Well, last Thursday we took the plunge. We purchased a new motorhome from North Trail RV in Ft. Myers. It is a Tiffin Allegro Red 36 foot. It is a rear engine diesel and she is a beauty. I don't have any photos yet. We had it in the driveway for three days befor taking it up for storage. I forgot in all my excitement to take the photos and when I remembered alas it was to late. Charley loved going into the new motorhome and we plan on having a wonderful time next summer with it. We are looking at our busy schedules and wondering if we can manage to take a shakedown trip maybe in January.
Any how if you want to see what one looks like log onto Tiffin Motorhomes website and see the photos of the Allegro Red (rear engine diesel) the floor plan is for the 36 foot. She is sure pretty.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hey is anyone out there? We just got back from the dr.'s office. Tom had 50 cc's of fluid taken off the knee. Oh, shades of 2004 all over again. It is bone on bone and we have to make a decision, knee surgery or not. Shots of cortizone help some, but the problem would still be there. Oh well, wish us luck.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Well, this is the day, we arrive home. Charley (our dog) was ill, Tom (my husband) is hurting, so we thought why not just go home, see doctors and feel better. That is what we did. On Saturday we were in Columbia, MO. then we drove to south of Atlanta, Ga. and today finished the trip home. Wish we could have stayed out longer, but when people and pets need to see dr.'s then it is not such a good time. Maybe next year I will finally get to Memphis and Nashville.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
After doing the laundry last evening I was really tired. Slept really well last night. This morning all refreshed we deceide that we will go to Deadwood then travel north through Spearfish Canyon before returning to the motorhome.
When we were here in 2007, we were on the motorcycles. What a difference it makes touring in the car. We wish we had our motorcycles, so that we could tour the great routes that they suggest for the motorcycle rally, once again.
The city of Deadwood was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967. The city is where Wild Bill Hickok was shot and he is buried in the local cemetery. The cemetery is up the hill and it is very steep, so Nancy took pictures from the parking lot, as you can't drive into the cemetery. You must walk! Calamity Jane is buried next to Wild Bill, rumor has it they were married, but records don't show that they were ever married.
The city itself has paver streets, buildings as they were more than 125 years ago, complete with "wild women" in the upper windows. They allow gambling in Deadwood one of the only cities in S.D. to have gambling. They have trolly cars that run up and down Main Street asparking is almost non-existent. The old railroad station has been turned into a small museum. The whole town is picture perfect, and Nancy did just that.
From there we headed out to Spearfish canyon. On the motorcycles, you can hear the stream alongside the road with every curve. In the car with windows and sunroof open you can hear, but it just doesn't compare. It is a scenic drive and the cliffs are so steep, and the forest so green and the stream so near. The stream is flowing fast, but after Bridal Veil Falls, the stream is dry. We get into Spearfish and find a place to eat lunch. Then Nancy does a little shopping in the city before heading back to the motorhome.
When we were here in 2007, we were on the motorcycles. What a difference it makes touring in the car. We wish we had our motorcycles, so that we could tour the great routes that they suggest for the motorcycle rally, once again.
The city of Deadwood was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967. The city is where Wild Bill Hickok was shot and he is buried in the local cemetery. The cemetery is up the hill and it is very steep, so Nancy took pictures from the parking lot, as you can't drive into the cemetery. You must walk! Calamity Jane is buried next to Wild Bill, rumor has it they were married, but records don't show that they were ever married.
The city itself has paver streets, buildings as they were more than 125 years ago, complete with "wild women" in the upper windows. They allow gambling in Deadwood one of the only cities in S.D. to have gambling. They have trolly cars that run up and down Main Street asparking is almost non-existent. The old railroad station has been turned into a small museum. The whole town is picture perfect, and Nancy did just that.
From there we headed out to Spearfish canyon. On the motorcycles, you can hear the stream alongside the road with every curve. In the car with windows and sunroof open you can hear, but it just doesn't compare. It is a scenic drive and the cliffs are so steep, and the forest so green and the stream so near. The stream is flowing fast, but after Bridal Veil Falls, the stream is dry. We get into Spearfish and find a place to eat lunch. Then Nancy does a little shopping in the city before heading back to the motorhome.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Do you remember Yakov Smirnoff? His old saying “ Vat a Koun-tree?” Yup, it certainly is. This is living proof of that statement.
We left Livingston, Montana this morning and headed east. We wanted to make it into North Dakota, which we did about 3:00 this afternoon. What a day this has been.
Does anyone remember the old song Home On the Range? Well, I do declare that is what we have touring the west. Tom actually saw the antelope this morning. So the lyrics of: Home, home on the range, Where the deer and the antelope play, where seldom is heard a discouring word, and the sky's are not cloudy all day. That really is what we have here in the old west.
Remember when I told you all about the cowboy's and their herding the cattle down the road, well today we saw more cowboys on horses. I really had though that was a thing of the past, but in Montana and the Dakota's that is the norm.
When we were almost into Billings, Mt. We saw a sight on the side of Interstate 90 that I didn't know still existed and that was a covered wagon, brightly painted red being pulled by 4 horses. Yes, it was quite the sight, but more important it was a family of gypsy's in the wagon. Yes, it was traveling down the side of the interstate and yes we were truly surprised. Oh well, live and learn.
We have had such an incredible journey so far. We have traveled many miles and have quite a few to get us back home, but the journey has been worth it. We only regret when we see all the motorcycles along the road that we do not have our motorcycles with us.
But, we manage to talk with quite a few folks, and find out about their journeys across America on motorcycles. Just yesterday when gasing up we ran into a guy from Alaska (in the military) who rode to Sturgis (with his buddy) and was heading home. His buddy was getting transferred to North Carolina so he was headed home all by himself. Today I talked with a couple about motorcycle seats, and what made them comfortable. So, we are meeting many people and enjoying every minute of our trip.
Unfortunately today we did not get any photo's of our trip. Such a shame. I would have loved to have the photo of the gypsy's for you to see.
We arrive in Buffalo, S.D. and not any campsite for the next 120 miles. We ask in town and they tell us to use the little county park at the south end of town. The old parks have closed and no one has re-opened them. We thank them for their hospitally and head to the county park.
Carmen and Waldo say “See ya” soon.”
Do you remember Yakov Smirnoff? His old saying “ Vat a Koun-tree?” Yup, it certainly is. This is living proof of that statement.
We left Livingston, Montana this morning and headed east. We wanted to make it into North Dakota, which we did about 3:00 this afternoon. What a day this has been.
Does anyone remember the old song Home On the Range? Well, I do declare that is what we have touring the west. Tom actually saw the antelope this morning. So the lyrics of: Home, home on the range, Where the deer and the antelope play, where seldom is heard a discouring word, and the sky's are not cloudy all day. That really is what we have here in the old west.
Remember when I told you all about the cowboy's and their herding the cattle down the road, well today we saw more cowboys on horses. I really had though that was a thing of the past, but in Montana and the Dakota's that is the norm.
When we were almost into Billings, Mt. We saw a sight on the side of Interstate 90 that I didn't know still existed and that was a covered wagon, brightly painted red being pulled by 4 horses. Yes, it was quite the sight, but more important it was a family of gypsy's in the wagon. Yes, it was traveling down the side of the interstate and yes we were truly surprised. Oh well, live and learn.
We have had such an incredible journey so far. We have traveled many miles and have quite a few to get us back home, but the journey has been worth it. We only regret when we see all the motorcycles along the road that we do not have our motorcycles with us.
But, we manage to talk with quite a few folks, and find out about their journeys across America on motorcycles. Just yesterday when gasing up we ran into a guy from Alaska (in the military) who rode to Sturgis (with his buddy) and was heading home. His buddy was getting transferred to North Carolina so he was headed home all by himself. Today I talked with a couple about motorcycle seats, and what made them comfortable. So, we are meeting many people and enjoying every minute of our trip.
Unfortunately today we did not get any photo's of our trip. Such a shame. I would have loved to have the photo of the gypsy's for you to see.
We arrive in Buffalo, S.D. and not any campsite for the next 120 miles. We ask in town and they tell us to use the little county park at the south end of town. The old parks have closed and no one has re-opened them. We thank them for their hospitally and head to the county park.
Carmen and Waldo say “See ya” soon.”
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday we did not really do much at all. We drove north and bought a compressor and then further north to a Camping World. We wanted to have them help us with our Evenbrake (the supplemental braking system) but they could not help us for at least a week.
Saturday we left Seattle area and actually started east. Our first day out we drove hard, steep mountain passes and made it to Osburn, Idaho. Wow, Idaho is a really neat state. It has very steep mountains, lovely streams and the scenery just doesn't quit.
Sunday morning we leave Idaho headed for Montana. We were thinking of heading north to Glasier National Park. When we were at the Idaho campsite the people next to us said their sister lived near the park and that a normal 2 hour drive in an auto took them 4 hours, so we scrapped that idea, and instead we thought if we could make it to Livingston, Montana then we might be able to go into Yellowstone. Just after we threw that idea around Nancy looked out the side window and wow, a real live cowboy herding a bunch of cattle down the service road. Never did Tom or Nancy think that they would see that. But, between Harley stores they sure did.
Monday morning was cool, but with a great weather forcast. The weather was for high 60's to low 70's in Yellowstone, and off we went. The road from Livingston to Yellowstone is a federal highway and has some really magnificent sights. When we arrived at the entrance to Yellowstone Nancy got out and took a few photo's of the entrance. From there they deceided that we would travel clockwise around the park. We found the upper and lower falls. Lovely!
We found many hot springs
the edges of the volcano's and of course the old "Faithful". 
We had a wonderful day in the park and Charley liked her ride with us.
We saw buffalo, elk and of course deer. Charley even got close to the Elk for a short time. 
Our ride back to Livingston was great, we had the sun coming over some mountains to the west and highlighting the mountains to our east, yes we got some terriffic shots. Tom will have to figure out what shots to post for you.
We arrive back at campsite tired and glad to be home.
Saturday we left Seattle area and actually started east. Our first day out we drove hard, steep mountain passes and made it to Osburn, Idaho. Wow, Idaho is a really neat state. It has very steep mountains, lovely streams and the scenery just doesn't quit.
Sunday morning we leave Idaho headed for Montana. We were thinking of heading north to Glasier National Park. When we were at the Idaho campsite the people next to us said their sister lived near the park and that a normal 2 hour drive in an auto took them 4 hours, so we scrapped that idea, and instead we thought if we could make it to Livingston, Montana then we might be able to go into Yellowstone. Just after we threw that idea around Nancy looked out the side window and wow, a real live cowboy herding a bunch of cattle down the service road. Never did Tom or Nancy think that they would see that. But, between Harley stores they sure did.
Monday morning was cool, but with a great weather forcast. The weather was for high 60's to low 70's in Yellowstone, and off we went. The road from Livingston to Yellowstone is a federal highway and has some really magnificent sights. When we arrived at the entrance to Yellowstone Nancy got out and took a few photo's of the entrance. From there they deceided that we would travel clockwise around the park. We found the upper and lower falls. Lovely!
We found many hot springs
the edges of the volcano's and of course the old "Faithful". 
We had a wonderful day in the park and Charley liked her ride with us.
We saw buffalo, elk and of course deer. Charley even got close to the Elk for a short time. 
Our ride back to Livingston was great, we had the sun coming over some mountains to the west and highlighting the mountains to our east, yes we got some terriffic shots. Tom will have to figure out what shots to post for you.
We arrive back at campsite tired and glad to be home.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Not sure what today brings. We call our friend and stockbroker, Terry. He tells us about Leavenworth, Wa. It seems he has a customer in Leavenworth and they had told him what a beautiful area it is. We think what the ???? and so we look at the map and head east towards Leavenworth. It is a good day for a ride - typical weather what we think of for Washington, cool, overcast and looks like it could rain.
We leave Bothell and find US 2 eastbound. We travel through some small towns before having basically an open (twisting, up & down with hairpin turns and switchbacks) road before us. We are traveling alongside a good sized creek. At times it is flowing very fast, it has rapids and lots of rocks in the riverbed.
The country is absolutely beautiful. The forests, the rock cliffs and the rivers, are we ever lucky that we get to view some of the most fantastic scenery there is in the world.
We find Leavenworth and what a city. It is little Bavaria. Frankenmuth, Mi. should take lessons on how to make the city look great. The sidewalks remind me of Bavaria, only they are a little smoother, pavers instead of cobblestone.
The flowers abound everywhere. The tourists are everywhere, too. We finally find a restaurant with parking so that is where we eat. 
Yes, the town does seem to have a parking problem. After lunch Waldo lets Carmen off in the city to shop and Waldo and Charley find a spot to park off the main drag. Waldo calls to tell Carmen that he found a little coffeehouse and he will be there, with a cup of joe. Go ahead and shop till your heart's content. Carmen proceeds to find all these little neat shops, filled with items from Bavaria and a few items from America. Carmen makes her purchases and then we head back to Bothell on another route. 
After arriving back in Bothell we remember we need to return something to Costco. So we leave Charley in the rv and head to Costco. While there we talk to someone in electronics. Tell them about this funky screen we keep receiving on our gps. Yup, we have a defective gps. Costco makes things right, they return the gps for us, credit our account and then we can purchase a new one. We shop a little more before heading out.
We finally find a Red Robin for a late dinner. Then it's back to the campsite, oh wait the new gps does not have our location marked in it. We finally remember the address and punch it in and off we go. What a great day.
We leave Bothell and find US 2 eastbound. We travel through some small towns before having basically an open (twisting, up & down with hairpin turns and switchbacks) road before us. We are traveling alongside a good sized creek. At times it is flowing very fast, it has rapids and lots of rocks in the riverbed.
The country is absolutely beautiful. The forests, the rock cliffs and the rivers, are we ever lucky that we get to view some of the most fantastic scenery there is in the world.We find Leavenworth and what a city. It is little Bavaria. Frankenmuth, Mi. should take lessons on how to make the city look great. The sidewalks remind me of Bavaria, only they are a little smoother, pavers instead of cobblestone.
The flowers abound everywhere. The tourists are everywhere, too. We finally find a restaurant with parking so that is where we eat. 
Yes, the town does seem to have a parking problem. After lunch Waldo lets Carmen off in the city to shop and Waldo and Charley find a spot to park off the main drag. Waldo calls to tell Carmen that he found a little coffeehouse and he will be there, with a cup of joe. Go ahead and shop till your heart's content. Carmen proceeds to find all these little neat shops, filled with items from Bavaria and a few items from America. Carmen makes her purchases and then we head back to Bothell on another route. 
After arriving back in Bothell we remember we need to return something to Costco. So we leave Charley in the rv and head to Costco. While there we talk to someone in electronics. Tell them about this funky screen we keep receiving on our gps. Yup, we have a defective gps. Costco makes things right, they return the gps for us, credit our account and then we can purchase a new one. We shop a little more before heading out.
We finally find a Red Robin for a late dinner. Then it's back to the campsite, oh wait the new gps does not have our location marked in it. We finally remember the address and punch it in and off we go. What a great day.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
We are in the Emerald City, Seattle. Tuesday morning we left Centralia and found a wonderful campsite, Lake Pleasant. 
This is just outside Seattle in the city of Bothell, Wa. It is rated a 5 W in Woodall's. Woodall's is like the king of rating campgrounds. Yes, 5 W's is like 5 stars. It was an easy day and last evening Carmen made a wonderful meal. She had plenty of time to prepare it and so Carmen and Waldo had a lovely pot roast, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and cucumbers & sour cream .... mmmmmmm!!!. 
Wednesday morning found us getting ready to head into the city. We wanted to find the downtown Harley Davidson store. Did that. What traffic though. Then we found the Pike Place Market. Only problem was we could not find parking for the market, so our look was just in passing. From there we went to the Space Needle. The charge to go up was high but we expected that. We used valet parking and wanted to have lunch at the top. Our lunch paid for the ride up and also for the valet parking.
The top of the needle was really neat. The weather 
was overcast so all the photos are not as neat as it would have been had the sun been out. We did enjoy our lunch and the observation deck. The sun came out just after we retrieved our car and headed back to play in Seattle traffic.
From there Nancy wanted to find the first Costco store. No it is not in Kirkland, it is in Seattle. It is huge!!! About the size of 1 and 1/2 of our stores. They really did not have any thing that we don't have in our store, but the overall size was something else. They did have a car wash and the gas station, but no liquor store.
After that we wanted to head home. We tried to get on the expressway but missed the turn. We drove around and found where we wanted and headed out over the bridge to the other side of Pudget Sound and our campsite, but wait we pass really close to another Harley store, maybe they will have light colored shirts??? Yup, they did.
Carmen and Waldo wish you a great day. We certainly had another great one.
This is just outside Seattle in the city of Bothell, Wa. It is rated a 5 W in Woodall's. Woodall's is like the king of rating campgrounds. Yes, 5 W's is like 5 stars. It was an easy day and last evening Carmen made a wonderful meal. She had plenty of time to prepare it and so Carmen and Waldo had a lovely pot roast, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and cucumbers & sour cream .... mmmmmmm!!!. 
Wednesday morning found us getting ready to head into the city. We wanted to find the downtown Harley Davidson store. Did that. What traffic though. Then we found the Pike Place Market. Only problem was we could not find parking for the market, so our look was just in passing. From there we went to the Space Needle. The charge to go up was high but we expected that. We used valet parking and wanted to have lunch at the top. Our lunch paid for the ride up and also for the valet parking.
The top of the needle was really neat. The weather 
was overcast so all the photos are not as neat as it would have been had the sun been out. We did enjoy our lunch and the observation deck. The sun came out just after we retrieved our car and headed back to play in Seattle traffic.From there Nancy wanted to find the first Costco store. No it is not in Kirkland, it is in Seattle. It is huge!!! About the size of 1 and 1/2 of our stores. They really did not have any thing that we don't have in our store, but the overall size was something else. They did have a car wash and the gas station, but no liquor store.
After that we wanted to head home. We tried to get on the expressway but missed the turn. We drove around and found where we wanted and headed out over the bridge to the other side of Pudget Sound and our campsite, but wait we pass really close to another Harley store, maybe they will have light colored shirts??? Yup, they did.
Carmen and Waldo wish you a great day. We certainly had another great one.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Well, Carmen and Waldo had a fantastic day. We started out for Mt. Ranier and thought the weather looked like it might be rainy and overcast all day. We did not want to travel about 100 mile to the park and have bad weather so we headed back to the campsite, and Carmen did the laundry.
When the laundry was finished the weather had turned nice so we headed out for the mountain. We did the drive the way the GPS told us to go. It was back roads and once we got out of one town the driving was great. We found a nice little restaurant in Randle and had lunch. Then it was onward to the great mountain. Wow, the glacial ice was blue and you could see the mountain for a long ways. It is truly amazing to realize that this mountain could blow its top off and if that were to happen it would be many more times worse than when Mt. St. Helen's blew.
The theatre at Paradise told how one side of the mountain has lush green forests on it and that it was more ecologicaly important than a rainforest, in that it replenish's the earth. We are not sure that is true but it was in the movie put out by the National Forest Service. Anyhow it is surely a sight to behold.
I know that Tom will have a hard time finding just which photos to post, but he will try. The waterfalls are everywhere and the forest is nice, but after seeing the giant redwoods they just can't compare. 
We came home to have a light dinner and drinks before thinking to call it a day. Tomorrow we must move, the RV park doesn't have room for us. Thank heavens we got the chance to see both Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Ranier.
When the laundry was finished the weather had turned nice so we headed out for the mountain. We did the drive the way the GPS told us to go. It was back roads and once we got out of one town the driving was great. We found a nice little restaurant in Randle and had lunch. Then it was onward to the great mountain. Wow, the glacial ice was blue and you could see the mountain for a long ways. It is truly amazing to realize that this mountain could blow its top off and if that were to happen it would be many more times worse than when Mt. St. Helen's blew.
The theatre at Paradise told how one side of the mountain has lush green forests on it and that it was more ecologicaly important than a rainforest, in that it replenish's the earth. We are not sure that is true but it was in the movie put out by the National Forest Service. Anyhow it is surely a sight to behold.
I know that Tom will have a hard time finding just which photos to post, but he will try. The waterfalls are everywhere and the forest is nice, but after seeing the giant redwoods they just can't compare. 
We came home to have a light dinner and drinks before thinking to call it a day. Tomorrow we must move, the RV park doesn't have room for us. Thank heavens we got the chance to see both Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Ranier.
Sunday, August 2,2009
Today was a perfect day. We left Tillamook early this morning and arrived in Centralia, Wa. We arrived before noon and still had plenty of time to play tourist. We headed out towards Mt. St. Helen's. Wow, is this ever the sight to see. The devastation after the mountain erupted was huge. The area is starting to heal itself. 
The rivers were completely buried so they had to forge new streams and you can still see the ash from where the mountain erupted. The area had been forested by Weyerhauser and they have re-planted some area. It is interesting to see what they tell you when they re-forested the area and with what type of tree.
When we were at the end of the line, we could see where the top of the mountain blew off and the area of lava flow. It is amazing.
I can't begin to tell anyone just how large of area was affected by the blowing of the mountain. The area has new streams starting where the old ones were covered with ash and debris. You can see some of the tree stumps were twisted like matchsticks and ripped from their roots. It is really beyond belief. I can just say it was worth all our time going to the area and seeing it for ourselves. 
On our way home we stopped and picked up some locally grown vege's for dinner. What a nice treat. Great to have home grown vegetables, one can never get enough of them.
Well, Carmen and Waldo wish everyone a happy and great August.
The rivers were completely buried so they had to forge new streams and you can still see the ash from where the mountain erupted. The area had been forested by Weyerhauser and they have re-planted some area. It is interesting to see what they tell you when they re-forested the area and with what type of tree.When we were at the end of the line, we could see where the top of the mountain blew off and the area of lava flow. It is amazing.
I can't begin to tell anyone just how large of area was affected by the blowing of the mountain. The area has new streams starting where the old ones were covered with ash and debris. You can see some of the tree stumps were twisted like matchsticks and ripped from their roots. It is really beyond belief. I can just say it was worth all our time going to the area and seeing it for ourselves. 
On our way home we stopped and picked up some locally grown vege's for dinner. What a nice treat. Great to have home grown vegetables, one can never get enough of them.
Well, Carmen and Waldo wish everyone a happy and great August.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Oh, today was fantastic. We paid for another day in Tillamook and headed out for the Oregon coast. We traveled up the 101 and the terrain is just so breatakingly beautiful. Oh, wish you all could see it is person. Let's just say that the sea fog is present every day, but the landscape is ever changing. 
When the sun comes out it changes the landscape and things you just looked at look entirely different. We got to Astoria, Or. 
and found a great place for lunch. It was on an old logging dock right out over the water. We sat inside the restaurant and saw ocean freighters going up the Columbia river. Really neat.
We asked our waitress about the bridge over to Washington, is there a toll?
How long is it? She told us, No toll, and it is the longest non-suspension bridge in America. She said when the winds come up it can get a little scarry, but some say the bridge is 4 miles long and others say it is 5 miles long. Take your pick. It climbs really high over the river. So we thought we would take a little side trip into Washington. We traveled over the bridge and did a little side trip of about 40 miles. We found the town of Ilwaco, Washington. 
They are a little fishing village, with lots of people there on the week-ends. Really lots of fun.
Then we found our way back over the bridge and headed back to Tillamook. What a day and it was so nice. The weather was not overly warm and the sun was out for part of the day. Can life get any better than this????
When the sun comes out it changes the landscape and things you just looked at look entirely different. We got to Astoria, Or. 
and found a great place for lunch. It was on an old logging dock right out over the water. We sat inside the restaurant and saw ocean freighters going up the Columbia river. Really neat.We asked our waitress about the bridge over to Washington, is there a toll?
How long is it? She told us, No toll, and it is the longest non-suspension bridge in America. She said when the winds come up it can get a little scarry, but some say the bridge is 4 miles long and others say it is 5 miles long. Take your pick. It climbs really high over the river. So we thought we would take a little side trip into Washington. We traveled over the bridge and did a little side trip of about 40 miles. We found the town of Ilwaco, Washington. 
They are a little fishing village, with lots of people there on the week-ends. Really lots of fun.Then we found our way back over the bridge and headed back to Tillamook. What a day and it was so nice. The weather was not overly warm and the sun was out for part of the day. Can life get any better than this????
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
All along the coast we keep seeing these signs. In Florida we have hurricane evacuation routes - here they have tsuanmi evacuation routes and signs informing everyone what to do in case of a tsuanmi.
Monday we left early for a drive down the Oregon coast. We headed south towards Coos Bay. Yes, we took our jackets, the temperature inland was to be in triple digits and on the coast it is 40 degrees cooler. We stopped along the way and took Charley for a walk - it was beside a river and she did get her feet wet. She is such a woose.
We saw real wildlife. Elk alongside the road, the first other than one deer on our trip. I don't count chipmunks, squirrels, etc. as real wildlife. We took photos of them.
We had a lovely drive down the coast and found the Harley store in Coos Bay. Well, what a disapointment there selection of shirts stunk!!!! They had a few in dark colors (not great for Florida weather) and a couple of light colors. They told us that no one received any shirts from Harley in Large, x-large and 2 x-large. Funny when we arrived back in Eugene they had plenty of shirts. Oh well it was a nice drive.
Tuesday morning we got behind the wheel early. It was already promising to be a very warm day. We thought if we got to the coast the temperature would be cooler. And we sure were right. We started driving up the 101 and found a great little campground in Tillamook, Or. We are all set up and it is early and we are going to be at this campground until Saturday morning. There is plenty to do around here, but we must stop and just enjoy being for awhile. I am exhausted from being on the go every day. This will be nice for us. Then we can get back on the road and be gypsy's once again.
Wednesday we took the day off from long trips. We went into Tillamook and grocery shopped. Then we headed out to the Pacific with Charley in tow. She ran and ran and ran in the water. She was so much fun to watch - she truly enjoyed herself in the water. When we got back to the motorhome we had to give her a bath. Nothing worse than an old wet dog. Anyhow she was not happy to get the bath, but she smelled much better.
Thursday Tom spent the morning getting our blackwater tank unclogged. After lunch we treated ourselves to a banana split in Cloverdale, Or. It was a long way to go, but really good. I had marionberry ice cream. When I asked about a marionberry, I found out that some ag agent in Oregon developed it. It is a type of blackberry and it tastes really good. Then we returned to the motorhome and just sat around listening to the i-pod and reading.
Friday morning and what a nice day. It is not going to be to hot inland today so why don't we call Aunt Billie up and see if she would like visitors? Great idea! We take the 6 into Portland and find her home. It is really quite easy to find. Her youngest daughter Beth is there so we get to see her. What a nice surprise. We talk, talk some more and really enjoy our visit. We had taken the computer with us so Aunt Billie and Beth got to see the Knepp side of the family. Tom had downloaded all Paul's photos that he had taken at the zoo, so that was really great. We also had some pictures of Mom from her 92nd. birthday, and then some from about a year ago. Yes, we took a couple of photos of Aunt Billie and Nancy. We think Aunt Billie looks like her mother - Grandma Mumu. What do you think?
We saw real wildlife. Elk alongside the road, the first other than one deer on our trip. I don't count chipmunks, squirrels, etc. as real wildlife. We took photos of them.
We had a lovely drive down the coast and found the Harley store in Coos Bay. Well, what a disapointment there selection of shirts stunk!!!! They had a few in dark colors (not great for Florida weather) and a couple of light colors. They told us that no one received any shirts from Harley in Large, x-large and 2 x-large. Funny when we arrived back in Eugene they had plenty of shirts. Oh well it was a nice drive.
Tuesday morning we got behind the wheel early. It was already promising to be a very warm day. We thought if we got to the coast the temperature would be cooler. And we sure were right. We started driving up the 101 and found a great little campground in Tillamook, Or. We are all set up and it is early and we are going to be at this campground until Saturday morning. There is plenty to do around here, but we must stop and just enjoy being for awhile. I am exhausted from being on the go every day. This will be nice for us. Then we can get back on the road and be gypsy's once again.
Wednesday we took the day off from long trips. We went into Tillamook and grocery shopped. Then we headed out to the Pacific with Charley in tow. She ran and ran and ran in the water. She was so much fun to watch - she truly enjoyed herself in the water. When we got back to the motorhome we had to give her a bath. Nothing worse than an old wet dog. Anyhow she was not happy to get the bath, but she smelled much better.
Thursday Tom spent the morning getting our blackwater tank unclogged. After lunch we treated ourselves to a banana split in Cloverdale, Or. It was a long way to go, but really good. I had marionberry ice cream. When I asked about a marionberry, I found out that some ag agent in Oregon developed it. It is a type of blackberry and it tastes really good. Then we returned to the motorhome and just sat around listening to the i-pod and reading.
Friday morning and what a nice day. It is not going to be to hot inland today so why don't we call Aunt Billie up and see if she would like visitors? Great idea! We take the 6 into Portland and find her home. It is really quite easy to find. Her youngest daughter Beth is there so we get to see her. What a nice surprise. We talk, talk some more and really enjoy our visit. We had taken the computer with us so Aunt Billie and Beth got to see the Knepp side of the family. Tom had downloaded all Paul's photos that he had taken at the zoo, so that was really great. We also had some pictures of Mom from her 92nd. birthday, and then some from about a year ago. Yes, we took a couple of photos of Aunt Billie and Nancy. We think Aunt Billie looks like her mother - Grandma Mumu. What do you think?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday the 24th. we had the day to relax (?) and just catch up on things. Tom and Charley took the motorhome to a local shop and had an oil change. Meanwhile back at the campsite Nancy took care of the laundry. Big day! Oh well, we got our chores done and then relaxed. 
Saturday we knocked a couple more items off our "bucket list". We headed southwest out of Grant's Pass, Oregon on US 199, back into California.
We arrived in California and headed to Crescent City along the foggy, cold coastline. The coast on the 101 is usually dense sea fog cloaked during the summer from LA to Seattle. The Pacific Ocean current is very cold and the land is very warm causing awful foggy conditions til late in the day. The pictures show what we're talking about.
We then drove back into the giant Redwoods. Wow, is not enough to tell you how big and how many GIANT TREES are in the Redwood Forest.
We will have to pick and choose the photo's and it will really be a chore. The trees are so big, some reaching 350 feet tall and are up to 20 feet in diameter. No, we did not go through the tree that you always see pictures of. That tree was a Sequoia in Sequioa National Park, SE of San Francisco, and it fell down in 1969. There is a tree further down the 101 in California where you can drive through for a fee, but it was just too far South from where we were.
Our tour through the Jedadiah Smith State Park and Redwoods National Park was on the old "Pony Express" trail. The Ranger said it is the best part of the forest. We just loved our tour. 
Sunday morning we started out early as the day is suppose to get high 90's or might even reach triple digits. We drove north to Eugene, Oregon and set up camp before noontime. We had just set up camp and Barbara called. How nice to hear her voice. Tomorrow we hope to tour over to the coast and see some sights. Our trip will go to Coos Bay, Or. and then back.
Carmen, Waldo & Charley wish everyone a good day.
Saturday we knocked a couple more items off our "bucket list". We headed southwest out of Grant's Pass, Oregon on US 199, back into California.
We arrived in California and headed to Crescent City along the foggy, cold coastline. The coast on the 101 is usually dense sea fog cloaked during the summer from LA to Seattle. The Pacific Ocean current is very cold and the land is very warm causing awful foggy conditions til late in the day. The pictures show what we're talking about.We then drove back into the giant Redwoods. Wow, is not enough to tell you how big and how many GIANT TREES are in the Redwood Forest.
We will have to pick and choose the photo's and it will really be a chore. The trees are so big, some reaching 350 feet tall and are up to 20 feet in diameter. No, we did not go through the tree that you always see pictures of. That tree was a Sequoia in Sequioa National Park, SE of San Francisco, and it fell down in 1969. There is a tree further down the 101 in California where you can drive through for a fee, but it was just too far South from where we were.
Our tour through the Jedadiah Smith State Park and Redwoods National Park was on the old "Pony Express" trail. The Ranger said it is the best part of the forest. We just loved our tour. 
Sunday morning we started out early as the day is suppose to get high 90's or might even reach triple digits. We drove north to Eugene, Oregon and set up camp before noontime. We had just set up camp and Barbara called. How nice to hear her voice. Tomorrow we hope to tour over to the coast and see some sights. Our trip will go to Coos Bay, Or. and then back.
Carmen, Waldo & Charley wish everyone a good day.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
We will start out with a little quiz. Remember the Happy Cows come from California ad? Well, can you spot the "happy cow?" On the other side of the coin, can you tell if any of these cows are the "Chick-fil-A cow?
Wednesday found us leaving Yountville and we headed south then east then north. We figured that was the best way for the motorhome to travel. We left California. passed Mt Shasta,
The highest peak in California and arrived in Oregon. We found our campsite at Grants Pass, Oregon, settled in to a lovely campsite. Not sure what we will do, but the owners of this campground gave us lots of info for the area.
We awoke early Thursday morning, and Tom called a local place for a lube and oil change on the RV. The appointment is for Friday at 1:00 so we have the rest of the day to tour.
On the way to Crater Lake Ntional Park, our road winds along the Rogue River. We cross it many times and find a couple of neat spots to pull over. One spot Charley thinks might be nice to go down to the rushing stream. When a leaf blows she backs away and barks. Then she gets a little to closer to the stream and bam, in she goes halfway up - good thing she was on a leash. Tom pulled her back to safety.
We coninue up to Crater Lake. Wow!!! What beauty. This is where a volcano erupted many, many years ago. The center of the volcano colapsed and now there is a beautiful lake. The water is clear blue, just like the Aegean Sea. The growth around the rim is old trees and of course the National Park Service lets mother nature take care of herself. Our hats should go off to President Teddy Roosevelt because he was the President who started preserving the grounds of the National Park System. Carter Lake is in the Southwestern part of Oregon. The scenery was something to behold. I think if you ever get the chance you should visit this wonderful National Park. Tom will post some pictur
es and I hope they to it justice. 
Wednesday found us leaving Yountville and we headed south then east then north. We figured that was the best way for the motorhome to travel. We left California. passed Mt Shasta,
The highest peak in California and arrived in Oregon. We found our campsite at Grants Pass, Oregon, settled in to a lovely campsite. Not sure what we will do, but the owners of this campground gave us lots of info for the area.We awoke early Thursday morning, and Tom called a local place for a lube and oil change on the RV. The appointment is for Friday at 1:00 so we have the rest of the day to tour.
On the way to Crater Lake Ntional Park, our road winds along the Rogue River. We cross it many times and find a couple of neat spots to pull over. One spot Charley thinks might be nice to go down to the rushing stream. When a leaf blows she backs away and barks. Then she gets a little to closer to the stream and bam, in she goes halfway up - good thing she was on a leash. Tom pulled her back to safety.
We coninue up to Crater Lake. Wow!!! What beauty. This is where a volcano erupted many, many years ago. The center of the volcano colapsed and now there is a beautiful lake. The water is clear blue, just like the Aegean Sea. The growth around the rim is old trees and of course the National Park Service lets mother nature take care of herself. Our hats should go off to President Teddy Roosevelt because he was the President who started preserving the grounds of the National Park System. Carter Lake is in the Southwestern part of Oregon. The scenery was something to behold. I think if you ever get the chance you should visit this wonderful National Park. Tom will post some pictur
es and I hope they to it justice. 
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
July 21, 2009
Today we review the maps for routes possible to taking the RV on to get to Oregon via "the 101". We have seen many routes in which it might be difficult to drive the RV to get to US101. We head south to Napa then west towards the Pacific. We find the route we think we will take tomorrow. It is still early so we think we should not waste the day. Looking at the map we could continue heading west right to the Pacific Ocean. We went West some more and found Bodega Bay. The sky is still cloudy and it's cold on the coastline. It is o.k. But not what we thought the coast would be like. Well, let's head north and see what we get.
What we find is the beauty of the Pacific coast. We turn into one of many beaches. They all have a different name, and of course we can't remember them all. But we do find beautiful rugged beaches. We keep turing off the road to take just “one more shot” of the beach. But around the next turn there is another perfect spot in which to photograph the beach. Finally we say enough and head for home.
We find great roads in which to travel. All of a sudden we are right along the Russian River. That river is noted for its trout fishing and rafting. It flows right along the road for quite a ways. We struggle to find ways to pull off and take a few photos.
How wonderful these United States are. Americans need to travel "the road less traveled" and enjoy all the scenery there is right here. All day long, in my head, I keep remembering the song America the Beautiful.
Today we review the maps for routes possible to taking the RV on to get to Oregon via "the 101". We have seen many routes in which it might be difficult to drive the RV to get to US101. We head south to Napa then west towards the Pacific. We find the route we think we will take tomorrow. It is still early so we think we should not waste the day. Looking at the map we could continue heading west right to the Pacific Ocean. We went West some more and found Bodega Bay. The sky is still cloudy and it's cold on the coastline. It is o.k. But not what we thought the coast would be like. Well, let's head north and see what we get.
What we find is the beauty of the Pacific coast. We turn into one of many beaches. They all have a different name, and of course we can't remember them all. But we do find beautiful rugged beaches. We keep turing off the road to take just “one more shot” of the beach. But around the next turn there is another perfect spot in which to photograph the beach. Finally we say enough and head for home.We find great roads in which to travel. All of a sudden we are right along the Russian River. That river is noted for its trout fishing and rafting. It flows right along the road for quite a ways. We struggle to find ways to pull off and take a few photos.
How wonderful these United States are. Americans need to travel "the road less traveled" and enjoy all the scenery there is right here. All day long, in my head, I keep remembering the song America the Beautiful.
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