination was Theodore Roosevelt National Park. And my, my, my! Did we see the bison! They were all over, right in the campground, next to the trailer, standing by the truck, everywhere! We saw the big daddies, the mamas and the little calves. We also had wild horses roaming thru the campground. So before we opened the trailer door, we had to look out the window to make sure a bison or horse wasn't standing right there. It was amazing! Also, we got in on a Cowboy Poetry celebration in the nearby town of Medora. We went to the community center and listened to cowboy music and poems. Fun, especially since it was raining and sooo windy outside. When we turned on the raido later we heard a tornado warning for an area just south and east of us so I guess we were blessed to be where we were.
So now we are in Billings, Montana spending the night with hook ups! TV and everything. The weather still isn't the best but it's not raining at the moment and it's not cold. Tomorrow we head for Great Falls.
We've been on the Lewis and Clark trail and following the Yellowstone river.

Leaving Rapid City

2008-05-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

This may be the last entry for a few days as we'll be traveling from hear in the morning. We went to Calvary Chapel Rapid City this morning and were welcomed warmly. We were told there are only 3 Calvary Chapels in the state of South Dakota. Later, we drove to a little town south of here for lunch.
We stocked up with groceries today also, because we are heading north to visit with friends from Death Valley. From there we hope to see Teddy Roosevelt National Park before we drive into Montana. We're not sure where we will have Internet access.
It's been fun letting you know what we are doing. Hope you are enjoying it as well.
Hasta la vista!

Badlands

2008-05-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

We drove out to Badlands National Park this morning. It is about 5o miles from our RV park. At first, I told Jim that I wasn't at all impressed by the place but once we came to the visitor center and started on the road thru the park it really became an amazing place. We hoped to see Bighorned sheep and buffalo but saw the usual pronghorned antelope and some snakes. The wind was whipping and we were thankful that the tempreature was warm.

Another stop we made was at Wall Drugstore in the town of Wall. No, it doesn't have anything to do with Walmart. In fact the story of the sucess of the place was published in Guidepost magazine. To make a story short, small buisness succeded simply because the owners decided to give away cups of ice water. Now, 70 years later, the place has grown tremendousnly and they have thousnads of people that come through during the summer months.

Fun day.

Diesel: $4:40

You'll Never Guess

2008-05-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well, wonders never cease on this trip!
Jim came back yesterday from working at the dispatch center to tell me he had seen Hillary Clinton! Yup, she flew in to the airport right next to the office and he saw her walk down from the plane. She was making a stop in Rapid City to greet some of her supporters. Jim said she was shorter than what he had thought and that she looked better in person than on TV.
When he got back to the trailer today I asked him who he saw today but I guess Obama is in Sioux Falls today. Aw shucks!
It's warmed up here. Harry and I actually sat out in the sun. He enjoyed rolling around in the patch of grass we have.

We go exploring tomorrow. Will it be the Badlands, the original Wall drug store or downtown Rapid City? We'll tell you later.

We Made It

2008-05-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Rapid City, South Dakota

This morning we drove into Rapid City from Newcastle, Wy. It was an easy drive and very interesting as well. We drove over some beautiful country, forested with pine trees. We also saw the monument to Crazy Horse as we drove by and it was pretty impressive.

Once we got settled and had lunch, we drove to Mt. Rushmore to see the presidents. I never would have guessed that I would actually be seeing those carvings but here we were. In the park visitor center we learned some of the history. Also, we learned that an ancestor of mine was one of the workers on the monument, Conrad Felton. It would be fun to do some research on that story! Unfortunately, it started to rain again so we didn't do any hiking on the trails in the park.

Diesel: $4.24

Warmer

2008-05-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to hear from all three children on Mother's Day. Any day I hear from them is a good day!
We awoke Monday morning to alomost 2 inches of snow and a blizzard. Harry loved playing and sniffing in the snow but it was COLD. I could identify with women who were headed west with their husbands and had come from snug homes in the east! But we waited for the snow to stop and hooked up the trailer and got back on I-80. The road was dry and traffic light but in a few hours we caught up to the storm. So since we needed to travel north anyway, we left the interstate and the storm and drove toward Casper, Wy. I didn't want to get out of the truck even for lunch but when the tempterature reached 40 we found a place to pull over and make our lunch. The farther we drove north, the better the weather became. We saw hundreds of antelope along the road. We drove past Independence Rock where the emigrants carved names in the rock as they passed thru. Our route was full of history and if we would have stopped at each interesting spot, we'd still be out there. When we got to Casper it was raining hard. We pulled into an RVpark right on the North Plate river and next to Ft. Casper. Unfortunately, it was the muddiest place in the state of Wyoming! Everytime I took Harry out both he and I came back so muddy! It was awful! Enough said about that!

Tonight we are alomost in South Dakota and we have had a wonderful driving day. It's been warm, in the 50's and sunny! Instead of the mud tonight, we have a train next to the RVpark.
We are in Newcastle, Wy. We are having a good time!

Mother's Day in Wyoming

2008-05-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

We woke up to frozen hoses. 30 degrees at 7AM
But when I walked Harry it didn't seem that cold. The sun was shining. Later in the day the wind really picked up and now we are surrounded by clouds.

We drove into the town of Evenston to an Alliance church and it was good. We met the pastor and the people were friendly. They gave the mom's carnations so I have mine in a glass on the table. After church we found a WalMart and did some shopping. In the afternoon we walked over to Ft. Bridger. We had walked thur the fort a couple of years ago and again were impressed with the fortitude and tenacity of the folks back in the 1800's. I thought of the moms coming thru here on their way to California or Oregon and the military wives who lived at the fort. This is an interesting place to visit but would be a harsh place to live. The wind always blows, we're told and there is not much around. Yet many notable people came thur here, even Mark Twain. This was the location of the first school in the state of Wyoming.

Tomorrow we head East again. We had thought to take some back roads from here to the northern part of the state but the weather looks bad. We'd rather stay on the interstate if we're facing chancy weather conditions. So we'll drive East tomorrow and then head North on Tuesday.

We have some neighbors today. We saw some buffalo.
Diesel: $4.17

Ft. Bridger

2008-05-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

We are now in Wyoming at Ft. Bridger. Our campground is right next to the restored fort that played such an important part in the history of the West. Jim Bridger founded it back in 1843 and hundreds of emigrants, Indians, the Pony Express, the US Army and others came thru here. Right now we are the only tourists camped. I guess the season hasn't really begun. We are enjoying the peacefulness. The campground manager told us that a moose comes into the campground frequently and poops under the trees and it drives her bananas because she has to go around and pick it up!

It's colder here and suppose to freeze tonight.

Diesel: $4.24

2008-05-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove along the Humboldt River, an area rich in history. From Fallon to Battle Mountain was pretty ho hum but as we left Battle Mountain the mountains became more prominent, covered with snow and surrounded with misty clouds. We ate lunch at a rest stop and read a marker telling about when the Donner party camped in that location. An altercation developed between two of the men and one was shot. The shooter and his family were then banned from the wagon train and forced to find their own way to California. Later, when the Donner party was stranded in the Sierras, the same shooter was one of the men who volunteered to bring supplies up into the mountains for the Donners.
This morning we'll pass the famous salt flats where races for land speed records are always held. And then on to Salt Lake City. We hope to stop just across the border of Utah in Wyoming.
Harry has settled down to stretching out on the back seat of the truck and snoozing.
The weather has been perfect. We are in winter again. Or at least, cold spring. I put another blanket on the bed last night.

First Stop Fallon, NV

2008-05-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our First Day Out
We are parked this afternoon in Fallon, Nevada. The big cottonwood trees in the campground remind me of Lahontan where we used to camp. This time we have full hook ups and wi-fi. Jim has been doing work on projects for Brian so it’s good we have internet available.
When we stopped for lunch we discovered our bedroom window was coming apart. The metal frame was actually broken so Jim had to use his trusty tools to fasten it to the wall and hope it will stay in place till we can replace it. It’s always an adventure, taking off into the wild blue yonder!
The weather here is perfect.
Harry is a little confused but will adjust well in time.
Diesel: $4.19

Getting Ready

2008-05-07T10:22:00.001-07:00

This is the day we are packing! And watching three little grandkids who are "helping" pack the trailer! Tomorrow we leave for South Dakota. If we had our druthers we would choose a time later in the spring or summer but Jim needs to work in Rapid City next week so although the weather may not be ideal we are headed that way. Hope to see the Black Hills, Mt Rushmore and other sights along the way. Maybe if the weather is favorable we'll even swing up to Glacier National Park.

This is another one of thoes unexpected treats we've been blessed with in our later years.

Catching Up

2008-04-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time, I know.

Here's the thing: Jim's s been working and I have been involved with the grand kids and my Bible Study.

In February Jim traveled to Denver, and Phoenix. I began volunteering at our local library as a "grandma" in the preschool reading program on Fridays. I just can't stay away from those preschoolers!

March found Jim on planes to Phoenix again and Denver. He's beginning to know those cities pretty well! While Jim was in Denver, I caught a plane for Portland and had a great visit with three cute grand kids in Salem. It was great to see Jacob and Tania's new house and explore their neighborhood, schools and thrift stores, of course! How we love those kids! The week went by too fast! Jim's mom came up for a visit, her first after by-pass surgery in January. She did really well! We spent a nice Easter day at Connie and Shawn's. The weather was cool but nice and it was fun watching the kiddo's hunt for Easter eggs and eat chocolate bunny's. At the last minute, Jim and I decided to go to Disneyland and meed the McCamey family. They had been planning this trip for a while and we the whole time hopping for some other people to go with them to help out with the little guys but nothing ever worked out so we felt we should go. And it was a fun time. There were hoards of people but we managed to take the grand kids on a few rides, Dumbo, Buzz light Year, Casey's Train, the Tea Cups, the Disneyland Train, to name a few.

The first day the kids were overwhelmed but by the second day did much better, settling back and having a good time.

And here it is April: Harry and I started the month by getting our picture in the front page of our local newspaper along with Sandy and her dogs! That was a kick! Jim and I started feeling normal again after struggling with colds, coughs, sore throats, sneezing and all that! Jim made his last scheduled work trip to Reno last week so he's feeling some relief! We are kicking back and driving up the hill to see our cabin today. After a winter of heavy snow fall it will be interesting to see how things are up in the high country!

So there you have it in a nut shell. These past months have been rich with good times with friends and family and for that we are thankful!

Goodbye Death Valley

2008-01-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

A week ago today we joined that group of people who for one reason or another were trapped in Death Valley. There have been quite a few who wandered in but did not find it as easy to leave as they thought! We had had our farewell party, given by our co-host Larry, the night before but that night the winds came up. They rocked the trailer all night long and by the next morning were still quite strong. So we sat tight, not wanting to get blown off the highway as some RV's have done, in the Death Valley winds. You feel kind of foolish seeing again people you have already said good bye to but everyone agreed that we were being prudent to wait. The next day, the gusts at the campground were still around 30 or 40 mph but we ventured out anyway feeling that they had abated some. We were amazed to find that the further we drove from Furnace Creek Campground, the less wind we had and all in all we had a great drive home.

Today we are watching it snow! It's beautiful but Harry is not enthusiastic about going our and getting his paws wet, and I am not enthusiastic about going out into the cold trailer and keep unpacking and cleaning three months of living out of it! Jim is preparing for his work sessions next month and the snow doesn't hamper that.

Jim's mom is improving after having by pass surgery last week. She is a trooper! We plan to have her up here with us after she gets her strength back.

God is good and we know he is taking care of us!

An Excellent Day!

2008-01-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those days that remind us why we put up with crabby campers. It was our day off! We hiked around the campground for about 2 miles to get the dog tired so he wouldn’t get into mischief while we left him. We walked down to the airport and back with him and let him sniff all they coyote signs and we watched a small airplane land.
Next, after packing some snacks and water we drove down to the entrance of Artists Drive and met Charlie, the ranger and joined about 18 other people for a hike. We parked at the mouth of a canyon and hiked down almost to the valley floor and then hiked up another canyon back to the road. The colors in the rocks are so pretty in that area! With us on the hike was a couple from Chekoslovakia, a couple from China, and a couple speaking Spanish. So as we hiked we heard four different languages. On the way back we had to climb up two dry rock falls and Jim helped Charlie to get everyone up safely. We had a gentleman with artificial hips on the hike. None of us knew how tricky some the rock falls would be. But we all made it safely and now will be able to brag about our adventure! But, as always, it inspires Jim and I go be around older people (as though we are young!) who despite physical aches and pains keep going and exploring. We want to be like them when we grow up! So we figure we logged about four miles yesterday. That’s a pretty good day. And we topped it off with a nice campfire in the evening!
C.

Spring in Death Valley

2008-01-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, it feels like spring today in Death Valley! 84 in the sun and mid 60’s in the shade. It feels good not to have a coat on.
On Sunday we drove to Pahrump again for church at Calvary Chapel. This time we arrived on time and were more able to enjoy the service.
It’s been really interesting to learn why people come to DV. Not the visitor but the workers, especially the volunteers. We are learning that it’s like peeling an onion. The first response, often, is because it’s such a beautiful place, but then you really start hearing their story. Some are at odds with their children or other family members. Some have sick loved ones in the nearby cities. Some live in such cold states, like Colorado or Montana. Jim and I don’t feel like we are running away from anything except the rain. We really do like the park itself. But we miss our friends and family. It will be good to be back home soon and reconnect with friends and those cute grandkids. Also, a trip to Salem is in the near future to see son Jacob’s new home. Yet the friends we have made here will be missed. We are leaving next year open as far as our work here is concerned. Dios sabe el futuro. God know the future and we will trust that He will make our direction evident to us at the right time.
We will travel to Arizona for a few days next week for a missionary kid reunion in McNeal. Pachamanca time! Pereuvian food!
Carolyn

Almost Home

2007-12-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

A week from today we will be home!
We’ve been having great weather; chilly weather but no gales like Death Valley sometimes gets.
Yesterday, on our day off we went on a 4wheel drive road up into the Chloride Cliffs area of the park. We came to Monarch canyon and walked around a bit there. Jim hiked around more than I did but it was an amazing place with a dry waterfall of about 100 ft. I was afraid Harry was going to fall off the edge because he stood so close to the brim. There was evidence of sheep near by but we didn’t see any. Also, we wandered up to Scotty’s Castle. There are a pair of ravens that frequent the parking lot there that have become very good at opening up ice chests and other compartments on vehicles. I watched as they tried to get into a case on a Harley parked next to us. They were also pecking at a pick up bed cover on the truck next to us.
We had a nice visit with Jim’s boss from Costa Mesa and his co-workers. We all met at the Inn for a delicious dinner. Just seeing the Christmas decorations was a treat. We haven’t seen too many Christmas trees here in Death Valley. We really miss out on all the hoop-la of Christmas: the adds on TV, the ads in the papers and magazines, and programs at all the churches, and schools. I guess most of it doesn’t mean a whole lot to us but it seems almost a relief not to be bombarded with all the glitz. Maybe we are hermits, at heart. Family is what is the most important. If we could be with all our children and their families, we would have everything we need! God knew what we needed when He gave us each other.

December Snows

2007-12-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, we can see snow on the peaks around Death Valley. The low last night at our campsite was 41 so it is chilly.
We are sad because Sandy and Newel left yesterday for home having completed their commitment to the park. They did some great work here on signs and really spiffed up the big entrance sign as you enter the park. They will be missed by the park, but especially by us, their long time friends!
We have neighbors. The rat people are here from the university studying rats in the park. It will be fun to chat with them today and see where the rats are living.
Yesterday, we decided to go into the city for church. Our little church here is not meeting anymore so we found a Calvary Chapel in Pahrump. Only about 25 of us but it felt so good to be meeting with believers again. We got there late since we had to help a man stuck in the gravel off the road. It took us half a hour to get assistance for him and get a tow truck on the way.
We are excited about the prospect of seeing our home and family at Christmas. Only two and one half weeks to go. Yeah!

Thanksgiving in Death Valley

2007-11-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

We moved a few days ago across the road to Furnace Creek Campground because the other host had to leave due to health problems. Now we feel like we are in a real campground, trees, fire pits and picnic tables. Sunset Campground was a little bare.
The best thing about this place is that we were able to have Connie, Shawn and the grandkids put a tent up next door to us. We have been having a good time introducing everyone to the glories of this National Park. Today they were on their own because Jim and I had host duties so they drove up to the Sand Dunes and had fun running up and down the dunes, digging and filling pockets with sand.
Sandy and Newel are enjoying Jana and Kevin and grandboys who drove over last night. We are all using innovative ways to cook our turkeys. Shawn is BBQing our turkey breast and Eggers are roasting a turkey roll in the trailer oven.
Most of our campers are quiet today and we hope and pray will continue to behave themselves and be well this evening.
It was so good to hear from the other kids, Jimmy, Amy and family and Jacob, Tania and family. It’s a little more challenging to do e-mail at our new site but Jim packs the computer and hops on his bike and sits up at the Visitor Center to do it. Thank the Lord our cell phone works great here.
Tomorrow our family will leave and we will be a little lonely.
The next event for us will be when Jim’s boss comes to the Furnace Creek Inn for a conference. Jim has arranged a meeting room and we will get to eat at the Inn. Jim’s looking forward to showing his co-workers Death Valley.
We are thankful for the beauty of this place, but even more for our family. God is good!

First Snow on Telescope Peak

2007-11-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

So,Why Are We Doing This?

2007-11-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today we have over 1,000 people in our campground. It's like a little city and we are the mayor, sitting here in our host site, listening to complaints about the park service, government, their neighbors, everything! Last night was crazy, with all sorts of things going wrong, from toilets, to an elderly man falling and needing to be sent to the hospital. We didn't get to bed till past 11PM. But, we are making new friends, solving problems, and hopefully making this experience a nicer one for at least most of the people!
Harry now thinks he owns the place. He thinks he is big enough to fight a coyote that has been hanging around, and he loves the date grove across the street. Lots of good smells over there, I guess.
It's been unusually warm, 94 yesterday, breaking the record to date. Unfortunately, I've been too busy to go to the pool.
How we are enjoying keeping in touch with family more easily this year with Internet and cell phone connections! That makes so much difference to us. It's almost that magical time, 12 noon when the camping tags expire so we need to start checking for empty spots. If you are chilly, drive over to Death Valley and warm up!

We Did It

2007-10-31T12:43:00.001-07:00

The two overflow loops are now striped, numbered and ready for about 270 guests!

We are so glad to be done with that job. We presently have about 150 spaces occupied in the main campground and will open up the overflow areas in a couple of days. RVs are coming in steadily.

People are being so nice. One guy brought us a bag of avocados and another, a plate of home baked cookies. They are amazed that we do this work for free! We are too! But it beats going to the gym every day! And to swim in the spring fed pool is a real treat. So that's where I'm headed now!

Smokey Skies

2007-10-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days we've been watching the smoke creep up Death Valley from the south.
Today we are almost completely covered and our normally, bright, blue skies cannot be seen. This morning we watched racing cycles leaving the Furnace Creek Ranch, heading up to Scotty's Castle. It's called the Double Century Bicycle ride and 300 were suppose to participate.
I spent the morning painting white arrows on the campground roads and sprinkling beads of glass on top the paint, a job I have never done before. Even with the arrows, people have a hard time driving in directions they are not used to. Lots of complaints! When you talk about fire safety, they seem more agreeable.
Happy Birthday to our Madison! (yesterday, I know!)
Jim has spent the morning getting our seven bulletin boards up to date.
A poor person fell of their bike yesterday and broke a bone and had to be taken to Los Vegas by ambulance. In their 70's and riding a new bike! We are inspired by the spiciness of the campers that come to Death Valley. They don't let much stop them from having a good time!
Most are pretty rugged folks, who still are physically active. It sure beats sitting at home watching TV all day!
So long for now.

A Hard Day

2007-10-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

We don't want to repeat yesterday!
We worked in the hot sun all morning, measureing, chalking lines, and walking, walking, walking!
Inadvenrtantly, one of our fellow workers, broke thru the power supply to the whole campground with an auguer so when we got back to the trailer we were without power! The electrician was called, and after spending the afternoon looking for the break, found the problem. That's what happens when you have volunteers working in the park! We were happy today to get the power back on and the A/C running. It's 90 and rising this afternoon. Grumpy campers didn't make our day better yesterday. People just don't want any changes. Especially when you are 80 years old! Last night we drove over to see Sandy and Newel and vent our frustrations. It felt so good to be away from our campground!
Sandy's in hog heaven because she now posses the key to the library and go in any time she likes to do sorting and cleaning!
Yesterday was our day off and today things are going better since we are "on" today. We have over 50 in our campground tonight.

Full Moon Over the Desert

2007-10-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

2007-10-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture that should have been with the last post.......

Death Valley Fall

2007-10-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

We had a safe journey and are getting settled. The great thing is that our cell phone works just fine now. We purchased a new one, and also bought some special antennas, and they seem to do the trick. So we can keep in touch that way. Also, we have Internet access right in our trailer this year. We are feeling very privileged to have all these amenities! On top of all that, our former co-hosts, Joe and Terry brought over a dish for direct TV. All we need now is to have our kids and grand kids and friends close by and it would be just like home.
Sandy and Newel are settling in as well. Sandy will be helping in the library and doing a few other jobs. It's nice having then here.

It's nice and warm... 80's during the day, 60's at night!

Back in Touch

2007-10-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

I've been silent for a while but since we may be going into a black zone as far as communication is concerened, I will try to activate the blog again.

The summer was fun, busy, with trips to see new grandbabies, runs up to the cabin and lots of enjoyment at McCamey's pool. The grandkids sure make life enjoyablale! Soccer games, pirate costumes, first smiles, new teeth, potty triumphs!

Our latest adventure was a cruise to celebrate our 40th anniversary! We were blessed to go with two special couples whom we have been friends with for a long, long time. Being with them, and sharing new ventures togethers was really rewarding. But of course, Jim and I being together on another new journey, was fantastic. Now we are back, trying not to sway with our "sea" legs and getting used to fixing our own meals and making our own bed.

Our next outing will be to Death Valley. We hope to leave on Sunday morning and this time will be taking our dog, Harry. Hope he likes the heat!

Here's a picture of us on board the Norwegian Star.