2012/07/17 - Tuesday - Friends

Cheryl finally was able to get Amber (she escaped yesterday) back into the house before she left for work.
 
Did some work in the morning before I headed to the train station to take Mom M to train for her return back to home.  One of the things I like about the train station is the capability to walk on to the train and make sure everything is squared away and see them off without going through a major security screening.

I noticed a friend on Google Latitude and inquired if he was able to meet. Come to find out when I checked again he was really close to work, so before heading to work, I stopped by his truck and we talked for awhile.  We made arrangement for dinner.

We picked our friend up from his truck and we headed out for dinner.  We had great conversation and good food.

2012/07/16 - Monday - Family

First day of work.  Well it is work and that means money so we can spend it...

Took Amanda to physical therapy.

Tonight me went to South Pass to meet family for dinner.  Thanks for dinner!

2012/07/15 – Sunday – Vacation - Day 24 - Home

Left camp a little after 9:30.

Our first stop was for gas once we got over to 99.

I was going to stop at a rest area for lunch, but it was closed so then I had to find a off ramp that will work for lunch.  That found time to keep head for home.

We hit a little traffic before the I5 and 14 connection, but at least we were still moving.

Before getting home I stopped at Costco to top off the tank in the RV.

Everything is where it needs to be at home, over the next few days the RV will get emptied.

We went out for dinner, finally we landed at Denny's.

Now it is time to get ready for back to "normal" day - work. hmmmmm.

2012/07/14 – Saturday – Vacation - Day 23 - Avanue of the Giants

We got moving at 9:00.

Our fist stop was gas.  I had added information to Street Atlas that included places like Costco gas.  If it wasn't for that I would have never known about it in Eureka.

We found the beginning of the Avenue of the Giants.  It is the old route through the redwoods.  Now it was time for lunch, so I found a pullout to stop.  I was able to run the dogs and enjoy the lunch.

Finding the Costco in Santa Rose took a little doing, I had to drive around a large block to finally find the entrance.

We did hit some traffic on the Oakland side of the bay, but that was short.

We walked towards Denny's, but we noticed a new place, so we ate there instead.

2012/07/13 – Friday – Vacation - Day 22 - Redwoods

We got moving about 10, but our next location is only about hour and half to get to our next location.

We unload the van and headed out, first we headed north and waved at Paul Bunyan and his blue ox.

Now it was time for lunch.

We found a drive through tree, so we had fun and got pictures of me driving the van through the tree.

We explored several different area.  I was able to spot two different wale sprays.  Some of the areas we explored was down dirt roads to reach the coast.

We got dinner before heading back to the RV.

Van is loaded and we got ready for the long drive tomorrow.

2012/07/12 – Thursday – Vacation - Day 21 - BIG

We slept in today because our next stop was a short distance away.  We got going about 10 today.

We did a quick stop at the tunnel rest stop.  And the stop at the agriculture was quick and easy.

We stopped at the first of the Redwoods park ranger station.  Amanda got the book for the JR Ranger program.  We finalized our plans.

We stopped at the KOA but they had no room for us for the night, so on to the next RV park.  They could take us for the night.  Lunch was at the RV.

We unloaded the van and headed for the Redwoods and the dirt road that runs through it.  One of the roads leads to the river and we explored the area.  The other dirt road we made several stops and pictures opportunities.

Back in town we stopped one of the park headquarters and  Amanda got another JR Ranger badge.  We found a DMV in route to our next stop, so we went in and found out they had a long line, so the next stop was at Wal-Mart for some stuff and then back to the RV. 

We headed out for dinner, the place we picked was a burger joint. 

We made it in time to watch Brave before heading back to the RV for the night.

2012/07/11 – Wednesday – Vacation - Day 20 - Cold Caves

Our first stop was for gas at Costco.

Our next stop was a tea place, but I made few bad turn and then the correct turn, but I had to back into a business to turn around.  The tea place has no selling store front, they have a customer area, so Cheryl ordered her stuff and they will ship it when they fill the order.

Next stop was for lunch

The line for gas in Grants Pass was a long wait, but all was good.

We finally found the place half way to the Oregon Caves.  The RV park is remote and quite, it only has water and electric but for one nite that is ok.

We unload the van and drove to the Caves.  We were the last tour group to do the caves for the day.  After the cold 43 degrees cave tour, we head down the canyon for dinner.  The only place we could find was DQ.

Back at the RV with no internet and tv, we all went to bed early.

2012/07/10 – Tuesday – Vacation - Day 19 - Change Direction

Before leaving camp, I made a decision to chance our route.  I was really nervous about the heat so instead of heading south, we headed west.

After revising the route on the computer we got going.  We got on the road about 9:30.  We stayed on highway 20 all the way for the day.

No planned stops today, just a driving day.

Amanda worked on our route for our stops for the next few days.

We stopped for lunch at a rest stop.

The next stop was for gas.

The last stretch before camp was twisty and rough, but all is ok.

We walked to dinner.

I started laundry and Cheryl finished it up.  Eric and I got some pool time.

2012/07/09 – Monday – Vacation - Day 18 - Over - Hot

We left our camping spot and stopped at the visitor center.  Amanda was able to turn her JR Ranger program in and she got her badge.

The drive over to Boise was smooth and not a lot of traffic.  By the time I reached I84 I had about 7 vehicles lined up behind me.  We stopped at Pilot for the necessary go go juice for the RV.

We finally found a place to go for the night in Boise, will see if they can take us.

We stopped for lunch at the rest area before Boise.

We arrived at the RV park with no problem.  The only problem is Boise was really hot - over 100 degrees.

Cheryl looked up some store for gluten free stuff.  The first store was not in business any more.  On our way to the other store we went through a very strong wind storm. 

Our good friend got off work early, so we made plans and she came over to the RV.  We finally made the decisions to head out for dinner.  Dinner was great.  Our time seemed to be to short, but we said our good byes.

The van is now loaded and we are heading out tomorrow.  Tonight I will try to plan which route we will take...

2012/07/08 – Sunday – Vacation - Day 17 - Upstream Lava

We left at 9:00 and our first stop was at Big Hole National Battlefield.

Amanda finished another JR Ranger program.

The first park of the drive was slow up and over and winding along.

For most of the day we were going up stream on the Salmon River.  We stopped along the river for lunch.  I was able to let the dogs run around frolicking in the tall grass.

We are stopped for the night in the Craters of the Moon National Monument campground.

We unloaded the van and headed over to the park visitor center.  We drove the loop road in the park. We also did two of the lava tubes.

We drove back into town some 20 miles away for dinner at a small place (the only place in town open on a Sunday.)

Amanda, Mom M and I attend a ranger program at 9:30, we learned about raptors and of course which ones visits the park.  This would give Amanda all the requirements for the JR Ranger program.  We will go in the morning so she can turn it in and get her badge.

2012/07/07 – Saturday - Vacation – Day 16 – Airplane Ranch

I, Mom M, and Mom D got up really early today to take Mom D to the airport and put her on the plane for home.

When we came back Mom M stayed up while I went back to sleep for awhile.

I finally got moving around 8:30.  I had to do the normal stuff outside and load the van on the trailer.  We finally got moving around 9:30.

First stop was at Flying J.  I think I will write an email to them that their advertising suck.  Pilot/Flying J card say that the rv card will start the pumps, I have never had that work yet!!!

We drove through Helena and stopped at the top of the pass of highway 12 for lunch.  This also allowed the RV transmition to cool down.

Next stop was the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site.  We spent about two hours there.  Amanda worked on and completed the “Honorary Rancher” program.

Next was another gas stop at a Pilot, their equipment was not working correctly.  It was asking about wanting a receipt and the yes and no button would not work and the person did not listen to what I was trying to explain.

We are stopped in a place (Wisdom) where we have no phone nor data connection, so this will be uploaded when we have service again for the night.

2012/07/06 – Friday - Vacation – Day 15 – Falls Shopping

I got a good night sleep, my back/neck was a little better.

We went and drove to the falls and dams, did some walking around and taking pictures.

We finally made it back to town and got some lunch.

Next was several stopping places - shopping....

Right before dinner a thunder storm came through.  After dinner we chased a rainbow.

Back at camp, I went over to the common area where a couple was singing tunes, while the rest was relaxing in the RV.

2012/07/05 – Thursday - Vacation – Day 14 – Hills and Falls

We got a late start, but finally on the road about 9:30, but that is ok because today was a short drive day.

I have not been sleep good for the last three nights.  My neck has been sore for the last three days.

We stopped at the continental divide for a break and look at the information plaques

A horse was lose, which was causing the traffic to come to a very slow craw.  I hope somebody was able to take care of it.

There was a lot of road construction after East Glacier.

There was a lot of rolling hills to traverse. 

We stopped at a rest area for lunch.

We got into Great Falls about 3:00 and the KOA was able to accommodate us for the two days.

We unloaded the van and headed on over to the Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center.  Amanda completed the JR ranger program.  We then drove down to one of the falls to take some photos.

Back at the RV, Cheryl made dinner.

I did laundry while the family watch a movie.

Now I hope I can sleep tonight and see if I can get this kink out of my back/neck.

2012/07/04 – Wednesday - Vacation – Day 13 – White Water Rafting

We made it to the rafting company with plenty of time.  We all got changed into wet suits, shoes, and Jackets.  The bus ride to the take in the place was ok - it was bus ride.

Rafting down the river was great.

We stopped for lunch on the park side of the river.  The guides made lunch - grilled chicken and steak.

Going down the river the guide pointed out where the photographer was located.

We got out of the boats at the main park bridge and walked back to the rafting company location.

We came back for a quick change of clothing before heading back into the park for dinner.

I went down to the fire pit while the rest of the family watch a movie.

I say this was a good 4th of July day!

2012/07/03 – Tuesday - Vacation – Day 12 – Dirt Roads

Amanda did not feel good last night, so I wanted to make sure she was ok, so I let the family sleep today.  Mom M was up like normal, but the rest was at least catnapping.

Topped the van with the necessary go go juice and the next stop was for Amanda to get a pair of sweat pants that she wanted. 

We then stopped back in the West Glacier Village and did a little shopping.

We drove the west side of the Glacier National Park.  On our way to Kintla Lake, you travel on paved to gravel roads.  We had to move several blow downs that had fallen over the road.  Wished that I had the Jeep which would have made it easier to move the logs.  The dirt roads in the park had LOTS of pot holes.

Next leg was to head for Bowman Lake, which was a little rougher.  That lake has more camping and could accommodate larger RV, but I am sure that I would not bring any big rig in on those roads.

We stop at Polebridge and looked around got a few goodies.

We stopped for dinner and now back at the RV to relax before the day on the water.

2012/07/02 – Monday - Vacation – Day 11 – Up, Over, and Back

Cheryl reminded me to make a phone call, but we were all loaded up in the van ready to head out, I finally started driving (with the Bluetooth in my ear) while I was on hold waiting.  Our first stop was to top of the tank in the van.

We made reservation at the same outfit that we used in 2003 for our all day float on the 4th.

We stopped at the visitor center at the West Glacier Entrance.

We stopped along the route several times to take a lot of pictures.

At the top of the pass, I had to circle the parking lot several times to finally get a parking spot.

Again we stopped a several locations going down the east side. 

We finally found a place to get something to eat and then found out they did not have anything good for a late lunch early dinner.

After leaving the park, we stopped and they were not ready for dinner, so on to the next town.

We finally got dinner at the East Glacier area.

Back at the RV, Mom M did laundry and the kids watched a movie, while all 500+ photos were being off loaded from the cameras.

2012/07/01 – Sunday - Vacation – Day 10 – Drive and Falls

We left right on time - 9:00.  But our first stop was at the Flying J for some propane.  While there the family got some stuff for breakfast and lunch.

 One point before lunch I had to cross a bridge that was one lane and very tight for the RV, but no problems.

We crossed into Montana and into Mountain Time Zone, so we lost an hour and now it was time to find a lunch spot.  We finally found a rest area, so we stopped for lunch.

Just down the road I noticed a sign for some falls - Kootenai Falls, so we stopped and spent an hour going down and taking pictures.

We stopped for gas

Our next stop was at the KOA, but they could not accommodate us for the next four nights.  So Amanda looked in the book and found another place really close and I made the phone call.  They were able to take for the next four nights.

Cheryl made dinner, we worked on getting everything updated and relaxed, and Mom M did some laundry.

Tomorrow will be an adventure exploring a non burning national park (in 2004 we were here when the west side of the national park was on fire).

2012/06/30 – Saturday - Vacation – Day 9 – Last Chance to Dance

Up and on our way to the convention center.  We did get parking under the center because they were not allowing any Hoopfest people to park there.  We made it to Mom D requested seminar that she wanted to attend on time.

I finally did get my CD from the photographer today.

I did not some dancing in the family hall before we all headed for some lunch.  We stayed in the convention center for lunch and not braved the outside world.

After lunch it was decided that we needed to walk to the falls.  The walk was interesting with the Hoopfest going on.  We finally made it to the gondola ride and went ahead and did that.  We did some more walking around and finally made it back to the convention center.

We did some more walking, talking, a little bit of dancing and one round dance.

We headed back to the RV sometime after 4.  Amanda was able to do her 15 min hot tub soak for her ankle while the rest got ready for the evening activities.

We had dinner at Outback.  We had gotten two cards with a buy one get one free, so why not stop and have dinner (the card were only good in one of the three in the Spokane valley area.)  As we were getting our desert the waitress knocked over two classes of water and got 4 of us wet.  She took off the deserts from the bill.

We got to the convention center and again was able to park under, but this time without paying because nobody was at the booth.

We found out Iowa did win the bid.  So of course we went ahead and registered (it really didn't mater who got it, we would have registered for the next one anyway.)

Mom M was looking really intently at getting another prairie skirt, so we went back to Mondiki and finally had to order one for her.

We finally ended up in the family hall and had a good time all the way through a part of the after-party before leaving and driving back to the RV.

2012/06/29 – Friday - Vacation – Day 8 – Dance Halftime

Mom D was not feeling good so she would stay behind for the first part of the day.

We got to the Bid session just at the very beginning.  Two places are bidding for 2016.  Des Moines, Iowa and Amarillo, Texas.  We liked Des Moines better  between the two presentation.

We watched the competition a little bit and we talked a lot.

Eric went with some friends for lunch while the rest of us went to the Onion for lunch.

We watched the California and the Colorado exhibition groups.

We then got invited to do a demonstration at an arena football game during the halftime show.

So a quick trip back to the RV to get ready and to pick up Mom D.  We made it back to the convention center in time to join the group heading to the game.

We watch the first and most of the second quarters before we had to be back down to the field.  There was 6 squares dancing to Hunter Keller (which he was WAY UP in the announcer booth), but we only got to dance to one song.  The field is really weird to dance on, it was very spongy.  Most of the group went back to the convention center while the rest continue to watch the remainder of the game.  Arizona 61 at Spokane 35

 Back at the convention center, we went and got the van and drove back to the RV.  Once back at the RV park, the place where I should be able to park the van was being taken by somebody else.

Amanda and I went over to the Flying J's to get some dog food and some milk.

2012/06/28 – Thursday - Vacation – Day 7 – The Start

Our first thing we wanted to do today was attend a seminar for Food Allergy.  Cheryl got some information.  We also got Eric registered for the Youth Hall.  Something new being done this year was that if the kids have cell phones they have to check them in.

When it was time to leave to pick up Mom D, Eric was dancing - wow what a shock.

We did arrive at the airport a little early so we waited at the cell phone parking area.  Mom D arrived on time and was a little tired.

We headed back toward town and got lunch.

I stopped at the convention, the kids, Cheryl, and Mom D got out while Mom M and I drove off.  We went a got the new tire for the RV.  That took awhile but it was replaced under the warranty.

Getting back to the convention center, we picked everybody up to go get changed and dinner.

After get ready, we went to a steak place for dinner.  We stopped by the RV before heading to the convention center.

Some did a little dancing, shopping, and not feeling good (the food did not agree with a few of us).

Note: the list of highways from yesterdays post needs to include a lot more (especially the local freeways in the LA area like I405....)

2012/06/27 – Wednesday - Vacation – Day 6 – Finished US-395

We got moving a little latter then I wanted but all was good.

We got to the convention center where the National Square Dance Convention is being held in Spokane.  Our main goals for today was two things.

Our first goal was to setup the show case of ideas in the convention center.  We got parked and payed the toll.  We found the registration and got our packets.  Talked to several people from California.  Found the location and put up both displays that need to be put up.   So goal one finished

Cheryl wanted to stop at a gluten free bakery.  Found it and she was able get a few items.  Now it was time for lunch so we found a gluten free specialty place on our way to my second goal for the day.  Lunch was good and filling.

Goal two was to drive the rest of US-395 to the Canadian border.  The drive up took about two hours.  On the way back home we stopped by the Columbia river and explored an area.  That took about 45 minutes. When we got back into Spokane we stopped at Michale for some crafts stuff.  Next stop was dinner.  During dinner we made a decision not to go back and dance for the night.

Back at the RV, we relaxed and worked on few items.  Eric posted all his items, so he is up to date, go check it out.

So today was a success, we accomplished both goals.

So for posterity, during several years of driving around for vacations, we have driven all of US-1, US-101, I-5, US-395,  I-15, I-8, Cassiar Highway, and the Alaska Highway. One of these days I will create a map of all the roads that I have driven.

2012/06/26 – Tuesday - Vacation – Day 5 – Got There

During the night the rain started about 3:30 and our heater came on about two times during the night.  I got up about 7:30 and started to get the others up and going.

We left camp about 9:00

First stop for the day was gas, but trying to get into the station was tricky.

Next was across the street to Wal-Mart.

The Subway in Wal-Mart did not have gluten free bread, so I drove to another Subway, but they also did not have it so Cheryl had to make her own lunch while the rest of us ordered something.

I did make a quick stop at a rest area on our last leg of the trip to Spokane.

The stop before getting to the RV Park was at a Flying J's.  After filling up, a lady pulled in facing me going the wrong way.  She wanted me to backup, so I was not a happy camper with her.  After yelling at her (the windows where rolled up so she could not hear me, but she sure could read my lips and expression) she finally backup and out of my way so I could go forward and head to the RV park.

I had to unload the van before backing into our spot for the rest of the week.  I did have to buy a new sewer hose and had troubles dealing with that, but finally we are all hooked up.

We did drive back into Spokane to explore the lay of the land.

Driving back to camp, we had a hard time trying to find someplace to eat.  We finally settled for Denny's.

Back at camp I worked with Eric to setup his own blog.  He is doing his perspective of events during vacation.  Go check it out - Eric's Ramblings

2012/06/25 – Monday - Vacation – Day 4 – The Drive

We left camp at 9:00.  Our first stop was going to be at the museum, but it was still closed.  I had another waypoint for another item, but that also was a bust. 

 

So next stop gas.

 

Cheryl wanted to stop at a grocery store, but it took a trip around a block to finally find a place to park.  Amanda went to Subway to get her breakfast and lunch.

 

While out in the middle of nowhere I noticed a 5th wheel on the side of the road, so I stopped to check on them.  All was well, just a quick break.

 

We stopped for a quick lunch.

 

We stopped for gas again, because towns are scarce on this part of 395.

 

The terrain has gotten more hilly.

 

We have stopped at a Forest Service Campground with a stream at the back of our site.  Also this campground does not have any type of a hookups.  Our internet coverage is almost none existence.

2012/06/24 - Sunday - Train - Remoteness

We got on the road about 9:15

First stop was Costco in Carson City for the necessary go go juice for the RV.

We stop at the Carson City - Nevada State Railroad Museum, the place looks nice but it only took about half an hour.  They also were not doing any train rides.

Quick stop at some stores and had some lunch.  One of the stops was to replace a very smelly inverter that was going bad.

The last stretch today on 395 was a section of 70 miles without any services.

Cheryl and Amanda made dinner.

Relaxing after dinner watching TV and playing on the computers.

2012/06/23 - Saturday - Manzanar - Upside Down - Mono

In the morning, I went up and paid for our night stay at the office.
We left camp at 9:00 and we arrived at Manzanar National Historic Site about 15 minutes later.
Amanda was able to do the JR Ranger program and we also did the driving tour, that took about 2 hours.
Our next stop was at Laws Railroad Museum. We had lunch before going into the grounds. We will not be stopping there again, it did not hold our attention very well.
Next stop, go go juice for the RV.
The climb out of Bishop was brutal and slow, the transmission temp got up to 210.
We did find the Upside Down House and walked around it.
We spent about an hour at the Mono Basin Visitor Center, then we stop by the lake shore and took some pictures.
We stopped at Willow Springs Motel & RV Park for the night.
We walked up to Virginia Creek Settlement for dinner.  You have to stop there and have good Italian food!

2012/06/22 – Friday – Start of Vacation - BANG

We left the house at 4 pm - hurray vacation has started!

First stop was at Costco to get all the tires topped off with air.

Next stop - side of I605 Freeway to change the passenger side outside duel tire.  When Eric took the spare off the holder he noticed the holder has a crack in it so now the bad tire is in the van and not on the RV.

We stopped at the Pilot at Kramer Junction to fill the RV up with go go juice and also get us some food.

We stopped for the night (about 10:45) at Boulder Creek RV Resort (south of Lone Pine).

2012 Vacation Time

Well, tonight we start vacation and so will the start of the daily updates...