tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90583282334851816162024-02-20T04:13:16.149-05:00Winter in the Desert, Summer in the MountainsTraveling toward simplicity.lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-44019818825032227322019-07-15T20:53:00.000-04:002019-07-15T20:53:34.447-04:00What Happened? plus 2018 summer trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farnum Creek Campground Kansas</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thirteen months ago I had no idea that the blog would go dormant for over a year. This post is to explain it to you, the readers, and to also help me understand what happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The brief version goes like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left for British Columbia in July, 2018. Got our Escape updated and saw 5 National Parks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two weeks after we returned in September my mom was admitted to the hospital. I became her caregiver, the trustee and POA for my step-father. She passed away on Christmas Eve after three difficult months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In January, three weeks after her death, we headed out for Arizona.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Returned home in March leaving again in April and May for three more fiberglass rallies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There have been other stresses. As many of our rally friends have noticed, my husband's memory is going. My step-father needs care. My sister is disabled. And I am left with being the new matriarch of the family.....a role of my mom's that I cannot fill! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please don't misunderstand. This is not a pit party. It is just life in this moment. We have many good things going on and strive to always be grateful for our health, our home and our happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have been home for six weeks...a long time for us! It's taken that long for me to realize how much I've missed doing the blog and missed reading about my friends. Yesterday was spent reviewing the phone's trip photos. Also found photos on the Nikon from last September! Haven't touched the camera in 10 months! The past 12 months seem like a blur.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark Fork River<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Roosevelt, Columbia River, Washington</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diablo Lake, North Cascades National Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year, contemplating a 2650 mile trip to the Escape factory in Chilliwack, BC was almost too much to comprehend. Our trip that winter to AZ had been full of complications including my husband's 4 night hospital stay and our Tundra's costly California breakdown. But the Escape was aging and there were things we wanted done...solar on top and some new windows. And there are many national parks to see on the way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Black Hills in South Dakota were just about half way between Tennessee and British Columbia. The plan becomes to camp there for 3 or 4 nights and reassess where we are both physically and mentally. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pactola Lake, Black Hill, S.D.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our strategy of taking it easy and not pushing the miles pays off as we arrive feeling pretty good. Stayed at Pactola Lake for three nights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back on the road we discover a cool mountain-top campground at Georgetown Lake near Anaconda, Montana and stay another three nights. We feel like we have plenty of time as our appointment with Escape Industries is two weeks away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Neither of us have seen Glacier National Park. It's only 200 miles away! Pulling over to the side of the interstate we call and secure reservations at a private campground very close to the park's entrance.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McDonald Lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The North Cascades National Park in Washington state is full of twists, turns and smoke as we slowly travel through it. I keep worrying about the brakes, making it a tense drive. We spend a few days but forest fire smoke keeps us from having a positive experience. (We had been in a haze since the Black Hills but this was much worse.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our appointment with Escape Trailer Industries is in a few days. We are getting a new solar panel on top, inverter, two new windows...one that opens over the sink, a new bath vent and reading light. We stay two nights at Camperland, dropping off the trailer for work during the day and picking it up in the evening. We are over joyed, feeling like a child at Christmas! It is an exciting time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our time in Canada is seven nights: two nights at Camperland waiting for the trailer work to end and four nights at Tamihi Creek on the Chilliwack River. We enjoy this rural forest camp....until the weekend when we are overrun by ATVs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The above photo is a smoky Chilliwack Lake which was miles above our site on the Chilliwack River.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our next destination is Olympic National Park. I have some hope the ocean breezes will blow away the smoke that is now always with us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Locals tell us how to save miles of driving by taking the ferry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our campsite at Mora on the Olympic Peninsula is only a short distance from the Rialto Beach. It's nice. Ten bucks a night. We have what we need but something is wrong. I am restless. The forest seems oppressing...no sun is filtering through the trees and the always present haze. A close friend is in Yellowstone NP at Mammoth Hot Springs and says she is not leaving anytime soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I look at the distance on the map and send off an email. We are coming! I am so ready to get away from the west coast!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Three nights later we are in Livingston, MT and we wake to snow on the mountains above us!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNpGbUEL-c2gBFuDFnGrw7KNa1hwnqTPWZUOuYxFTNwpOG4oJOooTxx2va5z_kKYFuW6c-OcqgJ8mqupUoPDpMVqmMb-ybEQsSh9B6sy2arxZjXTzYnxBV-oceFmFQ8VXyT2w5ed1q7yZ/s1600/20180829_094311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNpGbUEL-c2gBFuDFnGrw7KNa1hwnqTPWZUOuYxFTNwpOG4oJOooTxx2va5z_kKYFuW6c-OcqgJ8mqupUoPDpMVqmMb-ybEQsSh9B6sy2arxZjXTzYnxBV-oceFmFQ8VXyT2w5ed1q7yZ/s640/20180829_094311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mammoth Springs campground<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving Yellowstone is difficult but we had not seen the Tetons. Our friend recommends Gros Vente campground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although it is just a few days after Labor Day, the leaves are turning yellow in the Tetons. It feels like time to get back on the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We get to the Kansas rally ready to get off the road for awhile. It's great to hang with our buddies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was a wonderful trip, really our best! We always thought our Alaska journey would beat out everything thing else. Although the AK trip was truly magnificent and gorgeous, it was also exhausting and stressful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This worked for us because we tried to be easy on ourselves. Hope we can keep remembering this lesson as we go forward. The husband is turning 82 in a few months and I hit 70 in the spring. Aging is a reality but we don't plan to sit in a rocker....at least not for long!</span></div>
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lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-44570844333969679192018-06-17T12:54:00.000-04:002018-06-17T12:54:18.056-04:00Queen of Procrastination....our last three months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our life has just slowed down enough to consider writing a bit on the blog. For the past three days I told myself that I must sit down and get it done...I don't want Spring 2018 to pass without documentation!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When it was time to write on Thursday, I chose, instead, to pick up a library book by JA Jance....one of our favorite Southwest authors. David was taking his afternoon nap and I was sure that the time to write was here. Eleven hours later, at 2 AM, the book was finished. And nothing is done on the blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's summertime here in the South. We walk and run errands in the morning and settle into the cool air conditioned rooms in the PM. Friday, I think surely I can write. Instead I play Freecell until my mind becomes numb and I can no longer win a game. What is going on here??</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday morning we visit a museum in an old bank building in Soddy, TN, a coal mining town where David's family played a prominent role in the community around the turn of the century. Not sure if our outing played a role in my evening activities but, instead of writing, I spent four or five hours on the Find A Grave website researching my father's family in Bradley county. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I 'm sharing this as proof there is no self discipline in my psyche.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Always wanted to be a writer but now see myself as a writer who does not write.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had about a month at home after returning from Arizona and going to the Smoky Mountains in April. Enough time to create a page of things that must be done and to tear up an ancient brick path in the back yard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Due to the constant rains and waiting for a professional landscaper, the backyard project took almost two months! The landscaper kept saying he was coming to give us a quote. After two weeks I got mad and said I would do it myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also restained the deck and painted the patio! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a lot of work for an eighty year old and a sixty-nine year old....lifting bags of sand, rocks and pavers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(FYI for new readers....we downsized three years ago, leaving a house and moving into our 900 square foot duplex. We are loving our small space but it still needs updating in between trips.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In April we join Escape friends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 6 trailers: 3 from Vermont, 2 from Georgia and 1 from Tennessee. We met one of the couples way back in 2009 and try to see them when they come south.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wildflowers are blooming but it's overcast and cold the first few days. David and I manage a hike to Laurel Falls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the middle of May we are dealing with health problems. My stepfather is in the hospital and my mom insists on staying with him. They are 92 and 90 years old, respectively. I run back and forth to the hospital trying to help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husband loses a front tooth, has the roots pulled out and then gets sick with a sinus infection. Our 20 year old Sienna decides to not roll up it's driver's window....it's 90 plus degrees and we are suffering..... Fixing it is not an option as we need a new vehicle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We buy a used Corolla, David feels better, the stepfather goes home and the Tundra's engine light comes on as we are packing to go to the Eggs on the Hiawassee Rally. We partially unpack and call the campground. Meanwhile our spot at the rally is flooded along with other river sites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We get Big Blue repaired (its second big repair this year) and start for the rally late the next day. More storms are in the forecast! Forty miles from home we are hit with a terrific wind and rain event. I can't even see to drive! We pull over, get back on the road and then pull over again. I have had no sleep from worry about the truck and we arrive at the rally just minutes before the Thursday night fish fry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am mean and hateful due to no food and low blood sugar....wind up spending the rest of the rally apologizing to everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sun comes out and the river goes down. We enjoy being with our friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reacher, left and Layla, right</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have been home from Hiawassee for two weeks and life is getting less stressful. We have many friends who are on big trips, Alaska and Northwest, and love to read about their adventure but the desire to travel is just not there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We just got our passports renewed and have some tentative travel plans. We'll see if our wanderlust returns before summer is gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-67242479929726459042018-03-30T20:42:00.001-04:002018-03-30T20:42:29.754-04:00Winter Trip Update and an Unexpected Challenge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dyOrmc37iAm13_XcuTMMPthUIOTy3ENfd2QS4_8vO1bOhqN_QW1eY9tEEF31AgZ_3zr94TUpFNK1MLEjZFzDjYBjDt0WKGyZi9lxreV-JFchsXz9qbeyXtdWzhbR5EawfHMDEcPWcL04/s1600/20180203_172554-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dyOrmc37iAm13_XcuTMMPthUIOTy3ENfd2QS4_8vO1bOhqN_QW1eY9tEEF31AgZ_3zr94TUpFNK1MLEjZFzDjYBjDt0WKGyZi9lxreV-JFchsXz9qbeyXtdWzhbR5EawfHMDEcPWcL04/s640/20180203_172554-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This photo is taken a couple of days after my last post at the end of January (2018). We are at a private campground, Arizona Oasis, on the Colorado River just a few miles west of Dome Rock BLM. We're there for the Superbowl weekend party and game. David and I enjoy the party dancing to a few oldies.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next night, at half-time, he starts complaining of pain in his left forearm where he had knocked it up against the bathroom door latch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next morning he is running a fever. We relocate to the fiberglass rally at Dome Rock and find a walk-in clinic in Quartzsite where he gets antibiotics. Over the next two days his arm swells (from his wrist to his shoulder) and I become frightened. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We need to get back to a more populated area where there are great medical resources. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By Thursday afternoon we are in an emergency room in Scottsdale, AZ where David is admitted to the hospital. (We picked Scottsdale, a three hour drive, so we can be close to his family that lives there.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It takes a few days but his arm eventually responds to the excellent medical treatment. He has an extremely bad case of cellulitis! The nurses teach me how to care for his wound, cleaning it, applying layers of medicine and gauze and securing it with a sleeve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After four nights David is released and we decide to stay at his daughter's until he recovers more fully. I am not a "happy camper" as I am not the RN in my family and have been known to faint, years ago, at the sight of blood! But, somehow, we manage to get the dressing changed each day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather has turned cold and rainy and we are glad to be warm in the back yard. Ten days after his hospital discharge we resume traveling and head to the Escapees' North Ranch in Congress, AZ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We picked North Ranch for two reasons.....I was just so ready to get out of the city and we were able to get full hookups for a long weekend. We did not do much....the weather was not typical Arizona winter weather...but I did manage to get in a mountain bike ride in the BLM behind the ranch.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHtzvHEp6x0kEnHZbf50HcyEJB5zgWQ-Y3OKq3-eEqnjymLNzjQZLCbXNilzncm0JfGxXvTsxc-PcUtZQT1z_kvsPBG5AlYMJzKQQyc9ct_ZovrWAYsqROArLW8gDo7KOoLtCTILB8ezV/s1600/20180224_145240-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHtzvHEp6x0kEnHZbf50HcyEJB5zgWQ-Y3OKq3-eEqnjymLNzjQZLCbXNilzncm0JfGxXvTsxc-PcUtZQT1z_kvsPBG5AlYMJzKQQyc9ct_ZovrWAYsqROArLW8gDo7KOoLtCTILB8ezV/s640/20180224_145240-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyLWY5eGeUN36Yoo1SaVDKu987izTvK6WUA2IliaBSixzJsbB9-fpwtkgL2t_PdLiBN_ZB4DTaK3mkeYXn0iT_Hg4EaFtMfoeIA1aOStDSt6sdApA01iSk9IpntFmYU4NS5mlXowQpo_p/s1600/20180223_154013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyLWY5eGeUN36Yoo1SaVDKu987izTvK6WUA2IliaBSixzJsbB9-fpwtkgL2t_PdLiBN_ZB4DTaK3mkeYXn0iT_Hg4EaFtMfoeIA1aOStDSt6sdApA01iSk9IpntFmYU4NS5mlXowQpo_p/s320/20180223_154013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sleet on the Tundra!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVqnpbh6GpOF04E2Scthha0YNlodhniaBVrwKDe9n8O3hWAGYMX_Xs7YcxefyiPq40zUA3JDmX55rEOQDz4C6gx7s-PHPbjr_dEuoDpMufIYdVt6Qfmw7HfKt7YKzUUakO7P6jqPwB0ef/s1600/20180223_152736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVqnpbh6GpOF04E2Scthha0YNlodhniaBVrwKDe9n8O3hWAGYMX_Xs7YcxefyiPq40zUA3JDmX55rEOQDz4C6gx7s-PHPbjr_dEuoDpMufIYdVt6Qfmw7HfKt7YKzUUakO7P6jqPwB0ef/s320/20180223_152736.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the colder days!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of our friends, <a href="https://borderbrae.wordpress.com/">Jean</a>, is at Gilbert Ray campground next to Tucson and we are ready for warmer weather! We say bye to central Arizona and go south to join her.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiO-3AR83CLhB7wyOUY_dIV-Gx6JcSy_LNj8tcaYZ5o4E1vAWOYGSIu3NLScKXiRu9LfD29xHt___mZ3e08CBTg6WOHjOU_D6zI-wYFfywVZ-ZYdx6xG2zVfdVMo8BgaLcKTlg_1ltum0/s1600/20180201_160736-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiO-3AR83CLhB7wyOUY_dIV-Gx6JcSy_LNj8tcaYZ5o4E1vAWOYGSIu3NLScKXiRu9LfD29xHt___mZ3e08CBTg6WOHjOU_D6zI-wYFfywVZ-ZYdx6xG2zVfdVMo8BgaLcKTlg_1ltum0/s640/20180201_160736-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BLM South Entrance of Joshua Tree</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-_ZMjM002adjGS0QjUwWRq_Rr__bMon4suICVlSnE7nkJLn08iF02eEoi5h1Zz1IAPO6WWk4wfmnttkEPuL2TgVE7xyzjbeaqjhyFC5sIVt-VN3csswePVhX8dUEXth84RfIC4QxmzvZ/s1600/20180202_154900-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1432" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-_ZMjM002adjGS0QjUwWRq_Rr__bMon4suICVlSnE7nkJLn08iF02eEoi5h1Zz1IAPO6WWk4wfmnttkEPuL2TgVE7xyzjbeaqjhyFC5sIVt-VN3csswePVhX8dUEXth84RfIC4QxmzvZ/s400/20180202_154900-01.jpeg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu0Z7yZxgfV2-oCRFoEv8MvFlS2kgONkHSZ3sFDqQStBGbFA3L2P0uuLCvKgp1DIbkf9d-m0HNSWpLiujyLUjXZdKf7c5ZJ-5Z1ty4vKZpBdOHIlv2e-YdIPB13LvAXDTbkD2AXEPPVMT/s1600/20180208_082337-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu0Z7yZxgfV2-oCRFoEv8MvFlS2kgONkHSZ3sFDqQStBGbFA3L2P0uuLCvKgp1DIbkf9d-m0HNSWpLiujyLUjXZdKf7c5ZJ-5Z1ty4vKZpBdOHIlv2e-YdIPB13LvAXDTbkD2AXEPPVMT/s640/20180208_082337-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMPbuaLgoKmgK292o27_x3surZ_VJobWLM82_B4NX0DyfoDzcRDKuBYgiksqdTnyfPJaQot8w2L3E91TDVCKIHXeCrUL1QGUKtxLGVNQoJDcyyijTg3Nuz1T_r-kbg3QaxCKKkrUK2FTT/s1600/20180217_125314-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMPbuaLgoKmgK292o27_x3surZ_VJobWLM82_B4NX0DyfoDzcRDKuBYgiksqdTnyfPJaQot8w2L3E91TDVCKIHXeCrUL1QGUKtxLGVNQoJDcyyijTg3Nuz1T_r-kbg3QaxCKKkrUK2FTT/s640/20180217_125314-EFFECTS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Canyon Lake</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gilbert Ray campground is beautiful! The following day, Oliver trailer friends pull into the site next to us! We are having a mini rally!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAmiSlBH_IRSmsFFETfoMw_VwrbgRNiFttr1PV83F6MQZA-WoRMkHoVAMU26cCRLW3j3aGFZPtL7lEEkh5ohUwBk4AAvxL41hS7IPf9r8dRGxPag5NcxU_D3piILBBO8qcH5CMptUnvAI/s1600/20180227_190620-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAmiSlBH_IRSmsFFETfoMw_VwrbgRNiFttr1PV83F6MQZA-WoRMkHoVAMU26cCRLW3j3aGFZPtL7lEEkh5ohUwBk4AAvxL41hS7IPf9r8dRGxPag5NcxU_D3piILBBO8qcH5CMptUnvAI/s640/20180227_190620-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's time to leave Arizona and there's another state park on the way home that we want to see...City of Rocks in New Mexico! Our friends, <a href="http://eggrollings.blogspot.com/">Jerry and Wanda</a>, posted fun photos of this place prompting us to put it on the must see list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Very unusual place....this City of Rocks. A volcanic eruption millions of years ago created the city in the middle of a plain. A full moon rises above the rocks creating a keeper photo!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTHa94x8oISoqWxiwLLET1RNWIqGhkOyKrfn2rNP69421h9JmmKyOMZkkclakmp8kFFfU-Qw8f6d163qdqrx3E3A0FTmU-Xvtm1BtiUHi_VAZ1pq3jB8uZNYskZjKP-Pix34TUrFvi3x3/s1600/20180301_184111-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTHa94x8oISoqWxiwLLET1RNWIqGhkOyKrfn2rNP69421h9JmmKyOMZkkclakmp8kFFfU-Qw8f6d163qdqrx3E3A0FTmU-Xvtm1BtiUHi_VAZ1pq3jB8uZNYskZjKP-Pix34TUrFvi3x3/s640/20180301_184111-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sylvester gets a little crazy while walking in the rocks. He runs from rock to rock exploring every crevice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOMBv0iLbV3cwmJhpJLpPGUZ7L1an3k8lriRF2yRRpXzgG1f7g4u-SfilPBwaMoV0uWXD_m1xl_-JC2ClcDz2XniAtkMZgjtQjlqbNE9BDxEf0fydIYvya7DnBf9z-x5mLAztdYBeLjV1/s1600/20180301_173034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOMBv0iLbV3cwmJhpJLpPGUZ7L1an3k8lriRF2yRRpXzgG1f7g4u-SfilPBwaMoV0uWXD_m1xl_-JC2ClcDz2XniAtkMZgjtQjlqbNE9BDxEf0fydIYvya7DnBf9z-x5mLAztdYBeLjV1/s400/20180301_173034.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V_eiTn3ZOsn8cKq6RLsn13StnFWyutEJfqRra7FVlXRzxXlL8SerFWu41Qfbor3qORZvm2neF-ewmG3NxGhcOw4VvbK0huxx68TXKB4PJIwGOKI4puZRx2KeN1VIz0mPw-mfX_vVhUkd/s1600/20180301_172234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V_eiTn3ZOsn8cKq6RLsn13StnFWyutEJfqRra7FVlXRzxXlL8SerFWu41Qfbor3qORZvm2neF-ewmG3NxGhcOw4VvbK0huxx68TXKB4PJIwGOKI4puZRx2KeN1VIz0mPw-mfX_vVhUkd/s400/20180301_172234.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaddetCDuvMGmcVKvSNFyNh_q-tQHuRmJ19CejqFSS5L9j1oD8nzV2WMkf4xU9wi4Oz4ofJ4Jmwg_ZK5m1TTPkCE5hzgA7jNyFIFuth2Vo5CB9RHB72ao_RHam8UVBdrC-Je64tew5DjQ-/s1600/20180303_181056-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaddetCDuvMGmcVKvSNFyNh_q-tQHuRmJ19CejqFSS5L9j1oD8nzV2WMkf4xU9wi4Oz4ofJ4Jmwg_ZK5m1TTPkCE5hzgA7jNyFIFuth2Vo5CB9RHB72ao_RHam8UVBdrC-Je64tew5DjQ-/s640/20180303_181056-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">New Mexico sunset</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UgKyZa36oenBNzJNjN0gp8nteghRJ4Fq7aT3ck9DW1OCVTuQJIlVICvr1zWr0r4oP36kJbfuEAI6-UBwOEoJtdmQb_A8psiX9qm0OO_mSQKyXRQ8B7mmVw6p3WkqY2xrnk75u6qyOCJ8/s1600/20180302_164152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UgKyZa36oenBNzJNjN0gp8nteghRJ4Fq7aT3ck9DW1OCVTuQJIlVICvr1zWr0r4oP36kJbfuEAI6-UBwOEoJtdmQb_A8psiX9qm0OO_mSQKyXRQ8B7mmVw6p3WkqY2xrnk75u6qyOCJ8/s400/20180302_164152.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Plus there's Faywood Hot Springs just up the road from the state park. This soaking experience is addicting....can't wait until it's time to return next year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spend three nights at City of Rocks leaving on a Sunday morning. I am having mixed feelings...sad that we are saying goodbye to the West but hopeful for future trips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That night finds us at Wal Mart in Fort Stockton, Texas and we are not alone! These are our views from bed the next morning.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN85bKKFrVP-6ac3UytzI-T7aur9fhOKT29RJ4il4_rvbEj4GpAyG1tM47PnA6f7iGqaY2qDtp9FOyB0bojY5jnJVml2RppHtN7LOvWHYHX0tL2vkCSw4pj_O3gti3ds6SbgIz1S4AGVfb/s1600/20180305_073807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN85bKKFrVP-6ac3UytzI-T7aur9fhOKT29RJ4il4_rvbEj4GpAyG1tM47PnA6f7iGqaY2qDtp9FOyB0bojY5jnJVml2RppHtN7LOvWHYHX0tL2vkCSw4pj_O3gti3ds6SbgIz1S4AGVfb/s400/20180305_073807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQpSTvaH_4wzuS5J_kRTTxyYYAMsXzDmhN1ErIH0wH32bfmz-A3RE5eo2v7e0AqWRLUtBBX3X3pnxbZMqv5vCbr1lCcxy4UNQggEaj21l0QA67GEf6CPT4AKZ2JdNs6YXSVTohbpF6h0Y/s1600/20180305_073758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQpSTvaH_4wzuS5J_kRTTxyYYAMsXzDmhN1ErIH0wH32bfmz-A3RE5eo2v7e0AqWRLUtBBX3X3pnxbZMqv5vCbr1lCcxy4UNQggEaj21l0QA67GEf6CPT4AKZ2JdNs6YXSVTohbpF6h0Y/s400/20180305_073758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC8IRuBdZtTb8QPQdj6UZEH1ZveR88bZqzCXCJWkCjDrizlWVlMM9ilvznT-mW7_1i7e3c-LQ9vmf8MIJL4Z6ExrzMfDhA-WuDcZGM63Bto7xWqgpOyfAJKxrHtbeeY_lUpFgWezS8tSU/s1600/20180305_073745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC8IRuBdZtTb8QPQdj6UZEH1ZveR88bZqzCXCJWkCjDrizlWVlMM9ilvznT-mW7_1i7e3c-LQ9vmf8MIJL4Z6ExrzMfDhA-WuDcZGM63Bto7xWqgpOyfAJKxrHtbeeY_lUpFgWezS8tSU/s400/20180305_073745.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We hear that all the local rv parks are full....guessing 30 to 40 rigs are Wallydocking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have a little time to spare before our reservations start in Alabama for the Green Eggs and Ham rally. We decide to visit the Canyon Lake in Texas. Great idea! We stay a couple of nights doing a little walking and a lot of resting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using Google Maps, paper maps and the Garmin we find a way around Houston staying on 290 and 105. It is a long day..much out of our way but no white knuckles. Most of the route is very rural. Another night at Wal Mart at Beaumont and we are on our way again and almost through Texas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another stop in Mississippi at the Welcome Center gives us information on local beaches fifteen miles away! We have not seen the gulf from Mississippi and the beach is calling my name. We find a site at Buccaneer State Park near Waveland and Bay St Louis. The campground is big and the ocean is nearby!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Full disclosure....I enhanced the beach photos using the app Snapseed. The sand was not very white.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's getting late and this post must come to an end soon. I'm going to close with photos from the Green Eggs and Ham Rally. An event we have attended for many years...one we really enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are now home in Chattanooga and gradually adjusting to living in a house. We have a short trip coming up in a couple of weeks...over to our beloved Smoky Mountains. After that, no real plans other than be gone in the summer. XXX</span></div>
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lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-68519674418342778182018-02-02T13:20:00.000-05:002018-02-02T13:20:34.934-05:00Desert Bliss<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's been three fun-filled weeks since the last post! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After a weekend at the relatives we join our Mississippi friends, Jerry and Wanda of <a href="http://www.eggrollings.blogspot.com/">EggRollings</a>, at Lost Dutchman State Park. This week is filled with visiting with Apache Junction friends, Mesa friends, and North Carolina friends! Lots of talk and lots of food!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">John and BJ of <a href="http://www.justfinding.blogspot.com/">Just Finding Our Way</a> provide a wonderful pot roast that we will never forget!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The following Monday we arrive at Dome Rock BLM to join a crowd of fiberglass friends who are there for the Quartzsite Big Tent Show. It's another week of reunions, visiting, shopping. Every day is filled with activities.....visiting Tyson Wells booths, hiking, soaking up the sun. There are many Oliver trailers there, 13 someone told me, including friends from Florida and Mississippi. We are kind of proud as the Oliver is made in our home state of Tennessee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Terri and Jona, former winners of the Q rally contest, invite us to play ladderball. Who knows...maybe we will compete!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rest time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After the big show shuts down, we move over to California. There's an Escapee park, Jojoba Hills, that is supposed to be beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But first we must drive over a mountain range....no photos available as all my energy is expended in the navigation! And I won't do it again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But we are glad to make the trip as the landscape changes dramatically on the other side of the mountains. Lots of green, beautiful trees, round rocks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The park does not disappoint! Absolutely gorgeous! But we, unfortunately do not get a chance to enjoy it. Our big blue Tundra fails us the first day there when it refuses to start. Eventually Good Sam`s send a big truck to carry it to Temecula Toyota. We are stranded back at the campground but wonderful angels arrive and offer to take us to town the next day. Toyota repairs our baby and we are so ready to get out of the very congested city!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Boondocking at Jojoba Hills</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sylvester not cooperating for a photo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cell phone shot of the moon eclipse....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are back in the desert boonies where I hope to publish this update. Boondocking in a BLM area off I-10.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next week is the big fiberglass rally at Dome Rock. Looking forward to seeing more old friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-41308848264538378232018-01-11T13:16:00.000-05:002018-01-13T11:55:25.675-05:00Nine Nights of Pull-Throughs<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5WBcwHJJT4/WlbcGqhkmiI/AAAAAAAAiSw/SwexqhJgVc4F1k07DOb756CmhJK8gDyHgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180107_17114813"><img alt="20180107_171148" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wleDb5UcWy4/WlbcIfna7GI/AAAAAAAAiS0/oHTVLyJevoowfh5KX36-Xv8iOdm4p4jEQCHMYCw/20180107_171148_thumb10?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180107_171148" width="646" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The weather forecast is for a deep freeze to settle over the nation. We are ready to go, so ready to get on the road and head for Arizona! Do we wait for the freeze to pass and take the chance on more snow and ice after the freeze? No, of course not! We hit the road, hoping for the best. The weather is fine that Saturday, the day before New Years Eve and we make it from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Meridian, Mississippi. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">By bedtime the internet is full of cautions for tomorrow morning…icy streets, hazardous driving conditions. I am thinking we will not be going anywhere!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But we do. It is almost 11AM before the road seems safe and we get another 200 miles to Fontainebleau State Park in Louisiana.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s New Years’ Eve. The wind is howling. The forecast is 24 degrees! We pay 2 bucks extra for a pull through and do not exit the trailer till morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our destination for January 1 is Beaumont, Texas, Gulf Coast RV Park, another Passport America campground that has a great free breakfast! It being a holiday, the office is closed but there are instructions guiding us to a vacant site. It’s a repeat. Another 24 degree night where we hole up to keep warm. We cover the Fantastic Fan’s screen with aluminum foil and stuff plastic grocery sacks in the weatherstripping around the door. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFobmPJny4n3xlry-7zn2zzC86ilJQ2QxuFd_jcR1JNYZe_CLoyJ2E3__mrRQcz6fwvX3P5QEoavm9Z3NaoOTqHaRINsCv3AM2-XXMQrsWF1f60HPNJZZ-sDOss-Wjye5IOo34G2BsG6L/s1600-h/20180108_203040%255B7%255D"><img alt="20180108_203040" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-71nXWbpGzFY/WlbcW7l-OmI/AAAAAAAAiTA/Dwxr0OBYDXg4_ODd0NSQqK_OZVNjKsACgCHMYCw/20180108_203040_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180108_203040" width="366" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sylvester staying warm.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Forgot to mention that the trailer is winterized. We are making do with a few gallons of fresh water in jugs and keeping antifreeze in the drains.</span><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6YofPTUjQLw/WlbcYwPfFuI/AAAAAAAAiTE/zUIWeY2-Nf4iJ_AqBpd1chBaJBsXvzO3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180102_0815577"><img alt="20180102_081557" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmLT3M222iI/WlbcaZot0uI/AAAAAAAAiTI/qKbQpHQwWpQowO8vW6OmTefptXlsopYAgCHMYCw/20180102_081557_thumb4?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180102_081557" width="366" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">At Gulf Coast RV </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We hit Houston just before 10:30 am and it is less of a problem than usual. We are shooting for Boerne, Texas where we usually boondock at a visitor’s center….but not tonight!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Top of the Hill, another PA park, is 10 miles past Boerne. For $22.50 we are escorted up the hill and have the run of a nice clubhouse with a large screen TV. I consider showering and decide it is too cold! It will be 20 degrees in town tonight and colder at this elevation. The wind is brutal! We are not having fun! But we are eating good due to the mini Instant Pot. Our freezer is full of meatloaf, mexican casserole, ham and chicken.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3duZpd9NIAMEE6_7pRH3zDvp8uDqfsMujk1c-X8BqOh6IskENOWA8kVdbdxOyi0kpFmSuKn_1S41wwbO21X5_8-IRfQrnIPHHhZW7ucunagNFtpeLyPwjD_JveZz1XhcBuxDiDfMB9cd/s1600-h/20180108_1805566"><img alt="20180108_180556" border="0" height="186" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Dkm042it2Q/Wlbcnya-bEI/AAAAAAAAiTQ/-d2es1HfScQsI3yDTfOwfCY_LInbUiIzQCHMYCw/20180108_180556_thumb3?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180108_180556" width="246" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day in a small western town we encounter Jerry and Wanda of Egg Rollings at a gas station. They are heading for the same RV park in Fort Stockton. It is great to see them! That night we enjoy a great dinner together at the Roadrunner Cafe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYX_RCkbzGo/WlbcqYflWxI/AAAAAAAAiTU/VnNX9vXlYEwrCNZsYDfyrAN_KEPhiQVFwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180104_073737%255B3%255D"><img alt="20180104_073737" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DhPMt8sTh2Y/Wlbcwwe_opI/AAAAAAAAiTY/_4SxsjqhgWsSewnxNYgecF8FdmYusFiOACHMYCw/20180104_073737_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180104_073737" width="646" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another pull through at Fort Stockton RV.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are members of the Escapees RV club and so are Jerry and Wanda, so it was only natural that we were again going to the same campground, DreamCatchers RV Park in Deming, New </span><span style="font-size: large;">Mexico.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From Deming we always go straight into Arizona…normally as fast as possible. This year we decide to take a look around the area and go south down to Pancho Villa State Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There’s a museum at the park that explains the history of Columbus, NM being invaded by Mexico in 1916. Enjoyed our time there but we were ready to leave the next day, skipping the almost mandatory trip to the Pink Store across the border in Mexico.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PMTwy2mVudQ/Wlbc0qYREhI/AAAAAAAAiTc/btHE78sbGM49amiW-iWD2IOCAR4HB8OlwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180105_143505%255B5%255D"><img alt="20180105_143505" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THFI8eI_RPk/Wlbc3CiZJrI/AAAAAAAAiTg/LzW43Tzscmw9AM8RfFJ6HbfDl5hC5iiKQCHMYCw/20180105_143505_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180105_143505" width="366" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pancho Villa SP, $14 a night with electric and water.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tHanv02ioco/WlbdXCqbf8I/AAAAAAAAiTs/zM5TVov5wt4tYElgcq7qM56ukz8Z4zjfwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180105_152814%255B5%255D"><img alt="20180105_152814" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PwmzanuBuhThFRlyduPKIfErudIVsZjScd4eaH74MSEy6xLn1jH7w6zUaSAQENqxvy3l6sOLm-_D6k6KKBriycSAod1_59YXn49sGkNxJtEsPsv4itYfUFWYbVfu6kkNAiUpNCRXOmat/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180105_152814" width="366" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a7vhn4luuFg/Wlbfk2m7XHI/AAAAAAAAiUE/DlgRJuTk0f8iNMwc3KD12R9HUtAJWpPvwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180105_152910%255B4%255D"><img alt="20180105_152910" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhTU0W7-QPg/WlbfmkhULsI/AAAAAAAAiUI/GkBBDVUpNj8JB1iKEpBsm5bMQyEn3tE2gCHMYCw/20180105_152910_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180105_152910" width="366" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As we drive the last stretch into Arizona, it is finally warm, in the 70’s! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We stop for lunch at a I-10 rest area in western New Mexico and pull in behind another Escape….which looks real familiar. I go up to check it out and, yes, it’s our old friends, Duke and Beverlee from Texas! We exchange hugs and promises to visit in a few weeks at Quartzsite.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday night, day 8 on the road, we stay at the SKP park in Benson, AZ. Great place! We stayed here for 7 nights January 2017.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This time we boondock….$5.58 for members!We are planning to spend another night when I manage to reserve three nights McDowell Mountain Regional Park, close to Fountain Hills, AZ. We hear that it is really nice…..I’m excited!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We leave Benson with a plan to stay at the Escapees park in Casa Grande but for some reason it just does not feel right. We pull off a side road and call Usery Regional Park where we land on night 9. Another pull-through and after 2100 miles we still have not unhitched the trailer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But that status changed two nights ago when we set up camp at McDowell. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For two and half days we rest. I ride the bike, read, walk and write. And sit gazing at the mountains….my favorite thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Will close with photos from Usery and McDowell.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg198lEdiPw0gXthGSQumYCH6dkOhVxb8cvOiEw0fcq2A4-8zpKNxg7IlAwZCcFiR1XE1f1RNGhUe2jyYWA3fbqGw_3YRI1XTDzdLA0qiD3nFWyTq59DpEqSid72rfGNMH8dlTg_mn-hTCU/s1600-h/20180107_172032%255B8%255D"><img alt="20180107_172032" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiKP5mgaANMP-t88pqI-Z7aaW_baOi7L-YiKki1TiJ77rLnd440IBhOgHAjYNgEkgHv0GBx3Eh78nhJEnUAwlmVIcSoLlHc7WjbljQVdztlcW9qCvYyrwkrinRlO6r8FzBccPlOr3KpNy/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180107_172032" width="646" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Usery</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9LO8SOT-xpk/WlbfqocccOI/AAAAAAAAiUU/RaD0To67rvwRrJegBDyfUE3v7ohYh0o9wCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180108_071933%255B8%255D"><img alt="20180108_071933" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3hIjPn6qy8/Wlbfr7RmViI/AAAAAAAAiUY/YwcOK30WQEA6ZLV-dhceYlRV97nLqucNwCHMYCw/20180108_071933_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180108_071933" width="646" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMudFGk2JsnipVflt7IZFGJOn3kxiJJB_1GNrKVPXlwu-AoPTM2ChElMLdsDcfDTZxRiDBEZHl51C83CCAdZBcoLuq37MS-xiEGzExKFnYkIFsrNpRBpI5q7UjHEXVrQvzM6NsHaq8Uz5e/s1600-h/20180108_165918%255B8%255D"><img alt="20180108_165918" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yj5c1buNcjc/WlbfujLxN1I/AAAAAAAAiUg/H93116xXM7s5-6F1oCcfov_Kz2cGmgifwCHMYCw/20180108_165918_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180108_165918" width="646" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c4BE5ba8gg0/WlbfzPihcNI/AAAAAAAAiUs/TyF0shVH8EEHZv9q6Mz_zrTHO5sxiY3lgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180108_170034%255B5%255D"><img alt="20180108_170034" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KVwqyYJt3nma_m8qczCy5AcWvRL4QsLXe4z7DqwFmiTvoEjr4HhGepRB6SzZfx0Q04LoXjEZB41cJsWssVa2mkMlPQo1Z14RzdPEAiPlaRMd7HGhzLis5GrBfyoEY-pwFC5tixwvnXdK/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180108_170034" width="646" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">McDowell</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMXaMG-Y6OUMl6M0R66UHI2GsERgvbvoDwDusUf1aExmIBL2VhAP_vky3lhs3mLAH34BTzAlBoP1xyjCXhyBL39KNgUUUlWN1iTWD-DilCH8dcyM2LZHO9UwQt5MdxdCMjCPaOI6Og9U8/s1600-h/20180110_174238%255B5%255D"><img alt="20180110_174238" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRaDhVijuSl1Kdx0srRJ3vKjTaQysVBrtTIZHXKGCWwirlwMaZDM7dPwX0q4W8_QEU8JQ2AWVwaZa9Udln4DtbCItFf37wF5UqXIQXgsLu5hMfZ6_f7gTdikccp2WhZDpuQXdJtJtKXWD/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180110_174238" width="646" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJEzJZJhqEI/Wlbf4Tj1zbI/AAAAAAAAiU8/cWsCaxh3cAkm2nyOZyOTtZdDWATJmVGcACHMYCw/s1600-h/20180108_174441%255B7%255D"><img alt="20180108_174441" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQz3K84n5zc/WlbhWteXdwI/AAAAAAAAiVM/wai3W0nbRzMCwa0A7ThJStpbbg4VBbe8wCHMYCw/20180108_174441_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180108_174441" width="646" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgrA-pip7E0/Wlep2NUgs-I/AAAAAAAAiVs/edkfdUCcrW4xWBusC7SQNU5pS7l6vkisACHMYCw/s1600-h/20180109_16404810"><img alt="20180109_164048" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9UGx0Ty55Ys/Wlep42qerAI/AAAAAAAAiVw/q3GUaHbQNXwMWkNWQFHl5BeABnBzFNU4wCHMYCw/20180109_164048_thumb8?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180109_164048" width="646" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4qHd0xJb9Ew/Wlep7KN-POI/AAAAAAAAiV0/wVSS51v8-zEAK5YGYU48VlnLmTByNbLDwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180110_12533611"><img alt="20180110_125336" border="0" height="420" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L34wOpWe3JM/Wlep9tYoszI/AAAAAAAAiV4/D1Ns24aei2EfoG8IzNYnXlRfc7kcKcNfgCHMYCw/20180110_125336_thumb9?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="20180110_125336" width="646" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-49238111348115336622017-12-20T17:46:00.001-05:002017-12-20T17:46:19.722-05:00Ready, Set, Go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofrgMgJELZ2odS1B4vH5TkoXSHxd1y5bsXNJTPXMX0rmMEQTUyNfPtRQYlddaOm2h36BCANDNx-NSmx6nvc8T8sMkWW5nzUB0qryrxOPW3x-G8QKuK7xz0cinh5POOxLaYVRUO3xZsNtP/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofrgMgJELZ2odS1B4vH5TkoXSHxd1y5bsXNJTPXMX0rmMEQTUyNfPtRQYlddaOm2h36BCANDNx-NSmx6nvc8T8sMkWW5nzUB0qryrxOPW3x-G8QKuK7xz0cinh5POOxLaYVRUO3xZsNtP/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kentucky Lake at Land Between the Lakes Rally<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is way past time to get this blog updated! Where did this year go? And these past three months have flown by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Three months in a nutshell....two fiberglass rallies and one hip replacement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">By mid September it became increasingly obvious that David's left hip was not going to last until March, 2018. We call the hip surgeon and set the process in motion, hoping that it will all work out time wise and not interfere with the winter desert trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We have reservations for the Land Between the Lakes rally in early October. Arriving a few days late due to doctor appointments, we find old friends already there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We take a break from socializing and go paddling!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT97MImTLMYj6dee3GV2tGrBQykjlhGpqYRLCbayETCP4hlBwx4bzR_sYYDXM1Kr_xgdu8ASnc_H_PUGaIEKTwp6061WUBAZI5304C_9VrayoZjKIOHcIsyE5ItsINFEHWItz1opYUrREC/s1600/20171005_102229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT97MImTLMYj6dee3GV2tGrBQykjlhGpqYRLCbayETCP4hlBwx4bzR_sYYDXM1Kr_xgdu8ASnc_H_PUGaIEKTwp6061WUBAZI5304C_9VrayoZjKIOHcIsyE5ItsINFEHWItz1opYUrREC/s640/20171005_102229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2_IZKf6RdsE9lv78cu9sUnCzEzVfDc0oZmVzE6wh_xmFSqmpmthCkuKo2dK03zzxpW1FX7WzRtOgIhoOK4pcBG_uhfMNTS1clbMyBoI7Mfe2dI0YTK4m1j7u0wjzE78xLdg8qe2BATB7/s1600/20171005_102118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2_IZKf6RdsE9lv78cu9sUnCzEzVfDc0oZmVzE6wh_xmFSqmpmthCkuKo2dK03zzxpW1FX7WzRtOgIhoOK4pcBG_uhfMNTS1clbMyBoI7Mfe2dI0YTK4m1j7u0wjzE78xLdg8qe2BATB7/s400/20171005_102118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVZSdoaNamC-SlpxfCFEq5AjS5UxeFY-M10wKA_2F1UELQgA0GJmEfKgQn6tsZ2DRBWnAaj3s2t9RKAbhqDBND-evRHaC-tIx7xeFU_0_ClrkSKgxhS5TB1vh5n01CVCVynhENweGAAbc/s1600/20171005_102043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVZSdoaNamC-SlpxfCFEq5AjS5UxeFY-M10wKA_2F1UELQgA0GJmEfKgQn6tsZ2DRBWnAaj3s2t9RKAbhqDBND-evRHaC-tIx7xeFU_0_ClrkSKgxhS5TB1vh5n01CVCVynhENweGAAbc/s400/20171005_102043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We are camping in a different loop and it feels like a new rally. Managed to get a few nice sunset shots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We spend time with old friends, make some new friends and just enjoy life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">.......A brief interruption here...I am working with Blogger and Google Photos. Just experimenting, trying to make blogging easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We get back home, wash clothes and head for another rally at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now this bunch knows how to party!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(Anticipating some protest, I deleted the karaoke video!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">By mid-October the surgery date is set for 11/6/2017 and we need to get the Escape ready for winter before the operation. As the trailer lives in storage, we decide to camp at our local county park, Chester Frost, to perform the clean up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After 4 days of washing, polishing, adding gutters, and winterizing, we are exhausted and ready to go home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is the best these two senior citizens can do. Think we will hire professionals the next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Two weeks later we are at the hospital and David's getting another hip replacement. Definitely a scary procedure for an eighty year old but it is a successful operation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">David is working hard to rehab the hip and doing a great job of it!</span><br />
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Checking up on our neighbors' new house<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This brings the blog up to present time where we are counting down to the winter journey. This will be our 6th year to winter in Arizona! Looking forward to being back in the desert and also to seeing friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Miscellaneous thoughts:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nzhYJCsMWUkfK0oYE6ZBy3J1envR9NmwuQUBsX7ShqwIEuxaqPVU-X1blJdqAFXsGcItO43rGprwvzlT7uQjkAPxMG7QGKOegyTfoSFaHat2CP3BVbdlYrQTC62aXvplAGu9IQ77mZnn/s1600/20171218_170309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nzhYJCsMWUkfK0oYE6ZBy3J1envR9NmwuQUBsX7ShqwIEuxaqPVU-X1blJdqAFXsGcItO43rGprwvzlT7uQjkAPxMG7QGKOegyTfoSFaHat2CP3BVbdlYrQTC62aXvplAGu9IQ77mZnn/s640/20171218_170309.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Normally each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I get depressed. Nothing major, just mild sadness possibly attributed to seasonal affective disorder. But not this year! Maybe it's because we have been so incredibly busy but I want to think that the different state of mind is due to internal changes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This has been the most difficult year. I have experienced the whole spectrum of feelings from sadness and isolation one year ago to rage, fear and hopelessness. I have been astonished by a few friends and fretted over their behavior. Yes, I am talking politics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But through this pain and darkness there have been gifts.....for I am a better person than I was </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">a year ago...a stronger person more willing to say what I need to say and a more forgiving person. Forgiving myself when I react negatively and forgiving others when they are unkind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am loving more, including those who want to label me. And I have hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing that everyone finds love, peace and happiness under their Christmas tree this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-69891268501708896032017-09-18T09:37:00.000-04:002017-09-18T09:38:49.226-04:00Life Happens, Mountain Vistas<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6sH9DkIJxzM/Wb_L2De0AAI/AAAAAAAAgyc/R640byqETxUmC_XV9Nu4W5t6bmGyXt0ggCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170824_1110373"><img width="646" height="378" title="20170824_111037" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170824_111037" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPKfT0jua2IvWg9XVpVwM0-h1P_80Z0kepPuMdTcwWpDTPCroF3hZCfMeCpRfLfQXLEprekHmKxX014nko6GRPrt1cAveY-3892J2lNhXcWTGI7vI-X9r-m4ntGmdh4tOxAGmubeZ3JEs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="5">For weeks, all attempts to write the blog have failed. Maybe today will be the day?</font></p><p><font size="5">This photo of our rig makes me smile. This is taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway while on our way to Balsam Mountain campground in the Great Smoky Mountains.</font></p><p><font size="5">Three days ago we are packing to go to a local state park when we discover a nasty dent and broken fog light in the front bumper of our big blue beautiful truck. The guilty party is paying…not going to identify him…but our camping plans for the Land Between the Lakes Rally are on hold until the bodywork can be completed.</font></p><p><font size="5">(FYI: </font><font size="5">My watermark is dated 2016 as I am still using Picasa which is no longer being supported. Stuck in 2016!)</font></p><p><font size="5">We really enjoy our three weeks in the western NC, eastern Tennessee mountains! It’s not the same as Colorado but the fun factor is very high!</font></p><p><font size="5">The eclipse crowd paranoia (mentioned in the last post) is all for nothing! We walk across the street to the Mt Pisgah Inn and join a small crowd of eclipse seekers.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VEzsp-k9_dQ/Wb_L3pnObdI/AAAAAAAAgyk/13z82WVI8d4ty5Q7RLVQUop1DHWgQ1s2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170821_1415353"><img width="547" height="486" title="20170821_141535" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170821_141535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MDGfHQweJT8fSbVpd3MWCWdNM6OlUeP0IvM_t8Aa7XKojN5rnF3oEn9KhGDA4353sULJ7fMQf3Fjl817vmQQSoSMQjZWQIc-gH5ZSFdoPmJAqrtNalwVM6CMl2xOvjmseqUEohhwDuZM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4wMBlyBCwac/Wb_L5JUd7lI/AAAAAAAAgys/c8u34fjwhvIm1e7y0WOSaSt49vJKUfm8QCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170821_1434123"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170821_143412" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170821_143412" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oka31S2qSlw/Wb_L5xT7N1I/AAAAAAAAgyw/XzQPgn18duo_t3dg1nxZ-yKtOVkxM1aPQCHMYCw/20170821_143412_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">The clouds obscure some of it but we see enough to make us happy!</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p90V5wYK1bM/Wb_L7ODAsoI/AAAAAAAAgy0/U7lc-DHZyh4hs_Alg0m7TYyBcoh5Cb-zgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170822_1250153"><img width="536" height="486" title="20170822_125015" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170822_125015" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7qWymkHwBdc/Wb_L74Wso0I/AAAAAAAAgy4/5r3q6k22JlM4sjxOs54nPw8idIMjXe32wCHMYCw/20170822_125015_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_6B0lal8eQM/Wb_L8jtONyI/AAAAAAAAgy8/Ijw4pAYfoVoTvCebPLF3YNiS-CdZN7NkwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170822_1250273"><img width="646" height="400" title="20170822_125027" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170822_125027" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hVR-PCCY22IDYVaIcCm7lFx2YUcQEdXjqcn6gdv50LMxGrAL2d7VBusHShP2Yuoytqkq2EC_lODREKdIkgldvHKWt0nIhYetZYLw5bWEyHmDe066O_wyabSxDAqJKy-pSWlMnNzcnFus/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">The day after the eclipse an outfitter puts us on the French Broad River right above the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. There’s only a few photos as we were often going through mild whitewater…our first time in years to navigate between rocks! We paddle/float a fast six miles downstream.</font></p><p><font size="5">A few days later the Secretary of the Interior plans to visit the Mt Pisgah area and we decide to move on. There’s another high elevation campground down the Parkway…one we have never seen.</font> ….<font size="5">Balsam Mountain, elevation 5,310 feet, in the GSMNP.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GKzxgH1-aVE/Wb_L-BSoFTI/AAAAAAAAgzE/CbO9YTRct58zBLFuqVk0d-NdFmhXZMO7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170824_1619493"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170824_161949" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170824_161949" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sy5eMAIFa2Y/Wb_L-2GrxSI/AAAAAAAAgzI/pBY8kwLuficK9bJ4kwoIF7sRn3u1VMRdwCHMYCw/20170824_161949_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">Only photo from Balsam Mtn campground. (No hookups, price $8.00 with senior pass)</font></p><p><font size="5">The campground is small and the sites are close. It is wonderfully cool! We don our jeans, long sleeves and vests to sit around a fire. </font></p><p><font size="5">The next morning David says calmly “I see a bear cub.” Sure enough. I look through the trailer window in time to see a very small black bear run across the road. Later we hear there’s a momma with three little cubs in the campground.</font></p><p><font size="5">After one night at Balsam we decide to relocate to Smokemont campground just north of Cherokee, NC. It is another Smoky Mountain Park camp, more developed and closer to civilization. The price is $10 a night with senior pass. No hookups but there is a dump. </font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2hlwvKhu_FY/Wb_L_iO3EGI/AAAAAAAAgzM/ha4yWvGRCSoAkO_VxwsNdtPTZmDYfF1CQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170826_1829303"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170826_182930" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170826_182930" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LbUpzOVbLmM/Wb_MAXF1C6I/AAAAAAAAgzQ/LCYbkZWKWC4A06HSdHXHBl0V50k1BIJOACHMYCw/20170826_182930_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">Creek running through Smokemont campground.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifebGlvxJLxF6YSvdBsnjn9ViZsrN8E4Ghqp6-2OpiNT147buAjcZdZ80Y2c7Ahuj42SACCcx2nMLY78rVGBXg0ldwo4qhwHfTbyZEmC4SwBAS_MHFwvpE4rPMFR7gVg3doeu28oOuMnwV/s1600-h/20170825_1609373"><img width="646" height="353" title="20170825_160937" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170825_160937" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I9A-naO50wI/Wb_MBxvktaI/AAAAAAAAgzY/Ry3hXG5qV6gRcLhIv2k1a0U0TRyI83C7wCHMYCw/20170825_160937_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">Elk grazing on the side of the road…just below Smokemont.</font></p><p><font size="5">Escape trailer friends are camping in the Cosby campground on the northern side of the Smoky Mountains. We drive over to the Gatlinburg side of the park, happy to see very little scars from the intense fires of last year!</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DCfWP3NwLGQ/Wb_MCt_M7MI/AAAAAAAAgzc/dARusikYQdggiV1V3r34spERoM5Z7gOuQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170828_092123%255B3%255D"><img width="646" height="383" title="20170828_092123" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170828_092123" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C2OiTFzUfpk/Wb_MDfu0dJI/AAAAAAAAgzg/tIpvX_e8Z50sAG4fgLofswCaHZuGv0l9wCHMYCw/20170828_092123_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_HmcgVkDFk/Wb_MEEdzr6I/AAAAAAAAgzk/V2MW_1EiGLwDqTBdcZn5xEuBD03NYooPQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170828_092437%255B3%255D"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170828_092437" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170828_092437" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNIVj_mt7FM/Wb_ME-8n5iI/AAAAAAAAgzo/EQyxrXF_GaoYTGij3N091KaonXU3ZPm5gCHMYCw/20170828_092437_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">We enjoy two days of catching up, going out to eat and cooking. We visit a farmer’s market and find beautiful fresh green beans. Our friends have a generator and offer to run it while we cook beans in our mini instant pot. Fresh corn on the cob and green beans are the perfect evening meal after a caloric lunch. (And I had a great time teaching them how to “string” beans!)</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpMAZmeXZzg/Wb_MFlHiBqI/AAAAAAAAgzs/1bgPMMC9uCsHQhLS1badcIqtMYonAjP6wCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170828_190909%255B7%255D"><img width="646" height="399" title="20170828_190909" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170828_190909" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4aP6ia469r0/Wb_MGJ1DizI/AAAAAAAAgzw/moeWSfx7eVAAeUs5q5exZbF1v6rXN4WHACHMYCw/20170828_190909_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">This is our first time to cook with a generator as we do not have one.</font></p><p><font size="5">Our 80 watt solar suitcase normally meets all our electric needs. This trip is different, though, as we are in heavy shade for four days and the battery begins to to slowly drop. </font></p><p><font size="5">The weather forecast is not good! The hurricane from Houston is heading toward the mountains bringing lots of rain. We have been out three weeks and decide to go home.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pa0LReUgN4c/Wb_MHMDuHBI/AAAAAAAAgz0/o9amftUymIwaJbe8kuOuIfSwvg6R6-z7ACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170824_110939%255B3%255D"><img width="604" height="486" title="20170824_110939" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170824_110939" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-env8q6ETlhk/Wb_MIOdmrAI/AAAAAAAAgz4/NsB2RQhW2b0a6l6yNBmgNV3vsuHY4h-xACHMYCw/20170824_110939_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxZSxN8avCuqwnjDgmH9dO-XqEDLjwHJroFe7iplE4w5_A3QnQ05is0RTPpocV5wP6-K_0OTTboQwpHdik85xBhyviinExI_iAjYrnCv0YDA3psViv4itQYnNnHBA6SIibdaruC-IiXiq/s1600-h/20170824_130754%255B3%255D"><img width="646" height="416" title="20170824_130754" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170824_130754" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tBlt_Br_RDs/Wb_MJjKqDEI/AAAAAAAAg0A/uoOcFqxYaNMW0H9Tr1n97DCcrCBejYl3QCHMYCw/20170824_130754_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VQA9jDUfDk8/Wb_MKa5UopI/AAAAAAAAg0E/qz3RIupoAlYlhV8OtAq6SBV7etSOznqGACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170824_131751%255B3%255D"><img width="646" height="411" title="20170824_131751" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170824_131751" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nYVE7IeVBU/Wb_MK4uNB8I/AAAAAAAAg0I/5zjl1wUNlgA0zSvWIi6LKD2xVkfYW-xcgCHMYCw/20170824_131751_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">Some thoughts on our life and life in general…..</font></p><p><font size="5">As I write this morning we are preparing to join David’s high school class for their 80th birthday celebration….they celebrate their milestone birthdays together.</font></p><p><font size="5">This coming weekend we will attend my 50 year class reunion…which is one of the reasons we chose to be home in September.</font></p><p><font size="5">Aging continues to factor in on what we do. We continue to be so very grateful for the ability to travel.</font></p><p><font size="5">Note to you youngsters……don’t delay your life! Get out there and do your dreams NOW!<br></font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-17115572997591954622017-08-20T15:48:00.000-04:002017-08-20T15:50:31.062-04:00Finally Camping!<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HGxw75gI0IA/WZnm6WsrHTI/AAAAAAAAgeE/1i84UdtKQI4kPNadvWs8hvYHwjCoqSLuQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170813_1838033"><img width="646" height="340" title="20170813_183803" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170813_183803" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JlTjIMG7vm8/WZnm-TFJxwI/AAAAAAAAgeI/yc6qLfg6U545i_pLphB85dLVNWxGT9cigCHMYCw/20170813_183803_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="5">That’s us, on the right, at the TVA Tail Water Campground below Douglas Dam. (close to Sevierville, TN)</font></p><p><font size="5">The bathroom remodel seems to take forever! For some reason I think we could get the bathroom project completed in time for another gorgeous summer trip to Colorado. When the wrong shower doors are delivered, the western trip begins to look doubtful.</font></p><p><font size="5">The bathroom looks great! </font></p><p><font size="5">Before:</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Em1N2pXxgrs/WZnm_v11yLI/AAAAAAAAgeM/Ynox33uWgRkZXD1uDqe5Vps6mzOJYQd2QCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170622_0940393"><img width="366" height="486" title="20170622_094039" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170622_094039" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7y1Of56xAGQ/WZnnBGoqKFI/AAAAAAAAgeQ/Ahmvh4oubzgtrtYbkLxuJje48Iiu0CONQCHMYCw/20170622_094039_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">After:</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeBm0aDZGrpgPPGWAhBxYUIKLtoQFxhR-s3GKBmzdn55vyge4ms9uqdWgw7yu5zGU51I1TakkItv4mU9_0I406YZOzH0G44FuflGDu44D6fJlADtUqaB2X7mHz9q-u0VI-I52FfBn47xj/s1600-h/20170801_1702003"><img width="366" height="486" title="20170801_170200" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170801_170200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFz-IRLv6ZVOeOqr6O4TJx5kLDaWs9Nl0KF8cCSX8xfGOHgNdWU8okB4P7mp5KnamQxkxJ_0bxBa6OoenUAxV9YPxdxo_YDiNiPT3Y3VV1GjO7dBu1mO2HD4k7QKZXln40JH4YeZhqbNr/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">By the time the bath is complete, we only have three weeks free. There are places close to home we are wanting to experience so we load up the Escape and the kayaks and head north on I-75 to the Escapees Raccoon Valley campground.</font></p><p><font size="5">We have camped at Escapees parks all across the west and in Alabama but have never visited the one that’s just up the road from us. </font></p><p><font size="5">As we are registering, the couple in front of us looks familiar. We soon remember spending New Year’s Eve with them at Dream Catcher’s Park in New Mexico.</font></p><p><font size="5">We meet some real nice folks and have a great time at the Thursday night old time music picking. Fifteen musicians, many are local players, entertain us with some old mountain ballads.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMhxgaM3wN9-8ytHMYjDZlMX7nFcVY-b9x3i85YgKFP-urUOFJFO8goEVpFtrQDhJxs6V9tWLO4GQmuQumAiwsa3CBBG8HFn-YEdueJUh8FkR4Zt6CqTQN-0d3oeP1I0XE4HepM4T-kn2/s1600-h/20170810_2053363"><img width="646" height="383" title="20170810_205336" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170810_205336" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qLD-8dV1WOM/WZnnGQS1cEI/AAAAAAAAgeg/TTv_Vyo66m4rZ-w09vH7qm2NhLBr-bQBACHMYCw/20170810_205336_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">The weather is rotten…very hot, humid and rainy! One night I go to sleep with one of the windows open thinking that I will wake up if it starts to rain. I do, but not soon enough! Our mattress, memory foam and bedding is soaked. How do you dry anything with no sun?</font></p><p><font size="5">David feels horrible with no energy….heat and humidity are always his enemy. Our refrigerator is hovering around 50 degrees. I discover a small army of ants crawling up an inside wall.</font></p><p><font size="5">While drying the bedding a nice young couple with a dog stop to visit. We chat and I walk by the dog to show something in the trailer and he bites me!</font></p><p><font size="5">I survive wondering what is it about me that makes a dog want to hurt me?</font></p><p><font size="5">We leave the next day for a campground below Douglas Dam close to the Smoky Mountains National Park. The weather is no better. Sun, clouds, rain….all with 90 per cent humidity.</font></p><p><font size="5">The view is much prettier. We are on the French Broad River just below the dam.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yACq9l1Wm7c/WZnnHoSjB6I/AAAAAAAAgek/s0BTjjgGsSE83M8-Lu7kZaDIrERFlVvOACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170812_1454403"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170812_145440" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170812_145440" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wbOpbaWO2w/WZnnI2_Gf5I/AAAAAAAAgeo/kphJNvuuWBQkLDGpznCX3tqTNyvRI5UbACHMYCw/20170812_145440_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dLV4MF2yhsg/WZnnKL2O9NI/AAAAAAAAges/Pvqjgxu0_vUAlrxOrUVgCE27-17lOnUfwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170813_1335143"><img width="646" height="378" title="20170813_133514" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170813_133514" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o7ymWAujGto/WZnnLRotGNI/AAAAAAAAgew/zpSM8F-quicR84MV2v7KAZZePbm-CZnrQCHMYCw/20170813_133514_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5"> We watch kayaks put in at the boat launch and disappear downstream. The dam’s generators are releasing a high volume of water with too much current for us to paddle upstream. During a lull we manage a short paddle up to the dam. A very short trip but so much fun!</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EE5QoGHtAC4/WZnnR5tpFmI/AAAAAAAAge0/Ty2CCpg91VcD_usD03HzswaRlcv8X8UZQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170815_0800443"><img width="646" height="452" title="20170815_080044" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170815_080044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--zJ1Nwg8plw/WZnnSwcWxvI/AAAAAAAAge4/AKuAvMdt11UNyPvFtOk_ZMUHbLi_zdktwCHMYCw/20170815_080044_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">Early morning scene inside the Escape…notice my new Mini Instant Pot making breakfast of steel cut oats, rain on the windows and the husband still sound asleep.</font></p><p><font size="5">After three sticky days on the French Broad River, we are ready for some cool mountain breezes. It’s another 100 miles to Mt Pisgah Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway.</font></p><p><font size="5">Tears form in my eyes as we climb up to our favorite summer retreat. It’s been two years since we have been there. Wonder what’s changed? I know this sounds melodramatic but my heart just lifted out of my chest as cool air started caressing my face.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dB_qwmjsUno/WZnnT9PUtfI/AAAAAAAAge8/B1pLmMxVFgsaZ1aKKCWRv3GZFDqhZWPpgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170815_1718443"><img width="645" height="486" title="20170815_171844" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170815_171844" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66BK2Qr6aqJFqeCpRMaYACZQN76tIinhKlCCRq8ueUf3LIltoE8V39NVOrr6rKpWbvAJztGvaSN4EsCc0n-42BSeE3YV9MVZV2FWCfUozyLoMvOljQ3EhT8lrZjU3C73Ia-n-WzL8Biz4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-85i-M3kfpWI/WZnnWbyjwHI/AAAAAAAAgfE/NZx1aQau9pcFaKBeDl45503LAgy-mFRcgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170815_1730153"><img width="646" height="365" title="20170815_173015" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170815_173015" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9FCil9VF6LU/WZnnXtmoyLI/AAAAAAAAgfI/RDzENCkCBnAsRl7-2XflXuSeVfrBdpyqACHMYCw/20170815_173015_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e3QEz4bsR6E/WZnnYnOUbQI/AAAAAAAAgfM/lyu6WfXIeJIsKS79BdA3M9Vjum2dVVkywCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170815_2028352"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170815_202835" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170815_202835" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IucCT9_gpmE/WZnnaJOlhQI/AAAAAAAAgfQ/RHqqq-kgVk4_UwCNs_Crn09BN0w3lsK1wCHMYCw/20170815_202835_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">Not much is changed. A new deck is behind the restaurant, new benches and lights at the amphitheater. </font></p><p><font size="5">We arrive on a Tuesday and for four days it is peace and tranquility all through the campground. Very few campers are present and it’s so quiet. I hike a little, take a few photos, read and let all the noise in my head slowly disappear. There’s no electric or water hookups. There is no phone nor internet coverage in the campground which is normally something that makes me crazy. But here I am craving the stillness, the emptiness and I feel happy.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RUNH66H2N5g/WZnnbDcbWDI/AAAAAAAAgfU/sGVZpuEy5vY4N1_5oGa3dHzwU6lBvit6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170815_2006363"><img width="646" height="412" title="20170815_200636" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170815_200636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAg_d6iz0_BZbECQPiPz2YdG9UnBos9ZV_Tft17qL0j2nVYbdyjpMRpxcvi3CeJnqDTT1_2wKpAtHSIHRUuSWYH1urKUmbTYpNnpvhyphenhyphen1qeOQoCVFSN7EfXboVGaq85j3JN-MRylXitEie/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BJiJL1FySs/WZnndHBxQvI/AAAAAAAAgfc/JM1qsZtav9E6n1_rqCy8JPU0QlMzv9TMwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170816_1251023"><img width="621" height="486" title="20170816_125102" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170816_125102" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iHWeAG0dld8/WZnneTNlgOI/AAAAAAAAgfg/xoxNzbj82HQV2UG6tluxutfQ5e3aPJkpACHMYCw/20170816_125102_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XHSVPFo0nC8/WZnnfWJgohI/AAAAAAAAgfk/LGNMTaPaY28x0W5Wb1FwO3Ezl-1Fw_o1ACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170817_1747423"><img width="646" height="384" title="20170817_174742" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170817_174742" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-21jbBUMV5kg/WZnngsyM7kI/AAAAAAAAgfo/2W-Ik2slllsvUBHxYLZ2RHe93AZv_0Q8gCHMYCw/20170817_174742_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">It is now the day before the eclipse. The campground is full but that’s ok. I know they will all be gone in two days. </font></p><p><font size="5">The National Park Service is preparing for the apocalypse as half a million people are expected to be in the area tomorrow for the eclipse. We are warned to carry water, food and medicine for 12 hours if we go out on the Parkway. …due to traffic jams. The overlooks are closed from here to the south for fear eclipse seekers will try to camp in them. Police tape protects all the lawn around the Pisgah Inn. </font></p><p><font size="5">We made a run to the grocery yesterday and will not venture out tomorrow.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVLovg6EuQcXN4y5UJUI002T6kEs4rQAzDOhZ0GxzyMRvbl6NpIAJlZJSWMSRSLM1LXxFsGyKceLv6E0k90dzSZ-c4t-wTm1QCn1QQxRDNGWbAeZtcmST2diP0sXo3mPfjJ_lIWhrd4nL/s1600-h/20170817_1750443"><img width="646" height="462" title="20170817_175044" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170817_175044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gePdSvi5044/WZnnjAUGguI/AAAAAAAAgfw/Ibp4iJql1J82_fgtGPvNrn-ErPLh_SnPQCHMYCw/20170817_175044_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PgMgORBm_-8/WZnnkMQTluI/AAAAAAAAgf0/qTuZbOJOm3c088r_E73dGEKi47JT8fHbQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170818_1146333"><img width="646" height="396" title="20170818_114633" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170818_114633" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Ri39howvUk/WZnnlAgI5cI/AAAAAAAAgf4/1AC-SAPyx4UgKNTX3Pjxu96vR7T8WoKdgCHMYCw/20170818_114633_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISvVM0WkbcU/WZnnmSwFTgI/AAAAAAAAgf8/CkOT_YKNUNg3-wehtXz1VfAO0kFHLuiHgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170818_1147053"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170818_114705" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170818_114705" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oudhuPUR2kM/WZnnngoyq9I/AAAAAAAAggA/uSBYAPB3z5woi0LJEc8lVk-9YYE7jiwXACHMYCw/20170818_114705_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhLge888pD6ww27UJ-yC7_120zhWCJ75KviWT3DviRmZgzRX7wE6leZtFedWkXGZtoqfsM97uo6BrAtQwixdJ20aWyubwMhGHQbZJFN-73wyUnue2PTyPF8YnHt1K29PhvVMXUmtLdUip/s1600-h/20170818_1147193"><img width="646" height="382" title="20170818_114719" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170818_114719" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-As7bHMtJrdw/WZnnp-t-qgI/AAAAAAAAggI/gr-NnwMyIT0GM0ToNFI31RNX7o8Zj9BUwCHMYCw/20170818_114719_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">Not sure when we will be ready to come off the mountain. </font></p><font size="5"><p><br></p><p><br></p></font>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-80357548353945761282017-06-22T16:31:00.000-04:002017-06-22T16:32:36.307-04:00Back In The Saddle<p><font size="5">So here is the dilemma… do I start back in March and update the blog with a month by month of everything we have done or just pick up with our current life?</font></p><p><font size="5">The muse says to go with the immediate. There is no excuse for not writing for months. In the past I have felt ashamed, now I just feel relief the words are coming again!</font></p><p><font size="5">We have been home in our mountain duplex since the middle of May after attending the Eggs on the Hiawassee rally in Hiawassee, Georgia. Lovely rally! One that we will do again!</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HhFLit8R9Ng/WUwotlWIelI/AAAAAAAAfyQ/AJjGgV4F3YMMgGo5qLOxB_i_uhUlSXr6gCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-05-20-12.28.373"><img width="620" height="467" title="2017-05-20 12.28.37" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-05-20 12.28.37" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FY3SSa10P9g/WUwouprveqI/AAAAAAAAfyU/wtfgPGRfIwA0tXkgs_B-cfZH7VwLJfKaACHMYCw/2017-05-20-12.28.37_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">David on the Hiawassee River</font></p><p><font size="5">Our time at home is a mixture of doctor appointments, errands, reconnecting with family and upgrading our space. </font></p><p><font size="5">David is having issues with his left hip which is worn out. It is just a matter of time before another hip replacement. (He had his right hip done in 2011.) Meanwhile he is feeling better after a cortisone injection this week.</font></p><p><font size="5">When we downsized two years ago and moved into a space that had been rental property for 47 years, we remodeled everything but the bathroom. The bath is overdue for improvement. Most of the fixtures are the original. </font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGRBPDJ5mXE/WUwovf3soFI/AAAAAAAAfyY/jJT3WaLzVlEcY9Gs1Vz3x8CtosYD-vOEQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170622_0939513"><img width="366" height="486" title="20170622_093951" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170622_093951" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkx7A1sZxwg6fE3kubLFzY9cA9PrPN53Fp03C3s7GVmSgydVwM1j4U7sOtAI7Qmn7cBzEbF2XGPOgH4RLli9oCmQ6diQgyi2kFbiIiQr6NxaEEKUaNXX0O7Fx0L4BlwfgxZA6C8na_sch/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHKQkIO0-Fo/WUwoxEiCGzI/AAAAAAAAfyg/VhVKgx5p3rc_AO7PBt-GmlIZ65f-tiaYwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170622_0940393"><img width="366" height="486" title="20170622_094039" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170622_094039" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQr2kdMlylPD07IMpRzgge-f4PT1OOSfda9oa818MnopnolXCf9UlFYHyZuVF5Dc5Vjz0SkNzCpbbyhGhyPtEb8qIWDIgzt6yZQQap5PX_LhbQHRFn46hzjGm4pltLpTabmxw9Or0WQ_O/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">Tile samples, 1968 bathroom</font></p><p><font size="5">The work is to start next week and we will be relocating to the Escape 19 until the facilities are functioning. The plan is to camp at a nearby county park….(no room to park at our home). </font></p><p><font size="5">It’s been part fun and part work to pick out tile, vanity, shower doors and lights. Hope it goes smoothly!!</font></p><p><font size="5">We can’t leave the area until it is complete. Still have our fingers crossed that nothing else will get in the way of another Colorado mountain trip in July.</font></p><p><font size="5">When we are not at the doctors, or Walmart or napping, I am cooking with my magic pot, my Instant Pot! </font></p><p><font size="5">Those of you who are fiberglass trailer enthusiast….do you recall the excitement, the obsession, the craziness when you first got introduced to the little egg trailers?</font></p><p><font size="5">Take that obsession and transfer it to a cooking utensil!!</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c0RSP4kb4uc/WUwoywbsHsI/AAAAAAAAfyo/AUqBK7B1fSMDbfMhTOJd2yeKT6ek07XCACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170406_1813502"><img width="646" height="366" title="20170406_181350" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170406_181350" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZy1KtDw13s/WUwozlzWAHI/AAAAAAAAfys/iDL003QkuCInpnqKT1rnhMR7UuYDU9LjgCHMYCw/20170406_181350_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eI9CqId8m_M/WUwo0mHlXsI/AAAAAAAAfyw/qE03pYigH5ocKDyVbNCQEZmKWMVowfDjACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170428_1822322"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170428_182232" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170428_182232" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxtXrGdlolY/WUwo1nHTJUI/AAAAAAAAfy0/hiJq7i-cnS4PclYj8NzlGHRd_mz2HWM9QCHMYCw/20170428_182232_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">On Amazon Prime day, one year ago, Chris of <a href="http://www.technomadia.com" target="_blank">Technomadia</a> posted that the Instant Pot was on sale. I had never heard of an Instant Pot and really never thought of myself as a cook, but I was curious???? And before midnight I ordered the on sale electric pressure cooker.</font></p><p><font size="5">The Facebook Instant Pot group with its half a million members is constantly feeding the frenzy. I get lost in reading the posts which are so much more fun than the politicalized FB feed.</font></p><p><font size="5">As a result of the FB group, I am now making my own hummus, my own yogurt and using my IP two, sometimes four, times a day. Cheesecake will be my next challenge!</font></p><p><font size="5">About now, several of you are wondering why you are reading about cooking on a camping/traveling blog?</font></p><p><font size="5">I call it “life”! We can move from one interest/obsession to another! I am usually good for about 8 years and we got our first Casita in 2008. </font></p><p><font size="5">(But we are not leaving our trailer friends!)</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZhKNJW46OI/WUwo2TZj0II/AAAAAAAAfy4/m-CfZ_mhTbE-vFZWeOvAZgUrdH-8HSyQwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170406_1716092"><img width="646" height="366" title="20170406_171609" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170406_171609" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6iBchzDvQZZfWR3AJ6CDx5gdbXPWZ3LCJsndbnzSc3WFJ237sYM-SAHDR75A-Pr1vU-q4bqo-i1mGXhgyEJMPNomFsXCZx_7rp9WdgId4WiPk7QEsPjB3DT9nz8W_k4q-E8Z8UvcIAUU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="3">Tortilla Soup</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LTbYU_Q4nPU/WUwo5GO-RMI/AAAAAAAAfzA/aZxi2emOG8cFa1bVsgb1crsSLZ6c_tOuwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170428_1805583"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170428_180558" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170428_180558" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDMx7YgQ9vw/WUwo6GHgQQI/AAAAAAAAfzE/6w0tsIMN4X0TXMF7GxGdh6OfvFc106DPQCHMYCw/20170428_180558_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">First whole chicken before</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDklM_uNWinrUhtAfJ_2ocK3u-Pynfw9eB1jtaQKzV1yztst9eJ-n5ZZKBsaf20whUqpePoA6TWKWFLKBEhm1kQ9TIdtuO1E3hH65gg57OLRmPKNqBX4EviY3GDv9hnuyzlK3OPlz_JmAT/s1600-h/20170428_1906553"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170428_190655" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170428_190655" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CU-n7y4cp5s/WUwo7jd1aQI/AAAAAAAAfzM/rHympKC5px4Ld_Bd3pnq8ADULd5ljKtCACHMYCw/20170428_190655_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">After cooking….falling apart!</font><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDHFCAsleBLX5qjLfgkzU_r4fuKv-cuhghE29lmeTaCFwPw_FaEnPkGmGxPAdjT8Hgjxe6zME3Et2rW3lf5YLESq0XgfDAz4370AGHaAftBXi3vFr6LNb7848E81GJt_OA85ITwnjrO8d/s1600-h/20170612_0553433"><img width="366" height="486" title="20170612_055343" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170612_055343" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7sMqMSFb7k/WUwo9c0yrLI/AAAAAAAAfzU/FjV3ggmZp7Ms4KdicQCrA7iHbSNfe3JWwCHMYCw/20170612_055343_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">First yogurt</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xdyS3rkNYuE/WUwo-JYwxoI/AAAAAAAAfzY/SJRl6lV4SeEk9-qyu3pHpSGLk_K-fP9bQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170610_1831126"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170610_183112" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170610_183112" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hPqWMt-RklI/WUwo_Etz3MI/AAAAAAAAfzc/qpHpnFZZyDspnnrsCfN63ng2Pl7mp3QswCHMYCw/20170610_183112_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">meatloaf before cooking</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oKBl7-jewCk/WUwo_k7BirI/AAAAAAAAfzg/5L1PeDYYSVQex7gG-JshJ5yFViAnKf2DACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170610_2001142"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170610_200114" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170610_200114" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lkk_NB-ehJE/WUwpAkyM6kI/AAAAAAAAfzk/JV2CCPeXM1MrNc4t3kB88asRJgzoraLlwCHMYCw/20170610_200114_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">Meat loaf after cooking</font></p><p><font size="5">Summing it up……we are having fun with me cooking and David eating!</font></p><p><font size="5">Going back to camping, we have been to three rallies this spring, the Green Eggs and Ham in March, the Eggscursion in the Great Smoky Mountains in April and the Hiawassee in May.</font></p><p><font size="5">It was bitter cold for the first of the GE&H but nice the last few days. We stayed 8 nights at Gunter Hill COE moving three times. (Failed to make timely reservations). Can’t find the photos from the cold!</font></p><p><font size="5">The Townsend rally….our 8th year to attend…was fun. We experienced a jolt one night. I turned over and went back to sleep hoping there were no leaks.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1eu5IhATgA/WUwpBQ2_uUI/AAAAAAAAfzo/DlnAweBwwBgEgR-iaO8hgGmtHiYdQPIDwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170422_0722383"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170422_072238" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170422_072238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-heRdhjcs9io/WUwpCIjgadI/AAAAAAAAfzs/HuqxuZ76Ets4AkOUlcEfTshlCGxRHulGgCHMYCw/20170422_072238_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdtLgKjpu7xzvaYuyUqK3g7UaDhLmsIJLtRYkuER9BmT_XjYHOPJ2btro3U0Z4x4w1OYb86bBzf0aiOdbCnkGAlhEIKehYbPHjxUgFy0rOO0jiwjVFWqt9ec19vFTaAl07aCCIZC85ldw/s1600-h/20170422_0722043"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170422_072204" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170422_072204" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7yArOhe1r4/WUwpDwz133I/AAAAAAAAfz0/dJrBloz0NNor3l4IFoeJQRrLXUTamFX2wCHMYCw/20170422_072204_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="5">The limb bounced off the trailer onto the table and Clam….thankful there was no damage to either one.</font></p><p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWXnTVj6oZlslWWXMTPPt40897JbBIGk-Gj9SAPsznyUu9j29zf3K-1J6KivGZKAEwrpxJ2rWzemfFOqZmEUDK6lIi1Y54G4DbfpQeHxuFMvsLjn2FvQKTIMXP55uIilGTz-mj3IuebbG/s1600-h/20170420_0905163"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170420_090516" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170420_090516" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cbukTdOSRzs/WUwpFct-B2I/AAAAAAAAfz8/_yp_PQRlqJEcf7wO8zpN15IPR-hiJKV9wCHMYCw/20170420_090516_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4">The April rally site is at a KOA, much more crowded than the Corp of Engineer parks.</font></p><p><font size="4"><font size="5">We have been staying pretty close to home for the past month. Most of our exercise is walking up and down the road where we live. We did explore a new trail a couple of weeks ago. It goes along a creek in an old coal mining area. Super nice day!</font></font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9fZCg9qwaZ_szARVESV-UVMuHFSx_LpzAvnb3AuV0ebqppuz2JVS7HhxmdgdOGO_WW5QJvmoVJv61OtT2Wj3RvOPLL7GYXo2BXNloizNikKSZfLILdd3hnDfWE9P0WRglwq13NlcpoRy/s1600-h/20170610_111641%255B5%255D"><img width="646" height="366" title="20170610_111641" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170610_111641" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vL8NHLfmr7o/WUwpG14JIZI/AAAAAAAAf0E/KWTX-R9nPlEGwPVP7atoB8gjXE_AqNuJwCHMYCw/20170610_111641_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nnDc39XwmUg/WUwpHsksb9I/AAAAAAAAf0I/X5TgwZmIenAaPvdfpXH6ZAjatGtcA6udwCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170610_115607%255B3%255D"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170610_115607" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170610_115607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyKSPUoN0aceIhdTFx7_SwLC428kJljucVgxLDp50uL9ZN2NnTCh5JHbUDbMl9WrulmIQo3b5i7Ytw_63xRjbZ8Zr4AVX43bCr4aoDTCQKS0kDoyy3PDbd-pVfuSDp4yp6UEF45mkcHKj/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4">Hope to try out the swimming hole soon!</font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CHt3HKf23Wk/WUwpJVXaHlI/AAAAAAAAf0Q/6QIMxEhm9owQ4Y29SS0B-Z0i2AHLP0k2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170622_094458%255B2%255D"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170622_094458" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170622_094458" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4O7uc3Bhzo/WUwpKSdoCNI/AAAAAAAAf0U/ci8eWaMDZnwCzs8CDNBSqtBYzIslkC8uwCHMYCw/20170622_094458_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KblCD9bwi9c/WUwpLJeJ9yI/AAAAAAAAf0Y/jiBjDdc3WVwSlZWJ6L_i8oQmTxRD1nfwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170622_094516%255B2%255D"><img width="646" height="486" title="20170622_094516" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170622_094516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcULTHFwPT_IZLnP4hUGl1Ze6xR8HPc5YwpVdSW__wV4HtPptx7bgVDWX99N6J5ORWYsCO8_5sxdH9yp7egzihlO2hwRYoRy2OCV2QnlAfSzb6Rez2gnN9L92qQ3X2pBFqoTcJWueZZKYm/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4"><font size="5">As you can see, the two men in my life are just hanging out….waiting for the time to get back on the road!</font><br></font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-25626256425549419442017-03-05T17:56:00.000-05:002017-03-05T18:00:24.456-05:00Dome Rock Rally, Lake Mead, Lake Havasu BLM<p> </p> <p><font size="5">This is the 10th year for the fiberglass rally at Quartzsite and our 5th year to attend. The official attendance is down but I suspect some did not make the long trek to the registration table. Photos do not portray the immense space full of little white eggs.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JfSXyxxjlqE/WLyWDbmrNxI/AAAAAAAAfBQ/zOkwWiMoRuA/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJa4iXPNUSzkCh_ItwIb_fAqv5lkOkeYf0Xjq7v06MBh-Pnb09J0Xdnao9uoq-6rBDplmc4eF58MiwJsxIn7V-1gZRJedWps6A_2PkJ2FTg0qNGn2rDLOT8GGWXKghfZBEbAl5WEFPf8j/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="380"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZ3I7Dc3ZO4/WLyWGv_lkvI/AAAAAAAAfBY/zq6LtcTuVoM/s1600-h/DSC_0004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdSqyfwRpZnq3IcDuiyHtEZU9ICVqX2hy7gTA0Qt-3C1fD3IGw6Xk_B7L9BRRxjctJs0HfNrWlkRbedvP-ws5UEyzvS2vjuMEJw3KvmDExL9JmKIymRfXA_rMLADqJcSpl3C_tjHKRjop/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="335"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_71vhBCDIpxVP7dFBM4k45InEQKeCQUE00pTD8JINLphG-3l9mInRybai0RxVHRetEWvxHXV1V2FY-9G9ydylyAMhqvj1ES8gQPFtDc1VlNS8Spv4uq6qmm8cU7Iq8mTNoSgzSFjng9IJ/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UUaf5kjDGks/WLyWKvqv4KI/AAAAAAAAfBk/JX0o95v6Kv0/DSC_0005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="328"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMoJCq0Jp9V2rlbwQE4zipNQo27P78LqKMLK1BsZTHDzNEPdjbAifoL-PvubXr7lpMB4SwlqZW8u7a6cFtMzuFob4VWsflKzOrcBR9Ig0ZqL4uavqihqkd4scvE9iOQv8fYYk9Mr0oh3p/s1600-h/DSC_0009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c8QqsZvFZEM/WLyWNlwo9XI/AAAAAAAAfBs/ZlrhENrtpCI/DSC_0009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="326"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wpcDA5vU9ls/WLyWPVk5GpI/AAAAAAAAfBw/urha38Nkmu0/s1600-h/DSC_0016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ea5_vE_9eIQ/WLyWQq3y6cI/AAAAAAAAfB0/TCr6lnb0h60/DSC_0016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UyY1yP4qZA8/WLyWR07ephI/AAAAAAAAfB4/ifPM0jIgHgY/s1600-h/DSC_0018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7hrAwkwNfU/WLyWTcF2oWI/AAAAAAAAfB8/rTovBpkYmtg/DSC_0018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="324"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0aOECbH9wIo/WLyWUzwH-JI/AAAAAAAAfCA/n6U0utt9ZqU/s1600-h/20170211_1750543.jpg"><img title="20170211_175054" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170211_175054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ZAN8BQNCMU/WLyWWSoQGLI/AAAAAAAAfCE/eXrbWtIYzmc/20170211_175054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="426"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIcuIfAkVLu7CzZ_pIk0Fx6gnjTz2JW1Qbs46-CVFYz99pBIzoyNKtt9ib9BEC9mmtO7EadHs7UpNEaaR4AtDe5o5uBaHuUvjCKA6pQRRYQPJ4MXyw77ILJgZkJHMYDg04UsKrBlc_vY9/s1600-h/20170211_0850133.jpg"><img title="20170211_085013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170211_085013" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CkfHXGinC04/WLyWZk2Cz-I/AAAAAAAAfCM/seZRCd9_xLg/20170211_085013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="416"></a></p> <p><font size="5">This is the popular Saturday morning yard sale. There’s a free table…..just love free!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wjFzMWjCTdM/WLyWbZecnhI/AAAAAAAAfCQ/BuKdp4gKMEc/s1600-h/20170211_1751092.jpg"><img title="20170211_175109" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170211_175109" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cNxs0ygB0q8/WLyWc0GNhmI/AAAAAAAAfCU/jUf19UQ4F9M/20170211_175109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We camp up at “Casita Heights”, also know as snob hill!</font></p> <p><font size="5">And we are surrounded by old friends from the Southeast….folks from GA, AL, NC, KY and MS are all here! We will see most of these folks at the rally in Alabama next month.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5">Sunday after the rally finds us unsure of our next destination. We thought about heading to the Jojoba Escapees park in California but so many friends are heading to Death Valley and we’ve never been there. Decided to join our friend, Linda, at a PA park in Needles. It’s a good place to wash clothes and rest. Linda and I go exploring at Lake Havasu City. She sees the London Bridge and eats at In and Out Burger for the first time.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v0EVwWCNTy0/WLyWesxP66I/AAAAAAAAfCY/xeWgnc01Wgw/s1600-h/20170213_112914%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170213_112914" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170213_112914" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ITs8Nzpn3FE/WLyWgUOmrRI/AAAAAAAAfCc/JT4B0dlGtfg/20170213_112914_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We find a great BLM boondocking site just north of Lake Havasu…..what a view!</font></p> <p><font size="5">The weather forecast for CA looks bad, looks worst than bad, with a massive amount of rain heading toward our destinations. We have never been to Lake Mead in Nevada and we change directions. </font></p> <p><font size="5">I learn that I have been saying Nevada wrong for the past 67 years! It’s Nevada, put “add” in the middle syllable. Always happy to learn something new! </font></p> <p><font size="5">Government Wash is a boondock place bookmarked on my Google Maps. We head toward the Henderson, NV Walmart and Lake Mead.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U2p8glEM0io/WLyWiGylnsI/AAAAAAAAfCg/D91a39WKCJE/s1600-h/DSC_0027%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q-kyZsZB-TQ/WLyWjkB1cTI/AAAAAAAAfCk/ElA5P9seJjk/DSC_0027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We find a site with a lovely lake view; unfortunately we lose something in the process!</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr3odqnhQK6ICCSFgvk13QSrgHJ8D9E-NH45t4V5_elqFGP6HclAlkWULaF-CuwnJXzeN7M9ZtccO8Brrbv0R8hk5Mrw7lVmgXIJSmkwI6vltp1UvmYCLFWz1c-6AsdVK_h-6XMKLCiBr/s1600-h/20170214_162549%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170214_162549" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170214_162549" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BUhjtEj_Ncs/WLyWmg24xJI/AAAAAAAAfCs/iKbma5gaM9w/20170214_162549_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GmicoJ2jZWk/WLyWoa5OrAI/AAAAAAAAfCw/iJwEYWH5Gz0/s1600-h/20170214_162849%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170214_162849" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170214_162849" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fAdej1CJ6So/WLyWpyU0IEI/AAAAAAAAfC0/19n7Uu4SptQ/20170214_162849_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Our spare tire post (and spare tire) is missing from the back bumper! Shock, then fear run through my body. Where did we lose it??</font></p> <p><font size="5">Husband is more practical and just looks around our spot. “There’s a tire lying just up the hill from the trailer.” And there it is!</font></p> <p><font size="5">No real harm is done but I feel terrible as my rocky boondocking site may have contributed to the break. We throw the tire and post into the back of the truck. The next morning we relocate to a real campground, Boulder Beach.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The views are magnificent from our new site.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIB9UBUhZJgv0eVIYU96gFKY-HLB2EMFfo-pfhOz0UjjIegU5QuqFfcB_48ENQ7BO6dcN-YWiVlgH18XhoU8ZfkigHtw0yeH6ZuE7w3GTb-BXtl9D46qdkm2Jqxoen2cZMfianXCWMx4A/s1600-h/20170216_164647%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170216_164647" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170216_164647" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOGZ-ukdrlMZL7zaj2IyG1jtD5QEdYfAPkB5NqvW_6HmJ7xTBGG6udr5BBUoOUK-2GqvMffwHxXN7MV0L8sLJo_riqe0Rac4wcQzt54jlzfFX_x2p130EAiiQ6bB0lUacD2NVAAtTyuyG/?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H1OFSNTC8KM/WLyWukuxiEI/AAAAAAAAfDA/zkJ278lMJQM/s1600-h/20170220_110431%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170220_110431" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170220_110431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dqLmbbBb39w/WLyWv_Mjr5I/AAAAAAAAfDE/hDwd-aKK_eo/20170220_110431_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="437"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PH-x3QA-bLM/WLyWxcV8owI/AAAAAAAAfDI/-vZPl1yE_h8/s1600-h/DSC_0043%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0043" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0043" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dR02Czn7IbE/WLyWyvWzaoI/AAAAAAAAfDM/aLW2zCvTTbM/DSC_0043_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="467"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Febd3_-8lDE/WLyW0Z4eo7I/AAAAAAAAfDQ/R5AR6TKPpAQ/s1600-h/DSC_0054%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gBwzNeAjkHI/WLyW19excUI/AAAAAAAAfDU/pBS0SLQ2QWE/DSC_0054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMxwlZRxXbNsvjcxXc3cLoTj0LzTXyWOB7E1UzdNUxfEu9WFDDKycNU9bjYBQCH7-PczLhVvd3Qn5Mog7wvbK9fDS4yGlBbVyCEVbwNSe5XbH4EOK2qXG73DbgymF9qiYmjy06qR47KKB/s1600-h/DSC_0064%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0064 (1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0064 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxotECfBrUs/WLyW4ygNpJI/AAAAAAAAfDc/guGIj8z9UF4/DSC_0064%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGasP24KI4AX71qRA-bN2MThhKAtjKcOkjh4GEAalKB6WbeZsLakZIYZmt_JrkQmaofW5xqSHSq1PE51PW-CYkkDwq8OJJmoAen5X4LCc3hlqAcB77Ra1Jeusjg0-BjMocYKloohCJQ8s/s1600-h/DSC_0065%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0065 (1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0065 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5eKGxRM-jw/WLyW72Da99I/AAAAAAAAfDk/8fW6H9o_bpg/DSC_0065%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RYtXCi6pkrw/WLyW9WuAqfI/AAAAAAAAfDo/hkHmiVeIDqg/s1600-h/DSC_0066%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066 (1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hL3RPpudIOM/WLyW-rv24EI/AAAAAAAAfDs/NUKTvpJ9R2g/DSC_0066%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-exJkSWBNFK4/WLyXBIRNG5I/AAAAAAAAfDw/R_yvJWMC3FE/s1600-h/DSC_0069%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-auDIkRpn_Fs/WLyXCxxrhRI/AAAAAAAAfD0/CeYJtwkcSME/DSC_0069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgP-bIYikty-486neh2zWPyJggenCgnJzjxC8ohpL0Kwznq4nbeB0NR1NYrmmi8_lF7VgeL8-5HJe0Q_JFTS9CVKOFLs-yXG1gQS5f0hfBpLTxXhD-jusbq0NtCOylRuwGBiJMypUba5j/s1600-h/DSC_0085%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0085" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0085" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOOLuTbAl0z6byF0TPAwuuZWnS0hlJFatShNuv7Xg7MR__cqi_z6HBH4gRGRXyRlb_-49yYCxKiHhn93zBN8rPKqZToz7w801AMRZKjqo1pkuhZdBmhfvigFIpmzvGje0050A0oJfRsfe/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We watch a video about the building of Hoover Dam; then visit the dam. The video portrays the incredible feat of building this fortress on the mighty Colorado River!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshMwosYcx0_XJ4FA7qRbw5VxUdUMp4DFEAkwvXvmHGxvtcg8eQ2g1tHW5_XR5OCud15EXzHFqgjXRRKXr9f0cOnjajeLgk3AqT0ef93AbupR0KDIk9vJE9eO5_MPra4A7BJUhcrkNpBM5/s1600-h/DSC_0078%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0078" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0078" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzQ9Z8_ZB04aJrLaAUUVDmI58BagP5In6KhzeFa-jlTnQi55brvRNrmB_kHbfBHXHbVwurflYMMDsnTPwMj6qAU7gsdVSr7SnlyndHrDLlgwuMQn1KZkcSU0yisj5bUL3UTPKpeotonQ2/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="346"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nIzy7p8fx0/WLyXL1ttEbI/AAAAAAAAfEM/oxz1jOz0F_s/s1600-h/DSC_0071%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d_UNywT7Ssw/WLyXNYHEmlI/AAAAAAAAfEQ/-8g1h1qArJA/DSC_0071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">After a week in Nevada we are ready to return to AZ. Unsure, again, of our destination, we just head south. We have great memories of camping at Buckskin Mountain State Park and thoughts of trying Lake Havasu State Park but those plans are put aside after we found our new boondock just north of Lake Havasu. It is the view that captivates us!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CwJqwpMd8eg/WLyXPCRuHOI/AAAAAAAAfEU/HwTFwnYHbFM/s1600-h/20170221_155657%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170221_155657" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170221_155657" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R1yct12T20c/WLyXQgt4C9I/AAAAAAAAfEY/firhSz8DSOM/20170221_155657_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qfarcH7fYhQ/WLyXSsWFhpI/AAAAAAAAfEc/wbZiZnjGYYU/s1600-h/20170221_155918%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170221_155918" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170221_155918" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCDupONnlos8cm7hgNTrSSeJmpbBjFd3P1rAquQV2TWgyUEOZqs9Oaka_WFMjE6nEtpGUd9QLAxOQw9-FA6147zBlx1XgqSc5WHbLiweRijSinzb_ppg9M9_vmS5-irhyphenhyphen1jaJ2TiZQgbA/?imgmax=800" width="544" height="486"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8daq_mAMqqTQWKFKZONlYGWdH5-RzsPjyZyHm6_4g4DUD7GeiuPlhFAY8YaTraCrbPQRK9r3FvJVajPpYpnCzNn61ayUvqkL3yBbc0iOkBID4KunWX_PQKoim143fQK2E6WXeCdWw7Dn/s1600-h/20170221_160943%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170221_160943" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170221_160943" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLSbrMYQXg8/WLyXW91JxBI/AAAAAAAAfEo/k_VtuPaTXIw/20170221_160943_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="430"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yGA5WYt3ZnA/WLyXYmXYvlI/AAAAAAAAfEs/1MI4MDjo0bA/s1600-h/20170221_172031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170221_172031" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170221_172031" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NMxIjb_x5vo/WLyXaBSZfhI/AAAAAAAAfEw/G3ZEph9S7x0/20170221_172031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="455"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We stay three nights before making a dash to Q to pick up mail. Then on to another new site in Buckeye, AZ where the desert is blooming.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvpngZQn2zg/WLyXcaWbKUI/AAAAAAAAfE0/PlBK4T4D4lM/s1600-h/20170225_154133%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170225_154133" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170225_154133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ta8BbT1ktxs/WLyXd4B0N4I/AAAAAAAAfE4/kCFT1ixnWQ8/20170225_154133_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G9kxESRgw_c/WLyXfcRdZQI/AAAAAAAAfE8/9d0nWFPOz5E/s1600-h/20170225_154154%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170225_154154" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170225_154154" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TF0Muu3AWNo/WLyXg7P1yKI/AAAAAAAAfFA/6CuYYj9oR_Q/20170225_154154_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IZTweOL4GvU/WLyXitjKPAI/AAAAAAAAfFE/AiDfDlPkH_c/s1600-h/20170225_154745%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170225_154745" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170225_154745" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kNFSmK2gZ6M/WLyXj76pU0I/AAAAAAAAfFI/jWyeb-nE7Hs/20170225_154745_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CdavMmsMDuU/WLyXlszBkyI/AAAAAAAAfFM/cKy7DipoxYo/s1600-h/20170225_171209%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170225_171209" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170225_171209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t2U0_aFyh0I-92-LrCErHaK_dzddZfezR1BE3Tkeoecz_NT8zM-5RGEZtv7GKvSag38Xecj4IVzP8sKTL4iumHVyA8xnwsOA6ImwjhlWrHc5wLBWUNN7q96FMSVg_X3axS_Q9D_YSiJu/?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We believe that’s Robbins Butte in the background.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Unbelievable that we have only one more week in Arizona! We head back to our favorite place, Lost Dutchman State Park and manage to get a three night reservation with electricity!</font></p> <p><font size="5">It rains for two days. One day it even hails! No problem, we are happy to be warm and dry.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t0QzALo7p_s/WLyXoemMZLI/AAAAAAAAfFU/LbqPLT5e5R4/s1600-h/DSC_0066%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWig1xoTA6eteyu4C3U1MZrVSLizWHnISMqWhMeNRMH2f9aXW8bT1vii70SzW9rpHJktZV6dZ1WtovLm4zP6PqIvz5XBBSRyhAwRQgZmwecBamtXnN_vJkjPkMsXf5hmF-EMhosShxKSF/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="265"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dsBvYyb9EJo/WLyXrNRbSGI/AAAAAAAAfFc/oyJTGi4uOfo/s1600-h/DSC_0061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0061" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0061" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFPf_xGTpL8/WLyXsZ8o25I/AAAAAAAAfFg/Ly7RoNGrErE/DSC_0061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">After a visit with the family we will be heading east, hoping mother nature will keep fair skies above. </font></p> <p><font size="5">It is almost time for the Green Eggs and Ham rally in Montgomery, Alabama!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-55188729910891410602017-02-18T14:55:00.000-05:002017-02-18T15:02:19.307-05:00Forty Days in the Desert<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W6sQfTRF9ys/WKilvoP8HHI/AAAAAAAAe3w/AHffpVcmDBI/s1600-h/DSC_0008-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NhsNcr6ndHA/WKilzRYI7xI/AAAAAAAAe30/hHyOQiqbfrU/DSC_0008-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="385"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Four Peaks</font></p> <p><font size="5">The travel blog is behind 40 days! So sad!</font></p> <p><font size="5">On the positive side, we have had so much fun with friends, it was impossible to create the time (and get the mindset) to write.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Lost Dutchman State Park is our destination after leaving the Benson SKP Park. The Superstition Mountains are our emotional home while in the Southwest. Four nights just is not long enough to get our fix.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBDYgu7d6Ic/WKil1hadKiI/AAAAAAAAe34/y39oIcCTOO8/s1600-h/DSC_00363.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nl0-wvuX0bE/WKil5BYEnNI/AAAAAAAAe38/UcshkS5EuRE/DSC_0036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="471"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Fish Creek Overlook, Apache Trail</font></p> <p><font size="5">We call some friends who live nearby who are entertaining friends who are also our friends! A trip to Tortilla Flat is planned.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yeY32HbIaUU/WKil6h5f8hI/AAAAAAAAe4A/QV3qzqihE8I/s1600-h/DSC_00223.jpg"><img title="DSC_0022" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0022" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NnFbD2BQMdg/WKil8MVyY3I/AAAAAAAAe4E/yFJ-cYDER4E/DSC_0022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A3xZ8a_k2Wk/WKil9lz37GI/AAAAAAAAe4I/RB4dfud0Ztg/s1600-h/DSC_00283.jpg"><img title="DSC_0028" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0028" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l7dxTGQR9JQ/WKil-3jmxrI/AAAAAAAAe4M/r8K5sX4-Z24/DSC_0028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">We say a temporary good-bye to the friends knowing we will all be together again in February at the Quartzsite fiberglass trailer rally.</font></p> <p><font size="5">After a visit with the family we head for Quartzsite as the Big RV tent show starts soon.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Unfortunately winter is in full swing at Q with rain, clouds and a cold wind. </font><font size="5">We stay a week boondocking at Dome Rock but after two semi-sleepless nights due to high winds, we head back to civilization and comforts including electricity and warmth.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-55aPujRsHsI/WKimAfIVE7I/AAAAAAAAe4Q/KmEI_5giqa0/s1600-h/20170119_1737182.jpg"><img title="20170119_173718" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170119_173718" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4dTVip0Q40/WKimC-MPbhI/AAAAAAAAe4U/3lZw5HRpRG8/20170119_173718_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Found FL and KY friends also boondocking at Dome Rock.</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ikl6igu2D_w/WKimEj6pYyI/AAAAAAAAe4Y/hoc2mmRR5zM/s1600-h/DSC_00393.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_ZL3iJ6xz0/WKimG46MIBI/AAAAAAAAe4c/vrmeqd9oa78/DSC_0039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hygH7AwUGiI/WKimIcTcRBI/AAAAAAAAe4g/nvSf87OET5g/s1600-h/DSC_00463.jpg"><img title="DSC_0046" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0046" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0bCuzfoK0EQ/WKimJqjzWMI/AAAAAAAAe4k/KlBHB4Fm5rA/DSC_0046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="304"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Notice the wind sock flying horizontally! One night my Clam (outdoor room) is blown over….<a href="http://eggrollingsblogspot.com" target="_blank">Jerry C</a> teaches me to stake it down with rebar.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It’s time to switch hats and change out of the desert rat mode.</font></p> <p><font size="5">David’s son lives in San Francisco and we are FLYING there for a visit!</font></p> <p><font size="5">We are excited like children. It has been years since we were on a plane!</font></p> <p><font size="5">I use my phone, on airplane mode, to see where we are. I see the Salton Sea! (It’s in the middle of the photo).</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMRB6_4HkG0/WKimLGCWaKI/AAAAAAAAe4o/mixcXgNPpNw/s1600-h/20170126_1235293.jpg"><img title="20170126_123529" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170126_123529" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lwYZjdlnJh4/WKimMpSbPHI/AAAAAAAAe4s/pIZxjy1Zn2c/20170126_123529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p> <font size="5">We are gifted with 3 glorious days of sunshine, lots of great food, good companionship and a ferry ride to Sausalito.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5z3Nuk2Ocka-P-RrKKT1sFkZm-ClLamokWjrYSt0lHrKpO3MiV00yGqZNQCN8RGHQKd3UbEVYr7S0XiunupIts2P1qkkMJndn8GSNPX62PA9d04_9EoABBm8okH73FNpCRTu5shBUUDl/s1600-h/20170128_1337022.jpg"><img title="20170128_133702" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170128_133702" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8qrxDmBOkGM/WKimR9FDrGI/AAAAAAAAe40/mZV3JxszEGw/20170128_133702_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO445nUSt2XJQ2b_TIXEWCc4u_bZsTTqAZBucraSiILVindOCsCTcn3jtS1Of8rXc1AFmI75CgAkMftIWjC2sHv3ac57kLTVniJZJhKazVgLLmH2Gcx9Uubt5BBUdi6pOoR5mYxKOaqO3/s1600-h/20170128_1216363.jpg"><img title="20170128_121636" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170128_121636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqBTObtAbjttTgD7KhCy7Zzza6TWA576S_VG7sOFrF77jnfSGUQaeksHxTUyg9P-XsN_MD_HueaxoGdEmquQ4g4JVENvQN2kQY-4XMUDtt3FuQ_-kTHK7ow64CLcIfuJxNocT0oca8iuV/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="260"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-moPJG3vexuc/WKimWugJ9MI/AAAAAAAAe5E/RVQC-I0Qy_E/s1600-h/20170129_1305302.jpg"><img title="20170129_130530" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170129_130530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCn_mWK9CIXDbopcYPWss_oEfbfde93UWB9xi2a90aFTFXjk4x23nSkComOLxQM7sbfx7mVMZCQibIwdfAb3iW7bfG-Aue7LqVRXMEHNbfXIej8pIoVjPxalDLJkLYoNGvB3RvSUNiQUtB/?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Another day we hike to Corona Heights Park, enjoying panoramic views of San Francisco.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwul8kzyNyEomxBHFm-R0GPC0Dms2VmXq02Y-kwY34akG8rlCdA2XQKMDczModKXhXW4ZrBVQUSPNDxHBNK2wi6M3XaAIAx_ofTv-jUKf6F5rV2KLJhIjrgIzG3NmKzW_Jyzj_yky6wdP/s1600-h/20170129_1302432.jpg"><img title="20170129_130243" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170129_130243" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LOxXCpy4wiY/WKimcLI9WpI/AAAAAAAAe5Q/UDWsbhvHBk0/20170129_130243_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CmpHxvG6eF4/WKimd0Hx7rI/AAAAAAAAe5U/CMzoE6JOKzM/s1600-h/20170129_1302532.jpg"><img title="20170129_130253" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170129_130253" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsK6zlyP-xA/WKimfULaG7I/AAAAAAAAe5Y/eXA0-_V2XW8/20170129_130253_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">After four nights in the big city, it’s time to return to Apache Junction, pick Sylvester up from the boarding center and get back into the trailer.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Again we find more fiberglass friends at Lost Dutchman. Amazing how all our paths constantly cross!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-RH7EWI6E4/WKimg9ee2FI/AAAAAAAAe5c/fS7L_roS6WQ/s1600-h/20170131_1808482.jpg"><img title="20170131_180848" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170131_180848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDdCxP6N6tNigz6_oFgum97VoYDcZ_AoF-kUCAozENnoQEEB_LO1WBoFRGtqvHgSX7ylYx0m4QhsZhqVSJy3YuFUK-V_G-XJNtQNsTOWrLJIDPH3A9pZmvZvkVu80Zvy2Bz-Ft3pXFEDa/?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Good friends and beautiful sunsets!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHB5FIfTlTw/WKiml78VD0I/AAAAAAAAe5k/SbVT5HA9t9U/s1600-h/20170131_1754363.jpg"><img title="20170131_175436" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170131_175436" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbqYq8FLxJ8/WKimov_Ki9I/AAAAAAAAe5o/Kl2kg_gb6YA/20170131_175436_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="421"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Superstition Mountain</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flRRKuZW4Eo/WKimqXeLBbI/AAAAAAAAe5s/yl0e-upqAoE/s1600-h/20170201_1004212.jpg"><img title="20170201_100421" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170201_100421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UjLGgiWxnn8/WKimrohSEDI/AAAAAAAAe5w/w20pcb_3ULc/20170201_100421_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjdyXbTV8v0/WKims2ony1I/AAAAAAAAe50/o9v5vvvkog4/s1600-h/DSC_00593.jpg"><img title="DSC_0059" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0059" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gxTV2ICtPa8/WKimvkeeCAI/AAAAAAAAe54/vJPLvkvUep4/DSC_0059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">It is goodbye to Lost Dutchman. Time to head west, back to western AZ and a superbowl party at a RV park in Ehrenberg, AZ.</font></p> <p><font size="5">No photos are available! I twist my ankle, severely, one hour after our arrival, falling at the door of the trailer. One of our buddies, a retired RN, performs first aid. The next few days are spent babying the injury.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It is the worst ankle injury I have ever experienced but recovery is fast and there is no pain after the first day, just left with a black and blue foot. </font></p> <p><font size="5">This catches us up to two weeks ago. </font></p> <p><font size="5">Our week at the rally and time in Nevada will be coming soon, I hope!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-38497308665460889932017-02-09T15:48:00.000-05:002017-02-09T15:50:15.314-05:00I Remember When….<p> </p> <p><font size="5">I remember when we were afraid to walk across campus at a rural Tennessee college. Afraid the football team and the ROTC would attack us. We were a small group of mostly sociology majors who had formed a club called “Peace and Human Rights Alliance.” It was 1970 and college kids protesting at Kent State had just been murdered.</font></p> <p><font size="5">I remember fear and divisiveness: the nation torn apart with differing political views. It was more about young verses old, white against black, women’s rights, equal pay, the environment. Long hair versus short hair. There were probably some protesting for gay rights but not in my rural south location.</font></p> <p><font size="5">There were protests against the war all through my high school years. There were demonstrations for civil rights. I remember the television at night full of protests and scenes of battles from Vietnam. </font></p> <p><font size="5">I remember going to D.C. to protest the war and being afraid of the protesters after seeing broken storefront windows. I did not march. Stayed indoors where it was safe as I believed in a peaceful protest!</font></p> <p><font size="5">I also remember a different time in society. A time where women and girls were expected to wear dresses and panty hose. Hair was set in rollers at night. One does not go out without being perfectly coiffed. Pants or jeans were not allowed! Still remember the scandal in our small southern town when the Methodist women started wearing pantsuits to church on Sunday nights!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Women were encouraged to major in education. The teaching profession was an acceptable career path as they could be with their children after school. Women were supposed to look pretty and not think or speak of business or political matters The weaker sex must be protected or beat into submission by their husbands.</font></p> <p><font size="5">I remember hearing about backstreet procedures where terrified, desperate college friends risked death when they unfortunately became “knocked up”.</font></p> <p><font size="5">From my grade school years I remember seeing water fountains with “colored” signs. I remember the first blacks to enter our school. It was the fall of 1965 and there were only two of them. So brave!</font></p> <p><font size="5">I remember being told by my family that the “colored people” were just being stirred up by those who were speaking out for their rights. And remember the reaction I received from my northern classmates when I repeated my families stance. I remember the “n” word being the commonly used noun by my grandfather.</font></p> <p><font size="5">I remember when we threw trash out the window of the car without a thought. I remember when puppies and kittens were tied in a bag and drowned or shot in the head.</font></p> <p><font size="5">I remember being told that I would go to hell and burn in the fires forever and FOREVER if I did not believe in Jesus. I was 9 years old.</font></p> <p><font size="5">I remember injustice, inhumanity and long periods of turbulence.</font></p> <p><font size="5">But our nation has survived and matured.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It may take many, many years but we will get through this time of horrible divisions. And good will come, rightness will win, eventually.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Change and growth do not always go in an upward spiral. Sometimes, for awhile, things go backward.</font></p> <p><font size="5">But I have hope. We, the people, will not allow tyranny, dictatorships or suppression of free speech to become the norm. And I take heart, trying to remember there is good in the worst of us and bad in the best of us. We are alike, not monsters, and we would do well to remember civility.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Thanks for reading this. The travel blog will continue soon</font>.</p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-82444499671817154692017-01-09T10:38:00.000-05:002017-01-09T10:39:15.412-05:00Peaceful, Easy Feeling<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjdtDdxzpA9hH6RTMoWthy_6-4UmLtfwwpkR8nPXsurr7RelQga9SdZ_m4VkhnflmyPdCsvP5hA4-38dOP5_mtL_2BAgFM8KOjmmjmOGZSx-JajCTBF6G-GDyEDZcZ_QPk0u19AVjmws7/s1600-h/DSC_00113.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nNnugehqogE/WHOtjoVXjiI/AAAAAAAAeoQ/Kh2P17X5wZs/DSC_0011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="312"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We are back in the desert and I am happy! Not sure what it is about this region; it may be the dryness or it may be the sparse population but whatever it is, I feel so much better out here in southern Arizona! A peaceful, easy feeling!</font></p> <p><font size="5">The to-do list to leave Chattanooga is endless. We find ourselves balancing packing with more work on the rental duplex along with the normal family Christmas rituals. </font></p> <p><font size="5">Sylvester is ready to go! He sits among the items to be packed letting us know we must not forget him!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zEGnoI2IGFQ/WHOtkwRgpeI/AAAAAAAAeoU/F9VlHYhD914/s1600-h/20161225_0635123.jpg"><img title="20161225_063512" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161225_063512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCKwlK-RQZQ9aKMfRCMCMJgT0rMrPoTafO-_Vd_I_VJe_RJkvVkeY8s-6hsFWIMVzxhHRnWduZB6gonnUlStjM5o1J4pvCUk__eVAOtCnarO9XmXgmbrTfSR-nwkHXdzl5z7ebTMBi7cs/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="485"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We leave early Christmas Day. It is unusually hot….79 degrees all the way to Meridian, MS. We stay at a Passport America park, Benchmark RV, for $16 (PA rate).</font></p> <p><font size="5">It’s even hotter the next day to Breaux Bridge, LA with temps in the mid 80’s. It humid, sticky and just miserable! We park at the Walmart to look at camping options and decide on another PA park, Poche’s FishNCamp RV Park, $20.00. We are pleasantly surprised at our site.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eax2e-iVlxY/WHOtnXY6qhI/AAAAAAAAeoc/4iKPTHVpTyI/s1600-h/20161226_1811503.jpg"><img title="20161226_181150" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161226_181150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JLp78-mDOgU/WHOtos-BgCI/AAAAAAAAeog/055UF1UVkPM/20161226_181150_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="486"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JHHWuBC9CsQ/WHOtpqh2t2I/AAAAAAAAeok/sV178sfpSiU/s1600-h/20161227_0909513.jpg"><img title="20161227_090951" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161227_090951" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wPy2ubx3BEY/WHOtrGCb4NI/AAAAAAAAeoo/X9WS31VvSqk/20161227_090951_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">This guy is doing some serious fishing just a few feet from our back bumper.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Next stop, another PA park, is Gulf Coast RV Resort in Beaumont, Texas. The PA price is $22.50. We have never ever stayed at a “rv resort”. We are thinking it is called a “resort” because of the free breakfast the next morning! Otherwise it is just a big old parking lot. It begins to rain!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FNZxTuCrPA/WHOtsQ1EphI/AAAAAAAAeos/P73MhSOmLcU/s1600-h/20161227_1656413.jpg"><img title="20161227_165641" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161227_165641" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4LDzT8CBNb_OOC5cNmbFv-xbpAE0dKfCwwiqXd7pvmT-3BmnaP6r0k4fAfb-ZYpqTMwl0WpKbvh3DGd56BYEJGm8RyL-247xaW5CWyFy9u8nSgeY-fqamxrk-u3Zcfo0uZ2cigxc7br3/?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Texas is a big ole state with 880 miles across I-10. Our next night is free parking at the Bourne Visitor Center next to the Walmart.</font></p> <p><font size="5">There’s beautiful old live oaks at the center.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1XKJNJp-yds/WHOtvTDgISI/AAAAAAAAeo0/m86IBzniHp8/s1600-h/20161228_1658083.jpg"><img title="20161228_165808" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161228_165808" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V4vMZ-_6DH4/WHOtwclhAxI/AAAAAAAAeo4/28A6PNcufK0/20161228_165808_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We are behind the blue car! </font></p> <p><font size="5">It is cooling off. We wear our jackets and walk to a lovely Mexican restaurant for dinner. Yum!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Fort Stockton RV Park is the next stop. No discounts but a wonderful little cafe right next to the office.</font></p> <p><font size="5">New Year’s Eve is approaching and I want to be around other RVer’s to bring in 2017. We aim for the Escapee’s park in Deming, Dream Catcher’s RV.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It’s cold, raining and the wind is blowing but there is a party scheduled and everyone is so friendly and welcoming! I walk the park in between rainstorms. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_s6a85REyYZo46WcVjmL0PKFNoThV4m3Mw9vr4IChYYDNV1TPdoPLMHIgJ7SCPq1SyPXlrexuEzkNNt3I6VWDNOfryZ4Nsd5hXImyr1osWE3H2743eZE0jKbXt-XLy3zBJwM0YVnDlsxd/s1600-h/20161231_1343142.jpg"><img title="20161231_134314" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161231_134314" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z8AxfJlPi4w/WHOty2zu4-I/AAAAAAAAepA/P-HhbzpadUg/20161231_134314_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Escapee’s members price, $20 per night. We stay two nights.</font></p> <p><font size="5">(Recording all the places and prices for friends heading west.)</font></p> <p><font size="5">We learn that the next Escapee’s park, a SKP in Benson, AZ, has a one time deal of 7 nights for $50! Normally we are not interested in staying in a rv park for a whole week but the great financial deal plus the forecasted 28 degrees and the thought of exploring a brand new area. It is a good decision!</font></p> <p><font size="5">We have been here one week today. I am sitting here at the table, writing while watching the sun appear over the Dragoon Mountains to the east. I glance up from the keyboard and I am blinded as it crests the mountains.</font></p> <p><font size="5">This week is lovely! This park, the SKP Saguaro Co-op, and its leaseholders are an incredibly warm and friendly bunch of folks. We attend three social hours, one movie (Sully), one party with food, drinks and dancing and an ice cream social. (I think my husband is ready to move in.)</font></p> <p><font size="5">The lots here are huge and many have casitas on them. (They call the little 288 square foot buildings “casitas” which confused us at first.)</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I6VvtKgKlOg/WHOt0KHm2sI/AAAAAAAAepE/2O-KtdCsf4U/s1600-h/20170105_1246242.jpg"><img title="20170105_124624" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170105_124624" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-maOwwIacC7Y/WHOt1ceDeAI/AAAAAAAAepI/sMQhcDgQPEE/20170105_124624_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobKOYW5pmUGIO8NKHchJsJPtiaZIqNufo1rEZOcnCsgggeCpRt3ZWOTtfeRBJXXTTYz90ddSclFOOPM-jJg30wmt4VjdwG-HOM2AZZW2cwoa1pPvvekBKv1CRwD8PEiY8GSwWXVPQEezT/s1600-h/20170102_1510223.jpg"><img title="20170102_151022" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170102_151022" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ygEjAITQg50/WHOt3_ErTyI/AAAAAAAAepQ/imIFBZsyLss/20170102_151022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEiebo4Z1vRUT8bry1Vl_-ClaeT2cAycqZwEhwzLIFAZXTqN0QHSjv5aKpEQXu4mKVUI62xubvJtuhSBQLjm7mel5Hu935PUd3GNZw20if4138maqGPxiUqyMkbZtJsvsimGKrBIg7LSr/s1600-h/20170102_1512203.jpg"><img title="20170102_151220" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170102_151220" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yj8pXXsaF3k/WHOt6u8MMPI/AAAAAAAAepY/f3yMv6-KVu4/20170102_151220_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="417"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4KZU8OJtX7U/WHOt71l7--I/AAAAAAAAepc/Imd9CoVpJx0/s1600-h/20170102_1513383.jpg"><img title="20170102_151338" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170102_151338" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ORlHBZOO3Q/WHOt9EBgccI/AAAAAAAAepg/SaiqiefI1es/20170102_151338_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SWGC6srGGdQ/WHOt-RyOnmI/AAAAAAAAepk/kBjgaBHv57M/s1600-h/20170102_1513103.jpg"><img title="20170102_151310" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170102_151310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c9XoIQssslY/WHOt_jrm4cI/AAAAAAAAepo/ryCxrxt2ZjU/20170102_151310_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">The Gambel’s quail are everywhere!</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8cv2rO1KdaQ/WHOuAx64gBI/AAAAAAAAeps/4TmyPS2gsSY/s1600-h/20170103_1004343.jpg"><img title="20170103_100434" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170103_100434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7w6NnTQr_g/WHOuCfHnOTI/AAAAAAAAepw/05HLPLzzqj8/20170103_100434_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z5DuSxnb-UA/WHOuDsY9SRI/AAAAAAAAep0/-OyhX4F6oJA/s1600-h/20170105_1305272.jpg"><img title="20170105_130527" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170105_130527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBUYAy0dLst5GhsLzUPEe20qWFd_li4rvHxh_L5WpoJpyrqeA9bVQKlk-RkDS_3XFCVg13OTx5PTJpXjJxjbo2z3yuKIusaivcduVFYbRJbTNz771O0irorxEJUznHYqZWzZwAVpm29RV/?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Front yard railroad station.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We take a day trip to Tombstone and walk the old town.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orYUPKpcVmU/WHOuHeATYtI/AAAAAAAAep8/I9gNcorGEb4/s1600-h/DSC_00013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_JoC61QpLA8/WHOuIifbmaI/AAAAAAAAeqA/I5ovmYzrB6c/DSC_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="382"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YOznqjfEBBg/WHOuJ8rxaHI/AAAAAAAAeqE/CsiocQDYKmQ/s1600-h/DSC_00043.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClQO_7oXL53yWw2pJUJrJB0BZhxDcK1st0pDsJg2N2GFgGFUTBXzq2_f-yOHPJX_VLuaXjz7EiVnDZrJ5In3GyiUMBl8R7iwJcdXdYzH_yVePUKFyjL1_fy-_MlNuz43UJ3CrawgwJ51H/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="382"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5N92ntrh2Vw/WHOuNtc6ErI/AAAAAAAAeqM/6LL1GRu6aDc/s1600-h/DSC_00053.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PMJv-D23Zc0/WHOuPPamanI/AAAAAAAAeqQ/kX631zPefqM/DSC_0005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Another daytrip is to the Cochise Stronghold where we take a short nature hike. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3rw2OmtbrN0TVnbuJysNY4kQlTvw96qd2sCMRK6e4k2MX9QBLW0F50F46dFGMyQY1ziCCSAPVLr7u30hNbPu3M6i3Y4SvL9pUvOSzIZ_79SeOmXTpXo8ZXyvwML1iVZe-J8vU5JOVXCI/s1600-h/DSC_00173.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrBCQSvphctki67RSbQdXQ2tqrgzmtR_aaItzmlA5IABV6T2ghON5CSTdcJclblxqwpK7lSgGJKg4CP0rD7mv7t0ODgIZGiLR3WDdFmIPCDiBuoCBq1PKY2UM0RyPgXr53ih59sJqphxN/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="372"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The open desert is just behind the park. I hike up past a water tower and photo the Dragoons.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VrDDW5iXykg/WHOuTKvH4ZI/AAAAAAAAeqc/TEimux7MAAc/s1600-h/DSC_00093.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hp5mkrnA4ak/WHOuUbaStbI/AAAAAAAAeqg/coOvtnAXehQ/DSC_0009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tt-NhnCHhJg/WHOuVlAOy7I/AAAAAAAAeqk/K5YvE5JJR5Q/s1600-h/20170102_1741293.jpg"><img title="20170102_174129" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170102_174129" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RSig0RSdM0c/WHOuW1xwrpI/AAAAAAAAeqo/1STXkJzVuWE/20170102_174129_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="482"></a></p> <p><font size="5">It’s time to get on the road…..in our future is Lost Dutchman SP today, a visit to Scottsdale, the big show in Quartzsite and a flight to San Francisco and that’s just this month!</font></p> <p><font size="5">A personal note:</font></p> <p><font size="5">These past two months have been difficult, emotionally. There was conflict between my blood family and me and conflict with my friends, my world. </font></p> <p><font size="5">My hope for the future is to not be a part of the divisiveness but to focus on what we share…our humanness, kindness, love of nature and each other.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Wishing good things for all in 2017!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-76577116853811089762016-12-19T12:54:00.000-05:002016-12-19T13:00:19.502-05:00twenty sixteen was not too bad…..<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RWaFr-OQn1E/WFgeVHX2jGI/AAAAAAAAeU4/nZ7Kiprqs_k/s1600-h/DSC_00333.jpg"><img title="DSC_0033" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T2m1_A_KupI/WFgeV5UgjVI/AAAAAAAAeU8/3H5TsHtILjo/DSC_0033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p>Dome Rock boon docking…January 2016</p> <p><font size="5">2016 was not too shabby! A review of last year’s Google photos shows a couple of oldsters having lots of fun!</font></p> <p><font size="5">It is the first year we are able to have two western get aways……two winter months in the desert and a couple of summer months in the Colorado mountains!</font></p> <p><font size="5">We leave Chattanooga later than usual, 1/8/16, due to family medical issues. Six nights later we are at Gilbert Ray campground just outside of Tucson. Then it’s on to Phoenix after a brief stay at Lost Dutchman SP near Apache Junction.</font></p> <p><font size="5">After a visit with David’s family and a trip to Dr. Su, a heart doctor recommended by another <a href="http://retiredbicycle.blogspot.com" target="_blank">blogger</a>, we head to Quartzsite just in time to celebrate the wedding of dear friends.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyKl9Z4qa1EDFLC5QCUIAF53RMJu5Lua-XoKvcbUxdFCmM0vsDSaobMJBYFnc6CalOp5xgOkk2ghUumirqr75Pd3-hjVY1fgDxBFv9TgAuzPJ1a-vMwisy-T6JWKTRhVlMEgehNZCG7Ok/s1600-h/DSC_00064.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5HTr9vVatDiQdujMXrEnyk8Ywblfbggqhye-VfeU850YvtU_zFBd5bf7PSMb54gJestzZQ_zf5a7mpUo-zMWDVLhE0Q9fYoaqOWsWxFjG6-Dq83lSoLehfGiMbWP5j5Z7DjVK_Ygo60F/?imgmax=800" width="246" height="151"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QyyTPguDL4c/WFgeYLWMjtI/AAAAAAAAeVI/E8dAkHKRDqI/s1600-h/DSC_00124.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i41EcCY0CWM/WFgeZHqS7vI/AAAAAAAAeVM/DKMjiuHXeFc/DSC_0012_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="165"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Then it’s time to race back to Phoenix to get David’s heart arrhythmia fixed. Success!!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HRDIVUG05ew/WFgeZ8ebrYI/AAAAAAAAeVQ/nsWeRvd8mA8/s1600-h/20160127_1103463.jpg"><img title="20160127_110346" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160127_110346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpN_wF5RXHIWoatbTY3GTEel1clPHoQQ0PQqTEq5SaYwpS6jeqyBUo_A4e4P3Wu10B_jeSxDo_XI6XJZZtwQbZfAB6TyjLWE2pIE6wgtTnp2J1ZZojKVywLlYdOXbsMHqo20dOpk7daFb/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Procedure is 1/26/2016. (Today David’s heart is still beating normally.)</font></p> <p><font size="5">After the procedure we spend a week at his daughter’s home, another week at Santa Fe RV Park in Apache Junction before heading to the fiberglass rally at Dome Rock, Quartzsite.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lgbGfvueRzA/WFgebFXju-I/AAAAAAAAeVY/AtwFFTwH-80/s1600-h/DSC_00083.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TuKuT7pS78/WFgecFSY7CI/AAAAAAAAeVc/_g2Ekpb9h4c/DSC_0008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="270"></a></p> <p><font size="5">That’s Dome Rock on the right.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nfq2PUziy4M/WFgec3iWQeI/AAAAAAAAeVg/u6XM_4jffP8/s1600-h/DSC_00013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxghVIKsaXg/WFgeeVqR5-I/AAAAAAAAeVk/ihgwDCrl50U/DSC_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="319"></a></p> <p><font size="5">A fraction of the 183 fiberglass trailers attending!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Buckskin Mountain State Park at Parker, AZ is our next destination….camping next to the Colorado River.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhwX2SGeFHM/WFgefBjkJII/AAAAAAAAeVo/oSJQNANjKR0/s1600-h/DSC_00233.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGUKRcKwEDQ/WFgegHM9GAI/AAAAAAAAeVs/hGI5URZO8_g/DSC_0023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWsldW4ModvdQqM81qA-M3RqaoRB2uyf2I8_Xxktwptk2cDwvWLnSD6F6Iqoehyj4olHefq3snevxqMfbqhZyZv3Z8SHeA838TU9q1CPvalwocQQvfvPXCjsM3CxXWQcaegTJooPhyphenhyphen1Hj/s1600-h/20160219_1126243.jpg"><img title="20160219_112624" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160219_112624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwqb4sPlRpQgoIBR79eeofeNGB_-frjR7UhruNRmTWSqUghiFNhyt3lkoDMQjo4hSySz2mmd1RzSrK7wV-OQCcKOGK8U2DammvWkD3D9GQvs7x_c8bjrfgC_TYSKCtkYLRrLqAko0bRvl/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="226"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We drove up to see London Bridge at Lake Havasu City.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VHVKU_Enfaw/WFgeiAr1rvI/AAAAAAAAeV4/Dl96ULsuz7M/s1600-h/20160221_0849183.jpg"><img title="20160221_084918" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160221_084918" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlYmtEtbHWJPBt8mCg8ZBl8b5N0jZNELMvPu5Y_1WztsLAx_iOFy6JW9V8Je3VHhE1PSKFEE5gMLo-HuBy9sT2Sf0jjBkSkHT4ebc7T9ECL90AfZMVXszu1NcUy8IPKby1vaYClKd7vAj/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="355"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Buckskin MTN State Park</font></p> <p><font size="5">We think about heading north up into Nevada but it was getting a little warm. Decide to go east and check out Congress, AZ and Escapees North Ranch RV Park. We camp there without hookups for five bucks a night, a privilege of membership. </font></p> <p><font size="5">Our time in the desert is running out….it is getting warmer. Can’t leave without spending a week at Lost Dutchman SP at Apache Junction, AZ.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8TIq8xQTrWQ/WFgeksjSjWI/AAAAAAAAeWA/EMqtsGbGExM/s1600-h/20160301_1851473.jpg"><img title="20160301_185147" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160301_185147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-53aqZPGX2s4/WFgelVhvwSI/AAAAAAAAeWE/-HkXDXLwjMY/20160301_185147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RWBnPXXgIfIsVhBwIEchMU3k7bgKt64GU_Tlaun0i1Uu-V8Q9glOt248DW-xWIhmi1j5kWdkDwXRyR1FbvB3y6hG1TAg-ExBWcCeRysav0PJP_qUFzOZV4BU_sjlzzPKNhDDJziTxdXs/s1600-h/20160302_1836433.jpg"><img title="20160302_183643" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160302_183643" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgr9gdjlPvgYIWbM3ay98foT45Z9s-eLnhnwxDkLUTlwZYLzyQT2DpPoA9G4UiR2NKj2eTlgzt2weL84JZueKzeBZVbkAqajViFgMvfgjD2IEynyKcXUuvg5LFs71CkfMKd3e5EXw344m/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a><font size="5">Superstition Mountains at Lost Dutchman</font></p> <p><font size="5">Our trip back home is plagued with rain and floods. West Texas is a totally different experience in the rain. And the flooding is lapping at I-10 as we drive back through Louisiana. </font></p> <p><font size="5">But we arrive safely at the Green Eggs and Ham fiberglass rally near Montgomery, AL.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bjiUOgYPmgM/WFgenX2MmII/AAAAAAAAeWQ/bc1uUt0IsF0/s1600-h/20160316_1714213.jpg"><img title="20160316_171421" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160316_171421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTNieVl76OUHVLNzlNQKn6fmIf6IQvzIt0gQ9m7PTQ9OWZrKEY6NqEwVAabmWsGqYBQnpJBbbUZYLHPW1SKQyfLKPfXiy8YC8pGaMbdT662Y_onEhC-booYNtB9cKOmHxEHmlw4iapODl/?imgmax=800" width="595" height="486"></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Kz437nvzKM/WFgeo6VyQ8I/AAAAAAAAeWY/_awAiHOfexg/s1600-h/DSC_00017.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lp50ig94Vko/WFgeqtOfdGI/AAAAAAAAeWc/KiF6wAcvPvE/DSC_0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="385"></a></p> <p><font size="5">And more rain.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We are back to Chattanooga on 3/20/2016 after a 72 night trip. Total on camping fees is $730.00….the $30 and $35 a night for 7 nights at Buckskin runs up the average. We spend 31 nights camping for $0.00 by using BLM land, family, friends and Walmart. Average nightly paid fee for 41 nights is $17.80.</font></p> <p><font size="5">In April we attend the Townsend rally, its first year without a designated rally leader.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMjBScDjc0Xun4aGJJy81ASKtEk54XH_9mGWXfHbOPLjMDQ0LWYdK-BNmJc_khGiQQoytSPqSJJgLUMLcvWncD15oxh2h9Zn8SgVhAgohXuqljCh8b9X4UQs6UVvnoIz2UNc4L92adVBY/s1600-h/20160416_132954%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160416_132954" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160416_132954" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--40Gxr1B0yg/WFgesBljTMI/AAAAAAAAeWk/L_KXIV92C40/20160416_132954_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5"></font></p> <p><font size="5">Middle Prong Trail near Tremont, GSMNP</font></p> <p><font size="5">In May David complains of chest pain, the ambulance arrives and takes him to the ER. His diagnosis is a “baby” heart attack! Three days of tests and he is back home. Six weeks later his diagnosis changes to stress myopathy and several months later the doctors say his heart is back to normal! We are so thankful….. And now he has some excellent physicians caring for him…..a result of the hospital stay.</font></p> <p><font size="5">In July we get the medical OK for us to go to Colorado, a brand new camping experience for us. It is a hot and miserable trip across I-40 in 100 degree temperatures! We stay in the cab of the truck with the A/C blasting. I constantly fret over David and Sylvester, the cat, getting too hot.</font></p> <p><font size="5">But the reward is beautiful scenery and cool temperatures!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tkiKzCguqQDdYio2HdDuDY9SxNc1uMbtZJK5Kb-fiRa0gFJ_rmXHBynGchuXNboxjxd5zp0RF5yeTcBhtWJf5Pos9YFf42SylMpxFWm33dGIyB3RkVJKaS5VgEQF5zoIckrxHjhfou-L/s1600-h/20160729_111111%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160729_111111" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160729_111111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZxUsc5nSleXYTRHWk7LvJRUbD9nLzs4n9M6-OnZZv7mvpawr_fLLqqLAITv23beUQJsv4oQUcilRnDKM4Pw8zwLiIJ7W1O3xnnRWQnJkWWGBfJTaPFN7GxQM0I9K4_TaLlin_jdQGnnD/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWYmnSM8GFEhQUDce_K6syIJYJPFFV5iRRdHeet46v7dQN-Gm9Veqod4ON3VMaPzvG0eU_-i_hPzAR5gGd9Jd3iwrd9FhBA3T-pBmVJ3416pSqqs755NKmzCFk1wZjE6L3OpncQmOZjtL/s1600-h/20160826_141056%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160826_141056" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_141056" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_N9fGv9V7zFPtMEPlcc6WhVIt8jq2ADk5Czh0-wyu_auObwA2xHEFNTruwSK3L7SCsWx-oJzNWb1wU2knfklCdovH4WEy1EJ82cdKInN0ETFQLjUpGUoxw9iAi86XlNKTFwKBuSBAhDd/?imgmax=800" width="596" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvmaFsr2D6hQamvjHBiG5j76xuu4BMnicin95jC0LEvzBPL33xmx3T8ChqNCCvSDrjsCwBkwOlhyphenhyphenDVfMn8f-GACg-kfLAeuhSRPSR8ycGKiZaotTsRddfn1gnvGRcr7g3sEd0-xLBCdkt/s1600-h/20160828_100556%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160828_100556" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160828_100556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxPIvWW_6LLlgPrhA43E7NFvoOGHHOIRUbD-4Hs5vRW0iZuBQUI0G9Y9lGkyFznN47ihbVVXcbTpqMqBlZetJnFZBQNmFLNTxUVtNQ2cbmRbxs4nap-P2hNTpeXFQ-hbqsf9_x-biMfPV/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">We attend a Rocky Mountain rally in July and the Kansas rally in September, arriving back home mid September.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwwasynTs1M/WFgeyK-J45I/AAAAAAAAeXA/MYcWWxJME-A/s1600-h/DSC_0007%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007 (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F_pM47T0F_scTj0q7o_zKXoGFLij3KVdMYPhoUbGJUrdmxi1pUH_LAXFACMYzaa_Rkcsy2NVzFjWEOSi2zx_iuynhR5JN2S9D3FNJmBh6oA8ByFjwAQbLmp1_m34comStFdwmrRGcp0j/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="329"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TIEaGX0A_kE/WFgezqKjCJI/AAAAAAAAeXI/1Kz0_Lw4r-0/s1600-h/DSC_0014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp40gaFR5u3TaZWHaE0eTdd2G9VYSg_l0jkpzb86V_19XpFPDBIc05Mvhw9tE8iT-h8Pg1K5m4O7Nod05eFBpEAm8WlOrkMXxF6LY-mbvEPiq-72ucIyzAP9nOBKmjk7NGXizQT0hE7JuQ/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="473"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Boon docking in the Pagosa Springs, CO area.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The Land Between the Lakes rally in October, just northwest of Nashville, Tennessee, is one event we always enjoy.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Fjg2wAs-a4/WFge13ukkOI/AAAAAAAAeXQ/GJzwYJoWgQE/s1600-h/DSC_0030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0030" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0030" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gy8W1HuwHp8/WFge2xmZD0I/AAAAAAAAeXU/P534N49EM54/DSC_0030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="317"></a></p> <p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7L0bIuxVAu8/WFge3h42IGI/AAAAAAAAeXY/DnXBRsFcFEM/s1600-h/DSC_0007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Jawtyc-gDA/WFge4ZBhf2I/AAAAAAAAeXc/9tZNEW7R8HE/DSC_0007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="396"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">At the LBL rally, our last trip of 2016….</font></p> <p><font size="5">We get home mid October, the tenants in our duplex move out November 1, and it has been all about updating the rental property for the past 6 weeks.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hf0QyDZy3vU/WFge5GuMD8I/AAAAAAAAeXg/yY4qZtJLukY/s1600-h/20161124_112329%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20161124_112329" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161124_112329" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhHTnyDZWD8/WFge5_JQawI/AAAAAAAAeXk/WeT9ByJI3Og/20161124_112329_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AdSHq1JZr8Q/WFge6g5c1cI/AAAAAAAAeXo/dll3JrKC-vw/s1600-h/20161124_112625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20161124_112625" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161124_112625" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V0vy9wlOH1Y/WFge7WYkTnI/AAAAAAAAeXs/Ws6-s4OraJM/20161124_112625_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">It is a pretty fall but there’s lots of smoke from the numerous wildfires.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It’s finally started raining, actually sleeting for awhile yesterday. </font></p> <p><font size="5">The repairs on the bath next door just finished this morning and more painting and cleaning are necessary. Hope to be done in a few days ……cause it’s time to pack for Arizona!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Desert sun, here we come!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Merry Christmas, everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Sending much love and hopes for peace in 2017!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-58872820978654927772016-09-04T16:02:00.000-04:002016-09-04T16:03:28.198-04:00Last Week in Colorado and an Earthquake in KS!<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5OuNHyG11tk/V8x9SRfuW5I/AAAAAAAAdv0/zKDVAZwiTkU/s1600-h/20160826_1410563.jpg"><img title="20160826_141056" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_141056" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vrQV8_mGNmI/V8x9TzLDg8I/AAAAAAAAdv4/LJieyioHSBI/20160826_141056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We arrive at Big Meadow campground early Friday morning and secure a site looking over the lake. It’s still cool, a mist hangs over the mountains. We are totally enchanted with this new campground.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xNmGKu8ujMg/V8x9U71jzWI/AAAAAAAAdv8/84QUoI-HgU4/s1600-h/20160826_1253103.jpg"><img title="20160826_125310" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_125310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Au2YGT90ewKY7E6jEppMhpvDxtBgL69UkJJB8cMhCbP_wNF5cr3p_CCoNfVOpbHyaYyFcX2tCpjZ9Rl7xwCyR51V3VoLd0pUpfvoxi2FXA6Bal_Tm351rf3n2MuW51Pauk7Z7bovvKAo/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="380"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HzkWGRQwbdw/V8x9XfC6fsI/AAAAAAAAdwE/fITOijgeurE/s1600-h/20160826_1146543.jpg"><img title="20160826_114654" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_114654" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw5LJuLvNp6VF7OYlHlaeCh6crSzEdINVbQUZLE_R2m0lNQw6w4HLtTYiQAuoefaTlgFU1-nxqWxj2nLj5I5l1JxC3xMQkDYht71ap-dfgBHTRmrru2Iv30HVwmh0_kezpgYi9euIXZQt/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="392"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">The run off from the lake makes a lovely waterfall.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XV3W7RMSbeM/V8x9ZQD_MeI/AAAAAAAAdwM/dY4hvKeTiIM/s1600-h/20160826_1331323.jpg"><img title="20160826_133132" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_133132" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZX-JskoIukw/V8x9apZynvI/AAAAAAAAdwQ/Bh8XbKx3QZ4/20160826_133132_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Part of the “Big Meadow”.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RcilDlJ3sP4/V8x9b64pClI/AAAAAAAAdwU/m54CP8zk7JM/s1600-h/20160826_1330113.jpg"><img title="20160826_133011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_133011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WJHxo1FS4wo/V8x9c3GweAI/AAAAAAAAdwY/kgque8WJTh4/20160826_133011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="631" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">It begins to rain as soon as we start hiking.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2jQQMPxis4EBxASkTZBs_rKd83VfayQVfoVvD9V7vT9AJx0cxvo_tV1OIp91lvgTCNkQesFd_qzFHsl1vUIPXSw3otfvTn3TsF04JE7IsN1jxO6rp9LWZ910Y47ouxjlqS-OvcfM16Wi/s1600-h/20160826_1257103.jpg"><img title="20160826_125710" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_125710" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_tN7tyENWOc/V8x9fC-7SHI/AAAAAAAAdwg/f1mV35gizV8/20160826_125710_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="447"></a></p> <p><font size="5">It’s real cold that night. I wake up thinking a window must be open. The next day a camp host informs us that it got down to 32 degrees.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Hmm. Maybe it’s time to run the furnace? </font><font size="5">We have never left it on all night. But we have also never spent the night at 9,225 feet!</font></p> <p><font size="5">That next night we sleep warm after adjusting the thermostat to 53 degrees F. </font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-diOnETJSgCA/V8x9gHsUM0I/AAAAAAAAdwk/skqX6dg_XmE/s1600-h/20160828_1005563.jpg"><img title="20160828_100556" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160828_100556" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--DuTyOpFRec/V8x9hQSg72I/AAAAAAAAdwo/mfjkGmfXaoo/20160828_100556_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a> </font></p> <p><font size="5">Sylvester also enjoys this spot as there are numerous chipmunks darting through camp.</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OxQ2E-WFqUc/V8x9inFgWFI/AAAAAAAAdws/dpSR4Heq9jY/s1600-h/20160826_1332363.jpg"><img title="20160826_133236" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160826_133236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_Yi6YDENBR8g9DM7Hl8oCOZ4twPNq9kvFqvdB4B3TXj3iIMLfuGcLjfBkUUWzykRWjeU44pTPgYjUyFr51WYre8mL5d4D_CzBY8uE1fIInlJkJvsBrVpxVSU0htXf0J6CuLecS3Rtf-P/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Two nights is all we want of the cold weather. It’s gorgeous when the sun is out, but too cool for comfort every afternoon as the rain approaches. And it is time to think about the rally in Kansas. We head east on 160, stopping at a Passport America campground, Woods and River, where we pay $16 for a full hookup. The site is in Del Norte and it’s on the Rio Grande.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wfcD1-5GYN0/V8x9k87sHWI/AAAAAAAAdw0/HA0ZUvsS7HU/s1600-h/DSC_0011-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VObiv21IgDQ/V8x9mB0A02I/AAAAAAAAdw4/dkRi_cnUmlk/DSC_0011-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p>Rio Grande at Del Norte</p> <p><font size="5">John Martin Reservoir State Park in eastern Colorado is our destination on Monday, just a 200 mile drive.</font></p> <p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nsmz1DnyCjY/V8x9nVzTqYI/AAAAAAAAdw8/fHINlagbxsc/s1600-h/20160829_1651053.jpg"><img title="20160829_165105" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160829_165105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvo41f5zMe1rkwbJ-qCro8XkRJNsBdz6v3JIHC5d22O-4x-L8Q1TdccCzKpn6W7zAqOjC3di0YOsVFcdoMOP2T_UXKQp-Mf59MKTgd0exlZ3lzQrcQVGZAU9OlxpW1AWHRnU79Jyew1lK/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="370"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wg6R7cR_NiM/V8x9pWxFimI/AAAAAAAAdxE/qF9LarDwc0E/s1600-h/20160829_1829553.jpg"><img title="20160829_182955" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160829_182955" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SzLXznVFtQk/V8x9qv3wYoI/AAAAAAAAdxI/p9SpTTxI93k/20160829_182955_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="437"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We have time to grill turkey sausages and Brussel sprouts…a new combo for us.</font></p> <p><font size="5">After a long drive on small back roads we see civilization again at I-70. A blogger friend’s former home town has a city rv park, Ellis City Lake Park. Thanks, <a href="http://followingthewinds.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Emily</a>!</font></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aPIe9EH-M-E/V8x9rgiC44I/AAAAAAAAdxM/emFe8AHz1NE/s1600-h/20160830_180740%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160830_180740" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160830_180740" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmorBPAtOu8/V8x9soJU-II/AAAAAAAAdxQ/BecQ9F91AvM/20160830_180740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a> </p> <p><font size="5">We sleep soundly after walking to town for pizza.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We are almost to Junction City, Kansas. We are excited as many of our fiberglass friends are registered to attend the Kansas rally. We pull into Farnum Creek two days before the Labor Day holiday weekend. There are 7 big trailers in the camp but no cars. We are the only ones here! </font></p> <p><font size="5">We know to enjoy the quiet while we can. This is a favorite camping/fishing spot with the locals.</font></p> <p><font size="5">This area is known for its sunsets.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DkyeM9-W27s/V8x9t1LjGSI/AAAAAAAAdxU/22wHhDwlo54/s1600-h/DSC_0022%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0022 (1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0022 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RvbhBONAyvA/V8x9u8XnKnI/AAAAAAAAdxY/5-vwi6Nal08/DSC_0022%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DGBBAy3WYhU/V8x9vwmcL7I/AAAAAAAAdxc/a9k3XrOuoiI/s1600-h/DSC_0018%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0kCkPu6GqoU/V8x9wwQPt0I/AAAAAAAAdxg/xDpeyrrdhf0/DSC_0018%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JzK3T2g8vHA/V8x9xxUoezI/AAAAAAAAdxk/9kQ_2QG5CO8/s1600-h/DSC_0020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9ILfEE1TPM/V8x9zN-HKWI/AAAAAAAAdxo/VU6gRwT4onY/DSC_0020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Now, the earthquake. </font></p> <p><font size="5">It is just after 7 am on 9/3/2016. I am barely awake when the Escape’s roof starts receiving hits. After 4 or 5 loud impacts I wonder if a squirrel is irate and throwing sticks at us. Before I can get out of bed to chase away the furry demon, the trailer starts to shake. It was over in 10 to 15 seconds and, since our experience of earthquakes is limited, it takes a bit to realize that we have just been through an earthquake! A 5.6 down in Oklahoma. </font></p> <p><font size="5">But no harm is done.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The holiday weekend ends tomorrow. All the boats, fifth wheels, tents, dogs, locals and kids will disappear and several dozen little white trailers will replace them.</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-47457839992499118222016-08-26T20:42:00.000-04:002016-08-26T20:50:15.710-04:00Living the Dream?<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QKfeYt67Qw/V8Dd_ywOdvI/AAAAAAAAdgs/uV5NbyN-um8/s1600-h/DSC_00483.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flh1SqOcTgs/V8DeF9Vt9uI/AAAAAAAAdgw/WptO2qyKNxA/DSC_0048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="445"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Vallecito Lake</font></p> <p><font size="5">Some of our family and friends have commented that we are “living the dream” and, for the most part, I agree. But it is being dishonest to not mention some of the un dreamlike parts of the “dream”….like the past three days of rain and cold. At the moment the sun is shining but the wind is howling and it’s barely 60 degrees. I am warm, writing while sitting in the truck. The husband is napping in the Escape…a little distance helps me concentrate. But rain, cold and overcast skies are not fun. Ready for some warmth!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Speaking of the husband…a fact I rarely mention is his aging. I know, we are all aging, but, at almost 79, some days are more challenging than others. Like two nights ago when he took the trash to the dumpster and became disorientated as to the correct direction back to the trailer. Luckily he had his phone on and there was coverage. It was dark and very scary for me when I realized that he was lost. I see a pair of walky talkies in the future for us.</font></p> <p><font size="5">David’s blood thinner also causes issues when he bumps or scrapes up against objects. I was not a happy camper earlier in the trip when the sheets were needing daily washing and I was constantly changing bandages.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Hope no one thinks I am complaining. Gratitude for what we have is practiced every day. Love that I have a mate who shares my love of the outdoors. But some days just go smoother than others.</font></p> <p><font size="5">So, backing up a week……</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AIeF1_tCW98/V8DeJM2xtgI/AAAAAAAAdg0/tCwtGiOsU4M/s1600-h/DSC_0013-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0013 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0013 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tLPxlh1vEV8/V8DeP7DP20I/AAAAAAAAdg4/1Kfr82wzrNA/DSC_0013-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="327"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The Chimney Rock ruins is just down the road from our camp.</font></p> <p><font size="5">There’s a $12 fee for the tour and we opted to just take one of the two tours. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4wQ1hOFU3L1jyzXOs35wrshmNJ5uDJVgdL8IHwoeQgxfn724kNiTge0MbuN_U5oextsbe4H02om1d79Y116Jfzp4AyiRITNMkNkEaRMtGzvHip8cTt2f7ldj3YR9L__ZDhl7HisihIzn/s1600-h/DSC_0012-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YVkq5RP9EsE/V8DeZZIKfXI/AAAAAAAAdhA/QE3JPvAQTuw/DSC_0012-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="383"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The view from the monument is magnificent!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KCE-q02XbKo/V8Dee3D7ALI/AAAAAAAAdhE/tX2zMLtMDqU/s1600-h/DSC_0007-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MmnKL-8Eg5M/V8DejwPy3VI/AAAAAAAAdhI/ALM78ikpl7k/DSC_0007-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="329"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hJsKh4P8B_Y/V8DerE9V07I/AAAAAAAAdhM/SIZidEEqfiA/s1600-h/DSC_00093.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFda5uhgspXKVojkYsFi4DnQR42vUEjq67dX9SPjhkYpIRUq_jzCcWDQlWWLFtzM1tS_8VNW5L5t7Wi7YeLqfeXFYNengTIM_72VJRBlwYn0hXojGzefBoJQ42GkU5nchwGgsvi3Ax5T3n/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Not sure if this was a kiva….but the tour had many structures like this one.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The next day we head east back to the Durango area. We plan to ride the train and then, just decided not to do it. The less expensive travel option started sounding uncomfortable.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Instead we pick up meds called into the local Wal Mart. Durango is a metropolis compared with Pagosa Springs…..what a traffic mess!</font></p> <p><font size="5">We choose to stay at Vallecito, a forest service campground with some electric sites. It is $14.50 a night with electric and the Senior Pass.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e3h9sjSq32uKnojqoU3R2nNRncEKDaaoTb4-kdJNz7WPA62tkV5Gnr6grsHbA3YQF-VBTLqgvjchUkTDOB7f7yHWEOqpi9H1xD5cKHgifEqdJPrDe1U6n2kwqggPwFp-ltiTma18sQOH/s1600-h/DSC_0018-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ND_jbOatQ9s/V8DfLm2Qo-I/AAAAAAAAdhY/P0wlp4cywcc/DSC_0018-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="470"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The Vallecito Creek runs through the campground. The electric sites are off from the water but we can hear the creek sing.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LrLZhuts4hg/V8Df7MpEpXI/AAAAAAAAdhg/NVlBBFOcyjw/s1600-h/DSC_0038-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0038 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0038 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LLTs9P10ols/V8DgL43BlGI/AAAAAAAAdhk/Wqvu6gIFLEQ/DSC_0038-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="435"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JENrIz7iVhk/V8DgY3XJ13I/AAAAAAAAdho/kxmy5mTebNI/s1600-h/DSC_00413.jpg"><img title="DSC_0041" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0041" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pz7pTfHcNzs/V8DgdkInpcI/AAAAAAAAdhs/SCrpgDXJA_A/DSC_0041_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="399"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">The creek runs into Vallecito Lake…the largest lake in Colorado at 8,000 feet or higher.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zznsP2Tz0uc/V8DgjpmfEAI/AAAAAAAAdhw/jV1H9wkKcqk/s1600-h/DSC_0034-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0034 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UuZzFUS3Rxk/V8DgpEObOqI/AAAAAAAAdh0/_gxqvmu_Wnw/DSC_0034-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="373"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r6N39B0-rZA/V8DgxdvPN4I/AAAAAAAAdh4/_lVLT3kCBUM/s1600-h/DSC_0027-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kv31BWtdnUo/V8Dg1a5kIFI/AAAAAAAAdiA/ztpZFuZwF_M/DSC_0027-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5TOKEEBNbPw/V8Dg8q7ySiI/AAAAAAAAdiE/P300J8CfZhU/s1600-h/DSC_0036-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m84f1pyOZv0/V8Dhs-QIvoI/AAAAAAAAdiM/Nm0gWCk1mac/DSC_0036-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Vallecito means little valley in Spanish. Our campground is at the very end of the valley….and under a thunderstorm.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We stay 5 nights. Love the river, the hiking trail, the canyon walls and the blue spruces! It feels like we are camping in a Christmas tree stand.</font></p> <p><font size="5">And the campground is almost deserted after the weekenders leave.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bXXRx2Vvmy4/V8Dhwb4MzII/AAAAAAAAdiQ/sP2-lUKOBlI/s1600-h/DSC_00443.jpg"><img title="DSC_0044" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbetpMRqxCA/V8DhyzlJ2_I/AAAAAAAAdiU/81fgJ4RAPLw/DSC_0044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ke30un6JALs/V8Dh1yo7kRI/AAAAAAAAdiY/9N8obDHaFUI/s1600-h/DSC_00463.jpg"><img title="DSC_0046" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0046" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CnHHewMgF3Y/V8Dh4G0g4wI/AAAAAAAAdic/yawkVaIOuS4/DSC_0046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_l-Cq-uBsX0/V8Dh6Xc954I/AAAAAAAAdig/trSCRs6TtxU/s1600-h/DSC_00513.jpg"><img title="DSC_0051" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0051" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NO2xfV22LD0/V8Dh8HVjpHI/AAAAAAAAdik/1kYfUHLp4b0/DSC_0051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2DeUmcT5IuI/V8Dh-xDakDI/AAAAAAAAdis/0FYk69F5vQQ/s1600-h/DSC_00563.jpg"><img title="DSC_0056" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0056" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wi6faqon69I/V8DiBQ8cg2I/AAAAAAAAdiw/-TJoYF27BsE/DSC_0056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="410"></a></p> <p><font size="5">This catches the blog up to yesterday where we stay at West Fork campground after deciding against crossing Wolf Creek Pass in a thunderstorm.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Today the pass was no big deal with the Tundra pulling the Escape with empty tanks. Not sure why I was so nervous about it. It was just 10,000 feet! </font></p> <p><font size="5">We arrive safely at Big Meadow campground. Lots of photos but they are all still on the phone.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Hope to get them published before we arrive at the Kansas rally next week. </font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-76284382235704206232016-08-20T13:44:00.000-04:002016-08-20T13:46:45.291-04:00Pagosa Springs….Saying Goodbye!<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tFt8078EpaQ/V7iWIzOZCKI/AAAAAAAAdbc/HaJrPUOfPFY/s1600-h/20160815_1339123.jpg"><img title="20160815_133912" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160815_133912" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a5V_6Y1kVyY/V7iWLfExtZI/AAAAAAAAdbg/Ea1DaKa-1ns/20160815_133912_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="393"></a></p> <p><font size="3">San Juan River…downtown Pagosa Springs</font></p> <p><font size="5">We have sat in the cool shade of Ponderosa pines and blue spruces for over a week. It’s time to go to town and find a hot spring (and shower.) This is a first for us, been in a few hot springs out in the wilds but no citified pools! Noticing that there is an eight dollar rate for senior citizens we choose a place right across the street from the Pagosa Springs Visitor Center. It is a bit on the run down side but we just want the experience. There are several pools to choose from. (Sorry, no photos.) The sulfur smell is not too strong and it’s truly an enjoyable time.</font></p> <p><font size="5">And we could barely drag ourselves out of the hot water.</font></p> <p><font size="5">There’s a path in the East Fork campground that leads to the river. It’s kind of scary….part of it goes straight down over a bluff….but I have been wanting to hike it before we leave.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yCPRbKU6-b8/V7iWM2w96iI/AAAAAAAAdbk/DTtb_mU5RVU/s1600-h/DSC_00023.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eAwDIU0Uckk/V7iWOc_LgoI/AAAAAAAAdbo/UOyH_fh8wRo/DSC_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="426"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WGO07xU1GAk/V7iWP1HnhJI/AAAAAAAAdbs/wzYAoT4-Hvs/s1600-h/DSC_0005-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SGM8mPyNHMY/V7iWRaiv7yI/AAAAAAAAdbw/xbYicx6nZks/DSC_0005-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="483"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The short walk leads to the rushing East Fork of the San Juan, another world away from the campground. Just the river and me. There’s evidence that others have been enjoying the space.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-08s-3qtb4E8/V7iWTD6ZcKI/AAAAAAAAdb0/x70SWkcFZTI/s1600-h/DSC_00073.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UX7YteWtip0/V7iWUr1JXrI/AAAAAAAAdb4/8ucBWu6d2x4/DSC_0007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We have fallen in love with this place.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28XqKTXwpe502KUwEW-7B-bEZaWJgN_T3kGXDBmJi7oitHj8k3EiIrB_LxpjxPOS3FZLuX8-5b0aDVgGlmfTSbirXsvUpzv0uqZTVcUGVhg_oKfu1CQqYnpmZNMJAFvPg7jQylOObM1Us/s1600-h/20160816_1406243.jpg"><img title="20160816_140624" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160816_140624" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RgfC0ghcRo8/V7iWYIJwjfI/AAAAAAAAdcA/N9cFNSELCl8/20160816_140624_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-584Y5YSDsk4/V7iWZfG1jrI/AAAAAAAAdcE/0R3kmO_9q-0/s1600-h/DSC_0029-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0029 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0029 (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHPx5rHolRYNkCbtP7HI2VHaeFyg6oblnmmwLnlHiEKqkOUgmoprb0Dam3P1m5hY58Skw2b_VyNlzoPuwckYyP6wUU9llm7Ae5M20tTIb7sG5khkqic-ko2jGsTbY10qk8V-pL4AAuri-/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="443"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Sylvester loves it also! There are chipmunks everywhere….aggressive little boogers….who have even jumped on Sylvester’s carrier.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qejDa0HV1jA/V7iWchn9naI/AAAAAAAAdcM/Op1BbNOlg4E/s1600-h/DSC_0030-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0030 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0030 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LG8-8UGIW1I/V7iWeLRVbPI/AAAAAAAAdcQ/NBzu_OdB-kY/DSC_0030-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">There’s one well at the campground that proves to be quite a work out!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSf0epmHeGmKAeUMpu8ZYYk7YMDQssGmIDNBpb8op7TUQSK6-VNJTRmE8WKqNW6FobWaEg6BGB4vMBZ0C4g7V4tFP4Jp7QGgWilezAfOSAbIMs_ebknVlwr1xwzd_V_PLX0HDEE01y0Ig/s1600-h/DSC_00243.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E9UZaYTyKFQ/V7iWiXL81nI/AAAAAAAAdcY/CC8HP-WCqxU/DSC_0024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="476"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dc8ENSyF60E/V7iWlTNklOI/AAAAAAAAdcc/ZWsMQUosqcU/s1600-h/DSC_0025-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqWEW5bzKIg/V7iWnGIT6cI/AAAAAAAAdcg/YaPXjiRoiec/DSC_0025-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="464"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Former campers leave us a present…..a tiny hummingbird feeder! I borrow sugar and spend an afternoon watching three hummingbirds and two yellow jackets bombard each other.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sIHMIlVDqMs/V7iWpYiCM2I/AAAAAAAAdck/6CNhegEaTtc/s1600-h/20160815_1609213.jpg"><img title="20160815_160921" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160815_160921" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFkyEt1UuXuZxOEG3POwDSnCVYVF4afsyjjUNoeNHHP95ZaZeHgoZkDfcVy5ckFSKQCyunY8NNaXBm4LoFHrrrGnNeSYhNxh9ILdmL94LB4nPTSTntiU-nHlK1dQKXuLkN8acjMCbFOoK/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="380"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Taking naps is another important part of the day.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWMYwoi-aEY/V7iWs0D2g9I/AAAAAAAAdcs/Nm-vzMTzzng/s1600-h/20160816_1419543.jpg"><img title="20160816_141954" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160816_141954" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IYgc88gimCU/V7iWu09fG0I/AAAAAAAAdcw/aaDWJtwfEtQ/20160816_141954_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="486"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">And eating!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYe1Uz_PahI/V7iWw1TOP0I/AAAAAAAAdc0/iLxq6UTnaIU/s1600-h/20160816_1735013.jpg"><img title="20160816_173501" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160816_173501" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iLqutwRrac4/V7iWyzS24WI/AAAAAAAAdc4/G0tF_7E8zfc/20160816_173501_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="622" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We decide to attend the Wednesday night Parelli Ranch barbecue…David missed it a few weeks earlier.</font></p> <p><font size="5">There’s good food, beautiful horses with a lovely view and a wonderful guitar picking singer.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAnunNdjKpjI7j27K1eS2YgHz9W0yBurmg_6l6ckGLwTLkt0dZNeSr9WKQsvDxft6ErU6wFnPg0xvQ7qN0_wZrILgXZ0ugXHuMKvu2h_OArZByOq7Zpxl2A72lmNS_B_6-KAPSW8sxcpC/s1600-h/DSC_00493.jpg"><img title="DSC_0049" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0049" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JcisQ73bC-c/V7iW1mCwpVI/AAAAAAAAddE/K4JKVLcUy9U/DSC_0049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61P6sn74jZ5tqsXZuQZm1EpQoXgRhvNU0f2O0Wu8rfklgtBlZIPg9OyejpaJoJo0TV7PfP3SsErAhs9tLLdH00fGNn9wqLzkvxu6HBKKOsnrUmxvjUjKNpYWZ7_vwoZtqKrNTBYs90iNe/s1600-h/DSC_00613.jpg"><img title="DSC_0061" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0061" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx5ap1xJMCBc3AtsNkPj-WzKANn_y2kIEE4r5dPYeZNnQprbZc61U8cCEr9Mfg7-oeQb8Cye7A4kekg3BpHrhxKcD4jo39Vz4Z8nvWM_kPB9gNaD_a0h5KKu_gGpkn43v86JbA1RmsOfP/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="371"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qqTE1M_LIBc/V7iW5tPWScI/AAAAAAAAddQ/PQoeu-Y4-7M/s1600-h/DSC_00633.jpg"><img title="DSC_0063" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0063" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW82KMT4tzfFYEW64ITPaNpfWZI8BmpNXGN_of7r60_YmMFm2nlu1iapUtMmST2v5qaW84HYqke9zg-jFpqOHZjjbKNVn1C3K_08c0yhc9auTKgXAg-2q6TNChF7fHXhSj0Qe01NxXKlXo/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="397"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qi--qw8IUM0/V7iW8W_--xI/AAAAAAAAddY/FhECG7nWt-g/s1600-h/DSC_00663.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fyoYbuu80DY/V7iW-DgyukI/AAAAAAAAddc/BNitCQnCjwM/DSC_0066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="295"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_qbVFN-UcVo/V7iW__11d_I/AAAAAAAAddg/qMyTxE0eqq0/s1600-h/DSC_00693.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IqpmJehcwZo/V7iXA7fuu0I/AAAAAAAAddk/9RdNW7Xru4o/DSC_0069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rSFTWbfMJkE/V7iXCBhwohI/AAAAAAAAddo/iZXjNVzDp_k/s1600-h/DSC_00703.jpg"><img title="DSC_0070" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0070" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rhVBqlO4m30/V7iXDQJ1ODI/AAAAAAAAdds/KeOOYwzIenQ/DSC_0070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">There’s only one thing left on our Pagosa Springs to do list…go to the Chimney Rock ruins. (Next blog).</font></p> <p><font size="5">Our time in the mountains is running out….just over a week left! </font></p> <p><font size="5">(Gotta get this published and hit the road!)</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-67218876411612188372016-08-13T14:52:00.000-04:002016-08-13T14:53:09.476-04:00Alone in the Forest---East Fork Camp<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WhTWtcPrJZc/V69rsuaiKsI/AAAAAAAAdSo/nBCHQi2I3Nw/s1600-h/20160808_122054%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160808_122054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160808_122054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aG6iGteJvDs/V69rtjGgyRI/AAAAAAAAdSs/A8xF-U2VMJ8/20160808_122054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">The title here is a bit misleading. We are camping alone, now, but we are not way out in the boondocks alone…..but by ourselves in a forest campground, East Fork.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Since arriving almost three weeks ago we have been with friends and new friends. First week we were at a fiberglass rally, then shared a campsite with a new friend from the rally. Then we relocated to property close to Pagosa Springs where an impromptu Kansas rally was happening.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uv8vdQ6woQk/V69ruvbIfmI/AAAAAAAAdSw/D99ZLDxMm9Q/s1600-h/20160806_195627%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160806_195627" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160806_195627" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eRBR00XFW_8/V69rvw2VzhI/AAAAAAAAdS0/30bZhd3DaUk/20160806_195627_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="405"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">We found a lovely, heavily shaded campground east of Pagosa Springs six days ago and have not been motivated to leave. We have been sight-seeing, relaxing and doing chores……there are pit toilets and one well with a huge handle on the pump. A real workout to get a few gallons of water!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Not much to say but the Nikon is being used and I’m finally getting away from the S5 phone photos.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Our first site…had to move after three days due to reservations….is on a bluff overlooking the East Fork of the San Juan River…(first photo above.)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6Lp-nGyhPw/V69rw2CiZOI/AAAAAAAAdS4/duC3h4_vYUM/s1600-h/DSC_0004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cpIbpxN6R5w/V69rxyt82lI/AAAAAAAAdS8/s_40rLVFJU0/DSC_0004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OtGzsywAouI/V69ry3SbUbI/AAAAAAAAdTA/jP-oWZ6uLW8/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cccyEkOI1Ok/V69rz-3mQeI/AAAAAAAAdTE/TvD-YEVpgAw/DSC_0005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGCKn0NCm_PrMSt7g8JEd6KCtp-Y80rtDM5gOozwJ9H3GcnZn5jqKRtilpsvyMzuTZNWK_inF_bhP57gr9MRu4Fb9Mj7IA_O6aMsOYHhhBwNGAnDp2t1vZ9_hL5qf-lD0axgjSyko8Y6_/s1600-h/DSC_0011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLcZVbShEkM/V69r2GxYKcI/AAAAAAAAdTM/KdDouECU_Vc/DSC_0011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="378"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyx6LzcXBQ0fpw6ijW1QtobYp28cSZE_5CeyJ8pP-fPpwrPIzSmwhchlYS1TO7Yd8gP6-ZncP7KqMRk9kLaYpFAuXwWy2RPlbvuoopCKgmIdOcBJNi6ZaWWp9B5rQ7Y4Pc3_z-gZlAmk1/s1600-h/DSC_0012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OkLOzql1VO0/V69r4J-FL8I/AAAAAAAAdTU/MX1fVTYfSPQ/DSC_0012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">There’s a water falls, Silver Falls, way up the gravel road that runs by the campground. The above photos were taken of the East Fork while searching for the falls……turned around after about 5 miles…got tired of the bumpy road!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Treasure Falls is on the main road of 160. We manage to climb up for a proper view.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mornbjs5FiM/V69r5BsKNCI/AAAAAAAAdTY/_2IjhXSxOJ8/s1600-h/DSC_0026%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0026" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVTOzprmlXTLZcYtBzlc6x-tq0Y78e5y2t0WwUFPlfe3iV0hnWcWshEhzKgcvIeGm5x60W5gVWoEjVuLQR0obPRQu192pNR3FiOYAVbuPaHTw4viQ_0DWYXKFGnyBqdeEFtQtbbtxNpho/?imgmax=800" width="561" height="486"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5xGnyEgNVwk/V69r7SJu3AI/AAAAAAAAdTg/Q7xbSTj-jps/s1600-h/DSC_0029%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0029" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0029" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--jaDVlrtPsw/V69r8dLbHZI/AAAAAAAAdTk/GJw4e9DbI9g/DSC_0029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Wolf Creek Pass is a granddaddy of mountain passes…..at least someone told me that. No history of driving in big mountains. We drove up in the Tundra to check it out.</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdjk5nPNo5M5Nr1A6Z4pwBZcHKKf859CmquFcoXUdjVl0hkyL2dmhMSyQFK2J45t6hJlHWcJ-Ib2vKFbMf3o16w8XCOMN_lFQasRm4G92r0rruvfTfCalu2laKtzAw-J5Twta9_hWM2Pm/s1600-h/DSC_0016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegAI7PFqSTlWEw6p0cI_NXvwvjRdyzF7zoMuIr_6Wn0xZzsV5a67LgzPf1QaoSrEp5ulk1CfRlS2yt_ON2aNRrqlhwYGNsccDOoJSfTYgtTF447AflZGVmiOYudE5s0-J7vNeebnSOQUC/?imgmax=800" width="599" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Our only other big mountain pass was on our way to Alaska. I need to pull the Escape up and over to get over my nervousness. (This has not happened yet!)</font></p> <p><font size="5">Views from the overlook returning back to camp.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2yV7g9RXoI/V69sANSyN5I/AAAAAAAAdTw/nB04Oc5o6tQ/s1600-h/DSC_0017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sGrRexotbtk/V69sBMoO8-I/AAAAAAAAdT0/zePhkNsRXSc/DSC_0017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="306"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r0Q3W6CaiYA/V69sCID8BRI/AAAAAAAAdT4/Sc75lVz6Z14/s1600-h/DSC_0019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXaVdzDGWYcnDGvvFtwUvYTxarWg3KcFzgC88FafXefvoyi2SalUBfSAZwxIpE90W5X8qz4PwMK9qNUdShYwoE2Y-H4i5RrQBfkUwHy05BxfKrhVFoLWGQaKt18J2-gEtjJgTbr8BquNS/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="395"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7RXcR5sodE/V69sEjfryEI/AAAAAAAAdUA/8soucGH1NSU/s1600-h/DSC_0023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ldk3mvCJd8Y/V69sGL2Q8WI/AAAAAAAAdUE/QGU4nYIdhcs/DSC_0023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BsO1h6fepo/V69sHeJk24I/AAAAAAAAdUI/UDrPWS3InGg/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R4mbeCSeXLs/V69sIhhUh7I/AAAAAAAAdUM/Kg4S7XPRdi4/DSC_0025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="434"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Another day we drove back up and over the mountain to have lunch with friends who are camping in South Fork. We stopped at Big Meadow campground to check it out.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3OhNrye-Uk/V69sJRydWDI/AAAAAAAAdUQ/XH0OKKWpaxk/s1600-h/DSC_0031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HvXF1re90zA/V69sMiZGTXI/AAAAAAAAdUU/Sg6zbKfZbOo/DSC_0031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="458"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Exv9RjMdLM4/V69sNhQJ32I/AAAAAAAAdUY/WawCiyV-ylg/s1600-h/DSC_0033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0033" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LCEX1YK0gsM/V69sOWXKpfI/AAAAAAAAdUc/Q5mFvMePOvY/DSC_0033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="400"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G7rRdWhiyCw/V69sPnCjK9I/AAAAAAAAdUg/5DU6uz2KprI/s1600-h/DSC_0034%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0034" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UIYDl-Waoqw/V69sQslGhYI/AAAAAAAAdUk/Xa9VDiwyoqU/DSC_0034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="398"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVxzs3_-M8k/V69sRp4WmzI/AAAAAAAAdUo/dcsV6xnOXvI/s1600-h/DSC_0036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGNZvdcbf1q4LPyy7c5c7i2WnjlzH3Ygyx3MnljLsgb8hea6X1lNqYLGe8WDa5pK9GL8HI08t0xf35oWZtkQEXAdEB5hrHfG-BYf2mtiXcrIzQ0CkqmGKxFAy0f5scljoUraRtE483ti0/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="392"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWycDolMTwo/V69sTpifx1I/AAAAAAAAdUw/K0-HAzf2ybQ/s1600-h/DSC_0039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Owyjgybb-fw/V69sU-drvSI/AAAAAAAAdU0/1T6ScwHt66k/DSC_0039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5">If we get motivated to leave East Fork, Big Meadow may get a visit and the Escape will get to cross over the Continental Divide. Oh, joy!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Overall, life is good!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-39103241453200353682016-08-06T18:12:00.000-04:002016-08-06T18:13:57.662-04:00Sun and Rain…. Week Two in Southern CO<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaiIswg15GsPU_jGByxpV3mNO3FJGc_VwZ7f4dGe7Lx6GPriUU6uJXed5eiCkLwP1duJ1_PP_84A5fHvZgosQqJSmgOQ3Wt0A7fFRhzWDEQV481-Iyy9xStat8cNqEk0zCnlPM_4L1a7G/s1600-h/20160729_1111113.jpg"><img title="20160729_111111" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160729_111111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQgk00hK5UYs8gfrweaVpreVEcs7asmY3LaLFSHohHqPj6l1ZCj5XC_02UUmjgCv4Lh6KespGQ12WyHNl8Z4TyDlwOhyphenhyphen35RnuaiTSqVw3ItTmgnAk0mZkKYWiifw1Y4Vbh_5chI0y0lNG/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The most perfect campsite is secured early Friday morn with absolutely no hassle! We leave the rally early enough to run 5 miles up the mountain to dump and return back to the nearby forest campground of Haviland Lake. Uh, oh! Another egg camper is parked right in front of registration, hoping to get one of the few sites open on a Friday. </font></p> <p><font size="5">But it’s one of the full timers that we camped with during the rally. The camp host says there is a premium electric, lake view, double site coming open and we grab it!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UskFiGRJMPk/V6ZgQL_G-jI/AAAAAAAAdMg/3vgLbjVATUY/s1600-h/20160730_1842483.jpg"><img title="20160730_184248" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160730_184248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2HRrr_IwQP4/V6ZgRTwKOTI/AAAAAAAAdMk/thCPLovfr6o/20160730_184248_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CpTV46PUPfg/V6ZgSgnxLGI/AAAAAAAAdMo/d09g5gOuN6w/s1600-h/20160729_190625-13.jpg"><img title="20160729_190625 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160729_190625 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ii-mELnKZ_8/V6ZgT-scboI/AAAAAAAAdMs/lzRRtTbAIHM/20160729_190625-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Camping with electricity is an unexpected luxury. Very grateful that we are easing into this new world of Colorado mountain camping.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Diane, our new camp mate, helps me back into the site. (It’s nice to get directions from another woman….she seems to know how to help me maneuver the wheel.)</font></p> <p><font size="5">We set up the baby Clam between our trailers and it becomes our new hangout. My solar powered butterflies soon decorate the ceiling.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEW9I93JwgB7fU9zo5jSWpsa0qzejag0fQAXAP3Rymk7lqzdQqqE_IBFLbfI9xohmbhDyKfZRNiQ4NPluWcFs6cIv7Jf19q2Zlx62zPWPeyIj_0zTszUEt0xXAQFzIrP0a8Ne4jNLV8enW/s1600-h/20160730_2033592.jpg"><img title="20160730_203359" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160730_203359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF2OyaA12l3zAhdvCiqAA2tIom474f2t4Uht2tFt1ptBOUqclyodMk-Fa39UPVVg7pfSMisdOeIn0nsH18TytNULYE_JkE4PEqVw8fga5taxYA31ZOpRNwPjl-3Q1p4Z1-sf_MnApLmgi/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HGPdqFWuknQ/V6ZgXcPenmI/AAAAAAAAdM4/6DhPKNKFGKI/s1600-h/20160730_1509373.jpg"><img title="20160730_150937" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160730_150937" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2aEIhDE3-q8/V6ZgY8qndBI/AAAAAAAAdM8/XghGNZggn3U/20160730_150937_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Sylvester is enjoying the new quiet…away from the multitude of dogs at the rally. He meets and tolerates Houdi, Diane’s beautiful cat…..which I neglect to photograph!</font></p> <p><font size="5">David and I decide to ride up the mountain to Silverton. He keeps bumping and running into things and his blood thinner keeps him bleeding. During the rally a retired RN gave me lessons in wrapping bandages. It is time to buy more first aid supplies.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a1WFlHZzNfk/V6ZgaMH8_FI/AAAAAAAAdNA/uWQJAyfiZ6Y/s1600-h/DSC_0001-17.jpg"><img title="Silverton" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Silverton" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqY95HJDEjLDji3n9cmxo4t5OE9RrLuo9AnaY9Kc7y1IqqSciVZCGkdP5-4tT0k3RLp1ZEa6ujhZeJvWfI3MqpShiPC1kkTT9h3T6vdoaavbe2xJSR9b-sYgbDDoUzyaDZ6xN_jbGyS-k/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center">Silverton, Colorado</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbZel7f0aPWySUti1lpiBrXjIee3Rwq0-6ifr2Oy3tlOBXupTMN3omW2ebloL_jMlQyXvhNae2l6RG-4oLQemb3pGw3WHig93Z8HjkNEP4aEnwzGz5LBTWqXK7P6dsNf-THG_qQsSJLsf/s1600-h/DSC_0003-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0003 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0003 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCR4VsiEP8g/V6ZgdnC-E-I/AAAAAAAAdNM/0FkdE4pSGxo/DSC_0003-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The narrow gauge rail train arrives from Durango to Silverton. We keep thinking about taking the trip…maybe soon?</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qQ_BPb4yDS4/V6Zge7y23LI/AAAAAAAAdNQ/QSnNzeizu0g/s1600-h/DSC_0002-13.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002 (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojOZZlfxjiY/V6ZggidIJKI/AAAAAAAAdNU/nAqOOeQNGOo/DSC_0002-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">David enjoying the view.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Diane and I decide to take a little hike to a nearby lake. It is the first real exercise my body has experienced since arriving at 8,000 feet. I am huffing and puffing at every little rise. So sad!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uXsfktEPPZ8/V6Zgh-XKmVI/AAAAAAAAdNY/9l1sYuoH9Vk/s1600-h/20160731_1147273.jpg"><img title="20160731_114727" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160731_114727" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G2F-QlLr9MA/V6ZgjInC57I/AAAAAAAAdNc/CcY0jH7w9aI/20160731_114727_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3vQhyqZvgaTTmVLPx-_LA9oGIx-jh3xPAQuDW_MK9IAgLi6V0xR0DfroHa5tSgpKE4Vcrms_MVQ2VLcghQCl9cdYIglQ9BWoNGUKZcQEiKKzkzrNNS6OBsbju4KIBmbL2E5Qh3RNJ3Su/s1600-h/20160731_1134203.jpg"><img title="20160731_113420" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160731_113420" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WdjKHSSp7sI/V6Zgl0CSxzI/AAAAAAAAdNk/UTQytb_AWYw/20160731_113420_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The lakes are lovely…but it’s difficult to get the right shot.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The days are warm, the nights are nice and cool. We get a few showers but mostly it’s sunny….highs in the mid 80’s. This is the sun part of this post.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We stay four nights at Lake Haviland….just unable to part with such a great camp.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Tuesday we say our goodbyes and head toward Pagosa Springs. A friend has emailed us and invited us to an impromptu gathering on his lot in the mountains. Four trailers are there to greet us as we arrive late in the afternoon.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We have one pretty day before the monsoon rains begin.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a8I357HK2_Q/V6Zgm1qVT0I/AAAAAAAAdNo/lq7gy4k7gAQ/s1600-h/20160804_1900213.jpg"><img title="David at Robb's place" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="David at Robb's place" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zyxlNhwHWRg/V6Zgp65qH_I/AAAAAAAAdNs/k4khbbA81ek/20160804_190021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We spend our time exploring and visiting with friends……think I just said that about the last campsite!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Pagosa Springs is known for it’s hot springs….going for a dip is on our to do list.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We watch kids surf the San Juan River at the Visitors’ Center.</font></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4MnAFoftsrg/V6Zgqy6F99I/AAAAAAAAdNw/m40raGIupas/s1600-h/20160803_1540053.jpg"><img title="20160803_154005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160803_154005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdBO5Te9iUg/V6ZgsJs0aHI/AAAAAAAAdN0/Z748qqKGZHs/20160803_154005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Our group decides to attend a barbeque at the </font><a href="http://parelli.com" target="_blank"><font size="5">Parelli Ranch</font></a>.</p> <p align="left"><font size="5">It starts raining hard just as we arrive (and continues off and on for the next three days). But we are in a huge enclosure with room for eating and watching a horse show at the same time. There’s also live music….excellent entertainment!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O-KDVBmWNRs/V6ZgtV0V66I/AAAAAAAAdN8/VNqm-LVulhE/s1600-h/20160803_1802237.jpg"><img title="20160803_180223" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160803_180223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UrMPA8npsk0/V6ZguaMNzNI/AAAAAAAAdOA/y7kmOZuS6Vk/20160803_180223_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="320"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oUPS2_omuU8/V6ZgvsH3MkI/AAAAAAAAdOE/mfiBzgLmblg/s1600-h/20160803_1737037.jpg"><img title="20160803_173703" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160803_173703" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XJzVMQ8fnFc/V6Zgw65NLjI/AAAAAAAAdOI/zIMqoPJk5jc/20160803_173703_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="427"></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Upj6iErnncU/V6ZgyBqSYAI/AAAAAAAAdOM/6jM2r1xgsfA/s1600-h/20160803_1733157.jpg"><img title="20160803_173315" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160803_173315" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4DnoU8MMpZE/V6ZgzKrfQ8I/AAAAAAAAdOQ/rDfgSXBKJLs/20160803_173315_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SV4rGEHM-_0/V6Zg0-lFhzI/AAAAAAAAdOU/WxZNgrJrM7o/s1600-h/20160803_1840553.jpg"><img title="20160803_184055" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160803_184055" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u3aJX3bk-VY/V6Zg2DtNFWI/AAAAAAAAdOY/kEGwKlTxvp8/20160803_184055_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="459"></a></p> <p><font size="5">This ranch is the world wide headquarters of the Parelli School of Natural Horse training. It’s fascinating to hear about their techniques. The horses follow their trainers around like pets with no bridles or gear.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We are content at the moment. No current thoughts of heading home soon. If it gets hot again, we plan to head higher into the mountains. </font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-1057839722942690832016-07-29T09:28:00.000-04:002016-07-29T09:34:07.172-04:00Hot Journey and Mountain Gathering<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CiSFGd2_QLM/V5tUTzCya2I/AAAAAAAAc8I/aM922k6IVog/s1600-h/DSC_00183.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1O2gdNhPuP4/V5tUiV-kneI/AAAAAAAAc8M/DVGx6WxDPis/DSC_0018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">David’s heart doctor gives us good news on a Monday morning five days before the beginning of the Rocky Mountain fiberglass rally. The last test indicates that his heart functioning is greatly improved over the test in May. This means we can head to the big mountains….it also means we must go into overdrive to get packed and out the door!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Unfortunately a dome of heat is settling over the country….heat unlike any we have experienced on the road.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The first day on the road we only turn off the a/c when the Tundra is fueling. It is around 98 degrees and and 90 percent humidity! We stay in the comfort of the truck’s AC all day and manage to drive 500 miles, making it to the other side of Little Rock. It is just as hot the next day but the humidity begins to drop as we get further west. Day two ends at Red Rock Canyon State Park in Oklahoma. The thermometer says 98 but there is shade and a breeze! We sit outside and enjoy the rocks.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dOXR5yHCoEc/V5tUq3b11yI/AAAAAAAAc8Q/Yam3_2l4fQ8/s1600-h/20160721_1820543.jpg"><img title="20160721_182054" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160721_182054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hGt5pj8ojoI/V5tU2mtcURI/AAAAAAAAc8U/AnuM6Qx5394/20160721_182054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ydcda3VjCfA/V5tVMCtXemI/AAAAAAAAc8c/bp2ATbjnZ1c/s1600-h/20160721_1811453.jpg"><img title="Red Rock Canyon Oklahoma" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Red Rock Canyon Oklahoma" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XmMZa8AoOiM/V5tVTHvuPMI/AAAAAAAAc8g/fknl5BfhV5E/20160721_181145_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5">Hot breezes are blowing as we arrive at the Santa Rosa RV Park in New Mexico. We pick the private park because it has a restaurant…who wants to cook when it’s 103 degrees?</font></p> <p><font size="5">It also has a pool, a very clean and cold pool. I learn that my husband will still go swimming if the temperature is in the 100’s.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yoAXLDwNVg0/V5tWJH3SI6I/AAAAAAAAc8s/kdMaN9TR2w0/s1600-h/20160722_2011063.jpg"><img title="New Mexico" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="New Mexico" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nA_WUTqYC-w/V5tWPNtn4lI/AAAAAAAAc8w/JgDqLSqZ6vs/20160722_201106_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="389"></a></p> <p><font size="5">There’s even some shade in Santa Rosa!</font></p> <p><font size="5">The next day we manage to survive driving through Albuquerque and head north toward Colorado. Aztec, NM is our next stop, just 40 miles south of Durango.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-444o0zQAeRY/V5tWV-vNZ_I/AAAAAAAAc80/shCk_nZ1CKM/s1600-h/20160723_1604417.jpg"><img title="20160723_160441" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160723_160441" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5wsv0NFgReI/V5tWeWaqLTI/AAAAAAAAc84/k4e_rCqbX6E/20160723_160441_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The Animas River flows next to the campground. I’m enchanted with the river.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9lxQSDDyxruu_LFB-1QJNvN4-dwhJQMe2PhTBGjOPifZ1dRNneRQvpEkuBM-Wan2cy2-Y0-Tj6enQaYoPc3-GvafJUON7qoTZkrvil8z1mL5P6aSgJvyUej1OmzwsfyGHMD0amWdrJBi/s1600-h/20160723_1612113.jpg"><img title="20160723_161211" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160723_161211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2rUubonfEOjWUt2pljg-FusuinKGLd9BADHB9cVXSYiSLLgTHnzTp-ODWCpbUy5dBVdUSnLPfw4MguH1zB06LmdzEQKiOvMdDPAjKUF7OzwT8zUdcOMEJbv_0zDVyH5oYpno1Aqkh1Wp/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1HWzE49Tb9c/V5tWwrORr5I/AAAAAAAAc9E/rfrBXVTJ0bg/s1600-h/20160723_1615543.jpg"><img title="20160723_161554" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160723_161554" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gAAlcXpt1uc/V5tW1dOVwDI/AAAAAAAAc9I/B51OWM3_hT0/20160723_161554_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5">The next morning I am playing with Google Maps and realize the Aztec Ruins National Monument is only 1/3 mile away. It’s already hot at 8:30 AM but we want to see a piece of history.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ULlJvOPAIQE/V5tW638wgUI/AAAAAAAAc9M/LoVUD3Ne9FI/s1600-h/DSC_00023.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY2KmaDeb0I5tiuwDQHL5zc_81IzzQIFBZu8bDCMEbl7A18yA9dpCUX-uRNIkBzNP0WH-OGDkfgj02J-FmV_uTOSCU5NwLH1nqHGYk6-yJ2A-B3lYosw_yJMrFfOl7m5vcYbqmJIannE2/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="283"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xLT3FDy7VTI/V5tXERah_hI/AAAAAAAAc9Y/EgMX27M0R_w/s1600-h/DSC_00033.jpg"><img title="DSC_0003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gemU6m7yh7okiyTLGAjCl7irFtJ42xmajU6uzjZZRhTDZmz5IqzyTUh8vBO3v9q8Zq7Ou_wg3PTwybWlBJv3qoXO-uN8sdFbX4fM6-PjixjccHqOGXfARgAChqPQkluwwp8cc6mlx6tO/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="331"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5PTmKgqX7Eo/V5tXMnT95PI/AAAAAAAAc9g/Wo07GO6vBkE/s1600-h/DSC_00043.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gd76bw_oLhc/V5tXPMs2baI/AAAAAAAAc9k/BlR8dx9Azno/DSC_0004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="457"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5">Excerpts from one of the brochures: “the Aztecs never lived here. Aztec ruins were built by the ancestors of the native Americans still living in the west.” These Great Houses were a result of thousands of years of Pueblo history. The Spanish explorers incorrectly named many places “Aztec”.</font></p> <p><font size="5">After a stop at the Durango Walmart, we start up a mountain toward Chris Park group camping area. What a surprise! We find a large parking lot full of eggs clustering around half a dozen electrical outlets. And we join the circus.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cNysskTC0GQ/V5tXTf5n_qI/AAAAAAAAc9o/nET1dS1__DI/s1600-h/20160724_1647033.jpg"><img title="20160724_164703" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160724_164703" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sxAoYxtXjy-vXdFqyU0sGkABnwnE6ux6u8Dyk3o4w3LT5lT2c5sBu8huzJIeEJTvTk1P1o-iBkcsnzvYq1zo35RBwx4Odh_Bnl-6k2cOLgUyC4ZsjRD6-GTE1P9JJlaqMUJ2QdrjFyD8/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="283"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nPhtJIbogUU/V5tXbr5zy9I/AAAAAAAAc90/zaM9qmaJocQ/s1600-h/20160724_1805283.jpg"><img title="20160724_180528" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160724_180528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUdV6b5F7HSpzqVlA41PM2d7wI9K_wsK5fK4_hcIoqsB1yejhOAp5O3oXuJt2YoWELI-ILTgSbssHMe_X6Oo_WIpYNkwxmz1ZCiOdaqLYzI8OM8KykZxWM0uuCAUVNiBFVtsU0aFyvjTN/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_lSWR3S-x5U/V5tXmrvSlII/AAAAAAAAc98/sFjD9W0P3-Q/s1600-h/20160726_0900213.jpg"><img title="20160726_090021" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160726_090021" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SsklYQVB98o/V5tXqNRPOZI/AAAAAAAAc-A/_6jZ4gaiBzg/20160726_090021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCTr88ilBuRCi8XoR-2yhOoQPcQ04Cm_jCCe64cjjajpHEoti4PZD_wwLZWVqN2xiZcVAJL39OK28PacjZKaFjhZCtAbh388JiY423dinvDoRlfgFqCVfbWI4Pn96Sp1A44als_UDF_0_/s1600-h/20160727_2015303.jpg"><img title="20160727_201530" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160727_201530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GP5XQ3ZYOc42SSZrURzw6rg3XKhBCAHjWXndHvyC9Gw4MN-ZgXpatM7-ZnJ0V07KgLzssB5TJKueAFzkmasJ95kqN70ygvjYo-1oaawk2Tl87dV6NgsKcjtkrH0XbX81AErNuONpMv-z/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1xgtzPYh-1aIXH5GsA7B7DP_LVhJPJDRDQuT23fiE5Hoz6EVy3nk1MEfFeAsA-aRynX4tKa5U4xPlQp0I7mwDRk4N1FgYDDMk-C_qqws-3mDpvWPCLYGKjXvtR5SsfPgKhk4d3hAs6Zv/s1600-h/20160726_1815013.jpg"><img title="20160726_181501" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160726_181501" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eL2KBxlWIUo/V5tYZ3baswI/AAAAAAAAc-U/6hhGnzgRCQM/20160726_181501_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">And it has been pretty much non stop party since Sunday afternoon. I was not sure I could handle all this intimate camping, but, overall, it is FUN!</font></p> <p><font size="5">We visit the Public Lands office in Durango obtaining maps for dispersed camping. While David naps, I take to the back roads looking for campsites, feeling very much kin to RV Sue. </font></p> <p><font size="5">A few photos from my scouting trip:</font></p> <p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thn8Y3_yAt0/V5tYkrwtOsI/AAAAAAAAc-c/8rUFOwXRV1M/s1600-h/DSC_00153.jpg"><img title="DSC_0015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0015" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRKJW1b9G_vq3QxkPNsSaf6y_3Tosjr-iMW9lTvCir1LoXj2YzpAYnH52V2TPXYaOIOBdvgF5jyUIj-rsWDfV4LuS8HtcB_UcpKnraZFrHinMCDSa0AHLUQTBDwG43w8pGHUFILLi545D/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biLqMhdzqnM/V5tY5wpRPPI/AAAAAAAAc-k/P3knzo6Kfu4/s1600-h/DSC_00173.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9irnbLNvy4/V5tZC-eRmiI/AAAAAAAAc-o/hvbeKMoWJsc/DSC_0017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4njT_v19roGhTgdU7V6W9z_b6PLGePhQ8u9JfxCWU-vMU7ZGeaFwL9qhSxnBQmJS-8zgf_ZZ05YjAX01xqoRMQrlcwmufoSRpSMXNo4X13PMnjSxJrUWcvHoxAWfo1iDCdOOM1_j9WmN/s1600-h/DSC_00123.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rKu6trMAprg/V5tZnfVneBI/AAAAAAAAc-0/Ne5lDPm5oYU/DSC_0012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="358"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WI-p8P1-zP8/V5tZyBMweHI/AAAAAAAAc-8/LOSfpYdkDDs/s1600-h/DSC_00133.jpg"><img title="DSC_0013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0013" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mMogtcobjns/V5tZ3zBJmSI/AAAAAAAAc_A/sOTnHrfDnck/DSC_0013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="383"></a></p> <p><font size="5">It’s a great week in the mountains!</font></p> <p><font size="5">We are saying our goodbyes today and are off to search for the next perfect campsite!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-48859840480209640612016-07-10T20:21:00.000-04:002016-07-10T20:21:55.981-04:00Emerging from the Cave<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BibXBa5Ku9Y/V4LmLCjftpI/AAAAAAAAc1w/5HEAt7XBvLk/s1600-h/20160612_0651153.jpg"><img title="20160612_065115" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160612_065115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqG14xDn7sEgf2m1ihuk-hAyK1naVwNXdfHtpnbJ-SVqEs_3_OUlmz4j0nyWIOT_2ULpb8SixvX5RhULULrr8mX5Wkc-01GlaJVmpahUKBd8YxRFtfts4ixPZQick9jirtEUTPaIN10U-/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="366"></a></p> <h5>Sunrise over Guntersville Lake, AL</h5> <p><font size="5">When I last wrote, back around the first of April, there was no warning that it would be my last post for three months. Did not realize that some piece of me….the part that can feel peace……was breaking or had already broken.</font></p> <p><font size="5">In April we returned from a great rally in Townsend after spending lovely times with wonderful friends whom we adore. But something was not right…..</font></p> <p><font size="5">Looking back it may have been just too many lovely times with the wonderful friends…or the stress of the ongoing medical issues around David’s heart, or the scary weather traveling back from Arizona and ….. who knows what!!! </font></p> <p><font size="5">But all I wanted to do is crawl into my cave and not come out. Someone asked “when are you hitting the road again?” My reply is “we are staying at home until it feels like we live here!”</font> </p> <p><font size="5">Surprisingly, it has been a good three months. The goal was to create a life in our new home that feels rewarding and makes us happy. We are being mostly successful with a few bumps.</font></p> <p><font size="5">One of the unpleasant bumps happened in May. David experienced chest pain and I called 911. The ER doc diagnosed him with a “baby” heart attack which is the best kind to have if one is going to have a heart attack.</font></p> <p><font size="5">He appears to be doing very well. A few weeks after the event we spent a long weekend on Guntersville Lake. It was hot but he seemed to be ok during the trip.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Going to back up now and do a little show and tell on our last few months.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The Townsend rally was without a leader this year. Tom P. retired after leading this event for many years. Everyone managed to have fun at the leaderless event. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ts-asSgBkc0/V4LmMeoTKuI/AAAAAAAAc14/4OCF5c0cP64/s1600-h/20160415_1941273.jpg"><img title="20160415_194127" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160415_194127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kduLHVoplMNFlZ-9ymvQD_9z_5NwEraoIb3R8S73phDPc7NpMw4f2spBzKwzWABS57hE22o76WK_10JfLpxmOJzlsTEBvpF7Ulz3wbayS1NeZrjFVGKLW6okB8jtpBjGkt15Uno8qoDF/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEB1rQtFlWk/V4LmNzb7QCI/AAAAAAAAc2A/ClejTJvjmc0/s1600-h/20160415_1941083.jpg"><img title="20160415_194108" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160415_194108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhievXjhy4gdtH6lHly76pSUjaSSGEezR2NPAhZLIBgrBJKvInS4UvSqZS347LL4u1OdQuO5hLTHv0YDmQLDKFdSWXFe3awPgpw-hHjgU2Uakko678SGQpJl4E3g2M68lUTX4oCT1ol_6H1/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-msEfkymQkTM/V4LmPAh49AI/AAAAAAAAc2I/7O-Nf4UVKMo/s1600-h/20160415_1941413.jpg"><img title="20160415_194141" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160415_194141" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z6Pl6U6fVB8/V4LmP43gCiI/AAAAAAAAc2M/m_oAk85oPfU/20160415_194141_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NydD3cInHYQ/V4LmQiSrUBI/AAAAAAAAc2Q/qrAazDioaks/s1600-h/20160415_1749583.jpg"><img title="20160415_174958" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160415_174958" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RUeHJMkBZfk/V4LmRQoW7JI/AAAAAAAAc2U/GpAV4n-51pc/20160415_174958_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZxxdMb-3_o/V4LmSCTTXCI/AAAAAAAAc2Y/ogn2WzoFXv4/s1600-h/20160416_1229263.jpg"><img title="20160416_122926" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160416_122926" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikZmSK7Qu4OHhavKvBH6nVfEPSN5ozgnSGR24_xhxwIs7Ho9y4OoS0RaWDPYBtB2vaJjjeQPj2hypXBVS0XqABkryBpHaD6S8HYcxLGCWTzBODYtOQ3TYbr_vvzKivilrQIeQDWfkqxjM/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ix7Iikzlgcw/V4LmTrmGW5I/AAAAAAAAc2g/24FZksiQ45s/s1600-h/20160416_1329543.jpg"><img title="20160416_132954" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160416_132954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQZgknG6xsBG2n_ABUxiCLsoBiJqKeT57nhT3xVc9SIM8oWB0UqeHayEXfk6sv-_ASYlXDk4sCrFWRv15HFs0yb03pAsTYTE8oSefesRdpfotuGeHqDFgpL3urZBj4Vd203Go003vWEsu/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5">The last two photos are from the Middle Fork in the Tremont area of the Great Smoky Mountains.</font></p> <p><font size="5">When we returned home…..remember it’s our new home after downsizing last year…we had a new deck! And it has been my hide out for the summer. My place to hide from the world.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3_7uRUxYeD0/V4LmWKbjhAI/AAAAAAAAc2o/PK0wSn8YdnU/s1600-h/20160616_1136123.jpg"><img title="20160616_113612" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160616_113612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9z4DgPezDvqukG_O4fisiZLYPfJ_bQvA0vwBzB-K0kphEnAIzgntweMR40r221NovDZmPwBPfayIGLGCxeotzrUJiX9i3ZYSjIUWSv-2ESehToUWzzpJ1KTjv06r0D7VfiLneSsyn5wwn/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="366"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4IArjcwv1b_YGVDaiiELKdR8hrGKdDHuQHcq6tSfzPvY9FGkBVpWI4ic9Wcc5a7tw42ylGC8rwv6bo-ZR-CBTWpVIjtHwXR-qBseiObtQWL3-BQ66ZbRv31YlUiwbcpPwcRoiIrYiFlD/s1600-h/20160701_0905083.jpg"><img title="20160701_090508" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160701_090508" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EytXwtDfM_g/V4LmYeRtFAI/AAAAAAAAc20/aHjTEWBw158/20160701_090508_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="381"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Alhpw5QfZLo/V4LmZKFsAbI/AAAAAAAAc24/04DfYuliwck/s1600-h/20160709_2025333.jpg"><img title="20160709_202533" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160709_202533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQi5_yJ3yIA7oq5Zylav8z5vCHiAGz303lOZJ_9E7M7pP8uHUs9B0tSh_fTGlIvfL2myMdGesMoUh6MFtbzIWTVo6UHN-0ad47-IIZ7alPPdkwFk3NHpAjs12QhjxvmInfMJKbpyd2l7w/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5">We have done a lot of small improvements on our space. The front porch got stained… a four day project.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TMdBGrhpjAI/V4LmaeFed7I/AAAAAAAAc3A/9Wwid0FEblY/s1600-h/20160525_1652453.jpg"><img title="20160525_165245" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160525_165245" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k2g-thZ8HhE/V4LmbFnQvdI/AAAAAAAAc3E/kv0Y--rkmNs/20160525_165245_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="366"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IP2RjqjWgHI/V4Lmb-Bcg9I/AAAAAAAAc3I/ANgc6s_gcJA/s1600-h/20160616_1136283.jpg"><img title="20160616_113628" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160616_113628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAEtd5J55nPjdeJSDNFHDFrO0P4_IwtEnUPNX9dRKKydMi3PjML5Ra11Jsz-te_vv67JXqPh-SmwfQYs7dCcUD-aMiUgp3VPkZxpl2mGGiHqRT2AlXq6qagOk2G6cdXWQnYdUD01CkiNm/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="366"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><font size="5">Carpenters work at repairing fascia boards and soffits….a two week repair!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALQNYn-r0J8/V4LmdFJIX1I/AAAAAAAAc3Q/X98-c9QX3dA/s1600-h/20160616_1135203.jpg"><img title="20160616_113520" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160616_113520" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dVvGCXL4aEo/V4Lmd_0DnPI/AAAAAAAAc3U/luQpclFgpSk/20160616_113520_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="366"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The roof repairs have been completed for several weeks….such a relief to have our space back!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Now we are in the dog days of summer with lots of heat and humidity. We are staying in, reading library books and binge watching several shows that somehow have passed us by…’Mad Men’ and ‘Orange is the New Black’. </font></p> <p><font size="5">Dusted off the gym membership and proud to report we have been going three times a week for the past month.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It’s time to get back on the road!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Pending a good report from more tests on David’s heart this week, we plan to be heading toward Colorado in about 10 days or so. </font></p> <p><font size="5">Can’t wait to get out of this heat!!</font></p> <p><font size="5">But if the verdict is to stay home, it’s not too bad. We are learning to flow like a river.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Sending apologies to everyone that I have neglected…still love you!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-31058057447761178082016-04-08T11:02:00.000-04:002016-04-08T11:03:25.526-04:00Spring at Home and more..<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZOJSZyZLT4/VwfHlz9mClI/AAAAAAAAcDk/9sEL41nwzOQ/s1600-h/20160322_1908123.jpg"><img title="20160322_190812" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160322_190812" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJNwauxsOa2qO59lLrpe2I06XSGSfS_-BS_5fo3rdG7K6NnMh5f4W2nUF5NKiTFLYC4hmaAceLK0su-_Y83Q-MqtmGCvy5u8VAVZTKTuMO0pEuuBz8vNp-n473xMAtmPIg25p5U6fkeZA/?imgmax=800" width="576" height="486"></a></p> <p>Phlox</p> <p><font size="5">Spring at home, fall at home, winter in the desert, summer in the mountains….that’s been the goal since we downsized and now it is happening!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Arriving home later than usual this year, we are greeted by trees adorned with blossoms, looking like mounds of white and pink cotton candy. As we travel north on I-59, my eyes are delighting in the lavender blooming redbuds welcoming us to Tennessee. </font></p> <p><font size="5">As much as I enjoy the desert and its flora, Spring in the Southeast is not something to miss. The landscape is dotted with different shades of green as new leaves appear on trees. Wildflowers are showing their color, azaleas are budding, lavender wisteria is draped in the woods. New growth is everywhere and my plant disease is back!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Should say “plant addiction” instead of disease! But remembering how this gardening bug drove us away from our house last year, I am looking, not buying, as we go through Walmart and Lowes!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Backing up in time to St Pat’s Day…..</font></p> <p><font size="5">The weather in Montgomery for the Green Eggs and Ham fiberglass rally is perfect. A little rain falls later in the week, but nothing like the previous year where we never left the camper without a raincoat!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zcobGGvSf94/VwfHnZxjV8I/AAAAAAAAcDs/svV5d3s1IsI/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMu0VETq6yo/VwfHoDa7IqI/AAAAAAAAcDw/ZVUks2Ee3Ww/DSC_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="385"></a></p> <p><font size="5"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZZUze5mxS8/VwfHoh2htHI/AAAAAAAAcD0/XGu9oeBJMTI/s1600-h/20160316_171421%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160316_171421" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160316_171421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Om5C5-bX2y4/VwfHppWZmGI/AAAAAAAAcD4/E16IdduoIsU/20160316_171421_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dk7oFS6y7K0/VwfHqGhm2DI/AAAAAAAAcD8/sRvr48_JRWU/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9V0O99XN-gU/VwfHrtKVDsI/AAAAAAAAcEA/gTkqUG6uqBg/DSC_0005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Multiple activities happen each day. This is our fourth year to attend.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zv1fDWFOVR8/VwfHsI41egI/AAAAAAAAcEE/bOqGTWSkRYY/s1600-h/20160317_191252%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160317_191252" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160317_191252" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1BYrP0fdMOY/VwfHtB4qSZI/AAAAAAAAcEI/c_CKBhzSmJU/20160317_191252_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="386"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I69__R-d5qk/VwfHtrQdY6I/AAAAAAAAcEM/JV-ls-gkdZE/s1600-h/20160318_193059%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160318_193059" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160318_193059" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3tHNz-oUBQ/VwfHuk8xKTI/AAAAAAAAcEQ/ZeNEIQsCpmY/20160318_193059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tJQyAHQdaSmfT5B7rKtWEKJWgQOt7kh3xcyCTGJvjcLwdFrt-w4JPTKSs4cKk-IbZVU3dnE6wJrulyqjvIpNK0LkiFw91XT8rH_uTTsQiNqXeu_GorYkKf7MSK36qSH_InDRbfDinZd_/s1600-h/20160318_193118%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160318_193118" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160318_193118" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eMGBarjo1uo/VwfHwD7ZRWI/AAAAAAAAcEY/uHSRC-E-qcU/20160318_193118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Listening to the musicians at night….one of the magical events. </font></p> <p><font size="5">Wildflowers are blooming in the woods.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GbDxxX-sBA0/VwfHw7bSkDI/AAAAAAAAcEc/UDlPlADmOh0/s1600-h/20160322_190721%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160322_190721" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160322_190721" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zLj3qBfGDDQ/VwfHxRb6y3I/AAAAAAAAcEg/Paa3L2kMS7U/20160322_190721_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wkgZHxd40so/VwfHyG4mOdI/AAAAAAAAcEk/_xzWAPMCZpk/s1600-h/20160322_190439%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160322_190439" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160322_190439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QBfPMEkQUihXhrJae7sF9ayqiHIP1eVMFNx5ypYrf-n2qtYfEPZXHI2BLJCiPqBzsOTwEi-TTeYM7axLFZXutFKn9zxdO4eOOs9owfhq6MALmaqJoQGlwcG7mwuKLODWE378cL9Qpsdn/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZBc8E0NSZmHp4Kwsudmsy-DM8ojJfalm6FWBirc1iZvTpp-LlEwHHWp1FDRkZH0Uve67TMR6nBR2qL9JBr46vCfg4W-9kQsrB6DEgTLsNiUJhtkFTsa2ozyoYniBkUm_fthUUH6k4Pkz/s1600-h/DSC_0008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3z7Y12nZFMI/VwfH0x5VV0I/AAAAAAAAcEw/oOXzrAdFx1k/DSC_0008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">This lily like flower is blooming several places in the park..some in the deep woods. Not sure of its name.</font></p> <p><font size="5">For more info on the Green Eggs and Ham visit Jerry C’s <a href="http://eggrollings.blogspot.com/2016/03/green-eggs-ham-16.html" target="_blank">blog</a>. Wanda and Jerry are just across the road from us.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It is marvelous to arrive in our downsized new home… unlock the door, turn up the thermostat, switch the water back on and move back in!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Physically, we are back home. Psychologically, I am still back in the desert. </font><font size="5">Upon waking each morning, I must remember I am not in the camper. </font></p> <p><font size="5">But I am really enjoying all the sights of spring all around us. There are phlox blooming in our front yard…first photo. Dogwoods and redbuds showing in the woods. Red azaleas are blooming in my neighbors’ yards.</font></p> <p><font size="5">And I notice that I am happy! </font></p> <p><font size="5">Just read an article on happiness. It liken happiness to an ongoing journey and ended with “happiness is living the life you want to live.” We are so blessed to be living that life!</font></p> <p><font size="5">David’s heart continues to be in rhythm. And we have another rally to attend next week. Part of the happiness is knowing that we soon will be camping with some treasured old friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5PpAB8-2EaM/VwfH2Ci8IVI/AAAAAAAAcE0/bC3TX6CPg8M/s1600-h/20160326_140945%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160326_140945" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160326_140945" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EtL0toXYuWQ/VwfH5s-Dz8I/AAAAAAAAcE4/-lrxKDUbcl0/20160326_140945_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="330"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Took this photo while getting reacquainted with our downtown….Market Street Bridge over the Tennessee River.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tbbaLKU6Sl0/VwfH7CLhYEI/AAAAAAAAcE8/xPJHj5u-6DY/s1600-h/20160403_172833%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160403_172833" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160403_172833" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9dsa__1pmIM/VwfH8jzjiKI/AAAAAAAAcFA/64ydBpRo2cE/20160403_172833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="268"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Tennessee River with Lookout Mountain in the background. Close to home.</font></p> <p><font size="5">It is a bit chilly today….we may still be in Dogwood Winter…but polishing the Escape is on the menu. She needs to look her best for the rally. Off to to the Great Smoky Mountains in a few days!!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-46790768921354563392016-03-17T12:31:00.000-04:002016-03-23T10:07:45.894-04:00Rain from AZ to AL<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Warning….boring post.</strong> (</span><span style="font-size: large;">Just wanting to document this extremely difficult trip for future reference.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stay three nights at the Escapees Dream Catcher park in Deming…did I already say that? Our time in New Mexico seems so long ago but it has been only 9 days!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the highlights of our stay is meeting a fellow blogger, Susan, of the <a href="http://travelbug-susan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Travel Bug</a>. It’s a brief encounter but it’s great fun to run across someone with so many shared interests! Our paths will cross again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving Deming we are perplexed about the route back east. There is a great rain event coming and I can’t decide whether to go through Dallas or San Antonio. We head east on I-20 and land in Pecos, TX at the Escapees park, Tra-Park.</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yUD8gH9ad68/Vura4e-r7JI/AAAAAAAAbeU/LfNi452Nlag/s1600-h/20160308_1747193.jpg"><img alt="20160308_174719" border="0" height="322" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ESBzNmkwcs/Vura7j1AcrI/AAAAAAAAbeY/EHo9sJOv1mw/20160308_174719_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160308_174719" width="646" /></a> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Their dry camping spot is just outside of the office. If the photo looks desolate, it is a dismal, bleak place. But we are in west Texas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s raining the next morning. Nothing significant, just light rain. We decide to take I-10 as the bad weather seems worse on I-20.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s around 200 miles to Sonora where there’s a little RV park at <a href="http://cavernsof%20sonora.com/" target="_blank">Caverns of Sonora</a>. It’s a quaint place but we have an electric hookup…our first in several weeks! We decide against the cave tour as it will take several hours and it’s 20 bucks. Maybe next year?</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-doNrmJj2Dd0/Vura_HJ9wWI/AAAAAAAAbec/HlOAgoyH6eI/s1600-h/20160309_1648243.jpg"><img alt="20160309_164824" border="0" height="384" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yCP8N8BGMp8/VurbC23thMI/AAAAAAAAbeg/Uo5jAp6h_qA/20160309_164824_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160309_164824" width="646" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The truck and trailer are soaked from the rain and we give them both a good rubdown.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Another day of traveling in the rain deposits us in Boerne, Texas. (Say Burney, rhymes with Barney.) We locate the Walmart and park in a nice quiet spot close to a Visitor Center. It’s a short travel day…due to the rain we drive less than 150 miles! I manage to have fun by getting my hair cut and shopping. Forgot to take a photo of our great spot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day we have a huge obstacle in our path…it’s called Houston! It is like a nightmare to drive through this town and I worry that the rain will stress me over the edge. But the rain has slowed and the sun is shining. And I see clusters of blue growing along the freeway. I believe it is bluebonnets!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Later I get it confirmed…they are bluebonnets! My first sighting of the famous Texas flower.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The traffic in Houston is bad but not as bad as the last trip when we hit the city during rush hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We stop for the night at the Isle of Capri casino in Lake Charles, LA. Not sure if it is the anticipation of the good food or the great shower but both are appreciated!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4x-DDZwt_0s/VurbFcL6BxI/AAAAAAAAbek/wADlMbeBqZI/s1600-h/20160311_1810293.jpg"><img alt="20160311_181029" border="0" height="477" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IwEpVbJGx4Y/VurbJmCH3QI/AAAAAAAAbeo/m3Ww3ge8ZCs/20160311_181029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160311_181029" width="646" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3bEZ4XMvvCnUWzoIfZFRbXTiP_B9INe77Ad70ZGoPt28RvybOFunT2Lzyw7y19tA58UIo-i_Ba6NiGwpybvM5iSUgNey9hRwIkRKMMshAhLawWwfwsnsKedpwBNwvKmac2oMUprPfxUA/s1600-h/20160311_1816063.jpg"><img alt="20160311_181606" border="0" height="294" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hkbnzY7P2ug/VurbUWan-LI/AAAAAAAAbew/gbBXm7exBdM/20160311_181606_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160311_181606" width="646" /></a></div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pn7QNEQXBZ4/VurbXaS9NUI/AAAAAAAAbe0/55vcrRBBbNc/s1600-h/20160311_1931583.jpg"><img alt="20160311_193158" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0rhJBwLYqs4/VurbcDQapTI/AAAAAAAAbe4/tBuEtHQBhfg/20160311_193158_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160311_193158" width="631" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m amused at the casino advertising. We know nothing about gambling….I’ve never even played the lottery. It appears that many people are enjoying this past-time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are getting closer to Alabama…just need to get through Louisiana and Mississippi. But the heavens open and the rain gets heavy. We go slow and try to stay safe. I-10 slows to 5 miles per hour. The west bound lanes are also crawling. I notice flood waters lapping onto parts of I-10 west. Began wondering if the flooding would trap us on the interstate. We decide to go to Fontainebleau SP and get off onto SR 22. Traffic stops again after 5 miles as the road is underwater. We manage a U-turn and head back to the parking lot of I-10.</span><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T3iD9AZro1g/VurbgI6NCWI/AAAAAAAAbe8/nyaApYBMo44/s1600-h/20160312_1343393.jpg"><img alt="20160312_134339" border="0" height="312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-drlwEh152ag/VurbjXOfmqI/AAAAAAAAbfA/jXeEZ_1ojYE/20160312_134339_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160312_134339" width="646" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a side road close to where we made the U turn.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After forever on the interstate we manage to get off at Covington and get to another Walmart. (This is a special place….where we completed the paperwork last May to buy our Escape.) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We spend the evening doing more shopping and having dinner at a Chinese place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The trip from Covington, LA to Summerdale, AL is uneventful. We arrive at Rainbow Plantation, another Escapees park, before noon. Again we choose to dry camp. (The dry camping only cost $5.00)</span><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-265bnQ-8V2k/Vurbn4XtD-I/AAAAAAAAbfE/GZCZY0G4Z0s/s1600-h/20160313_1647173.jpg"><img alt="20160313_164717" border="0" height="319" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVB4ndu_oa0/Vurbrc1-_FI/AAAAAAAAbfI/kwGkzA_wldQ/20160313_164717_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160313_164717" width="646" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jRYGTbyiXMM/Vurbut1xjiI/AAAAAAAAbfM/6LspYsXinYU/s1600-h/20160313_1550253.jpg"><img alt="20160313_155025" border="0" height="486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FtrnSeMm_5I/Vurbw9VVhHI/AAAAAAAAbfU/pnfhKsVlfV0/20160313_155025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160313_155025" width="646" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sylvester and David enjoy the green grass and tall pines. The sunshine is lovely after all the gray wet days.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day we arrive at Gunter Hill COE near Montgomery, AL where we will be for the next 6 days. And it is NOT RAINING!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now we are having fun with our non-stop visiting!</span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-3018275017336359652016-03-07T16:02:00.000-05:002016-03-07T16:03:00.731-05:00Winter Paradise Ending!<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAhSIAQfU4o/Vt3rVJMeyjI/AAAAAAAAbXc/fyHKCOQkclY/s1600-h/DSC_00067.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lf5xCiLv5Ak/Vt3rXMQHB1I/AAAAAAAAbXg/YUilmzrDpYg/DSC_0006_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="368"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p><font size="5">The warm days are just getting warmer! Looking to find somewhere cooler we travel east to the Congress area where the Escapees’ North Ranch is located. We decide to dry camp for a couple of days which turns into four nights!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Beautiful flowers are blooming in the ditch next to our spot.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U07bqEazxfQ/Vt3rYoAWfvI/AAAAAAAAbXk/HpbNT3Gbv6E/s1600-h/DSC_00077.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhyCrX6Xqfs/Vt3rbCNy3YI/AAAAAAAAbXo/j7yzIPB1ciE/DSC_0007_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We spend our days exploring the area, looking at the cute little houses and walking in the desert behind the park. A drive up to Prescott, AZ, finds big trees and, surprisingly, fruit trees in blossom!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxLAya-ZrjE/Vt3rc_NHiKI/AAAAAAAAbXs/aefwJL8Hr3I/s1600-h/DSC_00013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCeLrPiagJ_I50lvEIQE_K45oFftU2EbIPkeAuMUv5W3ueFXxS_Hqq4LuKrgWwRZElYcnNSgRhtpP8CaVCCPUag0I_N4G2Mr3u5eN0APZavAwCTM3qkYgf_vw8qYyVBpiGduFQ7FH-qL0/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="430"></a></p> <p><font size="5">David has another doctor’s appointment, it’s time to return to the big city of Phoenix. David’s report is good….heart rate regular! We say good bye and thank them for their excellent treatment.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We have one last week in AZ before it’s time to hit the road. We decide to spend it at Lost Dutchman SP…our very most favorite place!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3cmtc4CLZkplB66y81rgjo0I2Lsdyh01-33OKXB_fzMB2gS53lvPxzeWLJiHSmolzhCUZbL8aq7gVB7NvRXa8Kd10-ytq5VtLy41RFDdCrQINHluhvryzCkZ25g3YX6KflO0j7FTfjaq/s1600-h/DSC_00133.jpg"><img title="DSC_0013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0013" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Bgn4jfL0yM/Vt3rkc8rggI/AAAAAAAAbX4/2GQwBUKR3eM/DSC_0013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="360"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Smlk0MhxGEI/Vt3rmsNlygI/AAAAAAAAbX8/MnZSwrytn_c/s1600-h/DSC_00123.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y2GLpenM23Q/Vt3rpbfdKcI/AAAAAAAAbYA/c2sBgAtrhYY/DSC_0012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="279"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VlnQ04IZXlo/Vt3rrUUd_rI/AAAAAAAAbYE/PLHrrcj7T6E/s1600-h/DSC_00113.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xS6KenM2utw/Vt3rt9odiEI/AAAAAAAAbYI/b0PT9UQZL00/DSC_0011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="433"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vVJbDzm5OWY/Vt3ryXqRFvI/AAAAAAAAbYM/voD2O3u3tIE/s1600-h/DSC_00163.jpg"><img title="DSC_0016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iPnHA6fiqPk/Vt3r0po2ocI/AAAAAAAAbYQ/sEGfY7thUsc/DSC_0016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="437"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_yaNA9kom5s/Vt3r157WElI/AAAAAAAAbYU/MebTzAI4cto/s1600-h/DSC_00243.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_9T05XX0DRnRhLFZJaE2RevTQcBZQMOmzymaLAOdKJdGzyNngg2Y3NbLOF5ugUItqCZiioELl_tBDZjsw2kSnwMV0QdXdtoSEK9udHGA2wAF54q7409P8URtHBxLSr5Rtc1F2SS4dsAM/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="479"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ovFw4LaKYQ/Vt3r8ZlvZpI/AAAAAAAAbYc/00elS-2UW90/s1600-h/DSC_00373.jpg"><img title="DSC_0037" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0037" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I8MQCsWv8w8/Vt3r-DRRMdI/AAAAAAAAbYg/qRQJLlIAPVo/DSC_0037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="292"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5">It gets hot during the week with temperatures in the upper 80’s but we manage to survive without too much discomfort.</font></p> <p><font size="5">One day we drive up to the Tonto NF to visit Phon D Sutton, our favorite parking lot from last year. The forest service has now banned camping and the area is deserted.</font></p> <p><font size="5">I get a real treat…no photos…but there is a river otter playing in the waves, one of the few I have seen in the wild. He’s in the current where the Verde River runs into the Salt and he dives and cavorts..much like a porpoise!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cHMv-JAInfc/Vt3sAUJ16DI/AAAAAAAAbYk/qWnE0otFFtY/s1600-h/20160302_1248073.jpg"><img title="20160302_124807" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160302_124807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrwu3LwSNpLbs5eQw7rIU_haOJaDB2YnQThwgOAoVPG_WyTUrvbJ9uJtJLAmWCMP5LbFAROV-LTDyoIRjwZeIsy1i_hMvOXGU3cXRscpLFOQ8Q3bE3-kgOFNecn5t0yk1TNYvo-IO7zYv/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="351"></a></p> <p><font size="5">On our last night <a href="http://justfinding.blogspot.com" target="_blank">John and BJ</a> join us for dinner at the campground.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uWTJ3lA364c/Vt3sFDX9-aI/AAAAAAAAbYs/htob2bv16Ds/s1600-h/DSC_00353.jpg"><img title="DSC_0035" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0035" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wjls7LYnEZc/Vt3sG0Rbr7I/AAAAAAAAbYw/uk2l_BkHemM/DSC_0035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="426"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We have a great time sitting around the fire and swapping stories….forget to take photos!</font></p> <p><font size="5">Heading east, we take a new route through Globe and stay on HWY 70 until Lordsburg, NM. We decide to stay in Safford, AZ at a RV park but it is not too appealing and there is a WalMart handy.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vEPiy8PTbIA/Vt3sI789bDI/AAAAAAAAbY4/pdWQARleSXw/s1600-h/20160305_0904543.jpg"><img title="20160305_090454" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160305_090454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbOU8QyPfloO8PlEj8rUwGekhj799NP2sFM8aQmvnID6tOa-pV09yn8Zjuzy4uSnf5GX_G6zX5wxYcG0fHgC0eGTNCVZ4oE8P4jVpfEawCxoPX9xcLziEwJitflXwMns37uUexdp-BJXx/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p><font size="5">The Dream Catcher Escapees Park in Deming is our destination and our current location. We are waiting for the big rain to move out of our path. Meanwhile we are socializing and learning how to line dance!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--1fNl-JaqrA/Vt3sOrinqfI/AAAAAAAAbZA/IaxMEhDxONk/s1600-h/20160306_1118473.jpg"><img title="20160306_111847" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160306_111847" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8lGyAaRuVqg/Vt3sQ6QhIOI/AAAAAAAAbZE/Db3POsr3b-A/20160306_111847_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5">The plan is to stay at Escapees parks on our way east…but you know how it is with jello plans.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Reservations at Gunter Hill COE start on 3/14/2016. See y’all!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058328233485181616.post-52827229491379676112016-02-28T18:22:00.000-05:002016-02-28T18:23:50.635-05:00A Week at Buckskin and Musings<p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p><font size="5">The musings come first. Been wondering why on earth can’t I make myself sit down and write? Decided that I am just not motivated or there’s too much distraction with the ongoing medical issues and managing all the demands of the trailer. And I’m seriously short on my “alone” time </font></p> <p><font size="5">It is good to be around real live bodies instead of just cyber relationships but I’d like to have a better mix of both as I am missing my blogging friends.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">With that said, I can resume our travel story. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hGz2W2lAG8o/VtN_F_7v2jI/AAAAAAAAbQ0/MuSLSbUO_L0/s1600-h/DSC_00237.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGslTIxlx9s/VtN_HvF-axI/AAAAAAAAbQ4/gOVbnd-Kl8o/DSC_0023_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">This is the Colorado River at Buckskin </font><font size="5">Mountain State Park near Parker, AZ. The rv park on the opposite shore is in California. </font></p> <p><font size="5">We are fortunate to book 3 nights at Buckskin just after the big Dome Rock gathering. It is very hard to get into this park due to it’s popularity.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOQZIubXYuph0JS8DDWyMuoUifolVw20Sykgk6c_1uLx41lolQ1btftKDjSocMqk-Zi5hyemVlTFl0h8LH8Zz5_3OhR6MYg6TnNhl1RRr6eiEHPnjVCNLa5ETpv8CVYPdy64chqQ2Bs8l/s1600-h/DSC_0012%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQHzSXn4rtU/VtN_Jx6XCiI/AAAAAAAAbRA/r00Q1lVIvHc/DSC_0012_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="422"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bz8cdtq60Xo/VtN_KiPe8VI/AAAAAAAAbRE/WCZDkUSOcl0/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-foaSQUYCw4U/VtN_LVd4fDI/AAAAAAAAbRI/NReG1CcRH8s/DSC_0006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="268"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uXs-Osgm3V8/VtN_Mgy-0oI/AAAAAAAAbRM/FK6w5Vb-2xQ/s1600-h/DSC_0014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-78vQZW-Wvdg/VtN_NQWjbCI/AAAAAAAAbRQ/tGHGwwr8q-o/DSC_0014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Our site is close to the river but it is also on a very busy corner with lots of traffic! On the third day the temperature hits 90F. We stay in with the A/C blasting!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">We find that there are cabanas available and we move even closer to the river!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hs7_oItQLWM/VtN_Onm8ZYI/AAAAAAAAbRU/1nnDEk2Ucgc/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nDSLg-jv-BA/VtN_PbDGhKI/AAAAAAAAbRY/lkS4GOOFbZo/DSC_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="382"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9hJVYHztz-8/VtN_QRNxv8I/AAAAAAAAbRc/MK3duSi_Tjg/s1600-h/DSC_0002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-u3Yj_ieDZ4E8YsfcLUKF_jhxp_-AB4NJb5LxxzxsfoRZ0aiunG6cRvgGfwdPMe1oZLkztG3nv6L2DGo0m6LKx3-Zfh_IoO-HRyLPO1OgETL4FuHPcV_ToLkJ0tLOwTx3LvlK82SRN37/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9pY1U-xlpE/VtN_R3UqoLI/AAAAAAAAbRk/uOlZAkI3r9M/s1600-h/DSC_0010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0010" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kNazQgy_vkk/VtN_Slt41YI/AAAAAAAAbRo/Hpi2IbEr1PY/DSC_0010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJaPdHvSsOA/VtN_TtM2J7I/AAAAAAAAbRs/rU7BtEQZ9Gs/s1600-h/DSC_0027%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-29CXi-h9Sy8/VtN_UdQI0DI/AAAAAAAAbRw/RiOaAyeFV5Q/DSC_0027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="297"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc19fNpHj9RGehSzvd24JlpOG02Hs6-PUGCHm_K3nqcB03QX248nNoF62y7YjPYj39omnQTeszjcN25ow47WhRfTYB-IvB9X3Cjz1l7QT9KAD34bHJIKa0crCDlvfIneKKmmcrBrQp04LT/s1600-h/DSC_0021%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07lqhQ3yrwrwi1MFNhabPdN1LaXYLVBK8rxMyFBHjno8MJyvUmRzugEMaeEH51CZ4oNMtdPF0QnbcP99aYNmgAGbVPicJ8z10LTlfD_JdtVstw2are51s5RV26-099L05v6WVqvIlDmVD/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="362"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cmpr9SIox40/VtN_X-SAAvI/AAAAAAAAbR8/qOHLAB0tSmY/s1600-h/DSC_0026%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0026" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3T2yru2yco/VtN_YgM0LmI/AAAAAAAAbSA/pqATguW1qJw/DSC_0026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="328"></a></p> <p><font size="5">We stay another 4 nights, just not ready to leave the river, the coots and mallards and the ever changing colors of the Colorado River.</font></p> <p><font size="5">One morning I hike up the campground trail. The path is straight up from the entrance. The views are breath taking!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKtV6YiK-NQ/VtN_ZQzXOnI/AAAAAAAAbSE/5PbnykAceGE/s1600-h/20160221_084439%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160221_084439" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160221_084439" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FPHz6OfEaSA/VtN_aeGCdaI/AAAAAAAAbSI/xKjHCxNdIs4/20160221_084439_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="313"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H0ck2-BHHjM/VtN_bWtpXpI/AAAAAAAAbSM/yoNl5Ob8XwA/s1600-h/20160221_084918%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160221_084918" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160221_084918" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrp83TpLPyjjjualYRKICLasIwy4Lb3A4YZlRYb4a9_EErRteuG5AGYCD0jXIoykq1cVZ393tq8lprn4HGtqH06OxmlkdmxgB_bmxT1thaIr4KquQ4Ph7o-oxYyWVh9YZ57sOf9ywghpe/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="355"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">That’s our blue Tundra, middle left, at the top of the row of cabanas.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rEUUQdZMkXU/VtN_dTbi7BI/AAAAAAAAbSU/dRo9BrUWzxg/s1600-h/20160221_084929%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160221_084929" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160221_084929" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKYoRRVEMNHtNy2AjDAb_Z1Ro34UGM3bLbOIEjPPWYCnw3hXl2cooHQwiTSd5tDUqLSrkD0Rjw5XPwJF4q5tJa7tn4MZJPSxCZ3p03xJI1A14Kcv9c5PlOBdLac0V7dOcPcagwLYRL88O/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="356"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEFopmzQVuA/VtOA146_ybI/AAAAAAAAbSs/wvMg1ImeADk/s1600-h/20160221_094542%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160221_094542" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160221_094542" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J2i8_zJ-qrk/VtOA2-kv6jI/AAAAAAAAbSw/7CUBLnmBHFI/20160221_094542_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="398"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fAfHWGfOylg/VtOA3xGMNCI/AAAAAAAAbS0/EpQ2XZqdFLY/s1600-h/20160221_094555%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160221_094555" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160221_094555" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kGiIMfmdDfM/VtOA4wztXnI/AAAAAAAAbS4/wbHkSj8OxcQ/20160221_094555_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="412"></a></p> <p><font size="5">As I take this last shot, a fifth-wheel drives by and blows a friendly greeting. I wave, feeling connected to this vast world of snow birds.</font></p> <p><font size="5">David and I have been to this part of Arizona in 2012 but we didn’t go see the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. It’s time to see a piece of history!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2D3JTDNjyZQ/VtOA5igmz-I/AAAAAAAAbS8/ufLvPA4HTcM/s1600-h/20160219_112624%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160219_112624" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160219_112624" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QnnyI1tHgg/VtOA6OPEVsI/AAAAAAAAbTA/1vFozHYeP9g/20160219_112624_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="226"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i8_moLxTmto/VtOA7JGB8kI/AAAAAAAAbTE/vfDq7O3hQTU/s1600-h/20160219_112359%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160219_112359" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160219_112359" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgHhyImmnBc/VtOA7rEZwwI/AAAAAAAAbTI/UpBBbKPAoiM/20160219_112359_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="332"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ar55ceRomoM/VtOA9anuTLI/AAAAAAAAbTM/FmzigroZAdE/s1600-h/20160219_112406%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160219_112406" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160219_112406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRa2Y2QcH0HVh2lT6In7Y0-0hZNAmahdvuJI95IMjuKbN9jQp9io9dQOtwdBx43InzEimJQfpfV57BQMvtALWOcPCrbjP9sBS_rjDftOSI3iTwDK06lTTmOjfABVsyVqEnFOBU7UzcxUr/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="332"></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">The path goes along this canal.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQpDrjKcDF4/VtOA_EezfjI/AAAAAAAAbTU/DdoUO2dbSFA/s1600-h/20160219_114141%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160219_114141" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160219_114141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVcMQexP4B2c6knpYb_2tkjzsgtb0PXRjdJJ8GZ96_f8x4XECS5ZY20en0j9mBhrAIpIaPHpGESl_aNtZ_haIXEWojQuw_pyDC8FJhv65ZUFSoIujEZQMcMqxRL9V7QQqFdKuH9m8bhRu/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"></a></p> <p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5">This is the 25th anniversary plaque. The bridge was taken apart piece by piece in London and shipped to CA. </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">We also missed the Parker Dam on our first trip. The road goes along the California side of the river.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NxbPRpkaEEA/VtOBBbLMkpI/AAAAAAAAbTc/2tFaQEVfb8k/s1600-h/DSC_0019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IlBPNwmdM8c/VtOBCDwfx0I/AAAAAAAAbTg/MSc_R-aFE2A/DSC_0019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">It is famous for it’s depth under the river bottom.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aLUijPyAGUE/VtOBDrQHAbI/AAAAAAAAbTk/zkXIfLF2KN8/s1600-h/DSC_0020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAforM55s0b2zh45NNdYaSfzfspmkr_PinNz37hvs93JzAcq5If5TO8mN3815A_c7q3ZF-jnT9S_kB3cATIOcGlclzbrcQJ18wKn31wz_B7d6HOU-X4yROLhN8_i_PGvXE6s4fMkoCg4x/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="479"></a></p> <p><font size="5">It goes 235 feet below the river bed and 85 feet above. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NTCVF1FOKCUaLZyaLRhfooI0wBRVSbNI-e8JsIL0zCMavNj5Nfpzz7oYdNT8XUFWnCjJsLwQbc-Ewh2o8nXqdob6iPxIbORIlAof7Lq4cbFSycyXpSzssr6TIsdCOPshzo5F5H4ov1hP/s1600-h/DSC_0024%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQTqAs1TrgYQPFbGZFo53Tj2orXRL0WeurFzS7KgPI7uBps-ZCpJnasHirrz8SFR9qpmQlvLrecoo7AbJW7mr4QqNo5IRgxEWPx3JQnPJKXHGU_PKStOVxuiEvWr7OWnqpLMSGNw09VQa/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="405"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6T2c2FMQcxA/VtOBI1WraBI/AAAAAAAAbT0/Z8mCywV5f8g/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qIw6rYQbYo8/VtOBJ1f_w9I/AAAAAAAAbT4/QgkkKRzEiHE/DSC_0025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="5">These sad, but cute, little panhandlers were mooching just past the dam. Signs are everywhere saying to watch for the wild burros.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We say good-bye to Buckskin Mountain and head east, searching for some cooler temperatures. </font></p> <p><font size="5">There is an Escapees park with dry camping in Congress and the weather is said to be cooler!</font></p> <p><font size="5">We stay four nights at North Ranch, enjoying every moment. David sees his first pickle ball match.</font></p> <p><font size="5">We take the winding road up to Prescott (and stumble across more fiberglass friends hidden in the forest). We have dinner in a fancy small town diner and see real cowboys in Wickenburg.</font></p> <p><font size="5">And now we in the Phoenix relatives’ back yard, getting ready to celebrate the granddaughter’s birthday. It’s hotter than it is suppose to be by 15 degrees. Would like to land on a mountaintop but David has another doctor’s appointment. Will be heading back to Apache Junction tomorrow.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Hello, Superstition Mountains!</font></p>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com12