2013/06/25 – Tuesday – Vacation - Day 05 - Arrived and Dripping

The night was mostly peaceful, but we had one or two trains that went by that really laid on the horn in the middle of the night.

We left a little before 9, so a good start!

Gas stop was a few towns down the road; it was a little hard to get into it but no real problems.

We did run into a few road constructions stops, but the stop was not very long at any of them.

We stopped for lunch about a mile before the Oklahoma boarder (crossing the red river).

After reviewing the maps more, we changed our route preferences again and not take any tolls roads.  So we took a more scenic route to Oklahoma.

When we arrived at the campground about 4:30, we did have to wait a bit before we could move up and go check in.  Upon checking in, I found out that the site was not big enough if I had the big trailer and not the tow dolly, but with the tow dolly it worked out.

Once settle in, it was decided that we needed to explore and get a few things.  I called the person that brought the showcase of ideas for CA to arrange a meeting location and time.

We picked up the showcase and headed over to the convention center to know where it is at.  Once that was done, we went and found a place to eat.  After eating, we did some shopping and then filled the van up with gas and headed back to the RV (where will call home for the next 4 days)

Back at the RV, it was suggested that I need to do laundry, so off we went (Mom M and I).

Once that was done, now I needed to work on the condensation dripping from the RV A/C unit.  In about two hours the condensation dripping had filled up a bowl, so I had to do something to help deal with it. So, I made a plastic runner from the A/C unit over to the sink

Another good day of travel and of course adventure.

2013/06/24 – Monday – Vacation - Day 04 - Not On The Major Freeway

Up at 7:30 and on the road by 9, so not a bad start for the day!

Today was nothing but driving.  Our first stop was at Camping World in Albuquerque.  I needed a new set of straps for the car (to hold the car on the tow dolly), the passenger side straps had already been worn and torn, so I need to replace it.

Next stop was in Santa Rosa, NM., for gas and lunch.  And while I was eating lunch I noticed a few work emails that I need to resolve, so logged onto work and processed the records and responded to an email.

I didn’t want to take the normal way to OK, so we went a different route; we stopped for the night in Plainview TX., about 6:30 (local time)  No real reason other than a different route.

We did unload the van and headed into town to get a few things.

Cheryl and Amanda cooked dinner and Mom then helped them work on some snacks.

2013/06/23 – Sunday – Vacation - Day 03 - Canyon and Change

I thought I was getting up early, but didn't get out of bed until almost 8.  Talked with the neighbor about how bad the place is in regards on how much we had to pay.  Mom M and I worked on the van for about 30 minutes trying to get the middle seat unlatched and moved over so Eric can get in and out of the back of the van a little easier.  Finally got going about 9:30, so later then I wanted to.

Our first stop was to get Amanda’s JR Ranger program turned in.  So now that makes 49 for her.  On the way out we stopped at several of the overlooks.  We did leave the park until after 1, so again not what I had planned.  When we do the Grand Canyon again, we need about 3 full days to see all the different things.

I finally found a place for gas in Flagstaff and put in 50 gallons of gas in the traveling domicile.

As the day was dragging on going down the road, I started to look at the route some more and decided to not do another park that is a little bit out of the way, because of the time.

I did receive a phone call from a friend during the drive and it was nice talking with her.  (Yes I was using the Bluetooth – so hand free J )

Amanda woke up from her short nap and started to look for a place for the night.

We are stopped near Grants NM for the night.  Amanda warmed up some soup for dinner.

2013/06/22 – Saturday – Vacation - Day 02 - Donkeys and Canyon

We had a great breakfast with family.

We got moving a little later then I wanted to but with good conversations and not seeing them that often, I would think that is a good excuse.

Our first stop was at Oatman.  Well the town is a tourist trap and of course the donkeys help captivate the people.  Of course we did help the economy of the place and spread some money around in three different locations. We did leave town before the gun fight could start.

The road heading east of town is very steep and has some very tight and sharp curves.  The switch backs going east was not really any problems, but heading west you can see on one switch back where a lot of scrapes in the road.  The tranny temp did get high climbing that section of the road before the top of the pass.  On the east side of the pass, I was able to go down in first gear and only had to hit the breaks once.

At Flying J's in Kingman, the RV got it's necessary juice and we had a quick lunch stop.

As we where pulling through the park entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, we noticed that all the camping locations where full,  but I missed the turn to turn around.  Finally got turned around (by going through part of the parks residents) we headed back to the first RV park outside of the park.  We got a spot with only water and electric.  We unloaded the van from the tow dolly and got the RV setup.

We headed back into the park (using the van) and we got the normal park sign picture.  When we got to the visitor center they have already been closed for 20 minutes.  So over to the store to get a few things, Amanda was able to get her JR Ranger booklet to fill out.  We then went over to one of the canyon overlooks.  I would say the pictures just does not give you the correct perspectives, you got to see it in person!!!

We had dinner at one of the cafes in the park so we could attend of the of the evening ranger programs.

2013/06/21 – Friday – Vacation - Day 01 - Start of Trip

Friday (today) is/will be the start of this year 2013 big vacation...

I got up and attended a 7:00 AM meeting and at the same time took Cheryl to work.  On the way back to the house I was able to have my 1on1 with my boss...  Now head into the office.

Well, work was work, got things done and took a late lunch.  After lunch, packed up my stuff and headed for home. Later than what I want to, so that meant no hair cut.

Finished putting the last minutes items into the RV and we (Mom M, Amanda, Eric, and I) finally left  the house about 3:30 PM.  Only one minor issues when I pulled out of the driveway.  The tow dolly hit the side of the van (because of the sharp turn out of the driveway), so now I have a mark on the passenger side of the van, not happy about that.

Our first stop was at the pharmacy to get a few things, in the same shopping center, the kids wanted to check out whats new things that Game Stop had, but nothing interested them.  Amanda was hungry so we stopped at a Mexican restaurant (also in the same center) and got some stuff for them.

Next stop, Costco, to have the tow dolly air pressure checked.  Checking time, now I am late getting to Cheryl.

We finally made it to Cheryl's office around 5:15 PM and now vacation officially starts!!!

The traffic was heavy, but that is normal for a Friday.

Next stop Flying J's in Barstow.  Got the necessary gogo juice for the RV.  Cheryl and Amanda went to get some food, while Mom M and I got something from the fridge.  I also wanted to get everything weighed and that took two attempts, but the number looks ok.

We finally made it to the family's place around 11:50 PM, setup the RV and got ready for bed.  Can't wait for breakfast and good company in the morning! 

2012/07/17 - Tuesday - Friends

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

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

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

2012/07/16 - Monday - Family

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

Took Amanda to physical therapy.

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

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

Left camp a little after 9:30.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We got moving at 9:00.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now it was time for lunch.

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

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

We got dinner before heading back to the RV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our first stop was for gas at Costco.

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

Next stop was for lunch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No planned stops today, just a driving day.

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

We stopped for lunch at a rest stop.

The next stop was for gas.

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

We walked to dinner.

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

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

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

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

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

We stopped for lunch at the rest area before Boise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amanda finished another JR Ranger program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next was several stopping places - shopping....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There was a lot of road construction after East Glacier.

There was a lot of rolling hills to traverse. 

We stopped at a rest area for lunch.

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

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

Back at the RV, Cheryl made dinner.

I did laundry while the family watch a movie.

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

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

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

Rafting down the river was great.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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