Home for a week and we hope all goes well from now on. When we arrived in Estero on August 30th. we had no cable, no internet and no Vonage phone service. Then to make matter worse our printer of less than a year quit working and we had bugs in the house.
On Friday, Comcast (our internet and cable provider) called at 8:40 am and told us they would be out between 1:00 and 5:00 pm. Tom stayed home and did not attend the meeting at Marsh Landing Clubhouse on Friday at noon as sometimes service people get to your home early and if your not there, oh well you missed your appointment. I attended the meeting to learn what was happening in Villa II's.
That afternoon Charley had an appointment with a local vet to have her stitches removed. I had to take her as Tom still was awaiting the Comcast people. Charley made a hit with the vet's office. She managed to have two poops, and the typical cocker pee's. Yes, we did make a good impression! The vet told me she was in excellent health and the only problem was she had an underbite. That could lead to dental problems later in life.
Charley and I arrived home to find Tom still awaiting the Comcast service person. Wait is sure what we did. At 5:06 we called and were told, yes the service person would be coming, but this was a holiday week-end and we sure did not want to be without internet or cable. At 6:06 when we had not heard back and no-one had shown up we called once again. Yes, they would be coming and not to worry the first customer service person did indeed send an e-mail to dispatch and when dispatch called them back they would call us and let us know just when they would come to repair our service. By 6:30 Tom called once again and they put him on hold to dispatch. Then by 6:45 I called and talked with another customer service person. He and his boss both tried to get through to dispatch but Tom was in the cue ahead of them so he could not hang up. After being on hold for 42 minutes dispatch finally answered his call. By, 7:40 I had to leave to go grocery shopping, when I started to pull out Comcast pulled up. Then I just started down the road and a second truck pulled up to help. I left and went shopping. Tom stayed home and the two persons worked for one and a half hours....finally just running anew wire to the house so we could have service. They are to come back next Monday (10 or 11th.) or Tuesday and bury the wire.
After all that we find our modem for Vonage is not working. So once again we call the service provider to find out that they will send a new modem out, but it will take 5 business days and it is Friday naight of a holiday week-end, so that means we should receive it by the 10th. Luck would be with us and today the 7th. the modem showed up.
Saturday night Tom left his computer on, it was working fine. Sunday morning it would not do anything. Jeff talked his father through a bunch of things to try and get the computer working, with no luck! Tom is going to go with me Monday when I take Mom to the doctor and with luck C.J. and Tom will be able to get the computer working. Thank heavens I turned my laptop off. It still works.
This morning we called the bug guy. He came and said we had little flying ants. He sprayed and all is well with that. Thank heavens the bug guys are just around the corner.
We returned the printer to Costco with the original receipt. They credited back the charge card for the printer. We went to purchase a new one, same type and style number as the one we returned, and guess what it was much cheaper after a year so we did manage to save a little.
Charley is doing fine. She has been meeting all the neighborhood dogs and owners. Everyone thinks she is a darling and I have had offers from neighbors to dog sit her.
As you can guess we are finally back in the swing of things. This morning I went to water aerobics, and this evening we took our bikes out for a ride, the first since getting home.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
August 31, 2007
We are home once again. What a nice thought. But, we find we have no cable and no home phone. The calls are all being transfered to Nancy's cell. Tom calls Comcast and tries to get someone out here. They are to be here between 1:00 and 5:00 today. Tom stays home as we know sometimes they arrive early. At 5:06 pm we call Comcast, to make a long story short, after spending more than two hours on the phone someone finally comes to make repairs on the cable. It takes two guys one hour to find all the problems, then they jurry rig the system with a cable set on the lawn telling us they will be back on Sept. 10 or 11th. to bury the cable. Oh, well such is life. I guess we should be glad we have television service.
Our home phone is a cable phone Vonage. Well, with the cable out we somehow lost our Vonage phone service. We think the modem is fried, and when Tom spoke with someone, probably in India, they will send us a new modem, but it will take 5 business days for us to receive it. With the holiday week-end that means we will receive it on September 10th. Not exactly post-haste is it?
Today Charley has an appointment with a local Vet. He gives a clean bill of health and pulls her staples out. Charley receives the rest of her shots, and she will not have another vet visit until next August 31. unless she is ill. She is licensed and has all puppy shots and her rabies. She also has her heartworm pills so is set for a good time.
Our home phone is a cable phone Vonage. Well, with the cable out we somehow lost our Vonage phone service. We think the modem is fried, and when Tom spoke with someone, probably in India, they will send us a new modem, but it will take 5 business days for us to receive it. With the holiday week-end that means we will receive it on September 10th. Not exactly post-haste is it?
Today Charley has an appointment with a local Vet. He gives a clean bill of health and pulls her staples out. Charley receives the rest of her shots, and she will not have another vet visit until next August 31. unless she is ill. She is licensed and has all puppy shots and her rabies. She also has her heartworm pills so is set for a good time.
Wednesday, August 30th.
Today we leave Larry's heading for Estero. Don't know how long we will be on the road or where we will stop for the night. We just know that Tom is under the weather and Nancy doesn't feel great.
We travel thru Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee without incident. When we get to the Georgia line, we run into rain. Oh, no not what we wanted to have when driving that big rig. But, we get south of Atlanta and decide to stop for the night. We find a Walmart parking lot and decide to bunk down for the night, there. We get some sleep, but the rain is so hard and steady Tom had enough sleep and he gets us going again. Nancy can't sleep with the rig on the road so she gets up and sits in the passenger seat to help guide Tom seeing in the terrible rain.
We drive and arrive in Florida. We get to the Welcome Center and get out and stretch. Charley has to get out and get fed, plus a little running around. We get on the road again, and of course we must make more frequent stops with Charley. The next rest area we get out and Charley finds Spanish Moss. What a great time she had with that. She rolls in it, then tries to chew it, and runs with it all around her. She is such a happy pup, loves life and is such a joy to have around. As you can tell we are in Florida and it is now the 31st. We arrive in Estero at about 2:00 pm and unload the motor home. We want to have everything cleaned out of it before 4:00 so we can get the motor home back to Highway 31 storage before it closes at 6:00. We hurry and unload everything in the garage and head out before 4:00. Our next few day s will be spent putting things away and getting rested.
We travel thru Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee without incident. When we get to the Georgia line, we run into rain. Oh, no not what we wanted to have when driving that big rig. But, we get south of Atlanta and decide to stop for the night. We find a Walmart parking lot and decide to bunk down for the night, there. We get some sleep, but the rain is so hard and steady Tom had enough sleep and he gets us going again. Nancy can't sleep with the rig on the road so she gets up and sits in the passenger seat to help guide Tom seeing in the terrible rain.
We drive and arrive in Florida. We get to the Welcome Center and get out and stretch. Charley has to get out and get fed, plus a little running around. We get on the road again, and of course we must make more frequent stops with Charley. The next rest area we get out and Charley finds Spanish Moss. What a great time she had with that. She rolls in it, then tries to chew it, and runs with it all around her. She is such a happy pup, loves life and is such a joy to have around. As you can tell we are in Florida and it is now the 31st. We arrive in Estero at about 2:00 pm and unload the motor home. We want to have everything cleaned out of it before 4:00 so we can get the motor home back to Highway 31 storage before it closes at 6:00. We hurry and unload everything in the garage and head out before 4:00. Our next few day s will be spent putting things away and getting rested.
On the Road, Again
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
This morning we head out. Charley is not happy to be in her crate during the day, but she must be crated while on the road for her own safety. We are in Ohio and call Lucy to ask if she is going to be home. She loved us telling us she would be home and to come.
We receive a call from Larry (Lucy's son) telling us to come to his house, as he has 30 amp service, a shaddy spot for the motor home and we can use one of their cars to get to Lucy's about 2 miles away.
We arrive at Larry's and get settled in. Charley gets to play in the yard without her leash. She is in 7th. heaven.
We get to Lucy's and Danny (her son) comes over about dinnertime. Lucy is in a wheelchair and she has round the clock aides. Lucy receives therapy for a total of about 3 hours a day. She is looking better than I thought she would. We have a great talk, and leave in the late evening for Larry's.
This morning we head out. Charley is not happy to be in her crate during the day, but she must be crated while on the road for her own safety. We are in Ohio and call Lucy to ask if she is going to be home. She loved us telling us she would be home and to come.
We receive a call from Larry (Lucy's son) telling us to come to his house, as he has 30 amp service, a shaddy spot for the motor home and we can use one of their cars to get to Lucy's about 2 miles away.
We arrive at Larry's and get settled in. Charley gets to play in the yard without her leash. She is in 7th. heaven.
We get to Lucy's and Danny (her son) comes over about dinnertime. Lucy is in a wheelchair and she has round the clock aides. Lucy receives therapy for a total of about 3 hours a day. She is looking better than I thought she would. We have a great talk, and leave in the late evening for Larry's.
Day of Rest
Monday, August 27, 2007
Today we wanted to ride down the Lake Huron coastline. Tom was not feeling well, so that was put on hold. Instead we decide to head for home. But, we must cancel our plans for the Labor Day week-end.
We cancel and decide to head to Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. We call Jacquie and Tim and tell them we will not be coming to Findlay to see them. We cancel our campsite and they tell me it had to be canceled at least 14 days in advance before the holiday weekend to get a refund. I figure they put it on a credit card, that I would fight the charge when it came through if they would not refund the charge.
We start to pack up for a departure the next day. Of course by this time, we don't even remember what day it is or what the date is. We have been gone so long we must look at the cell phones to tell us date, day and time.
Today we wanted to ride down the Lake Huron coastline. Tom was not feeling well, so that was put on hold. Instead we decide to head for home. But, we must cancel our plans for the Labor Day week-end.
We cancel and decide to head to Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. We call Jacquie and Tim and tell them we will not be coming to Findlay to see them. We cancel our campsite and they tell me it had to be canceled at least 14 days in advance before the holiday weekend to get a refund. I figure they put it on a credit card, that I would fight the charge when it came through if they would not refund the charge.
We start to pack up for a departure the next day. Of course by this time, we don't even remember what day it is or what the date is. We have been gone so long we must look at the cell phones to tell us date, day and time.
Family Picnic
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Today we invited Jeff, Amy, Lindsay, Maggie and Katie for a picnic. They called to say they were coming. We have a playset right in front of the motor home the girls can play on. They come and we cook hot dogs, and hamburgers. Amy picked up potato salad and fruit for Nancy. When Nancy found out they were coming she even baked brownies in the oven.
After a lunch, we all went to the putt putt golf course they have right on the campgrounds. We all played putt putt and had a great time. Late afternoon, the Jeff Milton family left for home and Tom and Nancy thought about the rest of the trip, and made appropriate plans.
Today we invited Jeff, Amy, Lindsay, Maggie and Katie for a picnic. They called to say they were coming. We have a playset right in front of the motor home the girls can play on. They come and we cook hot dogs, and hamburgers. Amy picked up potato salad and fruit for Nancy. When Nancy found out they were coming she even baked brownies in the oven.
After a lunch, we all went to the putt putt golf course they have right on the campgrounds. We all played putt putt and had a great time. Late afternoon, the Jeff Milton family left for home and Tom and Nancy thought about the rest of the trip, and made appropriate plans.
Relaxing day (?)
Saturday, August 25, 2007
We must turn in the rental car this morning. We pack up Charley in her travel case and head into Lake Orion. We arrive at Jeff and Amy's and all the girls want to see little Charley. She is good with children, thank heavens! Tom and Jeff leave to return the rental car, yes it is not a real nice day, A little rainy, but we hear it is going to turn nice.
Nancy goes shopping with Amy and all three girls. Wow, is that ever exhausting, don't know how Jeff and Amy do it. But, I guess if you have to, you do. Katie took grandma all over Kohl's about 3 times. Then from there they went to Target. Again, what an exhausting day. Arriving back at the kids home, the weather has turned nice, so Tom and Nancy decide to ride back home with Charley on the motorcycle.
Tom straps Charley and her travel case onto the back of his bike. Nancy wants to ride behind them in case Charley and her travel case start to wobble to much Nancy can honk at Tom to stop and rejust the cast. No need to worry, Charley settled down in her case and took the ride like a trooper. Great day.
We must turn in the rental car this morning. We pack up Charley in her travel case and head into Lake Orion. We arrive at Jeff and Amy's and all the girls want to see little Charley. She is good with children, thank heavens! Tom and Jeff leave to return the rental car, yes it is not a real nice day, A little rainy, but we hear it is going to turn nice.
Nancy goes shopping with Amy and all three girls. Wow, is that ever exhausting, don't know how Jeff and Amy do it. But, I guess if you have to, you do. Katie took grandma all over Kohl's about 3 times. Then from there they went to Target. Again, what an exhausting day. Arriving back at the kids home, the weather has turned nice, so Tom and Nancy decide to ride back home with Charley on the motorcycle.
Tom straps Charley and her travel case onto the back of his bike. Nancy wants to ride behind them in case Charley and her travel case start to wobble to much Nancy can honk at Tom to stop and rejust the cast. No need to worry, Charley settled down in her case and took the ride like a trooper. Great day.
Visiting Day
Friday, August 24, 2007
Called to talk with my girlfriend Bonnie last night. John (husband) told me she was in the hospital since Tuesday. Well, we packed Charley in her travel case and off we went to see Bonnie. We arrived at the hospital and found her. I was not prepared for what I saw. Bonnie told me she had had a tooth ache and gone to the dentist a week earlier. He pulled the tooth, but an infection set in. She has a bone infection, and while at the doctor's and hospital the doctors found numerous blood clots in both lungs, and they tell her she has a congential heart defect. Not what we want to hear.
We leave in a terrible rainstorm to head back to the campsite about 2 hours away. The rain gets so bad we pull off the highway for a little while. Yes, that is the time we were driving just a few miles of the tornado that went through Michigan that night. We were never so glad to get back home.
Called to talk with my girlfriend Bonnie last night. John (husband) told me she was in the hospital since Tuesday. Well, we packed Charley in her travel case and off we went to see Bonnie. We arrived at the hospital and found her. I was not prepared for what I saw. Bonnie told me she had had a tooth ache and gone to the dentist a week earlier. He pulled the tooth, but an infection set in. She has a bone infection, and while at the doctor's and hospital the doctors found numerous blood clots in both lungs, and they tell her she has a congential heart defect. Not what we want to hear.
We leave in a terrible rainstorm to head back to the campsite about 2 hours away. The rain gets so bad we pull off the highway for a little while. Yes, that is the time we were driving just a few miles of the tornado that went through Michigan that night. We were never so glad to get back home.
D-Day (dog-day)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Early to rise today. We have to travel to Grand Rapids to get our new pup. Yes, her name is still Charley, but notice we have changed the spelling. It is Harley with a C! We arrive in Grand Rapids, with the GPS giving us directions. Tom, plugged in the wrong house number so we have trouble finding the place. But with a quick phone call we arrive to get our little girl. She is so cute, and ready to go home with us. The house she is in is so terribly stinky from all the animals they have there. Oh well, glad to get her into our loving arms.
We head out to Grandville where Maggie has been with Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Richard since Sunday. We are picking her up and taking her back home with us. Of course, Sharon and Richard love our new pup, and Maggie, well how should I say she loves animals and at the current time wants to become a veteranian. We head out and we are hungry. We stop for a quick bite to eat and then on the road again.
We arrive in Lake Orion and drop Maggie off at day care. Our intentions are to go to the state fair and see Lindsay dance. We received an e-mail at Grandma Sharon's giing us directions and the time Lindsay will be dancing. In the note, Amy put down if it is hot and steamy, please don't come. It is hot, steamy and so we decide to take Charley home and play with her. What a day this has been.
Early to rise today. We have to travel to Grand Rapids to get our new pup. Yes, her name is still Charley, but notice we have changed the spelling. It is Harley with a C! We arrive in Grand Rapids, with the GPS giving us directions. Tom, plugged in the wrong house number so we have trouble finding the place. But with a quick phone call we arrive to get our little girl. She is so cute, and ready to go home with us. The house she is in is so terribly stinky from all the animals they have there. Oh well, glad to get her into our loving arms.
We head out to Grandville where Maggie has been with Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Richard since Sunday. We are picking her up and taking her back home with us. Of course, Sharon and Richard love our new pup, and Maggie, well how should I say she loves animals and at the current time wants to become a veteranian. We head out and we are hungry. We stop for a quick bite to eat and then on the road again.
We arrive in Lake Orion and drop Maggie off at day care. Our intentions are to go to the state fair and see Lindsay dance. We received an e-mail at Grandma Sharon's giing us directions and the time Lindsay will be dancing. In the note, Amy put down if it is hot and steamy, please don't come. It is hot, steamy and so we decide to take Charley home and play with her. What a day this has been.
Detroit Zoo Day
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Today we picked Lindsay up from day care and toured the Detroit Zoo. When we arrived at the entrance to the zoo it was misty and cool. Lindsay still wanted to visit the zoo so we pay the fees and went in. Our first stop was the wildlife butterfly gallery. As luck would have it one very pretty colorful butterfly landed on Tom and it stayed for quite some time. I did get a photo and it turned out great. We went on to the Free flight Aviary and then headed back to the back of the zoo. Along the way we saw Otter, camels, tigers, lions, apes all before finding the kangaroos. The zoo had a Joey about 5 months old. The day turned bright and sunny and of course steamy from the mornings mists. Lindsay was a real trouper, she wanted us to go all over the place and the walking was long and hard for old bones. But we made it a really enjoyable day. Of course having a 6 and 3/4 year old to take you around the park really wears you out. But it was fun having a one on one with her.
We had to have Lindsay home by 5:00 so Amy could take her for her dance practice. You see the next day Lindsay was going to perform at the Michigan State Fair with her dance troupe.
When we arrived home we picked up Katie and took her to McDonald's for dinner and to get her off Mom's hands. Katie loved grazing on her food and playing on McDonald's playland. When we dropped Katie off, we were exhausted from the day. We headed back to our campsite and fell fast asleep.
Today we picked Lindsay up from day care and toured the Detroit Zoo. When we arrived at the entrance to the zoo it was misty and cool. Lindsay still wanted to visit the zoo so we pay the fees and went in. Our first stop was the wildlife butterfly gallery. As luck would have it one very pretty colorful butterfly landed on Tom and it stayed for quite some time. I did get a photo and it turned out great. We went on to the Free flight Aviary and then headed back to the back of the zoo. Along the way we saw Otter, camels, tigers, lions, apes all before finding the kangaroos. The zoo had a Joey about 5 months old. The day turned bright and sunny and of course steamy from the mornings mists. Lindsay was a real trouper, she wanted us to go all over the place and the walking was long and hard for old bones. But we made it a really enjoyable day. Of course having a 6 and 3/4 year old to take you around the park really wears you out. But it was fun having a one on one with her.
We had to have Lindsay home by 5:00 so Amy could take her for her dance practice. You see the next day Lindsay was going to perform at the Michigan State Fair with her dance troupe.
When we arrived home we picked up Katie and took her to McDonald's for dinner and to get her off Mom's hands. Katie loved grazing on her food and playing on McDonald's playland. When we dropped Katie off, we were exhausted from the day. We headed back to our campsite and fell fast asleep.
The Henry Ford
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Today we are again glad that we have rented a car. We head into Dearborn, Michigan to The Henry Ford. This use to be called the Henry Ford Museum, now they are trying to tie Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum into just The Henry Ford. Oh well, to us older generation we will probably still refer to each use separately.
Anyhow, once arriving at the museum we were greeted with so much to see and so little time. We started out in the gift shop, ho hum! But from there we found our way into the museum with the dollhouses of old. Some dated back to the late 1800's. Interesting to see. Then we wound our way back to argiculture. Wow, to see some of the old tractors, etc. you wonder how farmers could make a living. Of course there were many more places to see. We found the "heros of the sky", the automobile in American Life and not to be missed were the locomotives. In the museum they have a DC-3 airplane with a wingspan of 95 feet. They have the JFK presidential limousine that Kennedy was assassinated in. Then also the Allegheny Locomotive, it is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. It weighs 600 tons and is 125 feet long. Yes, we had a wonderful day at the museum. Oh, before I forget you can see an actual roadside diner and one of the original McDonald's signs. Oh, many memories to be had in the museum.
We had visited Greenfield Village many times before so we opted to visit only the museum on this trip. When visiting you can also tour the Rouge Factory and the Benson Ford Research Center, but we just don't have the time for visiting all. We did the museum in one day and one could actually spend about a week in there and see thing really good.
Today we are again glad that we have rented a car. We head into Dearborn, Michigan to The Henry Ford. This use to be called the Henry Ford Museum, now they are trying to tie Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum into just The Henry Ford. Oh well, to us older generation we will probably still refer to each use separately.
Anyhow, once arriving at the museum we were greeted with so much to see and so little time. We started out in the gift shop, ho hum! But from there we found our way into the museum with the dollhouses of old. Some dated back to the late 1800's. Interesting to see. Then we wound our way back to argiculture. Wow, to see some of the old tractors, etc. you wonder how farmers could make a living. Of course there were many more places to see. We found the "heros of the sky", the automobile in American Life and not to be missed were the locomotives. In the museum they have a DC-3 airplane with a wingspan of 95 feet. They have the JFK presidential limousine that Kennedy was assassinated in. Then also the Allegheny Locomotive, it is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. It weighs 600 tons and is 125 feet long. Yes, we had a wonderful day at the museum. Oh, before I forget you can see an actual roadside diner and one of the original McDonald's signs. Oh, many memories to be had in the museum.
We had visited Greenfield Village many times before so we opted to visit only the museum on this trip. When visiting you can also tour the Rouge Factory and the Benson Ford Research Center, but we just don't have the time for visiting all. We did the museum in one day and one could actually spend about a week in there and see thing really good.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Shopping Day
Monday, August 20, 2007
Today is a day we must start thinking what all we need to bring a new puppy to our home. The day is rainy and gloomy. We remember why we don't like to be north during stormy days, it is depressing. But, we must overcome the rain and head out to purchase puppy items.
We head into Port Huron. It is closer than Lake Orion. We find a pet store. We purchase the same kind of food puppy is getting at the rescue. We get pet dishes, a crate, towels, collar, lead and toys. We at least have the basics to bring her home to us.
We think names. We thought Sabrina, maybe Brie for short. We think Eloise, maybe weezie for short. We both like Charlie. I think she is Charlie. If they can call boys Marion and Sue, why can't we have a girl named Charlie?
Anyhow this is how we spent this day. Yes, we are anxiously awaiting a call saying we can come and pick Charlie up.
When we finish shopping we give Peg and Bill a call and head to Lexington to see them once again. We tell them about Charlie and show them photos of her.
All you friends, neighbors and relatives that are reading my blog, you can make comments by clicking on the comments at the end of each posting. I don't know if any of you are reading this or is this only for my remembering each day of vacation?
Please make a comment. Thanks.
Today is a day we must start thinking what all we need to bring a new puppy to our home. The day is rainy and gloomy. We remember why we don't like to be north during stormy days, it is depressing. But, we must overcome the rain and head out to purchase puppy items.
We head into Port Huron. It is closer than Lake Orion. We find a pet store. We purchase the same kind of food puppy is getting at the rescue. We get pet dishes, a crate, towels, collar, lead and toys. We at least have the basics to bring her home to us.
We think names. We thought Sabrina, maybe Brie for short. We think Eloise, maybe weezie for short. We both like Charlie. I think she is Charlie. If they can call boys Marion and Sue, why can't we have a girl named Charlie?
Anyhow this is how we spent this day. Yes, we are anxiously awaiting a call saying we can come and pick Charlie up.
When we finish shopping we give Peg and Bill a call and head to Lexington to see them once again. We tell them about Charlie and show them photos of her.
All you friends, neighbors and relatives that are reading my blog, you can make comments by clicking on the comments at the end of each posting. I don't know if any of you are reading this or is this only for my remembering each day of vacation?
Please make a comment. Thanks.
Great Heavens, what has Nancy done???
Sunday, August 19, 2007
We left in the auto and arrived at Jeff and Amy's we were taking Maggie (middle daughter) to her other Grandma's house in Grandville, MI. (by Grand Rapids) Of course that is not why we went to the other side of the state. You see Nancy really misses having a dog and she and Tom finally have started looking for another dog. They thought they might purchase a rescue dog in Illinois, only to find out you needed to live within a two hour distance for the rescue to let you adopt. So, we were on the Internet and we found a rescue in Holland that was showing dogs today. Yup, we headed over to Holland to see the dogs. Well, the showing was from noon to 3:00 and Nancy wanted to be there at noon. When they walked into the animal hospital there were two female cocker spaniels, one a spotted brown and white, the other an all black one. Well, we had been looking for a female black cocker spaniel and we finally found one. Tom managed to pick her up and hold her for awhile, then Nancy had the chance to hold her. She is about 12 to 13 weeks old. She was the product of a puppy mill. They think that she and her sister were to old when the brokers came around so they were to be euthanized but the rescue took them.
Nancy filled out the adoption papers, and talked at lenght to the rescue people. She is to be spayed on Tuesday with a pick up on Wednesday or Thursday. So, all the way back across the state Nancy and Tom had to start thinking of names for a little black cocker spaniel.
We left in the auto and arrived at Jeff and Amy's we were taking Maggie (middle daughter) to her other Grandma's house in Grandville, MI. (by Grand Rapids) Of course that is not why we went to the other side of the state. You see Nancy really misses having a dog and she and Tom finally have started looking for another dog. They thought they might purchase a rescue dog in Illinois, only to find out you needed to live within a two hour distance for the rescue to let you adopt. So, we were on the Internet and we found a rescue in Holland that was showing dogs today. Yup, we headed over to Holland to see the dogs. Well, the showing was from noon to 3:00 and Nancy wanted to be there at noon. When they walked into the animal hospital there were two female cocker spaniels, one a spotted brown and white, the other an all black one. Well, we had been looking for a female black cocker spaniel and we finally found one. Tom managed to pick her up and hold her for awhile, then Nancy had the chance to hold her. She is about 12 to 13 weeks old. She was the product of a puppy mill. They think that she and her sister were to old when the brokers came around so they were to be euthanized but the rescue took them.
Nancy filled out the adoption papers, and talked at lenght to the rescue people. She is to be spayed on Tuesday with a pick up on Wednesday or Thursday. So, all the way back across the state Nancy and Tom had to start thinking of names for a little black cocker spaniel.
A Car (?) today
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Today we had to get into Jeff and Amy's before noon. We had reserved a rental car from Enterprise and Tom needed to pick it up before the office closed. When they arrived back at the kids home we had a little PT Cruiser to cruise around in.
Amy had invited Nancy's younger sister, Marilyn and her husband, Paul for lunch. Amy out did herself in that our lunch was shiek-kabobs. We had our choise of chicken or beef. Then she made two great salads to go with the meal. Marilyn brought the dessert, a flourless chocolate cake. Good food. Paul took pictures of our grandchildren. Yes, he sent me a few jpegs of the girls.
When we left to head back to the campsite, we were in an automobile. Wow, what a good fortune. We needed the auto for our trip the next day.
Today we had to get into Jeff and Amy's before noon. We had reserved a rental car from Enterprise and Tom needed to pick it up before the office closed. When they arrived back at the kids home we had a little PT Cruiser to cruise around in.
Amy had invited Nancy's younger sister, Marilyn and her husband, Paul for lunch. Amy out did herself in that our lunch was shiek-kabobs. We had our choise of chicken or beef. Then she made two great salads to go with the meal. Marilyn brought the dessert, a flourless chocolate cake. Good food. Paul took pictures of our grandchildren. Yes, he sent me a few jpegs of the girls.
When we left to head back to the campsite, we were in an automobile. Wow, what a good fortune. We needed the auto for our trip the next day.
Arrival at Thousand Trails
Friday, August 17, 2007
Bill had a doctor's appt. today and this was when we were planning to leave. Peg and Bill headed out for the doctors' and Tom and Nancy hooked up the motor home and headed south to St. Clair, where they are camping at the Thousand Trails campground. The great state of Michigan has just about every road we want to take under road construction. After setting up our campsite, we took off on the motorcycles and headed into Lake Orion. That is about a 46 mile one way trip. But when we arrived we got to see all the Michigan Milton's. The weather turned a little cool, so we turned around and headed home. We arrive before the sun set, a little cold, but safe and sound.
Bill had a doctor's appt. today and this was when we were planning to leave. Peg and Bill headed out for the doctors' and Tom and Nancy hooked up the motor home and headed south to St. Clair, where they are camping at the Thousand Trails campground. The great state of Michigan has just about every road we want to take under road construction. After setting up our campsite, we took off on the motorcycles and headed into Lake Orion. That is about a 46 mile one way trip. But when we arrived we got to see all the Michigan Milton's. The weather turned a little cool, so we turned around and headed home. We arrive before the sun set, a little cold, but safe and sound.
Port Huron
Thursday, August 16,2007
The day starts early with Bill and Tom going to meet the "guys" for breakfast. When they return Peggy and Nancy want to go to Mary Maxim, and of course the boys don't want to be left out in the cold so we agree to let them tag along. We hit Hobby Lobby first then it's on to Mary Maxim. Peg and Nancy's kind of stores. We have lots of fun and the guys don't harrass us to much for the time we spend.
We head to Sam's Club next. Tom and Nancy had found some great burgers that just need to be heated in the microwave and they make for a good lunch on the road. But when we purchased what we thought they were, we found out we only purchased Angus Burgers that needed to be cooked on the grill. Oh, well such is life.
We had a great cook-out at the Heine's for dinner. Tom and Nancy supplied the steaks and Peggy had fresh corn on the cob and salad. What a wonderful summer meal.
After dinner, Bill and Tom left for the bar to met the guys for beer and pizza. Only the left the pizza and just had a couple of beers. Nancy and Peg headed into Port Huron and got to see Bob and Jackie's new condo where they will reside very soon. Then it was back to the lake.
The day starts early with Bill and Tom going to meet the "guys" for breakfast. When they return Peggy and Nancy want to go to Mary Maxim, and of course the boys don't want to be left out in the cold so we agree to let them tag along. We hit Hobby Lobby first then it's on to Mary Maxim. Peg and Nancy's kind of stores. We have lots of fun and the guys don't harrass us to much for the time we spend.
We head to Sam's Club next. Tom and Nancy had found some great burgers that just need to be heated in the microwave and they make for a good lunch on the road. But when we purchased what we thought they were, we found out we only purchased Angus Burgers that needed to be cooked on the grill. Oh, well such is life.
We had a great cook-out at the Heine's for dinner. Tom and Nancy supplied the steaks and Peggy had fresh corn on the cob and salad. What a wonderful summer meal.
After dinner, Bill and Tom left for the bar to met the guys for beer and pizza. Only the left the pizza and just had a couple of beers. Nancy and Peg headed into Port Huron and got to see Bob and Jackie's new condo where they will reside very soon. Then it was back to the lake.
Heine's
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
This is a road day, although very short. We left Harbor Beach to drive about one hours down the road to just south of Lexington, Mi. We arrive at Bill and Peg Heine's with Bill at the road flagging us down so we don't miss the turn. Tom and Bill bring the motorhome into his yard and set it up for us. Peg and I talk. Isn't that what women are suppose to do?
We drive into Port Huron for lunch at Ted's Coney Dogs. What a great lunch. We head to Jackie's home to met Jackie and her children, Heather (16ish), Mark (9), and Katie (7). And we get to met Will (2 months). Bob is away on a business trip.
This is the night we go out to Olive Garden. Wonderful meal. Peg is on the South Beach Diet, and she ate just what she should have. Good girl, Peggy.
Bill and Peg take us on a tour of the Port Huron area. Nice area.
This is a road day, although very short. We left Harbor Beach to drive about one hours down the road to just south of Lexington, Mi. We arrive at Bill and Peg Heine's with Bill at the road flagging us down so we don't miss the turn. Tom and Bill bring the motorhome into his yard and set it up for us. Peg and I talk. Isn't that what women are suppose to do?
We drive into Port Huron for lunch at Ted's Coney Dogs. What a great lunch. We head to Jackie's home to met Jackie and her children, Heather (16ish), Mark (9), and Katie (7). And we get to met Will (2 months). Bob is away on a business trip.
This is the night we go out to Olive Garden. Wonderful meal. Peg is on the South Beach Diet, and she ate just what she should have. Good girl, Peggy.
Bill and Peg take us on a tour of the Port Huron area. Nice area.
Day of Change
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Today was a long day. We accomplished so much. We left Canadian Lakes early in the morning. We arrive in Midland at the bank where Nancy worked about 9:22. Nancy wants to find out what she would give up if she starts taking her retirement from the bank at 62 instead of 65.
After that stop we head to Bay City. This is where Nancy’s cousins have the jewelry store. Cousin Dave is on vacation this week, but that does not stop Nancy from shopping and finding a bauble for herself. She also orders pearls and has all her diamonds checked and cleaned.
We figure we can camp out in the thumb. We call a few RV parks and decide to head to Harbor Springs. We find a nice campground run by the city and stop there. We set up camp and when we are trying to set up we have a nice man offer help. Yes, he is a Harley rider.
We decide to take a ride and head south to where the other RV park was located. We made to right choice. Then we ride north to the tip of the thumb at Grindstone City.
We get back to camp and Ted (the Harley guy) and Debbie arrive back from their ride. We talk with Ted and Debbie and find out Ted use to ride with the “Outlaws” We somehow think that they are not what we really want to associate with. Ted has spent time in jail, did not really tell us what for. Ted had a bad fall at work and now is collecting disability. Ted won a lawsuit for his fall, but could not collect anything for it as the company did not have any assets. Need I go On?????
Today was a long day. We accomplished so much. We left Canadian Lakes early in the morning. We arrive in Midland at the bank where Nancy worked about 9:22. Nancy wants to find out what she would give up if she starts taking her retirement from the bank at 62 instead of 65.
After that stop we head to Bay City. This is where Nancy’s cousins have the jewelry store. Cousin Dave is on vacation this week, but that does not stop Nancy from shopping and finding a bauble for herself. She also orders pearls and has all her diamonds checked and cleaned.
We figure we can camp out in the thumb. We call a few RV parks and decide to head to Harbor Springs. We find a nice campground run by the city and stop there. We set up camp and when we are trying to set up we have a nice man offer help. Yes, he is a Harley rider.
We decide to take a ride and head south to where the other RV park was located. We made to right choice. Then we ride north to the tip of the thumb at Grindstone City.
We get back to camp and Ted (the Harley guy) and Debbie arrive back from their ride. We talk with Ted and Debbie and find out Ted use to ride with the “Outlaws” We somehow think that they are not what we really want to associate with. Ted has spent time in jail, did not really tell us what for. Ted had a bad fall at work and now is collecting disability. Ted won a lawsuit for his fall, but could not collect anything for it as the company did not have any assets. Need I go On?????
Relaxing Day
Monday, August 13, 2007
This is our lazy day. We do nothing all day long, just relax and kick back for a change. About 4:30 we take a ride east to Remus and south out in the country. Nice short ride, but fun nontheless.
This is our lazy day. We do nothing all day long, just relax and kick back for a change. About 4:30 we take a ride east to Remus and south out in the country. Nice short ride, but fun nontheless.
Ride Canadian Lakes
Sunday, August 12, 2007
We decided to ride to the Croton and Hardy Dams. (The Croton dam was a pioneer in its early days.) We started out on 5 Mile Rd. Riding down we passed a home where there must have been 25 to 30 Amish buggies parked. This is Sunday and so it was church day. We rode past the Elk/Deer/Moose farm, not seeing any of the wild animals. Think they were back in the woods. We traveled through many small country towns with names the likes of Morley, Newaygo, White Cloud, Lilley, Bitley and finally arrived in Baldwin. Each spring Baldwin has a blessing of the bikes. Heading east out of Baldwin we travel to Reed City and Paris before arriving in Big Rapids.
Our route took us through forests, along streams and rivers and past many a small mid-western farms. What a beautiful country we live in. We rode from Big Rapids out the back roads towards Canadian Lakes. On this part of the trip we ride past a Llama farm.
We called long time friends, Bonnie and John Detloff and agreed to meet them for dinner in Mt. Pleasant. So about 5:00 we took off eastbound riding to Mt. Pleasant and the Mountain Town Station Restaurant. It’s speciality is ribs, but alas none of us ordered the ribs this time. We had prime rib and steaks, not as good as the ribs. Great conservation, wonderful friends, but alas Tom and Nancy must leave to ride back into the setting sun and Canadian Lakes.
We decided to ride to the Croton and Hardy Dams. (The Croton dam was a pioneer in its early days.) We started out on 5 Mile Rd. Riding down we passed a home where there must have been 25 to 30 Amish buggies parked. This is Sunday and so it was church day. We rode past the Elk/Deer/Moose farm, not seeing any of the wild animals. Think they were back in the woods. We traveled through many small country towns with names the likes of Morley, Newaygo, White Cloud, Lilley, Bitley and finally arrived in Baldwin. Each spring Baldwin has a blessing of the bikes. Heading east out of Baldwin we travel to Reed City and Paris before arriving in Big Rapids.
Our route took us through forests, along streams and rivers and past many a small mid-western farms. What a beautiful country we live in. We rode from Big Rapids out the back roads towards Canadian Lakes. On this part of the trip we ride past a Llama farm.
We called long time friends, Bonnie and John Detloff and agreed to meet them for dinner in Mt. Pleasant. So about 5:00 we took off eastbound riding to Mt. Pleasant and the Mountain Town Station Restaurant. It’s speciality is ribs, but alas none of us ordered the ribs this time. We had prime rib and steaks, not as good as the ribs. Great conservation, wonderful friends, but alas Tom and Nancy must leave to ride back into the setting sun and Canadian Lakes.
Ride Canadian Lakes
Sunday, August 12, 2007
We decided to ride to the Croton and Hardy Dams. (The Croton dam was a pioneer in its early days.) We started out on 5 Mile Rd. Riding down we passed a home where there must have been 25 to 30 Amish buggies parked. This is Sunday and so it was church day. We rode past the Elk/Deer/Moose farm, not seeing any of the wild animals. Think they were back in the woods. We traveled through many small country towns with names the likes of Morley, Newaygo, White Cloud, Lilley, Bitley and finally arrived in Baldwin. Each spring Baldwin has a blessing of the bikes. Heading east out of Baldwin we travel to Reed City and Paris before arriving in Big Rapids.
Our route took us through forests, along streams and rivers and past many a small mid-western farms. What a beautiful country we live in. We rode from Big Rapids out the back roads towards Canadian Lakes. On this part of the trip we ride past a Llama farm.
We called long time friends, Bonnie and John Detloff and agreed to meet them for dinner in Mt. Pleasant. So about 5:00 we took off eastbound riding to Mt. Pleasant and the Mountain Town Station Restaurant. It’s speciality is ribs, but alas none of us ordered the ribs this time. We had prime rib and steaks, not as good as the ribs. Great conservation, wonderful friends, but alas Tom and Nancy must leave to ride back into the setting sun and Canadian Lakes.
We decided to ride to the Croton and Hardy Dams. (The Croton dam was a pioneer in its early days.) We started out on 5 Mile Rd. Riding down we passed a home where there must have been 25 to 30 Amish buggies parked. This is Sunday and so it was church day. We rode past the Elk/Deer/Moose farm, not seeing any of the wild animals. Think they were back in the woods. We traveled through many small country towns with names the likes of Morley, Newaygo, White Cloud, Lilley, Bitley and finally arrived in Baldwin. Each spring Baldwin has a blessing of the bikes. Heading east out of Baldwin we travel to Reed City and Paris before arriving in Big Rapids.
Our route took us through forests, along streams and rivers and past many a small mid-western farms. What a beautiful country we live in. We rode from Big Rapids out the back roads towards Canadian Lakes. On this part of the trip we ride past a Llama farm.
We called long time friends, Bonnie and John Detloff and agreed to meet them for dinner in Mt. Pleasant. So about 5:00 we took off eastbound riding to Mt. Pleasant and the Mountain Town Station Restaurant. It’s speciality is ribs, but alas none of us ordered the ribs this time. We had prime rib and steaks, not as good as the ribs. Great conservation, wonderful friends, but alas Tom and Nancy must leave to ride back into the setting sun and Canadian Lakes.
First Day at Canadian Lakes
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Today we leave Mesick and travel south to Canadian Lakes. This is where we had our last home in Michigan. Another day we arrive early in the day so we ride around and toured Canadian Lakes. We rode by our last home and wow does it look small. The people who purchased our next door neighbors home basically did a tear down, and the home went from about 1800 s.f. to about 6500 s.f. Really made our place look like a postage stamp.
We stopped at Theismeyer’s home to visit with them for a short while.
Toured around the ”Royal” both north and south. Some building, lots of homes for sale and are we happy we sold when we did. Also rode up by St. Ives and in through the back gate. The back gate is paved, never did we think that would happen.
After dinner we wanted to ride to King’s. That is the place to go for ice cream. We both ordered a small bowl of ice cream, and we should have ordered just one bowl for the two of us. It was much larger than either one of us remember it to be. Leaving Sylvester we traveled back country roads arriving home before sundown.
Today we leave Mesick and travel south to Canadian Lakes. This is where we had our last home in Michigan. Another day we arrive early in the day so we ride around and toured Canadian Lakes. We rode by our last home and wow does it look small. The people who purchased our next door neighbors home basically did a tear down, and the home went from about 1800 s.f. to about 6500 s.f. Really made our place look like a postage stamp.
We stopped at Theismeyer’s home to visit with them for a short while.
Toured around the ”Royal” both north and south. Some building, lots of homes for sale and are we happy we sold when we did. Also rode up by St. Ives and in through the back gate. The back gate is paved, never did we think that would happen.
After dinner we wanted to ride to King’s. That is the place to go for ice cream. We both ordered a small bowl of ice cream, and we should have ordered just one bowl for the two of us. It was much larger than either one of us remember it to be. Leaving Sylvester we traveled back country roads arriving home before sundown.
Lake Michigan
Friday, August 10, 2007
Today we start heading for Beulah and the north shore of Crystal Lake before finding our way to M-22 along the Lake Michigan shoreline. We ride up into the Leelanau peninsula. Along the way we visited Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We have riden our bicycles here before, and of course taken the automobile along on parts of this ride, but this is a first for the motorcycles. About 5 or 6 years ago we brought Lucy and Emmett here. They loved the sand dunes, which we also do. Still heading northwinding along the shoreline through forests we end up in Northport where we have a picnic lunch by the city docks. Along the way a deer ran out in Nancy’s path thank heavens she stopped before hitting the deer.
After lunch we head south on the east side of the Leelanau peninsula towards Traverse City. We take our time and enjoy the ride down. When we arrive in Traverse City we take the time to find Tom’s Aunt Bonnie’s home. She was born and raised and has lived all her life at 717 7th. St. Around 4:00 we head to Boone’s on Long Lake. It is a wonderful steak house so we try and eat there when in the area.
After dinner we head to John’s home. We arrive and talk with wife Laura, and meet son Jonah and twin daughter’s Lizzie and Gracie. What a nice family. John’s mother, Katrina comes so we get to visit with her. What a nice visit we had and of course we had to leave because we had to ride back to the campground about 45 miles away and we wanted to arrive during daylight.
Today we start heading for Beulah and the north shore of Crystal Lake before finding our way to M-22 along the Lake Michigan shoreline. We ride up into the Leelanau peninsula. Along the way we visited Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We have riden our bicycles here before, and of course taken the automobile along on parts of this ride, but this is a first for the motorcycles. About 5 or 6 years ago we brought Lucy and Emmett here. They loved the sand dunes, which we also do. Still heading northwinding along the shoreline through forests we end up in Northport where we have a picnic lunch by the city docks. Along the way a deer ran out in Nancy’s path thank heavens she stopped before hitting the deer.
After lunch we head south on the east side of the Leelanau peninsula towards Traverse City. We take our time and enjoy the ride down. When we arrive in Traverse City we take the time to find Tom’s Aunt Bonnie’s home. She was born and raised and has lived all her life at 717 7th. St. Around 4:00 we head to Boone’s on Long Lake. It is a wonderful steak house so we try and eat there when in the area.
After dinner we head to John’s home. We arrive and talk with wife Laura, and meet son Jonah and twin daughter’s Lizzie and Gracie. What a nice family. John’s mother, Katrina comes so we get to visit with her. What a nice visit we had and of course we had to leave because we had to ride back to the campground about 45 miles away and we wanted to arrive during daylight.
Point Betsie
Thursday, August 9, 2007
We ride back roads out to Lake Michigan and north to Crystal Lake. What a pretty lake. Reminds me of large old lake homes the Chicago wealthy came to the Michigan shoreline and built during the 20’s and 30’s. We rode out to Point Betsie lighthouse. As with all our rides, we ride though the forests, and near a lake or river and along shoreline.
We start our day in long sleeves, and before long we shed the long sleeves for short sleeves and ride the rest of the day in short sleeves.
We ride back roads out to Lake Michigan and north to Crystal Lake. What a pretty lake. Reminds me of large old lake homes the Chicago wealthy came to the Michigan shoreline and built during the 20’s and 30’s. We rode out to Point Betsie lighthouse. As with all our rides, we ride though the forests, and near a lake or river and along shoreline.
We start our day in long sleeves, and before long we shed the long sleeves for short sleeves and ride the rest of the day in short sleeves.
Our "3rd" Son
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
We leave Indian River heading for John’s campground in Mesick, Michigan. (John is like our third son.) We arrive early in the day and at the front gate they inform us John wants to meet us there and escort us to our site. But, alas John is busy and can’t get to us so we head to our campsite. Before we are totally set up John arrives and it is so good to see him. We would recognize John, he really hasn’t changed much. Age agrees with him.
After lunch we ride into Cadillac to grocery shop. We go to the Meijer’s. That is a department/grocery store started in Michigan. A straight ride into Meijer’s and we buy a few more items than what was on our shopping list. Remember we are on the motorcycles, so we can’t purchase to many items. We fill Tom’s saddlebags, the roll bag and Nancy’s little bag on the rear. Boy, all of them are full and we are glad we did not purchase anything more. A nice ride and we get home and unload.
We leave Indian River heading for John’s campground in Mesick, Michigan. (John is like our third son.) We arrive early in the day and at the front gate they inform us John wants to meet us there and escort us to our site. But, alas John is busy and can’t get to us so we head to our campsite. Before we are totally set up John arrives and it is so good to see him. We would recognize John, he really hasn’t changed much. Age agrees with him.
After lunch we ride into Cadillac to grocery shop. We go to the Meijer’s. That is a department/grocery store started in Michigan. A straight ride into Meijer’s and we buy a few more items than what was on our shopping list. Remember we are on the motorcycles, so we can’t purchase to many items. We fill Tom’s saddlebags, the roll bag and Nancy’s little bag on the rear. Boy, all of them are full and we are glad we did not purchase anything more. A nice ride and we get home and unload.
Back Roads
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Our ride today takes us south on county road C 48 south towards Wolverine. Then through Boyne Falls, Boyne City, East Jordan, Atwood and along the Michigan shoreline. We travel through forests, along the lakeshore north towards Charlevoix, Bay Shore and Petoskey. The road snakes around and it is spoiling us for future riding. What a gorgeous day we have. The riding in the north woods areas just can’t be beat.
Our ride today takes us south on county road C 48 south towards Wolverine. Then through Boyne Falls, Boyne City, East Jordan, Atwood and along the Michigan shoreline. We travel through forests, along the lakeshore north towards Charlevoix, Bay Shore and Petoskey. The road snakes around and it is spoiling us for future riding. What a gorgeous day we have. The riding in the north woods areas just can’t be beat.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Tunnel of Trees
Monday, August 6, 2007
Well, today starts Sturgis Week. So glad we went early and had wonderful rides. The state of S.D. population will swell this week. They only expect 400,000 people. Lets just say a lot of them are the unsavory type.
This is the day for THE RIDE. Nancy wanted to motorcycle this ride since we started talking about heading north with the cycles. We started our from our campsite heading south on old U.S. 27. We rode it until C.R. C-58. That took us towards Petoskey. From just west of Petoskey we found route M-119. That route takes you to Harbor Springs and then onto Cross Village. The town of Harbor Springs is very picturesque. Lots of old Cottages for the rich from Chicago. Many were built in the early 20th. century. Lovely old Victorian homes, well kept up. The harbor is nice and there were plenty of boats in. We walked around some and then headed out on our routh.
What a day. The sun was warm, we started out in long sleeves but by the time we reached Harbor Springs we took the long sleeves off. We finished the day in short sleeves.
Heading north our of Harbor Springs is a very pleasant ride. Lots of nice curves, in amongst the forest. You are riding the high bank right along Lake Michigan and is is so cool. It is a scenic highway and if you ever get the chance it is one of those MUST rides. When we arrived in Cross Village we headed to the Leggs Inn. It has been a popular spot for tourists for many years. Some years ago it fell in disrepair and we were not sure what we would find. Luckily someone caring now owns the Leggs Inn and has fixed it up. We had lunch on the patio in among the flower gardens, and our view was overlooking Lake Michigan.
After a fine meal we traveled back country roads to Wilderness State Park, then on into Mackinaw City. We then headed down the Lake Huron shoreline for Cheboygan. From Cheboygan we took the east side of Mullet Lake before reaching our campground.
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Well, today starts Sturgis Week. So glad we went early and had wonderful rides. The state of S.D. population will swell this week. They only expect 400,000 people. Lets just say a lot of them are the unsavory type.
This is the day for THE RIDE. Nancy wanted to motorcycle this ride since we started talking about heading north with the cycles. We started our from our campsite heading south on old U.S. 27. We rode it until C.R. C-58. That took us towards Petoskey. From just west of Petoskey we found route M-119. That route takes you to Harbor Springs and then onto Cross Village. The town of Harbor Springs is very picturesque. Lots of old Cottages for the rich from Chicago. Many were built in the early 20th. century. Lovely old Victorian homes, well kept up. The harbor is nice and there were plenty of boats in. We walked around some and then headed out on our routh.
What a day. The sun was warm, we started out in long sleeves but by the time we reached Harbor Springs we took the long sleeves off. We finished the day in short sleeves.
Heading north our of Harbor Springs is a very pleasant ride. Lots of nice curves, in amongst the forest. You are riding the high bank right along Lake Michigan and is is so cool. It is a scenic highway and if you ever get the chance it is one of those MUST rides. When we arrived in Cross Village we headed to the Leggs Inn. It has been a popular spot for tourists for many years. Some years ago it fell in disrepair and we were not sure what we would find. Luckily someone caring now owns the Leggs Inn and has fixed it up. We had lunch on the patio in among the flower gardens, and our view was overlooking Lake Michigan.
After a fine meal we traveled back country roads to Wilderness State Park, then on into Mackinaw City. We then headed down the Lake Huron shoreline for Cheboygan. From Cheboygan we took the east side of Mullet Lake before reaching our campground.
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Monday, August 6, 2007
Beautiful Sunday Drive
Sunday, August 5, 2007
This Sunday started out with leaving Munising and heading south to the lower peninsula. It would turn out to be a wonderful day for a drive. The sun was out and the winds were relatively quiet so you could drive with the windows open. We headed south and found our way to U.S. 2 on the north shore of Lake Michigan. As anyone who has traveled this area knows this is truly a great drive. We drove down the shoreline amongst forests and the sand dunes. Very picturesque.
Arriving in St. Ignace area we wound our way around to find lines for crossing "Big Mac" bridge. We had no idea what the costs would be with the motor home and trailer. Wow, cost was only $8.00! When it actually came time to cross the bridge, Tom was in the outside lane on the bridge. I cringed! At times I closed my eyes. The lanes are narrow and I felt like I was going to fall off the bridge. But, we made it across and we are alive to tell the adventure.
Arriving on the lower peninsula side of the state we headed south to Wolverine area for a campsite. The first campsite we arrived at was 4 miles or more down a dirt/gravel road. Not for us so when we arrived Nancy told the camp owner that the road into it was not for us. We left that one and found another camp ground in the same area. Called it and the person stated most of the road was paved just a short 1/4 mile unpaved. We could do that so off we went in search of the camp site. We found our way and the 1/4 mile was more like one mile up and down hills. Wrong we were not going to ride down that road.
We found our way to exit 313 off I-75 and found the greatest campground you would even imagine. The campground is in Topinabee. It is wooded, hilly, interior paved roads, full hook-up. The only downside was no cable. But, it is a great location. In the area we want to be in for the rides we would like to take.
After setting up camp we had lots of day light left. We unhooked our motorcycles and headed out to Mackinaw City. This city has really changed since our last visit to it. We parked the bikes, went into the outside shopping mall and wound our way around the city. Nancy finally found the fudge shop she wanted. Yes, she turned into a "fudgie" and purchased the pound so she could satisfy her sweet tooth. Tom found a kite shop and purchased a spinner kite for outside decoration of the motor home.
We had walked, seen and shopped so we wanted to get back to the camp ground. We headed south and ended up having to ride on the interstate to get back to the camp ground. Great ride.
We thought we deserved to have cocktails tonight. We made them and started to walk around the camp ground. We found many nice people to talk with. By the time we got back to the motor home it was late, so we hurried and had a late supper.
This Sunday started out with leaving Munising and heading south to the lower peninsula. It would turn out to be a wonderful day for a drive. The sun was out and the winds were relatively quiet so you could drive with the windows open. We headed south and found our way to U.S. 2 on the north shore of Lake Michigan. As anyone who has traveled this area knows this is truly a great drive. We drove down the shoreline amongst forests and the sand dunes. Very picturesque.
Arriving in St. Ignace area we wound our way around to find lines for crossing "Big Mac" bridge. We had no idea what the costs would be with the motor home and trailer. Wow, cost was only $8.00! When it actually came time to cross the bridge, Tom was in the outside lane on the bridge. I cringed! At times I closed my eyes. The lanes are narrow and I felt like I was going to fall off the bridge. But, we made it across and we are alive to tell the adventure.
Arriving on the lower peninsula side of the state we headed south to Wolverine area for a campsite. The first campsite we arrived at was 4 miles or more down a dirt/gravel road. Not for us so when we arrived Nancy told the camp owner that the road into it was not for us. We left that one and found another camp ground in the same area. Called it and the person stated most of the road was paved just a short 1/4 mile unpaved. We could do that so off we went in search of the camp site. We found our way and the 1/4 mile was more like one mile up and down hills. Wrong we were not going to ride down that road.
We found our way to exit 313 off I-75 and found the greatest campground you would even imagine. The campground is in Topinabee. It is wooded, hilly, interior paved roads, full hook-up. The only downside was no cable. But, it is a great location. In the area we want to be in for the rides we would like to take.
After setting up camp we had lots of day light left. We unhooked our motorcycles and headed out to Mackinaw City. This city has really changed since our last visit to it. We parked the bikes, went into the outside shopping mall and wound our way around the city. Nancy finally found the fudge shop she wanted. Yes, she turned into a "fudgie" and purchased the pound so she could satisfy her sweet tooth. Tom found a kite shop and purchased a spinner kite for outside decoration of the motor home.
We had walked, seen and shopped so we wanted to get back to the camp ground. We headed south and ended up having to ride on the interstate to get back to the camp ground. Great ride.
We thought we deserved to have cocktails tonight. We made them and started to walk around the camp ground. We found many nice people to talk with. By the time we got back to the motor home it was late, so we hurried and had a late supper.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Early Saturday morning the sun was out and the weather was favorible for a ride on the tour boats on Lake Superior. We called and made reservations for the noon ride. We had taken our windbreakers, but they were not needed. The ride was more than either of us expected. The shorline is wonderful and we sure were glad we had digital cameras. We took lots of photos. The rugged shoreline had overhangs that can't be described. We enjoyed our ride and about 3:00 we were back on shore.
We asked the crew on board the boat "where is the best pasties?" Everyone said Muldoon's in Munising was o.k but the best were in Au Train. So, we must have the best: Au Train it was for a late lunch. We rode through Christmas to get to Au Train. It was certainly worth the ride.
Then we headed back to our campsite, but we took a little detour. Nancy had seen a waterfalls at the intersection of 94 and 28. So we stopped for that photo shoot. Nancy did not want to get back quite so soon, so we rode down 94 for a little ways. The road was nice, newly paved and we soon spotted another waterfall. This one was back in the wood, so off we went on the pathways to enjoy the waterfall.
When we arrived back at camp we pulled the motorcycles into the trailer and got them ready for a travel day.
Early Saturday morning the sun was out and the weather was favorible for a ride on the tour boats on Lake Superior. We called and made reservations for the noon ride. We had taken our windbreakers, but they were not needed. The ride was more than either of us expected. The shorline is wonderful and we sure were glad we had digital cameras. We took lots of photos. The rugged shoreline had overhangs that can't be described. We enjoyed our ride and about 3:00 we were back on shore.
We asked the crew on board the boat "where is the best pasties?" Everyone said Muldoon's in Munising was o.k but the best were in Au Train. So, we must have the best: Au Train it was for a late lunch. We rode through Christmas to get to Au Train. It was certainly worth the ride.
Then we headed back to our campsite, but we took a little detour. Nancy had seen a waterfalls at the intersection of 94 and 28. So we stopped for that photo shoot. Nancy did not want to get back quite so soon, so we rode down 94 for a little ways. The road was nice, newly paved and we soon spotted another waterfall. This one was back in the wood, so off we went on the pathways to enjoy the waterfall.
When we arrived back at camp we pulled the motorcycles into the trailer and got them ready for a travel day.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Munising
Friday, August 3, 2007
This morning we had a thought we might go on a boat ride. The wind was strong so we figured that the day would be better if we took a nice ride. We started out riding and stopped at a few rest areas. The views were great and the many inlets and woods just made us realize why we like the North Country.
We rode into Marquette and the Harley store. When we were there lots of bikers were there. It was interesting to talk with them. Some were headed to Sturgis, some just out for a nice ride on a great day.
We ate lunch at a Pizza Hut in town before heading back to Munising. We toured the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Wow, the lake was so clear and color turquoise and blue, just like the Carribbean. The rocks have such lovely colors and the beach below so sandy.....just a great time.
We arrived home late in the afternoon and we had an even later dinner. We did take lots of pictures today so that we can remember all the great views and wonderful sights.
This morning we had a thought we might go on a boat ride. The wind was strong so we figured that the day would be better if we took a nice ride. We started out riding and stopped at a few rest areas. The views were great and the many inlets and woods just made us realize why we like the North Country.
We rode into Marquette and the Harley store. When we were there lots of bikers were there. It was interesting to talk with them. Some were headed to Sturgis, some just out for a nice ride on a great day.
We ate lunch at a Pizza Hut in town before heading back to Munising. We toured the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Wow, the lake was so clear and color turquoise and blue, just like the Carribbean. The rocks have such lovely colors and the beach below so sandy.....just a great time.
We arrived home late in the afternoon and we had an even later dinner. We did take lots of pictures today so that we can remember all the great views and wonderful sights.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Michigan my Michigan
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Left our little campsite early this morning. Before leaving we take a small walk around the camp ground and look at other motor homes. It is nice to see what others have done to their rigs that maybe we should consider doing to ours.
We arrive in Michigan in the late morning. We decide we want to camp at Munising. Tom calls ahead to reserve a campsite for us. We now know just where we are headed to for the day. The area around Munising is close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We have been here before, but this time we will take a boat ride out and see the area from the lake.
Our drive down the Lake Superior shore line is so pretty. The lake is rugged and the turn outs are many. We decide that when we ride the motor cycles on this road we will take the turn outs and take photos.
Arriving at the campsite in the early afternoon, we get tucked into the assigned campsite to find that the electric hook-up is fine, but the water and cable are a mile away. We walk back into the office and she suggests we move to another campsite. Tom walks down to look at the different campsite, before we pick up and move. He returns and says it's a keeper, so we move to the different campsite.
Tom readies the outside of the motor home for a little longer stay. (3-4 days) Nancy puts things out inside the motor home. We will be here a longer so the flag goes out, the name sign goes up and the canopy goes up. We are just settling in. Perhaps tomorrow we will go for a bike ride or the boat ride. Must see what the weather is like for the boat ride. The winds are strong today so the lake will be rough.
Left our little campsite early this morning. Before leaving we take a small walk around the camp ground and look at other motor homes. It is nice to see what others have done to their rigs that maybe we should consider doing to ours.
We arrive in Michigan in the late morning. We decide we want to camp at Munising. Tom calls ahead to reserve a campsite for us. We now know just where we are headed to for the day. The area around Munising is close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We have been here before, but this time we will take a boat ride out and see the area from the lake.
Our drive down the Lake Superior shore line is so pretty. The lake is rugged and the turn outs are many. We decide that when we ride the motor cycles on this road we will take the turn outs and take photos.
Arriving at the campsite in the early afternoon, we get tucked into the assigned campsite to find that the electric hook-up is fine, but the water and cable are a mile away. We walk back into the office and she suggests we move to another campsite. Tom walks down to look at the different campsite, before we pick up and move. He returns and says it's a keeper, so we move to the different campsite.
Tom readies the outside of the motor home for a little longer stay. (3-4 days) Nancy puts things out inside the motor home. We will be here a longer so the flag goes out, the name sign goes up and the canopy goes up. We are just settling in. Perhaps tomorrow we will go for a bike ride or the boat ride. Must see what the weather is like for the boat ride. The winds are strong today so the lake will be rough.
Travel Time
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Well, this morning we are leaving Dakota Lakes (Mystic Lake Casino) campground. How should we plan this day. We would like to go to Duluth, then onto Wisconsin and into Michigan. Just how far do we want to travel? Don't have reservations for the night, when we get to be 3:00 ish we will look for a campground.
Just heading north from Mystic Lake our GPS takes the I-35w road. We consider ourselves lucky as we went over the bridge about 8 hours before the collapse. We arrive in Duluth and with much help we find the Harley store. We shop around for awhile, finding a new shirt for each of us. Then we continue on our way.
We are in Wisconsin and we figure we should stop for the night. We stop in a small village the locals call Cedar. Can't find it on the map, but it is the intersection of U.S. 2 and C.R. 169. We have a little campsite and are glad to be off the road. We hear thunder and see lightning as we set up the campsite. Glad to be tucked in for the night.
Well, this morning we are leaving Dakota Lakes (Mystic Lake Casino) campground. How should we plan this day. We would like to go to Duluth, then onto Wisconsin and into Michigan. Just how far do we want to travel? Don't have reservations for the night, when we get to be 3:00 ish we will look for a campground.
Just heading north from Mystic Lake our GPS takes the I-35w road. We consider ourselves lucky as we went over the bridge about 8 hours before the collapse. We arrive in Duluth and with much help we find the Harley store. We shop around for awhile, finding a new shirt for each of us. Then we continue on our way.
We are in Wisconsin and we figure we should stop for the night. We stop in a small village the locals call Cedar. Can't find it on the map, but it is the intersection of U.S. 2 and C.R. 169. We have a little campsite and are glad to be off the road. We hear thunder and see lightning as we set up the campsite. Glad to be tucked in for the night.
Travel Days
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
We left Watertown, S.D. early in the morning. We were heading towards Minneapolis, MN. We looked into the Woodall's (RV park directory) to find a place to stay near Minnetonka. Our neighbors in M/L wanted us to visit them.
We drove on rural country roads into Minnesota. It is a lovely drive. Arriving at Dakota Lakes and Mystic Lake (a casino) we had a great campground. We had full hook-up and a nice level cement pad on which to park. We set up our campsite and headed out on the motorcycles.
We arrived at Jan and Clyde's in time for cocktails. We had cocktails on the patio and then went into the pool. We floated around the pool for quite some time. Tom told Nancy to watch out the pool was slippery, but Nancy went down any ways. Oh, well some people don't listen. After cooling off in the pool, we had a lovely cook-out on the patio.
After dinner it was a little on the late side so our gracious hosts let us leave to ride back to the campground arriving just as the sun set.
We did not have cable t.v. here so we headed up to the casino, where Nancy played the slots. When Tom and Nancy headed back to the camp site, Nancy had only lost a dollar and had over an hours worth of entertainment. Can't get better than that.
We left Watertown, S.D. early in the morning. We were heading towards Minneapolis, MN. We looked into the Woodall's (RV park directory) to find a place to stay near Minnetonka. Our neighbors in M/L wanted us to visit them.
We drove on rural country roads into Minnesota. It is a lovely drive. Arriving at Dakota Lakes and Mystic Lake (a casino) we had a great campground. We had full hook-up and a nice level cement pad on which to park. We set up our campsite and headed out on the motorcycles.
We arrived at Jan and Clyde's in time for cocktails. We had cocktails on the patio and then went into the pool. We floated around the pool for quite some time. Tom told Nancy to watch out the pool was slippery, but Nancy went down any ways. Oh, well some people don't listen. After cooling off in the pool, we had a lovely cook-out on the patio.
After dinner it was a little on the late side so our gracious hosts let us leave to ride back to the campground arriving just as the sun set.
We did not have cable t.v. here so we headed up to the casino, where Nancy played the slots. When Tom and Nancy headed back to the camp site, Nancy had only lost a dollar and had over an hours worth of entertainment. Can't get better than that.
Hensler Visit
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tom took the motor home to a repair shop today. The back up lights on the trailer were not working so he wanted to be sure that they were working before we traveled any further. Tom also wanted to repair the shower door, so Nancy would not get hit in the head, again.
During the time Tom was working on the motor home Nancy and Eve traveled into the Redlin Museum. Wow, a great building. The art work is great and certainly learned more about the man.
Eve took Nancy to show her Eve's office. A state of the art building with wonderful up to the minute equipment. Eve did a hearing test on Nancy and told Nancy what was wrong with her hearing.
After the hearing test Bob, Eve and Nancy had lunch downtown. The building was really neat. The dining room had a tin ceiling, brick walls and lovely shadowbox tables with 19th. century memorabilia.
After lunch we headed back to the lake and we all (Tom, Nancy, Eve and Bob) went for a boat ride. Bob had the boat out on the hoist and we toured their lake from the water. Terry Redlin, the artist has a place on their lake so Nancy got to see where he lives in addition to the museum where his artwork is on display.
After a lovely dinner with lots of talk we went out to the motor home to retire for the evening.
Tom took the motor home to a repair shop today. The back up lights on the trailer were not working so he wanted to be sure that they were working before we traveled any further. Tom also wanted to repair the shower door, so Nancy would not get hit in the head, again.
During the time Tom was working on the motor home Nancy and Eve traveled into the Redlin Museum. Wow, a great building. The art work is great and certainly learned more about the man.
Eve took Nancy to show her Eve's office. A state of the art building with wonderful up to the minute equipment. Eve did a hearing test on Nancy and told Nancy what was wrong with her hearing.
After the hearing test Bob, Eve and Nancy had lunch downtown. The building was really neat. The dining room had a tin ceiling, brick walls and lovely shadowbox tables with 19th. century memorabilia.
After lunch we headed back to the lake and we all (Tom, Nancy, Eve and Bob) went for a boat ride. Bob had the boat out on the hoist and we toured their lake from the water. Terry Redlin, the artist has a place on their lake so Nancy got to see where he lives in addition to the museum where his artwork is on display.
After a lovely dinner with lots of talk we went out to the motor home to retire for the evening.
Monday, July 30, 2007
On the Road, Again
Sunday,July 29, 2007
We packed up once again and headed east. We took the back roads of S. Dakota and found not very many people travel on them. What senic views and wonder times can be had traveling the slower lanes. The best item for travel on back roads is there is hardly a billboard in sight. Not many travel these roads so they are on the interstate roads.
We have wonderful friends in Watertown, S.D. and that is where we are for the next two nights. Bob and Eve were at a friends party, but Eve took time out to open the house for us. What a wonderful view they have from the front room. It reminds us of our home at Canadian Lakes, you sit and can see the lake. Great thoughts.
Tom and Nancy decided before arriving at Eve and Bob's that they would fill the motor home with gas. At the station Nancy thought she would put things away so when they arrived the motor home would be great. Nancy went to open the shower door and the shower door fell off and the door fell out of the frame work and Nancy got a nice gash on her forhead. It bleed like crazy and now she has a gash on her forhead. Not, bad but there. Eve does not want anyone to think that this happened because she was in S. Dakota.
We had a wonderful visit last night and today (Monday) we are off and running.
We packed up once again and headed east. We took the back roads of S. Dakota and found not very many people travel on them. What senic views and wonder times can be had traveling the slower lanes. The best item for travel on back roads is there is hardly a billboard in sight. Not many travel these roads so they are on the interstate roads.
We have wonderful friends in Watertown, S.D. and that is where we are for the next two nights. Bob and Eve were at a friends party, but Eve took time out to open the house for us. What a wonderful view they have from the front room. It reminds us of our home at Canadian Lakes, you sit and can see the lake. Great thoughts.
Tom and Nancy decided before arriving at Eve and Bob's that they would fill the motor home with gas. At the station Nancy thought she would put things away so when they arrived the motor home would be great. Nancy went to open the shower door and the shower door fell off and the door fell out of the frame work and Nancy got a nice gash on her forhead. It bleed like crazy and now she has a gash on her forhead. Not, bad but there. Eve does not want anyone to think that this happened because she was in S. Dakota.
We had a wonderful visit last night and today (Monday) we are off and running.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Spearfish Canyon
Saturday, July 28, 2007
What a wonderful day for a ride. The morning was crisp cool weather so we started out layering our clothing. We rode the interstate highway to Spearfish, S.D. finding road 14A. We start out in the city of Spearfish, nothing to write home about. Nancy was wondering if she made a mistake in wanting to ride the canyon.
Not more than a few short miles down the road, Nancy and Tom were treated to some of the most magnificent scenery that they have had the pleasure riding. The curves were gentle, the sun shining and the stream beside the road was gently flowing. Wow, what a nice ride. Just about 10 miles into the canyon we were treated to the "Bridal Veil Falls". Thinking we would have to take a short ride off the main road we were pleasantly surprised to find the falls right alongside the main road. We took lots of photos, and met many bikers stopping to admire the falls. About this time one layer of clothing came off.
Continuing down the road every turn we were treated to high canyon walls of stone, some so high you can't begin to guess how high they were. The little stream continues almost all the way on the canyon road. Some places so picture perfect, and always a gentle reminder how we have so many beautiful places to visit in America.
We made it into Deadwood, where Nancy wanted to go to the Harley Shop. We had lunch in Deadwood and from there back to the campsite is about14 miles. It is a nice ride, but Tom and Nancy enjoyed the ride down Spearfish Canyon so much they decided to return to the canyon and travel it the other way. Wow, both ways are neat and so very pretty. If you get the chance to visit here, I strongly recommend visiting Spearfish Canyon.
What a wonderful day for a ride. The morning was crisp cool weather so we started out layering our clothing. We rode the interstate highway to Spearfish, S.D. finding road 14A. We start out in the city of Spearfish, nothing to write home about. Nancy was wondering if she made a mistake in wanting to ride the canyon.
Not more than a few short miles down the road, Nancy and Tom were treated to some of the most magnificent scenery that they have had the pleasure riding. The curves were gentle, the sun shining and the stream beside the road was gently flowing. Wow, what a nice ride. Just about 10 miles into the canyon we were treated to the "Bridal Veil Falls". Thinking we would have to take a short ride off the main road we were pleasantly surprised to find the falls right alongside the main road. We took lots of photos, and met many bikers stopping to admire the falls. About this time one layer of clothing came off.
Continuing down the road every turn we were treated to high canyon walls of stone, some so high you can't begin to guess how high they were. The little stream continues almost all the way on the canyon road. Some places so picture perfect, and always a gentle reminder how we have so many beautiful places to visit in America.
We made it into Deadwood, where Nancy wanted to go to the Harley Shop. We had lunch in Deadwood and from there back to the campsite is about14 miles. It is a nice ride, but Tom and Nancy enjoyed the ride down Spearfish Canyon so much they decided to return to the canyon and travel it the other way. Wow, both ways are neat and so very pretty. If you get the chance to visit here, I strongly recommend visiting Spearfish Canyon.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Mt. Rushmore
Friday, July 27, 2007
This morning we decide to take the Mt. Rushmore trip. We head to Deadwood and go through town to find route 385 to Mt. Rushmore. The road is full of curves, uphills and downhills a lot of different speeds. We wind our way around and through the hills and finally heading uphill we start to see the famous faces on the side of the mountain. What a view!
We arrive to the entrance to the parking lot, and wait there is a parking fee. The fee for an auto is $8.00, a motor home $10.00 and a bus $50.00. We get to the gate to pay and they tell us it will be $16.00 for the two motorcycles. Wait, we can see the famous faces down the road, so turn around and head back. We go about 1 mile down the road to get our pictures. It is like about the 3 time to Rushmore for Nancy and the 2 time for Tom. Enough! All our other ventures we had a senior pass to National Parks and that gets both of us in.
From Mt. Rushmore we think we will take the way into Rapid City. We arrive in Rapid City and think we should fill the gas tanks. From the filling station Nancy sees a Black Hills Gold Jewelry Outlet. We had to go and check it out. Nancy just can't find anything she wants, so we leave. Thinking we should go into the Harley Shop we head north out of town.
Finding the Harley shop we made a few wrong turns, but we did arrive and look at the shop. They are setting up lots of tents for the Sturgis Bike Rally. They are not dealing on motorcycles, so we head out. Before we head out we ask the salesman if there is a back road we can take to get to Sturgis. Wow, we asked the right person. He told us the back roads and what a ride it was. Remember how I said we had a few 8% grades (?) well this route gave us a few 10% grades. I am certainly learning how to make the curves and hills much easier.
We stopped along the way at the little creek running beside the road. Nancy wanted to take pictures. It was a great stop, very photo perfect.
Arriving in Sturgis we made our way back to the campsite via Main Street and Lazelle Street. They set up more tents every day. We stop and look at a few of the different tents. What an assortment of t-shirts. Every shop has zillions of tees, not what we want. We are looking for saddlebags for Nancy and roll bags for both Tom and Nancy.
Arriving back at the campsite for a few hours, then we go to Pizza Hut for dinner. When we are finished eating we walk outside to rain. Oh well, they need rain here in Sturgis so we ride home in the rain. What a wonderful day. We rode about 150 miles today.
This morning we decide to take the Mt. Rushmore trip. We head to Deadwood and go through town to find route 385 to Mt. Rushmore. The road is full of curves, uphills and downhills a lot of different speeds. We wind our way around and through the hills and finally heading uphill we start to see the famous faces on the side of the mountain. What a view!
We arrive to the entrance to the parking lot, and wait there is a parking fee. The fee for an auto is $8.00, a motor home $10.00 and a bus $50.00. We get to the gate to pay and they tell us it will be $16.00 for the two motorcycles. Wait, we can see the famous faces down the road, so turn around and head back. We go about 1 mile down the road to get our pictures. It is like about the 3 time to Rushmore for Nancy and the 2 time for Tom. Enough! All our other ventures we had a senior pass to National Parks and that gets both of us in.
From Mt. Rushmore we think we will take the way into Rapid City. We arrive in Rapid City and think we should fill the gas tanks. From the filling station Nancy sees a Black Hills Gold Jewelry Outlet. We had to go and check it out. Nancy just can't find anything she wants, so we leave. Thinking we should go into the Harley Shop we head north out of town.
Finding the Harley shop we made a few wrong turns, but we did arrive and look at the shop. They are setting up lots of tents for the Sturgis Bike Rally. They are not dealing on motorcycles, so we head out. Before we head out we ask the salesman if there is a back road we can take to get to Sturgis. Wow, we asked the right person. He told us the back roads and what a ride it was. Remember how I said we had a few 8% grades (?) well this route gave us a few 10% grades. I am certainly learning how to make the curves and hills much easier.
We stopped along the way at the little creek running beside the road. Nancy wanted to take pictures. It was a great stop, very photo perfect.
Arriving in Sturgis we made our way back to the campsite via Main Street and Lazelle Street. They set up more tents every day. We stop and look at a few of the different tents. What an assortment of t-shirts. Every shop has zillions of tees, not what we want. We are looking for saddlebags for Nancy and roll bags for both Tom and Nancy.
Arriving back at the campsite for a few hours, then we go to Pizza Hut for dinner. When we are finished eating we walk outside to rain. Oh well, they need rain here in Sturgis so we ride home in the rain. What a wonderful day. We rode about 150 miles today.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Devil's Tower Ride
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Not sure where to ride to today. We must decide between Mt. Rushmore and Devil's Tower. Nancy wants to head to Devil's Tower as we have been to Mt. Rushmore. (back in 1984) So it is off to ride to Devil's Tower.
We get an early start, thank heavens it rained last evening. It cooled the earth around here off. The only bad part is it is mostly overcast. But the temperature is more normal, 74. We have local maps and find the ride that is for Devil's Tower and follow the recommended route. We head out on back country roads. They are U.S. highways, but since the interstate went in not to heavily traveled. That makes for a nice ride for us.
Arriving at the Wyoming border we take time for photo shots. After all we are tourists. Some guys heading into S. Dakota offered to snap a photo of the two of us at the border. Nice. We continue on thru rolling hills, taking curves and uphills and downhills. One steep grade was an 8% downhill grade, thank heavens for low gear!
We arrived at Devil's Tower close to noontime. We took time to just sit and enjoy the view. What spectacular scenery. I recommend everyone take the time and go see this site.
Leaving Devil's Tower the suggested route us through Sundance. We think that little town would be a great place to eat lunch. We head into town and find a corner restaurant, lots of locals heading into the place. That's where we decide to eat. Wow, typical small town - good food.
Leaving Sundance the tour now puts us on the interstate. But, wait it starts to sprinkle. We take time out and shop in Sundance for awhile. When we come out of the general store, it is still sprinkling, so we decide to go ahead and head for home.
We get out on the interstate and the rain disappears. How lucky can we be? So we head for home and warmth. Did I tell you the temperature dropped? well, it did and we were glad we had worn our warm clothes.
All in all our ride was about 160 miles through the Black Hills. What a great experience.
Our internet hookup speed is so slow I can't be bothered with trying to send any pictures.
Not sure where to ride to today. We must decide between Mt. Rushmore and Devil's Tower. Nancy wants to head to Devil's Tower as we have been to Mt. Rushmore. (back in 1984) So it is off to ride to Devil's Tower.
We get an early start, thank heavens it rained last evening. It cooled the earth around here off. The only bad part is it is mostly overcast. But the temperature is more normal, 74. We have local maps and find the ride that is for Devil's Tower and follow the recommended route. We head out on back country roads. They are U.S. highways, but since the interstate went in not to heavily traveled. That makes for a nice ride for us.
Arriving at the Wyoming border we take time for photo shots. After all we are tourists. Some guys heading into S. Dakota offered to snap a photo of the two of us at the border. Nice. We continue on thru rolling hills, taking curves and uphills and downhills. One steep grade was an 8% downhill grade, thank heavens for low gear!
We arrived at Devil's Tower close to noontime. We took time to just sit and enjoy the view. What spectacular scenery. I recommend everyone take the time and go see this site.
Leaving Devil's Tower the suggested route us through Sundance. We think that little town would be a great place to eat lunch. We head into town and find a corner restaurant, lots of locals heading into the place. That's where we decide to eat. Wow, typical small town - good food.
Leaving Sundance the tour now puts us on the interstate. But, wait it starts to sprinkle. We take time out and shop in Sundance for awhile. When we come out of the general store, it is still sprinkling, so we decide to go ahead and head for home.
We get out on the interstate and the rain disappears. How lucky can we be? So we head for home and warmth. Did I tell you the temperature dropped? well, it did and we were glad we had worn our warm clothes.
All in all our ride was about 160 miles through the Black Hills. What a great experience.
Our internet hookup speed is so slow I can't be bothered with trying to send any pictures.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Arrival!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
When we awoke this morning, it was once again HOT! Can't begin to tell you how bad the heat is at this time. Overnight it doesn't even get down to 75. Normal temperature for July in this part of the country is 72. How is that for extreme heat?
Nancy does not want to ride her bike on the gravel as it is loose and can be really hard for a novice rider. Nancy calls ahead to a campground in downtown Sturgis. They aren't open, for another half hour, so she leaves a message. When they get in, they return Nancy's call and tell Nancy to come on up, they have room.
Tom and Nancy do a quick pack-up of the motor home and remember that the generator did not work. Tom thinks it might be because they are out of propane, and he looked in the manual and it told him his generator is probably a propane generator instead of a gasoline generator. So Tom stops for propane before leaving from this campsite and hopes this solves the problem.
Pulling out of the campground Nancy and Tom head west to Sturgis. They arrive about 9:30 A.M. The transmission was fine on the drive and Nancy and Tom decide that the motor home was just hot from driving and the temperature the day before. The new campground is so nice. It has lots of trees and has full service.
After going into Sturgis on the bikes, they decide to head to Deadwood. What a beautiful ride, it is about 15 miles away, and the road is gentle rolling hills, and lots of turns. One stop is the Harley store. They look at lots of black hills gold jewelry stores, NO purchase. But, after this time the sky looks a little black and so we head back to our campsite.
When we awoke this morning, it was once again HOT! Can't begin to tell you how bad the heat is at this time. Overnight it doesn't even get down to 75. Normal temperature for July in this part of the country is 72. How is that for extreme heat?
Nancy does not want to ride her bike on the gravel as it is loose and can be really hard for a novice rider. Nancy calls ahead to a campground in downtown Sturgis. They aren't open, for another half hour, so she leaves a message. When they get in, they return Nancy's call and tell Nancy to come on up, they have room.
Tom and Nancy do a quick pack-up of the motor home and remember that the generator did not work. Tom thinks it might be because they are out of propane, and he looked in the manual and it told him his generator is probably a propane generator instead of a gasoline generator. So Tom stops for propane before leaving from this campsite and hopes this solves the problem.
Pulling out of the campground Nancy and Tom head west to Sturgis. They arrive about 9:30 A.M. The transmission was fine on the drive and Nancy and Tom decide that the motor home was just hot from driving and the temperature the day before. The new campground is so nice. It has lots of trees and has full service.
After going into Sturgis on the bikes, they decide to head to Deadwood. What a beautiful ride, it is about 15 miles away, and the road is gentle rolling hills, and lots of turns. One stop is the Harley store. They look at lots of black hills gold jewelry stores, NO purchase. But, after this time the sky looks a little black and so we head back to our campsite.
More Travel
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
This morning Tom got up early and started getting ready to travel even before Nancy was up. It was going to be another HOT day! We started out early, not sure how far our travel would take us today. We crossed the Missouri River today. Sure is nice, I take pictures out the front window of the motor home. Tom says they don't turn out to good, but when your on the road you don't want to stop 15 million times for Nancy to take pictures.
We tour the Badlands today. We go into the park and ride in the motor home through the park. It is so beautiful, but so ungodly hot that we can't take the time to totally enjoy all we would like.
Tom called ahead and we found a campground in Black Hawk, S.D. It was just west of Rapid City and we figured it might be a good place to make the motorcycle trips from. We arrived about 5:30 local time (MDT) and arriving from the interstate highway we found a gravel road to take us into the campground. Tom also turned around right then and there. We had to travel almost a mile on a dirt/gravel road. Nancy said let's stay the night and decide what to do tomorrow morning.
Had a nice steak dinner over the grill, but it was unbearably hot today. We found that with temperatures over 100 the motor home did not like the heat too much. Tom thought at one point that we had transmission trouble. Also when we tried to start our generator it would not work. Oh, what do we do? We read the manuals and see what they say. Good thing all the manuals were packed.
This morning Tom got up early and started getting ready to travel even before Nancy was up. It was going to be another HOT day! We started out early, not sure how far our travel would take us today. We crossed the Missouri River today. Sure is nice, I take pictures out the front window of the motor home. Tom says they don't turn out to good, but when your on the road you don't want to stop 15 million times for Nancy to take pictures.
We tour the Badlands today. We go into the park and ride in the motor home through the park. It is so beautiful, but so ungodly hot that we can't take the time to totally enjoy all we would like.
Tom called ahead and we found a campground in Black Hawk, S.D. It was just west of Rapid City and we figured it might be a good place to make the motorcycle trips from. We arrived about 5:30 local time (MDT) and arriving from the interstate highway we found a gravel road to take us into the campground. Tom also turned around right then and there. We had to travel almost a mile on a dirt/gravel road. Nancy said let's stay the night and decide what to do tomorrow morning.
Had a nice steak dinner over the grill, but it was unbearably hot today. We found that with temperatures over 100 the motor home did not like the heat too much. Tom thought at one point that we had transmission trouble. Also when we tried to start our generator it would not work. Oh, what do we do? We read the manuals and see what they say. Good thing all the manuals were packed.
Days of Travel
Monday, July 23, 2007
Monday we left Hickory Hollow campground and headed west. We made it to Souix City North, South Dakota. What a long drive. We travel no faster than about 65 mph. But we called ahead and went to a KOA Kampground. It was nice, but the heat was unbearable. The temperature was over 100 and we were cooking. The a/c was on for the drive and when we stopped we had a hard time getting the motorhome cooled down. But, finally it did cool down. The campground had lots of trees, but we were just there for the night as we wanted to get to Sturgis, S.D. The campground was just inside S.D. at exit 2 off I-29.
Monday we left Hickory Hollow campground and headed west. We made it to Souix City North, South Dakota. What a long drive. We travel no faster than about 65 mph. But we called ahead and went to a KOA Kampground. It was nice, but the heat was unbearable. The temperature was over 100 and we were cooking. The a/c was on for the drive and when we stopped we had a hard time getting the motorhome cooled down. But, finally it did cool down. The campground had lots of trees, but we were just there for the night as we wanted to get to Sturgis, S.D. The campground was just inside S.D. at exit 2 off I-29.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sunday Ride
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Today we get to stay in the same campsite. What a relief. Nancy has time to wash all the dirty clothes. What fun, the chores follow you on vacation. Tom does a few odd jobs around the motor home and comes to help bring the laundry home.
After a visit with fellow neighbor campers we get the bikes ready for our ride to Peoria. What a beautiful day for a ride. We leave the campground for a wonderful ride and get about 10 miles away when we come to a bridge that isn't there. No detour signs to help us. Just a road closed sign. We figure a way around this obstacle and get a few more simple cities away only to discover that another bridge is out, and no detour signs. We look at the GPS and find a way to head back toward the campground. We find Starved Rock State Park on the way home and ride through it. Beautiful, and it doesn't cost to get into it. What's wrong with this picture?
Well, we head back to the campground. Don't know if we will head out again or just sit tight.
On our ride thru the community of Standard, Tom makes a quick u-turn. It is because he spotted a beautiful sign that we took a picture of just for Jack and Connie. Yes, it's a picture of a huge sign for Indian motorcycles.
Today we get to stay in the same campsite. What a relief. Nancy has time to wash all the dirty clothes. What fun, the chores follow you on vacation. Tom does a few odd jobs around the motor home and comes to help bring the laundry home.
After a visit with fellow neighbor campers we get the bikes ready for our ride to Peoria. What a beautiful day for a ride. We leave the campground for a wonderful ride and get about 10 miles away when we come to a bridge that isn't there. No detour signs to help us. Just a road closed sign. We figure a way around this obstacle and get a few more simple cities away only to discover that another bridge is out, and no detour signs. We look at the GPS and find a way to head back toward the campground. We find Starved Rock State Park on the way home and ride through it. Beautiful, and it doesn't cost to get into it. What's wrong with this picture?
Well, we head back to the campground. Don't know if we will head out again or just sit tight.
On our ride thru the community of Standard, Tom makes a quick u-turn. It is because he spotted a beautiful sign that we took a picture of just for Jack and Connie. Yes, it's a picture of a huge sign for Indian motorcycles.
Hickory Hollow and the motor home of many moves
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Today we get to move back to a full hook-up site. Wow, we are tired of moving all in the same campground. But, move we do. We think either today or tomorrow we want to ride down the Illinois River to Peoria. Talking with Greg and Lynn we deceide to go into Plainfield today and the ride on the river tomorrow. We look at maps and find yet another way to get to their home. We head west a little then get on route 34 and go north and east to find our way into Plainfield. Nice ride.
We are going to take them to an early dinner at b.d.'s mongolian grill. We all go in Lynn's vehicle to a new mall where the restaurant is. Have a good dinner then Tom and Greg want to go to the Bass Pro Shop (bigger than the one in San Carlos Park) and Lynn takes Nancy to a colorific. The colorific is closed so we head back to Bass Pro Shop and the girls love the fish tank and the tents.
We head back to their home and then we hightail it back to our campsite. We arrive just as the sun sets. Home again feeling safe and sound.
Today we get to move back to a full hook-up site. Wow, we are tired of moving all in the same campground. But, move we do. We think either today or tomorrow we want to ride down the Illinois River to Peoria. Talking with Greg and Lynn we deceide to go into Plainfield today and the ride on the river tomorrow. We look at maps and find yet another way to get to their home. We head west a little then get on route 34 and go north and east to find our way into Plainfield. Nice ride.
We are going to take them to an early dinner at b.d.'s mongolian grill. We all go in Lynn's vehicle to a new mall where the restaurant is. Have a good dinner then Tom and Greg want to go to the Bass Pro Shop (bigger than the one in San Carlos Park) and Lynn takes Nancy to a colorific. The colorific is closed so we head back to Bass Pro Shop and the girls love the fish tank and the tents.
We head back to their home and then we hightail it back to our campsite. We arrive just as the sun sets. Home again feeling safe and sound.
Ride to Illinois Milton's
Friday, July 20, 2007
O.K. today we must move to another campsite. This one has only water and electric, no sewer hook-up. We must move by 12:00 noon, but must wait until the other person has vacated that spot. We move and have everything set by 11:30. Today we find another route to get into Plainfield. Greg is playing golf but we get to visit with Lynn, Emily and Allison.
We leave and have a great ride home
O.K. today we must move to another campsite. This one has only water and electric, no sewer hook-up. We must move by 12:00 noon, but must wait until the other person has vacated that spot. We move and have everything set by 11:30. Today we find another route to get into Plainfield. Greg is playing golf but we get to visit with Lynn, Emily and Allison.
We leave and have a great ride home
Visit from Lynn, Emily & Allison
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Today Lynn, Emily and Allison came out to Hickory Hollow campgrounds. Emily and Allison played with a Frisbee and also on the playground equipment. The girls also had fun in Grandma and Grandpa's house on wheels. Greg stayed at home, a load of mulch was to be delivered and he wanted to spread that before starting his new job. His mulch came late, but by the time Lynn and girls were to leave he had the back yard all done.
This is the afternoon that Tom tried to get satellite television for the motor home. He called direct t.v. and after about 3 hours getting no where he thought o.k. dish network it is. He called dish network and had it all set for someone to come out and do an install on Tuesday afternoon. Dish called back 2 hours later to confirm the appt. for Tuesday afternoon and asked about installing the pole. Tom said "no pole, it's for a motor home" at that time she said they don't install in motor home. Now we need to get a refund for the satellite system that can't be installed as they don't do motor homes. He spent about one hour trying to get a refund.
And again another night with television.
Today Lynn, Emily and Allison came out to Hickory Hollow campgrounds. Emily and Allison played with a Frisbee and also on the playground equipment. The girls also had fun in Grandma and Grandpa's house on wheels. Greg stayed at home, a load of mulch was to be delivered and he wanted to spread that before starting his new job. His mulch came late, but by the time Lynn and girls were to leave he had the back yard all done.
This is the afternoon that Tom tried to get satellite television for the motor home. He called direct t.v. and after about 3 hours getting no where he thought o.k. dish network it is. He called dish network and had it all set for someone to come out and do an install on Tuesday afternoon. Dish called back 2 hours later to confirm the appt. for Tuesday afternoon and asked about installing the pole. Tom said "no pole, it's for a motor home" at that time she said they don't install in motor home. Now we need to get a refund for the satellite system that can't be installed as they don't do motor homes. He spent about one hour trying to get a refund.
And again another night with television.
Leaving the Farm
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tom and Nancy left the farm in the morning hours. On the way north they ran into a slight drizzle. Nancy called ahead and reserved a campsite at Hickory Hollow. They had room for them, but they would have to move to different campsites. Well, a nice week-end loomed ahead on the horizon so they said o.k. to moving.
We arrived early afternoon and set up. A little later the drizzle stopped and out came the bikes. We checked back roads and discovered a nice ride into Plainfield using all highways, but the likes of which aren't heavily traveled since the inter-states came into use. We rode into the kids for a short visit. It really was fun. We left in time to arrive back before dark.
Tonight it rains and we just get into bed and hear a loud ker-plunk! Then another, ker-plunk followed but yet another ker-plunk. Tom asks what is that noise??? Nancy responds after much thought, well this campground is named Hickory Hollow, you don't think that maybe the Hickory nuts are falling on our roof? Solved that one, didn't I?
Tom and Nancy left the farm in the morning hours. On the way north they ran into a slight drizzle. Nancy called ahead and reserved a campsite at Hickory Hollow. They had room for them, but they would have to move to different campsites. Well, a nice week-end loomed ahead on the horizon so they said o.k. to moving.
We arrived early afternoon and set up. A little later the drizzle stopped and out came the bikes. We checked back roads and discovered a nice ride into Plainfield using all highways, but the likes of which aren't heavily traveled since the inter-states came into use. We rode into the kids for a short visit. It really was fun. We left in time to arrive back before dark.
Tonight it rains and we just get into bed and hear a loud ker-plunk! Then another, ker-plunk followed but yet another ker-plunk. Tom asks what is that noise??? Nancy responds after much thought, well this campground is named Hickory Hollow, you don't think that maybe the Hickory nuts are falling on our roof? Solved that one, didn't I?
Tom's Arrival
Tuesday July 17, 2007
Today, just a trip into Moroa, when Nancy & Tom picked up the motor home Fourwinds forgot to have them sign some paperwork. Nancy signed the paperwork so they could get reimbursed from the company for all the work they did on the motor home.
Then from there Carol and Nancy headed into Decatur. We went to the mall as it was a rainy day and we thought it might be fun. We ate lunch in Decatur before heading back to the farm.
After dinner that evening we heard from Tom. We had left Ft. Myers on Air Tran about 3:30 in the afternoon. By 5:00 he was in Atlanta. Well, everyone knows what a nightmare that airport can be....his plane for the next leg of his flight was late arriving in Atlanta so, he had a longer than planned for delay. But, by this time Nancy knew that his i-pod was not working and that they both had forgotten to pack the power supply for the computer. What to do? Call Connie!!
Connie was due to leave on vacation the next day, but, bless her heart she went to Nancy's home and found the power supply. She took it to Barb who UPS next day aired to Nancy and Tom's sons home in Plainfield, IL. From there it found it's way to Nancy and Tom. Thank heavens for good friends.
Tom was due to land in Bloomington/Normal about 10:05 that night. Mel and Nancy left for the airport about the same time Tom left Atlanta. When Mel and Nancy got to the road (I-74) it was CLOSED! Nary a sign posted as to a detour. What to do? Lo, and behold a McDonald's on the corner. Drive in thru the drive thru and ask where the road to Bloomington is? Get gal she gave us directions and we found our way to the airport. We arrived just as Tom's plane arrived so we did not even have to park. He walked out the jet way and into the airport out the front door and into the car. Great service.
Today, just a trip into Moroa, when Nancy & Tom picked up the motor home Fourwinds forgot to have them sign some paperwork. Nancy signed the paperwork so they could get reimbursed from the company for all the work they did on the motor home.
Then from there Carol and Nancy headed into Decatur. We went to the mall as it was a rainy day and we thought it might be fun. We ate lunch in Decatur before heading back to the farm.
After dinner that evening we heard from Tom. We had left Ft. Myers on Air Tran about 3:30 in the afternoon. By 5:00 he was in Atlanta. Well, everyone knows what a nightmare that airport can be....his plane for the next leg of his flight was late arriving in Atlanta so, he had a longer than planned for delay. But, by this time Nancy knew that his i-pod was not working and that they both had forgotten to pack the power supply for the computer. What to do? Call Connie!!
Connie was due to leave on vacation the next day, but, bless her heart she went to Nancy's home and found the power supply. She took it to Barb who UPS next day aired to Nancy and Tom's sons home in Plainfield, IL. From there it found it's way to Nancy and Tom. Thank heavens for good friends.
Tom was due to land in Bloomington/Normal about 10:05 that night. Mel and Nancy left for the airport about the same time Tom left Atlanta. When Mel and Nancy got to the road (I-74) it was CLOSED! Nary a sign posted as to a detour. What to do? Lo, and behold a McDonald's on the corner. Drive in thru the drive thru and ask where the road to Bloomington is? Get gal she gave us directions and we found our way to the airport. We arrived just as Tom's plane arrived so we did not even have to park. He walked out the jet way and into the airport out the front door and into the car. Great service.
Afternoon of Fun
Monday July 16, 2007
Today we take it early in the morning. Carol had a doctor appt. When she came back to the farm, we ate lunch then Carol and Nancy headed out. We took our Mah Jongg sets into Monticello (Nancy's) and played Mah Jongg. We had two tables, one a four some the other a three some. Nancy answered any questions the players had. It was a learning experience for some and for the others just a clarification of rules. All in all it was nice.
Today we take it early in the morning. Carol had a doctor appt. When she came back to the farm, we ate lunch then Carol and Nancy headed out. We took our Mah Jongg sets into Monticello (Nancy's) and played Mah Jongg. We had two tables, one a four some the other a three some. Nancy answered any questions the players had. It was a learning experience for some and for the others just a clarification of rules. All in all it was nice.
Tom and Saturn to Florida
Sunday July 15, 2007
Early this morning Tom left to drive the Saturn back to Florida. He called every few hours to report how far he had driven. After church, Carol and Mel came back to the farm and collected Nancy. We all went into Campaign for dinner. After dinner Carol and Nancy just had to have Mel take them to Michael's and JoAnn to shop. Then we headed back to the farm. (Just love saying back to the farm) Carol and Nancy did some cross-stitching and Mel went into the den and read some.
Before long it was nightfall and Nancy called Tom he was in south Georgia. By the time Nancy headed out to the motor home Tom was in Florida. Tom rested at the Florida Welcome Center for a few hours then he continued his drive south.
Early this morning Tom left to drive the Saturn back to Florida. He called every few hours to report how far he had driven. After church, Carol and Mel came back to the farm and collected Nancy. We all went into Campaign for dinner. After dinner Carol and Nancy just had to have Mel take them to Michael's and JoAnn to shop. Then we headed back to the farm. (Just love saying back to the farm) Carol and Nancy did some cross-stitching and Mel went into the den and read some.
Before long it was nightfall and Nancy called Tom he was in south Georgia. By the time Nancy headed out to the motor home Tom was in Florida. Tom rested at the Florida Welcome Center for a few hours then he continued his drive south.
Great Day - All the Milton's
July 14, 2007
Saturday - Our daughter-in-law Lynn had called on Friday asking us to come to their home in Plainfield because all the grandchildren would be there on Saturday. Jeff, Amy and their 3 girls were in Chicago for trips to the museums and Shedd Acquarium and would be visiting on Saturday and wouldn't it be nice to have a family reunion. That was a BIG draw for us and so we took the trip up to Plainfield. What fun to see all the children playing and enjoying each other. It was a wonderful day. One certainly to be remembered.
All the grand children were there and so were our kids. Jeff and Amy arrived about 4:00 in the afternoon. We arrived earlier so we had time with Greg, Lynn and their two.
Emily and Lindsay are seven years old. So mature. They both have had their ears pierced this year, and Grandma and Grandpa purchased Disney pierced earrings with birthstones.
Marjorie, the five year old was so cute with her new haircut.
Then the babies, Katie and Allison. They are now three and so cute. What a joy to be able to see them all play together.
We had a cook-out and Greg grilled. Lynn made baked beans and the usual stuff one finds for a picnic. What a great time.
Motor Home finally ready
July 13, 2007
Friday the 13th. Not an unlucky day for us. We picked up the motor home and went back to the farm and plugged in. We had a nice cement pad to park the motor home on. Tom and Mel did some welding so we could pull the trailer a bit better behind the motor home. Actually Mel did the work and Tom watched. I think Mel had a good time with a job to do. He did a professional looking job. Carol and Nancy went shopping and of course that was a good time. That night we went to the Monticello Country Club for dinner with lots of people, some we knew and we met many new friends of the Gulley's. What a great day!
Friday the 13th. Not an unlucky day for us. We picked up the motor home and went back to the farm and plugged in. We had a nice cement pad to park the motor home on. Tom and Mel did some welding so we could pull the trailer a bit better behind the motor home. Actually Mel did the work and Tom watched. I think Mel had a good time with a job to do. He did a professional looking job. Carol and Nancy went shopping and of course that was a good time. That night we went to the Monticello Country Club for dinner with lots of people, some we knew and we met many new friends of the Gulley's. What a great day!
On the Road, Again
July 12, 2007
6:15 AM, Again on the road early in the day. Leaving Dalton, Georgia we were headed for Carol and Mel's in Illinois. We arrived in Cisco, Il. about 4:30ish. The trip was about 1200 miles so we made good time. We never drove over 65 mph. Tom's worrying about the Saturn making the trip was unfounded. The car made the trip just fine. This day was great as Justin called from Fourwinds RV and told us our motorhome was finally fixed and we could pick it up on Friday. As almost everyone knows we had been having trouble with the jack's and they needed to be replaced and the wiring replaced and the computer replaced. Boy talk about luck. We spent the night in the guest room at Gulley's.
6:15 AM, Again on the road early in the day. Leaving Dalton, Georgia we were headed for Carol and Mel's in Illinois. We arrived in Cisco, Il. about 4:30ish. The trip was about 1200 miles so we made good time. We never drove over 65 mph. Tom's worrying about the Saturn making the trip was unfounded. The car made the trip just fine. This day was great as Justin called from Fourwinds RV and told us our motorhome was finally fixed and we could pick it up on Friday. As almost everyone knows we had been having trouble with the jack's and they needed to be replaced and the wiring replaced and the computer replaced. Boy talk about luck. We spent the night in the guest room at Gulley's.
Summer Vacation
July 11, 2007
6:12 AM, We left home early in the morning. Taking time out for driver breaks and eating we arrived in Dalton, Georgia about8:15 PM Found a motel and asked the clerk where there were places to eat within walking distance. We walked across the street to an O'Charley's and had a late dinner. It was the first time we had ever eaten at the O'Charley's chain and it was good!
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