Saturday, April 30, 2011

2011/04/30 - Saturday - Sugarloaf Fun

After our cold night we got ready to go for an off-roading trip.  We found a seat for Amanda so she could have fun also.

We got going and started up the road into the mountains.  It didn't take long to hit some snow on the road.  Our leader hit a section that they had a little problem but got through it, by the time L hit that section we could not get out of the ditch, so he let out more air out of our tires to get better traction.  Finally he was able to get going again.

The trail finally had snow on it at all times (as we were getting higher), but the roads had a lot of nogles so it was somewhat slow going. 

We where having fun, almost everybody had to winch at one time or another - they would sink into the snow and could not go any further, so winching was required.  I had to pull winch lines several times for a few of the guys.

We got within sight of the lookout on Sugarloaf, but only three jeeps in the group made it there, we made it to the last part of the road, but we turned down the very steep bank and headed back down the road.

During the time near the top, two Jeeps had problems.  One had some type of clutch problem, and another had some type of electrical problem (but fixed good enough to continue without any problems).

On the way back, we tried to go to another hill top, but the snow was getting to soft.  While L was turning around we herd a loud (and felt) bang, after looking outside, I could see a broken peace.  After checking we broke the passenger front axle and later we found out we also broke the other axle.

We made it back to the camping location and got ready for dinner.

Dinner was good with fun time around the camp fire.

We also got a full tank of propane so hopefully we will have good warm night sleep - which we did!

Friday, April 29, 2011

2011/04/29 - Friday - Pass on the Snow

We got up and loaded the van with all of our stuff.  L&G also did there last items to get ready for the trip over the mountain.

We left at about 10 and headed on over the mountain to Leavenworth.  Before getting there, we stopped for lunch at old time dinner place - it was very good!

We headed to our location for the weekend.  After we arrived, the host said there was a 5th wheel that we could use so we did not have to go get a room in town. - THANKS!

We had a good time talking with the group around the camp fire.

We got the heater going, but during the night it ran out of propane and we were very cold by the time to get up...

Thursday, April 28, 2011

2011/04/28 - Thursday - NPS and Locks

We picked up GG about the time we set, but I still did not have the address for the Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Park, so we did some searching, but finally put the name into the car computer and it put us close,  but we did have to drive around and we finally found the little brown signs pointing us in the right direction.  GG just could not believe they had a NPS in downtown Seattle.  We spent about 2 hours there, Amanda doing her Junior Ranger Program.

We left there to go find a place to eat, we finally found a place near the locks.  The place had very good hamburgers (Hamburgers Harry's).

Next stop was the locks (Hiram M Chittenden Locks) - We spent an hour there enjoying the view.  You are able to walk across the gates, over the dam, and the fish ladder (with view area).

We stopped back at L&G place to get a letter for GG, and to ask if R&B would like to join us for dinner but they declined. So we went and had some ice cream for dinner.

We dropped off GG and headed back to L&G for the night.

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The next three days will be interesting. I am not sure if we will have internet connection for the next two nights and I will be driving ALL day on Sunday (some where in the time of 18 to 20+ hours of driving...)   -  So I may not post the daily entry but I will make sure to catch up and fill in the days...

O thanks for taking the time to view my entries (even though I don't know who you are, but I can tell somebody does view them)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

2011/04/27 - Wednesday - Maintance

Today was the day to get the Van worked on by L.M. business.  I thought I knew where it was, but I had to call him to ask for the address (I did not remember).  By the time I called, I was in Everett, so it took me longer then I should, but finally I made it.

We walked over to a place for lunch and had a good meal.

Got all the items taken care of and we were off, but before getting to GG, we stopped for gas, and the lines were long at Costco.

I drove GG and us to a restaurant in Snohomish and the food was good, but GG surprised me and paid the bill - I thought I was taking her our for dinner!

We got back to L.M. place, he of course was working on his Jeep.  Now it was ready - tomorrow he will put it into the trailer ready for the weekend.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

2011/04/26 - Tuesday - Train Water

We slept in today.  When we finally got moving, it was time for lunch, so we stopped in Fall City.

We went ahead and passed the Snoqualmie Falls and headed on up the road, we finally ran out of road past North Bend, so we returned to North Bend and stopped at the train depot (William Henry Taylor Railroad Park), but it was closed. 

We stopped in at the Snoqualmie train depot (Northwest Railway Museum) and walked around.  It started to rain, so I went and got the van and picked up the kids.  We stopped at the falls and checked it out.  It was raining very lightly (sprinkling).  Amanda did get some pictures but the mist was flying around.

Next stop was for some clothes for Amanda, she need a new pair of jeans and some shirts and we stopped at another place to get some other items.

G.M. made spaghetti dinner.  After dinner, we went and worked on L.M. Jeep - getting it ready for this weekends trip.

Monday, April 25, 2011

2011/04/25 - Monday - Money :(

It was decided that the Adults was going to a casino for the day, so Eric and Amanda stayed back at the house.

GG, L.B, R&B piled in my van and we head out.  The casino was not to far, Uncle R gave me directions and of course we found it without any problems.

I spent way to much money - I played at little slot machines and after lunch I played a few hands of poker but of course I lost my money. 

On the way home we stopped at the Safeway store to get a few things for dinner.

Dinner today we had the same amount of people, but we changed out two for some of L&G "Boys".  Again a good dinner and of course a lot of laughter!

L.M. worked on his Jeep some more and we made it back into the house before 10:30.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

2011/04/24 - Sunday - Family Time

We got up in time for the breakfast that the Lodge offers and had a great conversation with the managers!

We made it to church with plenty of time.  Eric was not feeling to well, so he stayed in the back of the church.

After service we went and visited with L.S. at her work place.  We then went to Bu.P. place and visited with him, then Br.P. came out and talked.

We left for Woodinville and made it in time for the family dinner.  We had 15 people over for a good family dinner! (GG, L.B., D&T, R&B, L&G, J.M & A.M., F.M & ?.?. and of course me and the kids).  A good time was had by all.  After words we had a big group play a card game called Golf.

L.M. worked on his Jeep for the rest of the night, we did not get back into the house until close to midnight.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

2011/04/23 - Saturday - Drive, Drive, and Drive

All of us did not sleep to well in the van, but hay - it was cheep!!!

We left at 7 and drove the rest the way through California, but before leaving California I got gas at Weed.  Next we drove through Oregon, but before leaving, we stopped and got a few items.

Now in Washington, it was time to get some gas, so before heading to Packwood, I got some gas when I got off of I5.  Yes I made it all the way through Oregon without doing a fill up.

We made it to the lodge a little before 7, so today was a 12 hour drive and the total time to get here was 18 1/2 hours - not bad!

I called Mom M and we went to dinner at the Blue Spruce.  After dinner we went to visit with some friends.

Now back to the lodge to catch up on Facebook and get the blogs done.

Friday, April 22, 2011

2011/04/22 - Friday - Start of Drive

I was able to get off work early so of course when I got home we started go get ready.  Also I was lucky that Cheryl also was able to leave work early. 

We (Eric, Amanda, and Jesse) was able to leave at 6.  Of course the traffic through LA was slow going, but the biggest problem area was before Hwy 14.

We only went through one area that had rain, and that was around the Gorman and Fraiser Park area.

We made it to Woodland, Ca about 12:30am and called it a night. - So I got 6 1/2 hours of the drive done!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

2011/04/21 - Thursday - The Olde Ship

I got up early this morning to get into work early - needed to train some people...

Still no success on getting the photos I want onto a 4 gig card - I am trying to get photos where the family has been identified (face recognition) and not just the face part of the photo, I want the whole original photo.  Picasa is frustrating me.  So I want to select all the photos that we are in and trying to do the copy into another directory but still no luck!

For dinner we went to "The Olde Ship" to finally do Amanda's Birthday dinner

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

2011/04/20 - Wednesday - Dead?

Well, the laptop that I have been using for several years seems to be dieing - it will bootup but short while later it will just freeze - so I think another bites the dust...

I did work on some laundry and worked on the RV.  I made the bed, cleaned up a little more and brought out the winter items to see what I will be bring for next week.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

2011/04/19 - Tuesday - State - Quick?

Well yes, the state of California did issue and deposited my refund very quickly it only took them 1 week - that is good.  Now how much longer will it take the Federal Government?

I left my phone at home and I felt naked without (even though I had my work phone).

Well I made reservations for Easter Weekend (Saturday) at a "Lodge" in Packwood, WA - I checked three different web sites and only one site had something, but it was still higher than what Mom M had checked out.

Monday, April 18, 2011

2011/04/18 - Monday - Hmmm Title?

Title of the post - yep - well - nothing - well it was a Monday  :)    And today was not sunny - it was trying to sprinkle.

I did a little bit of laundry and Cheryl did some shopping before coming home.

Well yes another exciting day at the May Family Household!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

2011/04/17 - Sunday - Bike Ride?

the morning start late today - we did not get start until almost 11:00.  Cheryl of course went and got her drink from Starbucks.

I went and filed the tires up on the tandem, but when I tried to ride the bike the paddles would not put power to the wheels - the chain moves forwards and backwards.  So now I need to get the bike fixed - bummers!  No ride for us.

The rest of the day we relaxed, we did this and that.  I worked on the route for our vacation this year - it will be a straight run to Detroit, but on the way home, I am still working on that.  We will be visiting around three of the Great Lakes and I know that we will be stopping in Elkader to visit family.  But based on today price of gas - this trip will take all of the vacation fund money - so we need to save a little more for the trip...

Saturday, April 16, 2011

2011/04/16 - Saturday - Dirt Devils Run - Rattlesnake Canyon

The day started out early - I was up at 5:30!

We (Eric and I) left at 6, but returned to get my bluetooth headset and we are back on the road (only lost about 5 min)

On our way to the trail-head, I realized that I do not have my camera nor my hat (bummers). 

We stopped at McDonald for breakfast (which was next door to the place we others were meeting for breakfast), but I went ahead and headed to Lucerne for my necessary gas stop.

We got to the trail-head for Rattlesnake Canyon about 8:30 and we were the first ones there.  about 20 min later we had one other family join us.  At 9:30, I made a call to find out where our trail leader was at and they were on there way.  The two of us went ahead and aired down our tires.  Finally the rest of the group made it and they proceeded to there air down.

The group finally got moving sometime after 10:00.  Since the last time I have done this run, they have put up signs near the start to keep you speed down to 15 mph through the ranch area.

The canyon seemed to have more sand and several more rocks to keep you slow going.  I did have to strap one of the potential Dirt Devils members.  We missed the little canyon (on the right) near the top of the canyon so no exploring of the mines - also I did not notice any post/signs to stopping you from going into that canyon.

Our leader missed the necessary right turn to head to 2N02 road and we drove about 15 minutes in the wrong direction (I understand that he has done that before).  When we finally started west on 2N02 he found the lunch spot - even though it was about 12:30.

The Droid battery died (even though it was on the charger) and it has corrupted My Tracks - so I have lost all of my recorded tracks!  I did start recording a track shortly after lunch on EveryTrail.

We turned off of 2N02 onto another route that takes you by Heart Break Ridge.  I did spot the two potential members through the hardest spot and it took a little effort for the second guy, but no straps were needed!

We stopped for bit at the end of the trail before heading to the main road (HWY 38).  Once we reached 38 we aired up.  One member head down towards Big Bear while the rest of us headed up on over towards Redlands.

The drive home was uneventful (good thing) and back home to relax.

Well, my left arm is sunburned as well as my face.  Hopefully it does not hurt in the morning.

Friday, April 15, 2011

2011/04/15 - Friday - Done?

Well, Cheryl got home about 11:30 pm last night and again back at it around 8:30.  So she will be resting this weekend!!!.

I don't think Amanda will be going with me this Saturday - she was not feeling good last night and today she has been napping and getting lots of rest.  So I have convinced Eric into going tomorrow.

We did go out get our lunch tonight for tomorrow and of course dinner for tonight.

Maybe I can get to bed a little earlier tonight so I can get up at 5:30 in the morning!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

2011/04/14 - Thursday - Over Flow

Well, Cheryl got home about 5:00 in the morning.  And she was back up at 7:00 (in the morning) working more on the issue she has been working.  Again she is not home at 11:00 pm again.  Hopefully she will be able to work from home tomorrow.

I replaced the overflow bottle and made sure the radiator fluid was topped off, so "Blue" (Jeep XJ) is ready for Rattle Snake run this Saturday.

Oooops, I left the side gate open and Turquoise was roaming around it front, and one of the neighbor kids knocked on the door to tell us - Thanks!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

2011/04/13 - Wednesday - Long Day

Cheryl called and said she will have to work late and as of 11 pm, she is still not home.

Amber got out on Monday morning was caught by a neighbor this evening and they brought her back - so now she back inside. 

I took the kids to Subway for dinner (Amanda's request).
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As you can tell, I have started my blogging again - lets see if I can keep it up again.  I know some people say they get a crack at that I write about things, and others can't believe I write about some of the mundane stuff, but I noticed that I have looked back into my old blogs and it was interesting.  So I hope you keep commenting and reading the blogs...

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

2011/04/12 - Tuesday - Finishng the paper work

I finally got my hair cut - it was getting a little long for me.

I know - you really wanted to know that.   Well I also use this blog as a way to keep track of things - sorry but our lives is not always fun and games - but life goes on.

I checked the taxes and they have been accepted, so I printed off the paper work.

I did call my brother to check if I was still able to spend the week after Easter with him and he said yes, I might be able to ride with him the following weekend, with a long Sunday drive home.

I also called GG and she is excited that we (the kids and I) are coming up.

Monday, April 11, 2011

2011/04/11 - Monday - TAXes

Today I finally finished doing the taxes.  We are getting refund from both - we have not got a refund from state in a long time!  One of these years I will get the taxes done before April!

I was able to upload all the photos from the weekend to our Smugmug site and copied all of them to the NAS.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

2011/04/10 - Sunday - Drive Home

Last night we all slept good - no major interuptions (exept for the late and early arrivals of the planes going over).  We were able to sleep in a little bit.

Mom D went up for gospal hour, and Amanda and CJ went up to dance some more.

We got things ready - I loaded the van onto the trailer.

Cheryl and I went up to gather the youth display case and we of course chatted with more friends.

We did not win any of the grand prize money, but our good friend B.A. did - we are happy for her.

We finally got the kids out of the dance all and we were heading home.  We did stop at the rest area to dump tanks and eat lunch.

The drive home was good, but when we got gas at Costco, the lines were really long - 6 to 10 deep.  And I had to spend almost $250 - the van also need gas.

Finally home, we unload and relaxed.  Work tomorrow, hopefully a good night sleep.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

2011/04/09 - Saturday - Dance, Dance, Friends

The morning did not start of good.   We had people setting up for a dog thing at 3:30 in the morning, running the engines, talking loudly, and making a lot of noises.  I thought about going out and yelling at them, but no.  But I found out that at least two others did go out and had a few words with the workers.

Once we got moving, the kids went and danced, while Cheryl and I did some necessary things to get ready for the days events.

One of the things was to get a new outfit for our self. 

Lunch was at the camper.

We had to have Eric sit in our parking spot while we went and got ice cream for the kids social.

We had dinner and before we knew it, it was time to head back into the halls.

We got to watch the competition, there was only one square of kids, but we had four squares of adults.

We did walk in the Grand March to hold the SCADS sign.  We did dance a tip before heading to the plus hall.

I was asked to help with an issue with a person that tried to say to somebody that they could not dance with his little one, so I had a few words to try to get this person not to say that somebody could not dance (which I don't think made a difference - this person was being non understanding). 

Cheryl and I was able to have a good time talking with old friends.  After the main dancing was done, we went out to eat at Denny's to talk some more.

Now I hope we could get a peaceful night!

Friday, April 08, 2011

2011/04/08 - Friday - Relaxing and Dancing

The night was not all that peaceful - with the airplanes landing until past midnight and then starting back up around 5:30 in the morning.

We relaxed in the morning.  Mom D and I went up to look to see what was going on with all the setup for the convention.

Chris, CJ, and Amanda went to the zoo to have a little fun exploring and taking pictures.

I found out that they are going to have some type of service dog thing on the lawn area outside of where I am parked, after some discussion with the wagon master I will not need to move.  but Saturday should be interesting with all the extra people running around.

I was able to take a nap and enjoy some time with some friends.

Chery was able to leave after picking up Eric and headed on down.  Mom D made some dinner and we got ready for the Square Dancing.

Cheryl and I walked around and said hello to several people.  I stayed and was able to dance a tip.  It also started raining off and on.

I did attend the VIP/Committee gathering after the dancing was done, and we were recognized for our efforts.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

2011/04/07 - Thursday - Drive to San Diego

First on the agenda was to get a new antenna for the Jeep ("Blue" - it broke off last weekend).  Once I paid for that, it was time to get some liquid gold into Blue.  By that time, it was close to lunch, so I text a co-worker to see where they were going for lunch.  Lunch was at the Thia Corner.

 Once back at home, I started getting things ready for this weekend.  I got the clothing in the RV, it was time to move it forward.  But the engine battery was DEAD!!!  Jumping didn't even work.  So off to the auto parts store to get a replacement (still under warranty).  I took the RV over to Costco to make sure all the tires are at the correct tire pressures (even though the Smarttire did not show any of the tires extremely low)

We almost had everything ready before Mom D called and said she was ready (early!).  So got the last minute things into the RV and we (Me, Amanda, CJ - and the two dogs, and three cats) went and picked up Mom D.

About halfway to San Diego, we stopped at an In-and-Out for dinner.  We did have some rain during our drive, but other wise it was a easy drive with hardly no traffic. 

Once we got to the parking lot (with a little extra driving (because I got off the wrong exit))  We found somebody that could help us find an acceptable place to park for the weekend (both of the Wagon Masters were already out for the night (and it was not even 10:00 yet))

So we are realativily close to the dance halls - so we should have fun.

Hmmm as I am typing this it is raining hard - this should be interesting tomorrow - hopefully the rain will go away for the weekend.
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