2021/07/06 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 19 - Monument - Free Night

 We left camp at 9 and headed west.

In town we stopped to fill the RV up and start the slow climb over Wolf Creek Pass

We stopped at Aztec Ruins National Monument and A got another JR Ranger badge.

Stopped at Sam's Club to get gas.

We stopped at USA RV Park and because E is with us and he is active military we stay for the night free.

Went to dinner at Anthony's A Taste Of The Southwest afterwards we stopped at Sonic for some ice cream / shakes.

2021/06/24 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 07 - Made it to Mississippi

 We left close to 9:30 today.

Next stop is for the necessary gas.

We had time, so we stopped at Vicksburg National Military Park.  We drove most of the grounds with the RV and trailer.  We did not do all the grounds, we ran out of time and A needed to be able to turn her paperwork in to get her JR badge.

We made it to Lindeaire RV Park and setup camp under the trees.  But what a dump.  I would not recommend this park to anybody. My 30 amp connection was not grounded, and I had to park so I would not get stuck in the mud.  They had several modular homes that were totally run down falling apart with no windows or doors.

We headed out to dinner - Aladdin Mediterranean Grill.  We stopped at Joann Fabrics to do some shopping.

Back to the RV to relax.

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.

2019/07/08 - 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.

2019/07/01 - 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.

2019/06/29 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 09 - Exploration and Dinner Again

We got up late.  C.M. watch has not changed to ET and she thought it was strange that I would get up so early...

Our first stop was at The Joint, but the chiropractor on duty did not adjust me like the one during the week.  So I don't feel like he was much help.

We went to a different place for lunch this time, we first stopped at Jerusalem Bakery and Market but did not like the menu, so we headed over to Cracker Barrel but that line was long (a lot of people setting outside), so we headed over to Marlow's Tavern.  J.M, E.M, and Mom M went in, while C.M., A.M., and Mom D went next door to Kohl's to return a package and get something else before coming over for lunch...

Our next stop was at the Dr Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site.  Amanda got her Jr Ranger program booklet and was able to complete it.

Now it was time for diner with our good friends, we stopped by the convention center and our friends joined us.  We headed over to Scalini's Italian Restaurant for good food and company!

We parted ways and headed back to camp to relax.  C.M. and I worked on the new mifi and the technology cupboard (just a little cleaning up)

2019/06/28 - Friday - Vacation - Day 08 - Exploration and Dinner

C.M. and I got up in time to do an activity on RoK. 

The first place we went was to The Joint to get my back tweaked again.  Then we headed over for lunch at J. Christopher's breakfast and lunch place.

We headed over to the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area and A.M. got the Jr Ranger booklet.  They wanted a lot done in the book so she has not completed today.

We drove around and visited other areas of the river for a couple of hours.

We finally headed to the NSDC and got a few things and visited.  Finally our close friends L&F G made it and we visited for awhile.  We headed out for dinner.  We had a very good expensive dinner at Stone River Legendary Steaks.  Our friends headed back to dance while we headed to get some items from the Amazon locker and then back to the RV.

2019/06/26 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 06 - We Made It Here

We got going a little late, but that is ok, we knew this was going to be a short day.

We stopped at the visitor center so A.M. could turn in her Jr Ranger booklet.


We stopped at a Love's Travel Stop and had lunch

We drove through some rain and seen some lighting. 

Gas as close to our destination at a Pilot.

We made it to the camp ground and setup camp at about 5:30.

We went to Verizon to replace our mifi that had the batteries expanded.  And stopped at Bed Bath to get a seat cushion for me to see it would help - so far it has not.  I am still hurt a lot!.

Back at the RV, A.M. made dinner and Mom M and I started laundry, I could not sit there any longer and went back to the RV and Mom M finished it.

2019/06/25 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 05 - Oops - Natches Trace Parkway

So we did sleep in a little bit.  We did not leave until almost 10:00.  Waze had me head out a gate that was not open, so we had to drive around a block to head out towards the main gate.

I made a incorrect turn/exit, but before getting off and back on heading in the correct direction, we stopped at a truck parking area to have lunch.

Before crossing into Memphis we passed a MAJOR car fire (it was totally engulfed!), we could feel the heat as we passed by.

Before stopping for the day we stopped at a Pilot to get the necessary gas...

We stopped for the night early so we could do some exploring.  Once we setup camp we headed out to the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center so A.M. can get her JR Ranger book.  We will have to go back tomorrow and turn it in so she can get her badge.  We did explored the area for the next three hours.

Back in town (Tupelo) we had dinner at Mugshots, very good food and service (even with trivia night happening)

I know this is a reoccurring issues, but I really hate having this back pain.  I am not able to go exploring/walking like I did in the past and this is very frustrating!

Back at the RV we relaxed and headed off to bed.

2019/06/24 - Monday - Vacation - Day 04 - Fort - No Availablity

We got going at about 9:00.

First stop was really quick.  Just down the street - gas stop at Flying J.  The pump was not being nice and I had to go into the store to get the pump started.

Next stop was at a Pilot.  After filling up I drove around to the truck parking area to eat lunch.

On our way to Fort Smith National Historic Site we went through some of the flood damaged area on the Oklahoma side of the river.

We did our exploring at the fort and A.M. got her 84th Junior Ranger badge.  I did far less walking then I wanted because of my back pain.  A.M. did go walking around a little more to get more pictures.

As we were leaving the fort area we came across a train/trolley museum.  The big steam locomotive had the front light on - it was a great way to get attention.

On our way to for our night stop and big rig went from the fast lane straight across my lane on to the exit ramp.  I thought I was going to have a new hood ornament.  And with the ABS light being on, I lock up my tires and when I looked in the mirrors I could see smoke.  I thought for sure somebody would hit me from behind.

Well about an hour latter I had somebody come down the on ramp and got very mad at me because did not see the towed van behind me until he almost hit it... (he served very hard to not hit the van).

We pulled in to the Little Rock KOA and they had no available spots for us for the one night.  They suggested another location so off we go.  As we were getting close to the next location there was a road closed sign.  I thought I was in big trouble.  but a gravel parking lot was just barely big enough so I could turn around.  A.M. made some more phone calls but we were striking out. 

Our next stop was a Pilot and determine what is our next option.

We noticed on the way to the Pilot there is an Air Force base near by.  So E.M. suggested that we do the Family Camp on base and off we go.

Once on base the signs and the instruction that E.M. got we were able to find the camp location.  We drove through camp and we got the very last spot.

With the van unloaded, we drove back into town to get dinner

Back at the RV we relaxed and tonight we will sleep in an hour longer because tomorrow is a much short drive.

2018/07/08 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 17 - Chimney and Fossils

We started a little late, but we were waiting for Cheryl's co-worker to be done with what they had planned for the morning.

A little after noon, we headed out to Chimney Rock NHS.  This is not ran by the NPS, so no JR Ranger program for Amanda to do here.

Next stop was a lonely drive north. And we did not have cell coverage out there.  Amanda was able to get her 82nd and 83rd Jr Ranger Program at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, the other was for Paleontology.

Back into town for dinner and some more great conversation with Cheyl's co-worker and family.

After dinner we went back to Wal-Mart for more shopping and then headed back to camp.

The rest of the evening was relaxing and getting ready for tomorrow all day drive.

2018/07/07 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 16 - Bluffs

Cheryl and I did an hour and half bike ride on a converted rail bed to bike/walking path.

We left camp about 10:00 and stopped in town for gas before getting going.

I did stop at a park to let Turquoise have a break, he was pestering us.

At Carhenge we walked around and then back at the RV had lunch.

We made to Scottsbluff a little bit after two (we did change time zones.)

After unloading the van, we headed for Scottsbluff National Monument.  Amanda got her 81st Jr Ranger badge.

We were going to head to another park, but it was going to close so we drove around the old part of town which gave us more time to find a place to eat.

After dinner we went to Walmart and spend way to much money.

Back at camp, we did talk with Cheryl's co-worker that is here also.

2018/07/06 - Friday - Vacation - Day 15 - River Drive

We got up late, because we knew it would be relatively short drive, got on the road about 10:45.  I almost got a speeding ticket but pulled the guy next to me over instead. 

Stopped for Gas and just outside of the town we then stopped for lunch. 

We made it to our destination about 3:30 and setup camp.

We visited the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center and Amanda got the JR ranger booklet so she could work on it.

We then took a drive down the river, stopping at two different water falls.  A lot of the road was dirt and you could tell when it wet, the van would not have done good.

Back in town we stopped for dinner.

Now back at the RV relaxing.

2018/07/04 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 13 - Wet and Pipes

We hit the road a little after 9.

Next stop was for gas.

An hour later, we stopped for lunch at a rest area just before leaving Iowa.

While driving we did drive through a major rain storm for about an hour.

We made it to Pipestone National Monument and Amanda go her 80th Jr Ranger Badge.

The Campground we are at is just outside of the monument.  They only have power and water available for us.  The ground is very soggy so we will see if I can not be stuck in the morning when it is time to leave.

I did unload the Van so we could go into town and get dinner. As we were leaving the diner, it started to rain.

It has been raining of and on for the rest of the night.

I did not load the van back onto the dolly tonight, I will do that on more solid ground tomorrow.

2018/07/02 - Monday - Vacation - Day 11 - Mounds and Family

When the alarm went off, I did not hit snooze... so we got up a little later then we wanted to.

We went and picked up B.G. and headed towards Effagy Mounds National Monument.  But it was lunch time, so we crossed the Mississippi river and had lunch in Prairie du Chien.

Amanda got Jr Ranger number 79.  We also walked to the top to the overlook.

We headed back and dropped off B.G. and we went back to the RV.

I washed the pillows but man those machines were expensive 3.50 for one load and the machines were very small.

We went back to B.G. and had dinner with him.  G&N stopped by and we chatted.

2018/06/25 - Monday - Vacation - Day 04 - Graffiti (Petroglyph) and Lonely Road

We left at 8:39.

Our first stop was at Flying J's for necessary gas.

Next stop was at the visitor center at Petroglyps National Monument.  Amanda got her 76th Junior Ranger Badge.  We went to Boca Negra Canyon and did part of the hiking trail to look at the petroglphs.

Back on the road, we stopped for lunch at one of the rest area (without services) along I-25.

Stopped for gas just before crossing into Colorado.  I was not expecting that much of climb between NM and CO on I-25.  I liked all the trees and the views.

When we turned off of I-25 and start heading more easterly, the US-350 is a very lonely road.

We stopped for the night at a KOA about 5:20.  Once we setup camp, I unloaded the van and headed out for dinner and a little shopping.

Once we got back to the RV we put things away and found out one item we got will not work, so Mom M and I walked back to Wal-Mart to return the item, but I had the wrong receipt so I walked back to the RV (Mom M stayed) and then back so we could do the return.

2017/07/03 - Monday - Vacation - Day 19 - National Park - Two

We got up early so we can get to the ranger led program for Amanda's Jr Ranger book.

We were about 5 minutes late, but no issue of us joining and listening to the talk.

We went back to the visitor center and Amanda completed her book so another JR Ranger book done.

We ate lunch along the way to our next location.  Getting close one of the roads was under major construction and it was basically a gravel road.

To get to "Fort Union Trading Post", the drive was is in Montana, but the fort is in North Dakota.  Amanda got another JR Ranger book completed.

We stopped at the "Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit" but the visitor office was closed, but we did drive to the overlook. 

We came back to the RV so Turquoise could get some outside time.

We left again and stopped at two different locations and we got some wood to do a shelf in the RV for the computer above the desk, so I can stop worrying about the cats stepping on the computer while I am transferring photos.

We stopped for dinner and then went to Walmart to do some more shopping.

Back at the RV we got a few things ready for tomorrow drive.

2017/06/26 - Monday - Vacation - Day 12 - Sand Dunes

We got a late start, We all slept in.  We finally got on the road at 10.

Gas and a lunch stop was at a Flying J's.

I got a call from work wanting me to explain what had happen in the past, so I will do that later tonight.

We finally made it to the campground in the Platte River National Park Campground.  They did have a spot for us for the one night.

I stopped first to fill our water tank and then headed to our camp site.  I unloaded the van, that is when I noticed that I did not put the pin back in to stop the tilt of the tow dolly - sure glad nothing happened bad! I backed the dolly up and unhooked it before moving further back and setting up camp.

We jumped into the van and headed to one of the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Centers. Amanda was able to get another JR Ranger badge.  We then found the scenic drive and made several stops.  We did a lot of walking in the sand.  The views were great and with clouds and all.

We finally found a gas station and then a place for dinner, but the wait was about 45 minutes.  The food was good.

Before heading back to the RV, we stopped and Amanda took some more pics of the sunset over the water

Back at the RV, I was able to process and store the photos that we have taken the last few days.

I also replied to the email from work...

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.

2016/06/29 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 13 - Heads

We left about 5 till 9 so right on time...

Next stop was for gas at a Pilot, when I pulled away from the island, I forgot about the time, so I had to go find a spot for lunch.  I found a so called city park to pull into and we had lunch.

Next stop again was for gas (but closer to the end of day) at another Pilot.

We stopped at a Camping World and spent way to much.

As we were approaching our night stay, we could see a fire in the hills.

Our base camp for the next 5 nights will be Spearfish KOA, that was the only one that Amanda found that we could easily check to see if they had openings for us.

We jumped into the van and headed for Mount Rushmore. On the way there we ran into a major down pour.

Amanda found out that this year JR Ranger badge has a year in, so she filled it out and got her badge.  We also got dinner.  We stayed for the illumination program.  They asked for all prior and current serving persons to come down on stage at the end of the program.  Eric by chance helped with retiring the colors which was cool!

On the way home I filled up the van.  As we got closer to camp, we can see the red glow from the fire.

Back at the RV, I had to work and produce the necessary report.