The camp all seemed to get up about the same time and start getting ready to leave.
I even let Eric drive the Jeep up onto the trailer – it did make me a little nervous but all went well.
The traffic heading home on 86 was not to bad a little heavy but was moving, this could not be said about the 10. Slow most of the way until the 10 and 60 split. Then again a little slowdown at the 60 and 215 merge.
The trip was good and nothing existing – which is good!
We left camp about 9:00 and heading north towards the phone booth. Once we got on the mesa top – I was looking back toward camp and I noticed another club member coming into camp, so we stopped and waited for him to join us – so now we have seven vehicles.
We played on/in/around the mud hill going toward the phone booth. One hill climb, Dan made it to the top, but Jeff couldn’t get the traction on the hill climb he was doing – it took some time for him to turn around.
We finally made it to the phone booth and looking around we noticed that a helicopter was coming to medi-vac somebody out. We watched he helicopter land.
After lunch we headed further north to explore some more areas. Bill then broke hill driver rear axle, but a few of use wanted to do a little section before heading back to camp.
Dan then broke his passenger front leaf spring. So we spent the next 3 hours fixing it. We finally got back to camp about 6.
Dinner with family and friends and then setting around the camp fire. A good Saturday!
We got a lot of our packing down on Wednesday so this morning we did not need to do a lot. We left the house some time around 11:00 to head over to Mom D for Turkey.
We had 4 different families (Mom D, D&M&J&R, Y&Y&C, and of course us four.) Turkey was good and we all seemed to have a good time.
We left almost at 3:00 to head for Truckhaven hills.
About and hour into our drive, the inside passenger rear tire blows. It did no damage – so that is a good thing. The Smartire never did give a squawk about the blown tire. We got the tire changed in a really good time.
We got into camp about 8:00 and Jeff lead the way into camp. He found a faster straighter route.
I set everything up and then went and sat around the fire to enjoy some time with some friends.
We slowly got things ready to go around the RV. I help a friend trying to get his satellite TV working.
We said our goodbyes and heading down the road.
First stop was at Kramer Junction to fill up the RV with some go go juice. Everybody else got lunch and I ate a lunch-able that we already had in the the fridge. I also noticed the the Jeep was dripping radiator fluid – it doesn’t like being bounced around so the whole must be getting bigger.
I stopped at a new RV dump location, but they wanted $10 , so I left and stopped at the other place that is only $7.
I took a little different route today to getting home, I decided I didn’t want to take the 210 because of the winds – I was getting pushed around good, so I dropped down to the 60.
On the way down to the 60, Cheryl called and said that they heard a pop, but all my tires were good. About 10 minutes later, I get a warning from the SmarTire system about the front driver side trailer tire low on pressure. I finished transferring onto the 60 and exited the first exit, so I could double check the tire. By the time we stopped the pressure on the tire had dropped another 8 pounds.
Eric and CJ helped in changing the tire. Once the tire was off the trailer, we could see that a big chunk of the tire is missing on the inside, but the tire was still holding pressure (I will take a picture of it on Monday).
We made it home and got everything put away. The Jeep has dipped a lot of radiator fluids out, so no driving it until I get it fixed.
I got up early so I could go on a ride with the leader that was doing Fish Canyon. I did wakeup Amanda also so she could also ride with another friend which was also going on Fish Canyon
I had a good time riding with S.G. Fish Canyon was more technical then I remember from many years ago.
We got back to camp about 3:00 and I talked to many other friends before finally getting my chair and setting it up for me to enjoy the raffle.
Well, for this year PVD raffle including the kids raffle – we got nothing.
I am tired so off to bed early tonight…
I got up early – but had a good night sleep.
I was able to get a ride with some friends and we went exploring south of the PVD main camp. We drove from the top of the pass from Trona to Panamint Valley on the old Nadu Road. We got back to camp about 1:15 – Just in time to get ready for my next adventure.
After squaring away a driver that I can ride with, I started the drivers meeting, at least half if not more were new to PVD and of course new to the Lookout City Sunset run.
Our first stop was on the roadway to collect everybody after leaving camp. When we were waiting for everybody we had a jet flying over us doing flybys – really COOL! We had a total of 33 vehicles.
We even got back to camp in a very good time – good group!
While we were out we heard about a bad rollover from a non-event group run on South Park, with bad injuries. We all need to pray for the people in the rollover for a quick recovery.
Cheryl and Eric made it out in about four and half hours – traffic was good.
Time for bed, 6:30 will come early.
Of course I didn’t get a good nights sleep, so hopefully I will tonight. But the day started out nice and sunny with a few clouds.
I went and helped out setting up the cook tent. A little after noon, I came over to get some food.
I worked on getting the Dish TV to work but I think the switch is broken so we can only use one of the LNBs. I am going to find out why I have gone through two switches already.
The jets did buzz us a few times so that is always a cool thing.
In the afternoon I was going to help set up sign for the run, well the Jeep CJ5 “Green” started to leek radiator fluid from the bottom of the radiator – so that means I will not be able to go anywhere with it this weekend.
I came back to the RV around 9 and watch TV for the evening. Now I am tired so I should sleep good.
I got off work a little early for me. It only took about an hour to get the last of the item in the RV and rolling down the road. Amanda, CJ and I left about 5:30.
We made good time, all the freeways were moving and no real slowdowns anywhere.
We did stop at Cramer Junction to get fuel and somewhat of a dinner. We did forget the ice, so I will have to tell Cheryl to get it on her way up on Friday after she picks up Eric after school.
We also stumbled into Chef Andy’s group also heading up to PVD
We got into camp about 10:30 and finally got everything setup about 12:00 including the wind generator, but I still cannot get the Satellite TV working yet, but as you can tell if you are reading this on the 12th, that I was able to get the internet working fine.
It is almost 1:00 in the morning and I need to get some sleep – hope we have fun here at Panamint Valley Days
I did not get up until noon – vacation day for me so I could relax and get a few things done around the house.
I got the RV cleaned out – now it is ready for packing when the time comes for our next adventure.
I finally got a copy of the RV engine key – I had lost my key on vacation – so now we have two keys like we should!
Next thing I fixed was the internet satellite dish – I needed some bolts that have been lost – so now that is fixed. I set the dish up so we can have Dish up and going. We received our switch for Dish, but that did not work, so now I will wait for a new switch (not a used one).
I was still busy working on things and Cheryl wanted to do a few more things, so we did not got to Group tonight.
Both of us sleep in today, I started around 9:00 to get things put away and ready. We did not leave until 11:00 (saying goodbye to friends and taking our time putting things away).
We did stop at Flying J’s to get gas and empting our tanks.
The trip back was nothing like getting to ODF – the freeways were all moving with no stop and go.
We got home about 3:00 – and did our normal car shuffle and got everything put away.
Cheryl and Eric did go to the Croakers dance and said it was a good dance.
Cheryl and Amanda went and got some pumpkins and now Amanda is carving them.
We got up a little late – Amanda wanted to wake up earlier, but it turned out ok. We got everything ready.
I went over to A.C. and she stated that I have to put on the spare dress that she had so I could drive in the Powder Pull trail.
Once we finally got going, I drove the CJ5 “Green” over to the start of the trail.
Amanda did all of the driving of the trail. About 1 or 2 into the drive, the Jeep was getting very HOT, so we stopped to cool down. We started to go and we caught up to the two in front and then the Jeep stalled.
Well, the Jeep was not getting any fuel, we finally determined that the ground lead on the fuel pump was no longer connected. That was fixed and all is good (until I get home and do a more permanent fix).
One the way out of the canyon, the temp on the Jeep was much better!
Back at camp, we started the generator to cool down the 104 temp inside the RV (with the windows open). The cats were panting.
At 4:30 the temp stats 105, and now the inside is finally down to 97 and still going down.
We had dinner and now it was time for the Raffle. I did win one bag of goodies. I did get a registration for TDS – so I guess I need to go now.
After all the hoopla was done, we sat around a fire and enjoyed the rest of the evening. (we didn’t get back to the RV until 1:00 a.m.)
We started the day early – Amanda and I started packing the RV and getting the Jeep ready to go.
About an hour before leaving a stray dog was wondering the neighborhood, with the help of a neighbor we was able to capture the dog. We called the animal control to come pick him up. On then continued packing while Amanda and the neighbor took care the of the dog. Finally the animal control guy showed up. The dog was chipped so he was able to call the people that owns the dog and have them come and get it.
We finally got on the road about noon, but we had stops to do. First mail off the Smart Tire computer and monitor (its on the fritz). Next stop Ralphs for the stuff for the cats. Last stop was at Fresh and Easy to get the last minute items.
Traffic was not good – it was slow going. A vibration had started to get worse. I got off the freeway but could not see which tire making the vibration. Back on the freeway – not 5 miles later the diver front tire blows! (I was still stuck in traffic going only about 15 mph). It took me awhile to change the tire ( A CHP and the Highway Service person stopped by to offer help). I headed on over the America’s Tire to get a new one.
When we got going the freeways were slow again. Our next stop was at Flying J’s, we when next door to get dinner from McDonalds.
We finally pulled into camp about 8:00!
We got all setup and chatted with friends.
Well this morning the RV was getting warm, when I looked at the time, it was 9:30 – hmmm lat for us – o-well we slept in.
We finally left to head into the park – Yosemite. It took us about 1 hour to get into the park. I made the turn to head up to go to the tunnel view and drove the tunnel (both directions) and then stopped to take the necessary photos of the valley.
House Keeping store was our next stop – Mom M got her pennies pressed.
Our next stop was at the parking spot for the visitor center. Now it was lunch time. We found both penny press and eat lunch at the Grill (Burgers and Dogs).
Back to the van – we got ready for our hike . We did the lower Yosemite Falls. Eric, Amanda, and I also scrambled up to the base of the falls. Amanda wanted to cross the water, so we started to cross, Eric made the last leap across, then I made it over, but Amanda slipped and fell into the water. She also hit her knee and stomach, but she was ok. We climbed up to near the base, but the spray was a lot more on this side (west side.)
Our next stop was the visitor center. Amanda had completed her junior ranger paper, so she was sworn in as a junior ranger.
We then stopped at the Samuel Adams gallery and Amanda got a few items.
The drive out was a little hectic, but we got back to the RV in reasonable amount of time. We went out to eat at one of the local dinners.
Back to the RV to load the van on the trailer, relax, and I through the ball for the dogs a few time.
Tomorrow is the drive home.
The camp power was cut off at about 6:00 – I had to turn off the satellite equipment because of low battery.
We finally left camp at about 9:00 and headed for Tioga pass.
Tioga pass is a very hard pass to climb – I was down to 20 mph for quite a few miles.
Finally we made it to Yosemite. The roads are tight. The driver mirror almost got hit a few times, so I would hit the branches on the passenger side a few times so I would not get hit by the passing vehicle.
We did not drive the RV into the village, we headed outside the park to find a camp. The first place was all booked up, so we went into Mariposa and found the fair grounds – they found a location for me so I don’t have to disconnect the trailer.
We got everything squared away and unloaded the van – so we went back into the park.
We had dinner at Curry Village and then we found a program to watch about Ansell Adams. While we were waiting for the program, we watch a mule deer walk by.
The drive back to the RV was ok – now we get to drive back into the park again tomorrow.
I got up and took the dogs for a walk and got to meet RV-Dreams Journal owners - They are very nice, but of course it was a short meeting because they were working and of course work never stops.
We finally left about 9:30 and headed south.
I pulled over at a pull out for lunch and I walked the dogs. Turquoise did find the creek and played in it.
The drive around lake Tahoe was slow going because of the traffic.
We are camped at Willow Springs RV park. We went to dinner a short walking distance up the road at a very nice small restaurant.
O – and no phone works here – my work phone works thought the satellite only.
We left camp about 9:30 and headed south east. We crossed back into California before our first stop.
We stopped at Klamath Wildlife Refuge on our way to the Lava Beds National Monument.
We stopped at a few pull out locations before getting to the visitor center. Amanda did get her booklet for the Junior Ranger program. We watch one of the videos as one of the Ranger led program. We drove the auto cave tour. We walked in several of the caves (lava tubes). We returned to the visitor center so Amanda could get her badge.
I took the road less travel to exit the park – South East. The road was not to bad, but I could understand why some people might not want to take it. The road is paved, but it is not all that smooth.
Amanda and Mom M. looked for an RV park and found one really close to our path. We turned west to find the RV park, but I traveled about 10 miles before turning around to find the RV park only to find it about quarter a mile the other way that we turned west at.
We pulled into the first RV park and had a pick of locations.
We did have a little bit of rain while we are relaxing.
Well, time to get going took LONGER then normal (see yesterday.) Got the RV read, then get the trailer re-attached, and then finally get the van loaded and secured.
We headed on into Creator Lake National Park. Near the lip of the creator, it was sure slow going trying to climb the road. When we finally see the water, we had to stop for some road construction.
We stopped at several location along the west ridge. At the main ridge lodge/ranger station, Amanda got and started her junior ranger program. But the requirements to fulfill is to much – we would have to do two ranger programs and one of them being at 5:30 at the campground – so that means she will not get this one. She did do all but one sheet. We also stopped on our way out of the park heading to Klamath Falls.
Amanda suggested that we stay at Klamath Falls because between there and our next destination, it seems to be no RV campgrounds.
So we are camped at the Klamath Falls KOA.
We did unload the van and we went for a drive. Amanda had already found a restaurant, so we stopped at it for dinner.
Once back at camp, I loaded the van back on the trailer. I also went ahead and checked and topped off all the tires (RV and trailer).
Now it was time to relax.
We finally got everything loaded and headed on our way.
We stopped sometime after lunch for gas for the RV – 53 gallons worth!
Amanda looked for an RV camp close to Creator Lake – Diamond Lake
Well, we will never stay at this RV park again. They do not allow any trailers (boat, car, or box) at any of the sites – so I had to take some time to unload the van and unhook the trailer (I was not pleased)
It took a bit to finally get the satellite pointed through the trees, but we got online, but we could not get our dish-tv online.
We watched movies – 2004 and the 1956 versions of Around the World in 80 Days.
Mom M and I drove her van to Packwood to unload items that she wanted to keep.
We stopped at my old grade school to look at the museum they have inside and to help in identifying some of my old grade school classmates.
On our drive back, we finally stopped to get some food outside of Randle. The drive back was good.
We did watch fireworks out in the distant tonight and pre-paired for departure tomorrow.
I was feeling much better, so Cheryl scheduled us for a cruise on the Columbia River.
We sat round resting and getting things taken care of.
We left and stayed on the Washington side until we crossed at the Bridge of the Gods.
We found the place, and waited for our time to board the boat.
We were escorted to our seats.
As we were eating dinner, I kept going out and taking a few pictures. We first went down stream and before the locks, we turnaround and then headed upstream, past our starting location and then again turnaround to head back to the dock. The total time on the water was 2 1/2 hours.
Once off the ship, we drove to H&E W for a really quick visit. We got back to the RV really late.
I was still not 100%, but we went and did some Errands – Mom M got some things squared away with Family maters.
We stopped by Fort Vancouver. Amanda got her Junior Ranger Badge for completing the necessary pages.
We went to one of Cheryl’s bank and where she did some necessary work, the rest of the family rested in the basement (the cafeteria) until she had completed her work.
We did fill up the water in the RV and Eric did drive a tractor and had a blast doing it.
I was Sick. So I just laid on the couch all day
Cheryl, Amanda and Mom M. did errands.
We left Grants Pass at 9:00. I drove for about an hour before finally getting gas. I always forget that only the gas attendant can pump the gas and almost got in trouble.
Next stop was at Bob Dickman Tire Center to get the driver side rear out side tire sensor replaced and get the trailer tire replaced. That took about 2 hours, but all is good now.
We got to our final stop around 3:30. We got the RV parked and started enjoying talking with Mom M and Luke and Grace. Unfortunately, L & G had to return home.
We went to dinner at TGIF and then stopped at Safeway for some goods.
Once back at the RV, I set up the Satellite. But I found out that my local channel will not display, because we are outside of the spot beam for Dish for local channel – bummers.
We left camp a little later then I wanted to – 9:30.
Our first stop was at Flying J’s for gas and breakfast.
About 12:15 the tire sensor went off for the front driver side trailer tire. The pressure was going down fast and I was about a mile away from an exit! I started to slow down and finally got off the freeway, once I stopped, the pressure for the tire was zero.
Eric helped with changing the tire. Once the tire was off, we noticed that a bubble had developed on the inside and had finally pop, which resulted in the flat tire. I got the spare tire added to the sensor monitor and we were back on the road in a very quick fashion.
We stopped at another Flying J’s for lunch and fuel. I pulled over in the parking lot and ate my lunch (salad) before hitting the road.
We were about to stop for the night, we heard a big thud and I thought I blew a tire, but the sensor never squawked, all my gauges are fine and I can not see anything wrong out my mirrors, so we keep on going.
We are now at Grants Pass for the night. We went next door for dinner and got a 10% discount by showing that we are camped next door.
I check all over, under, and top to see what the noise was. I think I found the noise – it seems to be a flashlight had fell out of it holding place and thumped on the floor in the doorway – so I think all is well for tomorrow.
Another day off on Furlough – I still got up at normal time like I was going to work – I don’t know about that….
We all ate breakfast and we did a little research on some Geo Cache and around noon we finally got ready for leave.
First stop, Slash-X – It was Closed! hmmm don’t know why.
We stopped at the National Park Service for the Mojave Preserve and looked around – it is small but has a good map display.
Now in town we stopped at Home Depot to get a few things (stakes, ribbon, and batteries), next it was time for Lunch at IHOP. We then stopped at Vons to get a few other items and replenish.
We stopped at Flying J’s to refuel, and did two Geo Cache that was really close to the road.
“Blue” needs some tlc, so I am going to take it easy this week.
Amanda did cook dinner tonight and I started the fire to relax at for the evening.
We did have two campers (one group) come in today, but they did camp a little bit away.
CJ wanted to do the telescope, so I got it out and set it up for him.
Now the fire has died down and I am leaving what little wood I have left for tomorrow.
We all slept in a little today. We had clouds this morning so it slowly warmed up.
We did not go anywhere today – it has turned out to be another do nothing day.
I did make and received a few phone calls. Worked on the computer, ready bogs and just enjoying a relaxing furlough day. I did get invited to go with a group to dinner on Thursday night – so of course I said yes.
Sometime in the afternoon, I noticed in the distant that it looked like rain. The rain and the wind made for some very interesting dust storm. We only got a few drops hitting the side of the RV (wind driving the drops.)
We only had four different people pass by today – two different motorcycle couple, and two different vehicles – Nobody stopped.
The cats are doing ok – Amber still will hiss at Moonstone, but Moonstone and Pearl do play together a little bit. Turquoise does play with Moonstone, in fact, Moonstone will lay down and curl up on Turquoise – I will try to get a picture next time he does that.
I did get the Jeep “Blue” cleaned up inside and got all my stuff organized in the back. I may regret for not getting everything that I normally carry, but time will tell. I did check my fluids and I had to put water and some oil in to top things off.
I think tomorrow we will run into town to get a few things.
I wrote this out by the fire – it is a little windy but still nice to sit out side.
We had a late night visitor – He dropped off a few things for the Cafe.
I and the kids got up late. I did turn the generator on, in the hopes to keeping the RV cool during the day.
All of us did play on the internet most of the day. We watched several DVD’s all through out the day.
I even got a nap in a little bit in the afternoon, so that was really nice.
The other group packed up; so we are the only ones out here at the HDR camp.
I noticed from my emails and twitter that home had an earthquake – 4.7, Cheryl felt it and a few things moved around but no damage – which is good
I am out by the fire doing more internet stuff this evening.
Maybe tomorrow, we will be more productive.
Well its been awhile sense I have posted to the blog - again (I guess I should leave this statement out the next time)
Amanda volunteered to do the Easter Bunny Photo and the pictures that she took as well as the other person (a professional photographer) are now up on the web.
Revolution Church Flicker Set – Scramble – Bunny Pictures
To tell the difference on who took the pictures - Amanda’s photos start with IMG_#### and the photos by the professional is DSCF####
Also don’t forget about all the other photos that we take over at SmugMug - Jechamer Photo Album
Normally I do not write about work, because – well its work and I would like to not think of it when I leave. Of course I am dedicated to work and have and will respond when needed.
But what brings me to write currently is we have been notified that everybody at my work is required to go on a 5-day furlough. So that means no pay for 5 days – ½ a paycheck. That will hurt, but the uncertainty of the economy, they might add additional 10 days to the furlough thing.
I also have been given the opportunity to take a ‘renewal’. Which mean I get 4 weeks off with pay.
So now I need to schedule my vacation, furlough, and renewal for the next two years.
I am still concern about the furlough, but I think we could handle the 5 days, but I not sure about the additional 10 days. We will just have to tighten our belts a little.
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