Ramblings

Show Low

2011-12-11T14:17:00.001-08:00

10/20/2011 and it was hot here in Apache Junction so we decided to head to the mountains and visit Show Low to cool off. Bill, Karen, & Lucy came with us. We drove to Globe and had breakfast at Jerry’s. They have great food and reasonable prices. We stayed on Hwy 60 driving north. The drive through the Salt River Canyon is gorgeous. We made a number of stops to take in the view and take pictures.

Bill & Karen with Lucy.

The scenery was out of this world.

The road winds down to the river and then back up. Finally we reached Show Low. The history of how Show Low got its name is very interesting. There was a ranch claimed by Marion Clark and Corydon Cooley. A creek made its way through the little valley and provided water for irrigation and cattle grazing. Sometime around 1876 the partners knew that one of the should leave but could not decide which one.

A card game would settle the issue. The game believed to have been called “seven-up” began and lasted through the night and into the early morning hours. Clark finally told Cooley “Show low and you take the ranch.”

Cooley turned up a deuce of clubs and won a reported 100,000 acres, the cattle, crops and buildings. a century later the main street through the town was named “Deuce of Clubs”.

Corydon Cooley was the 1st Postmaster when Show Low was approved for a post office in 1880.

We had our pictures taken with Marion Clark & Corydon Cooley.

The weather was perfect in the 70’s sunny, and no wind.

We took a different route home and stopped for a short visit at Fort Apache. It was and Army Post from 1870 to 1922 and a Boarding School since 1923. It was getting late and we still had a long ways to go to get back home so we didn’t take the tour which would have included the historic park and the Kinishba Ruins. Maybe another time.

It was a great day and by the time we got home it had cooled off here in the valley to a respectable 85.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

2011-11-23T18:35:00.001-08:00

We heard about a bird walk at the Arboretum and decided to visit and take in the walk. It is a great place with exhibits from different deserts. Sonoran Desert, Australia Desert, Pine Grove, Chihuahuan Desert, South American Desert. Queen Creek runs through the park so that includes a Riparian area.

Amazing rock formations

Magma Ridge

And this cute little fellow a Lowland Leopard Frog.

It was a fun day and the weather was great. Next day trip will be to Show Low with Bill & Karen.

Apache Junction

2011-11-15T15:49:00.001-08:00

!0/1 we arrived at Sunrise RV Resort. Our home for 3 months, first time in 10 years we are going to sit in one spot. It seems like a very nice park and very empty right now.

Now this area is planted with all colors of petunias. It is very colorful driving into the park.

This is the office, lounge area and pool room.

Lounge

Pool Room

Our site

We have had some storms since we have been here but not the monsoon kind. Great sunsets. This is looking out our front window.

We got here on a Saturday and found out that the Lost Dutchman Superstition Museum was free this weekend. We made plans to go visit on Sunday.

20 Stamp Mill

AZ Yellow Bell

Brittlebush

On the grounds of the museum they have moved the Elvis Chapel along with the barn and a saloon from a western movie set that burned. I had my picture taken with Elvis in the Chapel.

On one of our walks we came across this huge Saguaro on a vacant lot.

Las Vegas

2011-11-07T13:19:00.001-08:00

We arrived at Las Vegas TT and parked near Walter & Margaret friends we met in Texas our first year traveling. We are only here for 4 days and my bucket list is way too full. To make things harder it is supposed to be hot.

Our site, yes it look like we are sitting pretty close together and you would be right. Sam’s Town is close so we decided to go eat there after taking in the Hoover Dam and the new bridge. Walt & Margaret went with us.

The food was good at TGI Friday’s. We walked around the casino and the garden area.

Water feature at Sam’s.

The new Hoover Dam bridge is very impressive.

Mike O’Callaghan is a former Governor of NV and Pat TIllman all American football player that was killed while serving in the military in Afghanistan.

The new bridge.

This is a view from the new bridge.

Margaret & I walked all the way across the bridge this is about where Walter & Dick turned back.

Walter & Margaret

Dick & Walter waited for us in the shade. We made one more stop to take in the view of Lake Mead. Then on to Sam’s Town to eat.

Utah

2011-10-23T15:52:00.001-07:00

We are on the way to Sunrise RV Resort in Apache Junction. We will be staying there for 3 months. First stop in UT is at Richard & Faye’s place in Plain City.

Marble counters, Dick loved the kitchen.

We parked in the front of the house and stayed in the guest room as it was very hot while we were there.

Next stop was St George where we stayed at the Elks club. The electric was very low and we ended up running our generator to cool off at night.

The scenery is outstanding.

Very nice grounds with a war memorial.

The club overlooks a golf course.

We are here to visit good friends Tim & Becky and see their new home.

Front porch that overlooks the city below. They have a great view of the city lights at night.

This is what the patio looks like now. Tim is planning to build a place to hold the BBQ. Dick & Becky went up the rocks and built a Cairn.

Next stop is Las Vegas.

Idaho

2011-10-11T12:28:00.001-07:00

From Pendleton our next stop was the Caldwell Elks. We parked there and drove up to Cascade ID to visit family. Every morning we would walk before breakfast. Here is downtown Caldwell.

They have a nice walk along this canal.

We drove up to Cascade the next day to visit with Tami and she took us on a hike up by Blue Lake. The last time we went to hike there we couldn’t get to the lake, too much snow.

The before picture in 2004

This year was much better

Elevation 5,000 feet.

It is a beautiful peaceful place.

Tami took us into Cascade to show us the newest attraction, it is a world class Kayaking course.

Doesn’t look very fierce right now but in the spring when the river is high they run pretty fast through here.

Tami and I on the bridge leading over to the island.

Beautiful Osprey waiting for his dinner to pass by.

Pendleton, OR

2011-10-07T16:58:00.001-07:00

We stopped in Pendleton for a couple for days to tour the Underground City. We stayed at the Pendleton Elks.

By Monday we were pretty much alone. There is a riverwalk that ran behind us. It ran from the Rodeo Grounds along the Umatilla River to the east side of town.

Riverwalk Park

A sculpture along the way.

Our Pendleton Underground Tour was very interesting.

Hop Sing’s Laundry

The Jail

The meat market. The actual market was at ground level down underground was where they cut up the meat and got the chickens ready. They would pluck the chickens and save the feathers to sell to make pillows and other bed covers.

The plucking area.

The Chinese had their Opium dens underground and mostly lived there.

During Prohibition they moved the bars underground and called them Speakeasy's.

Above ground in a 4 block area were many bars and brothels. The last brothel closed in 1965.

We toured a brothel, this was the sitting room. The Madame of this brothel was good to her girls teaching them to read, manage their money.

Next tour was the Pendleton Woolen Mills.

Dyed wool that is being run through to “comb” it.

She is threading the yarn onto bobbin like devices.

The weaving loom.

To the finished product.

Both were great tours and well worth the stop.

Osprey Point RV Park in Lakeside

2011-09-22T15:48:00.001-07:00

We came back down the coast to be able to have a base to attend a family reunion in Waldport. We drove to Myrtle Point and picked up Dick’s Mom and Rowdy her puppy for a couple of days visit before the reunion.

Rowdy is a good name for her dog, got out only once without a leash but I was afraid we would not be able to catch him.

Dick and I stopped at the Darlingtonia Wayside in Florence.

This strange plant lures bugs in and then eats them. They grow in bogs. Here is a diagram of the flower. We haven’t been there when it is blooming.

They are still thriving in Florence.

Newport Whimbrels

2011-08-15T18:50:00.001-07:00

On our walks on the beach we would see these birds with long bills. Couldn’t quite get near enough to really see them. One of the walks we remembered the binoculars and got a closer look.

We found the Whimbrels.

On another day we drove up to Agate Beach and Yaquina Head.

Would you believe this is Agate Beach Miles of sand in strange shapes and piles. NO agates! No rocks at all.

Next stop was Yaquina Head Natural Area. We walked down to the tide pools.

We walked over the these round rocks to the tide pools.

We had a great day exploring, we had not been to Yaquina Head in a few years and were pleased to see the wildlife coming back.

Whalers Rest & Newport

2011-08-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

It was rainy driving over and and a mist the next day. Then the sun came out and was gorgeous the rest of our stay. Sometimes it was foggy in the am but clear by noon.

We have started walking every morning. We have been walking the beach in the morning when the tide is low, the sand is hard and makes for easy walking.

That’s me jogging to catch up. Some days it was foggy in the morning.

We would come come back wet and bedraggled looking. And this day was especially so since we had just walked 9 miles.

Theresa and Megan were camping at South Beach State Park. We spent some quality time with them and took them crabbing on the dock in Newport.

Megan on the left Theresa on the right. First time Megan had been crabbing.

She got the hang of tossing in the crab ring. We caught quite a few but only a few keepers.

This one is definitely a keeper.

Went back to South Beach and Megan & Theresa fixed a great salmon dinner.

Foretravel Repair

2011-08-12T15:34:00.001-07:00

When we bought our coach there was some minor damage to the passenger side rear panel. A minor encounter with a fender on a truck added to it.

Before

During

Mose doing his magic.

After

He does fantastic work.

Mose and his 66 Cadillac DeVille Restoration

2011-08-12T15:00:00.001-07:00

Our son-in-law is amazing when it comes to anything he sets his mind to fix or work on. He can fix anything and has helped us numerous times. His current project is this Cadillac.

He has taken the whole thing apart cleaned sanded sprayed it with primer and is now putting it back together.

Engine looks new.

This will be the final color.

Next will be the repair he did to our coach. Looks brand new.

Fourth of July

2011-08-12T14:36:00.001-07:00

I better hurry and get this done before another 4th of July comes around. Our day started with Wyatt’s Little League Baseball Game. Had a great time watching the games. Then onto Ben’s house for a BBQ with the family. Ben is our son-in-laws brother. His view is amazing.

The pool is a salt water pool.

Kitchen was fantastic but then again so was the entire place.

We had a great time and got home in time for the local fireworks from the neighbors in the Aloha area.

Graduation and Blaze

2011-07-31T15:07:00.001-07:00

We had a granddaughter Chayla, graduate this year from High School.

Dad Waiken Chayla and Mom Jennifer.

She will be heading to University of Oregon in the fall.

The next weekend of our stay in Seaside I took off for Aloha and joined Paris, Lexi, Hallie and her friend Mattie for a weekend of Fast Pitch Softball in Bend.

Warmups before the game.

Lexi pitching.

The weather was perfect for softball. This strange looking rainbow appeared in the sky.

Tournament is over and Blaze did fantastic and came in second.

Seaside

2011-07-31T12:55:00.001-07:00

We have started walking in Keizer and kept it up in Aloha. In Seaside we found it nice to walk to the promenade and then north. We tried to find a different route every day.

Seaside Promenade

I loved this garden and back yard of this place along the promenade.

Another day we walked north along the Necanicum River to where is runs into the ocean.

We went and visited with a high school friend of mine who lives near by. He restores old cars and does a fantastic job.

Paint booth

Jim says this is his Rat Rod project.

Family & Friends

2011-07-31T12:19:00.001-07:00

Our summer has been busy but lots of fun. We got to go to a Concert in the Park, it really was the field in back of Mt View Middle School. The band put on their last concert of the year. We were amazed how wonderful the music was.

Lexi our Granddaughter plays the French Horn.

To think next year they might not have the music program they had this year because of cutbacks in the school is a crying shame.

Next came Sayer’s birthday party. We walked to a local small park and the kids had a great time playing ball. Well maybe it just wasn’t the kids.

That’s the birthday boy and grandpa.

Ella & Matt. Ella is Sayer’s sister and Matt is Dad.

Tracy is Mom.

Next we are on the way to Seaside for 2 weeks and giving the kids a rest.

Family

2011-07-28T15:22:00.001-07:00

Went to Pam & Rogers, my sisters place for dinner. They have a great back yard.

My Mom and my niece, Rachel.

Spring continues with flowers and family.

2011-07-28T15:05:00.001-07:00

From Coquille we stopped in Eugene for a couple of days then on up to Keizer Elks. We have started walking every morning. The spring flowers are gorgeous.

Blue Iris.

Reddish Brown Iris

Yellow Iris

We I say that Keizer is the Iris city with a festival every year.

Azalea’s These were trimmed like a small hedge.

Coquille Elks

2011-07-28T14:38:00.001-07:00

Our view out the front window overlooking the golf course. We had lots of birds to watch this year including some wild turkeys and deer.

American Goldfinch

Pine Siskin they liked to take over and became very aggressive.

Here is what they look like when they are calm.

Purple Finch.

Mom’s birthday party was fun with friends and family.

Our Spring and Summer

2011-07-28T13:46:00.001-07:00

We have had a busy spring and summer so far with family and friends. It started in Klamath Falls where it was still winter at the end of April. We were there to see what kind of birds were flying through heading north. With the help of 2 friends we were able to Identify 3 new birds for us. We stayed at Round Lake RV Resort.

We did not expect snow. Our first birding trip was supposed to be in the morning. As it turned out we did make it out with the car and the snow melted by the time we came back.

Dick got some great pictures of this Swainson’s Hawk at the Lower Klamath Refuge.

We thought there was something wrong with all the White Pelicans we saw because they had this funny growth on on their beaks. We found out that they grow this in the breeding season both males and females.

The next stop was Coquille Elks and Dick’s Mom’s 90 Birthday.

Morgan Hill 4/8/2011

2011-04-21T15:41:00.001-07:00

We came to Morgan Hill to spend some time bird watching here and in Moss Landing over at the coast. We were in site 268.

We also picked up a mouse that got into our bird seed. At least I think it was a mouse. A neighbor gave us some sticky paper but the rodent got off of it leaving some fur and never came near it again. Would not touch the cheese and peanut butter in the mouse traps we had. So we took the bird seed and put the container in the car reset the trap with seed and the next morning the seeds were gone and the trap sprung but the mouse got away once again. Smart little devil. We reset the trap this time I put the seeds on double backed tape he has not come near it since. We moved and I haven’t seen sign of him.

This Wild Turkey liked the bird seed too. Mr. Tom enjoyed scratching around in the grass.

Mr. Tom chasing some female turkeys.

We drove over to Moss Landing for a picnic, to see the ocean, look for birds and see if the Sea Otters were still around. They have a small Marina.

Across the street from the town there is a cement plant and a power plant. These are the smoke stacks from the power plant.

The Sea Otters were there and playful as usual.

We found the ocean and these Sanderlings. This is a favorite spot for surfers. This is part of Monterey Bay, Monterey is south and Santa Cruz north.

Here is some of the birds we saw.

White-crowned Sparrow singing up a storm.

American Avocet

Snowy Egret fishing.

Willet getting his lunch.

The one bird that we did not see were the Brown Pelicans. We saw hundreds of them in the fall when we were here but there wasn’t a one this time.

Hollywood Part II 4/2/2011

2011-04-18T13:19:00.001-07:00

Now that we have ate lunch and rode the subway to Hollywood now is the time to people watch and see the sites. Oh what strange people there are visiting Hollywood.

First Bill posed with Marilyn Monroe.

Then Dick got a little more friendly.

This is part of the décor of a large shopping center in the middle of Hollywood. And that is where you will find the view of the famous Hollywood sign and the casting couch.

I am the only one that tried it out. Actually it is made of cement and not comfortable at all.

These lighted columns are connected to the Kodak Theatre and they list the Oscar winning movie and the year it got the Oscar.

Gruman’s Chinese Theatre. This is where you will find the shoe and hand prints. It is amazing how small the hands and feet look of the stars from the 40’s and 50’s compared to what they look like now.

The historic El Capitan Theatre.

At Hollywood and Vine the end is near groupies were out telling us all Judgment Day is coming May 31.

Next we took the bus to The Farmers Market.

We had a very quick snack here and there wasn’t any time to really look around. Would like to come back to this Farmers Market and spend the day. They have built a large shopping center beside this market with exclusive shops and there is a trolley that runs the full length of it.

So back to Union Station and our train ride home.

It was a great day with good friends.

Hollywood with Bill & Karen and Jack

2011-04-17T16:52:00.001-07:00

We planned a trip on the MetroLink with Jack Thomas to Hollywood. Jack lives in the park and leads tours all over LA for free. From Soledad Canyon TT we met Jack at the Vincent Grade Station at 9:00 AM. This was on a Saturday and there were 5 of us so we got a discount on the tickets. $7.50 a person. These tickets are round trip and when you reach LA they can be used on the subways and the buses. Bill and Karen found a dog sitter for Lucy, George & April. Terri was visiting a new grandbaby for the week.

Jack our leader. This is one of the new cars and all the seats are facing backwards. This car is in the front of the train and for safety reasons all passengers are facing backwards until the return trip when the train runs backwards.

Bill on the train as you can see Saturdays are not busy days.

Karen and I were comfortable riding backwards. We got to see the Lions and some Tigers at Tippie Headron’s lion retirement compound and a film company shooting a scene with soldiers with guns. Interesting trip to LA Union Station.

Union Station, downtown LA.

From here we took a bus to Clifton’s Cafeteria for lunch. It is on the National Register as a historic building. Walking to Clifton’s I commented to Karen I felt like I was in Mexico. Shops selling junk to jewelry and the 2 magazine stands with just Spanish magazines and papers. Nothing in English. A number of shops selling and renting wedding gowns and gowns for 15 year old Latin girls.

15 year old Latino girls have a coming out party.

Next stop was Clifton’s.

They used to have 3 cafeterias in the LA area and each with a different motif. This is the only one left. The theme is Yosemite.

Food was good and filling and we were ready to continue to Hollywood which meant we needed to walk toward the financial area to catch the subway to Hollywood.

On our way up to Hollywood from the subway.

Stay tuned for Hollywood.

A Movie & Happy Hour

2011-04-11T16:42:00.001-07:00

We met Ken & Faye at Palm Springs TT in 2005 and saw them again in 2006 at Chesapeake Bay TT. This year we both were back at the Palm Springs Preserve. Faye had found a good movie to see and the price was right. We went and picked them up and went to the Cinemark in Cathedral City. I do have to say that the pictures are not as clear and sharp as usual. We didn’t bring the camera and Dick used his phone.

That’s right it was .75 a person and the movie was The Social Network. Slow starting movie but it turned out to be great. After the movie we drove to the Elephant Bar for Happy Hour. Great place on 111 in Palm Desert. The food was excellent and the drinks fantastic.

The fans over the bar and tables did move around some air.

Faye & Ken

Good movie good food what more could you ask for?

Palm Springs Pool Tournament 3/9–3/13/2011

2011-04-11T16:21:00.001-07:00

It seems so long ago but it has been just 1 month. I wanted to thank everyone for all their help in bringing food and cleaning up. The park is ready to welcome us back next year.

9-Ball winners

1st Don Lanphear, 2nd Earl Frederick and 3rd Dick Thomas

Jack & Jill

1st Jadine & Richard 2nd Betty & Jerry 3rd Darol & Ruth

8-Ball Singles

1st Vern Haley 2nd Paul Rose 3rd Tom Pridemore

8-Ball Doubles

1st Geo Rickel &Geo Stahl 2nd Dick Thomas & Vic Kondra 3rd Ray Thomas & Marvin Swafford.

Civic Park in Palm Desert in March

2011-04-10T17:20:00.001-07:00

My sister and her husband came for a visit in March and we had a great time visiting. We started out to go to the Moorten’s Botanical Gardens but it was closed so we decided to find this park instead, go to dinner at the Elks and maybe some dancing.

This is one of the many sculptures in the park.

Linda posed with the fisherman. They had great sculptures throughout this park.

A place to rest.

This is part of the Holocaust Memorial.

Now on the other hand these are not made out of bronze but are very real turtles, and some of the biggest turtles I have seen in awhile.

We got to the Elks and we were the last 4 people without reservations to eat dinner. The meal was excellent but the music was lacking. It was Karaoke with marginal singers. We had a great time visiting with Linda & Larry. No picture of Larry or Dick but they were there.

Why we like the Palm Springs area

2011-04-05T18:59:00.001-07:00

This area is very beautiful from one end of the valley to the other and that is one of the reasons we like it so much. The other reason is that there is so much to do.

Snow in the San Jacinto Mountains.

The hills on the other side of the valley are very beautiful in the early evening when the sun is going down.

The taller hills in the background are part of Joshua Tree Nat’l Park.

Then you have these strange cloud formations that were amazing at sunset. This was taken from the Palm Springs TT Park in Palm Desert. Stay tuned to what comes next.

Santee Lakes

2011-02-26T16:22:00.001-08:00

While at Pico Pico when the rain stopped we packed a picnic and drove over Santee to the man made lakes they have. It was a gorgeous day with the sun shinning.

There were many different kinds of birds which we enjoyed watching. There were a number of Wood Ducks.

They almost don’t look real the males are so colorful.

This is the female, pretty drab in comparison.

This duck is the Ring-necked Duck notice the ring is around his bill. You can’t the ring around his neck.

This strange bird with the big feet is the American Coot.

We had a great lunch and before we knew it it was time to head home.

Pio Pico TT

2011-02-19T15:10:00.001-08:00

We came here for the pool tournament and visit with friends. We did manage to go on a couple of day trips. I already posted the trip to the Cabrillo Nat’l Monument. The other day trip was to Santee Lakes. And that will come later. Behind where our friends Bill & Karen were parked is a palm tree that is housing a Barn Owls nest. Dick did get a picture of this gorgeous bird.

Sitting there waiting for the mate to come back with food.

This is the pool room where we the tournament has started. This is early in the morning by 9:30 it was packed.

Every day there was a potluck with fantastic food.

On the first day of the tournament Tom & Arlene hosted a hot dog BBQ at their site.

We had a great time and the food was delicious.

Cabrillo Nat’l Monument

2011-02-19T14:43:00.001-08:00

We went with friends Bill & Karen to visit this monument. Bill & Karen had not been here and the last time we were here is was raining and foggy so you couldn’t see anything. Today it is gorgeous.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

This is looking towards the Navy Yards.

This ship was doing some maneuvers.

This beautiful Schooner is a whale watching tour boat.

We walked up to the Lighthouse at Point Loma and could see San Diego Bay and the ocean. We did not see any whales even though they were reported coming through. One thing we did see was some surfers riding the waves just up to cliff and then rolling off. Couldn’t figure out how they got down to the beach. Well there isn’t any beach they came out in boats that anchor just out side the surf line. After all this fresh air we were ready for lunch and found a great Fish & Chips place in Point Loma.

We ordered our food and it was nice enough to eat outside.

We had a great day!

Bob Hope Classic

2011-02-02T16:00:00.001-08:00

I volunteered for the Bob Hope Classic this year. I was assigned to Security and working only Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The practice days. The main office is in the Eisenhower Hospital Complex on Bob Hope Drive.

The provided the shirt, ball cap or a visor I bought the jacket. I was assigned to La Quinta Country Club. What a beautiful place. The club house is new and the grounds are gorgeous.

Sunrise on Sunday morning.This is supposed to be the club house.

No cameras were allowed so these are the only pictures I got. I had a ball doing this and plan on staying for the whole tournament next year. As I told my sister I didn’t know greeting the good looking pros, amateurs and the stars could be so exhausting.

Our New Flag Pole

2011-02-02T15:34:00.001-08:00

We went to the FMCA RV rally in Indio and found this great flag pole from Flag Buddy. We installed it while we were at Palm Springs TT.

The brackets are permanently attached to the ladder.

This is the lower Bracket

This is the upper bracket.

Our new flag is now flying. We do take it down at night when there isn’t a light on it. This company has invented a light that attaches to the flagpole but the paper work for the patents wasn’t done yet for this Rally.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-01-01T15:34:00.001-08:00

Christmas decorations

Christmas Eve we indulged ourselves and went to the buffet at Fantasy Springs Casino. They really laid quite the spread. Wonderful seafood dishes, salads, turkey, prime rib, pork roast, chicken and all the trimmings. A place where you could order a pasta dish fixed right there. Pizza, tacos, you name it and they had it. I won’t even go into what was for dessert. We went with friends and had a wonderful time. We were so full I didn’t think I would ever want to eat again. We came home and settled down and watched Miracle on 34th Street, the older version with Maureen O’Hara.

Santa came and we must have been very good.

Christmas morning and I could not have been more surprised what I got. New place mats and table cloth, and cookbook.

It will look great. There is also a runner for the shelf you can see in the background.

A very nice surprise from Helen was this puzzle you fold it in different ways to make a different picture. We were digging through some antique stores in Coos Bay last summer and I found this treasure. Didn’t buy it but she had sent Terry back for it.

We had a great lunch with friends.

After over eating again we had a great visit. It was a wonderful day.

I had to take down our decorations early because we were moving before New Years.

I left these on our window until after the BCS game coming up.

Here is what our table looks like now and the back counter.

Day Trip to Julian for Apple Pie

2010-12-19T14:12:00.001-08:00

Our first stop at 9am was to pick up Dick & Marla. Second stop was the Red Earth Casino for their steak and eggs special which by the way was delicious. Next stop Anza Borrego State Park, The Badlands.

Great place to dry camp and ride motorcycles if you were so inclined.

A hummingbird was enjoying a meal on this Ocotillo.

We stopped in Borrego Springs and checked out an RV Resort and golf course. In season $88.00 a night. Guess we won’t be staying there anytime soon. On our way out of Borrego Springs we came across a number of sculptures. The question is why are they there??

Huge Eagle like bird with babies bringing home a snake for dinner.

Saber Tooth after this poor horse.

Mastodon with a family.

Next stop is Julian and Mom’s Apple Pie.

Best apple pie in Julian.

Great little town with neat little shops.

We came back to Palm Springs by the Pines to Palm Hwy which made it a loop route of 205 miles. Dinner at Denny’s and ride down Candy Cane Lane to see the Christmas lights ended our day. It was a glorious day with wonderful friends.

More Wildlife at San Benito

2010-11-28T16:10:00.001-08:00

We woke up one morning to the Coyotes barking and yipping and almost screaming like a very mad child. It went on for a couple of hours or at least it seemed like that. The day before we were scheduled to leave while having coffee in bed Dick spotted 3 Coyotes right across the road from us. He jumped up and got some pictures and video of two of them playing with a Vole one of them had caught.

They got tired of playing and walked off into the brush. In a little while they had caught something bigger and started the barking and yipping again. It took a little while for our Quail to come back.

Moss Landing and Paicines Reservoir

2010-11-11T14:30:00.001-08:00

One of our favorite little towns to visit to bird is Moss Landing. It has a nice marina, quaint shops and a very good Mexican Restaurant. On the north side of town is Jetty Road that takes you to parking for the surfers. This is a very popular beach for surfing.

Eared Grebe

Whimbrel

Greater Yellow-legs

Least Sandpipers

Pacific Loon

Red-throated Loon

These were just a few birds we saw on the north side of the inlet. The Sea Otters are so much fun to watch and there were a lot of them around.

On the Marina side of town Dick spotted a goose like bird on the other side and after getting the scope out we identified as a Brant Goose and this was our first time to see one.

It was so far away getting a good picture was impossible.

We also like to find birds at the Paicines Reservoir. There are 4 White Pelicans that hang out here and occasionally we have seen a Bald Eagle fly over. This day were a lot of Coots and Canadian Geese but they were too far away for photos.

We found this Snowy Egret fishing.

And even catching something.

If the weather holds we are going to The Pinnacles National Monument that is just down the road not far from here.

San Benito TT

2010-11-10T15:52:00.001-08:00

We like to visit this park because of all the wildlife and birds in the area and park. This is where we like to park and this time of year it is always available.

We always put up our bird feeders and this year added this water feature.

Here is what we attracted to our yard.

CA Quail. This am I counted 25 of them.

Ground Squirrel

Oak Titmouse

Pea Hen

Scrub Jay and a Yellow-billed Magpie

Next is our road trip to Moss Landing and Paicines Reservoir.

Jelly Belly Factory

2010-10-30T11:49:00.001-07:00

Chuck, Hattie, Dick and I drove over to Fairfield to tour the Jelly Belly factory.

It was a very interesting tour. We didn’t know they made so many different flavors. The new one this year is honey flavored. My favorite was the popcorn flavored, tastes just like buttered popcorn.

This time of year they set up a haunted house that was wonderful.

They have an art gallery where all the art is made from Jelly Beans.

After the tour we had lunch here.

Locke, CA

2010-10-30T11:26:00.001-07:00

Locke was founded in 1915 when a fire broke out in the Chinese section of nearby Walnut Grove. The Chinese in the area decided that it was time to establish a town of their own. They approached a land owner George Locke to see if they could build a town on his land.

Levee construction originally brought the Chinese to this area but by the time this town was built most of the work was in farm labor.

This is Main Street. We were expecting a tour but everything was closed.

Even Al the Wop’s was closed.

Interesting alley’s

Chuck Hattie

Dick and I had a great morning poking around this strange little town.

Lake of the Springs TT

2010-10-17T10:51:00.001-07:00

We haven’t been here for a number of years and it has improved over the years.

Here is our campsite in the X section, 50 amps and full-hookups.

We had bucks strolling through and turkeys.

The lodge has a kitchen on one side in the middle is the family lodge and the other end is the adult lodge.

TV area in the family section

You never know where you will come across a deer in this park. Dick found this one wondering if he should come up the stairs for a visit.

We had a nice visit in this area and might make a stop here when we head back to OR in the spring.

Eagle Point Continued

2010-10-08T14:34:00.001-07:00

After a wonderful breakfast we were on the road again to Historic Jacksonville.

It is a great little town. We just need more time in this area. Next time we are going to stay longer.

Eagle Point, OR

2010-10-08T14:00:00.001-07:00

We came to Eagle Point to spend the night at Dick & Marla’s, we parked in front of their house and took off with them to see the sights.

Our first stop was this gorgeous Mill Creek waterfall.

This is a beautiful area. Our next stop was on the Rogue River.

The Rogue Gorge.

We had a great day that ended with Chinese food and homemade blackberry pie and ice cream.

Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park

2010-08-21T15:13:00.001-07:00

Othello Tunnel Trail is part of this park in Hope. It is on an old railroad bed that was built in 1913 and finished in 1916. Andrew McCulloch developed the amazing plan for a series of tunnels. With the tunnels in perfect alignment, and the 2 bridges between 3 of them he had found the route over the Coquihalla River Canyon below.

The longest tunnel was very dark inside and in some there was water dripping.

The foot bridges were built on the original railroad trestles.

It was hot and I was ready for a swim. but decided at the last minute the water was too swift and too far away.

We had a great time and got a little exercise.

Hope BC Wood Carvings

2010-08-20T17:38:00.001-07:00

Here is just a smattering of the many carvings in Hope.

The Frasier River is in the background.

Hope BC

2010-08-20T14:54:00.001-07:00

It isn’t as smoky here. The town is a nice little town with wood cravings everywhere. They have a contest every year and the winner will have his craving displayed somewhere in town. As the carvings get old and broken then they are replaced with the new winners. The Frasier River runs through town and I was surprised how big it is.

This is the view out our door, you can tell it is still a little smoky at least we can see the mountains.

The streets in Hope are very wide and RV friendly

The Friendship Garden In the corner of the city park

Next come some of the chainsaw art.

Day Trip with Bill & Karen

2010-08-08T14:26:00.001-07:00

We have friends in OR that inherited a lot here in Kettle Falls and it was my goal to try and find it. First try was a bust but I called the assessors office in Republic and she sent me the needed information. We headed out to find the lot and visit Stonerose Interruptive Center in Republic.

We found it this time and have determined he should but a slab down add electric, water, and septic tank so we can spend the summers here.

It has a great view of the Kettle River. Time to move on over the mountain through Curlew to Republic. Much to our surprise we found this very cool museum in Curlew and just had to stop.

Some very nice cars.

Time to move on to Republic to find the Stonerose fossils.

There is a large area where you can go up, for a fee, and dig for your own fossils. If you find something wonderful they have the right to keep it. You then get a letter stating where your particular fossil has ended up. We were too late to try and dig our own.

The Big Dig.

It was a busy day but we had a wonderful time.

Kettle Falls WA

2010-08-08T14:00:00.001-07:00

We are here to visit friends Bill & Karen, Dick plans on playing a lot of pool with Bill and I plan on taking it easy on their deck watching the hummingbirds.

The have a great garden with veggies and flowers for the hummingbirds.

This is the view from the deck and Bill’s boat.

Bill’s spot when he isn’t playing pool. We had a great time there, so relaxing.

Crescent Bar TT 7/14/2010

2010-08-07T19:51:00.001-07:00

We had not visited this park before and was pleasantly surprised by the view, 50 amps, very warm weather and a very clean park .

Morning coffee and my view what more could you ask for?

Geocaching 7/11/2010

2010-08-07T19:36:00.001-07:00

We took our friends Debbie & Mitch and our grandson Geocaching near Randle WA. It was a short drive from Maple Grove RV ROD and a short walk up the trail to this falls and the cache.

We found the cache and exchanged trinkets.

We had a great time showing Debbie & Mitch how easy Geocaching was, Wyatt has gone with us before so he was and old hand at it.

Day Trip to Mt Rainier

2010-07-18T07:47:00.001-07:00

Our Grandson Wyatt is traveling with us for a few days. We had a ball. Our big day was visiting the park and playing in the snow.

Dick & Wyatt on a bridge we took to see the Patriarch trees, the trail was wonderful. After we got back it was time for lunch but I forgot plates silverware everything but the food. So Dick being the Boy Scout he is made us spoons.

Onward to our goal the mountain and the snow. On the way we found the snow at Reflection Lake but didn’t stop to play.

Finally we reach Paradise and the snow. Wyatt and Rockey are somewhere up there playing.

We didn’t go far and came back when our hands got cold from throwing snowballs.

Cascade Idaho

2010-05-28T15:11:00.001-07:00

We are Tami’s house in Cascade, well not in her driveway it is too steep for our air bags so the neighbor across the street was nice to let us park there. Our first attempt to park at her house was beside her house which is more level. Here are the pictures that tells that story.

We were stuck and sinking. We called a local tow company and they came to the rescue and no I didn’t take any pictures in fact I couldn’t even watch. But all is well and we are on level ground.

We went on birding excursion around the Cascade Reservoir and came across this beauty. The biggest Red Fox we have ever seen.

This Bald Eagle was eating some kind of bird. I could see the birds leg but couldn’t tell what it was.

We saw a number of the Sandhill Cranes.

These two were nice enough to pose for us.

This cute little guy is a Wilson’s Phalarope.

And then of all things it started snowing. We got about inch of the white stuff. I think we should have stayed down south longer!!

Tonopah, NV

2010-05-21T11:26:00.001-07:00

We stayed overnight at the Bang Club Casino free parking for RV’s and Trucks. It was pretty empty until evening when the trucks started arriving.

The next day we walked around town They had a number of murals on the buildings This is the home of the Stealth Bomber when the air base was still open.

This hotel was supposed to open in 2008 and we learned that the pigeons have taken it over and it is not safe to enter.

The Butlers, founders of Tonopah, NV

We finally found the entrance to the silver mine park where we took a tour

This is a head frame

This tunnel led us to the Stope mining exhibit where the miners would work in deep ditches like this.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the mine and the surrounding area history.

Judy & Ken’s Place

2010-04-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

Outdoor Resorts In Indio

We are parked next to them behind this hedge.

Ken & Judy

The grounds and golf course are just gorgeous.

Water is everywhere on this course.

We loved every minute of our stay here. No sand blowing no ants to bite you.

Pickleball Potluck, Palm Springs TT

2010-04-27T13:41:00.001-07:00

Yes Pat, I forgot a few names…

Roy & Wife

Roger & Annie

Rick & Linda

Larry & wife

Karen

John & Pat

John & Georgetta

Jessie

Hosts: Wayne & wife

Dick & Rockey

Chuck & Julie

Brian & Judy

Everyone’s having fun!

CA Strawberries

2010-04-19T16:15:00.001-07:00

These are biggest locally grown strawberries we have ever seen. That is a quarter laying on one of them.

They were also the sweetest tasting.

A Swarm of Bees at Palm Springs TT

2010-04-19T13:47:00.001-07:00

A swarm of killer bees at the Pam Springs TT Park. The bee keeper is on his way.

He vacuums the bees up into this machine.

That is connected to this box and takes them away.

Hot Air Balloons At Indian Waters

2010-04-13T10:59:00.001-07:00

There were 6 hot air balloons that came close to Indian Waters in Indio.

Our New Home 2003 Foretravel

2010-04-13T09:29:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken at night with all the mood lights on.

We are still in Palm Springs getting a few things fixed that we found since moving in. Hopefully we will get these done before the 20th of April when we are scheduled to leave for Pahrump, NV.

George Green is back at Pearl Harbor

2010-03-21T14:05:00.001-07:00

The service for Rockey’s Dad was held at the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island.

Rifle Squad.

Presenting the flag.

Taps

Returning George to Pearl

Mom with her girls.

Here is a link that will take you to a video Dick made of the service. http://picasaweb.google.com/dickandrockey/Videos?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqFxZe-oa7YsQE#

Hawaii

2010-03-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

We flew to Hawaii in Oct. with Rockey’s mother in tow along with her Dad’s ashes that were heading back Pearl Harbor.

Waikiki Beach sunset our 1st evening.

We had a few days until the rest of the family got there so we re-visited some of our favorite spots. Waikiki Beach The Blowhole

Waimaia Falls State Park where we were married.

Mom took us on a dinner cruise aboard the Ali Kai.

We stayed at the Breakers in Waikiki the rest of the family joined us on the 28th.

Larry, Mom, Pam, Roger, Linda & Rockey

Lisa & Mallory

Matt & Pam

Only one missing was Dylan who came in later.

Lincoln City, OR Kite Festival November 11th.

2009-10-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

This was way more fun than we had expected!

Giant Penguin!

Giant Teddy Bear trailing a Honey Bucket.

Giant Gecko.

This kite has a Mt Hood scene on it. The next few photos are unusual kites, what can I say?

This is a traditional "Japanese Fighting Kite". They had about 20 of these is the air at one time. The object is to be the last kite flying. It is possible to get a wrap around someone's line and then "saw" it in two causing the kite to fall; or hit the leading or trailing edge hard enough to cause the opponents kite to fly into the ground. We watched the 1st of two heats of this...it was slow and boring. But as you can see on this one, several of the kites were sponsored.

The man flying this Delta shaped kite had amazing control and did complex tricks. He was using a sort of flattened "U" shaped handle as a control. It is a two line kite and one line was attached to each end of the control handle. Dick talked with him for quite awhile. He said "No, it is not easier to fly with this control handle". He also told us that the really large "kites" cost $4,000 to $6,000 each. He explained that they all have "scuppers" somewhere on the head. When they are fully inflated the "scuppers" close and as they lose air they open and they take in a gulp or two of air. Pretty neat. He said that the Snail kite was very intricate and very expensive!

The "Cat-in-the-Hat" had a wonderful routine, which included a cast of about 15 youngsters.

Mary Poppins was incredible. She also was flying a Rev. Her routine was choreographed to the music from the movie. All of the Revs in the following photos were flown with music.

These 4 Revs are connected together and are being flown by one man.

This is the "Revolution" kite (Dick's will look very similar, just different color). These 4 are handled by different fliers. They did some awesome coordinated maneuvers, too hard to show in photos. This was the highlight of the show.

Rockey celebrates # 65! But all may not be well . . .

2009-10-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Rockey enjoys dinner out at the Chowder Bowl in Newport.

Dick orders a new kite from Keith at The Kite Company in Newport, OR

Something went terribly wrong. It's Rockey's birthday and Dick orders a new kite, buys a new pair of shorts, two new t-shirts and a Yamaha Keyboard! Rockey got a fish & chips dinner. Finally she decided to get a pair of hiking sandals. I say, "you snooze, you lose."

You know, I think it was one of the best birthdays of hers I've ever had. :-)

Munson Falls State Park

2009-10-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, this picture has nothing to do with the state park. I just took it along the way!

This park is about 15 miles north of the Pacific City Thousand Trails Park on Hwy 101. The turn off is well marked and the park is a 2 mile drive east on a narrow road. The falls, which is 319 feet high (the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range) is a 1/4 mile easy hike through old growth (ancient) Western Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce.

Parking is free and there are no other fees!

A very well maintained trail

There is a trail up to the top, but it was closed, apparently as a result of slides.

A Fun Visit

2009-10-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Al and Doris met us in Cannon Beach. We had lunch at Mo's, flew kites, and had a good visit. We met these guys during the first year of our travels and they have been our good friends ever since.

Pacific City Thousand Trails Park

2009-09-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

An overview. We are in I-13; try to find that! It is green

and in the upper left area.

There are hundreds of these in the park. Cute and looking for a handout.

This was about the warmest nicest day we have ever seen on the Oregon coast.

Our site overlooks the ocean.

Pickle Ball Court looks pretty bad, but plays ok. Rockey and I played.

Bocce Ball Court.

Very nice miniature golf course.

Ocean view from the Family Lodge.

Granddaughter, Ella, same day in the PM and the sun is out.Her 2nd season, 2nd game.

2009-09-20T11:43:00.001-07:00

"Let's go girls!"

Nice take away Ella!

Moving the ball down field.

Ready to kick the ball in bounds.

Here it comes.

She's ready to shoot... did she score?

We'll never know ... the battery in grandpa Dick's camera died.

Grandson, Sayer at his 2nd soccer game in pouring rain!

2009-09-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sayer with his coach. He sure looks ready to go.

Throwing the ball in to team mates.

That's it! Go get it!

He goes down field.

Mom and grandma have big smiles now!

Go Sayer! Get that ball.

Here they go again...

Good game! Hi 5's all around!

Final episode of the Awning Affair...

2009-09-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a struggle, but thanks to good help, it is DONE!!!

We just finished replacing the fabric for the patio awning.

Lexi's Softball Game

2009-09-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Our granddaughter and some of her teammates. Lexi catches,

pitches, and plays shortstop.

Rogue River Jet Boat Trip

2009-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

We start with a picnic lunch. Dick's mom won the tickets

for this trip at her local pharmacy. This park is just across

the river from the jet boats.

This is the largest boat in the fleet: 42' long with a 12' beam.

It is powered by 3 454 engines. My GPS showed us making

a little over 48 MPH going down the river.

This narrow gap is "Hell's GATE". It wasn't much

wider than the boat!

Finally we are in "Hell's Canyon".

We saw lots of wildlife too!

Fix your hair, add a little spray and wind, and it

you have a good time!

First Day of School in Aloha, OR

2009-09-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

New clothes, back packs, have we forgotten anything?

Grandkids having fun with the Wii

2009-09-06T14:31:00.001-07:00

Lexi and Wyatt

Awning Replacement - Windows First

2009-09-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

A few mistakes, a lot of work, and one is done! Not looking forward to doing the big patio awning.

Pool with Chuck

2009-09-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Chuck and I join the regulars at Seaside Elk's.

Pickleballers at Seaside

2009-09-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Dick and his wife are from Palm Desert

Neal, a more serious moment!

John and Pat

Don and Sharon

Alan and Toni

Pickle Bll at Seaside, OR

2009-08-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

Phil and Jeanette

Versus

Mike and Cindy

Hallie's first cheerleading event

2009-08-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Way to go Hallie!!!

JV Football practice at Aloha High School

Pool in Ocean Shores

2009-08-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

This was a rare sight! Usually I am the one racking the balls!

Richard and Dick played about 4 hours each morning for 5 days at Ocean Shores Western Horizons Park in WA.

More Westport

2009-08-29T17:51:00.001-07:00

View of the harbor from observation tower.

We enjoyed fresh seafood for dinner.

There were plaques on that memorial dating back to 1933. This one is typical.

Visit to Westport, WA

2009-08-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Westport is a very busy commercial and charter fishing port.

The charter boats were catching lots of salmon.

Our new friends, Richard and Fae (also with a "e") joined us.

A memorial to fishermen lost at sea.

Thank you Faye!!!

2009-08-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

With your help we have added our schedule and started a Blog List. We may get this figured out yet! Dick and Rockey

Ken & Judy Visit

2009-08-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ken and Judy visited us at the Puyallup Elk's. They showed us the town (both grew up here), took us to a great hamburger joint for lunch, and we played a few games.

Too BIG???

2009-08-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Mom,
That little start you gave us is now loaded with blooms and tomatoes and is almost as tall as Rockey!

Kite at La Conner

2009-08-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dick wants one of these. He talked to this guy for half an hour about it. Told him "you line it up with that pole and I'll take the picture"! He did it.

La Conner, WA Bridge

2009-08-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

The bridge is red because the Swinomish Indians petitioned WDOT not to paint it WDOT green.

He makes this 8 ball in the side pocket to get to 6 to 6!

2009-08-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

I played pool with my friend Dick and had him 6 to 3. Then he came back 6 to 6. But I left happy!

La Conner Thousand Trails

2009-08-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Our site

View from the Family Lodge

Sunset in La Conner TT

Cannon Beach Sand Castle Day

2009-08-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Friends, Al & Phyllis, Rockey and I drove down to Cannon Beach from Seaside on Saturday June 13th to see the sand castle art. As expected there was a big crowd, but they had police officers from around the area directing traffic. They directed us down onto the beach and into designated parking. All very organized. The sand art ranged from master quality to little kids playing on a patch of sand.

San Juan Island Excursion

2009-08-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

We are on the ferry to San Juan Island for a day of sightseeing with friends.

Kiln State Park Lighthouse, a good place to see Orcas in the strait but alas we were told that they had already passed earlier today.

Ready for lunch in Roche Harbor, Pat & John and Cheryl & Steve.

Roche Harbor