Well, bless my soul, I haven't blogged since Sunday.  We are in South Carolina and I am starting to adopt those southern sayings.  We are in lovely weather, sorry to all you northerners who are in the cold.  Jack picked a perfect spot to spend the week.  We are halfway between Savannah and Charleston.  We spent Tuesday in Charleston and what a great city.  We took a walking tour and had a wonderful guide.  Very informative but also very personable.  We had a small group, just 6 of us and that made things easy and fun.  The historic district is full of homes and businesses that have been preserved.  We saw homes, businesses, churches and museums and our brains were exploding with info when we finished the tour.  Jack and I then walked some more and found a nice place to have an early dinner.  Was a full day.  We left around 10 and got home after 7. 
Wednesday we decided that laundry was our first priority.  It took us quite awhile cause there were only 3 washers and we had lots and lots of dirty clothes.  After that we needed to find a grocery store.  That wasn't as easy as we thought it would be.  We decided that we would go to Beaufort and so off we went.  22 miles later we found a Piggly Wiggly and did our shopping. Then we drove around a little and found that the town of Beaufort is a nice little city with some beautiful homes and a nice street of stores so we are going back there this week. 
Today was Savannah, GA and I loved it!!!!  Jack too!! What a beautiful city.  No big skyscrapers and a wonderful Historic Society that has done a wonderful job saving the homes and businesses from as far back as 1706.  We took a tour that we could get on and off so we could explore the area and so we did.  We went to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Jack has pictures he will post for you all to see. Then back on the trolley to the City Market, an area of small business stores in the old buildings that have been preserved.  We walked to the river district from there and went in and out of the stores located in the old warehouses where the cotton brokers worked.  There were cobble stone streets and walkways where the cotton brokers looked down at the wagons of cotton and set the prices for the world.  We left our home around 10 and got back at 5 again today.  I urge you all to put Savannah on your bucket list.  We have some great pictures of the houses, haunted and not.  We also went to lunch at the Distillery, a craft beer restaurant.  We picked this place because our friend Ken Deshong designed and built the back bar and we wanted to see.  He is a master craftsman and all I can say is WOW!  You will also see it when Jack posts the pictures.  Also the food was real good.  I had crab bites and Jack had Ham Hocks.  This is a fun fun town.
Well tomorrow we are headed back to Beaufort for the afternoon and then on Saturday we will be heading to Hilton Head.  Will keep you posted

Happy Sunday,
Today is the 1st of December and the last day we will be in Asheville, NC.  We have had a wonderful time here.  One of the most beautiful areas of the country.  I have always liked the Blue Ridge area.  We have enjoyed this visit and will probably come back some day.  Would love to see it in the late spring or in the fall. 
We spent all day Friday at the Biltmore Estate.  It is beautiful.  We arrived at the ticket office around 10:30 and got our tickets.  We had 11:45 reservations and so had time to wander around the ticket office.  It was decorated for Christmas and had some lovely views.  We then watched a short movie about the Vanderbilts and the Biltmore and then drove 3 miles up to the parking lots.  We got a good spot and caught the shuttle bus to the mansion.  We walked around outside and Jack took some pictures and then we hit the restrooms (of course) and got in line for our tour.  We rented headsets inside and that was the best $10. we spent.  The tour took a good 2 and a half hours and very informative.  The rooms are just amazing and the decorations took my breath away.  Jack took some pictures but not sure if he was supposed to but we did anyway.  After the tour we had some lunch which turned out to be our dinner also and then walked around the shops.  We then got our car and drove to the Antler Hill Village and Winery.  We walked around the shops there and stopped for some home made ice cream.  It was wonderful and the reason that lunch became dinner also.  I couldn't finish mine so Jack had his and the rest of mine.  We passed up the tour of the working farm and headed to the winery.  Toured the winery but passed up the wine tasting.  The lines were long and I found out in the gift shop that you can taste any wine you are interested in buying.  I could have spent a lot of money in there and have thought of going back a few times but resisted.  After getting some wine we headed home for the night.
Saturday brought another beautiful day so we headed into Asheville's downtown area and walked around there.  We covered quite a few blocks and some wonderful shops.  Very crafty area and lots to see.  We had a lovely lunch in the Grove Arcade and then walked around the shops in that area.  Headed home around three and relaxed.
Today was a rest day as we are leaving in the morning for Yemassee, SC.  We will be there for a week and will be visiting Charleston, SC, Savannah GA and Hilton Head.  Will keep you posted.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and that you all are looking forward to Christmas. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
Today I am most thankful for Jack, Erin, Scott and the rest of my wonderful family.  I am also thankful that it is no longer snowing and we were able to get to Asheville, NC.  A day late but we are here. 
We drove right into the great Thanksgiving week storm.  Rained from Winchester, VA to Max Meadows, VA on Tuesday.  Then the temperature dropped, and I mean dropped, and the snow started.  We decided that we would stay an extra day in Max Meadows and we were so glad we did.  It snowed all day but not much accumulation but the temperature kept dropping and then the winds started.  I think we had 40 to 50 mile an hour gusts.  I thought the roof was going to come off the motor home.  We survived and were glad we were parked!!! Today was cold but clear and no wind.  Was a beautiful drive to Asheville and we arrived without any drama.  We got situated and decided that we would go to Cracker Barrel for dinner.  Silly me, I thought there wouldn't be many people eating out.  Boy was I wrong.  We had an hour and 10 minute wait.  But really the food was good and you couldn't beat the price.  Thanks to Barbara and Chris for the gift card. 
Tomorrow the plan is to go to the Biltmore Estate and after we tour I am going to visit the shops. 
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember only 27 days til Christmas.  Check back tomorrow or Sunday for an update on Asheville.

Hi everyone,
We are back on the road heading south.  We left New Jersey this morning and are spending our first night in Winchester VA.  We will be in Asheville, NC on Wednesday and plan to spend the weekend there.  Today was a great day to travel.  It was cold but the sun was out and there was no wind.  We are hoping for that tomorrow but the weather has something else in mind for us.  Hopefully the snow and ice will be gone early. 
I will be blogging more frequently than I did in September.  We really did a fast trip across the country and didn't stop to smell to roses or really the corn cause that is what we saw!!!

We had a great visit with family in New Jersey.  We didn't do much but was a great visit.  Stayed with Dotsie and there is no way to say thanks for putting up with us.  Love you all and will be back.  We had really good weather for the most part but boy did winter come to NJ on Saturday.  Even saw snow for a few minutes and that was long enough. 

Follow us as we celebrate the holidays in our RV.  Erin, I will be on the other end of the phone if you need help with your holiday dinner.  Exciting for you to have your first holiday dinner in your new home.  Wish we were there but we will be thinking of you.  Make lots of good memories and traditions.

Hi everyone, we are spending some time with our family in New Jersey.  Jack has also taken on a home improvement project.  He took the rug and flooring out of the motor home and is replacing it with a sycamore plank floor (vinyl).  Of course, as with everything we have ever done to our homes this was more difficult than we thought it would be.  Finally got all the staples out of the floor.  Thank you Michael for your help with that.  Now Jack is working on getting what is left of the flooring out.  It was glued down and the backing is stuck.  Will keep you all informed how this goes. 
Hoping to head south in November.  Not sure what stops we will make but will keep everyone informed.

Hi all,
Guess I haven't been real good at blogging this trip.  We had a wonderful visit with my cousins Dan and Pat.  Beautiful night in their lovely backyard.  Talked and talked and as you all know Jack and I can talk.  We had Chicago Pizza and marguaritas.  Next morning we left and headed towards Indiana. Spent the night there and then pressed on to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  Great campsite with some really nice people.  We spent all day Monday at the Air Force Museum.  We planned to do two days there but with the government shutdown looming we decided to do as much as we could in one day.  We were exhausted when we got home but it was well worth it.  I enjoyed it but Jack loved it!!!  There are plans to go back again.  Heading to NJ now and will let you know when we are there and settled.  Probably be back on the roads in November.  Keep you posted.

We are outside of Iowa City, Iowa for the night.  Very windy today and of course it was a crosswind so Jack had to really work on the driving.  That's two days in a row, hopefully tomorrow will be calm.  We are heading to Chicago area tomorrow and dinner with Dan and Pat.
Iowa is not flat.  It is rolling hills and corn, and more corn and then some more corn with an occasional soybean field thrown in to keep us from being bored.  Real agriculture area.
We did meet a couple from Sweet Home, OR today at one of the rest areas on 80.  They are heading to New York State to see the changing leaves.  We will see them in New Jersey probably in another week or so.  No firm date yet. 
Well not much else to say.  Will write more after our family visit. 

Nebraska  IT IS FLAT!!!  That was a direct quote from Jack, of course, I added the embellishment.  It is really flat after coming from Wyoming.  What a difference a state makes. Nebraska is really agriculture, lots and lots of corn.  We really came through some areas of flooding.  The South Platte is rising due to the flooding in Colorado and the ground around the river was really wet. 
Jack and I are seeing states that we will probably not see ever again.  We will be in Iowa today and then on to Illinois.  Looking forward to Illinois, spending Friday evening with Dan and Pat (my cousins to those of you who don't know). 
Really not much to write about.  Very few pictures so not sure when Jack will post.  I will try to write some more tonight after we get almost through Iowa.  Bye for now.

We are in Cheyenne Wyoming.  We should be in Nebraska tonight but the weather was so bad this morning that we decided to wait a day.  It was raining all night and up to around 11 today but the wind was sooooo bad.  It is still windy but does feel like it has died down. 
All the way across Wyoming I was trying to think of a way to describe what I was seeing and I just can't explain the vastness.  You look out and you see for miles and miles.  On the western side of Wyoming it is big big rocks and brown and then you drive for miles and it is brown but you are climbing and climbing.  You feel like you are on the top of the world and then you start down on the eastern side of the road its green and small rocks.  It is an amazing state and the people are very friendly.  We decided that we would have a big steak for our dinner in Cheyenne and we did.  Wow was that steak good.  Saturday we drove down to Fort Collins and visited our friends there.  Had a great weekend and got back to Cheyenne before the storms started.  The RV park has a restaurant and we got ribs for dinner last night.  This has been a great weekend, I haven't had to cook.  Tomorrow is coming and back to cooking.  We are hoping to be in Illinois on Friday.  Hoping to have dinner with my cousins Dan and Pat.  All is determined by weather on this trip. 
Jack is going to post our pictures tonight.  We have a bunch!

Well the Shellers are in Wyoming.  We had a good day weather wise but some cross winds in some of the valley's in Idaho and Utah.  Hopefully tomorrow the wind will be at our backs. 
We stopped for lunch and a little diner off the highway in Trementon UT.  Jack had a hot pork sandwich with mashed potatoes and stuffing all for 5.95.  I had a cheeseburger.  Friendly people and we knew the food was going to be good cause it was mostly locals.  Not much to see.  Lots of farmland and mountains.  Did see a small herd of Pronghorn Antelope.  Of course, the camera wasn't ready so no pictures.  I did get some really good shots of the rocks and their formations today.  Jack will cull through them for the good ones and publish them one of these days.
I did decide that I can't blog to early because I forget things. Yesterday I forgot to tell you the two most important things that we saw.  Well really three things.  First we saw a bunch of people ready to ride the range and I saw another cowboy!!!  The third thing we saw was a cattle drive.  Think they were only moving them from one field to another but they were in the road along side us.  Again the camera was sitting in its traveling home right next to me. 
Really enjoying this trip so far.  We have had good weather and seen some beautiful country.  None of which I want to live in permanently.  We have met some nice people in the RV parks and will keep you up on that side of our trip.

Just a quick update today.  We are now in Wendell Idaho.  Quiet ride with good weather.  Hoping the weather holds for the next phase of this trip.  We were having a hard time remembering the ride from last year when we went through here on our way to Colorado and we kept saying nothing looked familiar and then all of a sudden we saw something that we remembered.  Thank God, we were really worried about our brains.  Well we are expecting a storm so I am going to cut this short and really there isn't much to tell you about.  We are back in high desert and there is a lot of brown.  Some is really beautiful and some is boring.  Well, see you all tomorrow from Wyoming.  We go through Utah and then hit Wyoming!!!

We are on the road again

I wasn't very good at keeping up our blog while we were in Oregon.  Sorry.  We had a great visit.  Spent a lot of time with Erin and Scott and got to see our friends Pam and Doug and Diane and Jim.  We kept very busy and Jack got the chance to do a couple of little things at Erin and Scott's house.  We spent a day and a half with family in Washington.  Hadn't seen Ann for years so it was wonderful to see her and meet her family.  Throw in Sis and Kenny and it was just fantastic.  Ann and family live on Camano Island and the house is gorgeous and the view is to die for!!!!  Not exaggerating one bit.
Well we planned a wonderful trip east.  We were going to Colorado and then across 70 through Kansas and Missouri etc.  Well that got changed.  We are going to try to see Kathy in Colorado but probably just for a day and we will leave the motor home in Wyoming and drive down.  That is still up in the air.  We want to see how the clean up goes and if the weather cooperates.  We feel that Colorado has enough to take care of they don't need us.  We will make our final decision about the quick visit probably tomorrow.  Will be watching the news.
We had a beautiful ride across I-84 and are spending tonight in La Grande, Oregon.  The highway was smooth and the weather was fantastic.  Had a tail wind all along the Columbia River.  Wait until you see Jack's pictures of the valley between Pendleton and La Grande.  We were up about 4600 feet and pulled into the view area just to get this shot.  WOW.
Tomorrow we head into Idaho and are staying in Wendell, ID then on to Utah and Wyoming the next day.  Will keep you posted.  I PROMISE!

Hi everyone!  I know it has been a week since I blogged.  Sorry, just needed to get settled before I fill you in on our week.  We went to Rebecca's Farm last Friday in Kalispell, MT to watch the equestrian events.  It was a nice day.  We walked around and watched the dressage and then walked over and watched part of the cross country and steeple chase events.  The horses and riders were like a ballet.  They moved together beautifully, I only wish I understood what I was watching,  It was a nice day for us and we ran some errands on the way home.  Saturday was a clean up day and laundry day and then we went to the distillery and did a little tasting.  Very little as I don't really like whiskey but it was fun.  We bought Erin and Scott some whiskey and then went back to the motor home and had dinner and got started on cleaning up to pull out on Sunday. 
Sunday we were on the road by 9 and headed for Portland.  First stop of Coeur d'Alene, ID.  That was an interesting stop.  Really was the worst place we stayed in this whole adventure.  We set up, locked the door and stayed inside the rest of the day.  Left there early Monday morning and headed for our next stop.  This one made up for Coeur d'Aleen.  We stopped at the Umitilla, OR RV and Marine Park.  We were right on the river and had a beautiful park and a view of the river.   We took a walk and talked to one of the fishermen and then Jack was able to pull out one of his airplanes and fly for awhile and I sat outside and read.  Very relaxing.  Left the next day (Tuesday) and headed for Portland.  We are staying at the Pheasant Ridge RV Resort in Wilsonville, OR and this is a great place to put down roots for 6 weeks.  We went to see Erin at John Barleycorn's Tuesday night and Wednesday we went to the house.  Scott and Erin have done a great job on the house and have some good plans for the future.  We have also seen our friends in Albany and hope to be able to spend some more quality time with them.  Heading to the house today and the list they have compiled for Jack. 
Will try to update you all every week so we don't get out practice blogging.  I think Jack even has some pictures to post this week.  Talk soon.

It is Friday and I have lots to tell you.  Needed to take a day as my brain got fried on our wonderful trip on the "Red Bus". They are buses originally built in the 1930's and rebuilt in the late 1990's to keep them running and get safety updates. Before I get to that, I want to tell you about our trip to Whitefish.  Real nice town that is a year round resort.  Winter for skiing and summer for Glacier.  We walked around and looked at the historic buildings and visited a few gift shops.  Don't think you will see very many pictures from here but don't worry there are pictures from our next days trip.  We spent a nice afternoon and came back to the campsite to get ready for our next trip.  Wednesday morning we got up and got dressed and out before 8.  Had to meet the bus at the KOA campsite up the road from us.  We met some of our fellow travelers and boarded the bus.  We started out the road and as we got to the main road our driver spotted a bear.  It was 10 feet from our bus and it stood up to sharpen its claws on a tree.  Before anyone could get out their cameras the bear took off running away.  That sure jump started our day.  We picked up our fellow travelers and got on the way.  We were so excited.  Opened the top of the bus and put blankets over us to keep warm.  We used these same blankets later in the day to allow us to sit on the leather seats without burning our butts!!!  I honestly cannot describe the views we saw and the pictures just pale in comparison to the real thing.  This is a beautiful park.  What you see is nature in all its glory.  Something that should not be missed.  We also saw Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Goats along the way.  No more bears on the way over to the east side of the park crossing the Continental Divide.  We had a lovely lunch in the Many Glacier Lodge and then went outside to walk around for awhile.  Everyone was looking up on the mountain and there was a Grizzly Bear walking around.  We watched that for awhile and then we had to get in our bus and start the ride back.  Believe me by this time it was at least 90 degrees outside.  As we left the area we were on the lookout for the bear we saw but no luck.  We went around 10 miles and there was another bear.  Was a great day.  We saw 3 bears, one black bear and 2 grizzlies.  We stopped at one other place to see if we could spot a mountain goat and low and behold there he was right next to us.  You will see how close from Jack's pics.  No telephoto lens on these pictures.  We got back to the campsite around 6 p.m.  Long, long day but so worth the trip.  Yesterday was a real down day.  Did take a ride to Kalispell to find a Home Depot for a part Jack needed and then walked around the Costco but we were only gone about an hour or so.  Just a lazy lazy day.  Today we are going back to Kalispell to an Equestrian Event that is held there.  It is a qualifier for the Olympics.  Will let you know what it is like.  We leave here on Sunday and start out trek to Portland and a long stay. 

Hi everyone,
Thought I would fill you all in on our great adventure at Glacier National Park.  We spent Saturday doing laundry and then took a ride.  We decided we were taking some down time.  Sunday we cleaned, that takes about 30 minutes start to finish then we lazed around some more cause we had to laze around and work up the ambition to clean for 30 minutes.  We were then ready to go to Glacier National Park.  We entered at West Glacier and stopped at Apgar and looked around a bit.  Talked to the rangers in the information center and then went in the gift shops for a bit.  After that we took a ride up to Lake  McDonald Lodge.  Walked around and looked at the lodge and its property then watched the boats for a short while.  Drove back and tried to find a place to eat.  That didn't work out to well for us.  We didn't want burgers but since it was only around 3 p.m. nothing was open for dinner.  Ended up coming back to the campsite and getting a snack then heading back out around 6 for dinner.  Let me tell you that the views around here are magnificent but the food, not so great.  I should have just cooked instead of wasting our money.  Oh well, live and learn.  Today we went back to Lake McDonald Lodge to take the lake boat tour.  Was wonderful.  The lake was smooth as glass and the ranger on the boat was quite informative.  The ride was an hour and that was plenty as there was no shade.  I don't think I would have lasted where we were sitting for much more than an hour.  We booked our Red Bus Tour (Jammers) for Wednesday.  We will be gone for the entire day starting at 8 a.m. This tour takes us on the Road to the Sun and all the way to Many Glacier Hotel.  Be prepared for lots of pictures. 
Not sure what tomorrow will bring.  Jack is talking about taking a ride to Whitefish.  Will let you know. 
Talk more later.

This is me writing to you from 5 miles outside of Glacier National Park!  We arrived this afternoon and have been sitting outside soaking up the beauty of the mountains and the sky.  I am sure Jack will be outside checking out the stars tonight.  They should be magnificent.  We did see them in Rapid City and that was with a small city close.  There are no cities either big or small out here to hinder our view.  Me not so much to go out in the dark when I can't see what might be on the ground but can't let Jack think I'm chicken (though I really am).  We are thinking of taking a small hike or as Erin said a leisurely walk around some woods and lakes to see some waterfalls.  Her next comment was Sheller's don't hike.  She is right but gotta grad adventure by the horns.  Be sure to check back and see how much I liked adventure after the hike.  It's 1.5 miles round trip.  How bad could that be. 
We are going to take a boat ride on one of the lakes.  Haven't got that figured out and also haven't figured out which tour in the red bus we are taking.  We are looking at two that are quite extensive and that way Jack can enjoy the scenery instead of driving. 
We are here until the morning of the 28th and then going to Portland.  Told Erin we would be there for Tuesday night dinner.
Check back for our Glacier adventures.

Here it is Thursday and you guys have no idea what we have been doing or where we are.  Sunday was a rest (?) day.  Of course, we needed to run errands and go to the store for some basics.  That took a while because we didn't know where anything was and our campsite was in a town with a population of 623 so no real grocery store or hardware store.  Oh well, this is the wide open west!  Mission accomplished but of course what should have been 2 hours became 4-5 hours.  Monday was Deadwood and we had a ball.  This is the greatest old west town unfortunately all the shows like the shoot-outs and hangings aren't done on Mondays but we had a good time anyway.  We got a little lost on the way home cause we stopped at a strip mall to look for something and then we went around the corner and in the west that is a long way and ended up going the wrong way.  Oh well, what's one more adventure.  Tuesday was travel day and we went from Rapid City, SD to Sheridan, Wy.  Long day on the road but was amazing to see that part of Wyoming.  Last year we saw the west and south parts.  Way different.  Wednesday was a travel day and brought us to Bozeman, Montana.  I was so excited right after we got into Montana I saw my first real cowboy.  Was looking at the scenery and of course I didn't have the camera in my hands when I saw some cattle around what looked like a watering bin with a truck and then I looked close and there was a horse with a rider on it and he had a cowboy hat on!!!  I was so excited.  Today was another road day and we got to Missoula Montana.  Tomorrow we head north for about 130 miles to Glacier National Park.  We have a campsite in Coram Montana about 5 miles from the West Entrance!  We were having a time finding a place but after about 6 phone calls Jack hit gold.  Hope the place lives up to its website.  We are going to be in Coram from the 19th until the morning of the 28th.  Heading to Portland then for a long visit. 

We are having the best adventure in South Dakota.  I would advise anyone to come here for a vacation.  There is so much to see and do.  We will be sad to leave here on Tuesday.
We took Thursday off and did the laundry, cleaning and grocery store chores and then just chilled.  Friday was wonderful.  We went to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  We left around 10 a.m. and took Rte. 36 to Iron Mountain Road.  When we turned on Iron Mountain Road we saw signs that told us to remember that buffalo were wild animals.  We chuckled and watched for a sighting.  This is a winding, hilly road and all of a sudden we saw a buffalo on our left, then we looked to our right and saw some more buffalo and then they were crossing the road in front of us.  We stopped the car and watched an entire herd of buffalo cross the road.  There must have been over 200 buffalo and you don't try to hurry them up.  They move at their own speed and change direction whenever they want.  We just waited until we had a chance to slowly move up the road.  We followed them for awhile until they got to the open field where they wanted to graze.  What a wonderful sight.  There were calves, cows and bulls and it was all in the wild!  The road continued its winding, at one point we were going under the bridge we had just gone over and then we looked over and could see Mt. Rushmore.  We stopped for pictures and then back on the road again.  Got to a short tunnel and framed in the opening of the tunnel was Mt. Rushmore.  Not once but at all the tunnels.  I think there were 3.  Mt. Rushmore is everything you think it will be multiplied.  Amazing, just amazing.  We were there for about 2-3 hours and then left to find Crazy Horse.  We got there and that was also amazing.  The carving isn't complete but you can see his face.  If you look carefully you can see the scaffolding on the mountain where they are still working.  There is an Indian Museum attached and when we got there we were able to see Native dancing.  Both Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse have movies to explain the story behind both monuments.  Today was a fun day.  We drove to Hill City and took the train to Keystone and back.  This is an 1880 steam train that runs through Black Hills National Forest.  Fun day and cute little towns.  Came home and sat outside for awhile and then had dinner.  After dinner we took our usual walk around the park and met some nice people from New Jersey.  Jack had spoken to them the other day and found out that they were from Tabernacle NJ which for those of you who don't know is two towns over from my family.  Small world.  We sat and talked with them for a good hour and a half.  Really nice evening.  Well that's all for today but I promise to write more soon. Check out all our pictures from these days.  Jack put them all out there for you to see.

Hi Guys, have a few observations for you all.  First, I would love to meet one of the pioneers who left their homes and decided to homestead in South Dakota.  It is a beautiful state but there is nothing much out here.  The ranches are huge and far between.  You have to be a very independent person to live on the farms and ranches.  I told Jack today that to live out here you have to be able to entertain yourselves.  The other observation is that I think all the people from Florida come north for the summer.  Must be every 3rd car and camper has Florida tags.  The other observation is corn, corn and more corn.
We went to the Badlands and Wall, SD today.  The Badlands are amazing.  Saw prairie dogs and bison while we drove through the National Park.  Jack will post some of the millions of pics we took.  I don't think there is anyway I can explain it to you.  You have to see it.  We left here around 10 this morning and we got back around 6:30.  After the Badlands we drove to Wall, SD and the Wall Drug Store.  Known as The Free Ice Water Store and has been there since 1931.  It is huge and they say it draws up to 20,000 people a day in the summer.  It was sooo crowded.  We walked around for an hour and bought 2 post cards and a sticker for the back of the motor home.  Then we went across the street and had dinner and saved room for homemade ice cream and then headed home.  We got home to hail on the ground.  Just missed the storm.  Right now it is 7:30 and 79 degrees outside and supposed to be 92 tomorrow.  Oh boy, tomorrow is rest day and then we go to Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood and a ride on the steam train.  We have to plot our next phase.  Going to leave here Tuesday and head to Montana and the Glacier National Park.  Check in again soon for next update.  Gonna go chill now.

Two great days!!  Yesterday we went to the Mall of America and it was amazing.  Holy cow, it is so big.  Jack and I walked and walked and walked and shopped and shopped and shopped and then we ate.  You will see in the pictures the amusement park in the middle of the mall and there is Macys, Nordstrom, Sears and a Radisson hotel.   I thought there was an ice skating rink but I couldn't find it.  I think there was an aquarium in the basement.  Amazing place.  Hadn't shopped for a long time and we just decided to have some fun.  Today we left Minnesota and drove to Mitchell, South Dakota.  Let me tell you first about that ride.  Beautiful countryside but I saw more corn than you can imagine.  All the way from Minnieapolis-St. Paul to Mitchell, South Dakota.  There are just fields of corn for as far as you can see.  We took a more scenic route through most of Minnesota today and that was neat.  The roads were pretty good and most of state roads are better than the interstates. 
We got here around 3 and went to The World's Only Corn Palace.  It is an amazing site.  The murals outside are made entirely of corn and they are changed every year.  They call it "Corn-By-Number" decorating.  All summer long you can watch the redecorating.  This is a pretty neat town.  Once a year they have a Corn Palace Festival. 
Tomorrow we leave for Hermosa, SD and the Badlands, Deadwood, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore.  We will be there for a week and I will keep you updated on our activities.  Hope all had a Happy 4th weekend.

July 7

WOW!  We had a great 4th of July in St Ignace.  Went down to town to a free concert.  Was great.  Two school teachers from Maine that obviously perform all the time.  Real blues singers and they were fantastic.  One of them could play 4 or 5 instruments and the other had a great blues voice.  Was right on the dock from 7 - 8:30 p.m. and then we ran across the street to the pub to have a late dinner with a drink. After we went back over to the dock and waited for the fireworks.  We waited and waited and waited ant watched the fireworks over on Mackinac Island and still we waited for St. Ignace to begin theirs.  Finally at 10:30 they started and they were really quite nice.  We got home around 11:15 and that is very late for us.  Next day we packed up and left St. Ignace vowing to return some day (summer only).   The drive to Wisconsin was along the coast of Lake Michigan and then we turned west in Wisconsin.  We stayed the night at an Indian Casino.  Who knew that a lot of them have RV parks.  Was a good night.  Only charged 28.00 for the night and gave us a 10.00 credit to gamble.  We signed up for the Star card and each got 10.00 more to gamble.  Had a pizza and then gambled some.  I of course lost the 20.00 I had and another 30.00 but Jack won so we figure we are still up around 40.00.  Today we drove into Minnesota and are staying in Savage, MN at a nice camp site.  We are headed to the Mall of America tomorrow.  Today we both went and got our hair cut and did a little grocery shopping.  Hope you all had as nice a 4th of July as we did.  Stay tuned for our next adventure.

Wednesday

So now I know why you should blog everyday.  Just read the last two blogs and realized that I wrote the same thing in both.  Oh Well!!!
We are still here in St. Ignace, MI.  Sure do like it here in the summer.  Temps have been in the 70s and you need a sweater in the evening.  Really is like a shore town.  Monday we took the ferry over to Mackinac Island.  So beautiful.  No motorized vehicles permitted.  Lots of bicycles that you have to watch out for or else you will get run over.  We took a horse and buggy tour around the island and then spent some time in Fort Mackinac.  We don't have many pictures because someone (Jack) forgot the battery for the camera.  Took the ferry back and went to Casino for a little while.  Wanted to see how fast we could lose our money.  20 minutes and $60.00 later we left and went back into town and had dinner on the dock.  Tuesday was our relax and do some work around the motor home day.  I got to do laundry and straighten up a bit while Jack did some maintenance and fixed some odds and ends.  Really was a relaxing day.  We had  a lovely dinner last night.  It was "clean out the refrigerator" dinner so we had a little of this and a little of that.  Today we went to Tahquamenon Falls.  It was nice.  That's really all I can say about it.  We are sorry that we didn't go up to Sault Ste Marie and check out the town.  You can watch the ships go through the locks and then walk around the town and check out the shops.  Oh well, we enjoyed the falls.  Tonight we walked around the RV park and talked to some of our neighbors.  We have met some really nice people here.  I would come back here again.  Happy 4th of July to all. 

July 2, 2013

I am back!!!  I have really been remiss in posting the last week and a half and I apologize.  We left off in Ottawa I think!  Not really sure but I will pick up from there.  We left Ottawa and headed for Toronto with all kinds of plans to visit the city of Toronto and Niagara Falls.  Was a long day and we hit Toronto at rush hour and that was not fun.  Also, we had a small problem with one of our outside bins flopping open as we rode down the highway.  So here we are on the freeway going through Toronto at rush hour and this car signals us that one of our bins are open.  Still had a good 7 miles to go on the freeway.  We went along for awhile but I could see Jack worrying about the bin and finally he pulled over on the freeway.  Now I don't know how to explain this freeway but we were in the express lanes and there were 4 of them and then there was the not express lanes and there were two of them coming into the express lanes and that is just where we could find enough room to stop.  There went Jack out and around the front of the motor home (cause you know it couldn't be the bins on the passenger side that opened--no had to be on the driver's side) to fix the bin.  Got that done and then we had to cross two exit lanes of traffic to get back in the correct lane.  Believe me we were so glad to get to the campsite.  Both of us decided right then that we saw enough of Toronto.  Never went back.  The campsite was great, located in Milton Ontario.   Had some real down time  and was able to get my laundry done and of course, Jack got the bin fixed.  
We headed to Niagara Falls on Tuesday the 25th of June.  AMAZING!!!  We rode the Maid of the Mist right up to the base of the falls.  OMG!!!!!  The noise and the water and the mist in your eyes and then you turn cause you want to be able to see and there are the falls right in front of you.  You look up and all this water is just pouring over the falls constantly.  We loved it.  I was so glad we took the boat ride.  Was a little intimidating when you looked at it from the park but was so worth it.  The Canada side is really beautiful.  Funny, when you come into town it looks like a real tourist haven but then you turn the corner and you are driving along the river and on the other side is this beautiful park that just makes the experience so much better.  Did a lot of walking from the parking lot to the boat but that was fun too.  After the ride we had lunch at a restaurant looking at the falls and when the wind blew you got wet from the mist.  Headed back home after that and hit a horrible rain storm.  Was glad to drive out of that.  Lots of winery's in that area.  My favorite name was the "Organized Crime Winery".  Wasn't fast enough on the way down to get a picture and thought I would on the way back but they only advertised on one side of the road.  Spent another day in Milton and then headed west on Thursday.  That was an interesting ride.  Started out on freeways and then 4 lane roads and then two lane roads.  That slowed us down a bit and can't say that the scenery was captivating.  Lots of trees for quite a while.  Finally had some interesting rocks.  In some places they blasted the road out and left the rocks in the middle as a divider.  There are some good pictures which you will see when Jack gets them loaded.  Back to two lane roads and construction.  We had to stop because they were blasting.  Trying to widen the road.  Would loved to have seen them blast but we just got caught in the traffic jam.  Stayed in a small RV park in  Sudbury Ontario that was located right on the lake on Thursday night.  Nice place with lots of Canadians arriving to celebrate Canada Day which is the 1st of July.  We were heading back to the USA on Friday and crossed the bridge and went through customs at Sault Ste. Marie.  That bridge will never have Jack Sheller on it again.  It was a two lane, very high bridge that separates Canada from US with Lake Superior on one side and Lake Huron on the other.  Got through customs and headed to St Ignace, Michigan.  Great little shore town in the Upper Peninsula.  Found a wonderful campsite and we were really lucky because there was a car show in town and most of the places were full.  We seem to be drawn to car shows.  Hyannis and now here.  Hmmh do you think it's a plot?  Spent Saturday afternoon looking at cars.  We are here until the 5th of July.  Gonna go into town and celebrate the 4th right here on the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.  As I type this I am looking out at Lake Michigan and enjoying the great weather we are having.  Has been in the 70's during the day and 50's at night since we got here.  I will pick this up tomorrow and fill you in on our days here then. 

WOW!  Hi all,
Sorry I am quite late in blogging all the good and not so good things we have been doing.  Spent 2 wonderful days exploring Ottawa.  What a great city.  We decided to purchase a 2 day pass on the bus tour that allows you on and off at all the stops.  Driving into the city on Saturday was a piece of cake (probably because Jack drove).  Was a straight shot from our camp site to the center of the city.  We found a parking garage and these darn nice Canadians don't charge on weekends.  Sure beats what we have been paying for parking.  We jumped on the double decker English style bus and of course it was rainy so we sat down stairs.  We had a great guide who was very informative. We decided to visit the Canadian Air Museum and jumped off the bus there.  We decided to give it 2 hours and went in to buy our tickets.  Those darn nice Canadians didn't charge Jack because he was a veteran.  Still free for him even though he was American.  We could learn something from these Canadians.  Enjoyed walking around and looking at all the airplanes.  Really had some neat old old planes there.  Jumped back on the bus after two hours and took the rest of the tour.  Next day we were back and this time we decided to stop at the Rideau Hall where the Governor General lives.  Also, this is where the Queen stays when she or her family visit.  Beautiful grounds and we had a wonderful young lady as our guide.  She gave us a lot of background on Canadian history and the workings of the government.  We were those Americans who knew nothing of the history of Canada.  After that tour we decided to stop at the Basilica of Notre Dame.  Yes there is one here also.  It is quite beautiful also.  Jack will publish pictures.  Then we jumped off at the ByWard Market which is an open air market that is open 7 days a week.  Was fun to walk around and see all the flowers and fruits and crafts.  Jack was able to get a new t-shirt from Canada.  We had lunch at the market in a lovely street side cafe and then walked back to catch the bus to finish the tour.  After the tour we walked over to look at the canal and the locks that they use to move the boats from the river to the canal and vice versa.  Was really hoping that there would be a boat but no luck.
The next morning we left for Toronto.  That was a long day, good 5 plus hour ride.  The ride was pleasant until we got to Toronto.  Lot's of traffic and we think their rush hour starts at 3.  Was very glad to get through there and set up in our new camp site.  This is a really nice complex.  Quite large and we took a walk last night and saw some Mississippi and Florida license plates. So not just Canadians here.  We have decided not to go to Toronto.  Just not anything we want to see there so today is relaxing day.  We were heading to Niagara Falls but raining on and off so decided to wait until tomorrow for that trip.  Laundry and maintenance on the motor home on the agenda today.  Will fill you in later on all that we accomplish.  Well just wanted to let you all know how much we liked Ottawa.  Have a good day and will talk more later. 

Short blog tonight.  Just wanted to let you know that we are now in Ottawa.  Was a great ride from Montreal to Ottawa.  Was neat because they just opened Canada Route 30 and we were riding along and the GPS kept telling us to get off this wonderful road.  Well Jack had also printed out directions and they said to stay on 30 so we did. He also knew the road had just opened in December 2012.  Here the GPS wasn't updated and as we rode along the road disappeared from the GPS.  We laughed and laughed.  Looked like we were driving over farm land and water at times.  Was like that for about 20 minutes and then after we went through the toll and headed to route 40 all of sudden the GPS started back up again.  That was our excitement for the day. 
We got to the camp ground around 2:30 and set up and then just chilled.  I sat outside with a book and Jack saw a field attached to the campsite so asked if he could fly his RC airplane.  That's how we spent our afternoon.  While we were in Massachussets we bought some fresh Haddock and Cod and tonight we had Haddock and ate outside.  Was really lovely.  Tomorrow we are off to Ottawa.  Will let you know all about it.

Bonjour!  We have arrived in Canada.  Easy ride up yesterday on decent roads and the scenery was great.  No problems going through customs except that we got in the truck lane and we should have gotten in the car lane.  Who knew,  well now we do.  The customs agent (I guess that's what they call them in Canada) was very polite and asked us our business in Canada and sent us on our way.  We thought they would want to look in the Motor Home and that we would be at the border for awhile but no longer than going through a toll lane without an easy pass!  The drive to the campsite was through some small towns and villages. Houses and yards were really well kept and seemed to be very tranquil.  Was fun to see road signs for snowmobile crossings.  Speaking of road signs, did I tell you about the ones we saw going to Burlington VT?  They were for Moose and Bear crossings.  I was watching but didn't see any.
Out campsite is really nice.  Includes a nice patio with table and chairs and a glider.  Also a bar-b-cue pit. Jack took pictures so watch for them.  Took a walk around and then had dinner and stayed in.  Beautiful in the day time but as soon as the sun goes in the temps drop.  We had all the windows opened until around 8 then we couldn't close them fast enough.
Today we ventured into Montreal.  It is only about 20 minutes from the campsite and it was really an easy trip.  We found a place to park and walked all over old town.  Beautiful!  Went to the Basilique Notre-Dame De Montreal.  It is just an amazing church.  I would love to go to Mass there but we won't be here on Sunday.  We took a 20 minute guided tour and learned a lot about the church and about Montreal itself.  This Basilique holds 10,000 people.  They also have a chapel behind the main part of the church where they hold daily Mass and you can be married there.  The guide said you can be married in the Basilique but it is very expensive and you would need a lot of guests.  He said 200-300 guests wouldn't even fill the front.  After that we walked around the town pass the Three Courthouses and went into the City Hall.  The architecture is amazing.  We then walked down to the water front and spent some time there.  We stumbled on the Place Saint-Jacques.  This is a fun street to walk.  Has plenty of restaurants and sidewalk vendors and cute little alleyways with artists and jewelry stores.  Was fun to look.  We had lunch at a sidewalk cafe and then walked around.  Left Montreal around 3 so we could avoid the rush hour and was home in 40 minutes. 
Have to say that we truly enjoyed out Montreal adventure and are looking forward to our next adventure in Ottawa.

Hi everyone,
Catching you up on our adventure.  We left Marshfield Massachusetts yesterday and headed to Burlington Vermont.  We were smart enough to take 495 around Boston and that made for a beautiful ride.  Must be absolutely beautiful when the leaves change colors. We arrived and set up with enough time to sit outside and enjoy nature.  Sun was out but a little chilly.  Today we did some laundry.  Yeah I know that's personal but if I have to do it you have to read about it.  Didn't take too long because I could use 4 washers and 4 dryers.  Now that you know all there is to know about my laundry I will tell you the good stuff.  After lunch we decided to ride around and head to Burlington VT.  We rode along Lake Champlain for awhile and oohed and ahhed then found the route into Burlington.  Went down to the dock area and walked on the boardwalk and sat in the sun.  What a lake.  Just goes on and on.  The boardwalk has benches and those wooden bench swings so that you can sit and watch the water.  Looked like a lot of people brought their lunches to enjoy the scenery.  We had a drink at a restaurant on the docks.  Just sat and watched the boats and the birds.  What a nice relaxing day.  Came home and sat outside again and just enjoyed the sun. 
We are heading to Canada tomorrow so might not be able to blog until we come back to US.  Depends on if we have WiFi at the campsite.  Have a wonderful day.
Mary and Jack

Two great days at the Cape with our friends.  Took the ferry over to Martha's Vineyard on Saturday.  What a great time we had.  The sky was blue, the sun was out and we saw the island.  Took a tour around Martha's Vineyard and saw the driveways of the famous.  The roads are small and twisty with bikers, walkers and mopeds and both Jack and Dick were happy that they didn't have to drive.  The island is quite beautiful and all the small towns have such charm.  It would be a neat place to spend a weekend but I wouldn't want to live there.  After the tour we walked around the little shops until we took the ferry back to Woodshole on the Cape.  Had dinner and then came on home.  I was out like a light as soon as I sat down.  Sun and sea air has always had that effect on me.  Today we met in Hyannis and enjoyed walking around and looking at the Father's Day car show.  There were some amazing cars there.  Went to the JFK Museum after a nice lunch and then said goodby to our friends.  They are leaving the Cape for Boston tomorrow and we are Vermont and Lake Champlain bound.  It was so nice to have some time with Dick and Kathy.  Been a whole year since we saw them and that was in the middle of their daughter, Kristy's wedding.  This time it was just us four. 
We also found the fresh fish store open this morning before we went out and so we now have some fish in our freezer to enjoy on our journey.  Got some clam chowder and lobster bisque too.  Eat your hearts out!
Good night all, talk to you from Vermont.
PS Jack posted some pictures of the Cape, Martha's Vineyard and our home.

Happy weekend everyone.  We had a great day yesterday with our friends Kathy and Dick.  We picked them up around 10:30 and spent the day in Provincetown (P-Town).  We had lobster rolls for lunch and then walked all around the town.  In and out of cute little stores.  Yes it rained but not hard enough to stop us.  When we finally decided we had enough we found a Portuguese Bakery and had Malasadas.  They were really good.  We then took the scenic route back to Yarmouth.  We stopped to take pictures of a lighthouse and walked over to look at the beach and ocean and there was a huge pod of seals.  They put on quite a show for us.  Of course, when we tried to take pictures they would go under the water.  Took a good 2 and a half hours to wind our way back to Kathy and Dick's hotel.  Of course, as soon as we got there we realized that it was dinner time and we decided to go have pizza and beer.  Was a great day.  We got back to our home before the heavy rains and winds came.  Woke up this morning to rain and winds but by 11:00 the sun started to come out.  Today was a beautiful day and we ran some errands and then came back and took a walk around the campground and met some neighbors.  We are surrounded by retirees who have decided, like us, to explore the country and live in a motor home.  Got some good information.  After our walk we just enjoyed the weather and sat outside.  Me with my book and Jack with his binoculars.  Was a lovely day.  Stay tuned as tomorrow we are going back to the Cape. 

Well, here it is Thursday, June 13th and I am just getting around to posting.  I need to get back on track and post every night.  We spent Tuesday in Boston walking the Freedom Trail and really enjoyed that.  Didn't enjoy the drive in and out of Boston - traffic is unreal and then we went through the tunnel from hell.  It has exits in it and the GPS doesn't work so I ask you, how are you supposed to know where you are??!!  We were there for most of the day.  No lobster that night.  We got home and defrosted some sausage and made spaghetti.  Then the rains came.  And believe me the rains came.  Holy cow!!  Good thing is we now know that the motor home is water proof.
Wednesday we went to Plymouth and met up with our dear friends, Kathy and Dick Freitas.  That was fun.  We went on a guided walk with a very good pilgram who was able to fill us in on just what happened when the Mayflower landed.  We were so excited to see Kathy and Dick and we are planning on meeting them today and doing some exploring on Cape Cod.
Last night was lobster.  Stopped on our way home from Plymouth and got two medium lobsters and Jack cooked them for us for dinner.  Great eating.  Think I'll have another one tonight.  Woke this morning to sunny (and I mean sunny) skies and calm seas.  Let's see how long that lasts.  Watching a fishing or lobster boat go out.  Great way to start the day.
That's all for now.  See ya later.

June 11, 2013 We Are Back

Hi everyone,
Jack and I are back on the road.  We left New Jersey after spending 3 months (almost) with our families.  Had a great time and got to do a lot of family dinners, trips to the shore and softball and little league games. 
We had an exciting trip from South Jersey to Massachusetts yesterday.  Rain and rain and more rain.  Did find some roads that were as bad as California.  Yes, New York I mean you!!!  We are at Fourth Cliff Recreational area and have a wonderful campsite.  Our front windows are looking out at Cape Cod Bay.  Beautiful this morning even with the rain, will be beautiful tomorrow morning when the sun comes out.  (I have always been an optimist.) 
We are going to chill today and see if we can get some lobsters for dinner and tomorrow we will start sight seeing.  Not sure where we will go but we want to see Boston, Plymouth and Cape Cod.  We are fortunate that our friends Kathy and Dick are visiting Boston and the Cape and we are going to meet them on Thursday on the Cape.  Funny thing, they were taking a train from Long Island and we were driving and we were running parallel to them all the way up. They got to Boston at 5 and we got to the campsite at 5. 
Well, just wanted you all to know that we are back and will be blogging.  Here until the 17th then heading to Vermont, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.  Will be working our way west and will be back in Oregon in August for about a month, then who knows where we will go.

Day 17:  We are headed north on I-81 today.  This has been a very stressful day, we thought we were going as far as Bristol TN but there is a NASCAR race there today so no promises on camp sites.  Then we thought we would go into Virginia for about 20-30 miles but couldn't even find a camp site at all unless we went 90 miles and that would have been a really long long day.  Sooooo we stopped in Baileyton RV Park in Baileyton Tennessee.  Nice place but we only went about 220 miles.  Oh well. 
Yesterday was great.  We went into Nashville to the "District" and walked up and down the streets listening to music and celebrating St. Patrick's Day early.  They closed off a two block area of the "District" and had a street party.  We went into "Ernest Tubb Record Shop" and saw the stage in the back that Loretta Lynn sang on.  I am sure there were a whole bunch more people but I remembered this from the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter."  We found a fun restaurant and had an early dinner then headed out of downtown to The Grand Ole Opry.  This was the best experience.  We both enjoyed every minute of the Opry.  Walked around, went into the gift shop and watched a high school show choir from Iowa entertainment.  Was so much fun.  We got into the Opry and walked up to the 2nd from the top row but didn't matter cause it was still lots of fun.  Of course, I didn't move until it was time to leave.  The show was about 2 and a half hours and was live radio.  All in all, Nashville was a fun town. 
Will keep you informed on this last stretch of our adventure.  We will be taking a break for a couple of months while we reconnect with family and friends.  Then we will be heading west again but this time to the top of the country.  We want to see Mt. Rushmore and Glacier National Park then we are going back to see Erin and Scott and friends on the west coast.  We will then need to decide where we want to winter.  OMG!!!  I'm already talking about next year.  Need to stop and enjoy Spring 2013!!! 
See you all tomorrow.
Mary and Jack

Uploaded some pictures of Memphis and Graceland, take a peek. Sorry for no titles on the last batch from Arizona.

Jack

Day 16 and we are on the outskirts of Nashville TN.  Not much to say today but we are heading into Nashville this afternoon and have tickets for the Grand Ole Opry!!!  Woot Woot.  Figured we were here why not.  Will let you know all about Nashville in next blog. 
We did have our first yucky RV park.  Registered, paid, drove around, unregistered, got our money back and found a nice one 6 miles closer to Nashville.  That was the worst one I have seen. 
Later guys, Mary and Jack!

Day 14 was a great day.  We went to Graceland and it was so worth it.  This is an amazing place.  Someday Jack will upload the pictures and you will be able to see them.  We were about 4 hours at Graceland and then we came back to the motor home to get ready to go to Beale Street in downtown Memphis.  We walked and walked along the street and enjoyed the area.  We liked Memphis.  Neat city.  Back to the Graceland RV Park at the end of Lonely St. for the evening and tomorrow we are off to Nashville.  Will keep you informed.
Mary and Jack

It's day 13 and we are in Memphis Tennessee.  Not too bad a drive today.  Left Arkansas around 8:30 and got here around 12:30.  Quiet afternoon camped at the Graceland RV Park which is located on Lonely Street directly behind "The Heartbreak Hotel".  Woot woot!!!  We hung out here today and went to the bar in the hotel for a drink and got to watch "Elvis on Tour".  Tomorrow we are going to do the Graceland tour and then head to Beale Street.  Check in tomorrow or Friday for an update on our adventures in Memphis.  Love to all.  Mary and Jack

Day 12 brings us to Russellville Arkansas.  Not much else today.  We did have really nice weather coming from Oklahoma to Arkansas.  Tomorrow is Memphis and Elvis.  We will be there for 2 nights then on to Nashville.  Talk more later when I have something to say.  Mary and Jack

Day 11 was a much better driving day than day 10.  We left Amarillo around 10 today and had beautiful weather all the way to Oklahoma City, OK.  Finally out of the desert.  Thank goodness.  Some of the desert was beautiful but after a full week of desert I was happy to see green grass and farms.  Funny thing we saw more cattle in Oklahoma than we did in Texas.  We are staying right outside of Oklahoma City in a nice RV park that has buffalo.  We walked out to the pens this afternoon to see them but of course, again, no camera with us.  Maybe in the morning.  The guy that runs the place gave us free post cards with the buffalo on them. I forgot to tell you the name of the town where we waited out the wind yesterday.  It was called Endee, New Mexico and it was about 3 miles from the Texas border.  Heading out in the morning for Russellville, Arkansas and on Wed we will in Memphis, Tennessee.  Going to see Elvis and I will give him all your regards.  After Memphis we are going to Nashville.  Will keep you posted if we see anyone.  We have been passed by a couple of NASCAR trucks.  One was for #24 and the other was #25.  Who knows who else we have been passed by.  Well, not much else today but will keep you informed.
 

Day 10:  What can I say.  Long, long day.  We left Albuquerque this morning around 9:30 and we got to Amarillo TX at 8:45 tonight.  We had snow flurries and cold weather for the first half of our trip and then we hit the winds.  Crosswinds that had 50 mph gusts.  We finally pulled over in the last truck stop in New Mexico and stayed there for 4 and a half hours.  We weren't sure if we would be spending the night there but around 5:30 they started to calm down so we had a quick dinner and hit the road.  We were about 5 - 7 miles from the Texas boarder and we lost another hour.  That was two hours lost in one day.  Not sure if I'm wide awake or dead tired. 
Poor Jack.  He really had the long day.  Driving was no fun today.  Please all say a prayer for us tomorrow as we leave here and head to Oklahoma City, OK.

Hi, it's day 9 and we are in Albuquerque, NM.  We arrived on Thursday and are still waiting for the weather to get better.  It is windy and the stretch of Rte 40 and we were advised that the gusts can flip you over so we thought we would enjoy Albuquerque.  Yesterday we spent the day in the old town section of ABQ (Albuquerque - gonna use ABQ cause it is a pain to type the entire word).  We walked in and out of the jewelry and pottery galleries.  WOW the pottery is beautiful.  I think we could have spent and spent and spent.  Fortunately we have no place to put the pottery so we refrained.  Some of the turquoise jewelry was beautiful too.  I found a wonderful bracelet that I am still thinking about, it only costs $3,000.  Oh well, champagne taste with a beer pocketbook.  Went out to lunch in old town and had a wonderful lunch.  I had a Navajo chicken taco.  I was great.  It comes on Navajo fried bread.  Jack had Soppapila's one chicken and one beef with green chili's.  Of course, I had to have a glass of home made sangria and it was so worth it.  We also went through the San Felipe de Neri Church.  This is the oldest church in ABQ and has been an active church since 1706.  Just a really pretty building.  When Jack gets around to it he will post the pictures on Flickr.  Of course, we went to old town and left the camera here so he had to use his phone.
Today was a slow moving day.  We did a little cleaning and a little laundry ( I know it seems that is all we do but figured while we had down time and lots of washers and dryers.  This afternoon we took a ride to Kirtland Air Force Base.  Visited the commissary, BX and the Shopette.  Real exciting huh!!!  Also took a ride to the mall here in ABQ.  Wow is it big but just like any other mall.  Was good exercise walking around though.  That was our day.  We came home, hooked the car back up to the back of the motor home and came in and cooked dinner.  Was a good one though.  Roast beef, potatoes, green beans and a salad.  We have a convection/ microwave and the roast came out perfect and quick.  Well, that's my post for today.  Tomorrow we leave for Amarillo then Oklahoma City then somewhere in Arkansas and then Memphis Tenn.  Will keep you informed. 

Well, it's day 7 and we are in Albuquerque, NM.  The roads were much better on this part of our trip so the 300+ miles were much easier than in California.  This is going to be a short blog today.  Not much to tell you.  We did wake up this morning to 23 degrees in Flagstaff and when we went to make coffee realized the water hose was frozen.  Had to switch to our water tank so that meant no shower for either of us.  I really wanted to wash my hair today and couldn't; so no pictures taken of me today!!!  The pictures I did take of the New Mexico desert don't do it justice.  The colors of the rocks were amazing!  Well, better go cook dinner.  Hopefully more tomorrow as we are going to old town Albuquerque.
Mary and Jack

Day six finds us in Flagstaff, AZ.  We pulled in to Black Barts RV Park around noon on Tuesday the 5th and spent a wonderful afternoon at Camping World looking for regulators for the water and electric and then after that went grocery shopping!!!  WOW isn't that a fun way to spend your birthday/anniversary.  Last night we went out to dinner.  Right here in the RV park they have a steakhouse with live music.  All the wait staff and managers take turns singing.  Was a wonderful evening.  We stayed for almost 2 hours and relaxed and listened to some wonderful singing.  We talked to the bartender and she told us most of the staff is from the music department at NAU (Northern Arizona University.)  Today was a sightseeing day.  We went to Walnut Canyon so see the cliff dwellings.  We walked the path, all 240 steps and 185 foot climbs.  Those who know me will be impressed as I hate heights and believe me we were walking on the paths overlooking a canyon.  Going down wasn't too bad but believe me Jack and I both stopped at every bench on the way up.  After Walnut Canyon we drove out to Meteor Crater.  That was another half mile hike on the crater rim.  It was a really impressive crater and we had a wonderful guide who answered all our questions and took our pictures on the rim.  All our pictures can be viewed by clicking the link on the left side of this blog.  We will both sleep like babies tonight from all that walking. 
We leave Flagstaff tomorrow morning heading for Albuquerque, NM.  That's going to be a long day but we will be going through the petrified forest and the painted desert or at least we will be passing them on Highway 40.  Stay tuned for more. 
Mary and Jack

Well, it is day 4 and we are finally out of California.  We cheered today when we crossed over to Arizona.  We are traveling Rte 40 which parallels Rte 66 and believe me it isn't much newer than Rte 66.  We were bumping along all day.  Oh well, we are finally heading east.
I realized today while riding that I didn't tell you all what our view was.  We were in real farm country on Saturday.  Olive trees, fruit trees and rice paddies.  I never saw a bridge over a rice paddy before Saturday, now not only did I see it we drove across it.  After Bakersfield we turned left and started in high desert.  We saw nothing!!!   Sand, tumbleweeds and mountains.  Stayed last night in Barstow.  Wow is that out there in the middle of the desert.  I have decided that yes the desert has some beauty but I would never want to live there. 
Today we left Barstow and headed to Kingman, Arizona and we saw more sand, tumbleweeds, mountains (neat ones with mesa's and stuff) and today there was cactus.  The cactus that we saw were blooming (I think).  Saw some of those palm trees that must line 29 Palms.  Saw the exit for 29 Palms also today.  Must be the north end of the base.  We are staying in a really nice RV park outside of Kingman so I did laundry.  Forgot how much I dislike not having my own washer.  Oh well, I will survive.  Today was to be a short day so we could really relax and I could do laundry but we both forgot that AZ doesn't change their clocks so we lost an hour.  That related to us getting in around 3 instead of 2.  Oh well, this is going to happen a few more times so we need to get used to it.
Tomorrow we are going to Flagstaff and we are going to spend tomorrow afternoon and Wednesday there.  Will be celebrating our anniversary and my birthday (30 and holding)!  
Jack is going to try to load our pictures on flickr so you can just click on the link on our blog.  We haven't taken a whole bunch but there are some scenery shots.  I will probably not blog tomorrow but will catch up again Wednesday night. 
Mary and Jack

Well it's day two and we started our morning with a walk down to the river by the RV site and watched the ducks.  They kept swimming close to us thinking we were going to feed them.  We weren't! 
Started out around 9 this morning and planned to only go about 290 miles.  Decided last night to stop in Chowchilla CA and we did.  We got here around 3:30 today so that was good but the last 150 miles were tough.  We decided to take Highway 99 and in the atlas it had a "L".  Jack thought that was a designation for the old Lincoln Highway but after we got on it we realized it mean lousy road.  We shook, rattled and rolled our way from Sacramento to Chowchilla.  When we pulled it Jack did a walk around outside and I picked up all the stuff that flew all over the motor home.  Fortunately, none of the doors or drawers came open.  Live and learn.  Of course, now we are taking it again tomorrow to Bakersfield CA.  Will keep you updated on how that goes.
We did take a nice walk down the main drag in Chowchilla.  Walked for about 45 minutes and that felt really good.  The weather has been beautiful.  In the 80's when we got here but will drop to the high 40's tonight. 
Well, talk to you all later.  I am going to go read for awhile and then go to bed.

Well day one went very well.  We had no mishaps along the way.  The weather was beautiful - Sunny and no wind.  And yes we were in Oregon for the first 4-5 hours.  Probably the best weather day Oregon will have until after July 4th.  We had planned to go all the way to Corning CA but that's when we figured out that 350 miles a day was our limit.  The nice thing about being retired (sorry Mickey) is that we can change our minds and stop whenever we want.  Tomorrow we head to Chowchilla CA and then figure out the next stop from there. 
So far no problems with our new home.  Except half way here we got a rattle, now for those of you who know Jack you can imagine that I had to do everything I could from my seat to find the rattle.  We drove for probably an hour to an hour and a half and then we had to pull into a rest area supposedly so Jack could stretch his legs.  He did stretch them right over to the passenger side window where the rattle was.  Mr. Trouble Shooter found it right away.  It was this little clip thingy outside my window and he had to fix it right then and there.  No more rattle.
Well time for relaxing.  Write more soon.

Mary and Jack