2017/06/24 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 10 - Square Dancing

We got started late, but we made a decision last night to do lunch first before spending the rest of the day down at the convention center.

Lunch was at a White Castle (In-and-Out is way better!).

I forgot my badges so went back to the RV to retrieve them before going to the convention center.

We converted to the long form for Kansas MO convention and then paid for the Spokane convention.  We went to the vendor area to get a thing or two.  Then we watched them break the worlds record. But I have an issue with that.  Mom M, I, and plus about 18000+ other people danced in 1981 on a football field, so I am not sure what record they are trying to break!

We did do some dancing in the Mainstream Hall.

We walked to Morton's for some very good and expensive food for dinner.

Back at the convention center, we paid for the 2021 convention that will be in Jackson MS.  We went and watched two demonstrations and then headed to the youth hall to see how the turnout was.  Based on the numbers I seen, things look good.

On the way home, it took me a trip around a few blocks, but finally was able to go over the "John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge", in fact we drove over it three times.

Back at the RV we got a few things put away to get ready for travel tomorrow!

I think we all had a good time at this years convention!

2017/06/23 - Friday - Vacation - Day 09 - SQ, Wet, & Race

Got somewhat of a late start for the morning, but we finally made it to the convention center for Square Dancing Convention.  We did some talking, walking, shopping, and more talking.

Now it was time for lunch, so we headed outside for a "short" walk.  During lunch the rain started up. So for the return trip we tried to use the Sky Walk.  We crossed the street and went into that building to start to use the Sky Walk.  But that ends about half way back, so back outside we went into the pouring rain.  Once on the next section, about half way again, it had you find a very weird path to continue into the last section of the Sky Walk before finally getting to the Convention Center.

We did more walking and talking.

Now it was time for going back, changing, and getting dinner.  It was pouring down with Flash Flood Warning (Alerts came over our phones...).  Several time driving back to the RV, I was splashing big time through some very deep water.

Back at the RV Mom M discovered that the cab over part had lots of water.  We spent the next hour with towels to soak up all the water and trying to determine where the water was coming from.  Several towels are now hanging in the shower to drip dry.

We got ready and headed out for dinner on the way to the convention center.  After the long time at dinner the group decided that we will just return back to the RV.

Back at the RV the rain had almost stopped so no new water spots and we might have found where the leak is coming from (driver side window up in the cab over.)

Amanda, Cheryl and I headed out for some night time photo shots.  We came upon a bicycle race.  Amanda took several shot for the next two hours.  One of the racers wife also noticed Turquoise and she stop and talked with us for the last hour.

Back at the RV the moms were almost ready for bed.  We got most of the things put away and we left the section to dry out some more, so that meant Mom M to sleep on the floor using the half of the over the cab cushion.

2017/06/22 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 08 - Taft and Picked Upped

We headed out for an appointment for Amanda.  Once that was done, we headed over to the William Howard Taft National Historic Site and spent about two hours.  Amanda got another JR Ranger badge. 

Now it was time for lunch we found a small place and was extremely surprised on how little we had to pay for all three of us.

We came back to the RV and took Turquoise for a walk around the pond.  One section of it you were walking in the mud because the pond is over the normal level. 

I also went ahead and did laundry.

We headed over to the airport to go pickup Mom D and Cheryl.  On the way back we stopped for dinner.

Back at the RV we got everything put away and now it is time for some needed sleep.

2017/06/21 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 07 - Arrived

Before we left the campground, I got the propane gas topped off.  So that delayed us from leaving until about 9:30 when we finally hit the road.

Next stop was gas, but I missed the first exit for Fly J's, but luckily the next exit had Pilot so we stopped there to top of the gas tank.

The traffic was not bad when we skittered around Indianapolis.

We stopped for gas and a late lunch about 30 minutes outside of Indianapolis.  That Pilot has no good location to park, so we had to go across the street and park at the casino to eat lunch.

We pulled into the RV Park a little after 4. Paid for the next four nights.  The RV park is in Ohio but the road to get into the park is in Indiana.

We got a back in space at the ponds edge.  Unload the van and unhook the tow-dolly.  Once we got the RV leveled Amanda noticed that the AC unit was leaking on the inside.  It appears that the condensation vent holes are plugged again.  So that meant we spend the next half hour building my red neck a/c rain gutter to weep the water out of the condensation tray and down the plastic into the sink.

We also put on the Thunder Shirt for Turquoise because we can see on the weather app that rain was coming.

We left to go explore, so we left and headed to the convention center.  We picked up all the packets.  I also spent some money on two new belt buckles (current and next convention).  We also visited the youth/family hall and they have carpet floors, so not very good to dance on.  On our way out we stopped and watch a little bit of the Trains In Dance down in the live band hall.

The parking is charging $20 for the event - very expensive for only 2 hours being there.

I took a different route home and went to find dinner.  We left the convention center (Ohio) and drove into Kentucky, passed where Mom D and Cheryl will be landing and then into Indiana.  We drove further south looking for a place to eat.  After turning around we stopped.

After dinner we filled up the van and headed back to the RV.

The rain gutter did its most of the job, we only had one minor part that needed to be fixed but nothing major.

We watched a little tv and then headed for bed.  The next few days will be busy days.

2017/06/20 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 06 - Arch in the distance.

It was hard leaving friends in the morning, but finally we left a little after 9:30.

On the way to the freeway, we got stopped by a train, so I took that time to double check the straps on the van, yep they needed tightening. 

The toll road cost a little less then $10.

We stopped for fuel and lunch at Flying J's in Joplin.  I could not see any signs of the tornado from several years ago.

Next stop again was another Flying J's for more fuel of course.

St Louis is not fun to drive through in a big vehicle.  Several of the ramps backed way up onto the freeway causing some major slowdowns.  And that down town exit to cross the river is really bad!  But of course you can see the Arch while we were waiting for traffic to move.

 We stopped about an hour east of St Louis for the night.

Amanda started working on dinner and Mom M, Turquoise and I walked around the pond.

We watched two movies tonight. 

Amanda noticed that a rain cell was going to move over so we put the Thunder Shirt on Turquoise and that did seem to work.  He was a little nervous but not totally freaked out.

2017/06/19 - Monday - Vacation - Day 05 - Friends

We got going almost on time 9:05

We got gas at Fly J's and Amanda and Mom M went in to grab something quick and simple for a lunch/snack.

The toll road cost us $11

Waze did a total reset for some reason in the middle of the city freeways.

We got to your friends place shortly after 1.  I had to unload the van from the tow-dolly and then back in the RV to setup for the night.

We put Turquoise in the back yard so he could get some running and rooming in.

We headed to Wal-Mart for some items (we ran out of paper towels)

Back at the friends place, dinner was in the process of being cooked/made.

Dinner was very good and we had good conversations.

L.G., A.M. and I played a game on the PS2 system until it was way late in the night...

Lets hope we can get up in a reasonable time.

2017/06/18 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 04 - Accommodating

We got a little latter start then planned.  We left at 9:20 and our first stop was shortly afterward.

Gas stop at Flying J's and Amanda went in and got a cinnamon roll and she also got some biscuit bites for me and Mom M.

We stopped at a rest area for a little lunch.

Another gas stop still in New Mexico.

Crossed into Texas a little after 3 and we left Texas at 6.

Another gas stop before finding a camp ground.

We stopped at a KOA at 7:20 for the night and found out they do somewhat of a dinner, so we went back to the office after setting up to have dinner.  Their menu is not much and with all of our issues with food, they were VERY accommodating.  When they gave us the bill it was very small, so I gave a very good tip!

2017/06/17 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 03 - Route 66

We got up and headed into the house for breakfast.  Thanks again for the great food.

We got on the road about 9:15.  We stopped at Sam Club in Flagstaff for the RV and food next door for us around noon.

Around 4 it was time to get gas again for the RV.

I was using Waze (of course) and I noticed that it wanted me to get off the freeway and then get back on about 7 mile down the road.  The detour was at the exact same spot as last year.  Waze was routing us around a construction zone that had traffic backed up (one line).  But the on ramp we were to use was closed and Waze did not have it closed, but of course Waze just recalculated and we got back onto the freeway (three miles further) at the next exit/on ramp.  And we still made time. The only issue I had using the detour was the road was ruff.  Using the ruff and winding road, the SmarTire system alarm went off telling me the rear inside passenger tire was extremely hot (177).  The next several miles I stayed at 55 MPH to help bring the temps down on the tire.

We stopped for the night around 7:30 at Route 66 RV Resort.  We went into the Casino and had dinner.  A band did entertain us for part of it.

2017/06/16 - Friday - Vacation - Day 02 - Another Tire

We got moving about 8:40.  First stop was at Flying J's to feed the RV the necessary fuel.

Once on the road, the pulsating vibration seemed to be worse.  So I went ahead and stopped at the Barstow Wal-Mart.  Well, the tire I thought was bad is bad.  So I changed the tire.

Now the drive was smother, well as smooth as California roads are.

We stopped at John Wilkie Rest area for lunch.  Amanda would not make my lunch, but my mom did :)

The tire sensors was indicating the tires were getting hot (174) so I slowed down from 60 to 56 and that help lower the tire temperatures.

Amanda did some research and we found out that Kingman does have a Discount Tire store so we stopped there to replace the bad tire and get the front two re-balanced.  The manager noticed that I did not have a spare for the tow-dolly and stated that he can check to see if he had a rim and tire for it.  He did and now I have a spare tire for the tow-dolly. 

Uncle P. came and picked up Amanda and Mom M. while I waited to get the tires done.

Once the RV tires were done, I headed over to get gas at Flying J's, and then headed to family by 4:24.

E made a very good dinner even with trying to learn of all of our restrictions and the home made cookies were great.  We watched a movie before calling it a night.

2017/06/15 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 01 - Heading Out

I worked most of the day today.  For lunch I went to the Bar and Mom M and A.M joined me.

Once I finally made it home, put in the last minutes items and waited for Cheryl to get home.

Got the RV, tow dolly, and the van all together.  Of course the Dog was ready to go, but fishing Amber out of the cat walk was a challenge.

I stopped for gas, because after the last trip I did not fill up the tank and it was over half empty.  We also went and parked to get some dinner.  TGIF had a 30 min wait, Islands had a 20 min wait, but the Peruvian place had no wait.  Peruvian it was - yum.

Cheryl and D.M. went back home and Mom M., A.M., and I headed on the first leg of the trip.

On the way up the pass, the RV felt like one of the tires had developed a bulge, I stopped at Cleghorn Rd, but could not find any bulge.

We stopped at Little Sister's Truck Wash to get the RV and Van cleaned.  Now they look nice, but they did not do a really good job.  They did not do all the tire dressings.  And when I tried to complain they just went back into the bay to start working on another customer and because of that I did not leave a tip!

We stopped close to the Barstow Outlet.  We are camping in the OHV area for the night.  I checked the tires again. I think I might know which tire but nothing visible and purely speculations.

Late night getting the last minutes items put away and organized.  Wish us luck and no major issue with the tire tomorrow...

2016/07/10 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 24 - Home - Normal Stuff?

So travel part of vacation is over and now we are back in the stuff we do when we are home.  So this is Sunday the whole family went to church.

My back was hurting bad, so DM and I left church to go to The Joint to get my back worked on.  That was somewhat quick, so back to church to finish out the service.

Lunch we went to Fuddruckers.

Dinner we went to The Old Ship.

2016/07/09 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 23 - Home

We got a early start, I did not want to be out in the desert to late because of the heat.  We left at 7:40 (really early start :) )

Next stop was gas at Costco.

Next stop was at Pilot to get gas.  Then on over to Little Sisters Truck Wash to get the RV and Van washed.  We also ate lunch while they did the washing.  The RV had not been washed for about 3 years so desperately needed.  That took about an hour.

We got gas at Sam Club and then dropped Mom D at home.

We made it home about 3:16 and proceeded to do the vehicle shuffle.


For the last week, my back has been getting worse and worse, sometime during the vehicle shuffle, my back really hurts!

Once we somewhat got settled, Cheryl wanted to go pick up my bike and get new bikes for her and Amanda.  She order two new bikes!

Starbucks was a required stop on the way home

For dinner we went out to Red Robin....

So off to bed early for me.

2016/07/08 - Friday - Vacation - Day 22 - Drive - HOT

We said our goodbyes and left basically right on time - 9:06

First stop of the day was at Flying J's in Beaver, we also got some lunch.

As we had passed Mesquite and was doing the climb up to the high plateau on the 15,  the SmarTire system alarm went off and said my inside rear passenger tire was at 177 degrees, so at the top is a parking area, I pulled into that to cool down the tires.

I waited about 10 minutes before heading out again.  I stopped two more times to get the tires to cool down.

As we got into Las Vegas we hit traffic and now the tranny temperature was getting warm.

We finally made it to KOA at Sam Town for the night.  This time were are camped in the North camping area.  We unloaded the van, the temp outside was about 111 (based on what the van had on the reading).

After we got things setup, we drove over to Sam Town to have dinner at TGI Friday's.  The north lot is further away from the casino then the south lot.

After dinner Cheryl, Amanda, and Mom D did some gambling.

They stopped in time for the light show in the atrium, which was a patriotic themed display.

Back at the RV, Mom D was heading to the bathhouse, she tripped and fell, so we had to do some TLC to her right hand.

The rest of the night was relaxing.

2016/07/07 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 21 - No Cave and Falls

I got up and attended a meeting for work - CAB.  After the meeting I got a hold of Tech Support and worked on the issue with my work cell phone.  Final resolution was I needed a new Sim Card.

We finally got everybody moving to go for a little drive today.  But our first stop was at AT&T to get the new Sim Card for the work phone.  Cool the phone works.

We had Mom M, Cheryl, Amanda, C, and myself in the van, W on his motorbike and R on his motorbike.  We were finally off to go see Timpanogos Cave National Monument

But before getting into the canyon R need fuel for his bike and I went ahead filled up the Van.

Then it was time for lunch so we stopped at Blue Lemon Restaurant and Cafe.

We finally made it to the park, but all the tours we full for the day and none of us really wanted to do the 1.5 mile hike up the hill.

Now done with the visitor center we went for the drive up the canyon and over to the next.  That drive was really cool, nice tight turns and great views.

We stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, but the first stop was in a viewing area and we noticed that there is a road below so we went and found the way to get closer to the falls.  We walked over to the base of it and the water was cold.

We headed back to our friends house to relax.  They made dinner for us and we talked until late into the night.  Sometime during this time I noticed that my work phone is no longer working again... I think I need  a new Sim Card again.  The magnets in my carry case might be wiping the card out.

2016/07/06 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 20 - Drive and Friends

Before leaving a neighbor asked me a few questions about towing and gas mileage and stuff, so of course I gave him several pointers and information.

We got on the road a little after 9.

Gas was necessary for the RV at a Flying J's

Before stopping for the next two nights, we stopped at another Flying J's in town of Salt Lake City.

Our long time friends made accommodation for us and the RV.

After setting things up, we headed out for a late lunch at Apollo Burger.

Back at the house, we talked and made some plans for the night.

We headed over to Temple Square and City Creek Center.  We did the tour at "The Beehive House" and walked by the Temple.

Dinner was needed and we found Brio Tuscano Grille.

After dinner we walked back over by the Temple and took some pictures.

We finally found the way to get to the cars and headed home.

I got onto the computers to do some work and to create the necessary report.

2016/07/05 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 19 - Drive and Rain

We left around 9

Waze and Street Atlas was not agreeing on the route to our stop for the night.  The route we took was part Street Atlas and part Waze

Our first stop for day was at Flying J's, just before the Continental Divide.  I pulled to the side and we ate lunch.  Cheryl made some while one went in and bought something.

At one point along the drive, I noticed lighting and dark clouds and we were heading right for it.  Sure enough there was a lot of rain that slowed down the traffic for about 5 miles.

Amanda had made reservations last night, and our stop for the night was at KOA near Rock Springs and Green River WY.

Now it was time for dinner, Cheryl and Amanda did some searching and found a place, so I unloaded the van and we headed out for Pasta Vélocé. 

After dinner we noticed a billboard about Boot Barn, so we stopped in and was not able to find the boot that I like.

Back at the RV we relaxed and watched some TV.

2016/07/04 - Monday - Vacation - Day 18 - Fort

We left a little after 9.

We stopped in Lusk for gas and then pulled to the side and Cheryl made lunch for us.

When we pulled into Fort Laramie Historic Site, the parking lot was over flowing, I had to park on the grass.  Amanda got another JR Ranger badge.

Heading back into town we stopped at Chuck Wagon RV Park for the night.

Unloaded the van and heading into town, but only on place was open and that was the bar, so we drove to the next town west and got dinner.  We brought it back to the RV. 

The little dog was not good, left us a present, so the kennel will be used for the rest of the trip (even for when we are out for a short time).

We had to do laundry again.  Turquoise has issues last night with the thunder and rain, he left wet spot on the bed again.

The fireworks that the volunteer fire department put on was good.  They used donations to buy all the fireworks.

2016/07/03 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 17 - Cave and Rain

We got going about 10, but before going Cheryl got lunch made for later.

We went the eastern route to get to Jewel Cave.  When we checked in to see the time, everything was one to three yours out, so I opted not to do any tours at this location.  Also the JR Ranger program requires two ranger programs, so Amanda could not get that done - maybe next time?

But it was time for lunch so I moved to the west end of the parking lot and found a picnic table so we could have lunch.

Next stop was in Custer to get gas.

We made it Rushmore Cave.  Mom D did not want to go in, but the rest of us did.  It was an ok cave.  They run a lot of people through all day long (15 minutes apart)

We came back to Hill City to walk the town and have dinner.  Dinner was at Desperados.  Cheryl and Mom D spent some money - o joy....

About an hour once back at the RV a storm rolled through, a lot of thunder and lighting.  Turquoise REALLY does not like the noise from that and from the rain hitting the roof of the RV.  For some reason the power went out in the park and the surrounding area.  Amanda had check the website for the power company and they acknowledge the power outage in the area.  

2016/07/02 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 16 - Wind and Crazy

I got up on time, but we made the choice to make lunch before heading out.

The Van needed the necessary juice so a stop at Pilot was necessary.

On the way to Wind Caves, Waze took us via a dirt road.  It was ok but it did have several potholes (which I did not report any of them :) !)

When we got to the visitor center, we got in line to buy our tickets and the first one up that had room was the Garden Tour (the easiest of three main tours).  We had no real time to explore but head straight to the meeting location to head into the cave.

After done with the cave tour it was time for lunch, so we got into the van and headed to a picnic area, this also gave Amanda time to finish the JR Ranger program book.

After eating lunch we headed back to the visitor center so she can get her badge.

On the way to our next destination, we did the Needles highway, a little slow going but great views!

Today was a beautiful day and we got to see Crazy Horse.   We even did dinner there at the complex.

On the way back to the RV, we drove through Deadwood, man that has changed, now it seems like everything is just another casino no real shops.

I was hoping for a relaxing night, but found out Turquoise peed on our bed, so I had to do laundry!  So much for trying to get to bed early.

2016/07/01 - Friday - Vacation - Day 15 - Rain

I forgot set my alarm, so I got up late.  We finally left about 10:00. 

First stop was for more cash...

Next stop was to get the tire light to stop being on.  The back driver tire was low.

On our way to the next stop, the van needed more go go juice - we stopped at Pilot.

Because it was not raining hard, I decided we go ahead and stop at the "Black Bear Country" and did the driving tour.  We also did the walking part, even though it was raining slightly.  And of course went in and spent some money at the gift shop.

Next stop for lunch was at Ruby House Restaurant in downtown Keystone...

Now onto our driving part of the day.

We drove Iron Mountain Rd, and in Custer State Park, we paid our fee and went to the new visitor center.  The center is really nice and the movie screen is HUGE.

Next part of the drive was the Wildlife Loop Rd.  Part way through I made a detour and turned onto CSP Rd 3 (dirt road).  At the next intersection I turned onto Lame Johnny Rd and discovered a prairie dog city.  Amanda took several hundred pictures.

Finally back on pavement (87) we headed towards home.  The fog was very low.  I stopped at 87 and 16A to determine where dinner will be at.  After some research on the phones, we headed in the appropriate direction.

As we were passing through Custer, the fogs was thick!  And as we passed Crazy Horse we could NOT see it so we opted not to stop there.

We stopped at Slate Creek Grill in Hill City for dinner.

Before getting back to the RV we stopped at Safeway and got a few things.

Back at the RV, the dogs were walked, the pictures where unloaded and next thing we knew it was time for bed...