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.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Monday, June 24, 2019
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.
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.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
2019/06/23 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 03 - Travel - Tire - Cross - Dinner
We got moving a little before 9 so a good start for the day. I first stop was just down the street at a Pilot to get the necessary gas for the RV.
As a big rig passed one of the back passenger tire exploded - for a brief second I thought it was one of mine, but knock on wood, I was good and it was the big rigs tire.
Next stop was gas again and to get a quick bite to eat for lunch. All morning my back is not treating me good, hurting is not fun!
Next stop was at "Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries" in Groom TX. Amanda took some photos. I was able to walk around for a little bit before the pain in my back was to great.
As we were approaching our night stop, we kept checking the weather because the clouds look darker and darker.
We setup camp quickly and then we headed out to get a few things. First stop was at a Petco to get a thunder shirt for Turquoise (which does help keep him calm when it rains (the noise in the RV is to much for him)).
We tried out a new restaurant called Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. The price is good, the food is good. but if you have any allergies, make sure the manager knows. I had to get a new stake because it had pepper spice in the rub. But they were falling all over themselves to make sure thing were good. I will for sure go back to them.
After dinner, we stopped at Wal-Mart, Gas for the van, and CVS.
Back at the RV, put tape on the finder of the tow dolly so I don't loose the driver side tail light.
A busy late night.
As a big rig passed one of the back passenger tire exploded - for a brief second I thought it was one of mine, but knock on wood, I was good and it was the big rigs tire.
Next stop was gas again and to get a quick bite to eat for lunch. All morning my back is not treating me good, hurting is not fun!
Next stop was at "Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries" in Groom TX. Amanda took some photos. I was able to walk around for a little bit before the pain in my back was to great.
As we were approaching our night stop, we kept checking the weather because the clouds look darker and darker.
We setup camp quickly and then we headed out to get a few things. First stop was at a Petco to get a thunder shirt for Turquoise (which does help keep him calm when it rains (the noise in the RV is to much for him)).
We tried out a new restaurant called Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. The price is good, the food is good. but if you have any allergies, make sure the manager knows. I had to get a new stake because it had pepper spice in the rub. But they were falling all over themselves to make sure thing were good. I will for sure go back to them.
After dinner, we stopped at Wal-Mart, Gas for the van, and CVS.
Back at the RV, put tape on the finder of the tow dolly so I don't loose the driver side tail light.
A busy late night.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
2019/06/22 - Saturday - Vacation - Day 02 - Travel - Traffic
We got going at 9, but first thing was to stop and wait for the office to open at 9 and pay our bill.
A little before our next stop, the XM radio stopped working.
Next stop was at a Flying J's. And they did not have the fuse that we need to fix the radio. I also had to tighten the battery connection, the instrument cluster was doing funky things...
We did stop just after the boarder to have lunch at the rest area.
Waze did route me around a major construction slowdown which shaved off about 15 minutes of delay time.
The generator is not staying running.
At our next stop for gas at Flying J's I added more oil to top it off generator, but that did not work.
We made it to Santa Rosa for the night a little after 7 (local time). The camp site has only water and electric. We unloaded the van and headed out for diner. Driving my back does not hurt to badly but during dinner I have a really hard time sitting and not have my back hurt.
Back at the RV A,E,&J played our team game (RoC) and we won big time!
A little before our next stop, the XM radio stopped working.
Next stop was at a Flying J's. And they did not have the fuse that we need to fix the radio. I also had to tighten the battery connection, the instrument cluster was doing funky things...
We did stop just after the boarder to have lunch at the rest area.
Waze did route me around a major construction slowdown which shaved off about 15 minutes of delay time.
The generator is not staying running.
At our next stop for gas at Flying J's I added more oil to top it off generator, but that did not work.
We made it to Santa Rosa for the night a little after 7 (local time). The camp site has only water and electric. We unloaded the van and headed out for diner. Driving my back does not hurt to badly but during dinner I have a really hard time sitting and not have my back hurt.
Back at the RV A,E,&J played our team game (RoC) and we won big time!
Friday, June 21, 2019
2019/06/21 - Friday - Vacation - Day 01 - First Day of Travel!
Getting things ready to leave, packing the last minute items into the RV. And then trying to make sure all the vehicles will fit in the driveway (E.M. car, Graphite, Blue, and the Prius...)
We got moving a little after 9. First stop was at Costco to get the Tow Dolly tires up to pressure.
Next stop was at Flying J's for the necessary fuel stop in Barstow. And it is lunch time, so I went ahead and agreed to In-N-Out. They have room for RV/Bus parking. When we walked in there was a very long line for picking up and ordering. Once we got ours we went out to the RV to eat it.
By back pain is not doing good. Driving I am not having problems, but when we get out and walk around it hurts a lot.
Next stop was at Flying J's in Kingman.
After leaving I should have done what Waze suggestion - take route 66. Because I didn't do it and got back onto the I-40, there was a very bad accident that delayed us almost 45 minutes.
We pulled off just after Williams at a KOA but they had no available spot, we got back on the road again. Amanda made several more phone calls and found a place (Black Bart's RV Park) on the east side of Flagstaff. We got in a little after 8:00 and finally found a campsite that would work.
Unload the van and then head out for dinner to Texas Roadhouse
The cats are doing ok somewhat. Tiger and Amber are not happy with each other. Amber will hiss then Tiger would hiss back. At least Tiger and Pearl can walk by each other without a major ordeal.
We got moving a little after 9. First stop was at Costco to get the Tow Dolly tires up to pressure.
Next stop was at Flying J's for the necessary fuel stop in Barstow. And it is lunch time, so I went ahead and agreed to In-N-Out. They have room for RV/Bus parking. When we walked in there was a very long line for picking up and ordering. Once we got ours we went out to the RV to eat it.
By back pain is not doing good. Driving I am not having problems, but when we get out and walk around it hurts a lot.
Next stop was at Flying J's in Kingman.
After leaving I should have done what Waze suggestion - take route 66. Because I didn't do it and got back onto the I-40, there was a very bad accident that delayed us almost 45 minutes.
We pulled off just after Williams at a KOA but they had no available spot, we got back on the road again. Amanda made several more phone calls and found a place (Black Bart's RV Park) on the east side of Flagstaff. We got in a little after 8:00 and finally found a campsite that would work.
Unload the van and then head out for dinner to Texas Roadhouse
The cats are doing ok somewhat. Tiger and Amber are not happy with each other. Amber will hiss then Tiger would hiss back. At least Tiger and Pearl can walk by each other without a major ordeal.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
2019/06/20 - Thursday - Getting ready to go
Well, getting everything done did not happen. But what did get done I am very happy about.
Things we got done.
- Two new tires for the front.
- Oils changed (engine and tranny)
- Got CB working
- Replaced the trailer break controller
- Replaced the ABS sensor
- Put in an power cord so it can feed the power at the couch
Thanks to D.M. for getting several of these things done!
I did make a decision not bring the bikes, so removed the bike rack.
So we are not leaving today, we will leave in the morning.
Things we got done.
- Two new tires for the front.
- Oils changed (engine and tranny)
- Got CB working
- Replaced the trailer break controller
- Replaced the ABS sensor
- Put in an power cord so it can feed the power at the couch
Thanks to D.M. for getting several of these things done!
I did make a decision not bring the bikes, so removed the bike rack.
So we are not leaving today, we will leave in the morning.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
2019/06/13 - Thursday - Brush off the Cobwebs
Well preparation are happening and we are excited for this year vacation. Doing this post to brush off the cobwebs and making sure things are still working in the blogger world.
Getting the RV ready is not done yet. Still need to put away all the laundry.
Getting the RV ready is not done yet. Still need to put away all the laundry.
Friday, July 13, 2018
2018/07/13 - Friday - Vacation - Day 22 - Ghost Town
We left early, a little after 8:30.
First stop was for gas.
When I went through town I took the wrong turn. So I had to back track a very short distance. Amanda called a few more RV campground and finally found a place that had an open spot for tonight.
There was construction at Mono Lake, we had to wait about 5 to 10 minutes for our turn to pass.
We made it to the campground at 1. We setup camp then headed over to the Cafe for lunch.
We headed to Bodie for the afternoon. but before heading up the hill, I filled up the van with gas.
For dinner we headed to Virginia Creek Settlement Restaurant.
When we returned, Turquoise had issues and peed in our bed. So we bagged all the bedding up.
Remainder of the evening was relaxing.
First stop was for gas.
When I went through town I took the wrong turn. So I had to back track a very short distance. Amanda called a few more RV campground and finally found a place that had an open spot for tonight.
There was construction at Mono Lake, we had to wait about 5 to 10 minutes for our turn to pass.
We made it to the campground at 1. We setup camp then headed over to the Cafe for lunch.
We headed to Bodie for the afternoon. but before heading up the hill, I filled up the van with gas.
For dinner we headed to Virginia Creek Settlement Restaurant.
When we returned, Turquoise had issues and peed in our bed. So we bagged all the bedding up.
Remainder of the evening was relaxing.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
2018/07/11 - Wednesday - Vacation - Day 20 - Spiral and Tire
Today was an exploration day. We got moving after 10.
We headed to Spiral Jetty. Before turning off toward Golden Spike road, we stopped for lunch.
It was about 11 miles of dirt roads, and Waze had it incorrect, it had a ranch road instead of the intended road to the location, so that will need to be fixed. When we got to the parking location, I can hear air escaping from someplace. Well it turned out to be our friends Jeep tire got a leak. While almost everybody else went exploring the spiral, we worked on the tire. We could not get the three of the lugs to loosen up. So I had a can of fix-a-flat, so when it was time to leave we tried to use it, we got more of the stuff outside the can then what went into the tire.
We started back and the tire looked like we had just aired it down for off-roading. We made it back to Golden Spike parking lot and we need to put more air in. I used our little pump. Then the pump stopped working. It appears the pump died. So now we have a tire not up to the proper pressure.
We drove to the next town and found a place what would patch it and they did it for free. When they took the lugs off, the air gun did not even indicate that it was on very tight.
Back at home, we finally agreed on where to go to dinner. Yummm. And we thanked our friends for treating us.
We chit-chatted outside until late into the night - said our good-byes to several of them.
We headed to Spiral Jetty. Before turning off toward Golden Spike road, we stopped for lunch.
It was about 11 miles of dirt roads, and Waze had it incorrect, it had a ranch road instead of the intended road to the location, so that will need to be fixed. When we got to the parking location, I can hear air escaping from someplace. Well it turned out to be our friends Jeep tire got a leak. While almost everybody else went exploring the spiral, we worked on the tire. We could not get the three of the lugs to loosen up. So I had a can of fix-a-flat, so when it was time to leave we tried to use it, we got more of the stuff outside the can then what went into the tire.
We started back and the tire looked like we had just aired it down for off-roading. We made it back to Golden Spike parking lot and we need to put more air in. I used our little pump. Then the pump stopped working. It appears the pump died. So now we have a tire not up to the proper pressure.
We drove to the next town and found a place what would patch it and they did it for free. When they took the lugs off, the air gun did not even indicate that it was on very tight.
Back at home, we finally agreed on where to go to dinner. Yummm. And we thanked our friends for treating us.
We chit-chatted outside until late into the night - said our good-byes to several of them.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
2018/07/10 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 19 - New Tread and Friends
We got moving a little early - 8:45.
Our first stop was a rest area for the necessary bathroom break.
So because we were getting into Salt Lake early, I made a decision to stop at Discount Tire first. We got there at about noon. We replaced three RV tires (the one that bubbled, the one that blew and the spare that we put on that looked to have the start of dry rot) two of them was covered under the cert, the third one I got tread/mileage credit. Looking at the tow-dolly they needed replaced, so I went ahead and got both of those replaced. That took a little over two hours.
We finally made it to our dear long-time friends. I got the RV down the very tight driveway.
We all went and we treated them to dinner at Black Bear Dinner.
Amanda and Mom M and two of the kids (adults.....) went to go see a movie.
Our first stop was a rest area for the necessary bathroom break.
So because we were getting into Salt Lake early, I made a decision to stop at Discount Tire first. We got there at about noon. We replaced three RV tires (the one that bubbled, the one that blew and the spare that we put on that looked to have the start of dry rot) two of them was covered under the cert, the third one I got tread/mileage credit. Looking at the tow-dolly they needed replaced, so I went ahead and got both of those replaced. That took a little over two hours.
We finally made it to our dear long-time friends. I got the RV down the very tight driveway.
We all went and we treated them to dinner at Black Bear Dinner.
Amanda and Mom M and two of the kids (adults.....) went to go see a movie.
Monday, July 09, 2018
2018/07/09 - Monday - Vacation - Day 18 - Kaboom - Messy
We got moving by 8:40, on my way, I noticed that was below quarter of a tank. The next gas was in Cheyenne, well I put in 50+ gallons, so I was getting very low.
Next stop was lunch at a rest area.
The next stop was unplanned, we had to stop because the driver side, outside dually exploded (and de-lamenated). When it did that it also disconnected the sewer connections. So when I first stopped I had fluids flowing out. And because it was the driver side, I did not want to change it on the highway. I drove VERY slowly on the shoulder for the next two miles to get to a ramp. We changed the tire and headed to camp
We stopped again for the necessary gas for the RV, the parking lot was very small for all the RVs that were there at that time.
We made it to the Rock Springs / Green River KOA, they did not have full hookups. I worked on the sewer connections and nothing was broken, it was just pulled apart, so I was able to put those back together. But the metal box is now all messed up and that will require a lot more work.
We headed out and stopped at several more stores for projects that Amanda and Mom M wanted to work on. We finally had dinner and after dinner they wanted yogurt.
Back at the RV, they worked on the projects.
Next stop was lunch at a rest area.
The next stop was unplanned, we had to stop because the driver side, outside dually exploded (and de-lamenated). When it did that it also disconnected the sewer connections. So when I first stopped I had fluids flowing out. And because it was the driver side, I did not want to change it on the highway. I drove VERY slowly on the shoulder for the next two miles to get to a ramp. We changed the tire and headed to camp
We stopped again for the necessary gas for the RV, the parking lot was very small for all the RVs that were there at that time.
We made it to the Rock Springs / Green River KOA, they did not have full hookups. I worked on the sewer connections and nothing was broken, it was just pulled apart, so I was able to put those back together. But the metal box is now all messed up and that will require a lot more work.
We headed out and stopped at several more stores for projects that Amanda and Mom M wanted to work on. We finally had dinner and after dinner they wanted yogurt.
Back at the RV, they worked on the projects.
Sunday, July 08, 2018
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.
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.
Saturday, July 07, 2018
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.
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.
Friday, July 06, 2018
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.
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.
Thursday, July 05, 2018
2018/07/05 - Thursday - Vacation - Day 14 - Short and Drive
We started about 9. I did not spin the tires getting out of our camp spot. I thought I was going to but not having the van on the tow-dolly most likely helped. I put the van on the dolly out on the street where it was dry.
We stopped for the necessary gas for the RV.
We stopped for the day at noon - so an extremely early stop for the day.
We unloaded the van and headed into town for lunch.
After lunch we went for a long drive. We stopped at 4 different places up and down the Missouri River. We did the Nebraska side and then returned on the South Dakota side.
Before returning to the RV we stopped for gas for the van and dinner for us.
When we returned to the RV, Turquoise was not happy with the fireworks that have been going off near the campground and messed up our bed. So I had to do laundry - I was not expecting to do the bed stuff also. That took about 3 hours - 6 loads - they only have 4 machines.
So a late night. Tomorrow is also going to be a short day. So I am planning to sleep in a little bit.
We stopped for the necessary gas for the RV.
We stopped for the day at noon - so an extremely early stop for the day.
We unloaded the van and headed into town for lunch.
After lunch we went for a long drive. We stopped at 4 different places up and down the Missouri River. We did the Nebraska side and then returned on the South Dakota side.
Before returning to the RV we stopped for gas for the van and dinner for us.
When we returned to the RV, Turquoise was not happy with the fireworks that have been going off near the campground and messed up our bed. So I had to do laundry - I was not expecting to do the bed stuff also. That took about 3 hours - 6 loads - they only have 4 machines.
So a late night. Tomorrow is also going to be a short day. So I am planning to sleep in a little bit.
Wednesday, July 04, 2018
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 03, 2018
2018/07/03 - Tuesday - Vacation - Day 12 - Pikes Peak and Family
I got up early and did a ten mile bike ride.
We got going and stopped for drinks, donuts, and gas before heading over to B.G. place.
We headed out to go see P.B., but we took some dirt roads to get there and we stopped at the store before getting there.
She feed us lunch and had a great time chit-chatting.
Our next stop was and Pikes Peak to go see Bridal Veil Falls. Amanda took several pictures.
We were going to have dinner in Clayton but they did not have a full menu, so we returned to Elkader (via dirt roads :) ) and ate at Fennellys' Irish Pub & Restaurant.
I dropped of Mom M and Cheryl at B.G. place and Amanda and I returned to the RV to check on Turquoise.
We returned to B.G. and spent the rest of the evening working on things and some great talking.
Of course we returned late to RV.
We got going and stopped for drinks, donuts, and gas before heading over to B.G. place.
We headed out to go see P.B., but we took some dirt roads to get there and we stopped at the store before getting there.
She feed us lunch and had a great time chit-chatting.
Our next stop was and Pikes Peak to go see Bridal Veil Falls. Amanda took several pictures.
We were going to have dinner in Clayton but they did not have a full menu, so we returned to Elkader (via dirt roads :) ) and ate at Fennellys' Irish Pub & Restaurant.
I dropped of Mom M and Cheryl at B.G. place and Amanda and I returned to the RV to check on Turquoise.
We returned to B.G. and spent the rest of the evening working on things and some great talking.
Of course we returned late to RV.
Monday, July 02, 2018
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.
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.
Sunday, July 01, 2018
2018/07/01 - Sunday - Vacation - Day 10 - Drive, Tire, and Family
It rained in the early hours and by the time I got up it had stopped. We left about 9:15 heading North East.
First stop was for Gas.
Next stop was for lunch at a rest area.
As we were heading around Des Moines, I started to noticed a vibration, so I stopped at a gore point and sure enough the passenger inside tire had a elongated bubble. So I drove to the next exit and pulled into the truck parking lot of Flying J's. We changed the tire in about 35 minutes.
On the way to our next destination I had to drive through some flood water that going over the road.
Getting close to our destination for the next three nights, I noticed that it appears there is no flooding in this region.
We setup camp and headed on over to family. He (B.G.) fed us dinner and we spent the rest of the night there chit-chatting.
First stop was for Gas.
Next stop was for lunch at a rest area.
As we were heading around Des Moines, I started to noticed a vibration, so I stopped at a gore point and sure enough the passenger inside tire had a elongated bubble. So I drove to the next exit and pulled into the truck parking lot of Flying J's. We changed the tire in about 35 minutes.
On the way to our next destination I had to drive through some flood water that going over the road.
Getting close to our destination for the next three nights, I noticed that it appears there is no flooding in this region.
We setup camp and headed on over to family. He (B.G.) fed us dinner and we spent the rest of the night there chit-chatting.
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