Chasingthe70s

January has already past.

2012-02-02T16:10:00.000-05:00

WOW, it is hard to imagine that we are already in the second month of 2012, it seams like only yesterday we were all worried about Y2K.

After the reunion in Q with our class mates and some from other classes we headed to CA.

We did the open air market held every weekend at the College of the Desert. Someone told me it was a little more upscale than the average flea market and I have to agree.

Lots of art work purses and clothes, new clothes not the rags you often find in flea markets. There was a good verity of new stuff, and I wound up with another pole for cleaning the rv.

A couple days later we had to do the Palm Springs Ariela Tramway. It was pretty cool, the floor revolved so you got a 360 degree view going up and back down. The ride took us to a State Park on top of the mountain and it was COLD up there. We even saw sn*w up there.

You can see a long way from the tram.

Down there is where we parked the jeep..

OH That dirty four letter word, SN*W

This is one of the two tram cars you ride in, one goes up as one comes down.

The only thing that could have made the trip better would have been clean windows on the tram cars.

We found out that Bobbie and Sal, (my udder brudder from anodder mudder, and my sista from another mister,) were spending a few days in Joshua Tree N P, and Marcia had not got her book stamped with that N P yet so we took a drive.

It was a nice day for a drive and we had the windows out of the jeep so we could see better.

We did see some awesome sights.

Marcia spotted a Kit Fox crossing the road so I backed up hoping to get a picture, but the camera wasn't fast enough. We did get a few more glimpses of it but the fox was too foxy for a picture.

This is one of the advantages of being full timers, just check out Bobbie and Sal's yard for a few days. They have a beautiful yard to play in, and Sal won't even have to cut the grass.

One of the rocks has the look of a skull so they named this skull rock.

And lastly I will leave you with a picture of a Joshua Tree.

Thousand Trails

2012-01-28T05:19:00.000-05:00

Thursday was the day we departed the desert, not completely, just the area outside of Quartzsite AZ. We are now enjoying the comforts of a resort in the southern CA desert. We have hook-ups again, and after three weeks of boon docking it is great to have. We also have the comforts of a resort, pool, hot tub, clubhouse, and all the things that go along with "park" living, including neighbors close enough to hear things we shouldn't.

Leaving Q was a task all in its own, the traffic was backed up 1.5 miles from I-10 so getting to the pilot station for fuel took a while. Once I got to pilot the line to get fuel was backed up to the point where I had to wait in the middle of the road while a couple cars filled up, before I could get on the lot and in line. Patience prevailed and before noon we were rolling west on I-10.

We pulled into the Thousand Trails Palm Springs Preserve around 3 pm, (we gained an hour because of the time change). At the rangers station (guard shack) we were told to "pick our own site" which is very uncommon for larger resorts. Out of almost 400 sites we had to choose between three open sites we found, so the preserve is pretty full.

We bought a membership to the TT, last March because we are slowing down a bit. For almost 5 years we haven't stayed in one spot very long, except when Marcia was working, so we think we are ready to spend a couple weeks in one spot, then to another area and spend a couple weeks. With the membership we can spend two weeks at one TT Preserve, (thousand trails park) and then go to the next one and spend two weeks. The problem has been there were no TT preserves where we have been until now.

The park here is full, or about full everyday, and we were lucky we were able to get reservations when we did. We will be spending our two weeks here, and then we hope to meet up with Bobbie and Sal at a resort for a couple days before heading closer to San Diego. We will be bouncing around southern CA until we venture back to Yuma, then Tucson, before we cross the country back to Savanna GA where we will greet Jon as he returns from a long tour in Korea.

Over the next couple weeks I'll be blogging about the Palm Springs area and what we seeing and doing.....

The Class rally is over.

2012-01-23T21:01:00.000-05:00

Here it is the 23rd of Jan already, we have been in the desert for 20 days. We arrived the week before the Class of 2007's 5 year reunion started. We were not the first ones here, and we won't be the last ones here.

When we arrived Ron and Linda were already here with several from the 2008 and 2009 classes. Several others rolled in and several of the 08-09 ers moved out. I think they moved because one person got their panties all in a wad because she wasn't going to be running the show. It was after all the CLASS OF 2007's 5 year reunion, and ANY Escapee was welcome.

Mike and Steve spent some time in Yuma acquiring some wood for the fires each night, (thanks Mike and Steve). Several of us made a trip to Los Algadones Mexico before the official start date of the reunion, and on the way back we stopped by Mittry Lake where Mike and Steve were parked and loaded Ron's truck with part of the wood.

More class mates joined us for the reunion at La Posa South, the long term visitors area of the BLM Land just south of Quartzsite. We had some of the other classes join us also along with some that hadn't joined the Escapees yet. We all piled in parking where ever we wanted to, the parking crew had the week off.

We had a couple pot luck dinners in the desert, we ate out a few times, one night we all had pulled pork that Mike had smoked. He spent a couple days smoking enough butt for everyone. We watched the ball game on Hank's outside TV, and we spent many nights sitting around the fire telling stories about the past few years.

One evening we had a chili cook-off, and there was some GOOD chili there. We had everyone judge the chili this time, and we had a tie for first and a tie for second. I was told I was one of the ones tied for second, but my votes went to the cake that someone had baked. It was really good!!!!

Then there was the auction for C A R E. CARE is like an assisted living place for RV'ers in Livingston TX. All the items were donated, and the monies collected was sent to help CARE. It was a fun auction, we watched Jim Chapman bid several times for Jim Tidball, and Jim T bidding for Jim C, either way you look at it CARE won, and the Class of 2007 will get another patch for donating another $1000. to CARE.

Saturday was the first bad day, I say bad because we watched our friends David and Kathy hitch up and drive off. Today was another bad day because we watched 6 other rigs hook up and leave our little area in the desert. Thursday several other rigs will be pulling out, but we can take comfort in knowing we will be seeing everyone somewhere down the road.

And my next blog post will be coming from somewhere down the road..........................

01-15-2012 Already

2012-01-15T06:12:00.000-05:00

Wow, it seams like yesterday that we were celebrating New Years, and now we are starting the third week of 2012.

We spent the first 4 days of 2012 sitting in the desert in Salome AZ, we were at an Encore Park so we had full hook-ups along with a nice heated swimming pool, and a hot tub. A hot tub is a must in my book for an rv resort, if I'm going to pay the average rates for a site there should be a hot tub in the park.

On the 5th we moved the rig 35 miles to Quartzsite AZ, we are parked on BLM Land in the desert. We have hundreds of rv neighbors scattered around. Although I don't think there are as many rv's here this year as there was in 2008 when we were here, and everyone said the numbers were down then. Maybe it has to something do with not being able to find the good deals once offered here in Q.

We are here for the " Class of 2007" 5 year reunion, all of us "07'ers" will hit the 5 years on the road this year. It was 4 years ago when we first met with about 32 other rigs less than a mile from where we are now. Many of the same people are here now that we met 4 years ago, and we have spent time with them in one place or the other over the last few years.

The "official" class reunion dates are the 15th - 20th, but many have already been here a few days and many will hang around past the 20th. Later today several more are going to pull in and join us, and then at 4 pm we will have our opening celebrations. The entire week should be full of fun, food, and laughter, and the weather won't be quite as cold as it was 4 years ago.

The sunsets are beautiful out here, the company is outstanding, and we are looking forward to a fun filled week.................................

Escapade on

2012-01-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

OK I really need to finish the recap of 2011 so I can start on 2012.

We left the Black Hills to do the 51st Escapade, the pre escapade was filled with friends and fun. Marcia and Wanda don't need glasses to share a picture of Margaritas at a gathering at a local Mexican eatery.

It looks like Donna helped with the Margaritas too.

Donna was a bit worried when we all took it a race at the local dirt track.

The unlimited class was AWESOME to see on such a small track. We all got dirt slung on us.

After the good, no great times at Escapade we were off to Yellowstone. This was our yard for one night.

We met Mark and Lydia in Yellowstone, and we know we will be seeing them down the road many more times as our travels cross paths.

Here we are in the Grand Tetons. Yellowstone NP is very low on my list of to See's, but the Grand Tetons are right up there with Crater Lake. I couldn't imagine the difference in just a few miles. (but then it may be who's running the show at each place)

In the Tetons we met up with class mates Sal and Bobbie. I think Bobbie is the youngest of our class, and maybe that's why they still work, but they work at some great places so it is almost like not working. Sal was kind enough to point out a great spot to view the local bear and her cubs. You my have to blow up the picture to find them because my droid phone is the only camera I carry now.

As we departed the Grand Tetons I had to get a shot of the KS and the snow topped mtns.

From the Tetons we were off to see Moab, but first we spent the night at a rest area on hwy 6.

What a view.

In Moab we met Bill and Priscilla, we planned a jeep outing and guess who showed up? Mark and Lydia, so we all went wheeling one day.

This is some of the sights we saw.

A look at a distance.

And this is where the distance took us.

Marcia had to get her stamp at Arches NP and when she saw this sheep she had to wrestle it down.

From Moab and all the wheeling we headed for ALBQ. for the balloon fiesta. We joined Jim and Nancy along with the escapee boomers for 12 days at the balloon fiesta.

Marcia Nancy, and Jim was part of the crew team for one of the balloons, and they got to ride in it. I slept in until the balloons flew over the rig.

Then it was off to Tucson to visit Family and friends. We bounced around AZ during Nov and Dec.

We flew back to KY so we could watch our daughter Jenelle walk across the stage to receive her diploma, she is now a graduate of the university of Tennessee. I'm so proud of her.......

After returning to Tucson we had to head to Phoenix again to have a new exhaust manifold put on the KS. I was happy to find out it was still under warranty. We met up with several class of 2007 mates in the Phoenix area a few times before heading out to Salome AZ where Marcia and I spent a quiet New Years Eve soaking in the hot tub.

Now 2012 will bring many more adventures and many more amazing sights for us to see, and I'm sure I will share some of them with the readers of this blog, so please stay tuned........................

The next few months of 2011

2012-01-09T05:20:00.000-05:00

Once we left KY and all our family we started missing them, but we were rolling again. Our first stop was Fort Knox KY. This is where I took basic training back in 1976 when I joined the U S Army. I still swear they moved the river that defines the borders of KY and IN because this was the coldest place I had ever been when we did those long marches and field training, and standing in the chow lines before daylight waiting was terrible. Now it is a beautiful fort and has a nice fam-camp.

After a few days at Ft Knox we headed to Evansville IN where we had the "Air force One" installed on the Kountry Star. That is the device that works the brakes on the jeep as I apply the brakes on the KS.

Then it was on to MI where Phoenix Paints repaired the damage I had done to the front of the KS.

While they had the rig in the paint booth we spent a couple days at Bear Cave Resort. I was never so happy to get back into our bed, although we did enjoy the hot tub.

Once Phoenix Paints was finished with the rig we headed west. We spent a week in a secluded campground in MN, and then on to ND where we spent the first night in the 48th state since we started full-timing.

It was strange spending a week on an Air force Base and never seeing an airplane.

In ND was visited Roosevelt National Park, and the Bad lands of ND. Both were OK but not on the top of our lists of things to return to see again, so now we can say we have been there and done that, but don't have a burning desire to return.

However, our next stop was Rapid City SD, a place we called home for three years and a place we love to visit in the summer months. We stayed at the Air force Fam-Camp because it was cheap enough during Sturgis Bike Week.

We did the petrified forest and Marcia was sitting on a petrified log when I took this picture.

We toured the air and space museum where we saw some impressive aircraft.

We did the Wall Drug tourist trap and Marcia had to tame this wild jack-a-lope.

We did the SD Bad Lands on a day trip, and that is a place I could spend a week at.

We also did Sturgis during BIKE WEEK. I have never seen so many motorcycles, they were every where.

Then we meandered into WY.

We spent a couple days at Devils Tower, staying at the CG there we were able to make several day trips to the outlying towns where we experienced their events during Sturgis Bike Week.

We spent a week in the Black Hills National Forest in WY enjoying the beauty of the area while we waited for time to arrive at the Escapade.

This was our site in the BHNF, we were almost the only ones enjoying this CG after bike week.

Here is a picture of us leaving Devils Tower, (sorry it is out of sequence).

Our next stop is the Escapade in Gilette WY. I will do it and the rest of 2011 in another blog..........

2011 the first six months

2011-12-31T21:38:00.001-05:00

We closed out 2010 in Bushnell FL with the escapees at Sumter Oaks, and then we headed south looking for warmer weather. We wound up in Key West FL enjoying the beautiful sunsets and a little warmer weather. It just wasn't the 70's that we seek, but we waited a few days and the 70's did show up.

Jim and Nancy came down and visited us and this little iguana tried its best to climb up Jim's leg. I don't think Jim had moved that fast in many years.

We did some kayaking and found some nice shells.

We soon moved back to Sumter Oaks, and I flew back to KY for my doctor appointment. While I was gone some lady rear-ended Marcia in the jeep. We took the jeep to wachula to have it repaired.

We found a buyer for the Santara, a nice couple we had met in Wachula, they had spent the winter in a small class C so moving into the Santara was a huge move forward for them, and it relieved us from the burden of having two motor homes.

My doctor appointment took us back to KY a lot earlier than we wanted to be there, but it did give us added time to spend with family.

I bought some " old school " wheels for the jeep and they really looked good, but Wal-Mart scratched them up when they installed them wrong so wal-mart paid me for those wheels and I bought some that were more durable.

Dad had been pretty sick all winter so it was really good that we were able to be there and able to spend time with him before he went to be with mom in heaven.

Another plus was we started volunteering for the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Did you know

Kentucky was once called Kaintuck?

We even got uniforms.

And a secluded place to call home for a couple months.

We got to see "little Shit" (as dad called Braydon).

We were among many volunteers at the park.

While we were there we saw an unusual flood in June. Middlesboro was hit pretty hard by some heavy rains and many of the business in Middlesboro were flooded along with many homes.

We had several marsh-mellow roasts, the kids really enjoyed them.

Someone else liked them too.

The sad part of the first six months was dad passed away, and I really miss calling him and letting him know where we are parked at now. Going "home" (back to Middlesboro) will never be the same, and I might not ever return except Scott, Corey and Jenifer, and the grand babies are there, and it is so close to Nellies.

That is the short version of the first six months of 2011, the next six months, after leaving Middlesboro, will follow, (soon I hope)...

Wheeling in Salome

2011-12-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we left the conveniences of the big city to enjoy the seclusion of Salome. The area around Salome is a four wheelers haven with thousands of miles of trails. I gave up the four wheelers years ago, something about pain and back caused our quad to sit in the garage for several years before we gave it away.

But my loving wife loves her jeeps, and I found out the jeeps will go almost any where a quad will, and if the jeep won't make it I don't really need to go there.

She did ask me several times today, "are you going down there"? A horse could have done a better job as transportation, but a horse needs too much attention, with the jeep its just tires, gas and oil, and we can pull the jeep behind the rv.

We traversed across many miles of desert enjoying the views all the way, and we are always looking for that shiny stuff in the washes.

I have found that I enjoy looking for the best way to get across the wash in the desert, than watching for the fool crossing into my lane in the cities.

I spotted this definite change in the rocks so I wanted to see why.

It was the tailing's of an old mine shaft. I have always wandered how the prospectors chose an area to look for their gold. You can find claims all over, but how do or did they know where to dig?

We didn't do anything that was too rough, although I wish the quads would have made the paths a little wider so I didn't have to worry so much about scratching the jeep.

We made it back to the rv resort with no problems, didn't get cut off by any aggressive drivers, and I really don't think we ran any red lights today...........

The Apache Trail

2011-12-27T22:55:00.000-05:00

We are staying at Palm Gardens RV Resort in Mesa AZ. It is a nice place, too large for me but the price was right and they have the amenities we like. Hot tub, club house, and heated pool to name a few.

We decided to take a drive along the "Apache Trail" up to Roosevelt Lake, Ron, Linda Mike and Sandy was also going so we followed each other most of the way.

Here is the Superstition Mountains just East of Phoenix.

We met up with Ron and the gang at this ghost town, it is Goldfield Ghost Town just outside of Apache Junction AZ. It has a lot of neat stuff, but it is just another tourist trap in my book.

Here is the group at one of the first scenic overlooks, Looking over Apache Lake.

This is the nice lady that offered to take our picture all together. we all gave her our cameras so she took several pics for each of us.

At one of the several one lane bridges we stopped at I took this picture of the canyon that the creek flowed through.

Linda and Sandy ventured further up the trail to get a better view.

Here is one of the many awesome sights we were blessed with along the 150 mile loop. The 150 miles is from our CG back to our CG.

On the way to Roosevelt Lake we seen this van, we were humored by the "hows my driving" sign on the back, and the van had ran off into the ditch.

I was going to offer to pull him out with the Jeep, but the driver wasn't around.

Here is another awesome view we were blessed with.

Another one of the lakes.

The Apache Trail has 20+ miles of dirt road from Apache Flats to Roosevelt Lake, and a lot of the dirt road is a wash board road. Very bumpy, like the old wash boards used before washing machines. The Jeep handles roads like there easy, but Ron's big one ton dually had a rough time bouncing around.

Here is the bridge crossing over Lake Roosevelt, northward towards Payton, and south to Globe. We went south not crossing the bridge.

A look at the upper side of Roosevelt Dam, the dam was built in 1911 and is one of the few masonry dams still in existence.

We stopped on the lower side of the dam and looked upwards, we even walked down the path to get a better look, but for some reason I didn't take a picture.

We had a good day and look forward to having many more with our friends every where we go...........

Family

2011-12-16T03:56:00.000-05:00

Here in Tucson we have an aunt that is really something special. She is 75 and lives close to her daughter and son-in-law. She always enjoys a visit from us, so much so that she had 30 amp service put in so we could be plugged in while visiting her. we really thank her for that.

She has a daughter that lives just around the corner with her son-in-law and one grandson, and the other grandson lives with his wife a few miles away, and one of her many nephews lives a few blocks away. They are all just fun people to be around, and we always enjoy being around them.

Although they always tell me Tucson is warm and dry, I have found out that Tucson isn't always warm and dry, but that may be because we are here. Highs in the low 60's and high 50's isn't warm to me, and when the lows dip into the 20's I start thinking we should have went back to FL.

Pam and Jon are always entertaining at their house, and are willing to help any way they can, and their son Brian is always looking for some way to do something for someone. Andrew, their oldest son is too busy working and taking care of his wife and two babies to spend much time with us, but they do come over every Friday for Yhatzee night.

As I had posted before we put the rig in the shop to have an exhaust leak fixed, and the Kenworth dealer had it for 10 days, but when I went to pick it up they had not touched it. I was one very unhappy camper that day. It looks like Tucson is not a good place to have work done on your rig. The front-end work was screwed up in Tucson and now the exhaust, so Sunday we will be headed for Phoenix to get it repaired.

It has been an enjoyable stay here in Tucson despite the incompetent shops I found. Spending time with family is always fun and enjoyable, but we are ready to spend some time with our RV'ing family. We will head west after the rig is repaired next week. We have the "class of 2007" 5 year reunion in Q next month, and it will be good to exchange stories with others that went FT the same time as we did.

Once we get back into "vacation" mode and out of visiting mode I'll try to do a little better on keeping the blog updated, so stay tuned................

Very Proud of my Little Girl

2011-12-13T11:59:00.000-05:00

Last week we flew back to Knoxville TN as we do almost every year because my doctor wants to see me twice a year. But this time we had a few other things that we would have flown back for even with our doctor appointments. Our daughter Jenelle walked across the stage at Thompson Bowling Arena where she received her diploma. She is now a graduate of the University of Tennessee, with a BA degree in Communication.

It was a long struggle for her, in 2008 she moved to Knoxville. Within two weeks she had her own apartment, a job, and enrolled in school. A little over a year later she had a house built and a new car in the garage, and she is doing it with almost no help from us. I know she spent many lonely hours studying because the closest of our family was 65 miles away, and we were running the roads in the RV.

When she walked across that stage it opened a new door in her life. She had done without a lot of things, and she had put a lot of worldly desires aside to achieve her dream of getting that diploma so she can have a better future.

I truly hope she succeeds in whatever she chooses for the next chapter in her life....

GOOD JOB JENELLE..............

Tucson

2011-11-30T05:50:00.000-05:00

We have been in Tucson a week now this time, parked at camp Arlene's. A week ago we went to Nogalas Mexico with Mark and Lydia. The picked us up at the casino where we were and Mark drove us down. Riding in the back of their small Ford made me want a 4 door truck, or 4 door jeep all the more.

Lydia had a dental appointment in Mexico so we went with them. The first stop was the duty free store, we bought a couple cartons of smokes for $10 a carton. We got an off brand, and Mark and Lydia got their name brand for $30, which sure beats the $55-$110 they charge in the states.

Once in Mexico we walked around looking in several shops. Nogalas is a lot different than Los Algadones, and I would much rather spend a day in Los Algadones. We had breakfast at Leo's, the sausage was a hot dog, and the ham was not ham, but the eggs were cooked to order, and the pancakes were ok. Marcia and I did get our Coke Light, which is diet Coke but in Mexico it has a little more syrup in it.
We had a pretty good time over all and Lydia has one more appointment today.

Once we got back to the casino we said our good-byes and then we drove the rig to "Camp Arlene's" so we could spend Thanksgiving with family. Pam, and the "girls" did an excellent job preparing the dinner, and everyone ate a little more than they should have. The next day we did it again with left overs and it was as good as it was the day before.

Sunday Bill and I went to the desert to pop a few caps. Bill collects all kinds of guns, he has or has had several old hand guns. A 1902 38, an old colt 45 with pearl grips made around 1904, and several long guns. We made a lot of noise and had a good time, it had been years since I had been shooting like that.
It was a lot of fun and I look forward to doing it again sometime.

I had been hearing a noise coming from the engine of the rig and couldn't tell if it was normal or not. A mechanic told me recently it was a cracked manifold, and I really didn't want to hear that. So I called cummins to find a shop near here, and to ask about a warranty, I was really pleased to hear that a cracked manifold would be covered under the 5 year 100000 mile cummins warranty. Although our rig is an 06 it wasn't "put into service" until May of 2007 so we still have a few months on the warranty, and it will ONLY COST US THE $100 deductible. (we dodged a bullet there)

We will drop the rig off Saturday, the day before we fly back to KY and they should have it fixed and ready for us when we return a week later.

It is 3:44 am and my mind is wandering so until the next time............................

WHY

2011-11-21T23:40:00.000-05:00

We spent almost a full week in Gila Bend, the Aux air station has a fam-camp with about 60 sites. Full hook-ups and free laundry for less than a lot of places charge to dump your tanks. The only problem is there is NOTHING around there.
We left Yuma last Tuesday and drove to Gila Bend. We got all set up in the fam-camp, was greeted by several of the rv'ers that spend the entire winter there, and made it to the 4 PM happy Hour. We were introduced to all that were there, and had a good time listening to all the gossip.

One bad thing about this fam-camp is that don't have the same rule as Escapees have about talking politics, or bringing pets to the happy hour. One lady was very outspoken with her political views, and you could tell she enjoyed being that way. And one couple had to bring their "puggsly" to every get together, I really enjoy the Escapees Boondockers rule about not bringing your pet to gatherings. You may love your pet more than anything, (and that is the main problem) but I'm not an animal lover, and watching some one's pet sit and stare at someone eating is disgusting. ( I'm not an animal hater either )

The following day we drove into Gila Bend and had lunch at McDonald's. Then we drove around town look things over. After that ten min was over we headed back to the rig. I got caught up on a lot of things I have been wanting to do. I finished Corey's walking stick, fixed the leak in the water hose where I had installed the water filters' and got started on a chair I'm re-doing.

The next day we just chilled, and the following day we drove down to Ajo. Ajo is another small town but there are many paths to play around on in the jeep. We spend a couple hours just riding around in the desert admiring the beauty.

We had so much fun in Gila Bend that we decided to leave a day early. We really did enjoy our time there, but I can only take so much of nothing. Even though we were paid up until tomorrow we left today. Our plan was to spend the day at the casino in WHY AZ. but they don't allow overnight parking there so we didn't stay.

I really would have liked to spend a day or two in that area, there are plenty 4x4 trails and the Organ Pipe Cactus N. M. is a beautiful place. The cactus are so plentiful and they are so huge it is really impressive. So I'm thinking we may head that way when we return from KY next month. I know there are plenty of places to dry camp around Why, but I just wanted a casino to park at.

We will hang out here for a couple days before we head up to my aunt Arlene's for a couple weeks..........

Thanks to any of you that did the survey I posted, our daughter thanks you too.......

Why is a small town in southern AZ, it was named after the roads that form a Y.

Our Daughter needs help.

2011-11-21T06:58:00.000-05:00

As most of you know our daughter Jenelle is due to graduate the Universtity Of TN next month. One of her school projects this semester is doing a survey online. The more people she gets to do the survey the better her grade will be. So if you have a few min to spare would you please take the survey? Just follow this link .

Thanks a bunch, and I will do a blog on hanging out in Gila Bend soon......

Inverter Issues

2011-11-15T01:20:00.000-05:00

We have had issues with our inverter ever since we bought the rig, for some reason we have to have the inverter on to watch tv, even if we are plugged into shore power.

I put a post about it on the escapee forum, http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showtopic=95202

and got some good information about what the problem is. As you can see in the picture if you close it has a circuit breaker that is messed up. For some reason the electricity coming from the shore power is not getting through the inverter to the TV without going through the inverter. The conclusion is a bad transfer switch inside the inverter, possible caused by the messed up circuit breaker.

The main reason for this blog post is so I can have a link to the picture to post on the forum so the guys helping me can see it.

We will be leaving Yuma tomorrow if the etch-a-sketch doesn't change overnight. We have enjoyed being here at Kofa Co-op, enjoyed a couple trips to Mexico where Marcia got new glasses, and contacts, and we have enjoyed the hot tub here. ( I enjoy them anywhere).

Tomorrow we head to Gila Bend. Not much there, but at the air station we can have full hookups for $7 a night and free use of the laundry room. We will make a couple day trips to see sights we want to see, some for the first time and some to see again.

Until the next time.............

Laughlin

2011-11-07T20:05:00.000-05:00

Pam and Marcia decided Laughlin would be a good weekend getaway, mainly for Pam and Jon because we are already on an extended weekend getaway. Ours started in May of 2007 when we sold the house and moved into the RV.

Pam worked really hard getting us all reservations at the Colorado Belle, but the main lady she normally deals with was not working so she could only get their room. She did however get it cleared for us to park the RV there for the weekend, so we all me there Friday.

We spent several hours playing slot machines in the casino, and taking advantage of their free drinks. We all decided to meet up at 6 pm for dinner, and we had a pretty good meal in the "Brewery". They make their own beer, and serve all kinds of food. After eating we went to the RV to play some farkle, and that is when things went down hill fast.

Barney Fife was on duty as the security guard, and he said we couldn't be inside the RV. When I tried to explain that we had it all cleared with the casino, and even had a parking permit from the casino. Well he quickly explained that the county didn't allow it unless the casino had a permit to allow dry camping, and they didn't have one.

Now Pam was a little embarrassed, and we all were frustrated, but Pam went into action. She went inside and found the lady that gave her the permit, and explained it all to her. She agreed it was her mistake so she comped us a room for the weekend. I thought that was pretty good.

The next day I was in the RV watching the KY football game, I had the generator running, kicked back and enjoying the game when another security guard stopped by and informed me that even though we had a room there we wasn't supposed to be inside the RV. But he said it was such a nice day that he would let me finish watching the game.

I guess the county passed some law to make the casino's buy some permit to allow dry camping and the Colorado Belle didn't fork over the $$. The Pioneer Casino next door had " FREE DRY CAMPING" on a large sign next to the road, so I guess they paid the fees.

Bottom line is we had a pretty good time with Pam and Jon, and they do have a pretty good deal going with the Colorado Belle, as they get all their food, and drinks comped by the casino, plus they get a suite with a large balcony over looking the Colorado River.

I was really happy to leave, I like sleeping in MY BED. We are now parked at " HI JOLLY " a free area of the BLM land just north of Quartzsite. We will head to Yuma tomorrow or the next day for a week or two........

Been a while

2011-11-05T15:40:00.000-04:00

OK I.m sorry, but it has been a couple weeks since my last blog post, Once we left Tucson we took the rig to Spectrac near Phoenix to have the front end aligned. They did a great job, they corrected the screw ups they made at the International dealer in Tucson, and then aligned it up. The ride and drive is so much better now that it has been aligned.

We spent a week resting near Phoenix, didn't do anything except dinner out for our 19th anniversary. Then we wound up in Congress at the SKP park North Ranch. North Ranch is a beautiful place, but it is in the middle of nowhere. Wickenburg is about 15 miles away, and there you can find several eateries and a few stores. Congress has nothing, one place to eat and the prices reflect the fact there is nothing else around.

We got the RV washed while at North Ranch, but the weather wasn't looking good for the trip to Laughlin on Friday so we left a couple days early. Wednesday the wind was blowing pretty good, but nothing like the forecast for Friday. We spent two days at a Passport America Park before moving over to the casino.

We will spend the weekend here at the casino, (cousin Pam got us a room comped for the weekend) And for your information the Colorado Belle Casino DOES NOT allow dry camping in their parking lot. I'll tell that story in the next post, now I have to feed the slot machines......

Tucson Arizona

2011-10-22T19:46:00.000-04:00

Tucson is one of our favorite places, we have family here and I love the sunshine. We arrived Friday and checked into the Tra-Tel RV Park. Tra-Tel is a passport America park but PA isn't good after Oct 15th because they fill up with snowbirds. But we were lucky enough to get in before some of the snowbirds were due in so we got the PA rate for one week.

After setting up we drove the 3 miles to Aunt Arleen's. It is always good to see her, she is so full of life and always finds the right things to say to make you laugh and feel at home. After visiting for an hour or so we called our cousin Bill and he came over. Bill has always been one of my favorite cousins, him being several years older than me had me always looking up to him.

Later Friday night we were invited to Pam and John's for Yahtzee night. Pam has always been the entertainer, she enjoys having large numbers of people over and it always turns out to be a fun time. Andrew and his wife with their two youngens, Brian and his girlfriend, us, John and Pam, and a couple of their friends all joined for the fun.

Andrew had the dogs and burgers ready when Pam got off work, so the party started. The guys didn't roll too well at Yahtzee, but we did have a good time and we all ate well. Arleen joined us later and saved the night by taking care of the little ones.

Later during the week we had great times visiting with everyone, and last night turned into taco night with Yahtzee following. One day we went to visit our friends Mark and Lidia at the park they are staying at for the winter. Mark and Lidia have been full timing for only 5-6 months, and we had met them in Yellowstone last month.

One evening we had dinner with Mark and Lidia, and Bill and Priscilla, we had met Bill and Priscilla in Moab and spent a few days wheeling with them. It was at the Silver Saddle Steak House, and although the prices were a little high it worked out because the meals were large enough that we all split a meal and just ordered and extra salad. after eating Mark and Lidia came to the rig and we played cards for several hours. It is always great to meet up with friends all over the country.

Friday we moved the rig from Tra-Tel to camp Arleen's. John had put in a 30 amp service and moved their motorhome into the back yard so we can just park the rig at Arleen's any time we are in the area. Tomorrow we will leave the great company and hospitality and head to Phoenix area where we will have the rig in the shop to straighten out the front end. We may have to bite the bullet and invest in 6 new tires for the Kountry Star.

We will be meeting John and Pam in Laughlin Nevada for a weekend out, I told them we would need a couple weeks to drive that far, so Pam said we better hit the road............... until the next time...........

Deming New Mexico

2011-10-14T04:39:00.000-04:00

Tuesday we pulled into Dream catcher RV Park in Deming NM. It was gr8 to see the Dub-uuus (Wanda and Wallace) First thing Wanda said was "I'll fix soup beans and cornbread tonight, and we'll go to Mexico tomorrow". Who can pass up soup beans and cornbread, or a trip to Mexico?

We got the rig set up and a couple hours later a fifth wheel stops in the road next to our rig and Marty jumps out. We spent some time catching up until Marty decides he really should get his rig out of the middle of the road. (glad it isn't real busy here)

Later we did happy hour, seeing friends we hadn't seen in months or even years. One thing about being an Escapee is you will run into friends at every Escapee Park. There was no organized happy hour, everyone just sat around the tables and visited.

After happy hour we went to the dub-uuus and enjoyed a down home meal. Wallace grilled some chops, and Wanda had the beans and cornbread sitting on the counter waiting on us, with plenty of onions and tomatoes to top off the meal. The beans were this years crop, grown right here in Deming, and I'm sure the onions and tomatoes were from close by. Thank you DUB-UUUS............

Then next morning we headed to Mexico, The PINK store. Marcia and I picked up some smokes at the duty free store before we walked into Mexico, Wanda checked on some glasses, and we all looked around the PINK store. (Algadonees outside of Yuma has the PURPLE store) The nice lady at the PINK store brought us a Margarita to sip on as we looked around.

After looking around a bit we sat down to eat. The PINK store is a one stop place, all kinds of wares to buy, furniture, ornaments, liquor, nic naks, and they have the best food in town. The Dub-uuus are on first name basis with almost everyone in the PINK store, so we got an extra Margarita.

Thursday we visited with Marty a little while before he went on a water run, and we went to check out a shop to look at the front end of the Kountry Star. While we were in MI this summer I noticed the right front tire was developing flat spots on it, so I've been watching it close. After Escapade it was getting worse so I started looking for a shop to inspect it.

I had put a post on the forum about the tire and had some awesome responses as to what could cause the tire to get flat spots on it. Bottom line is I want a QUALIFIED shop to do any repairs, and Spartan couldn't tell me of one in NM. So Wallace said there was only one shop here in Deming that he would take it to, and after talking to them I'm going to let them look at it, but mainly I will have them rotate a couple tires so I can watch it to see if it might just be the tire bad. Any repairs will (unless they find something bad wrong) will come when we get to TX or AZ.

Once we leave the tire shop we will have to decide which way to go when we get to I-10. East to see some of the south we haven't seen, or west to CA to use up some of our thousand trails time. Either way we will be in KY the second week of Dec to watch our daughter graduate from the University of Tennessee, and Q in Jan for the Class of 2007's 5 year reunion.................

The Last Balloon Pictures

2011-10-09T22:31:00.000-04:00

These pictures are from Saturdays MASS Ascension.

Marcia and Jim are in the balloon with the black stripe near the top.

A better picture of the balloon "Morning Wood" Daniel is the pilot and Marcia and Jim are in the balloon with him.

I was "zoomed" in as far as my 10X zoom would get me.

If you enlarge this picture you can see Marcia and Jim waving at me.

I'm standing beside our RV taking these pictures.

Yes that is SN** on the mtns in the background.

Even Uncle Sam was flying.

Daniel is setting the balloon down where they change passengers. Marcia and Jim get out and Nancy and Terry got in for a short ride.

Here the "first time fliers" get their initiation. They knelt down as Chris told the story, and then the champagne hit.

Jim, Nancy, Marcia, and several others with the Escapee Boomers got up before daylight almost every morning, fought the cold and darkness, to crew for their pilots so these flights could happen. During the flights they drove and rode in chase trucks so they could help pack everything up so it would be ready for the next flight. They worked very hard, and got up really early to crew for these pilots, and they deserved a lot more than they got, but they all said the enjoyed it and would do it again.

I didn't get out of bed for the Farewell mass ascension Sunday AM, I had seen enough and it was too cold for me to stand out there taking pictures.

Over all the 2011 ABQ Balloon Fiesta was a lot of fun.

More Balloon Pictu

2011-10-08T18:24:00.000-04:00

These are some of the pictures I took the first few days of the Balloon Fiesta.

Remember to check back because I still have another weekend full of pictures to post. The next set of pictures will include some of the pictures Marcia took while she was up in the balloon, and I have several of the balloon she was in although my zoom wouldn't pull it in as well as I had hoped it would. So please stay tuned.....

Bad Week for Balloons

2011-10-08T04:02:00.000-04:00

We arrived here at the balloon fiesta on Wednesday, saw a couple balloons Thursday and Friday, and a lot of Balloons Saturday Sunday Monday and Tuesday. But high winds kept the balloons in their bags Wednesday and Thursday, and rain Friday washed out the activities at Balloon Fiesta.

It was awesome seeing the balloons flying for the four days they flew. If you enjoy balloons and have never witnessed Balloon Fiesta you are missing out on a truly amazing event. We are not in the best location here at the balloon fiesta park, but we are in a great spot and we didn't have to fork out $300 per night. To have balloons land right in front of the RV has been grand, and to take pictures of them from the drivers seat was pretty good too.

Marcia, Jim and Nancy have been faithful crew members for Morning Wood all week, and from what I'm told they are next in line to get a ride, that is if the weather will give them enough of a window of good weather to fly. The news and the park officials have been really optimistic about the weather, and the balloons getting to fly, but it just hasn't happened the past few days.

Saturday and Sunday (today and tomorrow) look good for flying according to the weather reports, if the wet field doesn't prevent them from laying out the balloons so they can fill them with air. The only draw back is it will be C O L D here in ABQ. Right now my android phone shows 41 degrees and the weather shows high 30's for the next few lows. Something about 30's and Chasing the 70's doesn't mix but I am really hoping Marcia gets to get in the basket and fly one morning.

We have been to almost every casino around here while the weather has kept the balloons grounded. Some of the casino's give you $25 in free play if you sign up for their players card, so it is inviting to play the slots on their money. We have also stocked up on cigeretts here buying the indian smokes on the reservations.

We have the "Mr Buddy" heater going in the rig, so I will stay good and warm, but the ones crewing will get cold until the sun comes out, (if the clouds leave) and when / if Marcia gets a ride she will be cold, but she really wants to fly so she will suffer through the cold for the experience.

Monday we will head SOUTH, Los Cruses, NM to have the front end of the MH looked at, and them Deming NM for a few days visiting Wanda and Wallace, and then we will have to look really close at the "etch-a-sketch" to see which way we will be headed. We will have to be in TN on the 9th of Dec for a graduation, and my doctor appointment, so will we fly in from the west, or will we head east and spend the next couple months in the south and drive up? Only time will tell....................

The pictures will have to wait until I get better cell service, (verizon is really slow due to so many using it here during Balloon Fiesta).......

Saturday MASS Acension

2011-10-03T06:35:00.000-04:00

Escapee Boomers Happy Hour Friday, Cool Judy instructed us as to what would be happening.

The first Balloon I saw Thursday AM.

Saturday I saw more balloons.

I'll quit typing and let you enjoy the pictures. (Remember these are from my droid phone.)

Some landed right in front of our motorhome.

You may need to blow this one up a bit because a lot of the balloons are landing and you can see them in the tree tops.

That was Saturdays pictures, I know this is Monday and where is Sundays pictures? I'll post the later because I want to add some of the ones I took with Marcia's camera, so they will come later.

I hope you enjoyed them.

alloon Fiesta

2011-10-01T01:31:00.000-04:00

Wednesday we left the fam-camp at Kirtland AFB and drove across town to the Balloon Fiesta where we were met by Cool Judy. Cool Judy is from Cool Ca thus the name Cool Judy. Cool Judy is the go to person here for the Escapee Boomers, we were led to our site right on the edge of the landing field. Once we got set up we met our neighbors for the next 12 days. Later was our first boomer happy hour where Cool Judy enlightened us on what was going to happen over the next 12 days, and she gave us the meet times for tomorrows training.

Thursday we all met up at Judy's rig where she led 30-40 people over to the launch area to watch a saftey video, and then to register for crewing. Me not being the walking type I drove over and met the group before the video. After the training video and the registration we walked through the vendor area looking around. Like almost every other event the vendors charge way too much for their wares. $50 for a nitted shirt, $12 for last years tee shirts, and you get the idea.

After looking around we went back to the rig and hung out waiting for the 5 o'clock happy hour. (several thought it was too hot and not enough shad for another 4 o'clock happy hour). Marcia and I decided to check out WallGreens where we found tees 2 for $10, and some 3 for $12. We made it back for happy hour, but a cold front coming through had me hitting the bed. Marcia did the happy hour and told me all about it. One of the pilots came and talked for awhile.

Today was Marcias first day crewing. She was up way before the sun came up, and the report I got when she returned was, "they road around looking for a place to launch". If the winds arren't right they often drive a few miles away and find better conditions, but today wasn't one of those days so they stopped and had breakfast. I was really glad I slept in this AM.

Later Marcia and I went to the casino. It turned out to be very profitable trip. I played my $5 and wound up with almost $40 before I gave it all back. When I found Marcia she was up about $125, and she wanted to play it down to maybe $100 hoping to win big again. So while I was waiting I put in a $20 and had gotten down to about $4 when I hit $175 So after all was said and done we walked out with about $225 of the casino's money. Yeppers I thought we had a pretty good day.

So we returned intime for the 5 o'clock happy hour where Cool Judy and others gave a re-cap of todays events, and she explained some of tomorrows events. Then we went to dinner with two other couples, Jim and Nancy, and Kaz and Vickie (I think that was her name). We had a pretty good meal at El Pinto, I guess they concider it a "New Mexico" Mexican restauraunt. Sorry I don't have pictures to show, but they will come later. Tomorrow is the mass assention where about 600 balloons will take off in two waves. I'll do my best to get some good pics if I get out of bed in time. The ones crewing have to meet up at 5:15 AM. I figure I got up that early and fought the cold mornings enough when I was working that I don't need to or want to now that I don't have to work............

What did we do?

2011-09-22T10:03:00.000-04:00

September 20th, 2011 Marcia's 50th birthday. We celebrated Marcia's birthday several times this year, after all she did hit the big 50. After the Escapade Molly suggested having her a party since we weren't going to be with friends or family on her birthday, and that was all Donna needed to get the ball rolling. All the friends that were still there did a great job of throwing together a very special party.

Marcia told me she wanted to go to a casino on her birthday, so me being a guy that wants to please his wife, we left the awe-inspiring beauty of Moab and headed to New Mexico. On the 19th we had breakfast in Utah, then we did lunch in Colorado, and supper in New Mexico. We stopped at a small casino near Shiprock New Mexico and spent the night.

Tuesday we drove to Farmington NM to another casino, a larger one, but it still wasn't as glamorous as the casinos we are used to. We stayed the night at the fairgrounds, which the casino is kind of part of with the horse racing track. We spent most of the day in the casino, although Marcia wasn't winning anything she was having fun.

That evening we had a nice steak and shrimp dinner, and then we returned to the casino. We stayed in the casino until late thirty! We did make it back to the rig and ate some birthday cake that was left over from the party in Gillette and Marcia drank some of the wine she got in Gillette ( Donna said it was women's Viagra) . Marcia had frozen the cake so we could have it on her birthday.

Now we are sitting at another casino in Rio Rancho. This is more like the casinos we think of when we say casino. It has the resort included, and isn't just building filled with slot machines like you find at many Indian casinos we've been to, or the bars with a few poker machines we found in Rapid City.

We will leave here later today and go to a Passport America park, or to the fam-camp at Kirtland AFB where we will hang out until the balloon fest next week...............

MOAB

2011-09-18T23:28:00.000-04:00

We arrived here in Moab last Sunday with the intentions of staying a week. We have done a few 4x4 trails and enjoyed them 110%. We met Bill and Priscilla one morning, we saw the Escapee sticker on their RV and stopped to say hi. As it turned out it was a good stop because we have enjoyed their company all week.

We had dinner a couple times, and we did a great 4x4 trail with them. Tower arch, is shown as a moderate trail in the books, but we found it to be a bit more than we wanted to a second time. Some of the places were climbing up and over huge steep slickrocks, some parts were almost straight up rocky climbs, and some deep sandy hills to crawl through. It was a great ride, and seeing the dinosaur foot prints again was awesome.

Today was our planned departure but yesterday the etch-a-sketch got shook up a bit when we saw Mark and Lidia parked it the park, we met Mark and Lidia in Yellowstone a couple weeks ago. After sitting around talking with Mark, Lidia, Bill, and Priscilla, Marcia and I decided to spend an extra day in Moab so we could all do the "onion creek" trail today, since the rain spoiled any 4x4 rides Saturday.

We checked to see if we all could extend an extra day at the OK RV Park. 2 out of 3 wasn't bad, our site had been reserved for tonight so we had to move. All the sites were either taken or reserved so we had a choice of doubling up on Bill and Priscilla's site, or move into a dry camping area. As it turned out their site was plenty long enough for us both, and there was an extra power pedestal so we chose that option.

Around 10:30 we all loaded up in the jeeps and headed for Onion Creek by way of the last section of the La Sal Loop. Through town and east on 128 we went. After thirty some miles on the black top we hit the dirt roads. Once we got to the top of the mtn we stopped for lunch. Bill had been fighting a stomach bug all day so they headed back the black top road once we came down off the mtn, and we turned down another dirt road.

We were doing the same roads Marcia and I had taken earlier in the week, we found them so awe-inspiring that we wanted to share the "awe" with everyone else. The trails were a lot rougher after the heavy rains Friday than when we had done them before, but still not as rough as the Tower Arch trail. Mark and Lidia enjoyed the ride, and I kept hearing AWE, from the back seat. It really is an awe-inspiring ride.

The ride ended with dinner at McStiffs in Moab, the food was pretty good with no complaints, the company was great, and we got to chat with a few guys at the next table, visiting the US from Denmark.
Tomorrow we will leave Moab and all the fantastic 4x4 trails and beautiful scenery in hopes of finding more beautiful scenery and new friends on down the road. We know our paths will cross again with our new found friends and we will share more stories with them, and maybe even do some wheeling......

PS: pictures will come later..............

You heard the story now see the pics

2011-09-12T23:22:00.001-04:00

After leaving Gillette our first stop was at a fishing hole going into Yellowstone. We walked down to the river and had to cross this little stream before we got to the river. Marcia was having a hard time keeping her ballance.

From a small island in the river this is what we saw.

This is the view from our window in the rig.

Once in Yellowstone this is one of the areas where steam comes out of the ground.

In honor of Jay Carter we had donuts the day he was burried. Jay loved his Crispy Creams.

Our rig in the CG in Yellowstone, and the sattelite on the roof picked up a signal.

One of the waterfalls you can find in Yellowstone.

Entering the Grand Teton from Yellowstone we stopped at this lake for a picture.

You have to look close, maybe even enlarge the pics following, but there is a mommy bear and three cubs. Remember these pics are from my cell phone.

Yes that is SN*W on that mtn, and Bobbie did a three day hike up there.

On our way to Moab we stopped on the top of this mtn to eat lunch. What a view.

About 40 miles north of Green River we found this rest area where we spent the night.

The rest area views.

Our first day ride in Moab brought us some AWESOME VIEWS.

We wind up where you see the clouds meeting the mtns. The Colorado Rives is at the bottom of those mtns.

But first we have to drive through this.

There is a trail going between those mtns.

We saw many rock formations like this one.

The sign at Arches National Park says it best.

Marcia had to attack this goat.

We have seen so much neat stuff, and so many neat places, I can't understand how anyone could sit in one place their entire life. I love living in our RV and changing our backyard when ever we chose to......

Too Cold for me!!!!

2011-09-10T10:40:00.001-04:00

The etch-a-sketch has been bounced around a lot the past few days, the plan to spend some time in Lima MT was scrapped when we found out the friend we were going to visit was working out of town. A plan to meet him at the house he is building was foiled by bad cell service and worse directions. So we drew up new plans on the etch-a-sketch, a visit to the Grand Teton National Park was sketched in.

It was late when we returned to the rig after a nice ride around earthquake lake where we couldn't find our friend so we elected to spend one night in Yellowstone National Park. We weren't impressed with Yellowstone 4 years ago when we were there, and not much has changed so one night was stretching it for us. They were very help full at the CG, even offered us two sites for the price of one so we would have room to park the jeep. (it turned out we didn't need the extra site).

At the CG we met Mark and Lidia, they have been full timing for 5 months.( I remembered we had been full timing 4 months when we visited Yeller Stone the first time.) We had a good time talking with them, and hope we meet up down the road to compair stories. When I crawled out of bed the following morning it was 55 degrees in the rig, and outside it was right around the 30 degree mark. That is just too much below the 70 mark for me to hang around, so we packed up and headed SOUTH.

We didn't go far enough south the next day to escape the frigid overnight temps. We stopped at Colter Bay in the Grand Teton NP where class mates Bobbie and Sal have been all summer. We checked in at the CG and they told us Bobbie was on a three day hike that was ending today, and they contacted Sal by radio for us. As we got the rig set up Sal came by, (it was GREAT to see him), he was having a busy day so we made plans for dinner later. I had to ask Sal where we could see a bear since he had been here all summer, and he directed us in the right direction.

We had several hours before we were getting together with Bobbie and Sal so we went bear hunting. Loaded with our cell phone cameras we headed in the direction we were told that the bears had been sighted. We drove up one dirt road to find a horse stables at the end, another dirt road ended at a day use area near the twin lakes. By now it was around 2 pm and a perfect 74 degrees with plenty of sunshine.

As we headed back to the main road we got caught in a "bear jam" a bear jam is where someone spots a bear and stops in the middle of the road, and then someone else stops to see why the other car had stopped, and before long there are 50 cars blocking the road and most get out and watch the bears. (this happens with almost any animal in the park).

We were lucky enough to be really close to the bear and three cubs. we watched as they ate berries and migrated on around the hillside. We did get some pics on our cell phone cameras, and I'll post them someday. The fed-ex guy wasn't impressed with the bear, he really wanted to get through the traffic so eventually all the cars were moved to one side of the road so traffic could pass, and since we had to move and the bears were past us we decided to try and find some moose or elk.

OK I'm sorry, this is TMI (too much information) after all this is a blog not a book. We meet up with Sal and Bobbie later, had a terrific dinner, then Sal drove us around looking for a moose that we couldn't find. When it got dark we sat in the Kountry Star reminiscing about the past few years, and the next few months. It was really a thrill to spend some time with them, and I would have enjoyed spending a few days with them, but the lows were too close to the freezing mark for me to hang around another day.

We were able to see a wolf, bears, elk, eagles, osprey, and other smaller animals but no moose would let us have a peek. We left Friday AM and wound up in Ogden UT where we will rest a couple days at a PA park before we wind up in Moab UT..............

Grand Teton National Park Colter Bay CG

2011-09-08T14:41:00.000-04:00

We are at Colter Bay CG for ONE night, (too cold for two). We missed seeing our friend Randy yesterday due to a bad connection on the cell phones, but tonight we hope to see Bobbie and Sal. We met Bobbie and Sal in Q back in 08 and have followed their blog since then. Bobbie gets some awesome pictures.

The cell service here is pretty spotty, I hope I get enough signal to post this.

Last Night in Gillette and the big 50

2011-09-05T23:16:00.000-04:00

After the Escapade many chose to hang out at the Cam-Plex to avoid traveling on a Holiday weekend. We had fun, one night it was a potato bake, 20-30 gathered together with a baked potato and a topping. We had so many toppings, just putting a little of each one on the potato caused the potato to too much to eat, and then there was deserts on top of that. After everyone ate we played "corn hole", and ladder ball.

The next night it was going to be just a happy hour, but you all know what happens when a bunch of SKPs get together. There was enough food to feed a small army, and Mark even brought some of his special "home brew". The happy hour moved into the sunshine where the "corn hole" and Ladder Ball took over again. I even got a yard stick and two clothes pins out to keep score. (CRS doesn't effect the yard stick).

Today everyone started packing and cleaning getting things ready to hit the road tomorrow. Marcia was really disappointed that we weren't having a happy hour, but then she didn't know Molly and Donna had got the wheels rolling to have her a surprise 50th birthday party. All the women did a great job of throwing it together, and I kept Marcia distracted.

Around 3:30 I took Marcia for a ride, she had no idea that we were going to the Chinese place, and I needed to have her there at 6:15. She also didn't know that 38 people would be waiting on us to show up. When we walked into the restaurant she still had no idea what was going on, Bob was taking pictures of us walking in, ands she still hadn't put it together. It wasn't until she saw the balloon with the big 50 on it that she realized it was a surprise party for her.

We could see the tears of joy running down her face as she went around hugging everyone. That went on for several minuets until she had hugged almost everyone. Everyone filled their bellies before they broke out the cake. The firefighters in the group broke out the fire extinguishers because there were so many candles on the cake. I was really glad they didn't have to use them!

Then the presents!!!! She got butt-aid, a pregnancy test, prune juice, a cane, 14 boxes of ex lax, anti-aging cream, a set of false teeth that jump around, a bottle of wine labeled "WOMEN'S VIAGRA", and a slew of other gifts. And to top it off someone paid for our meal, (thanks to whom every it was). Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and most everyone said it was a blast. I know I had a blast watching everyone.

Then the sad part came, everyone started saying their good-byes, some will be leaving early tomorrow morning, and some will sleep in so the good-byes was done tonight.

Thanks to everyone that made it happen tonight.............

51st Escapade is over

2011-09-03T05:14:00.000-04:00

Friday was the "hitch-up" breakfast here at the Cam-Plex in Gillette Wyoming, closing ceremonies was Thursday. It was a busy week to say the least, Monday was the first timers happy hour, Tuesday was the class of 2007 Happy Hour followed by B I N G O, Wednesday I was in the popcorn booth handing out free popcorn. Thursday I and 50 others were initiated into the Elks Lodge # 2825, followed by B I N G O.

The first timers happy hour was the first for us and the Escapade, we were among 5 couples hosting it. We had around 175 people show up, Jim Tidball did a good job with the mic directing everyone to group up with others from the same area. Everyone brought a snack and their drink so we all sat around getting acquainted while we filled our bellies.

The class of 2007 Happy Hour had around 50 people, and everyone again brought a heavy snack, Marcia brought chicken and dumpling because we weren't going to have time for supper before B I N G O. We adopted 4 couples into the class so there were more adoptees that people that went full time in 2007. I think everyone had a good time, even the couple that came in, sat down and ate, and then left without saying anything. The class of 2007 is an easy bunch and we didn't mind sharing with them, but they would have enjoyed it more if they had stayed and joined in.

After the happy hour Marcia and I headed to the bingo building. Mary and Gail were training us this year, they had done the bingo for 10 years and this year they were hanging up their keys. Marcia and I had different ideals as to how bingo should be run, but since this was their last year and they were teaching us we followed their lead. Mary started calling, and then I called the last 10 games, and I could call bingo a couple times a week if it were possible.

Wednesday morning I volunteered to help out in the popcorn booth, there were three of us, one running the popper adding popcorn, and oil, and two were opening bags, salting the popcorn, filling the bags, and stacking them on a table where people were picking them up faster than the popper could pop the popcorn. From 9:30 until 11 am we didn't have a chance to sit down. From 11 to 12 we had plenty popcorn sitting on the table in bags for anyone to grab a bag.

Thursday I joined the Elks, I and 50 others joined the Elks Lodge # 2825. This lodge had right at 100 members before Thursday, and gained 51 members Thursday. It was a special initiation and they waived some of the requirements because most if not all of the 51 were full timers and wouldn't be around long enough to do the regular initiation.

As soon as I was sworn in, paid my dues, and got my card I was rushing to bingo. Marcia Gail, and Mary had things all under control and had already played half the games for the night. We all took a short break and then I took over the calling. Mary was happy to play bingo at an escapade, after being the caller for 10 years. She didn't win but she did enjoy daubing.

Friday morning the donuts were free as was the coffee and orange juice as most everyone gathered to say good-bye. Many paid extra to stay a few more days because most of us didn't want to be running down the road on Labor day Weekend, but we wished those leaving safe travels, and made promises of meeting up somewhere down the road.

Friday afternoon/evening we 20-30 of us gathered up for a potato bake. Everyone brought a baked potato and a topping. and some brought deserts too. It is amazing at what you can top a baked potato with, and mine had almost everything on it. After eating we played corn hole, and ladder-ball. The wind made it hard for some to throw the corn-bags accurately, (or maybe we/they just used the wind as an excuse, but either way everyone had a good time.

Saturday we will southern pot-luck with soup beans, cornbread, and fried tatters, and I'm almost sure someone will challenge someone to some kind of game........................

Escapade # 51

2011-08-28T05:48:00.000-04:00

The 51st Escapade officially starts at 3pm today ( Sunday ) but it feels like we have been here for months. Two weeks at Ellsworth AFB, a week at Devils Tower and in the Black Hills NF, a week at High Plains CG across the street from the Cam-Plex, and three days in the Cam-Plex getting things set up.

Our mission is to host a couple happy hours, one Monday for new-bees or first timers, and one Tuesday for the Class of 2007, and then Tuesday and Thursday evenings we host the bingo. I guess I'll be calling bingo for the first time, I wander how that is going to go????

We have been able to see and visit with many friends that we have met in the last four years. Dad always told us we have met some pretty special friends since we went FT in 2007 (and I agree). And the best part is we have many more friends that arrived yesterday, or will arrive today that we haven't seen yet, and the ones we will meet this week. I'm sure many of them will show up for the happy hours we are hosting, or the bingo, and that will make it that much more interesting.

To highlight what we have been doing the past few days, eating, and eating, and eating some more. Escapees like to eat when we can get together, but we have filled the gaps with getting things set up for the Escaapade. The parking crew has been really busy parking over 500 rigs in the last couple of days, the vendors have filled the market area with all kinds of goodies, the the staff has set up rooms for classes and the main hall for the opening of the 51st Escapade. I think all the i's have been dotted and the t's have been crossed so let the fun and games begin.............

recap with pictures and racetrack

2011-08-21T08:57:00.001-04:00

This will be few words (I hope) but some of the pictures from the past couple of weeks.

Here is the sign as you enter Deadwood, Deadwood has all non smoking casinos. SD is a non smoking state.

A rat bike that showed up at Sturgis.

Sturgis the week before the rally

Sturgis a few days before the rally

Sturgis during the rally

Every small town and large town was full of bikes this week. A lot of the parking lots had motorcycles only signs posted, and they were full.

This was a special bike, a tribute to the soldiers, it had two m-16s with helments and boots on the back displayed to reppresent soldiers graves. enlarge the pic for a better look.

Here are some of the deer we saw while we were at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

A look at Sturgis from Sturgis Campground. ($550 for 5 nights)

A look as we enter into Wyoming

A good shot of Devils Tower with the flag fllying at half-mast.

The rig with devils tower in the background, (as if you couldn't tell)

There were around 3000 visitors to Devils Tower on Wyoming Wednesday during the rally.

Sundance Mtn from the Black Hills National Forest in WY

The town of Sundance got it's name from the indian rituals held on this mtn.

Us parked at Reuters CG in the BHNF

A night out with friends at a Mexican Joint, Marcia and Wanda shared a picture of Margaritas.

It was a fun night, Wanda and Wallace, Marcia and myself, Bob and Molly, Keith and Donna and Rich and Marry all went.

Last nigh was my first ever trip to a dirt track races. It was pretty awesome. THe unlimitted modified class flew around the small track. Donna was afraid one might get loose and fly into the stands.

It was fun watching them slide around the oval track.

Now I have been to a dirt track races, a Daytona race, and drag races. I missed the boat races in KW, but I'm not into racing, life is way too short to go so fast........

I hope you enjoy the pictures......

Laughter is pretty good medicine.

2011-08-19T03:37:00.000-04:00

Our time at Reuters CG in the Black Hills National Forest is over, we really enjoyed the quiet, and the NF. We did several drives through the forest on the forest roads in the jeep. I was a bit surprised to see the forest service rents, or leases out parts for ranchers to let their cattle graze on.

Today we drove the 60+ miles to Gillette, we are parked at High Plains CG across the street from the Cam-Plex where the escapade will be. Several friends are also here in the park as is several friends are across the street in the "advanced party" of the escapade staff.

We spent several hours catching up with friends at the CG, and then five couples went out for Mexican food, and drinks. Bob and Molly, Wanda and Wallace, Rich and Mary, Keith and Donna, and us enjoyed a pretty good meal, and Margaritas second only to the ones made by the infamous "MARGARATOR".

Donna had some trouble climbing into the back of the jeep, and butts seemed to the the main focus of the cameras. At some point while climbing into the jeep your rear end sticks out and someone, (no names) or someone(S) was really happy with the cameras. I,m sure the pictures will turn up somewhere sometime, but not by me. ( I value my life).

We did a lot of laughing all night, one lady that was sitting at a table near ours with her family wanted to know where we were from. When we told her, GA, KY, Va, IL, and TX, she was a bit confused, but told us it was good to see people having so much fun.

The fun and laughter continued at the cam-plex where we gathered after dinner. Some of the "advanced Staff" came out to protect Bob and Molly's rig when we showed up before Bob, Molly, Wallace, and Wanda, but we just included them in our happy evening.

If tonight has any indication as to what will be going on for the next two weeks, we are all in for a great rally, and if you aren't here, you will miss out........................

Chillin in the Black Hills NF

2011-08-14T18:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we made a trip to check out Keyhole Lake State Park, I didn't like the sound of residents paying $10 a night and non residents paying $17 but I thought $17 a night wouldn't be bad for a full hook up site around here. We I was shocked to find out they charge $17 a night for NO HOOK-up, and from the list of rules we read we didn't even drive to the cg to check it out.

Since we were almost to Gillette we though it would be good to check out where we are headed next week. We found a Smith's, which is the same as Kroger's back in KY so we had to stock up on Diet BigK. We also hooked up with some friends and did a Chinese Buffet. Oh yea they had crab legs, although they weren't the best they were pretty good for the $9.95 they charge for the buffet.

Today we spent cleaning on the rig, I climbed up on the roof to clean the front cap above the windshield. I had plans to wax the entire roof, but after doing the front cap I decided someone else would have to wax the rest of the roof.

Everyone in the CG left today, except us, the camp host, and a doctor staying in a tent, that is working at one of the local hospitals. So when the host left for a trash run and dinner we were here all alone. Kind of nice being a lone in a CG.

We plan on checking out another cg in Gillette for the week before going into the escapade, but until then we will chill out here in the Black Hills National Forest outside of Sundance WY...............

Devils Tower

2011-08-11T13:40:00.000-04:00

We left Ellsworth AFB Tuesday, our two weeks were up and we ( I ) was ready to roll the wheels. We drove the 130 + or - miles to Devils Tower NM. It was a decent drive, although we did have some rain. Everyone knows I don't like to drive in the rain, mainly because it makes a mess of the RV and the Jeep, but after going through the road construction a few weeks ago it wasn't a big issue. (2 miles on a temp dirt road changed the color of the jeep and RV)

The CG at Devils Tower was OK, it was dry camping, but it was a long way from anywhere. Hulet was the nearest town ten mile away, but there wasn't much there as far as stores. They did have the Hulet Han and Jam for the bikers yesterday.

Tuesday afternoon we checked out Hulet, before all the bikers arrived on Wednesday. A couple bars, a gas station, a lumber yard, and a few mom and pop stores downtown. It was one of those "drive through" towns, you just needed to drive through it to see it. On the way back to the rig we took a detour through part of the Black Hills National Forest. We were impressed with the number of deer we saw, and we found a CG near Sundance that we liked.

We started to leave Devils Tower to explore the area but when we got to the gate there was a line of motorcycles and cars about 1/2 mile long waiting to pay the entrance fee. We quickly decided to park the jeep and walk to the PO to avoid the line.

We left Devils Tower this AM,( almost 3000 bikes visited Devils Tower Wednesday) dove the 25 or so miles to the CG in the Black Hills NF. At $5.50 a night with the pass it is a pretty good deal even though there are no hook-ups. We will hang out here through the weekend at least while we explore some of the area, and next week the bike rally will be history and the prices of things will drop back to reasonable.

I could tell more about things, but you need to check them out and I need to explore some more....

Where to next?

2011-08-08T11:08:00.000-04:00

Our two weeks are almost up here at Ellsworth AFB, so we have to decide where to next. We know we will be at the Escapade in Gillette WY on the 25th, but that leaves us from the 9th to the 25th to cover about 150 miles.

Devils Tower is on our to do list and it is between Rapid City and Gillette, but with bike week going on in Sturgis I'm not sure we will be able to park the rig at the CG at Devils Tower. I guess we will find out tomorrow after we leave here.

The Black Hills area has a lot to offer as far as things to see and do, and we have done about everything we wanted to do or see. Like a lot of places that have big events the prices are jacked up in this area around the first of Aug because of Sturgis Bike Week. Some RV sites more than double for that two week period, one CG we checked on in Sturgis goes from $50 a night, (which is way too much for an RV site) to $110 a night but you have to do 5 nights. I call that price gouging and try my best to not spend any $$ at places that do that.

We are excited about Escapade this year, our friends and class mates Bob and Molly are the Escapade Directors this year, and we have been recruited to help out with a few social hours and bingo a couple nights. I'm sure we will find plenty to do or see in the next couple of weeks while we gear up for the Escapade so check back to see what we come up with.............

The Black Hills with pictures

2011-08-01T12:42:00.000-04:00

Here we are parked at Ellsworth Air Force Base, reasonable rates and they don't jack the prices up for bike week at Sturgis like most of the other campgrounds around here.

Here is a pic of some of the surrounding area. Beautiful, but I can see how cold it can get here, so we will only be here during summer months.

One of our drives in the area we saw this unusual house so I had to get a pic to share with everyone.

One day we were going to Deadwood to make our donations to the casinos and had to stop and check out the petrified forest just north of Rapid City. It was well worth the stop and the $6.50 admission charge. We watched a short history video before a walk through the forest. I was amazed at how you could see the petrified logs laying where they fell many years ago. Some were still standing!

They have collected some of the pieces and stacked them up.

After walking through the petrified forest we made our donations to the casinos in Deadwood. On the drive back to the rig we had to pass through Sturgis, and with everyone gearing up for the largest biker event in the world at Sturgis South Dakota I had to get a few pictures.

The Full Throttle Saloon was featured on the travel channel, and after watching parts of the TV program I made the decision that I would not spend one red cent in the place, but I did want to get a picture of it.

Next week this street will be full of motorcycles.

One afternoon we took a tour to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. I really think planes, jets, and rockets are awesome, but they really don't interest me too much.

Friday we decided to do the Bad Lands of South Dakota, and Wall Drug was on the way so we thought we would stop and see what all the rantings were about. Wall Drug is a lot more than just a drug store, they have free water, all kinds of displays to take your picture on or in. Here is Marcia taming the 6 foot jackalope, and she did an awesome job because the jackalope didn't even attempt to buck her off.

Wall Drug takes up the entire block plus some behind the store across the alley.

Next up was THE BAD LANDS, I am intrigued by the landscape of the bad lands, and I can see where they get their name.

Sunday we drove through Custer State Park. The needles hwy is one of the more interesting drives I've ever driven, and I have to say it was more impressive when we did it four years ago on the motorcycles.

Just some of the sites.

The camera on my phone is pretty good, but it isn't good for pictures like this one. Coming through this tunnel you see Mt Rushmore at the end of the trees. It is really impressive when you think about how they cut through the stone and trees just so you can have a beautiful sight of Mt Rushmore as you drive through the tunnel.

If you enlarge this picture you can see Mt Rushmore at the bottom of the v made by the trees.

For the animal lovers Custer State Park has Pronghorns,

Prairie Dogs

TATANKA's or buffalo, some elk, and all kinds of smaller animals and birds.

Our last stop was in Custer South Dakota, on our visit four years ago we stayed at a small cg in Custer and we wanted to stop in and say hi to Rock, the owner/operator. For some reason Rock made an impression on us 4 years ago, and it pleased him that we remembered him and stopped by. (I think he would have been more pleased if we had brought the rig and stayed a few days)

As we left Custer I took this picture.

I hope you enjoy the pictures, and wish everyone could see as much of the USA as we are getting to see.....

The BLACK HILLS of SD

2011-07-29T01:42:00.000-04:00

After we left the Teddy Roosevelt National Park we were undecided as to where to go. One choice was to make a big circle through Montana and winding back at Gillette WY for the Escapade, or to spend a month in the black hills of SD. The problem with choice one is 1000 + miles of driving the RV, and the problem, or bonus to choice two being Sturgis, and Bike Week.

I called America's Mailbox to see if we could get a site at their new CG, the good news was yes they had openings, but they jack up the price during bike week. I figured we could spend the $$ on fuel, or a RV site, and since we visited the Black Hills in 07 and wanted to see more we decided to bite the bullet and pay the jacked up fees so we made reservations.

So Tuesday AM we headed south. Our GPS took us on route 23 and that was a mistake, after spending two days cleaning on the Kountry Star, hwy 23 is under construction near New Town ND , and about two miles of it was a dirt road. At one point I couldn't see the jeep behind us for the dust being stirred up by all the traffic on the dirt road. So much for the two days spend washing the rig.

Once we got to Rapid City we passed up America's Mail box and went to Ellsworth AFB, and to our delight they had sites and they don't jack up the rates for Bike Week. So we will be using Ellsworth AFB as a base while we explore the Black Hills and spend a day or two in Sturgis during bike week.

Yesterday we took a drive in the jeep to Deerfield Lake. It was a very scenic drive, we did a winery taste test, ( I really don't like wine) had lunch in Hill City at the diner, and saw some really beautiful land. We got back to the base just before the thunder storms hit the area.

Today we did the petrified forest on the way to Deadwood. It was really interesting seeing trees that had turned to stone over the years, and seeing the petrified forest here has moved the petrified forest in AZ up on my bucket list.

Deadwood is a mini Vegas with casinos everywhere you look. We hit almost all the casinos and drove off only $20 down. Not bad for an afternoon of entertainment, plus we got all the diet pop we wanted to drink. On the way back to the AFB we had to pass through Sturgis, so we decided to get some of them famous steak tips we missed out on four years ago.

Tomorrow may wind up being a rest up day.................

48 states

2011-07-23T22:55:00.000-04:00

When we sold our house in Kentucky in 2007 we were chasing the 70's. We soon found out we liked the upper 70's and lower 80's. We also found out that goal was a lot harder to achieve than we thought. Temps change too much to stay in the 70's no matter where you are.

We also bought a map to and put it on the side of the Santara. Each time we spent the night in the rig in a state we would add that state to the map. After 4 years and 1 month we are able to add the 48th state to our map.

North Dakota was the last one we needed, and I'm happy we got it in July. Tonight the low is going to drop to around 55 degrees here in Grand Forks ND, and anyone that knows me knows that is too cold for me. 55 might be OK for a low in Dec or Jan, but this is late July.

We will hang out here until Monday at least, (temps are rising). We will see how the next couple days go before deciding when and where we head next. One thing is for sure, I will post a blog about where we go next.................

Finished in Elkhart

2011-07-16T23:33:00.000-04:00

Today we finished up in Elkhart, or better stated, Phoenix Commercial Paints inc. Michele and her gang were very accommodating to squeeze us in on short notice to repair the boo-boo I did to the rig back in March.

This is what I did to it. I was backing into a site and the road slopped away from the site into a hill. I let the front tire drop off into a ditch allowing the front end to get into the dirt which hung up on the front end ripping the fiberglass off in a couple places.

It really wasn't as bad as it looked at first, and the gang at Phoenix Commercial Paints did a pretty good job at making it look good again.

I also had them remove all the diamond shield on the front because it was looking dull, it wasn't going to match the repaired section, and it had mold growing under it is a couple places. I remember watching Berry and Alice scrape the 3-M off the front of their coach for weeks, and I wanted no part of that.

After spending way too many hours beyond the estimated time allocated for removing the diamond shield the gang at Phoenix had the front end ready to repaint.

As you can see the boo-boo is all better now, and the front end looks so much better without the diamond shield. We also had them change the design on the hood, I was very disappointed at the way Newmar brushed us off, and removing their design on the front was just one way I could rebel against them.

The heat wave hitting the mid west this coming week has changed our plans, we had to pass up spending a few days at Camp Greg and Jean. I couldn't see sitting in a field with no electric with the heat index above 100-110 degrees. We decided to head on up to MN, (I guess it will be just as hot) where we will pull into a CG for a few days. We really need a rest, although we didn't do anything while the rig was being worked on, we couldn't enjoy being "home" because Phoenix was hard at work on it. Then there was the two days we spent at Bear Cave Resort in one of their cabins while the Kountry Star was being painted. I will NEVER spend another night in one of their "cabins". I'll do a blog on our stay at Bear Cave another day and tell you all about their "cabins". The park was great, the pool was great, the hot tub was great, and we enjoyed being there, but there is no place like home, and their "cabins" fall very short of being anything close to home...............

Keeping up

2011-07-09T17:43:00.000-04:00

For all those that do read this blog, I just want to give you an update as to what and where we are and have been.

Sitting at Raccoon Valley I noticed the weather wasn't looking good for the plans on the etch-a-sketch so I shook it up a little. We pulled out Sunday just before noon because rain was in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday and I don't drive in the rain if I can avoid it.

The etch-a-sketch showed us arriving at SMI on Tuesday and not Thursday as planned, so we went to Ft Knox KY to hang out over the fourth. Camp Carlson is a nice place, but the cell service was/is lacking. We did ride around and saw what you can see of the vault that supposedly holds all the gold.

Tuesday AM we headed west to Newburgh IN, the home of SMI, the makers of Air Force One. That is the breaking system I bought last year and never had installed. A phone call confirmed they could squeeze us in Tuesday afternoon, and that would allow us to get to Phoenix Commercial Paints a day early, and give us a day at Camp Newmar.

The one employee at Newmar that we talked to was very pleasant, almost too pleasant, and the customers we talked to were shocked that Newmar had refused to even talk to us about having the boo boo fixed there. We did pick up a few items we could only get at Newmar before parking the rig at Michele's for the boo-boo to be fixed.

Michele and I hashed out what all I wanted her to do to repair the rig, and what she could do, and how much it all was going to cost me. By the end of the day the Boo-Boo had been put back together, and by the end of Friday the rear of the coach and one door had been sanded and painted. These were small places that the clear coat had chipped, but they kept getting bigger so I wanted to have them fixed.

Today we drove the rig to Elkhart Camp Ground because I didn't want to stay inside the building at Phoenix Paints, and neither of us had 100' of 50 amp cord. We will hang out here until Monday morning and then Phoenix Paints will complete the painting of the front cap, removing the diamond shield, and making the Kountry Star look better than new.

Everything should be finished by the end of next week, maybe sooner, and then we start our journey west...........

On the road again.

2011-07-01T01:16:00.000-04:00

Our two months with the CGNHP ended Monday, Ranger Scott was kind enough to offer us the site we were on until after the 4th of July, but I had hitch itch and was ready to move on. Three months in the same spot was long enough for me.

We did sign on for another two months next year at the CGNHP, June and July we will be back there. Maybe next year Marcia won't have to do the 32 required hours by herself, I won't be running to the hospital everyday so I will be able to do more.

We were lucky enough to get tours of the Cumberland Gap tunnel, Gap Cave, and Hensley,s Settlement. I did a blog on the Tunnel and Gap Cave, and I plan on doing one on Hensley,s Settlement some time in the future. Marcia met plenty visitors to the park and offered her knowledge and wisdom to everyone that asked for information. We even met a guy that claimed to have been to every National Park except two, and they had just been declared National Parks this year. I was impressed!

Tuesday we spent cleaning and packing between the rain drops, so a lot off stuff had to be brought out and dried today. We also said good-bye to our two sons, and four grand kids Tuesday, Jon had to fly back to Korea Wednesday morning so he left Middlesboro Tuesday evening, and Corey left Wednesday morning headed to VA Beach with his loving wife Jennifer, and his precious daughter Jaelynn. So we had a pizza party in the park for lunch. All the good-byes were said and the sorrow of not seeing them all for a while was dealt with.

Wednesday morning we took the rig to our mechanic for the annual service, oil and filters were changed, and he found the antifreeze was a gallon low. ( I,ll have to watch that close because he couldn't find any leaks, and couldn't tell me where it had gone.) We caught Stacey before she left for work and said goodbye to her, then we finished some last minuet things that needed to be done before saying bye to Scott and heading to Raccoon Valley RV Park.

Scott really impressed me with the changes he has made in the past year, he has really gotten his act together. His significant other, or girl friend, Stacey might have something to do with his changes. We really liked Stacey and hope the very best for her and Scott, because they both will have their hands full.

Now we are getting back into "vacation mode" as full timers, we have this weekend to see the sights around Knoxville, and spend a little time with our daughter Jenelle before we aim the nose of the Kountry Star north. Next week we will get the air force one brake system installed on the rig, (I've had it a year now) and then we will wind up in MI to get the front end repaired. Once the repairs are finished we will point the nose west and follow the old saying, "go west young man go west"............................

Gap Cave

2011-06-14T02:30:00.000-04:00

Gap Cave is located within the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The Park is located on a map where KY, TN, and VA meet. Middlesboro KY is on the north, and Cumberland Gap TN is on the south. The cave has been used by mankind since the first settlers passed through the gap of the Cumberland's. Early pioneers used it as a place for shelter as they passed through the area, A slave named Cudjo, used it as a hide out, both union and confederate soldiers used it during the civil war, Lincoln Memorial University used it as a money making tourist trap, and now the CGNHP has it, and they are committed to preserving it, although they do offer tours through it for a small fee.

The tour offered by the CGNHP starts at the visitors center in Cumberland Gap. Here you park your car, and pay the $8 fee, ($4 with the golden access) and $4 for children.

Once you have paid the fees you meet up with the tour guide under the covered gateway. The gateway offers sounds of the pioneers passing through the gap, and you will see silhouettes of people, Indians, and animals as you might have seen in the 1800's.

The guide will give a brief spill about the cave and history before he leads you on a 6/10 of a mile hike up the mountain to the cave entrance.

There will be a stop or two on the way up to give us old folks a breather, and that gives the tour guide a chance to tell a little history about the area.

Once you reach the cave entrance the guide will unlock the gates, and give a short safety briefing. Both the entrance and exit have locked gates to keep the cave safe from all kinds of creatures. (man being the main one)

Once in the cave if you happen to shine your light in the right spot you will see a bat clinging to the ceiling, or a wall.

The guide will ask you what formations are in the cave, and if nobody knows he/she will tell you. The guide will also tell you about the history of the cave.

You will find out about the water in the cave, and what the water does to and for the cave.

The guide will explain how long it takes to make some of these formations.

You will also hear some of the tales that have been passed down from generation to generation.

You will learn about some of the cities found inside the cave, such as the one below.

If your in the tri state area (ky,tn,&va) you will be glad you forked over the $8 to see this awesome piece of history. Here is a picture of us as we exited the cave a couple weeks ago.

Marcia, Jenelle,Joe,Corey,Joshua,and Justin after a GAP CAVE TOUR.

Paul Blaine Jones 09/09/1936 06/04/2011

2011-06-06T20:22:00.000-04:00

Dad lived a full life, he passed away at home with family surrounding him.

Once things get setteled back to some kind of normal I will do a blog about the greatest dad anyone could ever have.......

The Greatest Dad

2011-06-01T21:19:00.000-04:00

I'm sure almost everyone thinks they have the greatest dad ever, and I feel really sorry for those that don't. I know I have the greatest dad, but his time here on earth is short. He has been in the hospital or rehab since March the 20th, with the exception of one week he was able to go home.

Today the decision was made to get him back home with hospice care. He said he was just too tired and it hurt too much to continue with the rehab. When the social worker explained the hospice care and told dad they would make him comfortable he decided that was the way to go.

Tomorrow we will head back to the old home place, if hospice can get everything lined out that dad will need. He requires so much oxygen that most of the rehab centers couldn't help dad even if he wanted to continue with the rehab. Tomorrow night I will make us a large pan of biscuits, and Marcia will make plenty gravy. Dad will be home and most of his family will be there to welcome him back home, and maybe some day I will tell you a few reasons of why I KNOW I have the greatest dad.........

The Cumberland Gap Tunnel

2011-05-22T01:59:00.000-04:00

I don't think anyone really knows when the thoughts of a tunnel through the Cumberland's was first thought of, but it was opened in 1996. In the 1700's Daniel Boone made the Gap through the Cumberland's known. He and others led many people through the gap into Kaintuck, or Kentucky as we know it today. In the 1920's a road was built for automobiles to cross the Cumberland mountains, one of its names was Wilderness Trail, taken from what settlers called the trail that the road followed.

The road was a winding road connecting Cumberland Gap TN to Middlesboro Ky, but you had to pass through a short section of VA to get from one place to the other. This 3 mile section of road was named Massacre Mountain by the locals because there was so many crashes on it. As in most mountain roads a crash often resulted in fatalities.

Here is a pic of TN side opening of the tunnel.

It took 17 years from start to opening, I'm not sure if the 17 years included the many years of planning before they actually started the digging. The Tunnel is located in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and park Rangers do the patrolling. There are two tunnels, one for the north bound traffic and one for the south bound traffic, each tunnel has two lanes of traffic. The tunnel is 4600 feet long, and connects Ky to TN. The state line is not marked inside the tunnel to avoid state rivalries.

We were fortunate enough to get a tour of the tunnel thanks to the Great Staff at the CGNHP. About 22 volunteers were taken on a tour of the tunnel a few weeks ago. This is a picture of the control room where many cameras, temps, carbon monoxide, and a lot of other stuff is monitored.

This picture was taken inside the the control room looking towards Middlesboro.

This picture is on top of the tunnel looking towards Middlesboro, with several of the volunteers walking to the edge. We were told two deer have jumped to their death from up there, one landing in the north bound lane, and the other in the spillway of the north bound lane.

US 25 E coming out of the tunnel, taken from the top of the tunnel.

The Tunnel employees 37 people, all EMT trained, it has ambulances, wreckers, and fire trucks on both ends. An average of 35,000 vehicles pass through it daily, and that doubles when NASCAR races are held in Bristol. The tunnel has made it easy to get from KY to TN and eliminated many crashes. The Middlesboro rescue squad had a 50% reduction in the number of crashes it responded to the first year the tunnel was open.

In 2002 the old US 25 E was restored ( as best as they could) to the way it was when Daniel Boone led settlers through the Gap into Kaintuck. You can walk the same trail that Daniel Boone walked.

Where have I been????

2011-05-19T00:22:00.000-04:00

It is safe to say I haven't been on the PC doing my blog.

Things are a little on the busy side here in SE KY. Dad has been in and out of the hospital too many times, and the worst part is he is in the hospital now. He is doing better, but all the therapy he had has been lost with this last set back. On top of his bad lungs, and failing heart, he has an ulcer in his stomach that acts up way too often, but we aren't ready to give up, and neither is he.

We found out today that Wal-Mart didn't mount my wheels right on the jeep. The wheels are uni-lug which requires a washer to be placed "correctly" between the wheels and the lug nut which they didn't do on half of them. After Wal-Mart in Fountain City decided they couldn't fix them they sent me to one of the shops that covers their mistakes. That shop didn't have the washers or lug nuts that we needed replaced, so I wound up taking it to a wheel and tire shop to get the lug nuts replaced. Now I have to take it back to Corbin to get the wheels replaced that they scared up removing the messed up lug nuts.

We did make it to Raccoon Valley SKP Park for their dine in tonight. It was really good to see some of our RV friends. Sue and Niel are back at Raccoon Valley, Carl is there, and several others we have met in the past four years. We left some pamplets about the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park at the office, and I was shocked to find out some people don't know about the park or all it has to offer.

So that has inspired me to do a blog about the park. In the next couple blogs I'll be telling a little about the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and some of the things you can enjoy if you happen to be lucky enough to visit this little part of the world. And now that "Blackberry winter" has passed the weather should be just about perfect. Blackberry winter is the last cold spell in this area, so I will be a happy camper......

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

2011-04-28T01:35:00.000-04:00

We were raised a few miles from CGNHP and took it for granted most of our lives. Now that we have seen other National Parks and stay in State and National parks a lot we have grown to appreciate them a whole lot more. We have also decided to give some of our time to the park.

Marcia will be helping out in the visitor center a few days a week, (or where ever they need help) and I will help out where ever they need me or can use me. They gave us nice shirts and hats to wear so everyone knows that we are officially helping out. They also are providing a very nice place for us to park the rig, right between a favorite picnic area and the rangers station.

We will be here for the month of May, and if things work out for us and the park we will hang around for the month of June too. This really works well for us since we will be in the area any way because of dad's health issues. The etch-a-sketch shows us hanging around here until dad is better, so we won't be spending much $$ on diesel fuel for the next few months.

Dad was put back into ICU tonight, he had started retaining fluids so they moved him back to the hospital room to treat his lungs. Once he was moved to a hospital room they did an EKG and found his heart rate was too high so they had to give him a cardiac drip, and with the drip he has to be under a close watch so ICU is where he wound up.

The move was mainly because of insurance, they only pay for so many days of rehab, and the doctor didn't want to waste those days while he was treating his lungs. Which turned out to be a good thing because the found the elevated heart rate with the EKG and he will get that taken care of before it causes additional problems.

With all the new changes tonight dad is doing a lot better. He walked to the bathroom and back by himself tonight. He was out of breath when he got back to the bed, but that is a big improvement from him not being able to lift his legs. One of his goals is to take off with us this summer to Montana, so if he gets well enough we will be headed to Lima Montana.

Its late and I have a doctor appointment tomorrow in Lexington so this is it for this blog post, I'll be back for another soon.......................... I hope..........................

Th excitement Continues

2011-04-15T20:17:00.000-04:00

Yes the excitement continues here in Southeastern Kentucky, it just isn't the excitement we want.

We returned to Cumberland Gap National Park because dad was having major health issues. March the 20th he was admitted to ARH hospital with congestive heart failure and phenomena. He spent the next 12 days in ICU. He was then released from ICU and the hospital and sent to Tri State Health Care for rehab. The problem accrued because the doctor didn't send the script for his meds, which resulted in dad being rushed back to ARH with a 160 heart rate, on the 4th of April.
Dad spent the next two days back in ICU where everything started improving because he was getting his meds. Another problem accrued when his regular doctor increased his meds causing his PB to bottom out the day after he was returned to Tri State. That triggered another trip to the ER where he was treated and released back to Tri State, but the ER doctor took him off his meds, and the doctors at Tri State wouldn't start them back.
Monday the 11th one of the nurses at Tri State attempted to give day a sleeping pill at 7:30 AM. Thankfully dad and Scott caught the mistake. Some other things happened causing Tri State to limit all of dads visits, and when they told us to say our good-byes and tell dad we would be back at 4 PM I told them to get dads discharge papers because we were leaving.
Tri State contacted Pineville hospital and rehab center for us and it was set up for us to take dad to Pineville. He has spent the past week in Pineville hospital where he has been getting better treatment resulting in him getting better physically. Today he was moved to the rehab center at the Pineville Community Hospital and doing A LOT better. So we have had plenty excitement, it just isn't the excitement we like.

As for what we have been doing, we got to visit with three of my cousins from the Lima Ohio Area that I haven't seen in years. Beverly, Linda and Jamie came down to see dad and we got to spend a few hours together at the RV. I really think they liked the idea of us living in our RV full time.

We have been getting our bingo fix too. Marcia goes several times a week, and I join her a couple times a week. It really helps when we are able to yell B I N G O, and they bring us the $$$. The jeep got a new set of shoes today. I had ordered a set of Cragar Mags, ( the hottest wheels made back in the 70's) and today we had them put on with a new set of Wrangler tires. We also have a new soft top to put on it next week, and a set of driving lights. The lights have smiley face covers to match the spare tire cover they put on it when the repaired it after the lady rear-ended Marcia in FL a few months ago.

The "etch-a-sketch" is kind of broken until dad gets his health issues under control, but the Cumberland Gap National Park is a pretty good place for us to stay while we wait, and maybe we will be able to get some sightseeing in over the next couple of weeks.

If you happen to be in the area let us know, we would love to show you around some......................

Moving Day

2011-04-05T01:13:00.000-04:00

Today was our moving day, we drove all the way to the dump station and then parked the rig across the street from where it was yesterday. At least I did get the tanks filled and dumped, and turned the wheels.

Friday dad was released from ICU and transferred to a rehab center about 6 miles away. Even though it was only 6 miles he did cross state lines. Crossing the state line created problems with his meds because the quack doctor that is filling in for his regular doctor didn't write the orders for his meds.

Monday dad started his therapy and all was really good. He did several sets of therapy because his shortness of breath limits him in how long he can do it. The doctor he has at the rehab center has never seen dad, but after we had complained about dad not getting his meds it was decided he needed an EKG. The EKG showed that his heart rate was way too high, so he was sent back to the hospital where he was admitted back into ICU.

So now that his regular doctor will be back Tuesday, and that he will be getting his heart meds maybe his stay in ICU will be short and he can get back to his therapy so he can get built back up and go home.

Marcia and I are enjoying being close to family despite the weather and the hospitals. The park is terrific if only we could spend a little more time in it, and Marcia is getting her BINGO fix almost every night. We will be here for another two weeks before we need to dump the tanks again, and maybe we will move to the other side of the park for a change then.

The Etch-A-Sketch gets shaken up

2011-03-27T21:06:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday we left the Cumberland Gap NP headed south, Sunday night we were parked at Camping World in Spartinburg SC. Monday morning we turned the rig around and headed right back to the Cumberland Gap NP.

We got a call Sunday night telling us dad was admitted back in the hospital Sunday evening. He had phenomena and his heart rate was too high and fluttering, and that was enough to convince me to spend a few extra weeks in this area. we all know I try my best to avoid cold weather, but I really want to be here for dad in case he needs me in any way.

So we have been spending a lot of time at the hospital keeping dad company. We have been making our donations to the bingo halls too. As much as my wife likes to play bingo, and as many places we have played all across the US, Middlesboro has the best bingo we have found.

For $10 at the "yellow building" you can get a computer with 72 chances to win, or for $8 you get 16 chances on paper. The games range from $50 to $1000, but the bingo halls really make their money selling pull tabs. That is a lot better than paying $15 to win $50 like some places we have been to.

We are also blessed by getting to spend time with our kids. Miss Jaelyen has really got us wrapped around her finger, but it is well worth it, and the best thing is we can give her back any time we want to.

We really have no idea when we will leave here, but we will enjoy everything except the cold................

Kentucky

2011-03-20T19:42:00.000-04:00

We made it to KY, I had the ct scan, spent some time with dad, played bingo, (and won), and now we are headed south.

It was cool while we were at Raccoon Valley, but I got to watch the UK Wild Cats win the SEC tourmemnet, and we got to spend some time with Jenelle. On the way to Middlesboro we stopped to fill up the MH. $3.67 a gallon was a bargain considering it was over $4 a gallon in some places in FL.

You gotta love the country folks in the hills of KY, the lady that took my money for the diesel ask me in the most sincere tone, " do you have someone famous in there". Referring to the MH, I said no not really, and then she said, "I seen the "KOUNTRY STAR" on the side and thought you might have one of those country singers in there".

I had a little accident with the MH backing into a site at the park, the front end got into the dirt and some damage so we will be putting it in a shop to get it fixed as soon as we find a shop we think will do a good job. I called the factory but they are booked up for several months so maybe we will find one here in SC.

Dad is doing OK, he still gets really short of breath if he walks around any, but I think summer weather will help him as much as anything else will. Scott has really improved, he is getting around on his bad leg as if nothing happened.

Monday night we went to bingo, and I won the $1000. game, (they have three a night) . After all the times I have been to bingo that was the first time I hit the big game. We went every night after that and didn't win anything, but I can now say I have won the $1000.

Today we left Middlesboro and started south, we made it to Camping World in Spartinburg SC. We will spend the night here and get an estimate on the fix for the damage I did at the park, and then we will head deeper south to try to avoid the cold front coming through later in the week.

Stay tuned to see what happens next....................

It has been too long

2011-03-10T00:07:00.000-05:00

I know it has been too long since I last updated my blog, but what can I say?

We left Wauchula and drove the 100 + or - miles to Sumter Oaks. As soon as we parked the Kountry Star on a lot we jumped in the jeep and drove to Flagship RV to pick up the Santara. Flagship RV has had our Santara since we dropped it off back in April of last year. They were going to sell it for us, but all I got from them was a call telling us the starter was out and it was going to cost $450 to replace it. They did call one other time with a low-ball offer from a dealer up north somewhere.

Once we pulled it into a site at Sumter Oaks Dave and Maryann looked it over and told us they wanted it. It being late Friday afternoon we decided to do the paper work on Monday, but we told them they were welcome to move in anytime. Maryann was excited so they started moving in right away.

Friday night Norm and Peg, Marcia and myself, and Dave and Maryann took a drive to werda-hekamiat, (I am not sure about the spelling) for the fish dinner. All you can eat for $10, and the first plate they brought out was all any of us could eat. It was a good night out for everyone.

Saturday we helped Dave and Maryann move into their new rig, and I answered all of Dave's questions, at least all I could answer. We also moved the Kountry Star to a site right next to Dave and Maryann so we would be close in case they had any questions, or needed anything we could help them with.

Sunday was a relaxation day for us, although I did get really tired watching Dave move stuff from their class C to the Santara. I did get to watch the KENTUCKY Wildcats beat the TN Vols in the last regular season game. It was a bad first half with TN up by 10, but the second half KY came back to a 6 point victory. Later we did do the Mexican place across from Wal-Mart, they have good Mexican food, at a reasonable price and we try to eat there every time we are at Sumter Oaks.

Monday the jeep was hard to start, and then it wouldn't start. Dave walked back to our site and got Norm to bring his truck up to jump the jeep off. Once it was started I took it to Auto Zone and everyone else went to Webster to the flea market. I joined them after buying a new battery for the jeep. The price of batteries has jumped up since I bought the one we put in the tracker. It was a good day at the flea market, everyone found something they couldn't live without.

It was late by the time the banks did the transfer of $$ so it was Tuesday before we went to the DMV in Bushnell so I could sign the title of the Santara over to Dave, but we got it all taken care of. I really hope they are satisfied with the Santara, although I told them if they added a couple zeros they could move into the Kountry Star and we would move back into the Santara.

Tomorrow we will leave Sumter Oaks and start or meandering towards Kentucky for my doctors appointment on the 17th. That is if the "etch-a-sketch" doesn't get shook up too much tonight, and the rain moves out early enough for us to get out of here. The plan it to drive the 300 miles to Twin Oaks RV Park so we can soak in the hot tub a couple days before getting in the cold up in KY.

I really hope things warm up in KY or we may not stay there too long.....

Wauchula

2011-03-03T02:22:00.000-05:00

We came to the SKP Resort here in Wauchula for two reasons. The first being it was going to be a few degrees warmer than in Bushnell And the second was the Jeep dealer here was on the preferred list of the insurance company of the the lady that rear ended Marcia's jeep a few weeks ago, and I wanted a jeep dealer to repair it.

Now that the weather is warm enough here in most of FL that the few degrees doesn't effect me too much we could leave this area and explore another part of FL., except the jeep is still in the shop. Skip is the guy in charge of the repairing of the jeep and he told us it would be ready by Friday. Not Friday March the 4th, we were talking Friday Feb the 26th. The 25th he said the first of this week, and then Monday it was the middle of the week, and yesterday he said it will be ready on Friday.

I tried to explain that I really wanted to be rolling down the road Friday AM, so later today we will see if they can get it put back together and have it ready for us to pick up by close of business Thursday. We have went by to check on it almost every day, and I did take a few pictures so I could look back some day and see what they did. Although the pictures will more than likely wind up in some folder on the pc and I won't be able to find them when I decide I do want to see them.

So I think I will post them here so I will know where they are, if you aren't interested in seeing the damage, and progress of repairs you don't have to look. (if I can remember how to post pics.)

This picture shows some of the damage done inside the bed of the jeep.

This is the rear of the jeep after they took it apart to start the repairs.

Here he has cut out the bent up corner panel enough to cut the welds where it is welded together.

another one of the cut away area

In this one he has started putting the new pieces on.

Here it is back together with new metal, he just has to straighten out a spot under the door and it will be ready for paint.

Now it is in the paint booth, where they will put several layers of primer and paint, before going into the bake cycle.

And here it is after the paint work. It needs to set a few hours before they put everything back together and replace the decals I had put on to match the Kountry Star.

I really hope we are able to drive it home Thursday afternoon, so we will be able to roll the wheels on the Kountry Star Friday AM.

It hasn't been all about the jeep here at Wauchula, we got to attend our first Pioneer Days today, (Wednesday). We saw some amazing tractors, and a lot of "hit -n-miss" engines, the old ones that sound so funny running. The flea market was good, but the guy that told us there would be lots of RV stuff was wrong. I enjoyed it enough that I may just go back Thursday since the jeep won't be ready early enough for us to head out Thursday.

Later we decided to go out for Mexican food. We stopped and ask John and Char to join us, and they were pleased to drop everything and jump in the truck and go with us. John and I had a good time harassing the waitress, she was really busy with a large group so when she got to our table to take our order she said she was sorry. I told her that was an odd name for a person, Sorry? She explained to us that her name was Heidi, but it was too late, John and I called her by sorry the rest of the time.

Later it was bingo, and I must have offended them here because they haven't let me win but once since the first night when they let me and Marcia win. Although Marcia is still in their good graces because they let her split one pot with someone else. Any way it is always fun to play bingo here at the SKP Resort.

Now it is time to play with the "Etch-A-Sketch" and hope the jeep dealer doesn't shake it up for us Thursday afternoon..................

Friends

2011-02-26T23:59:00.000-05:00

We have met many new friends since we left Middlesboro almost 4 years ago. We meet thousands of people, you pull into a campground, or rest area and you meet the other campers, or the ones in campers at the rest area, or Wal-Mart, or where ever. Some of the people you never expect to see again, and some you will keep in touch with until the day you die.

Here at "Florida SKP Resort" it is no different, we have met a lot of people here, and some we may never see again, and some we will keep in touch with through the phone, internet, or in person until we go to the great campground in the sky. Like Peg and Norm, or as I call them the "mane-e-acts", we met them at Sumter Oaks two years ago, and I expect we will keep in touch for ever.

Escapees is a very large club, and it has some fantastic people that belong to it. Although like any club or group, it has some people that you don't care for, and then there are the ones that stick out and you will remember them forever. A few nights ago I wasn't feeling well so Marcia went to the club house to play games. She came home pretty quick, and when I ask her why she said they said all their games were for couples. It really hurt her to be excluded because I wasn't with her.

The next night I told her we would go to the club house and play "Hoof and Mouth", or hand and foot with the skip-bo cards. I figured she and I could play or we could invite anyone else to join in. I was really impressed when Char interrupted the game she was playing with three others to invite us to join them. She went out of her way to make us feel welcome, as did Maryanne, John and Dave. They are what the escapees is all about, and some of the other escapees should take note.

We have spent several evenings playing cards with Char, John, Maryanne, Dave, and the Mane-e-acts" here at Wauchula. As for the lot owners here at Wauchula, I find them to be friendly as long as you don't interrupt their daily routine. Like Friday night, we were playing cards near the pool, (because they lock the clubhouse at 9 PM) and we noticed a lot of the "lot owners" taking food into the clubhouse. We could see they were having a big party, and we knew we weren't invited.

The jeep isn't going to be ready until next week, so we will be hanging out here for a few more days. That is OK with us, because Pioneer Days start the second of March, that is Wauchula's big event this time of year. We were told they have a big flea market with vendors selling almost anything and everything, and there should be a few selling RV stuff, and since we are looking for a few things for the rig we are excited about attending our first Pioneer Days. I'll tell you all about it in a future blog so keep reading.......

Solomon's Castle

2011-02-22T00:42:00.001-05:00

The last update we were going to Solomon's Castle the following day, and we did.

Solomon's Castle is in Ona FL. Solomon moved to FL back in 1972 from Russia, he bought the land and started building his castle. Solomon recycles almost everything, the siding on his castle he gets from the local printing shop, it is the aluminum plates used to print the papers. A lot of the art work in his castle is made from junk auto parts. He uses chains to make hair for some of his statues, pistons for bodies, and the lists goes on and on.

It was well worth the $10 they charge for the tour, although I think the tour groups could be a bit smaller than the 14 people the require to have a tour. we were lucky enough to meet Solomon in person, he is a small man in his mid 70's. His art shows how vivid his imagination is, and how talented he is with his tools, including his hands.

Other than going to Solomons Castle we haven't done much here at SKP Resort. My back is a lot better, I can move now without cringing in pain. The Jeep Dealer is working on the jeep, we stop in to check on it every few days, and today they the right corner panel cut out and was getting ready to replace it and the piece under the tailgate. They say the jeep could possibly ready by Friday, and that would tickle us.

Enterprise shocked us today, they called and informed us the Kia we had needed a service right away and wanted us to bring it in and exchange it. When I told him we were in wauchula he said he could have someone meet us to exchange the the Kia for a Silverado. (what we wanted in the first place) So now people here in the park think we trade cars every week.

We did find a great place to eat, Paul's Kitchen. We ate lunch there today since we were detained by enterprise for the vehicle switch. I had a Grilled Ham and cheese (real ham) sandwich, fries, all you can eat soup, (chicken oriental today) and all the tea I could drink, (including a glass to go) for $4.95, and Marcia had the same except she had a grilled chicken sandwich for $4.95. Their other prices on the other foods was pretty good too. I'm sure we will make it back to try some of the other foods.

I'll update again so stay tuned......

FLORDIA SKP RESORT

2011-02-17T20:15:00.000-05:00

We are in Zolfo Springs, just outside of Wauchula FL at the Escapees Co-Op. It is a very well maintained park, and all it is lacking is a nice hot tub. Swimming pool, pool table,clubhouse, dog run, and nice wide roads. We are in what is considered the overflow area and have water and 20 amp electric, which is a pretty good deal for $11 a night.

We arrived last Wednesday, and after setting up I took Marcia to the ER. She had a headache, (besides me) since the gal rear ended her in Orlando last Sunday. The doc said it was muscle strains and with a few meds and a few days rest she should be AOK. And my back was feeling better after straining it changing the tires on the jet ski trailer, so things were looking up.

Thursday we took the jeep into the dealer to get the estimate on getting it repaired. After Skip looked it over we set everything up to bring the jeep in on Monday and we would have a rental waiting on us. Marcia had worked things out with the insurance to get us a SUV because I have such a problem getting into the low sitting cars.

Friday things went down hill in a snap, a snap in my back. As I was putting the tow bar in the MH bay because we had to empty out the jeep, I heard and felt, the snap in my back and that was it for me doing anything. This is something that I have been through before, and the doctors have me stocked up with the meds to treat it. It just takes several days of not being able to move, or moving very slowly.

After taking the meds and lots of ice and heat pads I felt pretty good today, I think I have the back problem under control as long as I don't over do it for the next couple of weeks. So I won't be running in and marathons, or doing any weight lifting competitions for quite some time.

We will be going to Solomons Castle tomorrow with Norm and Peg, (the Mane-e-acts). We have heard a lot about the castle and I will give a detailed report in a future blog. As for now the weather is almost perfect, plenty of sunshine and temps in the mid seventies, so I am a happy camper.

Until the next time.............

Where to start, catching up....

2011-02-07T15:41:00.000-05:00

The first of Feb we gave the Kountry Star its first birthday party. We have had it one year, and had a pleasant evening with the couple we bought her from the day before.

The 3rd of Feb I flew to Lexington KY where our terrific son Corey met me at the airport. Corey was my personal taxi for two days as I had three appointments in two days. The first was at the C-Pap clinic and I got a new mask, and two new hoses for my machine. The nurse wasn't too pleased with my usage, but it was broke part of the time and we were without electric for 18 days. (I'll have to wire in a small inverter for it)

On the 4th I had the ultra-sound on my kidneys, and as I expected everything was normal. Then it was across town to see my doctor. I started going to the V A in Lexington back in 1992 and have had the same doctor from day one. 18 years in the V A system with the same doctor is incredible! I had gained too much weight since my last visit, (21 lbs) so I will be starting my reduction diet again really soon.

The doctor wants me to have a cat-scan once a year now that it has been almost 4 years since they found the lymphoma, and the next one will be March 17th. A lot sooner than I want to be in that area, but with dad feeling poor I guess we will just "move" up that way. Life in an RV makes that easy! Everything else was good, he updated some of my prescriptions and said I'll see you in 6 months.

Then the dreaded part came. Dad was hospitalized a couple weeks ago because he had lost a lot of blood. They gave him 3 or 4 pints of blood, kept him a few days and sent him home. Less than a week later he was back in the hospital with phenomena, (they gave him an phenomena shot after they gave him the blood). After a few days they sent him home, and that scared me.

I have seen too many hospitals send someone home to die, and I was afraid that was the case with dad so I really was scared to see him. After seeing him I really think the loss of blood, and the phenomena right after really took its toll on pappy, but I think he will kick it. They filled him up, (with blood) and now he is resting good so he can start building himself back up.

I really want to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns, we had many RV Friends, and many family members asking about him, and praying for him. As much as I hate FaceBook, it is really a good way to get the word out.

Yesterday Jenelle was my taxi from Middlesboro to Knoxville, (a good taxi driver too). She had me at the airport in plenty of time for me to catch my flight to Orlando. The flight was good, but there was a slight problem afterwards. For some reason Marcia was waiting for me at the wrong airport. There are three airports in the Orlando area and it is really confusing. You really have to watch the airports around Orlando. Marcia being at the wrong airport caused an hour delay in us getting back to the rig, but everything worked out.

To add to the confusion some lady rear-ended Marcia on the way to the airport. Nobody was hurt, well maybe the lady that rear ended her will be hurting when her mom finds out she messed up her car. The Jeep suffered minor damage to the rear, and I'll have to work on the tailgate to get it closed, but all will be OK in the end.

Today was the Webster Flea Market, with rain all night there wasn't too many there, but we did find a few bargains. Someone needs to start selling RV supplies at the Webster flea market because I couldn't find and of the things I needed there.

It is raining now, and the weather forecast isn't as warm as I would like so we may be moving the rig in the next couple days. You (and I) will have to stay tuned to see where we end up for the rest of the month .....

Saying until we come again Key West

2011-01-31T20:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday we decided to leave paradise and head north. Although we had a few more days in the full hook up site and could have rotated back into dry camping on the Island of Key West. Perry Performance Group had our jet skis and was loosing one of their storage bays at the end of the month, so we needed to pick up the skis.

We drove up to Hollywood FL where the skis were and there just happened to be a casino a few blocks away, so we parked the rig at the casino and drove the jeep over to get the skis. The casino had bingo so Marcia did her thing and I held my own in the casino playing the slots.

Sunday we got up early and drove to the beach. It was a beautiful day on the beach but after a few hours we were ready to get back to the rig and head north. On the way back to the casino we were looking for a nice Mexican place to grab a late lunch, we found a Colombian eatery, but after looking the menu over Marcia suggested the buffet at the casino.

After stuffing ourselves with prime rib, lasagna, and chicken we left the casino. Wanting to have an easy drive to Sebring we drove to the lower side of lake Okachobee before we stopped at a Wal-Mart for the night. The plan was to meet up with the couple we bought the Kountry Star from, but found out they had plans to do the Webster Flea Market. So we drove on the Sumter Oaks and invited them over.

Heinze and Anne-Lise arrived shortly after we got set up, they were with a couple they knew from their olld rv park Bob and ( I already forgot her name). As Marcia showed Heinze and Anne-Lise the additions we have made to their Star, (that is what they named the Kountry Star) I talked with Bob and found out they were from Kenton OH, just a few miles from where I spent several years of my childhood.

After a good visit they headed back to Sebring, and we visited with friends in the park that we hadn't seen in a while, and some we saw a couple weeks ago in Key West. We will be here at Sumter Oaks until we decide to leave, and your guess is as good as mine as to when that will be.............

Still hanging around in Key West

2011-01-25T20:49:00.000-05:00

After spending 18 days with no hookups, water, elect, or sewer we moved to what is called the "Rock Pile" where we have full hookups. No hookups sound pretty bad to most folks, but the reality is most RV's have a fresh watter holding tank, that gives us plenty water for a few days, we can last about two weeks. A grey water and black water holding tanks, to store our waste water from the sinks and shower,and the black is for storing the toilet waste until we get to a dump station where we empty them. RV's also have an onboard gererator to supply electricity, and several batteries to supply the electric while the generator isn't running.

Now the Rock Pile is the oldest part of the campground here on Sigsbee, the sites are small and the ground is gravel, so it is the least preferred. Hollywood is another area with larger sites, concrete slabs to park on, and a few trees. Then there is what is known as the "Circle", with large sites, and large concrete pads, and it is the cream of the crop as far as sites go here on Sigsbee. Then there are the many sites and areas for the dry camping.

We will be here for another week before we head back to Bushnell where Marcia will hold down the fort while I fly back to KY for my doctors appointments. I'll fly from Tampa to Lexington where our son Corey will pick me up. Corey being an RN, will go with me to the doctor, and then take me to Middlesboro where I'll visit dad and Scott. Jenelle (our daughter) will pick me up in Middlesboro and drop me off at the Knoxville airport where I'll fly back to Orlando where Marcia will pick me up. That is a lot of pick ups and drop offs, but renting a car was going to be too comlicated by picking it up in KY and dropping it off in TN.

We still have a week here in KW and we will enjoy it to the utmost.......................

Topless down Duval Street

2011-01-15T19:12:00.000-05:00

We are still hanging out in Key West, still enjoying the warmer weather than most of the U S had been having. Although 52 sounds good to most people, it is cold for K W and for me, and I am very happy it has warmed up down here.

Yesterday class of 2007 mates, Jim and Nancy, came down to visit. Someone didn't have an I D so they couldn't come to the rig because the base has 100% I D check going on. So we met them at Home Depot where we all piled into the jeep so we could show them what little we know about Key West.

The four of us went topless from the gulf of Mexico all the way to the Atlantic Ocean on Duval Street in the jeep. I was surprised at how many looks we got, but going topless in a jeep down Duval Street isn't as common as one would think. Then we went to the Southern Most Point in the US before heading back to the gulf side of Duval where we parked the jeep and walked Duval.

Hunger had already set in before we found the Rum Barrel, a pretty good eating place just off Duval near the docks. Everyone had something different and everyone claimed their food was good, so I have to put the Rum Barrel on the return to list. Once we recharged with food and rest we walked back to the Jeep. Mallory Square was closed off because they were having some fight there. I'm sure it was on pay per view, but none of us were interested in it anyway.

On the drive back to Home Depot it was really cool in the jeep with the top off, and I offered to stop and put the top back on, but everyone was in agreement to finish the drive topless. I know, you thought because I said we did Duval topless I was talking about our shirts, but it was the top off the jeep that made us topless.

Until the next time..................

The Keys

2011-01-09T20:37:00.000-05:00

We spent New Years Eve at Bushnell with the Escapees at Sumter Oaks, Wanda and Wallace put on a pretty good show for our entertainment. New Years day we just lounged around doing nothing. On the 2nd we loaded up and took off for Okeechobee. I figured that would be a good place to get the skis fixed.

I was not impressed with Okeechobee and all the "fish camps" and we really wanted to head on to KW so we spent one night at Wal-Mart and then headed to Ft Lauderdale. At Ft Lauderdale I took the skis to a shop to get them fixed and wound up leaving them there for them to sell. The guy seemed to think I could get most of my $$ back on them, and I thought I wouldn't have to haul them around or pay storage so it was a no brainer for me.

Tuesday evening we drove on over to the casino on 997. I figured that would be a good place to start our trip to KW the next day. We had to make our donations, but that turned out to be them making a donation to us. It wasn't much, but we walked out with more than we walked in with, and throw in the free parking for the rig and we came out pretty good.

Wednesday we drove down to KW, it was a beautiful drive. Seeing all the water just makes you feel better, and knowing the LOW temps will be in the 60's makes it really nice. We are in the dry camping area on Sigsbee, that boils down to sitting in an open field with no hookups. (water, electric, or sewer) but our field sits on the gulf of Mexico and that is the view out our front window. We were told it would be about two weeks before a full hookup site opens up. They rotate into a full hookup site for two weeks, and then into dry camping until you number comes up again. We plan on being here until the end of Jan so we will get a week or so in full hookups before we leave.

We have not done much except relax since we arrived in KW. We are enjoying the weather, highs in the 70's and lows in the 60's. Most people would love this, but I could stand a few degrees higher. A cold front is due to hit towards the end of the week and the lows will drop down to the high 50,s, and the highs will only be 65, but that will only be a day or two. I know most of you reading this would almost kill for the 50,s or 60,s right now, and I really wish everyone could enjoy warmer weather.

Sometime around the 1st of Feb we will head back to the Tampa area. I will fly to Lexington, rent a car, do my doctors appointments, drive to Middlesboro to see dad and Scott, and then to Corey's and Jenelle's, and Sunday catch a plane in Knoxville to fly back to Tampa. A lot of trouble for a doctors appointment, but I really like my doctor in Lexington, and he wants to see me at least twice a year, so I'll fly up.

everyone try to stay warm, we will think about you while we are sunning on the beaches.............

1-1-2011

2011-01-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

I sure hope this is a good sign for the up-coming year.

2010 in review

2010-12-30T23:53:00.000-05:00

We started 2010 by going to the Keys, our first stop was Jolly Rogers on Marathon Key. This is a Pass Port America park that allows 2 five night stays per year. Then it was on to Key West, where we enjoyed the coldest Jan in years. We watched the tropical fish die because it was so cold, but it was better than most of the United States.

On the 19th of Jan we took the Santara to Lazy Dayz to have the third roof put on it. While it was in the shop we spent 10 days in motels before we closed the deal on the Kountry Star. We were very excited with our new to us rig, and I know it was a bitter sweet deal for Heinze and Ann-Lise because they were giving up the Kountry Star, but they were getting a new to them park model that they didn't have to drive back and forth to Canada.

We then made another trip to Key West were we found perfect weather. It was really nice being warm again. We spent a couple weeks enjoying the tropical weather of KW before heading back to the Tampa area to pick up the Santara. I tried everything I could to get the insurance company to total the Santara and give me check, but they insisted on paying out a lot more $$ to get it repaired.

Having two RV's we had to figure out what to do with the Santara before we could head north. We found several places to store it for the summer, but then we decided to leave it on a consignment lot and let them sell it for us. With everything worked out we were able to head to Kentucky for our annual grand baby fix and my annual doctors appointments.

Hanging around some place waiting on doctors appointments isn't fun at all, especially when the temps are in the mid to upper 90's. We sat through most of the worst summer I can remember, but having the kids and grand kids close by made waiting on the doctors worth waiting for. The end of July we were able to leave KY, and the heat. It was so hot in KY that corn was popping in the husk while still on the stalk, but by the time we heard that we were enjoying the beautiful Upper Peninsula of MI.

The U P was perfect, there were plenty of casinos that had free or low cost camping, there was plenty of trails for us to explore in the jeep, and the weather was almost perfect. Toward the end of Aug a cold front came through the U P and run us off. With the lows dipping into the 40's we decided to head south.

WI was the 46th state that we were able to put on our map. While in WI we got to visit Fran and Sharon, a couple we had met at Sumter Oaks. A little further south in WI we were able to spend a couple days with Greg and Jean at Greg's moms place. It was great visiting with class of 2007 mates, even though the mosquitoes were so bad that we couldn't get out of the rig unless we were going somewhere.

Then we attended the Gypsy Journal Rally in Goshen IN where we had plenty of class of 2007 mates to visit with. At the rally we had a great time with all the skp's, and bought a few things for the Kountry Star. After the rally we headed to Lima where we picked dad up, and after spending a couple days in Lima we headed to Piqua to visit dad's newest great grand son, and our great nephews. we did visit with Cody and Nicole too, but the kids was the reason we stopped.

We dropped dad off in KY, spent a few days saying our good-byes, and got our last grand baby fix for the year. We had reservations booked for a cruise to Cozumel leaving on the 20th of Sept so we rushed back to FL. We had a terrific cruise, the weather was great, the people we went with were great, the food was fabulous.

Back in Jan when we were in KW we were told about Fantasy Fest, a big party that goes on in KW every year during the last week of Oct so after the cruise we headed to KW. Fantasy Fest was AWESOME, and after four weeks in KW I needed to get an x-ray my doctor had ordered so we slowly headed back to the Tampa area.

We spent a week in the Big Cypress National Preserve before we found a great deal on a park to stay in for the month of December. The first cold spell that came through was really early for FL, so Marcia booked us another 5 day cruise back to Cozumel. We avoided a week of cold, but it didn't warm up like I thought it would and we wound up in freezing temps for most of the month of December.

Today was one of a few days that the temps rose to the 70's here during the entire month of December. We left Glen Haven RV Park today and drove to Sumter Oaks where we will spend New Years Eve. There are plenty of people here that we know, and we know we will have a good time closing out 2010 right here.

I really hope 2011 brings us warmer winters and cooler summers, and many more blessing to share with everyone......

Update

2010-12-20T23:41:00.000-05:00

Not much going on down here in FL, the weather has really sucked! I remember warmer days in Jan in KY than we have had here in FL this Dec. Sunday I had planned on going to the flea market just north of Dade City, but when I first woke up it looked really foggy outside, so I just rolled over and drifted back into a deep sleep.

The next time I woke up it was after 11 AM, so thinking Flea-market I jumped up and got dressed, walked into the living room to see the front windshield all wet. Oh yea, it does rain here in FL and the flea-market was a wash out. So we had to come up with a plan B for the day.

The girls waited until I was up and ready before they did their thing, I guess they know me well enough to know if its raining I'm more apt to stay in bed than anything else. After everyone was dressed to wander around, (mainly them wandering if I was going to get out of bed) we took off headed toward Tampa. I wasn't sure where we were going but I knew we were going somewhere.

Hard Rock Casino was on my mind and since we were close I decided to take Jenelle to her first ever trip to a casino. I was feeling really lucky when we found a parking place right near the door, well at least as close to the door as you can get without using valet parking. Jenelle was impressed with all the glitter, and I was really impressed when we walked out with more $$ than we walked in with.

It was a good thing that we had won a few $$ because when I tried to start the jeep there was NOTHING. I had left the lights on, I'm not one to drive at night, and the tracker had automatic lights, so I'm not used to having to turn lights on or off, but with the rain I had turned them on, but I didn't turn them off. It was no big deal, Marcia called the roadside service and they sent someone out to jump us off.

Back on the road we toured McDill AFB, Jenelle had never been there, and we wanted to get a few things from the commissary. We did a late lunch in the base exchange fast food Court, shopped around in the base exchange before driving to the CG to look around and stopping at the commissary on the way out. I saved myself several dollars by using the bar code scanner I have on my phone, I was going to buy a mount for the TV in the bedroom, but after scanning it with my phone I saw I could buy it for about half price online. So today I ordered it and I'll have to wait a few days before I get it.

Today was a trip to the Webster Flea-Market. I found a case for my new phone, and a car charger. We also stocked up on oranges and some veggies. Tomorrow will be another day, and I'm sure we will find something to get into............

Daughter visiting.

2010-12-16T20:11:00.000-05:00

Monday Marcia picked Jenelle up at the Orlando Airport, she will be visiting for a week or two. I was really hoping we would have better weather while she was visiting but we get what we get. She figured out that she could get more financial aid by not working than she could make working 5 hours a day. Plus she wouldn't have to drive 40 miles a day.With her not working she will have more time for her studies at school, and have time to visit us.

Tuesday we drove to Dickey's BBQ where we enjoyed a $5 BBQ sandwich, fries, pickle, drink and ice-cream. $5.99 without our coupon. After filling up on BBQ we headed to a Verizon store. On the way I happened to see an Army Recruiting Center, and since I lost my sticker saying "My son is Serving in the U S Army" I decided to stop in and see if they had one.

After a short discussion with the Sargent First Class about Good Morning, another SFC went to the back room. He returned with a very nice Army Sweatshirt, A hat, a window cling, and a bumper sticker. I was really impressed! The sweatshirt came in real handy the past couple of days, and I will donate the hat to an Army fan somewhere down the line.

We did make it to the Verizon store where I haggled with everyone there. A quick trip to Best Buy to compare prices we returned to the Verizon Store. The end results are I have a new Droid Incredible, dad will be getting a new "old folks" phone with bigger numbers, a 911 button, and an ICE button. (in case of emergency), Scott will get a new texting type phone, and Marcia got a new texting type phone. We won't be rolling the wheels any because we will need the diesel fuel $$ to pay the phone bill.

Yesterday was one of those days where I should have stayed in bed. After breakfast I did go back to bed, but after lunch I attempted a trip to the dollar store to get a new case for my phone. With no case at the dollar store we tried Big Lots, and half way through I got to feeling bad so I went back to the jeep while Jenelle and Marcia looked for the case and car charger. Then it was back to the rig and back in bed for me while the girls made a trip to Wal-Mart.

Today was a much better day for me, and for the weather here in Zephyrhills. I think the official high was 69, but in the sunshine it was almost perfect. After a couple nights of freezing weather we really are welcoming the warm up. Tomorrow should be in the mid 70's so I am a Happy Camper, and the lows won't be where I like them but there will be no freeze warnings either.

The last time Jenelle came to visit we went kayaking with the manatees, so I'm trying how to top that with something she will remember. We had thought about her and Marcia going on a cruise, but the cheap cruises were already booked. I guess all the snowbirds here in FL read my blog and decided to head south to avoid the cold like we did last week. OH Well I will think of something, after all we are in FL...........

Back in the USA

2010-12-11T21:14:00.000-05:00

As most of you know I don't like cold weather, and Friday Dec 3rd I looked at the extended forecast for the Tampa area and didn't like it at all. It showed a cold front coming to the area bringing too much cold for me, so I ask my loving wife to book us on a cruise headed to Mexico.

She found us a great deal on an inside stateroom, so I ask her to check on a suite with a balcony, and for the same money we paid for the cruise we took in Sept we got a 5 day cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel in a Junior Suite with a balcony. Naturally I told her to book it and we would Chase the 70's to Mexico since FL was going to be well below that.

Monday AM we took off to the Port of Tampa where we boarded the Radiance of the Sea. The ship left Tampa with us on it and the temperature was a whopping 50 degrees as we departed Tampa. Well below the 70's that we sold our house and moved into the motor home for. By Tuesday the temps were climbing as we sailed south. Wednesday Am the LOW was 70 when I walked out onto the balcony to watch the sunrise.

As on every cruise I've been on the cruise line tries to take every penny you have in different ways. This cruise was no different, we attended an infomercial about the spa services offered on the ship. They always give a free whatever to entice more people to come to hear their spills, and I just happened to be the lucky winner of $195 seaweed detoxification treatment and massage. I was a real happy sailor because we had not beat the cold front out of FL and the cold was working double time on my body.

The massage was scheduled for Wednesday at 8 am so after watching the ship dock in Costa Maya and the sunrise from the balcony I was pumped for the detox and massage. A very petite English girl was the lucky lady that would be putting the seaweed on me, and giving me the massage. She explained everything as I sat on the table with the foil wrap as a sheet.

The scalp, feet and ankle massage felt relaxing and rejuvenating, but the back and neck part of the massage was a disappointment. The seaweed slime I was covered in didn't have the effects on me as they described in the infomercial, but then I didn't have to fork over $195 for it. I did enjoy it, but I enjoyed the $45 massage I got from Jean Damon at the rally put on by Nick and Terry a lot more.

I enjoyed the weather while we were away most of all, but I did also enjoy walking around in Costa Maya, riding the scooter around Cozumel, and all the fantastic food. I really didn't think the old saying, "the sea-salt in the air will cause all your clothes to shrink a size or two" was true, but after two cruises this year I can tell you it is TRUE.

Saturday Am as we were sailing through Tampa Bay I was very sad to see the TV showing 43 as the current air temperature. And then seeing the extended forecast for the Tampa area I think I will start looking for a condo somewhere in Costa Maya.....................

Beating the COLD

2010-12-03T16:44:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows I do not like cold. Cold is good for drinks, ice-cream, and things like that, but not for me to be in. Everyone knows I watch the weather too, and we try to avoid any cold, and for me below 70 is cold. I can deal with the highs getting into the 70's but prefer the 80's. Well looking at the 10 day forecast I see this cold snap isn't lasting long, but there is another one right behind it.

Temps should be in the low to mid 70's this weekend, but drop back down into the 60's Monday, and won't get back to the 70's until the last of next week. SO.....Being this close to Tampa makes going on a cruise easy, the rig is parked in a park with full hook ups, the site is paid for, and we are only 30 min from the port.

I ask my loving wife to get online and book us a cruise for next week so we wouldn't be sitting around in the cold. She got us a pretty good deal leaving Monday and returning Saturday. When she said we could get an inside room for $169 PP I said check on a suite. She booked us a JR Suite Balcony Room for about the same $$ as we paid for the cruise we went on back in September with Wanda and Wallace.

We will leave just as it gets cold again, and we will return just after it warms up again. You can really get a good deal if you are flexible in when you want to cruise, and when you consider we have our room, and food for 5 days it is hard to beat. Add in we will be WARM and it is a no brainer.............

Cozumel and Costa Maya Mexico here we come........

C O L D

2010-12-01T23:58:00.000-05:00

The cold front has left the western states, but has FL and the east coast dead in it's sights. Here in the Tampa area we could drop into the low 30's tonight and tomorrow night. The bright side is the highs will rebound and by Sunday we should be back up to the mid 70's. So I will be spending a lot of time inside, or in the direct sunlight.

When ever I can I park the rig with the front windshield pointing northeast. The reason for this is to get the early morning sunshine on our patio. While at Sumter Oaks in Dec of 08 and Jan of 09 we had site #40, it was good because we had the morning sun, but the trees blocked part of it so when site #41 became available we moved. We had plenty company come to sit on the patio to enjoy the morning sunshine.

Here at Glen Haven we didn't get the rig parked the way I like it because the sites aren't laid out in a way that I could get the AM sun, but we are parked close to the clubhouse and the hot tub. We chose this park over several others because it has a hot tub, and I was disappointed when I found out it wasn't open, but the price was right and I wasn't in the mood for complaining.

Today after a week here I was surprised to find the hot tub OPEN, and Marcia and I didn't waste any time taking advantage of it. It is a small hot tub with a max of 4 people so I figure we will have a lot of waiting to use it, but we are just across the street so it won't be too bad.

Last night was bingo night at the clubhouse, and I won! Yes it was a shocker for me too, and the $26 I won will not be spent all in one place. Tonight was euchre night, and there were 39 people playing. Here they play 8 hands, and then the two winners move to the next table, with one of the winners from the last table sitting out a round. After 8 games the scores are tallied up and the top three men and top three women win the $. Marcia won 75 cents last week.

I am looking for a used 4X4 truck, not sure what yet, I guess that depends on what I find. We spend a month or two around the old hometown during the summer visiting friends and family, and I fly back to KY every winter for my doctor appointment. So rather than trying to borrow a car or renting one while we are there I decided to buy one and leave it at our son's house while we are traveling. He can use it while we are gone, and it will be there for me or dad if he needs a truck to haul something.

Tomorrow we will drive the jeep up to Clermont to have lunch with the SKP chapter 27. Some of our "class of 07" mates will be there, so I know we will have a good time and get a lot of the SKP hugs........

Enjoy it while you can.

2010-11-30T23:22:00.001-05:00

We came to FL back in September so we could go on the cruise Wanda and Wallace were going on. We had a good time, and the weather wasn't too hot during the days and was really nice during the nights. After the cruise we slowly made our way to Key West so we could experience Fantasy Fest, and that was a blast.

After spending four weeks in the Keys we came back to the Tampa area, stopping in the Big Cypress National Preserve for a few days on the way. We saw lots of gators along the Tamiami Trail, which is hwy 41 that runs from Naples to Miami. Finding a great deal on the net for a site at Glen Haven RV Resort we parked the rig in Zephyrhills.

October and November gave us some beautiful weather to enjoy, Tampa even had a record high for the last day of November, which was a perfect day for me. Now a cold front that has most of the US suffering colder than normal temperatures is due to come through FL tonight and tomorrow. The news headlines are saying the cold front could bring record lows to the Tampa area.

All I can say is bring it on, and I'm happy to know we have plenty heaters in the Kountry Star. Two heat pumps on the roof, a furnace that I hope I never have to use, and two small space heaters, and if I have to I can always dig into the bays and find the Mr Buddy Propane heater. The deal we found requires us to pay for the electric, but since they don't have meters installed we paid a flat rate, so you all know we will be warm and toasty in the rig.

All our plans for the next few days will be dictated by how cold it does get hear in Zephyrhills. And for all of you that are in the colder weather I feel for you, but avoiding the cold was one of the main reasons we sold our house and live in a motor home. Remember, "CHASING THE 70s"..............we won't catch them for a few days.................

The picture shows the current temps at 10:45 PM EASTERN Time November 30 2010.

Carefree Resorts

2010-11-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

In Arcadia we were parked in a Carefree Resort because I read about Carefree Resorts on the Escapees forum. They offer a 50% discount to veterans, and I support almost everyone that does something special for a veteran. Tuesday we drove up to Zephyrhills to another Carefree Resort. This one is called Glen Haven, and it is a nice park with many park models and a few RV sites.

We were greeted by Inga, a super lady, she told us to pick a site out of the three or four she had open. We walked around looking at them and decided on site #29. It is across the street from the mail room, and real close to the clubhouse. When we told Inga which site we wanted she said do what we had to do to get set up and then come back tomorrow and she would take our money.

It was around 2:30 once we had the rig leveled and the slides out so I ask Marcia if she wanted to run up to Sumter Oaks and see who all was there. She wanted to see Wanda and Wallace who are the current managers there, so we quickly took the top off the jeep and took off to Bushnell. We made it just in time for the social hour, and it was good seeing many of the friends we had met there. We managed to stop by and see a few that didn't make it to the social hour.

Wednesday was an interesting day, after settling up with Inga, I needed to go to the VA to see a doctor about the pains I'm having in my chest when I cough, or lay down on my back. When I checked in at the urgent care the first question they ask (after seeing my ID) was why was I there. When I explained I was having pains in my chest they went into Heart Attack mode. I explained to them I thought it was a pulled muscle or something along those lines, but the magic words had already been spoken, "chest pains".

Everyone was so professional and helpful, the nurses were terrific, and the doctor that saw me was very pleasant. After ex-rays, and blood tests they agreed with me that it was a pulled muscle or cartilage in my chest and my ticker was fine. They found some infection in the blood work so I'm back on the antibiotics, along with cough syrup to clear everything up.

The doctor was also kind enough to order the tests my doctor in Lexington wants, he even put in an order for me to get another mask for my c-pap. We walked all over the hospital trying to get the mask, one place would say I needed to go to another place and the other place said I needed to go somewhere else. Then we wound up at the desk of a retired Col. I didn't know he was a retired Col until he had already went way above and beyond he duties at the VA. He was able to get me an appointment with the c-pap people so I will be able to get all the supplies there, or in Lexington. I can't say enough about how helpful he was.

Today we drove back to Sumter Oaks to spend Thanksgiving with our Escapee friends. Our friends Nick and Terry Russell are at Sumter Oaks, but they are fighting colds so we visited them from a distance. Nick and Terry run the Gypsy Journal as well as hosting the Gypsy Journal Rallies east and west. Nick and Terry were the first full timing couple we met back in 2007 when we sold our house and moved into a motor home. We have ran into them all over the USA and enjoy spending time with them each time we do. I hope they get over their illness really soon.

With 10 tables full of food and people we shared Thanksgiving dinner with Wanda and Wallace, Fran and Sharon, Bennett and Bee, Elaine and her grandson, and a couple other people I can't recall their names right now. (remember the doctors said I have CRS) As I do every year I ate way too much, but this year I can blame it on the plate. I just put a little of each thing on my plate and only had one serving, but the plate was so big I struggled to finish everything I had dipped out.

I really hope everyone that reads this blog had a terrific Thanksgiving Day, just stop and thank the man upstairs for the things you have to be thankful for, and add a special thanks for the soldiers that are away from their families this Thanksgiving day protecting us so we are able to enjoy the day in peace..

Arcadia and Big Tree RV Resort

2010-11-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

We arrived here at Big Tree RV Resort Saturday around noon, got signed in and parked the rig. This park is part of the Carefree RV Resorts System and they offer veterans 50% off the daily rate. I really enjoy supporting anyone that helps the veterans out, so we will be staying in their parks as often as we can. The 50% off discounts sure help out too.

Tonight as I walked back from the hot tub I noticed the full moon rising over the Kountry Star so I just had to get a picture of it. Sorry it isn't the best picture, but you can see the moon just off to the left rear corner of the rig.

We are parked at the end of the small lake that is in front of the office and clubhouse. It is a great view.

Today we took a ride in the jeep to Sebring FL. to have lunch with Heinz and Anne-Lise. They were the couple we bought the Kountry Star from and I had told Heinz I had something for him back in Feb, but never got back with them to give it to him. So while we were doing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail we had a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 made for him.

You may need to enlarge the picture to make out the words.

It was really great to see them again, they are "good people" in my book. They showed us their new home away from home. A really nice park model, and Marcia really liked the decor because it has sea shells every where. After a filling lunch at Homers and visiting for a while we had to make the trip back to Arcadia where we will be for another day or two waiting on a reply from the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Reply from the preserve you ask? Yes Marcia filled out an app to be a camp host down there. Staying at Midway we found out they may be in need of a host until Jan 6th, and that kind of fit into our plans so we figured what the heck, a free site in southern FL for the month of Dec would be good. They should let us know Monday, so if she gets it we will be headed back to Big Cypress, and if not we will be headed to Zepherhills later in the week.

We will let you know as soon as we know...............

T S A

2010-11-20T20:27:00.000-05:00

The Transportation Security Administration and their new screening process is about all I see on the news these days. Do you agree or disagree? I'm all for keeping the planes safe, and if it takes see through your clothes screeners, so what.
As I understand the process, someone in another area, that can't see the person being screened is the one looking. Now if you choose to avoid the ex-ray, (or if the airport doesn't have them) you are required to have someone pat you down, feeling your most protected parts. I really don't want some guy feeling me up, but if that is what it takes to keep terrorists from smuggling explosives on the plane I'm ready to let them do it.
I'm at the age, and with my previous medical problems, I have a prostate exam every year. No I really don't like what my doctor does, but it is something I tolerate because it helps keep me safe. I know most women don't like the mammograms, but they do them when the doctors say they need to be done.
The people working for TSA aren't doctors, they probably don't even have any medical training other than the basic first aid stuff, yet they are the ones doing the pat downs and looking at the screens. Should they have a MD doing this? Does that training and diploma make them more suitable to pat you down? Does the guy we all seen on the news telling the examiner "if you touch my junk I'm having you arrested for sexual harassment" have special junk?
I'm pretty sure that the TSA officer isn't thrilled about having to feel in those places, but the terrorists have proven they will hide stuff there, so it has to be done. The human body is just what it is, either male or female, (although in KW some you couldn't tell the Male from the Female) the shapes are different, but the basics are the same. If you don't want to be examined the way they do it, don't fly!
Or maybe we should just forget all the security and just go on the honor system asking everyone if they are going to harm anyone, or cause destruction in some way. My thoughts are to let them do what they need to do to keep us safe, and let the news media find something else to fill their air time.
Please remember, the bad guys that have all the rights are the ones that has caused all the need for such security. Maybe if we took away some of the "rights" of the bad guys, the good guys wouldn't be so inconvenienced.........

Marco Island Visit

2010-11-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Wednesday we took a trip to Marco Island with the jet skis. We had planned on going to a Passport America park before taking the skis to Marco Island but after doing a Google Map Search I thought it would be quicker to get there from Midway Campground here in the Big Cypress Preserve.

We put the skis in the water at Caxambas Boat Park, and started the short trip to the sandbar a few hundred yards off shore. I had took the carbs off the one ski and cleaned them again in hopes that would solve the problem of it not running right in the water, but that didn't help much, but it really didn't matter because 90% of our ride was in a no wake zone.

We had looked to see when low tide would be, that is when I found out there are two low tides, and the depths are not always the same. In fact the low tide at 3AM would be a lot lower than the low tide at 3PM, but the skis don't have lights, and I am not getting up that early to look for sea shells. Today was going to be the best low tide for the next several days in the afternoons as shown in the tide chart below.

The Island Chuck and Terry took us to last year was almost under water because the tide wasn't very low, so we went to the south to another Island. This was the island they took Marcia to, and the island the Eagles nest is on. We did run the skis over a few really shallow places getting to the island, and if the tide would have been lower these places would have been ideal for shelling. In a couple of these places we had to stop the skis and get off and pull the skis.

Being on the island while the water was so high had its advantages, we were the only ones there. So with the entire island to ourselves we were able to pick up all the shells we wanted or could find, the down side was most of the island was under water so finding the shells wasn't an easy task.

We did find 14 sand dollars, and a bunch of other shells. Marcia has been around Chuck and Terry enough to know the names of most of the shells, and I even know a couple. Marcia found a HUGE whelk, probably the biggest I have ever seen, but it was still occupied so she had to leave it there.

As we walked towards the south end of the island we were warned by an Eagle that was sitting in one of the trees. Marcia spotted two Eagles that day, and several ospreys. We gathered enough shells to make the trip a success, and seeing the Eagles just put the icing on the cake for the entire day.
We won't make another trip to Marco Island until the tide is at the lowest point somewhere between 10AM and 3 PM. And as the chart shows it will be the lowest tide.

We will hang out here at Midway CG until Saturday when we plan on heading north. We want to stop by Chuck and Terry's for a visit, but since there are very few Campgrounds near their house we may just have to do a lunch somewhere and plan on a day trip from where ever we do park the rig. Tomorrow we are going to Shark Valley where we want to do the 15 mile tram ride, and see the true everglades from the Shark Tower..............so stay tuned................

Big Cypress National Preserve

2010-11-15T22:09:00.001-05:00

We decided on heading WEST this AM, something about a saying, "go west young man, go west". We left the casino after running a few errands. I needed to get my fix at Harbor Freights, and a trip to the Post Office to return the ski doo covers that didn't fit.

Once we got rolling it wasn't long before we rolled up on mile marker 52 on hwy 41, or the Tammiami Trail, where we found the Midway Campground almost empty. We parked the rig on site 13, the site on the south west corner of the lake. After Marcia spotted a gator sunning on the bank, and we paid our fees, we took off to check out the visitors center.

The visitors center had some neat stuffed animals on display, a panther that had been hit on the road, a few birds, and some snakes. I never knew there was a pigmy rattlesnake, but they had one on display. Marcia took some pictures of several gators that were sunning, and we watched a funny bird that swims underwater like a fish, pops its head out of the water like a snake, flies, and spreads its wings and holds them out to dry off.

Next stop was the Monument Lake CG, there are no hookups there, but there is also no fee this time of year. It looked like a nice place to hang out a few days, but we plan on staying where we are for a couple more days. Then we took the "Loop Road" which is a scenic route through the Big Cypress Preserve. The loop road is about 20 miles of ROUGH dirt road, and 8 miles of blacktop. The view is blocked by trees most of the way, but there are a few places to view the swamps.

We had a cooler in the back seat of the jeep that had a lot of melted ice and when we hit the rough road it started sloshing out onto the seat. Marcia ask me to stop so she could empty the water so like a good husband I did. The problem was, when she opened the jeep door to get out, she looked down and there was a gator laying on the side of the road. She ask if I would pull up some before she got out to empty the cooler.

We made it back to the CG just after dark, it was a good ride, but I wouldn't do it again unless we took all day to do it.
We didn't have any cell service where we parked until I hooked up the Wilson Amp with the external antenna, and the inside antenna. I have to put the aircard right on the inside antenna to get internet, and the AT&T phones work in the rig, but the Verizon phone has to be right next to the inside antenna to pick up even two bars. So pictures will have to wait.

Tomorrow will bring another adventure if I'm able to get out of bed.............

Leaving Paradise

2010-11-13T21:27:00.001-05:00

The police cars here on Key West have "Protecting Paradise" written on them, so I guess this has to be Paradise, and we are leaving. After spending 4 weeks here enjoying the almost perfect weather hitch itch has set in.
More and more are making their way here, and about Jan 1 there will be about 400 rigs here. I think there is 91 full hook up sites, and the rest will be in dry camping. They do rotate, so you will be in full hook ups for two weeks, and then dry camping until your number comes up again.
We still don't know where we are going, except we did make reservations for December at a park in Zepherhills.(Glenn Haven RV Resort) That will have us close enough to the VA in Tampa for me to see some doctors, and close enough to visit the SKP park in Bushnell. And the BEST part is the park that we will be staying at has a HOT TUB.
So tomorrow sometime we will say goodbye to the Keys and meander north.......but we will return when the cold starts drifting south, unless it turns out to be a winter like last winter, and then we will head west....

GO FAST BOATS

2010-11-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Sunday we had nothing planned, I thought it was going to be one of those do nothing days, until we heard about the Super Boat Races going on here in KW this week. The trucks were rolling in today with the boats so everyone could get them ready for the races.

We drove down to Truman Annex Sunday afternoon to look at the boats that had arrived early. The "parade of boats" down Duval Street wasn't until 4PM, but was were there by noon. These are some of the boats we saw.

The super boat championship for this year will be decided here at KW. Thursday, and Friday they race, and the championship will be Sunday the 14th. This is just an added bonus for us because we are here and knew nothing about the races until Sunday.

Most everyone that reads my blog knows I don't follow any professional sports, and that includes boat racing, but I do enjoy seeing new things. If you are into Super Boat Racing, or just enjoy seeing new things, you may enjoy these pictures I took.

The owner of this rig also owns the Super Boat Racing Tour. I don't know how that works, but I guess he is the main man over the show.

They have to tilt this one so they can haul it down the road.

Another one.

I see the super Boat Races are like what I would expect the NASCAR to be. Each boat traveling with a lot of support vehicles. One we saw had about 8 custom choppers with them, and that group looked like they could party with the best of them. I talked to one of the guys to caution them about the side mounted licence plates on the choppers, (a big fine here in FL) and he quickly responded,"the tags aren't the only thing illegal about them, and the load of bikes on the way down were really illegal." So I took it that they really didn't care, so we just moved on to the next boat.

We will go down town Thursday to see how much of the races we can see, I'm sure it will be exciting just watching the GO FAST BOATS skimming across the water....

Not ready for the COLD

2010-11-05T23:53:00.000-04:00

This past Jan we came to Key West to escape the cold weather, and we did not see freezing temperatures, but it did get cold enough to kill some of the fish. 42 degrees is very uncommon for KW. This year we came early to experience Fantasy Fest. One week later I see the weather forecast for KW, and I am happy that we decided to stick around.

Snowing in Middlesboro, and cold temperatures plunging all the way to KW. Tonight the temperature is forecast to drop down to 64 degrees, and tomorrow night 62 degrees. Our first thoughts about coming to KW was in the summer of 2007 when we met Ron and Elaine in Lexington. They come every year, and told us the low for the winter of 06-07 was 62 degrees. Now we are supposed to hit 62 on the 6th of November. I guess I will have to take the advice of Norah and buy myself some gloves and a warm coat.

As many of you know we are blessed with three kids. Our daughter is a full time student at the University of Tennessee. She had a house built in 09 while going to school full time and working at a day care. She has really made us proud of her.

Next is our son Corey, he is a nurse at Pineville Community Hospital. He married his high school sweetheart, even though the went to different high schools. They met while working at Dairy Queen. They are blessed with a beautiful little girl that I call sweet cheeks because of her Rosie cheeks at the end of her captivating smile.

Our oldest son is serving in the United States Army. He is stationed in Korea where he will be for the next year or two. Although I am proud of him for serving, I hate that he doesn't get to spend any time with his three boys. Jonathan David, Justin Nicolas, and Joshua Stephen. The boys live with their mother in Middlesboro.

In 2007 we had a rare opportunity to have us all together. Jonathan was stationed at Fort Huachuca AZ, we were spending the winter out there, Corey and Jenelle flew into Phoenix. So we had a great time together. The picture opening the blog shows us all together back in 07.

With the weather cool and windy here in KW we have plenty time to sit around and reminisce about past times, and I thought I would just share some of them with you. I hope you enjoyed listening or reading about some of my thoughts for the day. Maybe the next blog post will have something more interesting....

Fantasy Fest in Key West

2010-10-31T16:12:00.000-04:00

Some time in late Oct. in the mid to early 80's one guy ask another to meet him down on Duval Street. when they met the one ask the other what he saw, and his answer was: nothing. Few tourists walking around, many of the shops closed. It was a beautiful day, not too hot, and the sun shining. The two men agreed they needed something to draw the tourists to KW in late Oct. There was very little going on in KW back then, most, or a lot of the shop owners closed their doors and took their vacations at this time because business was so slow.

Thus Fantasy Fest was started, and today it is a 10 day event that has transformed into one of the busiest time of the year for everyone around KW. It starts off with Goombay, and ends up with the fat lady singing, and the parade on Saturday being the highlight. The party bounces from one business to another from day to day, each one hosting some kind of event, and the people dress for the event.

Fantasy Fest is geared for adults, with a lot of people walking the streets going from one party to another, or one bar to another, dressed for the theme, or maybe a theme from past events. Many artists set up paint booths to paint themes using people as their canvas. Although it is illegal for people to walk around with paint being the only thing covering their bodies, it is accepted.

If you happen to be lucky enough to be in KW the last week in Oct. don't be surprised if you happen to see a woman walking the sidewalks with her skin being the canvas for an elaborate painting. Some even get enough liquid courage to forget about getting the paint applied. The guys also get bold during the festivities, but something about men showing their genitals doesn't go over too well with the police, so the men have to cover that area.

The parade we saw last night took about three hours from the time the first police escort passed us until the last entree walked by. This years theme was Habitat for Insanity, which opened the doors for a wide variety of floats. I am not one to stand three hours to watch a parade, but this one was interesting enough for me to withstand the pain of standing for such a long time, and I sure was glad that trash container was there for me to lean on.

After the parade Duval Street turns into a big street party, but since we are not into bar hopping or getting drunk down town, we walked to Mallory Square and rested quietly watching the water. If you are interested in seeing pictures I'm sure a search on the net will show all you want to see. (Our cameras were in the rig.)

Us having all our plans written on the "etch-a-sketch" I don't know if we will return for next years Fantasy Fest, but it is written on there right now.