2021/07/09 - Friday - Vacation - Day 22 - Kingman - Family

 Today was not a long travel day.  We left camp after 10.

At our destination, we stopped for gas and then made our way to the RV park - Zuni Village RV Park.  

We visiting with family.  We did go out for dinner at the Black Bear Diner and then back visiting with family.

2021/06/21 - Monday - Vacation - Day 04 - Moving On

We got moving at 9 to see if we can get out of the very hot area.

Next stop a couple of hours later for gas and lunch.

I could not wait until the next gas stop, so I stopped at an overlook over Las Cruces. 

Next stop - gas.

Now it is time to stop for the night - Mission RV Park

Once the 4Runner was unloaded, we headed out for dinner at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen.  After dinner they wanted something from Kohl's so we spend some more money. 

Stopped for gas for the car.

Back at the RV to relax for the night.

2021/06/18 - Friday - Vacation - Day 01 - Hit by Semi / Flats

 We left a little of 10

Did our stop at Pilot for the necessary drink for the RV and eat lunch.

We crossed the state line in to AZ.  About mile 7 a semi drifts from the fast lane into the trailer taking out the trailer tire, but luckily did not hit so hard to also hitting the 4Runner on the trailer.  I thought he was going to take us out, but I was able to keep everything on the road.  There was a couple behind me that see it all and pulled over behind the semi.  He was claiming that I hit him.  We waited for the highway patrol.  Once the investigation was done - the highway patrol gave the semi a ticket for unsafe lane change.

We then started to change the tire on the trailer.  The officer left and short afterwards somebody else stopped to help us change the tire.

Getting close to Tonopah, a RV tire goes flat.  So on the side of the road again to change the tire.

We pull in to a Pilot near Tonopah and I can hear tire hissing air.  so after filling up we pulled to the side to change the passenger front tire.

Next is where to stop for the night?...

I pulled into a TA but to see if they had any tires but they did not and during the time of waiting they found a place to stay for the night.  The temp was still above 100...

Almost 10pm we are finally at - Leaf Verde RV Resort for the night.

2019/07/11 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 21 - HOT - Rain - Wind

We got start a little late, but I need to stop by the office to pay the bill.  We got on the road about 19 minutes after 9.

Our first stop was just two exits up for the necessary gas for the RV at a Flying J's

At about noon, I stopped at a over look.  The generator keeps stopping, so I checked the oil level and it was fine.  So must be hot.

In El Paso, we stopped at Chamizal National Memorial Park and Grounds.  Amanda was able to get another JR Ranger badge.  The walk from the parking lot to the visitor center was a killer for my back...

 We stopped at a Flying J's for more gas.  C.M. was trying to pay for things and they were having all sorts of problems, but they finally got it squared away.

We did hit rain heading to our stop for the night.  I also had to reduce my speed to 55 to keep my tires from reaching 177.  (The highest that I seen on it was 176).

We are at Little Vineyard RV Resort for the night.

We unloaded the van and headed into town to go eat.  While we were eating at Marie's Italian Grill, the wind picked up and we were having a dust storm.  The last time we were in this town it was because of a dust storm, I don't about our luck.

Back at the RV park, Mom M and I went and had some Ice Cream at their Ice Cream social they were having

C.M. finished up the laundry and now relaxing in the RV and once in a while we hear the wind or a little bit of rain.

2019/07/10 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 20 - HOT - Tire Temp

We left at our normal time a little after 9.  I did stop by the office to make sure I was all squared away.

The drive through San Antonio was ok.  The construction heading out of town was tight and slow.

We stopped for lunch at a rest area.

Gas stop at a Pilot

A little past 4:15 the Smartire sensor was going off about a tire being at 177 degrees, so I found the next exit and stopped for about 45 to get the tires to cool down.  Drove about 45 minutes and had to stop again. for another 30 minute stop.  Drove again about an hour and stopped for another 35 minutes.

We finally pulled into Fort Stockton RV Park a little after 8.

I unloaded the van and C.M. worked on laundry, while J.M., Mom M, and E.M. went in to town to get fast food dinner.

2019/07/08 - Monday - Vacation - Day 18 - Around New Orleans

Our first stop for the day was for lunch a Wow Cafe outside of New Orleans (Chalmette) 

We stopped and view the battlefield at Chalmette Battlefield.  Amanda got another Jr Ranger badge.

We had enough time and headed back to the RV to check on the animals before heading out again.

We did another airboat ride with Airboat Adventures.  I got to say the airboat ride in FL was better then this one.  We did see alligators and birds.

We headed for the french quarters again and had dinner at Mulate's Cajun Restaurant.

We stopped at a Yogurtland for some and then headed back to camp.

2019/07/02 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 12 - Atlantic Ocean

We got going about normal time a little past 9:00.

Our first stop for the day was at Fort Frederica National Monument.  A.M. got her JR Ranger badge from here.  Was not able to walk out to the fort because of my pain.  (this back pain sucks!).  Back at the RV we did lunch.  I discovered that Turquoise wet our bed, so not a very happy camper!

Next stop was gas for the RV before our stop for the night.

We are at Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA.  We stopped about 1:36 and unloaded the van and headed out.

The next stop was at Cumberland Island Visitors Center.  A.M. got her JR Ranger badge from here.

I wanted to get my toes wet in the Atlantic Ocean and be able to see nothing but water looking East, so we drove over to Main Beach in Fernandina Beach FL.  The water was warmer then I expected. 

Dinner was at Gator's Dockside.

We stripped the bed, Mom M and I went and did laundry.

2019/07/01 - Monday - Vacation - Day 11 - On the Move Again

We got moving around 9:00 so mostly on time. 

Our first stop was at a rest area.

Our next stop was at Ocmulgee National Monument.  A.M. got her JR Ranger done here.  I wish I was feeling better, we would have walked out to the earthen hut. We also stayed and eat lunch while we were stopped.

Next top was Pilot for the necessary go go juice for the RV.

We had a choice go to the campground or go to the fort, I choose the fort.  We made it to Fort Pulaski National Monument with 30 minutes before they closed.  A.M. was able to get her JR Ranger done even through we were not able to walk into the fort, all we did was the visitor center.

Our stop for the night is at Rad Gate Campground and RV resort.  C.M and A.M. started working on dinner before we headed for the fort.  They started the items in the crock pot.  Dinner and relaxing for the evening.

2018/07/12 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 21 - Drive and Hot Tires

We left our friends a little after 9.

We stopped for gas.

We stopped for lunch at a rest stop - but it was not much of one, it was at the top of a pass and it only had a pit toilet, it was basically on an off-ramp.

Stopped for more gas.

it was getting later in the day, and I started checking the temperatures of the tires.  I noticed the driver inside dually was at 170, so I slowed down form 60 to 55.  That did bring down the temperature to 168.  About  30 minutes later the tire was back up at 170, so I pulled off to cool down the tires.  We looked and found a campground in the town so we drove to check it out.

At the campground nobody was at the 'store front' but they had a way to register and pay, so we did.

Drove the van back into town to get dinner and try to find a laundry mat, but they all close to early to be able to do any loads. 

We had dinner and then back to the RV to relax.  While at dinner, I made a phone call to the location where we were going to stay but they are full, so now I am not sure where we will stay for the night tomorrow.  I guess we will wait and see.

2018/06/28 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 07 - NSDC and Picking up

We did not get moving early - no real need to get up early.

Once we got moving we headed to the convention center to get our registration packets and walk around to get the lay of the area.  We also ate lunch, but it was not very good.  Looking at the registration board (which has the numbers of all the states), the convention at that time had 3017, it will be interesting to find out how many will join this weekend.

We left and headed to the airport to pick up Cheryl, I was a little late picking her up.  She did not like waiting outside where it was HOT and MUGGY!

Back at the RV we rested a short bet before heading out for dinner and some Pokemon Go driving around. (I don't do it... Amanda and Cheryl do... I am just the driver :) )

We got back and got ready to head over the convention center.  We did some shopping and spent way to much like usual.

Before heading home, we stopped at a yogurt place.

2018/06/27 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 06 - Education, HOT & Muggy

Regarding last night.  Power was finally restored about an hour later.

Today we got started on the road about 8:26

First stop was for gas.

The next stop was at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.  We spent about 1 1/2 and Amanda got her 78th Jr Ranger badge. After returning to the RV we had lunch.

Next stop is our stop for the next 4 nights so we can participate at the National Square Dance Convention.  Things are very hot and muggy currently.

We did got out and get some things (shopping - Costco and Walmart), returned to the RV and put those items away.

Out we go again for some dinner.

Back at the RV we relaxed.

2018/06/22 - Friday - Vacation - Day 01 - Wash, Hot, Meetup

Got up like normal for a work day, but instead of going to work, it is the first day of vacation.

We finally left the house almost 9.  The did double check to make sure the new bike rack bracket helped with making sure the bikes would not hit the van when I make sharp turns. 

First stop was at Costco to fill the RV up with the necessary go go juice.

We just got onto the 91 and Cheryl called me to tell me that Mom M left her purse at the house, so I made a detour and head back home to get it.  So that was 45 minutes later but hay we are on the road.

We stopped at Little Sister's Truck Wash to get the RV washed as well as the van.  Then went next door to fill the RV up again with go go juice.  We humans also needed some substance so we walked over to McDonald's for lunch.

The grade out of the Palm Springs area is steep.  The engine temp started to get close to the red zone, so off went the AC and on went the heater.  That brought the temp back down much closer to normal area.

We crossed into AZ and started that climb and the engine temp started to climb again, so I did the heater thing and that brought the temp back down.

I check the tire temps and noticed one was at 172 and another was at 174 so I slowed down from 60 to 56.  The tire that was at 174 dropped down to 172 and then finally both of them dropped down to 170.  The outside temps did not help matters being around 113.  Stopping at a rest area about and hour before getting to Phoenix, that also help to reduce the tire temps.

Gas stop at Flying J before heading to camp location.

Amanda was checking discord regarding the conversations around this weekend Waze SWR Meetup. We notified the group we are running late to get to dinner.

After setting up camp (unloading the van, disconnecting the tow dolly, and setting up the RV) we headed for dinner.

Dinner with other Waze SWR Meetup participates was great and that lasted until 11:30.  Mom M and Amanda had to strongly suggest it was time to go. 

2017/07/07 - Friday - Vacation - Day 23 - HOT HOT HOT HOT

I got up early and got things ready to leave.  We chatted a little bit with friends and got going about 8:45.

Stopped for gas and lunch at about noon.

As we were getting close to St George, I was checking the SmarTire system and noticed the tires were getting hotter, so I slowed down to 55 MPH (from 60 MPH).

As we approached Mesquite, I pulled off at the first exit and waited in a parking lot to cool down the tires and transmission for about 30 minutes

The next stop I had to do at the top of the hill from Mesquite because the engine temp was get very close to red.  We waited there for another 30 minutes.

We made it into Las Vegas before the SmarTire system went off complaining about the temp of the tire (177). O and the temperature here was 117

As we were transitioning from the 15 to 515 the ABS light turned on.

We are camped at the KOA.  When we setup for camp, the A/C did not want to turn on, come to find out the circuit breaker tripped.  Once that was reset the A/C turned on.

The Cats where very hot, so we got them wet and made sure they were cooled down before heading into Sam Town Casino.

We got dinner, Cheryl and Amanda did some gambling, Amanda and I did some walking around.

I left and once back at the RV found out that the dog had peed on the bed, so stripped the bed, turn the mattress over and make the bed.  Needless to say I was not a happy camper!!!

Amanda and Cheryl returned with pockets a little lighter of money...

2017/07/06 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 22 - Friends

We left at 9 and we started to head out of town and they have road construction - chip coating the road...

About an hour later I stopped for gas.

Next stop was for gas and lunch.  I noticed somebody was having issues with their hitch setup and he asked if I could help.  I offered two carbines and we used two locks and some chain to get him going again until he can buy a new pin.

Next stop gas before stopping for the afternoon.

We made it to our long time friends.  We moved things around, put the tow-dolly down the driveway. then snugly put the RV down the driveway (the RV temps were high....)

They allowed us to connect to power so having the A/C on to keep us cool is greatly appreciated.

For dinner we went out and we treated their family to dinner.

Back we continued talking late into the night!

2017/07/05 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 21 - Yellowstone

We left camp about 9:45. 

On the way to Mammoth Hot Springs area the transmission got really hot.  The climb from Gardiner and the entrance of Yellowstone Park to Mammoth Hot Springs (MHS) is very steep.  The transmission almost hit 210.

We finally found a place to park in MHS (had to turn around once.)  We did some walking around. We got our parks passports stamped and we found a place to have lunch.  We picked the hotel restaurant - way to slow.

One section between MHS and Norris Canyon Rd had major road construction!

We finally pulled into West Yellowstone and went searching for the campground we used several years ago.

We pulled into Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park Resort at almost 3:00.  They only had one spot available for one night and it was a premium spot, so we took it.

Unloaded the van and headed back into the park.  Stopped at several places along the way.  We finally stopped for dinner at the cafeteria at Old Faithful, by the time we finished dinner Amanda wanted to watch Old Faithful.  Once it blew, we finally made it back to the RV about 11.

I received phone calls while we were out but could not listen to them until back at camp.  It was work, so I logged on and checked a few things.  All is ok. 

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.

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.

2016/06/18 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 02 - Waze Win

The relatives cooked an awesome breakfast and of course we had a good time chatting.

We finally got on the road about 9:20.  When we started to pull away, I was flagged down because the relatives found a phone, well it was Mom M phone.

We stopped for the necessary fuel for the RV.

Come to find out, Mom M phone screen had broken and could only see a very small part of the screen.  So the next stop was changed.  We stopped at a Verizon store to get her a new phone, with the necessary phone call to LM to authorize the new phone for the account.

Lunch was at Subway in the same shopping area.

The tires got hot - up around 177 degrees, it stayed that way for about an hour until we stop to fuel the RV.

Getting closer for the stop for the night, Waze recalculated, so I went ahead and followed, listening to the CB there was a major accident so Waze routed us around the 3 mile backup.  Once back on the freeway, Waze again routed me off the freeway to take the old Route 66 around a 2 mile backup at a construction zone.

We finally made it to a RV place for the night just on the outskirts of Albuquerque.

Once in our site, now it was time for dinner.  So we unloaded the van and headed back down the road about 10 miles to a casino.

After dinner of course we headed back to the RV and went ahead and loaded the van onto the tow dolly.  And as a note the little dog did not have any issues so things are looking good on that front.

2016/06/17 - Friday - Vacation - Day 01 - Interesting Start / Hot

So, I set the time like a normal day - up around 6 and starting to get things ready. 
During the time to get things in the RV, I got a call from Work, so I went in and put things away (the order for the coffee stuff came in a day late.)  Yes I help with making sure the coffee supplies are stocked up.

We were able to leave the house about 11:30.  but immediately, we still have an issue with the tow dolly doing the noise and hard turns (like it is binding up).  The other item was the RV was pulling very hard to the left.

First stop was to top off the tanks in both the RV and Van.  After filling up, we pull over in the Wall-Mart parking lot and DM and I proceeded to take off the Safety Steer, while Mom M, AM, and EM. went into the store to do some shopping.   If it wasn't for DM, I would not been able to take the bolts off, they were rusted on.  After getting the part off, we fixed the city water connection to stop it from popping out / sticking out of the RV.  It has been great having him around to help out with things.

Next was the necessary stop at Americans Tires to top off all the tires to make sure they are at the correct pressure.

Lunch was needed so we drove towards In-N-Out.  When we checked on the Van, we noticed that the straps for one of the van tires needed to be redone and the Van readjusted on the dolly.  We took the long walk and got lunch.

We were finally on the road/freeway heading out of town.

Taking off the Safety Steer resolved the pulling to the left!  So we need to buy a new one of those (not cheap.)

The traffic was bad, going from the 605 to 210, the RV started to over heat and the RV tires really got HOT ~180 degrees.   So turn off the AC and just deal with the heat.  Of course the normal slowdown for the pass.

Gas stop at Flying J's in Barstow. DM fixed the strap (passenger side)

Crossed the river and stopped for dinner and a Pilot/Wendy's but no parking for the RV - so I parked in the red zone. DM fixed the strap again but for driver side.

We finally made into Kingman and got gas at Flying J's before heading to relatives.

It is always nice to visit!