We woke up early as usual and were on our way back to Oregon by 6 AM. I grabbed a couple of pictures of all the RVs and trucks that had spent the night in the FREE lot.
We traveled for a couple of hours and stopped at a nice Mexican restaurant for breakfast in Hawthorn, NV for breakfast. We both agreed that when we come through next time that we would stop there again.
We really hadn't made plans as to how far we would go today, but by 3:30 PM we were across the border into Oregon. We weren't more than 10 minutes across the border than we encountered the first rain we had seen since leaving Oregon a month ago.
We stopped in Lakeview (mile high city) and the forecast was for more snow over night, so the decision was made to continue on to our daughter Chris's place at Eagle Crest, Or, just the other side of Bend. At there new place there is not room to park our coach, so our son-in-law Rob, met us and guided us out to the horse stables area where there was room to park over night.
We hadn't planned on such a long day as we covered over 650 miles in just under 14 hours. We had Rob set up the recorder for American Idol so that we could watch it a little later. One more leg, and we will be back home.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday April 21st, 2008
Well, the weather looked as good as it was probably going to be in the next few days this morning, so we decided that today was the day to leave. We had gotten as much of the travel prep done as we could last night, so that all we had to do this morning was disconnect the water and electricity and water and pull in the sides to be ready to go.
We said a few goodbyes to a few of our friends that were already up, and by 7 AM were on the road. We have wanted to stop at Scotty's Castle for the last couple of times we have been here, so about 9:30 we were the 110 miles north to Scotty's Junction where we parked the coach and disconnected the car, so we could drive the remaining 25 miles into Death Valley.
We were not disappointed. We did the basement tour at 10:45 and the Castle tour at noon, and then continued on another 7 miles to the Ubehebe Crater, before heading back to the car.
While on the way to the crater, we could see a coyote standing in the road, so I pulled over to get a picture. He just kept walking towards us and eventually was standing right by my door. He looked pretty scraggly, and probably gets most of his food from the tourists, but we didn't help promote his well fare. When we returned, he had moved a mile or so down the road to a junction as if to say there is probably more traffic here and a better chance of food.
We had passed an old abandoned mine we thought as we were driving into Death Valley so decided to stop and check it out on our way out. It turned out to be an old lead smeltering location.
By the time we got back to the coach, it was pushing 3 PM and we continued on to Goldfield where we had planned to spend the night and do some more sightseeing. My legs were not in the best shape after standing and walking already for several hours today, so we continued on to Tonapah where we found a lot that welcomed RV overnighters for free, so we parked there and settled in for a little time of reading and relaxing.
We took nearly 400 pictures today, so I selected 100 for today's slide show, but if you are interested in viewing all of them here is the link to the whole days pictures.
Red Lion Man (& lady)
Enjoy today's slide show
We said a few goodbyes to a few of our friends that were already up, and by 7 AM were on the road. We have wanted to stop at Scotty's Castle for the last couple of times we have been here, so about 9:30 we were the 110 miles north to Scotty's Junction where we parked the coach and disconnected the car, so we could drive the remaining 25 miles into Death Valley.
We were not disappointed. We did the basement tour at 10:45 and the Castle tour at noon, and then continued on another 7 miles to the Ubehebe Crater, before heading back to the car.
While on the way to the crater, we could see a coyote standing in the road, so I pulled over to get a picture. He just kept walking towards us and eventually was standing right by my door. He looked pretty scraggly, and probably gets most of his food from the tourists, but we didn't help promote his well fare. When we returned, he had moved a mile or so down the road to a junction as if to say there is probably more traffic here and a better chance of food.
We had passed an old abandoned mine we thought as we were driving into Death Valley so decided to stop and check it out on our way out. It turned out to be an old lead smeltering location.
By the time we got back to the coach, it was pushing 3 PM and we continued on to Goldfield where we had planned to spend the night and do some more sightseeing. My legs were not in the best shape after standing and walking already for several hours today, so we continued on to Tonapah where we found a lot that welcomed RV overnighters for free, so we parked there and settled in for a little time of reading and relaxing.
We took nearly 400 pictures today, so I selected 100 for today's slide show, but if you are interested in viewing all of them here is the link to the whole days pictures.
Red Lion Man (& lady)
Enjoy today's slide show
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Meet the Lions
The lions lost their home page and E-mail addresses some time back and have been begging me to get them back on the web page. Maybe a little more later.
Red Lion Man
Meet the Lions!!
Red Lion Man
Meet the Lions!!
Sunday April 20th, 2008
This morning we got up and just relaxed and enjoyed a good cup of coffee. Barb is trying to teach me the right portions so that I can have the coffee ready when she gets back from her walk. The first time I made it, it was extremely week, but that turned out to be that the filter had gotten pushed over and the water had not all gone through the grounds. She said I did OK this morning.
After a light breakfast, we headed south back towards Las Vegas making our second attempt to go to the Red Rock Canyon with hope of maybe seeing some of the wild burros. We had stopped into Old Nevada Mining Town the last time we were here to look around and catch a bite to eat. Since we had heard that some of the melodrama shows were good, we decided to stop and take another look We were there for about an hour and a half and sat through two shows, but then decided it was time to move on. By this time things were pretty hazy from all the wind blown dust that even though we were on five miles from the canyon, the picture taking probably wouldn't be that good, so we just returned to the resort and started working on getting things ready to leave town in the morning.
There was the weekly potluck again at 5 PM today. Barb had already baked a cake before we left, so we just relaxed a bit before heading over. This gave us an opportunity to say goodbye to some of our new friends, as we will be pulling out before most of them are up in the morning. It's always fun to meet new friends and then it is a sad time when we have to leave.
Tomorrow we will start the trek home and hopefully will not have to deal with the snow too much.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's Slide show.
After a light breakfast, we headed south back towards Las Vegas making our second attempt to go to the Red Rock Canyon with hope of maybe seeing some of the wild burros. We had stopped into Old Nevada Mining Town the last time we were here to look around and catch a bite to eat. Since we had heard that some of the melodrama shows were good, we decided to stop and take another look We were there for about an hour and a half and sat through two shows, but then decided it was time to move on. By this time things were pretty hazy from all the wind blown dust that even though we were on five miles from the canyon, the picture taking probably wouldn't be that good, so we just returned to the resort and started working on getting things ready to leave town in the morning.
There was the weekly potluck again at 5 PM today. Barb had already baked a cake before we left, so we just relaxed a bit before heading over. This gave us an opportunity to say goodbye to some of our new friends, as we will be pulling out before most of them are up in the morning. It's always fun to meet new friends and then it is a sad time when we have to leave.
Tomorrow we will start the trek home and hopefully will not have to deal with the snow too much.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's Slide show.
Saturday April 19th 2008
This morning we joined Dave and Jinny and had breakfast with them at one of the local establishments. After taking care of some choirs around the coach, Ron and Esther came over and we played a couple of rounds of Hand and Foot with a few new twists. The men didn't fare too good though, and the ladies walked away with all the honors.
Before Barb retired and even after she had gone top sleep, we kept hearing some shooting going on. Finally it dawned on me to at least look out the window, and sure enough there were some fireworks going off. I grabbed my camera and got a few pictures. Nothing spectacular but a little interesting. Most of the time I am trying out new settings and trying to find out what is the best way to get a good picture.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Before Barb retired and even after she had gone top sleep, we kept hearing some shooting going on. Finally it dawned on me to at least look out the window, and sure enough there were some fireworks going off. I grabbed my camera and got a few pictures. Nothing spectacular but a little interesting. Most of the time I am trying out new settings and trying to find out what is the best way to get a good picture.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday April 18th, 2008
I have yet to get out and take a picture of Barb doing her morning four miles, so will put that on my agenda. She walks faster than most of the early walkers (four miles in an hour) so most of the time she laps them, but occasionally will slow down for a bit to talk.
Esther (one of the models) and her husband Ron suggested that we go out to breakfast together, so we headed down to one of the local establishments this morning for that. They described one of the places that they had been, so we decided to drive about 25 miles north, to the town of Crystal, and take a look around. The town itself is pretty depressing to look at, but I guess that some people like living out in the desert this way. The biggest attraction there seems to be a brothel - definitely not our thing to do. We then continued on out into the desert because we had seen a sign pointing this way for wild life viewing, but the most we seen were a couple of lizards running down the road and a bird or two. It was getting warm and Barb was starting to feel the effect of it, so we headed back into town.
It looked like there might be a good sunset, so I snapped a few pictures. Nothing spectacular, but OK.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show
Esther (one of the models) and her husband Ron suggested that we go out to breakfast together, so we headed down to one of the local establishments this morning for that. They described one of the places that they had been, so we decided to drive about 25 miles north, to the town of Crystal, and take a look around. The town itself is pretty depressing to look at, but I guess that some people like living out in the desert this way. The biggest attraction there seems to be a brothel - definitely not our thing to do. We then continued on out into the desert because we had seen a sign pointing this way for wild life viewing, but the most we seen were a couple of lizards running down the road and a bird or two. It was getting warm and Barb was starting to feel the effect of it, so we headed back into town.
Tonight was the night to listen to the couple that bailed last week because they were ill, so we made our way to the club house for that. Barb and Dave decided to exchange hats, so had to grab a picture of that. We did enjoy the singing.
It looked like there might be a good sunset, so I snapped a few pictures. Nothing spectacular, but OK.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show
Thursday April 17th, 2008
We had contemplated starting home today, but when we looked at the extended forecast and seen the predicted headwinds and possibilities of snow along the way - well, we're retired, so we just put it off a few days and we'll check the weather report a little later.
So just a short slide show today, five pictures.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
So just a short slide show today, five pictures.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wednesday April 16th, 2008
We wondered all week if there were going to be enough people signed up for the fashion show to go on. If there weren't at least 20, it wasn't going to happen. By the weekend it was determined that the show would go on, so on Monday, Barb was carted off to find out what she was going to model.
The luncheon, sponsored by "Sunflower Fashions", was to start at noon, so Barb had to be there by 11:30 to get ready. Since Barb was participating, she did not have to pay for the luncheon, but I wanted to go and take pictures, so I was a paying customer. As it turned out there was a full house with over 60 persons attending. All Ladies! I was the only guy there. I arrived early though, so that I could get a good seat in the front for taking pictures. I took about 112 pictures, but by the time I got it pared down for the slide show, there were 94 pictures left.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's fashion show.
The luncheon, sponsored by "Sunflower Fashions", was to start at noon, so Barb had to be there by 11:30 to get ready. Since Barb was participating, she did not have to pay for the luncheon, but I wanted to go and take pictures, so I was a paying customer. As it turned out there was a full house with over 60 persons attending. All Ladies! I was the only guy there. I arrived early though, so that I could get a good seat in the front for taking pictures. I took about 112 pictures, but by the time I got it pared down for the slide show, there were 94 pictures left.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's fashion show.
Tuesday April 15th, 2008
This morning started with grabbing the camera and trying to catch a picture of the morning clouds. You never quite know how it is going to turn out.
Then I started working on the final edition of taxes for 2007. I had completed them earlier but since I owed the state over $500 was in no hurry to file. Then I heard about a tax credit for Long Term Care insurances policy's if you are over 62, so spent the day going through old records and finally came up with what I needed. With the tax credit we will get back about $250, so I guess that it was worth the time. Anyway, it was after 3PM when I finished and uploaded them.
Our neighbors the Wells, on the South side of the Coach, will be pulling out tomorrow sometime, so the four of us went to dinner at the Pahrump Cafe about 5 PM. It is always so fun meeting new friends as we travel. They are only moving down the street for a week, and then will be heading back to Washington. Meanwhile the Harding's, on the North side of our Coach, left for a few days to go back to the LA Valley to take care of some paper work, so hopefully we will see them again before we leave.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday April 13th, 2008
Barb has been walking about four miles every morning within the park, so she wanted to know if I wanted to walk with her this morning out into the desert for a bit. I decided that sounded reasonable and we headed out. As you can see from today's slide show, there are more rocks per square foot than any place that I have been lately. After awhile Barb told me "I don't think that we are going to get our heart rate up very much out here", so we decided to head back and get ready to go to church.
We had located a Village Missions Church that we had attended once in the past and decided to go there this morning. The first service was at eight AM, which is when we like to go. After church we headed back to the coach and it was shaping up to be another warm day, so we just decided to hang loose.
We also wanted to go to a five PM potluck dinner, so we mostly just relaxed and read or worked on the computer.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show
We had located a Village Missions Church that we had attended once in the past and decided to go there this morning. The first service was at eight AM, which is when we like to go. After church we headed back to the coach and it was shaping up to be another warm day, so we just decided to hang loose.
We also wanted to go to a five PM potluck dinner, so we mostly just relaxed and read or worked on the computer.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Saturday April 12th, 2008
We have been spending so many days sitting around and relaxing, that we decided we needed to get out and do some exploring. We were going to run down to Red Rock Canyon, which is about 40 miles from here. Then I remembered that one of the Local RV dealers was putting on a Luau at noon, with a free pineapple to the first 500, and a free meal of a 90 pound pit roasted pig and some fixings. So we decided to just take one of the trails close by and do a little four wheeling. That was at about nine AM. Somewhere around eleven fifteen we were at Wheeler pass about 25 miles from camp and about eight thousand feet. It was obvious that we were not going to be back by noon, but hey, we were having fun, and maybe there would still be a pineapple left when we got there.
We were passed by several groups of people going out to use quads and have some off road fun. We stopped to talk to one group, and they told us how to get to Wheeler Pass, so that is when we made the decision to keep going a little longer. You just always have to see what is on the other side of the mountain. We stopped at some old Indian Kilns on the way up. Other than that is was mostly just enjoying the flowers and landscape and canyons.
We finally got back to town a little after one PM and sure enough there were still some pineapples left. They told us there were plenty so we could just pick up one on the way out. We each got a pineapple as we left, and since they came from Costco, should be pretty good. We both enjoy them a lot.
Today was one of the warmer days since we got here, and the wind had really dropped off. It was just a pleasant day to be out in the mountains. We had heard that there was a prime rib buffet at one of the casinos on Saturdays, so we headed over there about five PM, stopped for a few groceries, and then back to the coach.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show.
We were passed by several groups of people going out to use quads and have some off road fun. We stopped to talk to one group, and they told us how to get to Wheeler Pass, so that is when we made the decision to keep going a little longer. You just always have to see what is on the other side of the mountain. We stopped at some old Indian Kilns on the way up. Other than that is was mostly just enjoying the flowers and landscape and canyons.
We finally got back to town a little after one PM and sure enough there were still some pineapples left. They told us there were plenty so we could just pick up one on the way out. We each got a pineapple as we left, and since they came from Costco, should be pretty good. We both enjoy them a lot.
Today was one of the warmer days since we got here, and the wind had really dropped off. It was just a pleasant day to be out in the mountains. We had heard that there was a prime rib buffet at one of the casinos on Saturdays, so we headed over there about five PM, stopped for a few groceries, and then back to the coach.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show.
Friday April 11th, 2008
This morning Barb asked me if I had anything planned for the day and I replied "Not that I can think of". Definitely not the right answer! Before I could get out of my bathrobe (it was still cold by my standards) I was removing vents and screens, washing windows, and putting it all back together again. Of course though, I wasn't doing it all my self. Barb probably did more than I did. It did need to be done though, so I guess it was the thing to do.
Since we were spring cleaning, we let the Lions go outside for a while and take in a little fresh air. They started complaining when the sun started hitting them, and we had to bring them back in.
The Charleston Peak Resort here is an active winery, so once a week they have a happy hour and wine tasting. Neither of us partake, so we brought our own drinks. We also brought a snack tray along to share. There was suppose to be some live music after the happy hour, but both of the singers had gotten sick, so we did not get to listen to them.
After we returned to the coach, our neighbors on the north side of us, whom we had set with at the happy hour, invited us to come over and socialize. There was about eight of us all together, but as the sun went down, and there was still a little breeze, we decided to head back to our coach for the rest of the evening.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Since we were spring cleaning, we let the Lions go outside for a while and take in a little fresh air. They started complaining when the sun started hitting them, and we had to bring them back in.
The Charleston Peak Resort here is an active winery, so once a week they have a happy hour and wine tasting. Neither of us partake, so we brought our own drinks. We also brought a snack tray along to share. There was suppose to be some live music after the happy hour, but both of the singers had gotten sick, so we did not get to listen to them.
After we returned to the coach, our neighbors on the north side of us, whom we had set with at the happy hour, invited us to come over and socialize. There was about eight of us all together, but as the sun went down, and there was still a little breeze, we decided to head back to our coach for the rest of the evening.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Thursday April 10th, 2008
Today was another one of those days that we just relaxed. Barb was reading one of the local information sheets and read about a new restaurant that had only been open for about two months, so we decided to try it out for breakfast. You would have thought we were leaving town as it was four or so miles north of the main town, but it was very enjoyable. There was no smoking and no gambling devices. It was really pleasant. Two of the Lions got to go with us.
The wind hasn't really quit, and there are a couple of extremely big flags here in town, and they are so awesome when they are flapping in the wind.
We watched the elimination of the ninth Idol after dinner, so now there are just eight left.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's short slide show.
The wind hasn't really quit, and there are a couple of extremely big flags here in town, and they are so awesome when they are flapping in the wind.
We watched the elimination of the ninth Idol after dinner, so now there are just eight left.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's short slide show.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday April 9th, 2008
The wind really started coming up yesterday afternoon and rocked the Coach all night long. It was pretty steady between 15 to 20 MPH with gusts probably approaching 30 at times. I'm glad that we made it here yesterday.
A couple mornings a week, one of the workers does a pancake and coffee breakfast in the club house, so we decided to go to it to get our morning coffee fix. It's also a good way to meet some of the other park members.
One of the couples that we met were going to be taking part in the weekly jam session, so about 1 PM Barb and I went to the club house for that. At the end of the session they announced that the hot tub was back in operation. Thank goodness!! As windy as it's been it may be a little too cool to enjoy it to much. They also announced that there was going to be a fashion show next week if enough of the ladies signed up for it. They are looking for some models to display some fashions from one of the local stores. Barb signed up, but they said they weren't sure that any of the clothes would be small enough. What to do? I guess I will have to sign up also so that I can take some pictures.
It was just too windy to do any thing else, so we spent the rest of the day in the coach working on various projects, and then watched the special edition of American Idol raising aid for Africa and for disaster relief here in the States. So we won't find out who was eliminated this week till tomorrow night.
Red Lion Man
See today's slide show.
A couple mornings a week, one of the workers does a pancake and coffee breakfast in the club house, so we decided to go to it to get our morning coffee fix. It's also a good way to meet some of the other park members.
One of the couples that we met were going to be taking part in the weekly jam session, so about 1 PM Barb and I went to the club house for that. At the end of the session they announced that the hot tub was back in operation. Thank goodness!! As windy as it's been it may be a little too cool to enjoy it to much. They also announced that there was going to be a fashion show next week if enough of the ladies signed up for it. They are looking for some models to display some fashions from one of the local stores. Barb signed up, but they said they weren't sure that any of the clothes would be small enough. What to do? I guess I will have to sign up also so that I can take some pictures.
It was just too windy to do any thing else, so we spent the rest of the day in the coach working on various projects, and then watched the special edition of American Idol raising aid for Africa and for disaster relief here in the States. So we won't find out who was eliminated this week till tomorrow night.
Red Lion Man
See today's slide show.
Tuesday April 8th, 2008
Last night I put away every thing outside except the water, sewer and electrical hookup, so that all I had to do this morning, was take care of those item out side. I also got the Suzuki hooked up and connected.
We were up before 5:30 AM, and while I finished up outside, Barb worked on getting the slides and inside things taken care of. When you start up the diesel at 6 AM, you want to be ready to move, so that the neighbors don't start yelling at you for having awakened them. They probably did, but by then we were on our way. Next stop was across the freeway at the Flying J to top off the fuel tank. Sixty two gallons and 240 dollars later we were on our way. That is the amount of fuel that we used driving from Bakersfield to Ehrenberg.
We had scoped out a restaurant earlier in Blythe, that opened at 6 AM, and had good parking for the Coach. We stopped there for breakfast and were then on our way to Pahrump, Nevada by 7 AM. It was a pretty uneventful drive except for the wild drivers in Vegas that like to cut in front of you because you are not accelerating fast enough. We passed one big unusual looking place just south of Boulder City that Barb decided looked like a Solar farm. We googled it when we got in and sure enough it was. We also captured a couple of images of the new breed of Palm Trees, which we like to call the Cell Palm. In this time of high energy costs there seem to be a lot more signs and signals being driven by the sun and solar panels.
Barb snapped quite a few pictures, trying to show all the different colors of flowers along the road. A few came out good and I posted them in today's slide show. Pahrump is about 50 miles NW of Las Vegas, and you have to pass over one of the mountain ranges to get there. We arrived just a little after noon, got checked in, parked and set up. I was a little disturbed to see though that the hot tub had an "out of order" sing on it. The temperature was a good 15 degrees cooler that we have been having in Ehrenberg. Barb actually closed the window while we were driving.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show.
We were up before 5:30 AM, and while I finished up outside, Barb worked on getting the slides and inside things taken care of. When you start up the diesel at 6 AM, you want to be ready to move, so that the neighbors don't start yelling at you for having awakened them. They probably did, but by then we were on our way. Next stop was across the freeway at the Flying J to top off the fuel tank. Sixty two gallons and 240 dollars later we were on our way. That is the amount of fuel that we used driving from Bakersfield to Ehrenberg.
We had scoped out a restaurant earlier in Blythe, that opened at 6 AM, and had good parking for the Coach. We stopped there for breakfast and were then on our way to Pahrump, Nevada by 7 AM. It was a pretty uneventful drive except for the wild drivers in Vegas that like to cut in front of you because you are not accelerating fast enough. We passed one big unusual looking place just south of Boulder City that Barb decided looked like a Solar farm. We googled it when we got in and sure enough it was. We also captured a couple of images of the new breed of Palm Trees, which we like to call the Cell Palm. In this time of high energy costs there seem to be a lot more signs and signals being driven by the sun and solar panels.
Barb snapped quite a few pictures, trying to show all the different colors of flowers along the road. A few came out good and I posted them in today's slide show. Pahrump is about 50 miles NW of Las Vegas, and you have to pass over one of the mountain ranges to get there. We arrived just a little after noon, got checked in, parked and set up. I was a little disturbed to see though that the hot tub had an "out of order" sing on it. The temperature was a good 15 degrees cooler that we have been having in Ehrenberg. Barb actually closed the window while we were driving.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show.
Monday April 7th, 2008
We were up early and on our way to the wildlife refuge a little before 6 AM. From the literature, we had decided to go the the Palm Canyon area and walk in the half mile where you can see one of the only natural palm trees in the area.
We stopped at the Loves Truck Stop in Quartzsite to fill up as they has the best price on fuel. $3.23 a gallon for Regular. Gas in Blythe on the California side of the river runs from $3.65 to $3.95 a gallon, while just 4 miles further in Arizona is is a good $.40 to $.60 less.
The entrance to this part of the preserve is about 20 miles south of Quartzsite and then you have to drive on a washboardy road for another 9 miles. You either have to go less than 15 or over 30 to keep from getting shaken all to pieces.
The walk in was just perfect as far as the temperature was. Even with my 28 MM lens I could not get back far enough to get the whole canyon in, so Barb had to get those shots. There were lots of different flowers to stop and photograph. When we got to the Palm Canyon it was a little disappointing, as the palms are across the way and up quite high. That's probably why they are still there.
There are suppose to be Big Horn Sheep in this area also and we kept scanning the canyon for them, but never seen any signs of them. For the walk out, I put on my 105 MM macro lens, and probably spent more time on my seat than on my feet. May of the flowers and plants were less than an eight of an inch in size, and I had to get within a couple of inches to get the pictures. I am still working on settings, but hopefully with time I will get some better shots. We met several others just coming in as we were leaving and by now the morning sun was starting to fill the canyon, so we were glad we had gotten there early.
When we finally got back on the road, we headed another 9 miles down the road to where there was suppose to be the remains of a 200 year old stone house that had been used by prospectors and miners amongst others over the years. There was also a tourist trap that had every thing at half price as they were closing for the season, as well as a dollar table, so we picked up a couple of pairs of water shoes for a dollar a pair, plus a few other items.
By now it was getting pretty warm so we headed back to the camp ground. We had originally planned on staying here in Ehrenberg for three weeks but changed our reservation in Pahrup, NV, so that we could come in a week earlier. The plan is to be on the road by 6 AM in the morning heading North.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
We stopped at the Loves Truck Stop in Quartzsite to fill up as they has the best price on fuel. $3.23 a gallon for Regular. Gas in Blythe on the California side of the river runs from $3.65 to $3.95 a gallon, while just 4 miles further in Arizona is is a good $.40 to $.60 less.
The entrance to this part of the preserve is about 20 miles south of Quartzsite and then you have to drive on a washboardy road for another 9 miles. You either have to go less than 15 or over 30 to keep from getting shaken all to pieces.
The walk in was just perfect as far as the temperature was. Even with my 28 MM lens I could not get back far enough to get the whole canyon in, so Barb had to get those shots. There were lots of different flowers to stop and photograph. When we got to the Palm Canyon it was a little disappointing, as the palms are across the way and up quite high. That's probably why they are still there.
There are suppose to be Big Horn Sheep in this area also and we kept scanning the canyon for them, but never seen any signs of them. For the walk out, I put on my 105 MM macro lens, and probably spent more time on my seat than on my feet. May of the flowers and plants were less than an eight of an inch in size, and I had to get within a couple of inches to get the pictures. I am still working on settings, but hopefully with time I will get some better shots. We met several others just coming in as we were leaving and by now the morning sun was starting to fill the canyon, so we were glad we had gotten there early.
When we finally got back on the road, we headed another 9 miles down the road to where there was suppose to be the remains of a 200 year old stone house that had been used by prospectors and miners amongst others over the years. There was also a tourist trap that had every thing at half price as they were closing for the season, as well as a dollar table, so we picked up a couple of pairs of water shoes for a dollar a pair, plus a few other items.
By now it was getting pretty warm so we headed back to the camp ground. We had originally planned on staying here in Ehrenberg for three weeks but changed our reservation in Pahrup, NV, so that we could come in a week earlier. The plan is to be on the road by 6 AM in the morning heading North.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sunday April 6th, 2008
Things are starting to wind down for the summer in a lot of the Southern parks as heat is becoming an issue for a lot of the Snow Birds. Today was going to be the last Sunday service for the season and it started at 8:30 AM. We had decided to go over to Quartzsite and travel south on US95 to a spot that we had heard you can see some of the Indian Petrographs on some of the rocks.
The instructions were little sketchy at best, but after stopping and talking to some of the people camped in the desert, we finally located the spot. There was only one spot that these were located, and on another hill 50 yards across the wash was another spot that had some of the grinding holes in it.
Most of the Snow Birds have already left for the summer, but there were still a lot of rigs to be seen. This is one of the area that half a million people flock to in the winter and just dry camp on BLM land. The long term camping is something on the order of $50 for 3 months of camping and there are sewer and water pumpers that come out and service you for a fee so that you don't even have to pull up to go dump and resupply if you are willing to pay the fee.
We then decided to travel a little further south to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. By the time we got there and drove in on the dirt road several miles, it was getting really hot, so we just took a few pictures and returned to the part with the intention of returning in the morning with an early start.
We had some friends that we had met earlier playing cards stop over for o while and we sat outside trying to keep in the shade. Later in the evening we went back to the club house for a dish of Ice Cream with toppings. A good way to end the day.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show
The instructions were little sketchy at best, but after stopping and talking to some of the people camped in the desert, we finally located the spot. There was only one spot that these were located, and on another hill 50 yards across the wash was another spot that had some of the grinding holes in it.
Most of the Snow Birds have already left for the summer, but there were still a lot of rigs to be seen. This is one of the area that half a million people flock to in the winter and just dry camp on BLM land. The long term camping is something on the order of $50 for 3 months of camping and there are sewer and water pumpers that come out and service you for a fee so that you don't even have to pull up to go dump and resupply if you are willing to pay the fee.
We then decided to travel a little further south to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. By the time we got there and drove in on the dirt road several miles, it was getting really hot, so we just took a few pictures and returned to the part with the intention of returning in the morning with an early start.
We had some friends that we had met earlier playing cards stop over for o while and we sat outside trying to keep in the shade. Later in the evening we went back to the club house for a dish of Ice Cream with toppings. A good way to end the day.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show
Saturday April 5th, 2008
This morning we decided to go to the club house and enjoy a high calorie cinnamon role. We don't do this often so it is a treat when we can enjoy something like this. While visiting with some of the staff, they told us about the owl on the park that was setting on her eggs, and about another owl on the other side of the river that had already hatched out a couple of chicks,
This seemed like a good adventure for the day. One of the staff took us up to show us the palm tree that the nest was in, and if you didn't know it was there, you never would have found it. The mother wasn't really showing her self, so we decided that we would come back later in the evening.
We then headed across the river and North about 5 miles to another RV Park, and the nice young lady in the store showed us where we could see the new chicks. I had to really get up on a picnic table to get a good picture. Meanwhile, the mother was parched on a tree about 40 feet away just watching us not seeming too concerned about all the commotion. I guess that this is an annual affair for here and she is used to people watching her.
Later in the evening we returned to the first location and now the mother had her head up so that you could see her. The best pictures of the day though were of the chicks with the 500 MM lens
After supper we returned to the club house to learn a new card game.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
This seemed like a good adventure for the day. One of the staff took us up to show us the palm tree that the nest was in, and if you didn't know it was there, you never would have found it. The mother wasn't really showing her self, so we decided that we would come back later in the evening.
We then headed across the river and North about 5 miles to another RV Park, and the nice young lady in the store showed us where we could see the new chicks. I had to really get up on a picnic table to get a good picture. Meanwhile, the mother was parched on a tree about 40 feet away just watching us not seeming too concerned about all the commotion. I guess that this is an annual affair for here and she is used to people watching her.
Later in the evening we returned to the first location and now the mother had her head up so that you could see her. The best pictures of the day though were of the chicks with the 500 MM lens
After supper we returned to the club house to learn a new card game.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Friday April 4th, 2008
Yesterday we didn't have much to report, so there is no entry for the 3rd of April.
When we stopped at the Blythe, CA, Chamber of Commerce and picked up some literature when we first got to town, one of the things that caught our attention was an article about an old western town that had been recreated by Red Schneider. Red, now 78, had surgery for cancer of the throat before he was of retirement age, and not knowing what the future was going to hold, moved from the big city out into the desert and recreated this makeshift western town and just started collecting item for it.
We decided to go and check it out and today's slide show says it all.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show.
When we stopped at the Blythe, CA, Chamber of Commerce and picked up some literature when we first got to town, one of the things that caught our attention was an article about an old western town that had been recreated by Red Schneider. Red, now 78, had surgery for cancer of the throat before he was of retirement age, and not knowing what the future was going to hold, moved from the big city out into the desert and recreated this makeshift western town and just started collecting item for it.
We decided to go and check it out and today's slide show says it all.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
See today's slide show.
Wednesday April 2nd, 2008
One of our goals this trip was to make another trip to Yuma, AZ and meet up with the Gary Hicks family. I knew that it was getting close to the time that they wanted to return to Oregon, so when we returned from Las Vegas yesterday, I gave Gary a call. They were already planning on leaving Tuesday morning, but said they could delay it for a day if we wanted to come over today. We finally compromised and agreed that they would just stop by here for a few hrs and have lunch with us and then continue on.
Since they wanted to get an early start, they arrived about 8:30 AM. Barb put a chicken on the rotisserie for lunch, and while we waited, just set around visiting about old times.
Then it was time to watch the results from American Idol. Days seem to run together and if you don't look at the calendar occasionally, it is easy to forget what day it is. Didn't have but a couple of pictures today so it will be a short slide show.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's short slide show.
Since they wanted to get an early start, they arrived about 8:30 AM. Barb put a chicken on the rotisserie for lunch, and while we waited, just set around visiting about old times.
Then it was time to watch the results from American Idol. Days seem to run together and if you don't look at the calendar occasionally, it is easy to forget what day it is. Didn't have but a couple of pictures today so it will be a short slide show.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's short slide show.
Tuesday April 1st, 2008
Barb, Christopher and I were up early as usual, so we walked down to the court yard and enjoyed a Latte. Christopher of course had a hot chocolate. It wasn't too long before we got a call from Jessica that she was waving to us from the window. We then went back to the rooms to have a bite to eat.
There wasn't really time to do much exploring before leaving for the airport, so we spent some time in the court yard, played cards, and looked through some of the shops.
It was close to 10 AM by the time we were able to get to the airport and drop Karen and the Kids off.
Barb and I then headed back to Ehrenberg. It was about noon by the time we got close to Laughlin, NV, so we decided to run in and catch a bite to eat. We then continued over the bridge to Bull Head City and on down the Arizona side of the river till we picked up US 95 again in Needles, CA, and continued on top Blythe and back over the river to Ehrenberg.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show!
There wasn't really time to do much exploring before leaving for the airport, so we spent some time in the court yard, played cards, and looked through some of the shops.
It was close to 10 AM by the time we were able to get to the airport and drop Karen and the Kids off.
Barb and I then headed back to Ehrenberg. It was about noon by the time we got close to Laughlin, NV, so we decided to run in and catch a bite to eat. We then continued over the bridge to Bull Head City and on down the Arizona side of the river till we picked up US 95 again in Needles, CA, and continued on top Blythe and back over the river to Ehrenberg.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Monday March 31st, 2008
We had really talked about getting up early enough to watch the sun come up over the Grand Canyon, but because we had gotten up early yesterday morning, we opted not to do it again. I woke up a little after 4 AM and after laying in bed for a bit, not being able to get back to sleep, I got up and took my computer down to the lobby to work on some pictures. About 6 Barb joined me, but the continental breakfast was not till 6:30, so we just sipped some coffee and waited.
When every one was done with breakfast and we had every thing packed into the car again, we headed back to the South Rim of the Canyon. It was quite cloudy, so the canyon was not lighted as good as it could have been. We spent some more time in the gift shop and then walked back to the rim ad drove a couple more miles down the road to the lodge area.
When every one was done with breakfast and we had every thing packed into the car again, we headed back to the South Rim of the Canyon. It was quite cloudy, so the canyon was not lighted as good as it could have been. We spent some more time in the gift shop and then walked back to the rim ad drove a couple more miles down the road to the lodge area.
From the lodge we headed down one of the trails. Jessica likes to check everything out as she walks, so I walked with her while Karen, Barb and Christopher went ahead. There was still a lot of packed snow in the shaded areas so I tried to keep Jessica between me and the edge. This really worked out quite fine, as the further into the snow she could get the better she liked it. We walked about three quarters of a mile down, while the other probably went over a mile. After taking about 100 pictures, I discovered that I had left the white balance in the tungsten mode, so all my pictures were coming out with a blue shade. (I was able to salvage most of them with some software, but definitely not as good as what they should have been)
You can't drive any further without a permit, so we hopped onto one of the free shuttles and rode to one of the other lookouts. By shortly after noon, we were getting hungry, so we rode the shuttle back to the lodge and walked back to the car. There we had some sandwiches, chips and fruit. By one PM we were all packed and on our way to Las Vegas. Karen and the children have to catch a flight back to Portland tomorrow.
It was pretty much clear sailing the rest of the way. We had to go through the Homeland Security Check Point, before we could cross over Hoover Dam. The bypass bridge appears to be approaching completion, and would suspect that by this time next year may not have to be checked if you are not stopping at the Dam.
We had reservations for two rooms at Sams Town and were checked in by 6:30. Since both rooms had two beds, Christopher stayed in our room, while Jessica and Karen each got a bed to sleep in.
We then went over to the Mirage Casino for what we thought was going to be a reasonable dinner buffet. As I am signing the visa, I noticed that it said $128 and after a gasp, got them to cancel it, and we went over to the Terribles Casino instead where it was only about $50 for the five of us. After returning to Sams Town, by the time the 10PM show started in the courtyard, Christopher was out cold, but Jessica managed to watch it out her window before turning in.
Tomorrow the kids fly home and we will drive back to Ehrenberg.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Sunday March 30th , 2008
We were up early this morning, and after making some last minute changes in the route that we would take, were on the road shortly after six AM. We stopped in Parker, AZ to get breakfast. We found a quaint little restaurant and enjoyed the meal. It was actually more than we could eat, so we packed some of it with us when we left.
It was just 100 miles to I-40, and since we traveling down SR 95 which goes through Lake Havasu City, we just couldn't bypass stopping and seeing London Bridge. We drove across it first and then came back and parked so that we could get out and have a first hand look.
Once we got on I-40 it was clear sailing all the way to Williams, AZ about 150 miles east. Well, that's what I was thinking any way. Barb is reading all the AAA tourist books and discovered that the Grand Canyon Caverns were located on old Route 66 about 25 miles west of Seligman, AZ. Since we had already gone past the western exit to get there, we back tracked on to Route 66 to visit the Caverns. The tour was about 45 minutes and we had to wait for 10 minutes to start, so now we are only a couple hours later than when we were expecting to be at the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
We arrived at the Red Feather Lodge in Tusayn, AZ, which is about a mile or so from the South entrance to the Park. We checked ourselves in, and since we were all going to be sharing one room, we ordered a cot for Christopher to sleep on. We then continued on to the park where my Golden Age pass got us all in for free. (25$ savings) By this time the wind had really come up and even though it was in the low 50's, it felt really cold. The forecast had been for wind up to 23 MPH for the afternoon.
After visiting a couple of the viewing locations, we headed over to the gift shop to look around. By the time we walked the quarter mile, we were actually getting snowed on. What a day to look forward to tomorrow we were all thinking, but the forecast was for calmer winds in the morning so we just tried not to think about it any more.
We had brought some food along in a cooler, so we located a microwave on the first floor that we could use, and carried some soup and other items down from the third floor to fix dinner. Over all things had gone pretty well with five of us in the car for most of the day. These little SUV's are not like riding in the Buick Park Avenue that we had traded in on it. We managed though quite well.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
It was just 100 miles to I-40, and since we traveling down SR 95 which goes through Lake Havasu City, we just couldn't bypass stopping and seeing London Bridge. We drove across it first and then came back and parked so that we could get out and have a first hand look.
Once we got on I-40 it was clear sailing all the way to Williams, AZ about 150 miles east. Well, that's what I was thinking any way. Barb is reading all the AAA tourist books and discovered that the Grand Canyon Caverns were located on old Route 66 about 25 miles west of Seligman, AZ. Since we had already gone past the western exit to get there, we back tracked on to Route 66 to visit the Caverns. The tour was about 45 minutes and we had to wait for 10 minutes to start, so now we are only a couple hours later than when we were expecting to be at the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
We arrived at the Red Feather Lodge in Tusayn, AZ, which is about a mile or so from the South entrance to the Park. We checked ourselves in, and since we were all going to be sharing one room, we ordered a cot for Christopher to sleep on. We then continued on to the park where my Golden Age pass got us all in for free. (25$ savings) By this time the wind had really come up and even though it was in the low 50's, it felt really cold. The forecast had been for wind up to 23 MPH for the afternoon.
After visiting a couple of the viewing locations, we headed over to the gift shop to look around. By the time we walked the quarter mile, we were actually getting snowed on. What a day to look forward to tomorrow we were all thinking, but the forecast was for calmer winds in the morning so we just tried not to think about it any more.
We had brought some food along in a cooler, so we located a microwave on the first floor that we could use, and carried some soup and other items down from the third floor to fix dinner. Over all things had gone pretty well with five of us in the car for most of the day. These little SUV's are not like riding in the Buick Park Avenue that we had traded in on it. We managed though quite well.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Saturday March 29th, 2008
We are going to be getting up early tomorrow morning and heading to the Grand Canyon. Since it will involve about five to six hours of close contact while riding in the Suzuki, today became a day to just relax. Not much to report nor very many pictures to show.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Friday March 28th, 2008
We spent a large portion of today out in the desert again. This time we headed north up US hwy 95 about 15 miles to where we had heard about the Blythe Intaglios figures on the ground. The article I linked to is one I thought gave a better description of what you see. It would really have been fun to have a hot air balloon and taken some pictures from the air.
We found the first two locations quite readily and walked in to take pictures. We also did some shadow jumping pictures when we found a place that the early morning sun was just right.
We were not having much luck finding the third location so after quite a bit of driving around in the area, we finally walked up to the top of a large mesa with the 500mm camera lens and the spotting scope. From there we were pretty sure that we had located the third location, but it was getting just to hot to do any trekking, and since the area was a federally protected area, you were not allowed to drive off the roadway. Later when we got home I was able to Google Earth the location and get a sate lite picture of the area and determine that what we had suspected was correct.
By this time it was getting to warm to be out in the sun much more, so we returned to the resort and spent the rest of the day just relaxing.
Red Lion Man (& lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
We found the first two locations quite readily and walked in to take pictures. We also did some shadow jumping pictures when we found a place that the early morning sun was just right.
We were not having much luck finding the third location so after quite a bit of driving around in the area, we finally walked up to the top of a large mesa with the 500mm camera lens and the spotting scope. From there we were pretty sure that we had located the third location, but it was getting just to hot to do any trekking, and since the area was a federally protected area, you were not allowed to drive off the roadway. Later when we got home I was able to Google Earth the location and get a sate lite picture of the area and determine that what we had suspected was correct.
By this time it was getting to warm to be out in the sun much more, so we returned to the resort and spent the rest of the day just relaxing.
Red Lion Man (& lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Thursday March 27th, 2008
We decided to do some exploring today, so after breakfast we all loaded into the Suzuki and headed out to Cibola National Wildlife Refuge located about 18 miles South of Blythe, CA, but just over the border across the farmers bridge into AZ.
We got there before the information center opened, so we just proceeded onto the drive loop for a couple of miles, where we were able to park and go on a walk for about a mile and a half or so.
It was a very interesting walk, spotting all the different birds, poop signs that there were some coyotes and cougar somewhere in the park, and a few lizards. Between the three digital cameras present, I think that the number of poop pictures, was more than all the rest combined. We had to excises the delete key a little bit after the pictures were downloaded.
About 10 AM we were back at the information center and after asking a few question and trying to decipher just what kind of birds that we had photographed, we were ready to leave.
We had read about a fire agate mine near where we were, so we decided to try and find it. It turned out that we had to do some backtracking to get to the mine, and then drive about 9 miles on what is probably better described as a 4 wheel drive trail to get to the Opal Hill Mine although I never did put it in 4 wheel but did think about it a couple of times.
We found the proprietor and since children can dig free, he agreed to just charge us for just one adult, and he then proceeded to give us a lesson after which Barb, Christopher and Jessica spent the next hour or so digging. We probably came up with 2 or 3 gems that were keepers, but I think he felt sorry for us, so when we paid him the 25$ for the day, he showed us a bunch more gems that he had and gave us an additional hand full of stones. It was a very interesting experience and since you can dig all day for the 25$, it might be fun sometime to come and spend a day if there was a little cloud cover. Barb did manage to find a few shady spots to hang out in though. Jessica was more interested in the shiny rocks so she spent here time trying to collect those.
After returning to the coach and cleaning up, we joined some of the other park members for a spaghetti dinner, put on by the park. After dinner, Christopher and Jessica wanted to have a run off Animal Idol, but we compromised and let them preform without the benefit of judges. So ends another fine day in the Arizona desert.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Wednesday March 26th, 2008
After traveling almost 1200 miles in three days, we decided that today was just a day to have fun. I set up the outside grill so that Barb could cook the morning meal out side and not heat the coach up to much. Both Jessica and Christopher like helping Grandma cook breakfast.
The park here sits on the Colorado River with probably over 600 feet of frontage. Some of the RV's do park on the grass down there, but we opted for a spot that would be a little closer to all the facilities. If at all possible we try and use the shower and bathrooms at the park so that we don't fill the holding tanks so often. There are only two shower rooms at the pool, but in the dining multipurpose area there are about 6 shower rooms. We are parked about half way between the two facilities
The kids probably spent about 3 hours in the pool today, and Karen and Barb relaxed and slept while watching them with the occasional dip to keep cool. I spent some time trying to catch up on some of my pictures and computer work, and then joined them later in the PM at the pool.
After dinner, since we had watched American Idol on Tuesday night, we had to sit down and watch the results and see who was being eliminated this week. We watch the show on an East Coast feed so we are done watching it by 7 PM. Christopher and Jessica decided that we needed to have an Animal Idol contest for our Lions and Chipmunks.
Most of you are aware that I have a pride of about 10 lions that travel with me. Also since Christopher has a herd? of chipmunks that he brought with him, and Jessica has several animal's of her own, I think they wanted to see if theirs were better than Grandpa's. I posted several videos and pictures of the competition that you may want to take a look at when you get a chance.
In all it was a very relaxing day and time of recuperation.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
The park here sits on the Colorado River with probably over 600 feet of frontage. Some of the RV's do park on the grass down there, but we opted for a spot that would be a little closer to all the facilities. If at all possible we try and use the shower and bathrooms at the park so that we don't fill the holding tanks so often. There are only two shower rooms at the pool, but in the dining multipurpose area there are about 6 shower rooms. We are parked about half way between the two facilities
The kids probably spent about 3 hours in the pool today, and Karen and Barb relaxed and slept while watching them with the occasional dip to keep cool. I spent some time trying to catch up on some of my pictures and computer work, and then joined them later in the PM at the pool.
After dinner, since we had watched American Idol on Tuesday night, we had to sit down and watch the results and see who was being eliminated this week. We watch the show on an East Coast feed so we are done watching it by 7 PM. Christopher and Jessica decided that we needed to have an Animal Idol contest for our Lions and Chipmunks.
Most of you are aware that I have a pride of about 10 lions that travel with me. Also since Christopher has a herd? of chipmunks that he brought with him, and Jessica has several animal's of her own, I think they wanted to see if theirs were better than Grandpa's. I posted several videos and pictures of the competition that you may want to take a look at when you get a chance.
In all it was a very relaxing day and time of recuperation.
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's pictures.
Tuesday March 25th, 2008
We pulled into "Desert Pools" RV park early enough last night to enjoy the pool and hot tub before we settled in for the night. We had hit so many bugs coming across the desert that I had to spend an hour cleaning off the front of the coach before I was able to do any thing else though.
We set out side for our evening meal and just absorbed some of the nice evening weather.
There was no rush to get up this morning as we were not planning on leaving till close to noon. We all took a short hike out into the desert and then went to see if we could get some pickle ball lessons for Christopher and Jessica. We had miss read the schedule and thought it was at 9 AM, but it turned out to be 10 AM, so Karen, Jessica and I played some shuffle board while we waited.
It seemed that it was necessary to make a Costco run before we left town, so Barb, Karen and the kids took the Suzuki and left for Costco about 11 AM and I proceeded to pack things up and then drove the coach over to the Costco area and waited for them to finish so that we could hook up and proceed on down I-10 towards Arizona.
We arrived at "Colorado River Oasis" RV park in Ehrenberg about 3:30 PM and while Karen and the Kids scurried about checking the place out, we got the coach all set up and ready to go.
After some time in the pool and hot tub, we attended the magic comedy presentation and all of us at some point helped out with the presentation.
Today we covered about 130 miles and now the coach will set till we are ready to head north to Pahrump Nevada
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
We set out side for our evening meal and just absorbed some of the nice evening weather.
There was no rush to get up this morning as we were not planning on leaving till close to noon. We all took a short hike out into the desert and then went to see if we could get some pickle ball lessons for Christopher and Jessica. We had miss read the schedule and thought it was at 9 AM, but it turned out to be 10 AM, so Karen, Jessica and I played some shuffle board while we waited.
It seemed that it was necessary to make a Costco run before we left town, so Barb, Karen and the kids took the Suzuki and left for Costco about 11 AM and I proceeded to pack things up and then drove the coach over to the Costco area and waited for them to finish so that we could hook up and proceed on down I-10 towards Arizona.
We arrived at "Colorado River Oasis" RV park in Ehrenberg about 3:30 PM and while Karen and the Kids scurried about checking the place out, we got the coach all set up and ready to go.
After some time in the pool and hot tub, we attended the magic comedy presentation and all of us at some point helped out with the presentation.
Today we covered about 130 miles and now the coach will set till we are ready to head north to Pahrump Nevada
Red Lion Man (& Lady)
Enjoy today's slide show.
Monday March 24th, 2008
Last night we spent parked in the Flying J RV parking area. We tried a different sleeping arrangement which worked out very well. In the past, when we were at the water ski competition, Karen and the grandchildren had occupied the hide-a-bed and small couch in the front. Since Barb and I are early risers, we decided to occupy the front and let them sleep in the back.
Before we left, Barb made a cover to enclose the 3 cushions on the couch, which we placed on the floor in the back of the coach for Jessica to sleep on.
We left the slides pulled in at the back of the coach for the night, so that we could hit the road while they continued to sleep. We are early risers and were awake a little before 4 AM so decided to get going.
Today was a long day and we traveled just short of 630 miles. (Trying to get to the warm country does that to you some times) Barb drove for several hours on the freeway as well as on the cut over to Bakersfield. We all thought that she was an awesome driver. She turned it back to me as the next leg was going to be going over the Tehachapi pass, after we fueled up at the Flying J truck stop.
We arrived at Desert Hot Springs, CA., just before 5 PM after 13 hours on the road. This is defiantly longer than we like to drive in a day, but the thought of the pool and 3 hot tubs at the park kept us going. This also means that we only have to drive 3 hours tomorrow and can spend some time relaxing in the morning.
Red Lion Man (& LADY)
Here is today's slide show.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Easter Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
Our first big trip of the year takes us to sunny Arizona. We left on Easter Sunday, the 23rd of March, with our daughter Karen and her two children Christopher and Jessica. Barb has been getting Christopher and Jessica off to school and picking them up after school since Karen started doing her student teaching beginning in January. This was the beginning of spring break for the children, and we had promised to delay our winter trip a month, so that they could travel to Arizona with us. This was also to celebrate the fact that Karen had finished her schooling at Western Oregon with a Masters in teaching, and would now be ready to start looking for a job.
Since Jessica had been practicing with the choir for the whole school year, and was going to sing Easter Sunday, we decided to leave after church on Sunday rat.JPG)
her than leave Friday after school. When the services were over and the Easter egg hunt had finished, we dropped off Karen's car at one of the local motels as that was where the Hut Shuttle would drop them, when they returned from the Portland airport on Tuesday the 2nd of April. We then loaded everyone into our Suzuki and headed to the junction of I-5 and State route 34 where we had parked the coach earlier in the day. By the time every one was loaded and ready to go, it was after 1 PM. By the time we stopped for the evening, it was already 9 PM, but we had made it over the pass into California and were 395 miles closer to our destination. EHRENBERG ARIZONA
Since Jessica had been practicing with the choir for the whole school year, and was going to sing Easter Sunday, we decided to leave after church on Sunday rat
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her than leave Friday after school. When the services were over and the Easter egg hunt had finished, we dropped off Karen's car at one of the local motels as that was where the Hut Shuttle would drop them, when they returned from the Portland airport on Tuesday the 2nd of April. We then loaded everyone into our Suzuki and headed to the junction of I-5 and State route 34 where we had parked the coach earlier in the day. By the time every one was loaded and ready to go, it was after 1 PM. By the time we stopped for the evening, it was already 9 PM, but we had made it over the pass into California and were 395 miles closer to our destination. EHRENBERG ARIZONAToday's photos slideshow.
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