Thursday
I just wrote a long post about today's adventures. My lovely new computer ate it. I also realize that I posted my blog on FB four times last night. I never would say it had posted so I kept asking Chris if it was on. He kept saying no. I finally gave up and when I went of FB it was there four times. Technology...can't control it.
It has been another fun day. We went to Mount Rushmore and then had lunch in the small town of Hill City. After returning home, and a short nap, Chris cooked us steaks on the grill. We ate outside since the weather is so nice here.
Tomorrow we head towards Yellowstone, a bucket list request. We want to make several stops on the way so it will be a long day. I probably won't post tomorrow night if we stop late but I will post pictures on the stream and on FB.
Peace my friends, Barbara
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Greetings from the Black Hills
Tuesday and Wednesday
We have had two awesome days. I did not post on Monday because we had no cell service in the state park. First, I have to apologize for the spelling of Custer's State Park. I woke up about 2 in the morning and realized I had written Custards State Park. Please know that I do know the difference. We are experiencing fall and it is wonderful. Had to go under the bed and pull out our sweatshirts and long pants.
Tuesday was a beautiful day driving to the Black Hills and to Mammoth Site. The Black Hills are not as impressive as the Badlands. The Indians called them the Black Hills because the rich tree coverage makes them look black from a distance. This is a very sacred space for many Indians died here. We first went to Mammoth Site. In 1972 a mammoth bone was discovered while bulldozers were working to prepare for the building of a subdivision. It turned out that many years ago there was a sink hole in the area now called Hot Springs. The sink hole filled in with water from an underground spring. The Woolly Mammoth would come to the site for water and if they fell in they would be unable to get out due to the steep sides and the slick shale that lined the sides. It is estimated that about 100 of these became victims to the sink hole over a period of about 10 years. Later the spring became dry and over time the sink hole was filled in. Amazingly, the mammoths were perfectly preserved in this sink hole. Over time the importance of this discovery was very clear and they built a building over the site to continue their excavation. The building is at least as big as any SAM'S store but much taller. I will post pictures on FB and have already posted many to the photo stream.
After the Mammoth site we headed to Wind Cave to spend the night. The camp site was too primitive for us so we decided to head onto Custer's State Park. Along the way we saw several buffalo, lots of prairie dogs, deer, and antelope. We made it to our campsite about 5:00 but could not get level due to the steepness of the site. After 4 tries of moving forward and backward the ranger suggested that we go to another campground. Nice guy, he radioed ahead so the ranger there would be ready for us. We were finally settled in by 7:00. With no internet or TV we found ourselves headed to bed by 9:00.
This morning, Wednesday, we continued to explore Custer's State Park looking for all the buffalo. We only saw 5 more but expected to see more of the herd. We did see these mules that were eating out of the hands of visitors. We had read about them and were told that you could feed them. We chose to stay in our MH and take pictures through the windows. The dogs were going crazy.
We then drove through the black hills to the Crazy Horse Memorial. I don't know how to explain what I felt but it was such a spiritual feeling there. I am not a great history buff....who am I kidding...I hated history and learned absolutely nothing...so this was a real eye opener for me. Crazy Horse was once asked where was his land. He pointed at the black hills and said, "my land is where my people are buried". That is why the memorial has him pointing to the black hills. The black hills were given in a treaty to the Indians and is considered sacred space. Now the very large state park in the middle of the black hills is named after Custer.
We are staying in a very nice park for $10 thanks to our time share. This was our first night to cookout on our new grill. We even watched TV outside in the rain. This is the live. My grandson has been following our blog and pictures and said he wants to retire right now.
I think this last week has been such a gift. I never had a dream of seeing any of South Dakota but I am so glad that I have been given this opportunity. I don't know what the rest of the journey will be like but I think this will be my favorite part.
Peace my friends, Barbara
We have had two awesome days. I did not post on Monday because we had no cell service in the state park. First, I have to apologize for the spelling of Custer's State Park. I woke up about 2 in the morning and realized I had written Custards State Park. Please know that I do know the difference. We are experiencing fall and it is wonderful. Had to go under the bed and pull out our sweatshirts and long pants.
Tuesday was a beautiful day driving to the Black Hills and to Mammoth Site. The Black Hills are not as impressive as the Badlands. The Indians called them the Black Hills because the rich tree coverage makes them look black from a distance. This is a very sacred space for many Indians died here. We first went to Mammoth Site. In 1972 a mammoth bone was discovered while bulldozers were working to prepare for the building of a subdivision. It turned out that many years ago there was a sink hole in the area now called Hot Springs. The sink hole filled in with water from an underground spring. The Woolly Mammoth would come to the site for water and if they fell in they would be unable to get out due to the steep sides and the slick shale that lined the sides. It is estimated that about 100 of these became victims to the sink hole over a period of about 10 years. Later the spring became dry and over time the sink hole was filled in. Amazingly, the mammoths were perfectly preserved in this sink hole. Over time the importance of this discovery was very clear and they built a building over the site to continue their excavation. The building is at least as big as any SAM'S store but much taller. I will post pictures on FB and have already posted many to the photo stream.
After the Mammoth site we headed to Wind Cave to spend the night. The camp site was too primitive for us so we decided to head onto Custer's State Park. Along the way we saw several buffalo, lots of prairie dogs, deer, and antelope. We made it to our campsite about 5:00 but could not get level due to the steepness of the site. After 4 tries of moving forward and backward the ranger suggested that we go to another campground. Nice guy, he radioed ahead so the ranger there would be ready for us. We were finally settled in by 7:00. With no internet or TV we found ourselves headed to bed by 9:00.
This morning, Wednesday, we continued to explore Custer's State Park looking for all the buffalo. We only saw 5 more but expected to see more of the herd. We did see these mules that were eating out of the hands of visitors. We had read about them and were told that you could feed them. We chose to stay in our MH and take pictures through the windows. The dogs were going crazy.
We then drove through the black hills to the Crazy Horse Memorial. I don't know how to explain what I felt but it was such a spiritual feeling there. I am not a great history buff....who am I kidding...I hated history and learned absolutely nothing...so this was a real eye opener for me. Crazy Horse was once asked where was his land. He pointed at the black hills and said, "my land is where my people are buried". That is why the memorial has him pointing to the black hills. The black hills were given in a treaty to the Indians and is considered sacred space. Now the very large state park in the middle of the black hills is named after Custer.
We are staying in a very nice park for $10 thanks to our time share. This was our first night to cookout on our new grill. We even watched TV outside in the rain. This is the live. My grandson has been following our blog and pictures and said he wants to retire right now.
I think this last week has been such a gift. I never had a dream of seeing any of South Dakota but I am so glad that I have been given this opportunity. I don't know what the rest of the journey will be like but I think this will be my favorite part.
Peace my friends, Barbara
Monday, August 25, 2014
Monday Wall, South Dakota
Today was my kind of day. NO DRIVING. We had a late breakfast and then walked to Wall Drug Store. This is just a tourist trap. It is very famous and the signs advertising this place litter the highways for hundreds of miles. Glad we went but could have done without it. After walking through the shops we went to the Wounded Knee Museum. It was a very powerful and sobering experience. I cannot believe the ability of mankind to do such horrible things and yet we see genocide going on today. I left the exhibit feeling much like crying.
The last few days have given me much time for reflection. When we left the trashy campsite in Sioux Falls, I was going to take a picture of how bad it was so I could post it. But then I thought how lucky I was to be leaving and how unfortunate the others were to stay. They wake up each morning to the same grey gravel and dust. They get up, go to work, and come back to this depressing place. The man in the trailer two spaces from ours came out as we left. He wanted to warn us that our TV antennae was still up. From his language I could tell that he was a little intellectually challenged. I had left a vase on the picnic table hoping someone there would like to have it. But when our neighbor came out to warn us I asked him if he would like to have it. He was very excited because his wife's birthday was coming up and he would give it to her. Something I wanted to toss aside was something he said his wife would love to have.
Then we went to that small church with 8 people. I forget how fortunate I have been. We have always belonged to successful churches. I can't imagine having so few choices as these small towns. I can't help but compare problems from our former churches to the problems of this little church. This little church just needs a priest to give them communion and visit them in the hospital.
Well this helps me to remember what is important and how very, very fortunate I am.
Ok...enough serious thoughts. We were supposed to stay here one more night but we have seen all that we can see here and Mr. ADHD needs some more stimulation so we will head out early in the morning. Big day with many stops: Crazy Horse Memorial, Custards State Park, and Hot Springs.
Peace to all my friends, Barbara
Today was my kind of day. NO DRIVING. We had a late breakfast and then walked to Wall Drug Store. This is just a tourist trap. It is very famous and the signs advertising this place litter the highways for hundreds of miles. Glad we went but could have done without it. After walking through the shops we went to the Wounded Knee Museum. It was a very powerful and sobering experience. I cannot believe the ability of mankind to do such horrible things and yet we see genocide going on today. I left the exhibit feeling much like crying.
The last few days have given me much time for reflection. When we left the trashy campsite in Sioux Falls, I was going to take a picture of how bad it was so I could post it. But then I thought how lucky I was to be leaving and how unfortunate the others were to stay. They wake up each morning to the same grey gravel and dust. They get up, go to work, and come back to this depressing place. The man in the trailer two spaces from ours came out as we left. He wanted to warn us that our TV antennae was still up. From his language I could tell that he was a little intellectually challenged. I had left a vase on the picnic table hoping someone there would like to have it. But when our neighbor came out to warn us I asked him if he would like to have it. He was very excited because his wife's birthday was coming up and he would give it to her. Something I wanted to toss aside was something he said his wife would love to have.
Then we went to that small church with 8 people. I forget how fortunate I have been. We have always belonged to successful churches. I can't imagine having so few choices as these small towns. I can't help but compare problems from our former churches to the problems of this little church. This little church just needs a priest to give them communion and visit them in the hospital.
Well this helps me to remember what is important and how very, very fortunate I am.
Ok...enough serious thoughts. We were supposed to stay here one more night but we have seen all that we can see here and Mr. ADHD needs some more stimulation so we will head out early in the morning. Big day with many stops: Crazy Horse Memorial, Custards State Park, and Hot Springs.
Peace to all my friends, Barbara
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday and Sunday
Saturday was a fun day. We woke up early to get out of the horrible campground and headed to the corn palace. They are renovating this year so the palace was not it's usual beautiful showcase. There was also a carnival going on with food vendors and art tents so the town was not easily accessible. We did however get to see several large pieces of art work done with the corn. It was very lovely and interesting. One of the pictures I will post is the chalk drawing of where the different colors of corn are to be placed.
After the corn palace we headed to Chamberlain, SD. WE saw they had an Episcopal church there that we could attend. They did not have Sunday services but had a 5:30 Saturday night service. When we arrived in this small town, we could not find the church using the GPS. We went up and down the block with no luck so finally Chris called the priest. We were looking on N. Main instead of South Main. You can' trust the GPS. Anyway, when Father Kim called Chris they got to talking and....well...Kim asked Chris to preach at the service. This was about 2:00pm. We checked into our campsite which was right on the Missouri river and Chris worked on his sermon. Finally we headed to the little church and arrived about 30 minutes early. The church was very old and in much need of repair. There were a total of 8 people for the service, Father Kim, his granddaughter,4 parishioners, and the two of us. One lady was the organist, altar guild, chalice bearer, and reader. Her husband was the other reader. The other couple were celebrating their 63rd anniversary. Someone asked Father Kim if he could say a special prayer for them. It took him by surprise and he was trying to find one in the prayer book so Chris volunteered to say one. Fr. Kim had all of us come forward and lay hands on the couple while Chris prayed. It was very special. The couple had been married in that church 63 years ago. Fr. Kim never went to seminary. He was raised up within the church and made a non-stipendiary priest. He serves 7 congregations in a 100 mile radius. Before we left he offered Chris a job. They are looking for a retired priest to live in the rectory and serve the parish. I am sure that God is not calling us to South Dakota. I have not been that bad.
Saturday
Today we experienced the Badlands. I had no idea what to expect. One minute you are driving along grasslands and the next minute you are looking at peaks, gullies, and buttes. The only way to really describe it is that it is like being in the bottom of the grand canyon looking up but without the beautiful colors. Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 wrote "I've been about the world a lot and pretty much over our own country but I was totally unprepared for that revelation called the Dakota Bad Lands...What I saw gave me an indescribable sense of mysterious elsewhere...an endless supernatural world more spiritual than earth but created out of it." That is better than I could say it.
It was so beautiful and then...Chris just had to push the envelope. The ranger told us that if we continued past the paved road at the end of the park, we would see bison and mountain sheep. I asked if it was ok to take a motorhome. He told us it was up to how we felt about driving on gravel. So we went on the last gravel road I will ever go on. We traveled at 7-9 miles an hour and the poor RollinACE rattled and rattled till I was sure every screw would come out. We did see two bison about a half mile away visible only through our binoculars. We saw several of the mountain sheep but the best view was the prairie dogs. They were everywhere popping their heads out of the holes. There were hundreds of them and Millie was about to go crazy watching them through the windows.
We are now in Wall, SD. We will stay here two nights. I cannot post photos on this blog but I can add anyone to my photostream list if you are not on Facebook.
Peace my friends, Barbara
Saturday was a fun day. We woke up early to get out of the horrible campground and headed to the corn palace. They are renovating this year so the palace was not it's usual beautiful showcase. There was also a carnival going on with food vendors and art tents so the town was not easily accessible. We did however get to see several large pieces of art work done with the corn. It was very lovely and interesting. One of the pictures I will post is the chalk drawing of where the different colors of corn are to be placed.
After the corn palace we headed to Chamberlain, SD. WE saw they had an Episcopal church there that we could attend. They did not have Sunday services but had a 5:30 Saturday night service. When we arrived in this small town, we could not find the church using the GPS. We went up and down the block with no luck so finally Chris called the priest. We were looking on N. Main instead of South Main. You can' trust the GPS. Anyway, when Father Kim called Chris they got to talking and....well...Kim asked Chris to preach at the service. This was about 2:00pm. We checked into our campsite which was right on the Missouri river and Chris worked on his sermon. Finally we headed to the little church and arrived about 30 minutes early. The church was very old and in much need of repair. There were a total of 8 people for the service, Father Kim, his granddaughter,4 parishioners, and the two of us. One lady was the organist, altar guild, chalice bearer, and reader. Her husband was the other reader. The other couple were celebrating their 63rd anniversary. Someone asked Father Kim if he could say a special prayer for them. It took him by surprise and he was trying to find one in the prayer book so Chris volunteered to say one. Fr. Kim had all of us come forward and lay hands on the couple while Chris prayed. It was very special. The couple had been married in that church 63 years ago. Fr. Kim never went to seminary. He was raised up within the church and made a non-stipendiary priest. He serves 7 congregations in a 100 mile radius. Before we left he offered Chris a job. They are looking for a retired priest to live in the rectory and serve the parish. I am sure that God is not calling us to South Dakota. I have not been that bad.
Saturday
Today we experienced the Badlands. I had no idea what to expect. One minute you are driving along grasslands and the next minute you are looking at peaks, gullies, and buttes. The only way to really describe it is that it is like being in the bottom of the grand canyon looking up but without the beautiful colors. Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 wrote "I've been about the world a lot and pretty much over our own country but I was totally unprepared for that revelation called the Dakota Bad Lands...What I saw gave me an indescribable sense of mysterious elsewhere...an endless supernatural world more spiritual than earth but created out of it." That is better than I could say it.
It was so beautiful and then...Chris just had to push the envelope. The ranger told us that if we continued past the paved road at the end of the park, we would see bison and mountain sheep. I asked if it was ok to take a motorhome. He told us it was up to how we felt about driving on gravel. So we went on the last gravel road I will ever go on. We traveled at 7-9 miles an hour and the poor RollinACE rattled and rattled till I was sure every screw would come out. We did see two bison about a half mile away visible only through our binoculars. We saw several of the mountain sheep but the best view was the prairie dogs. They were everywhere popping their heads out of the holes. There were hundreds of them and Millie was about to go crazy watching them through the windows.
We are now in Wall, SD. We will stay here two nights. I cannot post photos on this blog but I can add anyone to my photostream list if you are not on Facebook.
Peace my friends, Barbara
Friday, August 22, 2014
I did not post yesterday because it was very long day. After traveling over 300 miles, my sweet husband pulled into the worst camp site in the world. If you think Walmart camping is roughing it...then this would be 10 times worse. After paying $28.88...we went out to the FIELD to search for a site. Actually site is a generous term. There were dirt/grass/mud half circles along the road with a post for electricity and water. There were only two other campers at the campground. The first site we tried we were unable to stay at because we could not level. The second site we were able to level but when Chris tried to hook up the electricity he found bare wires coming out of the box. Chris went back and got his money and we left. Thank goodness...I could not believe that we were going to stay there. Tonight? Almost as bad but we are paying more for it. We are in a giant dirt parking lot. You might ask why we are getting into these terrible sites. Well, I gave Chris the chance to plan a few nights so he could have ownership in our trip. WELL, no more. I will be selecting and researching all campsites. Tonight's camp is a parking lot of old broken down RV's that have been here forever and beautiful mega buck RV's that, like us, came for the night without looking at the reviews.
That said, today was a really fun day. We stopped at the Lewis and Clark exhibit in Sioux City. The exhibit was good and the staff was so friendly. They were talking to us and when they heard that Chris was a priest they gave him a tee-shirt that was designed by an Episcopal priest who was an American Indian. It was such a great time.
After the exhibit we had a great lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Missouri River. The days ahead will be so much fun. Tomorrow we head to the corn palace. After that the real journey begins and all camping will be in national parks or well reviewed campgrounds.
Peace my friends, Barbara
That said, today was a really fun day. We stopped at the Lewis and Clark exhibit in Sioux City. The exhibit was good and the staff was so friendly. They were talking to us and when they heard that Chris was a priest they gave him a tee-shirt that was designed by an Episcopal priest who was an American Indian. It was such a great time.
After the exhibit we had a great lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Missouri River. The days ahead will be so much fun. Tomorrow we head to the corn palace. After that the real journey begins and all camping will be in national parks or well reviewed campgrounds.
Peace my friends, Barbara
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
What a day! It started with a 10:00 am show. We purchased tickets to The Irish Tenors and Celtic Women. What we saw was Tenors singing a few Irish pub songs, women singing a few Celtic songs and the rest were songs from Tom Jones, Elton John, ect. Great show but not what we expected. I still want to see the real show.
After the show we managed to park the rig at olive garden and we had a great meal. Following our meal we went in search of a Laundromat so we could wash our comforter. The GPS lead us on Mr. Toads Wild Ride. I should have known we were in trouble when we were waiting on the train to pass. But we went forward on a very narrow road which turned to gravel, but the GPS said we were still on track. Then we came to a very difficult turn. The rig could not make the turn so there was a lot of backing up and inching forward. We continued with the GPS guiding us up a hill, one lane, and then she said "you have arrived at your destination." What? We were outside of a lovely log cabin in the middle of nowhere and no place to turn around. I have to say Chris is no longer a beginner...he has advanced to expert in a single day. Somehow, without killing us, he managed to get us back down the hillside and as soon as we turned onto the highway we found wonderful laundry facility to get our comforter cleaned. Quite a journey. We met lovely people while doing our laundry.
Next we went to the Veteran's Museum. Well, Chris went and I stayed in the MH with the dogs. After two more stops...Walmart and Best Buy...we finally headed home. The MH is a great vehicle and has proved that we can go anywhere without a car. And Chris has proven that he can get us out of anything we get into.
Branson appears to be dying. We have been here many times and it looks like they have over built. Many empty theatres and we did not see any big names.
We have two days of driving with no sightseeing. We will be at the Corn Palace on Saturday. Until then we will just go with the flow.
Peace to all our friends, Barbara
After the show we managed to park the rig at olive garden and we had a great meal. Following our meal we went in search of a Laundromat so we could wash our comforter. The GPS lead us on Mr. Toads Wild Ride. I should have known we were in trouble when we were waiting on the train to pass. But we went forward on a very narrow road which turned to gravel, but the GPS said we were still on track. Then we came to a very difficult turn. The rig could not make the turn so there was a lot of backing up and inching forward. We continued with the GPS guiding us up a hill, one lane, and then she said "you have arrived at your destination." What? We were outside of a lovely log cabin in the middle of nowhere and no place to turn around. I have to say Chris is no longer a beginner...he has advanced to expert in a single day. Somehow, without killing us, he managed to get us back down the hillside and as soon as we turned onto the highway we found wonderful laundry facility to get our comforter cleaned. Quite a journey. We met lovely people while doing our laundry.
Next we went to the Veteran's Museum. Well, Chris went and I stayed in the MH with the dogs. After two more stops...Walmart and Best Buy...we finally headed home. The MH is a great vehicle and has proved that we can go anywhere without a car. And Chris has proven that he can get us out of anything we get into.
Branson appears to be dying. We have been here many times and it looks like they have over built. Many empty theatres and we did not see any big names.
We have two days of driving with no sightseeing. We will be at the Corn Palace on Saturday. Until then we will just go with the flow.
Peace to all our friends, Barbara
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Today has been very, very, hot. Our outdoor temperature gauge read 104 degrees. The day started very nice with a three mile round trip walk to the IHOP. That is 1.5 miles uphill and 1.5 miles downhill. We had a wonderful breakfast with more calories than we burned up. The area is on the outskirts of Brandon so we avoided all the glitz and crowds---saving that for tomorrow. We stopped by a little shop looking for postcards. The lady was very nice, complimented the blouse I was wearing, asked us where we were from. I thought 'what a friendly person'. We noticed a sign for tickets and we joking asked "can we buy tickets from you without having to buy a time share". She told us that people always ask that and that is why they started selling tickets. She went on and on about how terrible the timeshares were and how frustrated people get. So we tried to buy two tickets for a show. She started looking up the show and then...by the way....there is a short presentation about a new concept....how long will you be here....Chris walked out the door leaving me behind with the woman that would not let me go. She went from southern sweet to a feeding frenzy in less than a minute. I just kept easing my way to the door with her offering me $150 and discount tickets. This place is were we got started in our timeshare, on though we use it, I am done purchasing. We did escape this time.
We were not able to sit outside at all the rest of the day due to the heat. I have been working on setting up our computer. The new windows 8 or 8.1 on a touch screen is driving me crazy. nothing works the same as a normal computer.
We went for a walk after dinner and were going to take some pictures but I stepped on a rock the wrong way and fell to the ground. I was lucky enough to catch all of my weight on my knees and my hands. Going down all I could think of was my friend Mille who fell while walking. I kept my head up and only my nose touched the ground. My knee is in pain but no permanent damage. Of course, I fell on the path next to some people standing outside off there MH. I acted like everything was ok and continued our walk. Cut it short at one mile.
We have big plans for tomorrow. We will go to a show at 10:00 am. Yes, you read that correctly. We will see the Celtic Men and Women. They are only here for two weeks. They are not listed on any show advertisements but we saw a sign on the way to breakfast. We both want to see them so that is good. Then we will go to lunch at the Olive Garden, compliments of Ruth who gave us a gift card at Chris' retirement lunch. After lunch I will do laundry while Chris goes to the military museum. Busy Day! Hopefully we will get some pictures. I asked Chris why he did not take a picture of me on the trail when I fell?
BTY we have found the cheapest gas ever....$3.05 unbelievable.
Peace to my friends, Barbara
We were not able to sit outside at all the rest of the day due to the heat. I have been working on setting up our computer. The new windows 8 or 8.1 on a touch screen is driving me crazy. nothing works the same as a normal computer.
We went for a walk after dinner and were going to take some pictures but I stepped on a rock the wrong way and fell to the ground. I was lucky enough to catch all of my weight on my knees and my hands. Going down all I could think of was my friend Mille who fell while walking. I kept my head up and only my nose touched the ground. My knee is in pain but no permanent damage. Of course, I fell on the path next to some people standing outside off there MH. I acted like everything was ok and continued our walk. Cut it short at one mile.
We have big plans for tomorrow. We will go to a show at 10:00 am. Yes, you read that correctly. We will see the Celtic Men and Women. They are only here for two weeks. They are not listed on any show advertisements but we saw a sign on the way to breakfast. We both want to see them so that is good. Then we will go to lunch at the Olive Garden, compliments of Ruth who gave us a gift card at Chris' retirement lunch. After lunch I will do laundry while Chris goes to the military museum. Busy Day! Hopefully we will get some pictures. I asked Chris why he did not take a picture of me on the trail when I fell?
BTY we have found the cheapest gas ever....$3.05 unbelievable.
Peace to my friends, Barbara
Monday, August 18, 2014
Monday
Today's journey was only 220 miles. We are in Branson, Missouri. Why Branson? We have a timeshare perk that allows us to camp for ten dollars a night with sewer and electric. Quite a bargain! It said it was one mile from restaurants and shows, and since we travel without a car, being close enough to walk was a real plus. However, we are parked about a mile from the entrance to the park. We went for an hour walk tonight with the dogs, just to prepare for the walk to IHOP tomorrow morning.
It is beautiful here. Lots of hills and bigger hills. I had my first experience driving steep grades. I guess we are in training for the real thing next week. I talked chris into staying here three nights so that we could have some "vacation" activities. I think he is beginning to enjoy the journey. Tonight he forgot his phone when we went on our walk. That use to be a big deal.
No pictures today...we have not seen anything interesting until it was too late to stop the big rig. I saw a tiny house built in a round tree trunk. We should have stopped. Maybe tomorrow we will get some good pics.
Peace my friends, Barbara
Today's journey was only 220 miles. We are in Branson, Missouri. Why Branson? We have a timeshare perk that allows us to camp for ten dollars a night with sewer and electric. Quite a bargain! It said it was one mile from restaurants and shows, and since we travel without a car, being close enough to walk was a real plus. However, we are parked about a mile from the entrance to the park. We went for an hour walk tonight with the dogs, just to prepare for the walk to IHOP tomorrow morning.
It is beautiful here. Lots of hills and bigger hills. I had my first experience driving steep grades. I guess we are in training for the real thing next week. I talked chris into staying here three nights so that we could have some "vacation" activities. I think he is beginning to enjoy the journey. Tonight he forgot his phone when we went on our walk. That use to be a big deal.
No pictures today...we have not seen anything interesting until it was too late to stop the big rig. I saw a tiny house built in a round tree trunk. We should have stopped. Maybe tomorrow we will get some good pics.
Peace my friends, Barbara
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Sunday
Today is Sunday and a travel day. It has been a struggle to go to church each Sunday. First you have to find a church nearby and then you have to find a church with enough parking for the Rollin ACE. It is much easier to tap the snooze, roll over, and say it is too complicated. But we didn't. We got up, walked the dog, showered, got beautiful (me not Chris), unhooked the utilities and headed to a 9:30 service in Tupelo. It was in a residential neighborhood, lined with trees, and not much parking. We did find a library a block away that had room.
The service was good but the sermon was great and hit home. It was about keeping the Sabbath. He talked about God creating the world in 6 days and resting on the 7th, then the commandment--keep the sabbath. He reminded us of the days when nothing was open on a Sunday. But now our children have sporting events even practices on Sundays. The message to us was clear...we need to plan Sundays into our travels.
After church we headed to our next stop. We were starving and we were in the middle of nowhere. I got on my trusty trip-advisor to find a great place for lunch. There was a #1 restaurant just a few miles off the highway. Best southern food ever! We drove tree-lined roads (trees are not friendly to motorhomes) to a very small town square. Amazingly we found a place to park. Walked up to the restaurant to find it was closed. They were keeping the Sabbath. Ok God...I got the message.
Lunch was a ham sandwich in the Walmart parking lot. Then we headed to Pohattan, Arkansas to Lake Charles State Park. It s a beautiful park and we have a pad on the lake. The road here was narrow, winding, and no shoulder. Guess who happened to be driving. Chris asked if I wanted to trade drivers when we turned off the major highway but it was only a mile away and how hard could it be? Well, it was the longest mile I have ever driven. Next time we will trade.
It is very hard to post pictures on the blog. I have to work on that.
Peace my friends. Barbara
The service was good but the sermon was great and hit home. It was about keeping the Sabbath. He talked about God creating the world in 6 days and resting on the 7th, then the commandment--keep the sabbath. He reminded us of the days when nothing was open on a Sunday. But now our children have sporting events even practices on Sundays. The message to us was clear...we need to plan Sundays into our travels.
After church we headed to our next stop. We were starving and we were in the middle of nowhere. I got on my trusty trip-advisor to find a great place for lunch. There was a #1 restaurant just a few miles off the highway. Best southern food ever! We drove tree-lined roads (trees are not friendly to motorhomes) to a very small town square. Amazingly we found a place to park. Walked up to the restaurant to find it was closed. They were keeping the Sabbath. Ok God...I got the message.
Lunch was a ham sandwich in the Walmart parking lot. Then we headed to Pohattan, Arkansas to Lake Charles State Park. It s a beautiful park and we have a pad on the lake. The road here was narrow, winding, and no shoulder. Guess who happened to be driving. Chris asked if I wanted to trade drivers when we turned off the major highway but it was only a mile away and how hard could it be? Well, it was the longest mile I have ever driven. Next time we will trade.
It is very hard to post pictures on the blog. I have to work on that.
Peace my friends. Barbara
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Then I vacuumed and made dinner and did the dishes. I am beginning to rethink this retirement. I have cooked more in the last two weeks than in the last two years. Don't call me Suzy Homemaker...just call me Cinderella.
The Journey Has Started
Friday and Saturday
We left Gulf Shores headed for Birmingham to drop off Chris' airplane trailer at a storage facility. Driving through the town pulling a trailer was not fun. The GPS took us through the most scenic route. We dropped off the trailer about 4:00 but needed another hour to fill out the paperwork. By the time we finished we were ready to rest but there were no decent campgrounds around. We decided to drive to Tupelo, Mississippi. Pulled into a nice place about 10:00. It is so peaceful here. Lots of trees and shade. Chris had wanted us to drive 300 everyday but last night changed his mind. We will stay here two nights. I think he is beginning to see that we have plenty of time to enjoy the journey.
We left Gulf Shores headed for Birmingham to drop off Chris' airplane trailer at a storage facility. Driving through the town pulling a trailer was not fun. The GPS took us through the most scenic route. We dropped off the trailer about 4:00 but needed another hour to fill out the paperwork. By the time we finished we were ready to rest but there were no decent campgrounds around. We decided to drive to Tupelo, Mississippi. Pulled into a nice place about 10:00. It is so peaceful here. Lots of trees and shade. Chris had wanted us to drive 300 everyday but last night changed his mind. We will stay here two nights. I think he is beginning to see that we have plenty of time to enjoy the journey.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Last day in Jacksonville
Well I wondered how long it would last....Chris on retirement. He was bored all day. I gave him a few household tasks but that did not last long. I was busy trying to update iTunes but he had nothing to do. Finally he took the laundry over and did two loads. It has only been a week. What is he going to do in retirement?
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