Today we moved about 50 miles to Wadena, Minnesota, so that Barb could help work on the Class of 64 float, for tomorrows parade at the Verndale Sunbonnet days celebration. I'm not sure how much work was accomplished, but everyone seemed to have a great time.

Short Day - 255 Miles

Today was our shortest driving day so far, as we only had 255 miles to go, to get to Virgil and Myrna's place. The highlight of the day was when Dr. Dick - Staple Remover took over. If you are not to squeamish, take a look at the video, other wise just click on this link and look at today's pictures.


After dinner we took a drive down to Phelps Mill to clown around a bit. It's amazing how after all these years, we still get along so good.

555 Miles Today

We head out from White Sulphur Springs, MT about 6:15 AM

Conastoga Campground - Lana Curl

Today was one of our planned longer driving days, as we did not have a specific destination. We were on the road a little over 10 hours, and came 555 miles. That leaves us only 245 miles to go tomorrow, to get to Myrna and Virgils place. We met Virgil and Myrna when I was in the Army in New Jersey in the mid 60's and we still enjoy getting together when possible.

We are spending the night at a rest area just East of Bismark, ND. I had some pictures to return to my first cousin, Terry Curl, so I called to see if we could get together this evening, as they live in Bismark. Terry had some commitments, but his wife Lana, was able to meet us at the rest area, after we got parked for the evening. We had an enjoyable visit, as this was the first time that I had met Lana.

The Lions were very glad to get on the road, as they knew they could relax in the window. They were quite worn out from all the activities of going to the Monument Falls yesterday. It was a perfect day for travel. Some sun, some clouds, some wind, some rain, and only in the 50's and 60's, not 108 like it was in Corvallis yesterday.

Trip to Momument Falls

The morning started out foggy, but was the perfect day for hiking. The lions got wind of what we planned to do and nine of them piled into the car.

On our way up to the Monument Falls parking lot, we spotted a few deer. We were the first people (and lions) to arrive. By the time we started up the trail another family joined us. The little boy took a liking for the lions.

It took us a long time to reach the falls because the trail was so beautiful and we had to stop and take pictures. The lions were so excited to be able to climb trees and rocks.

We had a picnic at the base of the second falls. Traveling back to the parking lot we met a lot of folks coming up and when we reached our car it had plenty of company.

We stopped at a parking area for winter recreation. There was a warming shelter, so the lions and Barb took a nap. The trails were marked for which ever sport you wanted, but were warned not to go on it with the wrong equipment.

From there we drove up to the fire look out. They were clearing trees and brush, but gave us a tour of the tower.

Of course the trip would not be complete without taking pictures of all the beautiful wild flowers.

About an hour after we got home a wind and rain storm blew in. It cooled off our coach rather quickly.

Click here to see more pictures of the Lions.

Click here to see more pictures of the Flowers.

Click here to see more pictures of what we saw today.

397 Miles on Monday.

US Hwy 12 between Garrison and Helena

Some of the Lions getting and Early American History lesson

We are now half way to Minnesota. 800 miles down, and 800 miles to go.

We left the Ponderossa Falls camp ground about 6 AM this morning, and arrived at the Conestoga Campground, in White Sulphur Springs, MT, at about 4 PM Local time. (We lost an hour as we moved into Mountain Time)

You can see from the pictures, what a nice road we got to travel on today. Now the coach really needs a good bath. Maybe it will rain hard tomorrow and it will look good again.

Sunday in Spokane

Steve & Bandit, Barb & Allie

Some of Steve's flowers.

Sunday morning Barb made us a Latte', and then we went into Spokane to spend the day with Barb's brother, Steve, who fixed breakfast for us. We finished off the day with a rousing game of hand and foot, when Steve's friend Melissa stopped by to drop off some kayak oars. We convinced Melissa to stay for dinner, and then to play some hand and foot. Of course, Steve and I are the generious ones, so we let the gals win.

To see some more pictures and videos of our day, click on this link.

A Ride Through the Park

412 Miles Later

We arrive at the Ponderosa Falls Campground, in Cheney WA, a little before 2 PM and settle in with the lions for the evening.

On to Washington State

We cross the Columbia into Washington State, at the Tri Cities area.

Early Morning First Cup of Coffee

Time to relax now. We were on the road before 6 AM this morning, and will not be back till mid November. What's better than a fresh cup of coffee and a morning sunrise.

Lions anxious to go

Earlier this week, the Lions were getting a little restless, and wanted to hit the road back to Michigan. They actually were marching with posters, to get our attention. Well today they got thier wishes answerd and we a re finally on or way to Michigan. It will be a bit before they get there, but judging from thier antics, I think that they are happy now.

Royal Family Kids Camp

The week of July 20 - 24 I was a counselor at Royal Family Kids Camp. I was a little concerned about the hot weather and being in the sun too much and getting headaches from it, so my main prayer request was that I would not get a headache. On Monday I spent a little more time in the sun than I wanted, but most of the time I could find some shade.

On Tuesday I made sure I found the shade. I even wore my hat in the swimming pool. I leave the pool early to shower before the kids and slip on the shower room floor. I hit my head rather hard and it starts to bleed. The nurse sends me to the emergency room where I get to sit in an air conditioned room for the rest of the afternoon. After 9 staples in my head it was back to my campers, but they were already tucked in bed.

The rest of the week I was able to have a good time with my campers at the lake fishing, archery, crafts, meals, and chapel. Since I was paired up with 2 other counselors it worked out good for me to be able to take a nap during swimming if I needed it. The meals were great. We even had a big birthday party for the whole camp on Thursday evening. The drama team did a great job. My prayer request was answered, my head did hurt, but I never got a headache all week.

This is such a great camp for kids that really need something like this. Here is a link to it.

Today we celebrated our 45th anniversary. It doesn’t seem like it could have been that many years ago that we were just kids, and now, here we are already retired. We celebrated in great style by attending the wedding of one of Barb’s Sunday School students, Mikal Mitchell, which was held at his parent’s farm. It was fun seeing a lot of old friends, but then we scooted out early so that we could make the Saturday evening church service, where our daughter Carole, was making a presentation about their recent missionary trip to Utah with about 20 other persons, to do a Bible School and prayer walking

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It was also pastor Dee’s first Sunday back after completing a lower 48 states motorcycle trip in 37 days. Needless to say, it was a very interesting service with lots of illustration about his trip. You can check out his blog at this link.