Home. Long overnight trip from Fairbanks and 3 hour layovers in both Minneapolis and Atlanta.

Its hot here at home and sure could use some of the crisp cold glacier air and maybe a side of 400 year old ice. Trip was great!!

Last Day!! Seemed way to fast but I guess that’s because it was so action packed and exciting with so much to do and see.

Interesting for the past few days the sun doesn’t set until after 11:00 at night and rises before 3:00 in the morning but during that 4 hours of nightfall its not dark and actually still light enough you could play tennis or golf.

We had to check out of our hotel by 11:00 in the morning and our flight wasn’t until 9:30 at night. So we decided to kill some time with our new friends Dave & Kathy and take the shuttle into downtown Fairbanks. Fair banks only has a population of 30,000 and the temperature range is from -70 degrees in winter and 100 degrees in summer. Some tough people, every car has a cord coming out the front for an engine heater. Walked around downtown, visited the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and found a good place for lunch called Saltys.

Went to the visitor center and Nancy bought a $20.00 dog booty. This will be matched with a dog and his musher before the “Yukon Quest” sled dog race which is between Fairbanks and White Hope in the Yukon Territory. Happened to be the Number 88 ticket (lucky – right) . They took our email to be able to track the race and our musher & dogs!! Good luck No. 88!!

This morning boarded the only remaining authentic Alaskan paddle stern-wheeler for a cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. (In Alaska the natives ended every river in NA meaning river in the language). We saw a bush pilot do take-offs and landings on the river, a sled dog camp and demonstration and stopped at an Old Chena Indian Village for a look into Alaskan life and history.

There were a lot of beautiful million dollar homes along the river.

After the boat trip we had a lunch of miner’s stew at the riverboat landing. After lunch we boarded buses and went to an afternoon visit of the Alaskan Pipeline, ride on the narrow gauge Tanana Valley Railroad where we got to see Gold dredge 8, a National Historic Landmark for gold mining. Then we got our own chance to pan for gold. Nancy panned $9 in gold and I only came up with $8.

Catching a bus this afternoon (2:00 PM) to Fairbanks. Had some time so we went out and toured the Denali National Park Visitor center. Very interesting history of the park, area and diversity of the wildlife with informative exhibits.

We went back to the lodge and caught a bus for the 3 hour ride to Fairbanks. On the way to Fairbanks stopped in Nenana and went to the cultural center. We both bought lottery tickets ($2.50 each) betting on the date and exact time the big tripod would break through the ice in the river next spring. Could win $100,000 if correct.

Staying at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.

At 9:30 we got on a converted school bus for the Tundra Wilderness Tour. It was an all day tour travelling deep into the Denali National Park. Travel by the bus was the only way to go as the roads in the park are to narrow for a traditional bus. We hadn’t gone 2 miles into the when we saw our first moose and then in another mile saw another moose with her 2 one week old babies. (The baby moose is 45 pounds at birth and 350 pounds at a year old.). Phenomenal 8 hour day of Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep in the mountains, brown eagle and beautiful scenery all the way.

At one point a mother grizzly and her cub were walking down the middle of the road in front of our bus and we couldn’t get past. The mother grizzly spotted a ground squirrel and took off after it – the cub realized mom was gone and sprinted 40 yards to catch up with her.

We boarded a bus this morning for a ride back over to Talkeetna and the rail depot. There we boarded an Alaska Railroad train for the 4 hour trip to the Denali National Park on a great observation car with glass roof.

At the train station boarded a bus to take us to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Fantastic lodge and a great room with terrific views.

We took a shuttle bus this morning to the closest town to our lodge, Talkeetna, Alaska. We walked around the little town and had lunch before walking to where we would get our jet boat tour.

Caught our Chulitna Gorge Jet Boat tour. It was a great 60 mile trip along three rivers with views of the river area. Unfortunately Mt. McKinley was surrounded in clouds so we couldn’t get a good look. We stopped on a river Island and hiked to see an old Indian (Denai’in Native Alaskan) Fish Camp and further on an authentic trapper’s cabin. We saw small creeks feeding into the river where salmon return to in summer to spawn.

Traveled by bus this morning leaving the Kenai Princess Lodge in route to the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge. We stopped in Anchorage for about 2 hours to walk around and have some lunch. Walked around downtown seeing the sights, split a reindeer hot dog and went for lunch. Almost 50% of the population of Alaska lives in the Anchorage area which was founded by Captain James Cook..

After Lunch we continued our drive on the the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge.

Left the lodge and traveled by bus down to Seward (65 miles).to board the Kenai Fjords National Park Tour cruise boat. The boat left Seward at 11:00 AM for a 6 hour tour of the National Park.

Could have taken a 1000 pictures of the beautiful scenery, glaciers and abundant wildlife. We saw a lot of whales, stellar sea lions, puffins and a bald eagle looking for lunch. We traveled on the cruise from Steward to Resurrection Bay to the Gulf of Alaska around Aialik Peninsula to the face of the Aialik Glacier..

Disembarked our cruise ship in Whittier for the drive over to the Kenai Princess Lodge. The tall building at the base of the mountain Nancy thought was a hospital . Wrong! It was where most of the locals live after the 1964 earthquake wiped out the town. Our cruise director Liz said the top floor is where the Airbnb is. On the way to the lodge we stopped to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation center. They rescue wild animals that have been injured or young ones that were abandoned. In natural environments we saw brown bear, black bear, moose, wood buffaloes, black tailed dear and many other small animals.

The drive from Whittier to the lodge was on a highway rated by National Geographic as one of the 10 most scenic drives in America. Absolutely fantastic views!!

In the afternoon we took a guided tour of the small town of Cooper Landing. Nancy & I were the only ones on the tour given by Lorraine Painter which was great and very personalized. She was a former dog sled musher and we met her last 2 dogs and her husband. Visited a local homestead and met and sat with Larry the owner who had built the log cabin from scratch 50 years ago with his wife and kids. Stopped at scenic viewpoints, visited the town museum and the very unique town cemetery. The town’s school is kindergarten though 12th and currently has 14 students in the whole school and 1 teacher.

The resort is fantastic and very rustic. It is separated into little lodges with 4 cabins in each lodge.

Left Glacier Bay Marine Park and cruised all night up the Coast of Alaska in the Gulf of Alaska. In late morning we entered Prince William Sound (Exxon Valdez Disaster) and entered College Fjord in the afternoon. Spent several hours cruising by impressive glaciers. As you approached the glaciers the water was filled with blocks of ice that caved off the glaciers. Saw a lot of Sea Otters that were really cute as they swam past our ship on their backs with little ones or food on their belly.

We spent the day slowly cruising down Glacier Bay arriving around noon at the Lamplugh Glacier. We spent over an hour sitting in front of the glacier before returning back up the bay.

Dinner tonight was our 2nd Formal night.

We arrived in Skagway at 7:00 AM and boarded a mini-bus for our tour a little after 9:00. It was an all day tour leaving Alaska, going through British Columbia and into the Yukon Territory. We viewed spectacular mountains tundra and northern Boreal forests as we drove along the Klondike Highway. We saw a young black bear eating the heads off of dandelions as fast as he could pluck them. He ate them like they were candy!

We stopped for a BBG Chicken lunch at Caribou Crossing in the Yukon Territory and Museum of Yukon Natural History, Royal Canadian Police exhibit and the Husky Sled Dog Camp. Nancy is drinking a Chilkoot Beer. Chilkoot was a steep dangerous pass the gold miners and their dogs with packs (with 100 days of provisions) climbed to set up claims.

The young girl below explained a lot about the dog team including the role the lead and the rest of the dogs have as well as their training. They used to use Huskies but while they are strong they lack endurance and speed so a mixed breed was developed that are exceptional athletes and weigh about 50 pounds.

After lunch we traveled to the old restored historic Yukon town of Carcross with a lot of shops before travelling back to Skagway. Along the way back we saw more bear and caribou.

Arriving back in Skagway in late afternoon we walked around the little town and stopped in the Red Onion Saloon before returning to the ship.

The ship arrived in Juneau at 8:00 AM and is not scheduled to leave until 9:00 PM giving us a full day to explore Alaska’s Capital City. We got off the ship and went into town to get on a bus that would take us out to the Mendenhall Glacier. On the 40 minute ride out to the glacier we were going parallel to the river and at least a dozen bald eagles sat on the tops of the street lamps looking down over the river for breakfast to come along. The Ice Age ended here about the year 1700 and the glaciers began receding. Today the face of the Mendenhall Glacier is about 3 miles back from where it was in 1700. A huge waterfall was next to the glacier. On our way back to the bus we spotted a porcupine in a tree.

We took the bus back into town and before exploring town stopped at the famous Red Dog Saloon. A lot of historic artifacts in this historic establishment including Wyatt Earp’s gun hanging over the bar. Had to try one of their special shots called a Duck Fart (not bad.) Read the liquor assortment on the menu below (HaHa)

We walked around downtown Juneau visiting shops and then on our way back to the ship stopped for a late lunch at Tracy’s King Crab Shack for a bowl of chowder and to split a giant King Crab leg. The dog statue Nancy is standing next to is “Patsy Ann” a deaf dog who used to greet all the ships coming into port.

Our ship the Coral Princess arrived in Ketchikan at 6:30 AM having crossed into Alaskan waters during the night. We didn’t schedule any tours today opting to take a long walk through the town to see the sites. Unfortunately it was a foggy day with rain off and on. An old fishing and later mining town tightly hugging the coastline. Alot of Totem Poles and historic homes, brothels and shops. The salmon spawn through here in great numbers to go up the many side creeks and there are fish ladder structures to help them get upstream where waterfalls and dams would prohibit their spawning. Visited the Totem Heritage Center to learn more about all the totem poles

The ship was leaving at 3:00 so we went to Annabelle’s Famous Keg & Chowder House for a late lunch at the bar before getting back on the ship. Nancy had Seafood Chowder and I couldn’t decide between the Seafood, Clam or Smoked salmon Chowder so I had all 3.

Happy Birthday Tracy!! At sea all day sailing North from Vancouver up the Strait of Georgia to the Queen Charlotte Sound and continuing up the coast of British Columbia. Rainy foggy day so pictures not great but scenery was. Need a selfie stick or longer arms trying to take selfie on our terrace.

It was our formal night for dinner and the Captain’s reception.

Walked around downtown Vancouver in the morning. Great city with a lot of high end shops and beautiful parks. Late morning walked to our ship to start the boarding process.

Set sail at 4:30 to head North towards Alaska. Our room and balcony were great. As was the Churchill Lounge where you were allowed to sit in very comfortable chairs and look out large windows on the starboard side of the boat while you smoked your cigar.

Off on our Alaska adventure. Flying Pensacola to Dallas and on to Vancouver, British Columbia. Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

The whole family got together and flew to St. Thomas to spend 6 days at an incredible house located on the Megan Bay beach. The beach, pool, house and everything about the trip was fantastic including the open air taxi that transported all 19 of us around the island .

Anna was playing in a Soccer Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando. We got to drive up to the complex several times over 3 days to watch her play. It was great seeing her play and at the same time visiting with Kris, Sherri & Andrew.

Packed up this morning at Disney’s Wilderness Resort and traveled 27 miles to the Bay Lake Motorcoach Resort in Polk City, FL. Very nice owner based resort with excellent pads, grounds ans amenities. In the afternoon took Tucker and we drove up to Gainesville to see State semi-final game for Girls High School Soccer. Great Game – they won and will play in Deland FL next Friday for the State Title.

Checked into River Bend Motorcoach Resort. This is a great owner owned property with mature, well maintained landscaping, beautiful lakes – great RV sites and all the first class amenities you could want. We will be here for 10 days and get to spend some time with Karen & Don catching up on our latest adventures. Over the week we golfed, went to the Edison Ford Museum (Ft. Myers), partied, ate out, played boccie and shuffleboard. Just a great place. Don is one of the Breakfast Boys and every Saturday morning prepares a huge buffet breakfast for the Park which is delicious.

Had a great time and will definitely be back next winter for a much longer stay. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with Karen & Don as well as the time we got to spend with Al & Sissie and everyone else we met at River Bend.

The whole family got together for a great vacation at the Palm Beach Shores Resort. We spent a week including New Years at this resort with a lot of beach time, pool time and great meals.

Home!! In time to watch Hutson football game and the girls go to Homecoming. Great to be home.

Hutson did a great job at Cornerback and the girls were stunning all decked out for Homecoming.

At Tiffin for repairs on the RV. By luck our friends Karen and Don were there and we had a great time visiting with them while we waited to get repairs done. They surprised us early today with a Happy Anniversary sign and decorated flamingo with balloons. Happy 49th!!!

We got to watch Anna play tennis matches on both Monday and Tuesday. Great watching her play and the smile says it all – a 6 to 4/ 6 to 4 Match win.

Morning football game for Andrew and Coach Bjorson. Kris coaching defense this year but still designs most of the offensive plays. Tough loss for the Hinsdale Falcons but Andrew had some great catches and long runs. Need to get him the ball more as he is fast and runs through a lot of the defenders.

After very hot game enjoyed the afternoon in the pool and watching football.

Game Day!! Indiana University vs. Ball State. Drove up to Bloomington and picked up Kris and Linda to go over to the team walk in to the Stadium. Big crowd, the team arrive by bus with a police escort and then they walk through the band, cheerleaders and crowd over to the stadium.

Great 38 – 10 win and Matt had a couple of nice catches for 1st downs. Very hot in the stands – after game and seeing Matt drove to Hinsdale with Kris.

Traveled today from WaKeeney to Topeka, Kansas.  Entire route on I-70, easy rainy drive through farm fields and large wide open cattle ranches. Kept passing huge fields of a crop we didn’t recognize and on a little research by my copilot turned out to be Sorghum. Kansas is the largest producer of Sorghum in the world.

Camped at the Deer Creel Valley RV Park. A first class resort with all concrete paved roads,long & wide concrete sites and concrete patios.

Wanted BBQ for dinner and saw the number 1 rated place in Topeka was Lonnie Q’s BBQ. Turns out it was right next door to our RV Park. Only open for dinner 1 night per week (Friday – very fortuitous for us), closed on the weekend and serving lunch Monday thru Friday. How did it get to be number 1 with such short hours? Went a little after 5 and found it didn’t open until 5:30. We were 6th / 7th in line and by the time it opened the line was long. Great ribs, brisket and cheesy potatoes!!

Traveled today from Colorado Springs to WaKeeeny, Kansas. Alot of twists and turns getting out of Colorado City but then on Route 24 up to I-70 and on to WaKeeny an easy drive.The mountains turned into wide open ranges and we gradually dropped from an elevation of over 6000 feet to 2400 feet. I think this is the first time in almost 2 months we have been below an elevation of 5000 feet. Noticeable difference.

Camped at KOA WaKeeny. Good for an overnight with long gravel sites and nice grass between sites.

Drove out this morning to tour the US Air Force Academy just outside of Colorado Springs. Fantastic setting at the base of the mountains and a great sprawling campus. Visited the Chapel and watched at 11:30 as all the cadets gathered around the central green in squads to march to lunch. Quite a site.

Drove back into town and picked Tucker up to walk around Old Colorado City and have lunch. We were here a few days ago with Kris and Deidre but the rain kept us from looking at all the shops. Had lunch on the patio of Pizzeria Rustica. Great Cremini al Forno appetizer and a Salsiccia pizza from a wood fired oven.

After lunch and touring Old Colorado City drove out to revisit the Garden of the Gods without the huge crowds that we experienced trying to see it last weekend.

We took Tucker this morning with us to conquer Pikes Peek. A great drive up the mountain going from 6000 feet in Colorado Springs rising to 14, 115 feet at the top. Glad we took Tucker because construction at the top limited cars driving up to the top and you had to take a shuttle bus the last 1/3 of the way but Tucker was not allowed on the bus so we got a pass to the top. Fun drive with no guardrails.

Drove back into town and later met Laura, Ryder, Braden & Alyssa at the Ghost Town Museum. Fun old historic museum and a lot for the kids to see. Went next door and had a good dinner with them at the Colorado Mountain Brewery. Cute kids, we had fun with them and Laura / Ryder doing great.

Kris and Deidre drove up from Pueblo and picked us up to go to lunch. We went into Old Colorado City and had lunch at Jake & Telly. A really good Greek Restaurant ( I had an excellent Lamb Shank) and we sat out on  the terrace overlooking the Old City. After lunch they came back to the RV and we had a great visit.

A short travel trip today from Canon City to Colorado Springs. Most of the last 25 miles before getting into Colorado Springs was running on the edge of Fort Carson Military Base.

Camped at the Garden of the Gods RV Park. Unfortunately construction on Colorado Avenue which we faced took out 70 large trees that used to provide privacy and cut down noise. It also has temporarily put large construction barriers right in front of our site.

Drove into town today and took the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The train travelled through town and along the Arkansas River up through the bottom of Royal Gorge with its steep canyon walls to Parkdale. Yesterday on our Jeep Tour we crossed the suspension bridge looking down over 1000 feet to the river and today looking up over a 1000 feet to the bridge.  Some interesting and tough spots of the river for rafters.

This morning drove into town and took a half day jeep tour. Very informative guide as we went through the areas around town and up into the mountains heading toward the Royal Gorge. Received a thorough lesson on the local plants and wildflowers as well as history and geology.

At the Royal Gorge crossed over the Arkansas River on the world’s highest suspension bridge with a drop of just over 1000 feet down the deep gorge walls to the river.

After the gorge we climbed some steep gravely hills to the top of another mountain before returning to town.

At home I go out on the lanai by the pool to do my early morning reading with coffee and cigar before walking Tucker. The same today but what a change in setting with the sun coming up on the mountains. How blessed can one get!!

Headed the 9 miles into town this morning via the Skyline Drive. Built in 1905 by Colorado State prisoners the one lane, one way road across the very top of the Dakota Hogback formation provides some panoramic views of the valleys, neighboring mountains and Canon City from above.

Interesting are all the dinosaur prints embedded in the rock along sections of the drive.

In the afternoon we drove over to the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Cute little tasting room and bought some good Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Cab Reserve.

Traveled today from Creede to Canon City, Colorado. After a week hated leaving the great RV resort and could see why people bought lots here and come back every year. Started out running next to the Rio Grande River as it wound through the mountains and then turned East to go over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the North La Veta Pass.

Camped 8 miles outside of Canon City at the Mountain View RV Resort. Very nice site with great views of the mountains and a large concrete patio.

Don’s 70th Birthday started with a morning Bloody Mary party followed by a breakfast of grilled bacon, sausage and a baked egg casserole. We gave Don a pink flamingo with birthday greetings stuck on it.

We got together later for a bacon wrapped fillet dinner and Nancy made her roasted vegetable couscous. When we were in McCall, Idaho we went to the McCall Brewery. Brought Don a bottle of Wobbly Man Smoked Scottish Ale and a ball cap from the brewery with a bagpiper with a peg leg representing the beer. Don’s wife Karen is a lovely Scottish lass.

A group of us went on an all day ATV adventure in the Mountains around Creede. Myself, Don, Mark, Jim & Emi made the great trip. We went up past a lot of old abandoned silver mines, climbed some steep rock faces with the ATV’s and wound up with a 4000 foot elevation gain to be on top of the Continental Divide at 12,900 feet. Went down towards another mountain and came across a high elevation marsh with 4 large Moose feeding. Stopped in a valley running along Rat Creek and started a fire for a hot dog lunch. Great Day / Great Time

Visited town and the whole group got together for dinner at Antelopes. A great restaurant on the Rio Grande River about 9 miles upriver from Creede. Nancy and I both had a great Trout Piccata dish. A great group – Nancy & I, Don & Karen Rolle, Al & Sissy Wheeler, Jim & Emi Martin, Don’s brother Mark and his wife Marsha and Don’s sister Nancy.

Came home late to find Tucker howling at the moon in anticipation of getting him to the Dog Park for his evening duties.

Drove today from Creede to Lake City, Colorado. Route 149 took us past an old clay mine (most of the other mines in the area were silver mines) up over the Spring Creek Pass (10,900 feet Continental Divide) and then the Slumgullian Summit @ 11,530 feet. We passed the headwaters of the Rio Grande River that starts here and then goes down to form a large part of the Texas / Mexico border.

Had lunch in Lake City at Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill. Great outdoor patio seating that allowed Tucker and we had a nice lunch.

We all got together later for dinner – Jim & Emmy cooked a great chili with all the fixings. We were joined by Don’s brother Mark and hid wife Marsha who drove in from Arkansas.

Went to the Underground Museum. A very good educational tour of developments in drilling techniques and how the mines operated from the 1880’s into the 20th century.

Went to the Creede Historical Museum and learned about the history of the town that really boomed with the Silver Mines but declined rapidly as Silver value dropped and made mining uneconomical. Later got together with everyone and had hamburgers.
A group of us went into Creede for the Creede Repertory Theater production of Dolly Parton’s musical “9 to 5”.

Morning at the Resort and then we all met downtown Creede for lunch at Arp’s – great Poached Salmon!!

Happy Birthday Nancy!!! Went into Creede and toured the town. Had lunch in Creed and the went back to the resort for a birthday party. Al had smoked ribs all day, prepared fantastic baked beans and he and Sissy hosted Nancy’s Birthday Party. (Al & Sissy, Don & Karen, Nancy & I). Great evening!!

Traveled today from Gunnison to Creede, Colorado. Started the trip climbing up to the 11,312 foot high Monarch Pass which is on the Continental Divide separating the water flows between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The 10 mile descent off the top of the pass was exciting. The last portion of the trip going into Creede was very scenic on route 149 winding through tight mountain curves and running next to the Rio Grande River.

Camped at the Mountain View at Rivers Bend RV Resort. A first class resort with large concrete patios and great mountain views.

Met up with our friends Don & Karen and met their friends Al & Sissy who have a site by them at the River Bend RV Resort in Florida. Karen made a great dinner for us of pasta with Marinara sauce and salad.

Went to the Pioneer Museum in Gunnison. A great collection  of artifacts housed in 26 buildings of every aspect of pioneer life and early mining, farming and ranching industries. There was an entire building with nothing but restored old cars (probably close to 100 cars). Two old school houses that had been moved to the property with all the desks, books and some funny old rules for the school kids (list of 12 punishments, the 1st one is Boys and Girls playing together – 4 lashes) and rules for the teachers. Extensive history of the importance of the Railroad to the area including old trains, depots and railroad paraphernalia.

In the afternoon took Tucker and went to the Annual Gunnison Car Show. Over 300 cars from all over with some great classics and funny restorations. After the car show visited the Arts & Crafts Fair.

Took a drive North today out of Gunnison to Crested Butte, Colorado. A beautiful historic town set among the mountains. The old town center features beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings refitted with shops and businesses.  Walked the town and shops and had lunch at the Coal Creek Grill sitting on their patio with Tucker next to a crrek running by us. Nancy had the Bison Meatloaf and I had Short  ribs – both were outstanding.

Traveled today from Montrose to Gunnison Colorado. A short trip across US 50 but up and down some pretty good climbs. Much of the Route ran along the Gunnison River and when the map shows a dotted scenic route – believe it.

Camped at the Gunnison KOA with very wide sites and a lot of grass which was great after the gravel, mulch and dirt in Montrose. The camp has a 35 year old burro named Sari that roams free through the park eating grass and gets petted by everyone.

Toured around Montrose and went to the Ute Indian Museum. An extensive and thorough history of the Ute Indian Tribes in Utah and Colorado. Interesting was how the tribes moved during different seasons from the Mountains in summer to their Valley campgrounds in the winter. The more recent history shows over a 40 year period beginning in 1849 how 4 treaties subsequently reduced the Utes almost 3 State originally given Territory down to very small reservations in Southern Colorado and Northeastern Utah.

This morning drove over to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. From Montrose you gain elevation through open ranges, irrigated farmlands, ranches and eventually into the mountains. At the visitor center you get your first look at the absolutely amazing Black Canyon with its narrow openings, shear walls and startling depths that were formed by the Gunnison River. The canyon is 1750 to 2700 feet deep and so narrow that a lot of the canyon is dark from not getting sun (giving it the name Black Canyon). The Gunnison River which formed the canyon is very fast moving dropping an average of 95 feet per mile through the park. This gives the river the energy to cut downward faster than other kinds of erosion van widen it.

Traveled today from Moab to Montrose Colorado. Leaving the sandstone cliffs of Moab went North to I-70 and the East through some wide open ranges entering Colorado. At Grand Junction turned turned Southeast towards Montrose crossing the Grand Mesa which is the largest flat top mountain in the world.

Camped at the Cedar Creek RV Resort in Montrose. Site was long enough but a little tight and a lot of gravel. Spoiled after the last week at the Portal Resort in Moab.

Mornings are in the cool 60’s and every day enjoy going outside at dawn to do my reading and start the day. The sun rises over the mountains behind the RV and brilliantly lights up the red mountains in front of the RV. Fantastic setting to start the day. (by afternoon the temperature is over 100 and the brilliant red mountains are hazy with smoke)

Drove into downtown Moab to have lunch and visit the Museum of Moab. Good Museum depicting the history of Moab especially the Uranium boom of the 1950’s being a major supplier of Uranium from this local geology to the growing Atomic Energy industry. The woman in the Museum told us there was a couple out back in a trailer working on Dinosaur bones and we could go back and see what they were doing. The older couple (our age) were with the Paleontology Society of Moab and were doing the preliminary cleaning of a thigh bone from a 150 million year old Dinosaur. A hiker saw a portion of the bone sticking out of the ground and alerted Rangers who sent in a team to excavated it and pack it in plaster. It is then sent to the trailer where the couple takes off the plaster, does a preliminary cleaning of the bone and uses temporary glue to afix sections that were breaking off. The bone on the floor by my foot (use my size 16 foot to get an idea of size) had been cleaned and they were working on the next section of the thigh bone.

Drove today to the Dead Horse Point State Park and then to the Canyonlands National Park. Unfortunately the wildfire smoke persists and hazes over many of the magnificent views.
Dead Horse Point is where cowboys used to corral wild mustangs. The neck of the point was only 30 yards wide and the rest of the point is precipitous cliffs. The cowboys would drive the horses on to the point and then pick out the ones they wanted to keep. The views look down over 2000 feet to the canyons created by the Colorado River over the last ten million years.

The Northern portion of Canyonlands National Park was only 30 mile drive from the State Park. The area of the National Park is called “Islands in the Sky” with colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, and spires in the heart of southeast Utah’s high desert.

Drove South of Moab this morning to an interesting attraction called the Hole N’ the Rock. It is a 5000 sq. ft. home drilled and blasted into the rock on the side of a mountain. The father started the home in the late 20’s and was finished by his son 20 years later where Albert and Gladys Christensen lived in the 14 room rock home. The temperature in the home varies from 65 to 72 year round without any heat or AC. The property outside the home has a general store and a bunch of humorous attractions like the outhouses on top of each other with the “Miner Boss” stacked above the “Miners” outhouse. It was still furnished with all their original stuff. Touristy but fun. Went back into town for lunch and shopping the main street.

Drove North out of Moab today on Highway 128. The road runs along the Colorado River and the fantastic canyons it cut in the sandstone over the last several million years. Shear cliffs and dramatic valleys all with the winding River as a highlight. The wildfire smoke still persists.

Stopped for Lunch at the Sorrel River Ranch and Resort. Had a great lunch on the patio looking at the River with the cliffs as a background. We each had a bowl of very good Gazpacho and then split a BLTAE (BLT with an egg and avocado.

After lunch we started back down 128 towards Moab and stopped at the Castle Creek Winery for a tasting. Castle Creek is Utah’s First and Largest Winery and it sits right on the River. Not bad creamy Chardonnay and Cabernet.
We then stopped at the Red Cliffs Lodge which houses the Movie History Museum. Not only were a lot of the old Westerns filmed in the area including some great John Wayne cowboys but parts of modern films like Back to the Future 2 & 3, Indiana Jones, Thelma & Louise, City Slickers 2, Mission Impossible. Also ads like the Chevy ad where they put a car on the top of a dramatic rock pillar.

We then continued our drive back down 128 to Moab.

Temp is suppose to get to 102 degrees today so got an early start and headed for Arches National Park. Absolutely amazing. From the sheer sandstone cliffs, the arches and balanced rocks its boast of being the most unique rock formations in the world is certainly believable. For 4 hours of driving between viewpoints and getting out to look at the vistas we must of said a thousand times “wow look at that”. The only downer is as the day went on the smoke in the air from the California and Utah wildfires began obscuring some of the great views.

Have a short drive today so relaxed and had breakfast in a restaurant overlooking the Green (very Brown) River. Started out for 20 miles going East on I-70 with wide open very barren landscapes. Then turned South on the 2 lane Route 191 towards Moab as the landscape became more mountainous with growing sandstone cliffs and some great views.

In Moab we are camping for the next week at the Portal RV Resort. Great place with paved roads, large concrete pads and patios including a pergola with table and chairs. Great views in every direction of the salmon colored sandstone cliffs. Nice plants and landscaping around the sites and look forward to the view out the front window of the coach every morning.

Traveled today from Heber City to Green River, Utah. Took the scenic route out of Heber to Provo, a great drive over the mountains, through winding valleys and along rivers. At one point we had climbed to 8800 feet in elevation. Then took a country 2 lane road as a shortcut over to I-70. More fantastic open country and then on 70 some of the most unique landscapes we have seen. The pictures don’t come close to what we saw on the drive today but my copilot, navigator and driving photographer snapped 198 pics during the drive. Even drove past the exit for Emery Utah located in Emery County.

Camped at the KOA Green River. All dirt and dust with the 99 degree temp and afternoon sun on our dirt patio a real comedown from our last resort.

Rainy day. Hung around the park, watched golf and went shopping.

Took Tucker and drove over to Park City today. Great upscale ski resort with a lot of great restaurants, clothing shops, galleries and lodges. Walked around town and had lunch on the patio at Collies on Main. I had a great apple wood smoked Salmon and Nancy had the worst BBQ Brisket she ever had.

Relaxed and then drove around town to see some of the area. Drove through Midway, a Swiss themed little town outside Heber City. There were a lot of nice houses and lodges painted with Alpine murals. Stopped at the Homestead Crater which inside of it was a thermal spring where you can swim in 97 degree water and then outside climb on top of the crater for great views of the Heber Valley and Monument Mountain. On the way back into town went to an Artisan Cheese Shop and picked up some of their award winning cheeses.

Happy to leave our very tight over-night in Pocatello and travel to Heber City, Utah. Nice drive past wide open ranches, wheat fields, low mountain passes and even the rest stops were picturesque. Just before turning off I-80 onto Rte. 40 heading to Heber City saw the start of a wildfire on Tollgate Canyon Road. Didn’t get it on the pictures but the flames were high and a lot of smoke. We saw the spread of it on the evening news.

Pulled into the Mountain Valley RV Resort, an absolute 10 out of 10. All paved with very large concrete sites. It is in the Heber Valley, similar to the Teton Valley, surrounded by mountains. Huge Dog Park for Tucker and resort separated with an over 21 section with its own pool (no kids, kind of boring but quiet).

Woke up this morning and it was 49 degrees out – the fireplace warmed the coach up quickly. Traveled today from Victor to Pocatello, Idaho. Decided that rather than going up over the mountain we would drive through the valleys. While it added 25 miles to the trip it was much more relaxing than climbing and descending the mountains. Huge farms and wheat fields. In areas came across lava fields where fissures had spewed out molten lava thousands of years ago.

Camped at the Cowboy RV and mobile Home Park for an overnight. Very tight spaces and you pull in up against the space (trailer) in front of you. Could not open awning but large grass area for Tucker to run near playground. shady site with a big tree and surrounded by mountains.

Drove back over Teton Pass this morning to spend the day visiting the town of Jackson, Wyoming. The town was named for an 1820’s trapper named Davey Jackson. Jackson Hole got its name because the early trappers called a valley a Hole thereby the 18 mile wide x 48 mile long valley got the name Jackson Hole. A tourist town but with a lot of upscale art galleries, clothing shops, gem stores and restaurants.
On each corner of the main park in town is an entrance arch made from Elk Antlers. Over 7500 Elk spend the winter on the Elk Refuge just up the valley from town. The Bull Elks shed their antlers in the spring and the local Boy Scouts go into the refuge to collect the shedded antlers.

Had lunch on the front patio of Cafe Genevieve. We had a small table for 2 and Tucker had to get under and stay under the table the whole time. Nancy had the daily special Smoked Trout Benedict and I had a Reuben sandwich with a big slab of corned beef.

As we left town and headed back over the mountain to Idaho had our last looks of the Teton Range, Was an interesting few days exploring this corner of Wyoming.

Drove bask over the Teton Pass to Teton Village, home of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort. Took the Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The Tram rose 4,139 feet in elevation to the top of the mountain at 10,450 feet. The views were incredible looking down over the valley with the Snake River running down the middle of the valley and over to the other Teton Peaks including the Grand Teton at 13,770 feet high.

The mountain gets an average of 400 inches of snow per year and last year had 512 inches, that’s over 40 feet depth of snow. Looking at some of the black diamond and double black diamond slopes, can’t imagine going over the edge. Had lunch at Corbett’s Cabin on top. You had your choice of waffle fixed 5 different ways (that’s all that was on the menu – waffles).

Went back down the mountain and looked through the shops in Teton Village. Drove back over Teton Pass to Victor getting Tucker out of the RV. Thursday night was Music on Main in Victor from 6 to 10PM. We took Tucker and chairs but found they wouldn’t allow dogs in the Park, so we just sat just outside the fence and watched the concert. It worked out perfect as the Park was packed and must have been the whole town turned out for the music.

Drove over the Teton Pass (Elev. 8431) and down into Jackson, Wyoming. Spent the day touring Grand Teton National Park. Absolutely breathtaking!!


Visited the Chapel of the Transfiguration where the picture window behind the Altar has a perfect view of the Grand Teton.

The Snake River runs through the Eastern portion of the Park and had a lot of fisherman, rafters and float boats enjoying the fast moving current.

Leaving the Park visited the original settlement called Mormon Row a series of farms established by members of the Church of Latter Day Saints established in the late 1800’s.

Lazy Day. Washed bugs off front of RV and then took a drive to Driggs, ID to see the town and have lunch. Found a nice Dog Friendly Restaurant at Forage Bistro & Lounge. Had a great lunch in the shade on their patio.

Traveled today from Arco to Victor, Idaho. Took the 2 lane Route 20 across the desert like ranges. After crossing the Snake River it got much greener with a lot more trees and lush grasslands and farms. Saw acres and acres of irrigated Idaho Potato farms. The last 20 miles of the trip was from Swan Valley up Highway 31 to Victor on a very winding 2 lane mountain road with some sheer drop-offs, steep inclines and exhilarating downhill plummets.

Arrived in Victor and camping for the next week at the Teton Valley RV Resort. Have nice wide back in site, all gravel but with our rugs out its fine. Surrounded by mountains in the distance that we will explore later this week.

Drove into Victor and had dinner on the upper patio deck of the Big Hole BBQ.

Decided there was nothing more worth seeing in Mountain Home so left early and traveled to Arco to visit Craters of the Moon National Park in the afternoon. Lucky to book the last open site at Mountain View RV Park in Arco.
The beginning of the trip on 2 lane route 29 was a long climb into the mountains opening up to wide open ranges. The last 20 miles before Arco was on the North edge of the Craters of the Moon National Park.

Beginning 15,000 years ago lava welled up from a series of deep fissures known as the Great Rift that crosses the Snake River Plain. The most recent eruption was only 2000 years ago. The landscape is unique with Lava fields, Spatter Cones, fissures and caves made from Lava Tubes.

And the winner of the American Solar Challenge was Western Sydney University from Austrailia with Michigan finishing 2nd.

Went to Walmart for some shopping and lucked out that part of the parking lot was set aside as a pit stop for the American Solar Challenge. Universities from all over put together teams that build a solar powered car and then enter the 1700+ mile race starting in Omaha, Nebraska and ending in Bend, Oregon. Each team is allowed 45 minutes in the pit stop to recharge the solar panels, change drivers and work on race logistics for upcoming routes. They take off in the order in which they entered with exactly 45 minutes of rest. I asked does the lightest person on the team get to drive and they advised that every car must carry 160 pound passenger and if you way less that that they add lead pellets to bring you up to 160 pounds. Cars can go over 65 MPH but if they get a speeding ticket they are disqualified.

After lunch we drove down to Brueau Dunes State Park. Bruneau is often referred to as “Idaho’s Sahara” and includes a 470′ high sand dune which towers above the desert floor. Beside the large dune formation there are 2 lakes and associated marshes near the large dune. Probably more interesting than the sand dune was going through the Snake River Canyon and across the Snake River to get there. When they take that Snake River water and use it to irrigate the desert it turns into lush green farmlands, without the water there is nothing.

It was 49 degrees out this morning in the mountains and great for our morning walk. Traveled today from McCall to Mountain Home, Idaho. The first part of the trip was back through the winding 2 lane mountain roads that were exciting to drive, not so much for the passenger.  We were coming down the mountain and went into a 1 lane construction area, we were first in line and when we got the go ahead went slowly and almost at the end of the construction a guy jumped out in front of the RV.  I slammed on the brakes and everything in the RV that wasn’t bolted down went flying. A half hour later two Australian Sheepdogs ran in front of us and jumping on the brakes again rearranged the mess we already had. (Dogs OK & ran off). At rest stop Nancy worked to get everything back in order and I walked Tucker and had a cigar.

Camped at the Mountain Home RV Resort. A first class resort with long concrete pads, concrete patio, grass and trees with all paved streets. Mountain Home is like an oasis in the middle of the Southern Idaho dessert. I don’t think there is a tree within 50 to 100 miles outside of this area.

Went into McCall for breakfast at The Pancake House. The restaurant was huge with big timbered ceilings and thousands of flowers surrounding the porches and property. Nancy had 1 pancake that was described as plate size but was actually medium pizza size (could only finish 1/2 of 1 pancake).




After breakfast drove to Brundage Mountain. McCall is at 5000 ft. and the Brundage Lodge is at 6000 ft. We took the chair lift up to the top at 7700 ft. and hiked around the top of the mountain. Great views in all directions from looking down 2700 feet to Lake Payette where we swam the last 2 days to the other direction with views of the Western Oregon Mountains.

Up early sitting outside the RV reading when a young buck came by to say good morning to Tucker and I. Tucker’s Day – did laundry in the morning and then headed to the beach for an afternoon of sun and swimming. Expected a mountain lake at 5000 feet in elevation to be cold but it was great and refreshing,

Tucker’s Day. Bought some Subway sandwiches for a picnic lunch and went to Ponderosa State Park which is a very large peninsula sticking into Payette Lake. Drove along the shoreline to an isolated area called Duck’s Bay and setup down by the shore for our lunch and Tucker’s swim.

Later toured around the park to the campsites, beach and picnic areas. At the beach saw a family taking turns riding a bull float. (the kids get on the bull and everyone shakes the raft to see if the bull rider can stay on).

Woke up to Breakfast at Wimbledon with our traditional Eggs Benedict for the men’s final. Earlier in Mountain Standard Time starting at 7 AM.

After breakfast headed down to the Payette River to catch some Trout for Dinner. Unfortunately we had steak for dinner and even wearing Din’s fly fishing vest and his home made flies never got a bite. Saw several large trout jump in the deep water and I think they were laughing. Oh well back to the RV to practice some casting techniques.

Went into McCall with Tucker to walk around town, go the the farmer’s market and have lunch outside at the McCall Marina Restaurant. Tucker and I took breaks in the shade while Nancy shopped.

Tucker found a friend at the RV next to us this morning. In addition to the pink flamingos the RV owners put out food and water to attract the deer. Took a long walk down to the River and let Tucker burn off some energy swimming.

Later went into McCall to buy fishing licenses and for some groceries.

Stopped at the McCall Brewery for a Wobbly Man Smoked Scottish Ale.

Traveled today from Meridian to McCall, Idaho. Very interesting 160 mile trip especially the last 50 miles in the mountains with very winding 2 lane roads up and down the mountains, breath taking views and for the passenger in the RV some breath taking rides going downhill curves. Arrived at our camp for the next week, the McCall RV Resort. Have a great site with a large center green with 4 RV’s in a circle around the central green. Went into McCall and had dinner at the Salmon River Brewery. Sat on the deck and enjoyed the views.

Relaxing non-travel day. Went to Petco and returned the Lamb dog food which Tucker wouldn’t eat and bought Salmon dog food, biscuits and treats with instructions not to give him any of the other junk (milk bone dog biscuits worse than Twinkies??) we have been giving him. We’ll see, if he stops scratching great.

Went to the Village in Meridian. Great area with a lot of upscale shops and restaurants. Very nice with beautiful flowers, fountains and landscaping. Had lunch there at the Yard House with 123 beers on tap. I had an outstanding Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl and Nancy had the Lobster & Shrimp Agnolotti which she said was excellent.

Traveled today from Brigham City, Utah to Meridian, Idaho (just beyond Boise on I-84). Very diverse and unusual landscapes and mostly an easy drive except for the very high constant winds that wanted to blow you off the road. Crossed the Snake River several times as it snaked (haha) back and forth around I-84. Everything looks brown and parched with tumbleweed blowing across the highway and rest areas except where they water it, then it is as lush and green as any Midwest farm field.

Camped at Boise Meridian KOA. Nice and clean with some grass, concrete pad and paved roads that cuts down on the dust.

OK > took my Birthday off. Swam several times in the 78 degree pool (fantastic!! – even did all my Tai Chi exercises in the pool.) Went to lunch at a local diner The Rusty Spoon and said the heck with low carbs and had a big thick Reuben sandwich on great marbled rye.

Nancy made one of my favorites for dinner, Chicken Marsala with garlic green beans. That caused plenty of excitement as the heated oil and Marsala wine kept setting off the smoke detectors in the RV and most the campsite was wondering what was going on. Sat on our swing after dinner and had pecan pie and Irish Coffee looking at the mountain across from us.

Traveled today from Rock Springs, Wyoming to Brigham City, Utah. Another interesting drive especially the change from I-80 to I-84 and going up and through the Devil’s Slide in Utah.

Camped at the Brigham City KOA. Nice 100 ft. long site and about 50 ft. wide with a concrete pad, table and old wooden swing with a great view,

Happy Birthday Mom!! Great backdrop to the campground. Relaxing non-travel day in Rock Springs. Shopped with Tucker at Petco for new dog food and vitamins to stop itching. Toured downtown Rock Springs. Interesting town originally a coal mining town primarily for the Union Pacific Railroad. At its coal mining peak they had 56 different nationalities living in town together to work the mines and they still celebrate this diversity as the second largest “Melting Pot” west of the Mississippi. The town’s theme is painted bulls with all types of businesses advertising on them. Had lunch at the Bitter Creek Brewery, a small micro brewery downtown (the Wee Bastard Scottish Ale was excellent.)

Yesterday traveled North all day from Raton, NM to Cheyenne, WY. Today travelled west all day on I-80 from Cheyenne to Rock Springs, WY. Fantastic changes in landscape from huge wide open plains of sagebrush, national grasslands with hundreds of grazing cattle to rugged rock outcroppings. An interesting drive.

Camped at the KOA Rock Springs in a Deluxe Patio site. Great with a huge concrete patio, table and chairs with a wooden fence behind the patio to cut the wind.

Traveled today from Raton, NM through Colorado to Cheyenne, WY. Interesting drive, mostly on I-25 starting by going over the Raton Pass (7900 ft. in elevation) with pedal to the metal doing 38 mph. Followed up through Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock and Denver with many changing  landscapes from high desert to bordering the edge of the Rockies. Smoke from the Spring Creek and Walsenburg wildfires in Colorado covered much of the Western Mountains.

Camped at Cheyenne KOA. Very clean camp, all gravel and roomy. We stayed here for several days last year while touring Cheyenne but this was just a one night stopover.

Happy 4th!!! Tucker got an Independence Day bath and then we headed into Raton for the 4th Celebration and Parade. Very well done for a small town with a lot of vendors and a nice, fun parade.

Traveled today from Amarillo, TX to Raton, NM. Very nice drive through high elevation rolling hills. Most of the drive between 4500 and 6500 feet in elevation with Raton at 6650 feet.

Near Clayton, New Mexico is one of the best Dinosaur track sites in the world. More than 500 fossilized footprints are visible in the spillway at Lake Clayton State Park. These tracks were embedded in the mud over 100 million years ago when most of New Mexico was under water.

Camped at the Raton KOA. Very long site in a dusty gravel parking lot with no swimming pool.

Traveled around Amarillo stopping first at the Cadillac Ranch where they buried a row of old Cadillac’s face first in the ground and everyone comes and spray paints them kind of like our 17th Street Bridge in Pensacola. Then drove into Amarillo and drove down a section of the old Route been restored with bars, shops and antique stores.

Then went to the North Texas War Memorial which was very well done with beautiful chimes and monuments / stories going back through the Spanish American war and those from North Texas that lost their lives in those wars.

Drove around downtown Amarillo and went to a late lunch at the Hauffbrau Steak & Grillhouse. Had fantastic Southwest Country Fried Steak that had Poblano peppers on top, Pepper Jack cheese and covered in gravy.

Traveled today from Denton to Amarillo, TX. It was nice but long drive through the North Texas Hill Country. Camped at the KOA Amarillo. A lot of gravel but clean and places for Tucker to run. Swimming pool was great and water temp in low 80’s compared to in the 90’s the last 3 places. Tucker found a new friend in the field next to us and was trying to jump the fence to play with her.

Went to dinner at the Big Texan Steakhouse which was huge (very touristy) and we passed on the 72 oz steak but split a very good 24 oz. Porterhouse.

Went to lunch at Rudy’s BBQ & Country Store in Denton looking for some great smoked brisket. They were voted best BBQ in Denton and didn’t disappoint with great, moist brisket. It was so good we ordered a take-out to have for dinner. Went shopping and the back to KOA to swim and watch golf.

Traveled today from Shreveport to Denton, TX about 30 miles North of Dallas. Frustrating drive with a 1 hour hold-up on I-20 for construction and then 45 minutes on I-80 for a 1 lane restriction then hitting the I-635 loop around Dallas which was extremely challenging. Happily arrived at Destiny Dallas RV Resort and have a very long site with trees providing great shade, a nice patio and large fields for Tucker to run in. Relaxed and took a very refreshing swim and did my Tai Chi exercises in the pool.

Traveled today from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, LA. Just west of Baton Rouge crossed the mighty Mississippi River on a high bridge with great views. Camped at Shreveport KOA concrete patio – quiet and not bad for an overnight stay.

Organized the RV and went shopping. Then drove down to the LSU Campus and took a tour. Great huge campus with a lot of Live Oak lined streets – Tiger Stadium was impressive!!

Stopped for a late lunch at Dukes Seafood and had great grilled oysters and seafood gumbo

Packed up and ready to hit the road for our 2018 RV Adventures. Cancelled the Canadian portion of our trip and now headed to McCall, ID to pick up our originally planned trip by July 12. Traveled today to Baton Rouge, LA and stayed at the KOA Baton Rouge (a very nice wide site with concrete pad and patio including a table, chairs and swing). Tucker especially liked the very large and clean dog park.

Traveled from Pelham to home today.  What a pleasure to pack up the RV this morning and head for home. Left May 16 and thoroughly enjoyed our travels, adventures and everything we saw. It wasn’t until sometime earlier this month that either of us thought about getting home. Action packed couple of weeks ahead of us cleaning the RV and getting it in storage and then taking on almost 5 months of missed yard work. Then start planning the next trip.

Got home in time to see Hutson’s first flag football game. Great seeing our Gulf Breeze family again!!!

Traveled from Knoxville to just south of Birmingham, Pelham, AL. Easy drive and nice country.

Glamped at Birmingham South CG. I cringed when we approached the Park remembering the tight gravel space we had last time we were here. Very surprised and happy to be put in a site on the other side of the Park from where we stayed last time that was huge, grassy, paved and with a concrete pad. For our last night on the road it was great!!

Traveled from Cincinnati to Knoxville. Great drive especially the Lexington to Knoxville segment with the beautiful tree covered mountains, as nice a views as we have had on our trip for a full day of driving.

Glamped at Volunteer Park Family CG in Heiskell, TN. A really nice park with large spaces and a huge lawn for Tucker to run on.

Traveled from Canfield to just north of Cincinnati. Set-up at the RV site and went down to the University to meet Nick at his apartment. Great Apartment with everyone (4) having their own bedroom, bath and closet then sharing a common living room and kitchen. Right next to Campus so its very easy getting to class. Walked to dinner at the Keystone Bar & Grill and both Nick & Nancy had their Mac-n-cheese specials following an appetizer of their Keystone Loaded Chips. Alot of fun and really great seeing and talking to Nick.

Kids are off to school, Tucker says goodbye to his Skunk chasing buddy Luke and we are heading back to Canfield after a GREAT weekend.

A relaxing day and a good walk. Hung around the backyard, swam and then Jason, Jennifer, Owen, Emery & Eastenn came down in late afternoon from Whitefish Bay to see Mom.

An action packed day in Hinsdale that Mom didn’t know if she could make but did great and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Started early with Andrews Football Game. Got to see him make some great catches and runs before we had to leave and watch Anna’s Tennis Match. We got to the Match and she was tied 3 to 3 and then went on to win 8 to 4. (Guess the Grandparents being there didn’t jinx her). After we took Anna back to see the end of Andrew’s game. She got a congratulation from Dad the Football Coach and we got to see more of Andrew in action.

Next over to Matt’s Hinsdale Central Homecoming Football game against Donner’s Grove. Matt had a lot of great blocks including the opening play of the game with a full blown de-cleater on the corner back to allow a long run. A great 29 yard catch and run on the first series got things off to a great start. A lot of fun and a big W. Mom got to watch the game sitting under a tent in the end zone surrounded by the homecoming court.

But the day wasn’t over as we saw Matt go off to Homecoming and we had a great Dinner on the Patio at Ruth Lake.

Drove with Mom from Canfield to Hinsdale. Got there in time to see Anna’s Fenwick High Tennis Team (28 girls) come over to the house for a Pasta Dinner after practice.

Traveled from Toledo to Canfield.

Glamped at the Sleepy Hollow RV Resort. Concrete pad, big yards for Tucker, only 110 amp but fantastic Camp Hosts who greeted us with hugs. (Definite 10 out of 10 – site 325)

Traveled from Kankakee to Toledo.

Glamped at Toledo East / Stoney Ridge KOA – good overnight camp ground.

Went into Toledo for Dinner to the famous Tony Packo’s. Corporal Klinger on MASH talked about it frequently that “if you ever get to Toledo you have to eat at Tony Packo’s”. Very spicy Coney Dogs and pickles and very good cabbage rolls.  The walls were covered with all kinds of memorabilia and signatures from hundreds of famous people that have eaten there.

Got up and went to Breakfast. Tucker and Eastenn stayed home to guard the house. Then drove down to see Anna’s 2:00 Soccer match in Hinsdale but it had been postponed until 5:00 so we visited for a while and then drove down to the RV in Kankakee.

Got up early and drove up to Whitefish Bay to see Emery’s 9:00 Soccer Game. Owen had a 9:00 game but we could catch his 2nd game later. Then went to Owen’s 12:00 Soccer Match at a great stadium (showed up in Red Jersey but switched to Blue for game), even could get a beer at halftime. Owen played Defense and at Goalie the last 10 minutes of the game with a couple of diving saves. Then to Owen’s Flag Football at 2:30 watching Jason coach and try to teach a lot of kids the basics of football (many for the first time).

Drove from Kankakee to Hinsdale to see Matt’s Friday night game against Oak Park (away game in downtown Chicago). Great game and a W for Hinsdale.

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Traveled from Newton Ia to Kankakee, IL  While crossing the very wide Mississippi River thought back to June in Northern Minnesota when we were at the headwaters of the Mississippi near Bemidji and walked a log across the 8 foot wide river at its start.

Glamped at the KOA Kankakee South.

Traveled from Lincoln to Newton, Iowa. Very nice drive and surprised to find all the gently rolling hills across Iowa with beautiful green farms. I had expected a flat terrain similar to Southern Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. A nice and easy drive.

Glamped at the Newton Iowa KOA. It was a KOA “Journey” just off I-80 > convenient bet very loud, tight and close to the Interstate.

Drove into Lincoln and walked around the University of Nebraska Campus. We saw more of the city themed painted hearts we had seen in the Haymarket District on Sunday Then drove over to the Capitol building with its 400 foot tower that had been built between 1922 and 1932.

We drove over to the Sunken Gardens a beautiful terraced landscape with reflecting ponds, waterfalls and paths through thousands of flowers. It was built in 1931 from an old city dumpsite using 200 unemployed men at the heart of the depression.

Labor Day – no tasking. Hung out at RV Park, walked and watched Golf.

Drove into Lincoln and had lunch outside at Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill with Tucker. The restaurant was very good and cooks over a hickory fire. Nancy had some excellent salmon and I had their ribs which were good. The restaurant is in the old Haymarket District (old industrial part of town)which we walked around after lunch. Nice area full of all types of restaurants, shops and coffee houses. Close to the University of Nebraska Campus. Their theme in Lincoln is painted hearts (Pensacola – Pelicans, Ogden – Horses, Cheyenne – Boots) at a lot of the sites reflecting 150 years of statehood (1867).

Relax day, washed RV, Tucker & Car then shopping at an outstanding market called Hy-Vee (one of the best grocery stores we have ever been in). Came back to RV to watch football games, FedEx Golf and play washers.

Traveled today from North Platte to Lincoln, Nebraska. Nice drive that got flatter, greener and more trees the farther we came East. Much of the route was near the Platte River and the mid-1800’s settlers followed close to the River on the Western trek and must have thought this isn’t bad – flat, grass and water. Wow were they in for a rude awakening.

Glamped at Camp-A-Way and it is great. Lucky to have snagged one of their Premium Patio Sites with table & chairs, nice wooden swing, grill and large landscaped pad. Park is packed as it is only 4 miles to Univ. of Nebraska Stadium and their opening home game Saturday night versus Arkansas State. Easy( 9 out of 10)

Traveled from Cheyenne, WY to North Platte, NE today. The route East got progressively flatter and greener with the occasional tree.

Glamped for an over-night at the Holiday RV Park. Easy on and off. Grass / Gravel full hook-up pull-thru long enough to not have to unhook car. (5 out of 10 – site 86)

Drove into Cheyenne this morning and took the Trolley Tour of the city. It was a great narrated tour of the historic points around town and saw the Union Pacific Depot, Governor’s Mansion, Wyoming State Capital, Botanic Gardens, Frontier Days Park and many other sites. Like the Pelicans around Pensacola and all the Horses we saw decorating downtown Ogden, Cheyenne does huge painted Cowboy Boots. A funny note is we started our trip across from the Albany Brewery started by Adolph Coors selling Budweiser along with his own brew before he moved to Colorado to start the Coors Brewery. At one point Cheyenne was the richest per capita City in the World with a very small population and extremely wealthy cattlemen as evidenced by some of the huge structures like the UP Depot, Capital Building and other structures.

After touring town we drove South to almost the Colorado Border to visit Terry’s Bison Ranch and have a Bison Burger. While highly advertised and we had heard about it before what we found was a dump. A terrible RV park that was dirty, grounds poorly maintained and we decided to skip the restaurant and train ride through Buffalo herds and head back to Cheyenne. Had a huge late lunch at T-Joe’s Steakhouse and Saloon. Heaping piles of sliced Prime Rib on Texas Toast smothered in gravy. Best yet, after dinner sat at our table finishing our beer and had a cigar. Ordered a take-out of Rocky Mountain Oysters for dinner back at the RV>

Drove West from Cheyenne on the Sand Creek Massacre Trail this morning to the Curt Gowdy State Park. A very diverse area with landscapes from rolling hills to jagged rock outcroppings including 3 lakes formed by damming up the river. Curt Gowdy, the famous sports announcer, was from Wyoming and frequently visited the area to fish, hike and hunt. He donated a lot of money to preserve the area and they named the State Park after him. Had a nice picnic lunch next to the lake. The Granite Dam was built in 1905 from local stone and continues to function perfectly without a leak. On the way back passed through a huge windmill farm.

We had planned to visit a Bison Ranch in the afternoon but a huge thunderstorm rolled in and we postponed until tomorrow.

Traveled today from Rawlins to Cheyenne, WY. Very diverse landscapes from desert like buttes, rolling grasslands filled with cattle and deer as well as the climb past Elk Mountain and at Medicine Bow the highest elevation on I-80 at 8640 feet. Interesting that most of the route we have been traveling on I-80 the last few days was originally the Lincoln Highway. This was a National effort in the 1920’s to build a 3400 mile trans-continental highway from New York to San Francisco that at least through Wyoming tracks along the old mid-1800’s Wagon Trails and Overland Stage Coach Route. Replaced by the Eisenhower Interstate system in the 1970’s the I-80 route we are on has a long history and very interesting history.

Glamped at the KOA Cheyenne. Very friendly nice park but all gravel and a little tight. Pull-thru full-hookup great for an overnight but we are staying 3 days. Nice pool that I will try tomorrow. (6 out of 10)

Spent the morning on a work project. Drove into Rawlins to shop and then go to the old Frontier Penitentiary that was built in 1891 but after getting there decided to go back and watch the finish of the Fed Ex match between Spieth & Johnson. Went back into Rawlins for dinner at the Aspen House. It was a 1905 Victorian House converted into a Restaurant. We ate in a small upstairs bedroom with just our table and a window looking out to the street. Driving through town on the way to dinner we saw a doe with her fawn grazing on the grass. After dinner at dusk it was invasion of the deer with the walking the streets and grazing on the lawns in the downtown areas.

Traveled today from Ft. Bridger to Rawlins, WY. A lot of high desert terrain and crossed the Continental Divide just east of Table Rock. Stopped at a Rest Area that had the remains of old Rock Point Stage Station from the Overland Trail Stages in 1862.

Glamped at Wagon Wheels RV Park. A huge gravel parking lot. Years ago all the sites were 24 x 40 back to back but as RV & 5th Wheels got longer they converted all the sites to 80 x 24. Very long and a little tight with gravel dust covering everything, Pull-thru full hookup (5 out of 10). The wind on the top of this plateau is constant and their chain wind sock is no joke.

Walked from the RV Park over to Fort Bridger State Park. The original trading post was started by Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez in 1843 and would become a main hub of westward expansion. It was used by mountain men and Indians as well as Western emigrants, Mormon pioneers, the US Army, the Pony Express, the Overland Stage and the Union Pacific Railroad. The Oregon Trail headed Northwest from here with its 500,000 pioneers between 1840 and 1869. The Mormon Trail (70,000 Mormons going to Utah),  the California Trail (emigrants and gold miners heading to California), Pony Express and Overland Stage headed Southwest from here. The Trading Post was obtained by the Mormons in the 1850’s and then became a Military Outpost in 1858. The Fort was closed in 1890. It is hard to believe this little town today of 325 people at 6,675 feet in elevation and virtually in the middle of nowhere was the intersection for 100’s of thousands of emigrants moving West. There were great displays of what life looked like during those times and an extensive museum.

Took a 200 mile loop drive today starting South towards Utah and the Uinta Mountain Range (the only Mountain Range in North America to run East to West). In Utah headed East with the Mountains on our right to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Then drove North back into Wyoming along the Flaming Gorge Reservoir to Green River. Then headed back to Ft. Bridger.

Rainy morning, lazy day. Caught up on work.

Traveled today from Ogden, UT east on I-84 and then I-80 to Fort Bridger, Wyoming. A very interesting drive with mountains, canyons and high desert like plateaus. Passed through Echo Canyon which was the site of several very historic routes. Between 1847 and 1870 more than 70,000 Mormons left the Oregon Trail in Fort Bridger to head Southeast to Utah and Salt Lake passing through Echo Canyon. In the same way many left the Oregon Trail in Fort Bridger to head Southeast to California as opposed to going to Oregon. It was also the route through Echo Canyon for the Pony Express.

Glamped at Fort Bridger RV Park. In Ogden our RV Park was at 4500 feet in elevation and here we are at 6750 feet. Huge sites (50 x 100). It used to be a mobile home park before converting to an RV Park and the kept the sites the same using all the utilities from the previous park and converting the old gas lines into a sprinkler system. Very quiet and the only noise is the cows in the pasture next door that have Tucker fascinated. (8 out of 10 – site 25)

Watched the Solar Eclipse which stated in Ogden at 10:14, reached its max @ 11:33 (93% here) and was over at 12:59. It never got dark but noticeably dimmer and much cooler. Nancy used her old technique to track it with a hole in a piece of paper projecting the image on to a paper on the ground. The shadow from the trees seemed to project a perfect image. Neighbors came out with Solar Glasses and we all shared and watched.

Drove into Ogden and had a pizza for lunch. The Ogden Mormon Temple was beautiful with immaculate grounds. Went back into Ogden later for dinner on 25th Street at Tona. A Sushi / Japanese Restaurant voted best in Utah the last 3 years. It was excellent especially the Sockeye Salmon Nigiri.

Drove over to Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. John Fremont and Kit Carson were the first Anglos to explore the island and named it for the pronghorn antelope grazing on the rangelands. The Great Salt Lake at 1700 square miles is a remnant of the pre-historic Lake Bonneville which was 20,000 square miles during the last Ice Age. There are 4 rivers that run into the lake and no outlets, so all the water evaporates leaving high concentrations of minerals in the water. We saw a lot of Buffalo and a few Antelope at a distance.

Visited the 133 year old Ranch on the Island and the Birthday Girl took the big seat while the party boy went Bull Riding. Interesting is where the water has completely evaporated in areas it looks like a field covered in a blanket of snow but it is salt.

Went into downtown Ogden to the Historic 25th Street which had a Farmers Market going on. In Pensacola we have a lot of painted Pelicans decorating the downtown and here in Ogden they have painted Horses. Visited the Union Station which was a major hub for soldiers during WW ll going to and from the Pacific Theater. Also walked through the Flower Garden by Weber State University.

Had a great Birthday Dinner for Nancy (gift from the kids) at the Timbermine Restaurant. An old mining theme with a lot of artifacts and displays. We each had a good filet.

Traveled today from Eden, Idaho to Ogden, Utah. High desert and interesting landscape with the Wasatch Mountains to our east after entering Utah.

Glamped at Century Park in Ogden. They have 190 sites that are gravel and grass and have added 10 new concrete sites. We lucked out with Site 10 on the end of a row with grass area and a lot of space. Nice pool and clean property. (8 out of 10)

Washed RV and other chores. Drove into Twin Falls and had lunch at Jakers (saw it on a billboard just coming into Idaho), was excellent. Drove around Twin Falls, shopped and revisited the Snake River Canyon.

Drove into Twin Falls and stopped at the bridge entering town. Absolutely amazing!! the Snake River Canyon was beautiful. We took a long walk along the Canyon Rim on a very nice and well landscaped walkway. We watched base jumpers leap off the middle of the 486 foot high Perrine Bridge and parachute to a landing spot down by the Snake River. The geology and history (Bonneville Flood 17,500 years ago) of how this Canyon was formed was very interesting.

We then went to the Shoshone Falls which they call the “Niagara of the West”. They said the water level was low and in the Spring with Snow Melt-off it is roaring but still impressive.

Went back into town and had a late Lunch at the Canyon Crest Restaurant. We sat on the patio overlooking the Canyon and had Shrimp Cerviche and the Rainbow Trout Filet with Corn Fricassee (corn, green pepper, potatoes & tomatoes) with a nice Snake Canyon Riesling.

Traveled today from Caldwell, ID to Eden, ID (Twin Falls). The landscape was very different than we expected with virtually no trees and desert with sage brush most of the way. The only green was where it was irrigated and then the farms were lush from the watering.

Glamped at Anderson Camp. All gravel and a little tight, fortunately we got an end site with more room with the road next to us. A plus is the huge field in front of our RV for Tucker to run in and take care of business. (6 out of 10)

Spent the morning at the Buick Dealer getting the car fixed. Was a missing fuse (operator error) and needed a new battery.

Went with Tucker for a late lunch at the Curb and then to the Ste. Chapelle Winery. Sat on their deck overlooking the valley and tasted some surprisingly good Idaho wines. They were known for their whites due to the volcanic soil but the reds were also quite good.

With the car problems did not see the sights we wanted to in Boise. Went to the grocery store and hung out at the RV Park. Great pool and walks.

Traveled today from Baker City, OR to Caldwell, ID (just west of Boise). Long assent up near Big Lookout Mountain and then down to the Snake River Valley crossing into Idaho.

Glamped at Ambassador RV Park. Very nice resort. With paved roads and concrete patios. A lot of length and good width on the site. Park is very clean and has a great dog park. (9 out of 10 – site 16)

Major car problems – can’t get key out of the ignition, power seats & windows don’t work, blinker signals and brakes won’t light. Took to Buick Dealer and they checked fuses which were OK but they didn’t have time to take into the shop for full evaluation. Booked a service time in Boise ID at a Buick Dealer for early Monday morning. Went grocery shopping and spent a lot of time in the afternoon at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

Fantastic displays, exhibits and stories of the grueling 1969 mile trek from Independence, MO to Oregon City, OR that took 150 to 180 days. Over 300,00 made the journey from 1840 to 1870 hoping for land and a life in the rich Oregon Valleys especially the Willamette where we stayed and visited all the wineries.

Not traveling long today so spent a leisurely morning walking around this great RV Park along the river.

Traveled from Boardman to Baker City, OR. Easy drive except for the long switchback climb up to Deadman Pass during which my passenger seat partner retreated to the back with the dog to work on her Sudoku.

Glamped at Mountain View RV Park in Baker City, OR. Nice clean park established in 1959 and still owned by the same family. Old west theme throughout and they take great care to make sure the grass on the site is thick, lush and cut. Had a pull-thru fool hookup (7 out of 10 site 116).

Went to the Sage Center this morning in Boardman. It is an outstanding display of the history and modern techniques in agriculture, farming and dairy in this Eastern Oregon Region. As you enter there is a huge 2 story display of the entire process in taking potatoes from raw to french fries. Great interactive displays where you can drive a tractor planting corn seeds that compares your manual ability to follow the rows and plant seeds versus how they do it today with GPS. (GPS got 30,000 seeds planted versus Dave with 21,000 and Nancy with 13,000 – no comment on her ability to drive a straight line). Cow milking station I tried was interesting using the modern equipment, can’t imagine in the old days with 350 pulls to get a gallon of milk. Overall extremely interesting and educational especially how they have used the Columbia River to turn this desert land into productive farms and ranches.

It is still hot (upper 90’s) and covered with Smoke Haze so Tucker and I went for a long afternoon swim (well Tucker did – I just cooled off) in the  Columbia River. For dinner went to pick up an order of Bozo Burgers (mistake) and watched a beautiful sunset.

Traveled today East from Portland (Fairview)  on I-84 to Boardman, OR. For the entire trip of 150 miles we drove along side the Columbia River and the fantastic cliffs cut by the river over the last million years. We passed several large Dams including the Bonneville (1st Dam on the Columbia), the Dalles Dam and John Day Dam. Fantastic drive but the smoke haze persists.

Glamped at the Boardman Marina & RV Park. What a very pleasant surprise with huge lots, a lot of grass and sitting looking out the RV window at the Columbia River. Have a pull-thru full hookup site (easily a 9 out of 10 due to the location and huge lots – space 18).

Road trip today to see this part of Oregon. Headed east for 50 miles on Historic route 30( the first paved road in Oregon) from Troutdale along the Columbia River Basin. Unfortunately the wildfires in Oregon and as far away as British Columbia put a thick haze in the area spoiling many of the great views. The first site of the Columbia Gorge was on a high point where the Chanticleer Hotel once stood (burned down in 1931) which had great views up and down the river. The next stop was Vista House built in 1916 and sits 733 ft. above the river on top of Crown Point. From there we descended to “Waterfall Alley” with 11 great waterfalls along a 9 mile section of Old Route 30. They vary from 140 to 642 foot drops.

When we reached the point where the Hood River meets the Columbia we turned South on Route 35 to go around the backside of Mount Hood. On the way we stopped in Parkdale for lunch and across the street was the Hutson Museum. When we got to Route 26 we headed west and then up the 6 mile drive to Timberline Lodge (built in the 1930’s) at 6000 feet on Mt. Hood. The parking lot was full of kids having just come off the mountain with their snowboards – ski here 12 months a year. Hood Mountain is 11,239 feet high and at the 6000 foot lodge level we had gotten above the smoke haze.

Drove into Portland this morning and visited the International Rose Test Garden on a high hill overlooking Portland with a lot of beautiful homes reminding us of the houses in Whitefish Bay. There were 600 varieties of roses that were fantastic and the aroma was great.

From the Rose Gardens we went to the Portland Japanese Gardens. Proclaimed the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan , the site encompasses eight unique garden styles and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, waterfalls and walkways. There was also an exhibit of Kabuki which were brightly colored costumes for old Japanese plays.

Had a mid-afternoon meal downtown Portland at Jake’s Famous Crawfish. Nancy had the fresh Halibut stuffed with Dungeoness Crab and I had the Halibut Cheeks that were lightly grilled and finished in a lemon, wine, butter, Parmesan & caper sauce (had a texture similar to Lobster). They both were outstanding and the best fish in our travels this year so far. Had Stoller Chardonnay with the meal, we visited the Stoller Vineyard 3 weeks ago in the Willamette Valley.

Traveled today from Coburg (just North of Eugene) to Fairview OR (14 miles East of Portland). Easy drive North on I-5 and then East on I-84 with the only excitement being the very heavy traffic near downtown Portland. As we were pulling off highway you could see the snow capped Mt. Hood in the distance.

Glamped at Portland Fairview RV Park. Clean park with concrete pads and black top roads. Had a pull-thru full hookup site that was a little tight but OK. With the patio facing West really glad we have the solar shade to keep it a little cool. (7 out of 10 – space 17)

Work morning – washed car & RV. Went shopping – stopped at Walmart to get prescriptions and had to wait so got a haircut. Had been almost 3 months and debated going for a man-bun or pony tail but realized I am missing hair in the right place for those so went for the haircut. Had a late lunch at Shari’s.

Stayed at the LaQuinta in Bend and it was very nice,. The area is considered Oregon’s High desert and it was very dry and almost 0 humidity. Left from Bend heading West towards Sisters, OR. Smoke still very thick and kept visibility of some of the mountains limited. Sisters was a nice little town with a lot of shops, cafes, art galleries and restaurants.

Continued toward Eugene on Route 20 that was extremely windy through the mountains and at one point had a 6 mile decline at 11% grade with all curves – glad we were in the car and not an RV.

Took off this morning on a 400 mile 2 day trip in the car to see Central Oregon. Traveled Southeast along the Willamette River which was very picturesque including an old covered bridge. Went over Willamette Pass and stopped at Cresent  Lake where you could see the snow capped Diamond Peak in the background. Continued on to Crater Lake National Park and the smoke from Central Oregon wildfires continued to get thicker.  By the time we got up to Crater Lake the smoke & haze was getting heavier spoiling some of the fantastic views around the lake.

Crater Lake at 1949 feet deep is the deepest lake in the US and was formed almost 8000 years ago when Mt. Mazama erupted.  The Lake is a beautiful Indigo Blue and very clean as all the water is from snow melt (538 inches per year) and no rivers running into it. There was still snow on the sides of the road and construction on the 33 mile rim drive. With the smoke getting thicker we had lunch and headed out for the drive North to Bend.

Had Dinner at the 10 Barrel Brewing in Bend. Sat on the deck which was very nice and despite upper 90’s there was no humidity and quite comfortable. Drove around Bend after Dinner and it looks like a great town. The Mill District was very upscale and crowed with people waking around.

Worked, shopped and drove around the Eugene & Springfield area.

Traveled North today up the 101 Coast Highway to Reedsport and the turned East on Rte. 38. A beautiful scenic drive along the very wide Umpqua River for 40 miles as it wound its way along the base of the cliffs. Came to I-5 and traveled  North to Eugene.

Glamped at the Eugene Premier Resort. A very nice resort with a spacious pull-in site with patio furniture, a grill and facing a pond. Only drawback is it is 100 yards off of I-5 and a bit noisy. (8 out of 10 – space 208)

When we left Bandon it was 63 degrees and when we arrived Eugene it was 96 with a forecast of breaking 100 the next 3 days. Looking back, the 3 weeks on the Oregon Coast with the daily highs in the mid-60’s was great. With this Northwest heat wave even Bandon was going to the mid-70’s.

What!! We are heading East tomorrow?? and today is our last day on the Pacific (this year) – okay let’s make this a great beach day.

Went into Bandon to the Farmers’ Market and walked down the waterfront. Some great wood carvings along the water. Then drove North up the coast to Charleston and went out on Cape Arago State Park to Sunset Bay, Simpson Reef (the largest haul-out on the Oregon Coast for sea mammals) and to Cape Arago Point. Simpson Reef was loaded with Seals and Sea Lions and as soon as you get out of the car the barking from the Sea Lions is really loud.

Went back up into Charleston and had lunch at The High Tide Cafe. Sat on the back deck with Tucker and it was very nice out of the wind. Without a doubt the best Clam Chowder we have had in Oregon. (Bought a Quart to have for Sunday Lunch.) Also stopped at Chuck’s Seafood there and bought a nice piece of Halibut to have for Sunday Dinner. Went over to Coos Bay and then driving South back to Bandon stopped at Bandon Dunes one the the country’s premier Golf Resorts with 4 – 18 hole courses in the Dunes and running along the Pacific. Sat on the terrace with Tucker and had a beer watching the Golfers struggle with a Par 5 18th.

The high every day we have been on the coast has been low to mid 60’s with overnight low’s in the mid 50’s. We took a long walk on the beach this morning at low tide and in sections the beach was well over 200 yards wide with free standing rocks that are barely sticking out at high tide. Some great houses overlook the beach in the area we walked. Tempted to pick mussels on the exposed rocks but we didn’t know what we were doing so left them alone.

Went to dinner at the Alloro Wine Bar Restaurant in Bandon. Very small with only 10 tables. The food was outstanding from an appetizer of Zucchini Blossoms stuffed with Prawn Mousse in a Tempura batter, the spicy Dungeoness Crab Bisque, Caeser Salad loaded with Anchovies and Nancy had Shrimp Scampi on linguine and I had huge New Zealand Mussels on linguine. After dinner took the beach loop road back to the RV and watched the sunset.

Drove South on the Coast Highway this morning to Langlois and the out to Camp Blanco the Western most point in Oregon. Visited the Camp Blanco Lighthouse that is still working with a large French Glass Light and then South to Port Orford. Continued South along a beautiful stretch of highway down to Gold Beach.

Returned to Bandon and visited another section of town. Very interesting was the Washed Ashore Project that turns plastic pollution found on the beach into art to raise awareness of this global issue. They had exhibits of art completely made from plastic found on the beach and workshops creating new art.

Cloudy morning. Had not found Diesel on the Oregon Coast in a place I could get a 60 foot long rig (car attached) into and now have low fuel warning with at least 100 miles out to I-5 with a standard Truck Stop.  A lot of places for Commercial Vehicle refueling but they don’t accept a regular Credit Card or Cash. Yesterday found a Phillips 66 Station with Diesel in Bandon that I could get the RV into so left Nancy & Tucker at the Park and drove over and filled RV.

Clouds cleared in early afternoon and took Tucker to the Devils Kitchen beach for a long walk. He was one Happy Dog but the fog rolled in shortening our walk.

Went to Dinner at Lord Bennetts in Bandon. Would have been a great view except for the fog but the food was excellent. Nancy had a nut encrusted Halibut with lemon Butter and I had butterflied deep sea Spotted Prawns that were broiled with butter and tasted sweeter than lobster.

Took off for a morning trip to the beaches around Bandon and to take a long walk and with Tucker at Devils Kitchen a great beach near us. Unfortunately we weren’t prepared for the high cold wind on the beach and postponed the walk until tomorrow. Drove along the beach for some great sights,  Face Rock (looks like an Indian’s Face looking skyward) and Cats & Kittens Rocks. At Coquille Point looked down on the beach to see where an artist had done a huge Sand Art  called “Circles in the Sand” pretty amazing considering it was done over the last 3 hours since the tide went out.

Took a picture of the Coquille River lighthouse and then decided to drive the 10 miles around to visit it. When we got there found there was more than 1 way to get to the lighthouse.

Had a late lunch at Bandon Bait & Tackle of Chowder, Prawns and Clam Strips. Walked around old town Bandon and shopped. Bought a great framed sand art that you flip over and it very slowly drizzles sand from the top to the bottom to form a whole new piece of art. Can be adjusted to take up to 3 hours to change – pretty neat.

It was still high winds and rough surf so Tucker had to miss his early morning romp on the beach.

Traveled South on the Coast Highway (101) from Newport down to Bandon. While sections of the drive had very dramatic seascapes and breath-taking vistas the shear cliffs on the right side forced my traveling companion from the passenger seat back to the couch with Tucker.

Glamped at Bandon by the Sea RV Park and had a full-hook-up pull-thru that was 30 x 70 with a concrete pad. Clean and very nice people and the main road is paved holding down the dust fro all the other gravel areas. (6 out of 10 space 17)

Went to the Edgewater in Bandon for an excellent dinner. We sat at a window on the upper level with great views of the Coquille River meeting the Pacific. I had a great Halibut with very nice sauce on it and Nancy had Chinook Salmon.

Fog moved in yesterday afternoon and although it cleared we have had very high winds all day. It has turned the calm Pacific we have enjoyed the last few days into a roaring lion.

Went into Newport and walked Bay Boulevard from the beginning past all the harbor to the end and then stopped at Local Ocean Seafood where we shared a Tuna Poke Hawaiian Style and a Salmon Poke. On the way back stopped on the docks to buy some fresh fish off the boat but you had to buy the whole fish and we didn’t know what we would do with 15 pounds of Tuna.

Walked and shopped back to the other end of the Boulevards and stopped at Ocean Bleu @ Gino’s for Chowder before heading back to the RV. Nancy has had her eye on an old big pink Prevost since we got here and I’m surprised she hasn’t made an offer.

Relaxing day planned with some shopping and a visit to the Newport Farmer’s Market. Took my camera at 6:30 this morning to shoot some pictures on the way down to the Dog Park and then on down to the beach. It’s about a 200 foot drop in elevation and there are some rest benches on the way down.

Found an interesting piece of driftwood on our early morning walk. What does it look like?

Decided to drive South on the 101 Coast Highway and see the sights as when we come down this way on Monday we will be in the RV. Went South to Seal Rock, Waldport, Yachats and the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Unfortunately the fog set in just beyond Newport and was so thick on the drive down and back that we couldn’t really appreciate the dramatic coastline. Came back to Nye Beach in Newport and had lunch with Tucker at Nana’s Irish Pub.

Went over to the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area & Lighthouse. This is the Lighthouse you can see from our RV Park. The Rocks around the Lighthouse are filled with seals warming themselves in the sun, hundreds cormorants and great landscape views. Looking from the lighthouse you can see our RV Park.

Had dinner at Georgies on the water in Nye Beach.

Drove into Newport and visited the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse which is about 3 miles South of the Lighthouse by our RV beach. This was discontinued in 1873 when the one by us the Yaquina Head Lighthouse went into use. Great views of the Bay from the lighthouse. Drove around Newport and parked over at Nye Beach area that has a lot of nice shops, beachfront and restaurants. Had lunch there at the Chowder Bowl and we each had a cup of very good chowder and then split a large tub of steamed clams and a plate of lightly breaded calamari.

Went back to the RV and down to the beach for a long afternoon walk.

Traveled today from McMinnville Southwest down to the Pacific at Lincoln City and the down the 101 Coast Highway to Newport.

Glamped at Pacific Shores RV Park. Arrived and was informed their records showed we had cancelled our reservation. They looked and it showed all our money was paid in full on July 8 but they had no good space for us. Fortunately a couple of the site owners overheard the conversation and made some calls to get us into an owners site who wasn’t there and never rented his site.  A beautiful view on a long and wide spacious site looking at the Pacific and just 15 yards from the path leading down to the beach. Back-in with full hook-up.

Got settled in and headed to the beach with Tucker. We are about 200 feet above the beach and the trail going down has great views of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and long stretches of beach and rocks. Tucker had a ball chasing Sea gulls and romping in the surf. We had a great long walk. That night sat on the elevated deck on our RV site and watched the Sunset – outstanding!!

Drove to the Bjornson Vineyard just North of Salem Oregon. Met the owner Mark Bjornson and had very nice visit at their new Tasting House (just opened 5 days ago) and toured the wine production operations. Had some unique wines as well as very good Pinot Noirs. Joined the Wine club and will get a case every Spring and Fall. The winery is on a high hill overlooking a valley of vineyards with the snow capped Mount Hood in the distance.

Went back to the RV and spent the afternoon at the Evergreen Air & Space Museum which is next to our RV park and even have a walking path from the park to the museum. The Museum is huge with a building dedicated to Aviation and another large building dedicated to Space. The Aviation building has planes from the Wright Brothers through World War 2 including Howard Hughes “Spruce Goose” which is 100 yards wide and a little over that long. The Space Museum picks up after the War and all the development of Rockets, Jets, Sputnik, and through the Moon Landing. I can’t remember the size of the Air & Space Museum in Washington but this was huge, overwhelming with information and you could easily spend an entire day here.

McMinnville is in the heart of Oregon Wine Country so we explored wineries today. Started at Duck Pond Cellars (very good Pinot Gris and Pinot Gris Rose), then to Erath which we buy at home (excellent upscale Estate only Pinot Noir), then to the very upscale (ritzy ) Domain Serene (excellent and very expensive Pinot Noirs – had a cheese and meat tray with our wine sitting on the Patio) – snow capped Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson can be seen over the vineyards. Next stopped at Red Ridge Farms for their locally grown Olive Oils (very good) and finally to Stoller Cellars (a very family friendly Winery with big lawns, picnic tables and Adirondack chars (good Pinot Noir).

Took Tucker and had dinner on the patio at Bistro Maison, a very nice French Restaurant in downtown McMinnvelle. Had oysters, mussels and a cheese fondue.

Traveled from Astoria South down the 101 Coast Highway past Seaside and the Southeast on 26 over Saddle Mountain and through Tillamook Forest to McMinnville.

Clamped at Olde Stone Village RV Park. Very nice, clean park with wide concrete pads, manicured grass and trees with a great field for Tucker to run in. Have a pull-through full hook-up (9 out of 10 – space 249)

Relaxing day with work, laundry and chores in the morning and then to the beach with Tucker. Very nice and relaxing day. There is no private property on the Oregon Coast by State Law and it is all intended for Public Use including the Dogs (no leashes on any beach in the State). Went to a Deep sea Fish Market and bought Dungeness Crab and Smoked Oysters for dinner back at the RV.

Drove South today along the Coastal Highway 101 to the town of Seaside. Seaside was Oregon’s first Coastal Resort and has a 1.5 mile Boardwalk with all the entertainment of a typical boardwalk as well as a very big beach. While  the town itself does not seem like a modern resort destination, it was packed. Continued South to Cannon Beach which was a great seashore town and definitely a place to vacation. The beach was huge and loaded with people, dogs, horseback riders and  and had great rock formations including the 295 foot tall Haystack Rock, the most spectacular landmark on the Oregon coast. We continued South on the Coast Highway (101) to Tillamook where we stopped at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company. Great Smoked Brie, Herbal Garlic Brie and a fantastic Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Salad Dressing. Had a bowl of clam chowder at Blue Heron with a baguette. Tillamook is also home to the Tillamook Cheese Company and we got some great cheddar’s. In all a great drive coming in and out of beautiful Ocean views and climbing descending coastal mountains that rose in and out of tsunami warning zones.

Toured Astoria and surrounding area today. Started at the Maritime Museum that had a very complete history of Maritime traffic, Coast Guard Training and Rescues as well as fishing, canning and the WW ll effort at catching and harvesting shark livers to provide GI’s with Vitamin A tablets. Then went to the Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill which is 600 feet above Astoria looking over the whole area the 125 foot high column has great scenes of Astoria history starting in 1792 vwith Capt. Robert Gray’s visit to the area. You can climb the 126 steps to the top of the tower but since Tucker couldn’t go Nancy & I declined.

Had Lunch at the Rogue Brewery on the old cannery wharf. At one time Astoria was the salmon canning capital of the world (Bumble Bee had a huge operation here). After lunch walked down the Riverfront Walk and looked at the 4.1 mile long Astoria – Megler Bridge going from Astoria across the Columbia River into Washington State. It is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America.

We then went to Fort Clatsop where Lewis & CLark had arrived at the Pacific in late 1805 and built the fort to winter here before returning East in April of 1806. Went back to towards the RV but stopped at Fort Stevens State Park to look at the beach and the remains of a 1907 shipwreck. Tucker got his first taste of the Pacific and we promised to bring him back for a swim.

Drove South from Bothel on I-405 to Seattle and then continued South on I-5 past Tacoma and Olympia. With heavy traffic on 4 lane highway could have used Nancy’s Rescue Remedy. Got off of I-5 at Longview and crossed over the Columbia River into Oregon (huge stockpiles of timber along the Columbia waiting shipment.) Then continued West on State Route 30 to Astoria. We were held up on 30 for over an hour as at the top of a long grade a pick-up pulling a trailer caught on fire and burned in the center of the road. Nobody was hurt and the delay isn’t so bad in an RV – you can go to the bathroom and walk around or watch TV.

Arrived in Astoria which is the oldest settlement West of the Mississippi and named for John Jacob Astor who had established a fur trading post here. The Columbia River (4 miles wide at Astoria) meets the Pacific at Astoria and the clash between the huge flowing River and the Pacific creates some of the most treacherous maritime waters in the world.

We clamped at the Astoria / Seaside KOA. Great park for kids with tons of activities to entertain all day long. Sites are gravel and while long (80′) nothing to write home about (6 out of 10 – space 313). Free pancakes every morning.

Drove an hour North of Bothel to Anacortes which is at the Eastern edge of the San Juan Islands. The old historic part of town was very nice and overflowing with hanging baskets of flowers on the streets.  From Anacortes went South crossing the bridge over Deception Pass onto Whidbey Island.  Continued South on the Island through Oak Harbor and then to Coupeville which had dozens of sailboats out on Skagit Bay. Coupevelle is a cute little town know for their Penn Cove Mussels so we stopped for lunch at Christtofer’s and had clam chowder and split a large bowl of outstanding mussels .

Then from Coupeville drove South to Langley and walked around town before driving to Clinton for the ferry to Mulkiteo completing our all day loop.