We left Valdez and met up with Terry and Muriel and Robert and Carolyn in TOK. We had a nice meeting and dinner. The following day I picked up mail and we headed "down" the Alcan.
Terry and Muriel went to follow the TOP and make a road to Inuvik, while Roberty and Carolyn continued with their tour with their next stop of Fairbanks.
On to Destruction Bay and most of that road is just that. Much of the road work we saw on the way up was finished. Now that doesen't mean that the road was still smoth. The permafrost is still a challenge. The dirt had been changed with chip seal so much better. We stopped for 2 nights at Congdon Creek CG which is a YT park.
On to Whitehorse where we spent 3 nights at Pioneer Park. We took in a couple of sites that we missed on the way to Alaska. Also I worked on the coach since we were having some issues with turbo boost. That took about 3 hours to remove the closet trim to gain access. I made some Engineering Changes, EC's, so the next time it will take much less. I tightened about 6 close clamps that make up the plumbing fort the turbo system. I still think there is still a leak. I will making an appointment with a service center soon.
Next we continued on to Baby Nugget CG for an over night and dinner out. This made the junction with YT/BC 37 which is also known as The Cassiar highway. Now highway is a loose term. 2 lanes, no marking for most of it, chip seal for most of it, dirt/dust for most of it. The highlight was to make a stop at Jade Center. Yeah they have Jade. Our stop for that night was Shadow Mountain. We met another couple which had a Sheltie so of course we had a long visit.
So now we are in Stewart BC were we have met the folks from Shadow Mountain and a couple who we parked across from TOK and near us while at Whitehorse. We also met Bigbomer which is now a friend we have been exchanging posts and notes on rvillage
Tuesday, August 09, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
Valdez
We left Palmer, Mountain View CG, and took the Glenn Highway to Glenn. Twists and turns, some construction and rolling frost heaves, rain and drizzle. Nothing to really say much about.
On Monday we went to Copper River to pick up our mail and make a stop to the Wrangell-St Elias NP visitors center. This is a very nice VC with plenty of space for RV parking. As it has been for several days it is rainy and cloudy so no views.
The following day we pulled pack into the VC to take a picture or two,
We continued on to Valdez and ...
We arrived at Eagles Rest and got all set up and made reservations for a Glacier Tour for the next day. I had taken a look at the Alaska Tour Saver and forgot that was one that we could have used a bogo but since this was the only we would have used there would not have much been a savings.
The tour was well done and included a light lunch. The weather was overcast but that brought out the blue in the glaciers. We saw Sea Otters doing what they should outter, Sea Lions in their man caves and a reported of a blow of a Hump Whale. The narration of the cruise was very informative and since this is a small ship you could talk with the captain while on the bridge.
More pictures will be on our online album.
On Monday we went to Copper River to pick up our mail and make a stop to the Wrangell-St Elias NP visitors center. This is a very nice VC with plenty of space for RV parking. As it has been for several days it is rainy and cloudy so no views.
The following day we pulled pack into the VC to take a picture or two,
We continued on to Valdez and ...
The tour was well done and included a light lunch. The weather was overcast but that brought out the blue in the glaciers. We saw Sea Otters doing what they should outter, Sea Lions in their man caves and a reported of a blow of a Hump Whale. The narration of the cruise was very informative and since this is a small ship you could talk with the captain while on the bridge.
More pictures will be on our online album.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Time to catch up
For reasons that some know I am just having some difficult doing the blog thing. That said I am now doing much better even though I haven't done any posting for a while.
Since the last entry we have followed the Al Can thru Whitehorse where we spent a few days and view local attractions where we camped at Hi Country RV Park. We continued onward to Cottonwood RV about 16 mi below Destruction Bay. This is a nice CG but a bit pricey. We stayed two nights since we planned to kayak the second day. The weather has other ideas.
Now we are on the bad section of Perma Frost. Just slow down and we will be find. Along with that there is a lot of dirt road. No that is not so bad by its self but it was rain and wash board. Not clean. We next camped at Beaver Creek CG.
On to Tok where we washed the coach. We took a jeep ride to Chicken and several miles past toward the junction with Eagle.Yeah we could have taken the coach to TOE, Tow of the World, but what's the point?
We stopped near Big Delta where we found to have time to kayak. A nice relaxing time with Wally and Ann.
Now River View CG near North Pole where the group, Joan, Wally & Ann, Terry & Muriel met up. Our objective to attend the Midnight Sun Baseball game. Of course it had been raining most of the bay but it cleared for the evening. By 0030 the score was 8 to 0 and since it was cool, overcast we decide to call it a night. About a couple of innings the game was postponed. They finished the next night. We took the time to tour the town as well as visited North Pole.
Next stop is Denali where we spent a night at the Riely CG and then spent 3 nights in Teklanika CG 29 miles deep into the park. This was very neat experience and we saw quite a lot of wildlife.
On to Anchorage where we spent a night at Ship Creek before we drove to Kenai where we stayed at Beluga Lookout before we went to Homer. We didn't camp on the spit but took in the sights. Since it was the 4th of July weekend we went back to Beluga before heading to Seward. There we took a Glacier tour boat ride, Sea Life Center and a hike to Exit Glacier. This was the end of our tour with Wally and Ann since they had to make their way to the lower 48 and Vermont.
Following there we spent a couple of nights at Williwaw National Forest CG near along the Portage road to Whittier.
Next was Houston and the Good Sam Alaska State Rally. Terry and Muriel met us there and there was 2 rigs from AR. We had a good time with the folks that there were and hear a lot of stories from the real Alaskan's.
Since we had bypassed Talkeetna we thought we should spend a couple of nights there. We didn't make a flight seeing ride and the weather that wasn't that good. No reason to go to Talkeetna other than a flight or climbing Denali. Other than that, tourist town.
That finds in Palmer AK in the rain for the next few days.
Again pictures are here.
Since the last entry we have followed the Al Can thru Whitehorse where we spent a few days and view local attractions where we camped at Hi Country RV Park. We continued onward to Cottonwood RV about 16 mi below Destruction Bay. This is a nice CG but a bit pricey. We stayed two nights since we planned to kayak the second day. The weather has other ideas.
Now we are on the bad section of Perma Frost. Just slow down and we will be find. Along with that there is a lot of dirt road. No that is not so bad by its self but it was rain and wash board. Not clean. We next camped at Beaver Creek CG.
On to Tok where we washed the coach. We took a jeep ride to Chicken and several miles past toward the junction with Eagle.Yeah we could have taken the coach to TOE, Tow of the World, but what's the point?
We stopped near Big Delta where we found to have time to kayak. A nice relaxing time with Wally and Ann.
Now River View CG near North Pole where the group, Joan, Wally & Ann, Terry & Muriel met up. Our objective to attend the Midnight Sun Baseball game. Of course it had been raining most of the bay but it cleared for the evening. By 0030 the score was 8 to 0 and since it was cool, overcast we decide to call it a night. About a couple of innings the game was postponed. They finished the next night. We took the time to tour the town as well as visited North Pole.
Next stop is Denali where we spent a night at the Riely CG and then spent 3 nights in Teklanika CG 29 miles deep into the park. This was very neat experience and we saw quite a lot of wildlife.
On to Anchorage where we spent a night at Ship Creek before we drove to Kenai where we stayed at Beluga Lookout before we went to Homer. We didn't camp on the spit but took in the sights. Since it was the 4th of July weekend we went back to Beluga before heading to Seward. There we took a Glacier tour boat ride, Sea Life Center and a hike to Exit Glacier. This was the end of our tour with Wally and Ann since they had to make their way to the lower 48 and Vermont.
Following there we spent a couple of nights at Williwaw National Forest CG near along the Portage road to Whittier.
Next was Houston and the Good Sam Alaska State Rally. Terry and Muriel met us there and there was 2 rigs from AR. We had a good time with the folks that there were and hear a lot of stories from the real Alaskan's.
Since we had bypassed Talkeetna we thought we should spend a couple of nights there. We didn't make a flight seeing ride and the weather that wasn't that good. No reason to go to Talkeetna other than a flight or climbing Denali. Other than that, tourist town.
That finds in Palmer AK in the rain for the next few days.
Again pictures are here.
Tuesday, June 07, 2016
Roads and wildlife
Our 2016 Alaska trip
Roads:
Milepost had rated some sections as rough but we really haven't driven any roads that were as bad as some of the interstates we have taken or some of the roads we have driven in our 30+ living in Vermont. That said I have my phd and don't mind, given clear traffic in each direction, used all the paved road to avoid any obstruction.
So far the construction areas haven't been an issue either. We like that there frequent used of Pilot Cars so single lane travel has been uneventful.
Basically the roads between AZ and Johnson's Crossing Yukon are just fine.
Wildlife:
Underwhelming. Some Stone Sheep, Goats, a couple of Elk, 1 woods Bison, a few Black Bears and possible 1 Griz. Oh 3 Moose feeding across the the pond/lake at Toad River CG.
Roads:
Milepost had rated some sections as rough but we really haven't driven any roads that were as bad as some of the interstates we have taken or some of the roads we have driven in our 30+ living in Vermont. That said I have my phd and don't mind, given clear traffic in each direction, used all the paved road to avoid any obstruction.
So far the construction areas haven't been an issue either. We like that there frequent used of Pilot Cars so single lane travel has been uneventful.
Basically the roads between AZ and Johnson's Crossing Yukon are just fine.
Wildlife:
Underwhelming. Some Stone Sheep, Goats, a couple of Elk, 1 woods Bison, a few Black Bears and possible 1 Griz. Oh 3 Moose feeding across the the pond/lake at Toad River CG.
Monday, June 06, 2016
We are at Johnsons Crossing Yukon
A lot of miles have rolled over the tires.
Banff - we spent a few nights there and took over the sights in town, Hot Springs, Museums, ... and of course of the tourists wandering the town.
Banff Parks Museum
Banff Bow Falls
Banff Cave and Basin
We also took a drive to Lake Louise and Moriane Lake
We glamped at Banff Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court. Nice wide sites, easy in/out.
We drove the Ice Fields Highway to Jasper for an overnight there. Along the way we stopped at Columbia Icefield Discovery Center where Ann and Wally took in the ride onto the glaicer and the sky walk. Joan and her crew caught up and took a tour of the Discovery and proceeded on to Jasper We believe we would have been better served to continued to the KOA in Hinton.
When we left Jasper we went to Hinton to fuel up and do a little shopping at the Safeway and Wal Mart. The it was on to highway 40 that takes us through Grande Cache an into Grand Prairie.
We stayed at the Rotary Campgroud and took into the large Sun Dial and dinner out.
Next on our journey was Dawson Creek and the official start of the Alaskan Highway. Of course we took in all the sites and found a great Meat Market. When you are in Dawson Creek this is a must stop. There are several murals along the old town. Of course what is not left than finding the local Wal Mart.
Next stop is Fort Nelson with the heritage museum, visitors center and dinner at the local Boston Pizza joint.
Any trip, well at least a first trip, is the stop for the world famous Sticky Buns at Testa River Lodge. Once we had our buns safely stored in the coach it was on to Toad River for our night. This is a very place to stop and we watched Moose feeding across the lake as well as watched Beaver and Otter.
Now the big place to make a stop, we made an overnight, is the Liard River Hot Springs. We camped at the Provincial park and had no problem parking our rig in the site we picked. There are many sites that would take our large Motor Home.
Next is Watson Lake and the Sign Post Forest and the Northern Lights Center could have done with out of the Northern Lights Center. One night there is enough for that stop.
That brings us to Teslin Lake where we made a stop at Tlingit Heritage Center. Our over night is at Johnsons Crossing.
Banff - we spent a few nights there and took over the sights in town, Hot Springs, Museums, ... and of course of the tourists wandering the town.
Banff Parks Museum
Banff Bow Falls
Banff Cave and Basin
We also took a drive to Lake Louise and Moriane Lake
We glamped at Banff Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court. Nice wide sites, easy in/out.
We drove the Ice Fields Highway to Jasper for an overnight there. Along the way we stopped at Columbia Icefield Discovery Center where Ann and Wally took in the ride onto the glaicer and the sky walk. Joan and her crew caught up and took a tour of the Discovery and proceeded on to Jasper We believe we would have been better served to continued to the KOA in Hinton.
When we left Jasper we went to Hinton to fuel up and do a little shopping at the Safeway and Wal Mart. The it was on to highway 40 that takes us through Grande Cache an into Grand Prairie.
We stayed at the Rotary Campgroud and took into the large Sun Dial and dinner out.
Next on our journey was Dawson Creek and the official start of the Alaskan Highway. Of course we took in all the sites and found a great Meat Market. When you are in Dawson Creek this is a must stop. There are several murals along the old town. Of course what is not left than finding the local Wal Mart.
Next stop is Fort Nelson with the heritage museum, visitors center and dinner at the local Boston Pizza joint.
Any trip, well at least a first trip, is the stop for the world famous Sticky Buns at Testa River Lodge. Once we had our buns safely stored in the coach it was on to Toad River for our night. This is a very place to stop and we watched Moose feeding across the lake as well as watched Beaver and Otter.
Now the big place to make a stop, we made an overnight, is the Liard River Hot Springs. We camped at the Provincial park and had no problem parking our rig in the site we picked. There are many sites that would take our large Motor Home.
Next is Watson Lake and the Sign Post Forest and the Northern Lights Center could have done with out of the Northern Lights Center. One night there is enough for that stop.
That brings us to Teslin Lake where we made a stop at Tlingit Heritage Center. Our over night is at Johnsons Crossing.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Moved on to Grande Prairie AB
Ok, WiFi has been a little weak at some places so here is an update.
We were in Dicks's RV in Great Falls MT for a couple of nights where we met with Joan and their traveling companions. We visited the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center which is well done and well supported by Docents. Although it was very cold and dreay we had a very good visit.
From there we were off to Lethbridge AB to stock up on a few viddles that we could not take across the border to Canada. We had planed to overnight at Bridgeview RV but since it was a holiday weekend, Victoria Day, they would only accept 3 night stays. Joan and here group went on to Daisy May CG in Fort Macleod. We choose to do a WalDock in Lethbridge. Ok, WalDock is where you are allowed overnight in your RV at a Wal Mart facility. Usually parked in an out of the way section of the store.
Next we traveled to Fort Macleod to meet with Joan and wait for Wally and Ann to arrive. The next day we went to Head Smashed In buffalo jump. We were very impressed with the site and recommends that make plan to add it to there travel itinerary. We also toured the Fort where the North West Mounted Police, later RCMP, were headquartered.
OK for now I will leave and bring up to Banff, and north.
Again look at the links page for our online photo album.
We were in Dicks's RV in Great Falls MT for a couple of nights where we met with Joan and their traveling companions. We visited the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center which is well done and well supported by Docents. Although it was very cold and dreay we had a very good visit.
From there we were off to Lethbridge AB to stock up on a few viddles that we could not take across the border to Canada. We had planed to overnight at Bridgeview RV but since it was a holiday weekend, Victoria Day, they would only accept 3 night stays. Joan and here group went on to Daisy May CG in Fort Macleod. We choose to do a WalDock in Lethbridge. Ok, WalDock is where you are allowed overnight in your RV at a Wal Mart facility. Usually parked in an out of the way section of the store.
Next we traveled to Fort Macleod to meet with Joan and wait for Wally and Ann to arrive. The next day we went to Head Smashed In buffalo jump. We were very impressed with the site and recommends that make plan to add it to there travel itinerary. We also toured the Fort where the North West Mounted Police, later RCMP, were headquartered.
OK for now I will leave and bring up to Banff, and north.
Again look at the links page for our online photo album.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Wally Docking
We drove to Lethbridge AB to day, be very windy and rain. Joan and crew last Great Falls some time before us. She had made a call and found a spot at Daisy May CG and we choose to do the WalMart thing.
No issue at the border.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
We didn't like the Awning anyway
Well before we get to that you have to see what we have been up to for the last while. We are current at Great Falls MT and have met up with our friend Joan and her crew. Tomorrow we travel to Lethbridge AB,
Ok the history.
After we left Ajo we went to Parker AZ and had a few relaxing few days and of course went to Lake Havasu City to see the London Bridge, We took a strand along the shore line enjoyed the replica of various Light Houses. We toured the welcom center/museum and left for a lunch and return to the Blue Water RV CG,
Next it was off to Las Vegas at the Roadrunner CG and meet up with our full-time friends Dan and Bev. We had a very nice visit and evening dinner. The next day we were off to Hoover Dam and a driving tour along the lake and a ride and some hiking around Valle of Fire State Park. We had a little side trip to "Lost City" . This a nice museum and we are glad we took the time to see it.
Most of our travel from Voyager has been on secondary roads. And I loved it. So with that said we left Vegas and drove a few miles on I15 and turned off to US93, the Great Basin, one of the greatest ride. Good road, low traffic, like damn near none. We stopped for the night at Young's CG in Caliente NV. We didn't disconnect the jeep and did not visit any of the sites in the area.
Another long lonely drive to Baker NV for a couple of nights at Border CG, a wide spot at the NV-UT border. We were here to see the Great Basin NP. It can be dark here and this is the place so see the night sky, We took a drive to Ely NV to see the NV Northern Railroad Museum. This is worth the drive and price of the admission.
From there we were off to Arco ID to visit the Craters of the Moon NM. Not near nowhere but you can see nowhere from here. We enjoyed the volcanic fields.
No there is where the awning comes into the picture. So I was pulling into the site, the only near any close, and I didn't LOOK UP or wait for Suzette to wait to guide me in So the 8" branch that caught the awning roller. Stop. It is Sunday, no one to call. Can't move front of back. Lick our wounds, get the bed slides out have dinner and sleep. The next day a fellow came to help. They put a chain and pulled on the limb and some strain to give some clearance, turn the coach wheels, pull forward, full lock the other way, back out. Nothing left to other do and remove the awning roller and support the arms so we could travel. We didn't like the awning anyhow because it was on the roof above the slide which is a 30" slide so id didn't shade much as the sun set and didn't come over to give much cover.
What are we going to change. Beats to us but we are going to Alaska anyway. As Scarlett said " I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."
We had an overnight in Butte MT and then on I15 to Dick's RV in Great Falls MT. We were going to Lethbridge AB but it is the long weekend of Victoria Day and only the CG's we could find only offered a 3 day stay. So we are hanging out here another day with the cold and rain.
Again, look at our link page for the find of our online picture album.
Ok the history.
After we left Ajo we went to Parker AZ and had a few relaxing few days and of course went to Lake Havasu City to see the London Bridge, We took a strand along the shore line enjoyed the replica of various Light Houses. We toured the welcom center/museum and left for a lunch and return to the Blue Water RV CG,
Next it was off to Las Vegas at the Roadrunner CG and meet up with our full-time friends Dan and Bev. We had a very nice visit and evening dinner. The next day we were off to Hoover Dam and a driving tour along the lake and a ride and some hiking around Valle of Fire State Park. We had a little side trip to "Lost City" . This a nice museum and we are glad we took the time to see it.
Most of our travel from Voyager has been on secondary roads. And I loved it. So with that said we left Vegas and drove a few miles on I15 and turned off to US93, the Great Basin, one of the greatest ride. Good road, low traffic, like damn near none. We stopped for the night at Young's CG in Caliente NV. We didn't disconnect the jeep and did not visit any of the sites in the area.
Another long lonely drive to Baker NV for a couple of nights at Border CG, a wide spot at the NV-UT border. We were here to see the Great Basin NP. It can be dark here and this is the place so see the night sky, We took a drive to Ely NV to see the NV Northern Railroad Museum. This is worth the drive and price of the admission.
From there we were off to Arco ID to visit the Craters of the Moon NM. Not near nowhere but you can see nowhere from here. We enjoyed the volcanic fields.
No there is where the awning comes into the picture. So I was pulling into the site, the only near any close, and I didn't LOOK UP or wait for Suzette to wait to guide me in So the 8" branch that caught the awning roller. Stop. It is Sunday, no one to call. Can't move front of back. Lick our wounds, get the bed slides out have dinner and sleep. The next day a fellow came to help. They put a chain and pulled on the limb and some strain to give some clearance, turn the coach wheels, pull forward, full lock the other way, back out. Nothing left to other do and remove the awning roller and support the arms so we could travel. We didn't like the awning anyhow because it was on the roof above the slide which is a 30" slide so id didn't shade much as the sun set and didn't come over to give much cover.
What are we going to change. Beats to us but we are going to Alaska anyway. As Scarlett said " I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."
We had an overnight in Butte MT and then on I15 to Dick's RV in Great Falls MT. We were going to Lethbridge AB but it is the long weekend of Victoria Day and only the CG's we could find only offered a 3 day stay. So we are hanging out here another day with the cold and rain.
Again, look at our link page for the find of our online picture album.
Thursday, May 05, 2016
Back on the road
Yesterday we spent the day having having the annual service completed on the coach. Arrived at 0900 and pulled out at 1500, lube, filters, oil. What a pain.
After we returned to Voyager we were parked in a pull-thru pull site and visited our friends for our goodbyes and did a couple of finish tasks to get ready to travel.
We arrived in Ajo and stayed at Shadow Ridge CG which is a Passport America park. Only 95 degrees, but a warm heat. We took a little ride as well as got things set up.
It was about a 147 mile trip. The site, #3, sort is on the narrow side with some slope but not bad.
Of course we went to Organ Pipes NM. Very interesting and worth the trip.
Again look at our links to see our online photo album.
After we returned to Voyager we were parked in a pull-thru pull site and visited our friends for our goodbyes and did a couple of finish tasks to get ready to travel.
We arrived in Ajo and stayed at Shadow Ridge CG which is a Passport America park. Only 95 degrees, but a warm heat. We took a little ride as well as got things set up.
It was about a 147 mile trip. The site, #3, sort is on the narrow side with some slope but not bad.
Of course we went to Organ Pipes NM. Very interesting and worth the trip.
Again look at our links to see our online photo album.
Sunday, March 06, 2016
Old Tucson/Steampunk
On Friday 3/5 we made the journey to Old Tucson Studio to meet with our HRRVC Chapter 71 members who were camping in the area. We arrived early which allowed us to observe the Steampunk Wild West festival folks arriving and getting dressed. I can't really explain Steampunk so click on the link and read about it.
It was interesting to learn that some portions of Little House on the Prairie were filmed here. Also a large number of commercials, several John Wayne, Glenn Ford. The original Gun Fight ast the OK Corral, and 310 to Yuma. The steam engine Reno is also here. You may remember it from Joe Kidd where is smashed into the saloon.
You can see some of the pictures we took here.
It was interesting to learn that some portions of Little House on the Prairie were filmed here. Also a large number of commercials, several John Wayne, Glenn Ford. The original Gun Fight ast the OK Corral, and 310 to Yuma. The steam engine Reno is also here. You may remember it from Joe Kidd where is smashed into the saloon.
You can see some of the pictures we took here.
Thursday, March 03, 2016
What have you been doing?
After our arrival at Voyager we researched Dentists and Doctors. What fun stuff. We got that all set up and made our appointments. Also it was that time for new health insurance. Another fun project. What a pain in the ass, but our government is here to help us.
We rekindled our friendship with Tom and Pat Britton who were our neighbors in Vermont many long years ago. It was really nice to visit with them after some 35 or more years. We did manage to take in the Pima Air Museum, Saguaro NP East, Bear Canyon, Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Desert Museum, Tombstone.
Since Google is discontinuing support for Picasa the above links may not work but this one should,
https://picasaweb.google.com/107482514645804307370 and will give you access to all our shared online albums.
We are parked across the street from fulltime friends Paul and Sharon and have met several other fulltime and part time RV folks. One of the fulltime folks we had a short chat with was Stuart and Leslie Offer from Williston VT. Stuart and I had exchanged emails a few years ago but had never met until we were both at Voyager.
Other fulltime friends Herb and Ginger were in Benson and we visited them and them us. We enjoyed their company for Thanksgiving and Taco Sunday as well as other visits. More Vermont friends arrived and are staying at the FamCamp at DM and we have gotten together for visits with them also. We have hooked up with Holiday Rambler RV Club chapter 71 and meet with them for breakfast meetings once a month. Ray Nichols and his wife Hilda are an excellent source of information on camping in Alaska since there were assistant wagon masters on a tour in 2015.
Well this is as much as I want to write today. I do need to make more frequent entries.
We rekindled our friendship with Tom and Pat Britton who were our neighbors in Vermont many long years ago. It was really nice to visit with them after some 35 or more years. We did manage to take in the Pima Air Museum, Saguaro NP East, Bear Canyon, Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Desert Museum, Tombstone.
Since Google is discontinuing support for Picasa the above links may not work but this one should,
https://picasaweb.google.com/107482514645804307370 and will give you access to all our shared online albums.
We are parked across the street from fulltime friends Paul and Sharon and have met several other fulltime and part time RV folks. One of the fulltime folks we had a short chat with was Stuart and Leslie Offer from Williston VT. Stuart and I had exchanged emails a few years ago but had never met until we were both at Voyager.
Other fulltime friends Herb and Ginger were in Benson and we visited them and them us. We enjoyed their company for Thanksgiving and Taco Sunday as well as other visits. More Vermont friends arrived and are staying at the FamCamp at DM and we have gotten together for visits with them also. We have hooked up with Holiday Rambler RV Club chapter 71 and meet with them for breakfast meetings once a month. Ray Nichols and his wife Hilda are an excellent source of information on camping in Alaska since there were assistant wagon masters on a tour in 2015.
Well this is as much as I want to write today. I do need to make more frequent entries.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Better Late than never, Steam Railroad, Balloon Fiesta, Street Corner, .....
As you know I don't get this thing updated as we go so I will try and do a little catch up.
When you last read we were in or near Cortez CO. Well from there we took 491 south to US64 and headed east to Chama NM. Chama is an old cow and railroad town. One of the things we wanted to do was ride the narrow gauge railroad. We had camped one night back in 1991 on our way to Philmont Scout Ranch and new we wanted to return. We stayed at Sky Mountain RV park. This is a nice park with excellent hosts/owners. At the campground we were given a 15% off cupon for the Cumbers-Toltec Scenic Railroad. We made our reservations and couldn't have picked a better day. It was a great ride and included an excellent lunch at the halfway point on our way to Antonito CO.
We took some driving tours of the area and also picked up mail we had sent to us General Delivery. A nice restful few days before attending the Albuguerque Balloon Fiesta.
Wow, Wow, Wow. We were with the Monaco International group which has some of the best parking for RV's. We would look our our front windshield and see the 83 acre launch field. Since there were no scheduled events for the evening we took a walk down on the launch field and took a tour of the vendor area. As we were returning to the coach we were asked to help crew one of the balloons that evening. Volunteer spirit, we said ok. We wound up on the largest balloon at the fiesta, the Pirate Ship which had been damaged in shipment from England. What a thrill and hard work since that balloon weighs over 800 lbs. All we managed to do that evening was lay it out and pack it so it would be ready to inflate the next day. We had a great time and will likely go again some time.
After the Balloon Fiesta we headed west on I40 with plans to spend a night in USA Campground in Gallup NM. We knew that Sue and Glen who are also fulltime RV'ers were at a campground along our route so we pulled off to visit with them for an hour or so. Really nice to catch up and see their new rig.
Our overnight stop was Root 66 campground near Painted Desert, Petrified Forest NP. Not much for amenities but the price and location were right. After visiting the NP and local area we were on the road again.
Next stop was to stand on a corner and see Meteor Crater. We stayed at Meteor Crater Campground and of course went to Winslow AZ to stand on the famous corner buy some soveners, eat some ice cream and visit the La Posada Hotel. There was more to see and do in that area but the Grand Canyon was waiting.
We stayed at Canyon RV and Motel in Wilson AZ where we had a nice long site. The weather was a little on the chilly side and with some rain. Out trip to the south rim was on what started as a gloomy day. We took in the Imax presentation on the canyon before we arrived at the park. By the time we left the movie the weather started to clear but was still quite overcast. As usual the first place we went in the park was the visitors center where we watched the NPS video before we went to the rim. As we approached the rim the clouds were lifting but there were still clouds below the rim.
Along our travels we received a couple of text messages from Joan W and arranged to meet here and her grown children in Flagstaff AZ. We hooked up in the WalMart parking lot and went to a local Mexican restaurant for late lunch early supper. We had a nice but to short visit. We had come up from Camp Verde thru Sedona and new we had about an hour or more return trip.
After seeing the sites in the Camp Verde area we were of to the AZ/NM Holiday Rambler rally in Buckeye. We met a few folks that we had gotten to know in Michigan and West Virginia. What a small world.
The rally was our last stop before we arrived at our winter home, Voyager RV Resort and Hotel, in Tucson AZ.
As usual you can see our pictures here.
When you last read we were in or near Cortez CO. Well from there we took 491 south to US64 and headed east to Chama NM. Chama is an old cow and railroad town. One of the things we wanted to do was ride the narrow gauge railroad. We had camped one night back in 1991 on our way to Philmont Scout Ranch and new we wanted to return. We stayed at Sky Mountain RV park. This is a nice park with excellent hosts/owners. At the campground we were given a 15% off cupon for the Cumbers-Toltec Scenic Railroad. We made our reservations and couldn't have picked a better day. It was a great ride and included an excellent lunch at the halfway point on our way to Antonito CO.
We took some driving tours of the area and also picked up mail we had sent to us General Delivery. A nice restful few days before attending the Albuguerque Balloon Fiesta.
Wow, Wow, Wow. We were with the Monaco International group which has some of the best parking for RV's. We would look our our front windshield and see the 83 acre launch field. Since there were no scheduled events for the evening we took a walk down on the launch field and took a tour of the vendor area. As we were returning to the coach we were asked to help crew one of the balloons that evening. Volunteer spirit, we said ok. We wound up on the largest balloon at the fiesta, the Pirate Ship which had been damaged in shipment from England. What a thrill and hard work since that balloon weighs over 800 lbs. All we managed to do that evening was lay it out and pack it so it would be ready to inflate the next day. We had a great time and will likely go again some time.
After the Balloon Fiesta we headed west on I40 with plans to spend a night in USA Campground in Gallup NM. We knew that Sue and Glen who are also fulltime RV'ers were at a campground along our route so we pulled off to visit with them for an hour or so. Really nice to catch up and see their new rig.
Our overnight stop was Root 66 campground near Painted Desert, Petrified Forest NP. Not much for amenities but the price and location were right. After visiting the NP and local area we were on the road again.
Next stop was to stand on a corner and see Meteor Crater. We stayed at Meteor Crater Campground and of course went to Winslow AZ to stand on the famous corner buy some soveners, eat some ice cream and visit the La Posada Hotel. There was more to see and do in that area but the Grand Canyon was waiting.
We stayed at Canyon RV and Motel in Wilson AZ where we had a nice long site. The weather was a little on the chilly side and with some rain. Out trip to the south rim was on what started as a gloomy day. We took in the Imax presentation on the canyon before we arrived at the park. By the time we left the movie the weather started to clear but was still quite overcast. As usual the first place we went in the park was the visitors center where we watched the NPS video before we went to the rim. As we approached the rim the clouds were lifting but there were still clouds below the rim.
Along our travels we received a couple of text messages from Joan W and arranged to meet here and her grown children in Flagstaff AZ. We hooked up in the WalMart parking lot and went to a local Mexican restaurant for late lunch early supper. We had a nice but to short visit. We had come up from Camp Verde thru Sedona and new we had about an hour or more return trip.
After seeing the sites in the Camp Verde area we were of to the AZ/NM Holiday Rambler rally in Buckeye. We met a few folks that we had gotten to know in Michigan and West Virginia. What a small world.
The rally was our last stop before we arrived at our winter home, Voyager RV Resort and Hotel, in Tucson AZ.
As usual you can see our pictures here.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Canyons of the Ancients
We stayed at Sleeping Ute RV Park next to the Ute Casino about 10 miles south of Cortez CO. There is much more her than the 4 corners and Mesa Verde. When the Ancients lived here, prior to AD1300, there were more people than there are now.
When you come to this area we suggest you start your sight seeing by visiting the Anasazi Heritage Center where you can get a lot of information on places to visit in the area. Of course we made the Heritage Center our last stop. Our first stop was the Colorado Visitors Center in Cortez. We did get a lot of information there and the staff were very helpful.
Our first site was Hovenweep National Monument. There is a nice trail on the slick rock to several structures. Not the same as Mesa Verde but similar in some respects. After talking to the staff the first thing we do at most visitors centers is to watch their short movie to get an idea of what we will be seeing along with some history of the area. We took the hike around the canyon but decided not to take the section that dropped down to the canyon floor and back up the other side. That might have been the better thing to do as I was a little on the dehydrated side and it was a long way back. We did have a lot of water but ...
Following are a few pictures and you can see more here.
Our next outing was to go to the Four Corners Monument. We had a nice drive and it was an easy day after our previous day of hiking.
Mesa Verde was our next 2 days. The first day we visited several of the overlooks and the museum. At the visitors center I signed up for the tour of Balcony House for the following day. I don't know that I can add a lot of flowering words so I will leave it up to the reader to follow the link at the beginning. A few pictures with a few more here and here.
Of course we saw the eclipse. We did drive down the highway to get away from the Casino lights.
Since there is a WalMart, Safeway, and City Market in Cortez we went shopping to restock since it had been over a month since really had stores to shop at.
Next stop Chama NM.
When you come to this area we suggest you start your sight seeing by visiting the Anasazi Heritage Center where you can get a lot of information on places to visit in the area. Of course we made the Heritage Center our last stop. Our first stop was the Colorado Visitors Center in Cortez. We did get a lot of information there and the staff were very helpful.
Our first site was Hovenweep National Monument. There is a nice trail on the slick rock to several structures. Not the same as Mesa Verde but similar in some respects. After talking to the staff the first thing we do at most visitors centers is to watch their short movie to get an idea of what we will be seeing along with some history of the area. We took the hike around the canyon but decided not to take the section that dropped down to the canyon floor and back up the other side. That might have been the better thing to do as I was a little on the dehydrated side and it was a long way back. We did have a lot of water but ...
Following are a few pictures and you can see more here.
Our next outing was to go to the Four Corners Monument. We had a nice drive and it was an easy day after our previous day of hiking.
Mesa Verde was our next 2 days. The first day we visited several of the overlooks and the museum. At the visitors center I signed up for the tour of Balcony House for the following day. I don't know that I can add a lot of flowering words so I will leave it up to the reader to follow the link at the beginning. A few pictures with a few more here and here.
Of course we saw the eclipse. We did drive down the highway to get away from the Casino lights.
Since there is a WalMart, Safeway, and City Market in Cortez we went shopping to restock since it had been over a month since really had stores to shop at.
Next stop Chama NM.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Moab #2
While here we have visited Deadhorse Canyon State Park, Island in the sky section of Canyonlands, Arches, took a drive up UT128 which follows the Colorado River and then a side trip on ????? where we saw the Priest and Nums formation and finished that ride following the loop road which has some fantastic views. The road is narrow and broken in many sections but it is well worth the ride.
We have also taken several drives to see Petroglyphs which are all around the area.
We have posted many pictures to our online album.
We have also taken several drives to see Petroglyphs which are all around the area.
We have posted many pictures to our online album.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Moab UT #1
We had a nice drive from Capitol Reef to Moab. UT24 from Torrey to Hanksville is rather, shall we say interesting. It is quite "bouncy". The road surface is decent but very undulating with some decent dips that can give you a bit of a thrill. After UT24 heads north to I75 it is much better. Nothing special on UT191 down to Moab except traffic the closer we got. We were surprised at the amount of traffic at this time of year. I guess it is all of us retirees that want to visit when children are back in school.
Today we drove to the Needles area of Canyonlands and took some short hikes. There were a fair number of folks but we did not feel crowded. I'll let our pictures do the talking;
Today we drove to the Needles area of Canyonlands and took some short hikes. There were a fair number of folks but we did not feel crowded. I'll let our pictures do the talking;
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| cryptobiotic crust |
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| What are you looking at? |
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| Jabba The Hutt |
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| Mother Nature has the good sense to keep them out of the roads |
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| Bullet Train |
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Capitol Reef
We took the easy way to get from Hatch to Torrey UT. Meaning we did not take UT12. You can read about UT12 in the link in the Bryce post. We are staying at Thousand Lakes RV Park a mile west of Torrey and have a view of red cliffs which are just fantastic. Again words and pictures don't do it justice. We are here for a week and see something new everyday. Follow this link for information on Capitol Reef.
Grand Wash Hike
Goblin Valley State Park
Petroglyphs
Goosenecks via a Jeep or high clearance vehicle.
Petroglyphs
Zion
This was our last road trip from Hatch. We had last visited Zion in 1991 and although the canyon hasn't changed how you get around has as well as a new visitors center. This place is loved to death. If you are arriving from the west leave your vehicle outside the park and take the free shuttle in. Why? Parking.
Once in the park use the free shuttle to get around, either that or walk. We came in from the east and had to wait for tour buss's to clear the tunnel. We took the tunnel to the Narrows trailhead. As we were walking along we heard, from behind, You meet Sun-N-Fun folks all over, or words to that effect. Well Rod and Jackie were behind us. We had a nice walk and visit. They were taking the walk up to the Narrows and since we did that last time we decided to not get our feet wet again and said our goodbye's.
What we saw.
I don't know if there is a good time to see Zion so be prepared for lots of people.
Once in the park use the free shuttle to get around, either that or walk. We came in from the east and had to wait for tour buss's to clear the tunnel. We took the tunnel to the Narrows trailhead. As we were walking along we heard, from behind, You meet Sun-N-Fun folks all over, or words to that effect. Well Rod and Jackie were behind us. We had a nice walk and visit. They were taking the walk up to the Narrows and since we did that last time we decided to not get our feet wet again and said our goodbye's.
What we saw.
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