As much as I loved the Westerns that I read I hadn't expected to be in Texas so soon after Alaska. Up in Alaska they had tee shirts about being bigger than Texas. Whereas Texas boasts that everything is bigger in Texas. Well the state does seem big from where we are.
John is working 50-60 hours a week and while he does that very important job I stay back at the trailer. I met a lady the first day who was dying her hair in the recreation hall and I ended up helping her. The next day I met a girl in the laundry who wanted to walk as much as I did. We made a plan to walk,so we walk 5 miles every morning M-F around the camp ground and Flea Market. Yes Flea Market. This is a combination Flea Market and Campground. We figured there must be 3000 cars each day on the weekend at $3.00 a day. Good money maker huh!
We go out to eat two or three times a week. One weekend we went to Austin and toured the Capital, very nice. Then we drove down to San Antonio. There's a lot around the area, military bases, history, a neat River Walk. And the best of all The Alamo. We walked all over the Alamo grounds. Although it was surrounded by tall buildings it was a grand place. We walked the same paths as those brave people did all those years ago.They have a very nice museum. We sure enjoyed it. Like stepping back in time. The next trip was to Galveston. They were having a festival called Dickens on the Strand. The Strand is the old town. There is also the Sea Wall where the big hotels and restaurants are. The festival had people in period costume and music on every corner. They even had a big parade. I didn't go with the thought that I'd like it much but I did. We had a great time. Texas so far has been a great adventure...
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Home
We got home on June 10, 2010. The house was clean and welcoming. the yard however was full of weeds. Not Eric's fault but one we intended to work on. We got to see Jared for two days and had a good time. He was taking his Jeep to San Diego and had to store his things and make the Jeep road ready. About a week after he left John & I decided to take a trip down to Florida to see my Mom. It was short but Mom recognized me and it was a good visit with her.
Upon further inspection of our yard we discovered we needed to trim trees and work on the hill. But one of the larger problems was we discovered we had termite's eating on our front porch stair rails. The next week was spent interviewing yard people and pest control people. We made our decisions and began the yard. Then to get ready for the pest control we had to move all the stuff away from the garage walls as much as possible.
John didn't stay home long. He was back to work 25 hours a week that soon turned into 40 hours a week.
Once the pest control people came and drilled the garage floor and applied the poison around the whole perimeter of the house we decided this was a good time to paint the garage floor. So that became my next project. Once that was done It was on to the project of modifying the side deck into a screened in porch. We started with the floor. It was 1/3 new boards, 1/3 old boards sanded and 1/3 old boards turned over and bleached. Then it had to be re stained.
Eric moved out at the beginning of October. I then started the project of re-organizing the garage. Then it was time to go to Philip's Wedding in San Diego. The Sunday before we left John got a call telling him he was needed in Houston Texas.
We had a great time at the wedding. We met up with John's sister Patti at the airport and so we were able to take a tour of San Diego and Jared gave us all a tour of his ship.
So yes, the day we got back from the wedding John left for Texas. Then on Friday October 22, our 5th wedding anniversary he came home and the next day we pulled our trailer out of the drive way heading for Texas.
We stopped in Birmingham to see Patti then we stopped in Louisiana to see John's cousins Barbara and David. They have a neat house out in the country where they have a pond and baby ducks. But they have the neatest old tree in the front yard.
Then on to Texas...
Upon further inspection of our yard we discovered we needed to trim trees and work on the hill. But one of the larger problems was we discovered we had termite's eating on our front porch stair rails. The next week was spent interviewing yard people and pest control people. We made our decisions and began the yard. Then to get ready for the pest control we had to move all the stuff away from the garage walls as much as possible.
John didn't stay home long. He was back to work 25 hours a week that soon turned into 40 hours a week.
Once the pest control people came and drilled the garage floor and applied the poison around the whole perimeter of the house we decided this was a good time to paint the garage floor. So that became my next project. Once that was done It was on to the project of modifying the side deck into a screened in porch. We started with the floor. It was 1/3 new boards, 1/3 old boards sanded and 1/3 old boards turned over and bleached. Then it had to be re stained.
Eric moved out at the beginning of October. I then started the project of re-organizing the garage. Then it was time to go to Philip's Wedding in San Diego. The Sunday before we left John got a call telling him he was needed in Houston Texas.
We had a great time at the wedding. We met up with John's sister Patti at the airport and so we were able to take a tour of San Diego and Jared gave us all a tour of his ship.
So yes, the day we got back from the wedding John left for Texas. Then on Friday October 22, our 5th wedding anniversary he came home and the next day we pulled our trailer out of the drive way heading for Texas.
We stopped in Birmingham to see Patti then we stopped in Louisiana to see John's cousins Barbara and David. They have a neat house out in the country where they have a pond and baby ducks. But they have the neatest old tree in the front yard.
Then on to Texas...
Leaving the West behind..
We had planned to go through the Black Hills but we had a call from Home that Jared would be home and leaving on June 12, so we pushed our schedule up a notch. So on we went through the flat state of South Dakota and didn't stop as the signs told us to stop at Walls Drugstore. Then going on through Minnesota where we saw miles of windmills. We stayed the night in Jackson MN. On 6-3-10 we crossed the Mississippi into Wisconsin. The land got hilly especially around the Wisconsin Dells. We stopped in Northern IL for the night. It rained that night and so the tearing down in the morning wasn't pleasant. We only had a few miles to go to my friend Terrie's Church in Polo IL. We had lunch and she took us out to see the cabin her husband had build for them to get away. Lots of land and a big garden.
Then it was on to Joliet where we spent the weekend with my sister Betty and her family. I sure have missed her. While we were there John took the opportunity to wash and wax the trailer while Betty and I caught up.
Then we went on down to Taylorville to visit my cousin's Ellen & Mel and Aunt Jenny. I think I was starved for my friends and family. Illinois is still flat with lots of corn & beans. We went by my old house and I didn't feel any loss. Ellen & I went to Harold's grave and then I was surprised to see that Harold's Foreman was in town building a fluted Pedestal.
Then it was on toward Home. We stopped for the night in Corbin Kentucky. And on 6-10-10 we pulled into our subdivision in Greer. 9000 miles and 5 weeks!!
Then it was on to Joliet where we spent the weekend with my sister Betty and her family. I sure have missed her. While we were there John took the opportunity to wash and wax the trailer while Betty and I caught up.
Then we went on down to Taylorville to visit my cousin's Ellen & Mel and Aunt Jenny. I think I was starved for my friends and family. Illinois is still flat with lots of corn & beans. We went by my old house and I didn't feel any loss. Ellen & I went to Harold's grave and then I was surprised to see that Harold's Foreman was in town building a fluted Pedestal.
Then it was on toward Home. We stopped for the night in Corbin Kentucky. And on 6-10-10 we pulled into our subdivision in Greer. 9000 miles and 5 weeks!!
Continueing East..
AS we left Buffalo we began to see trees leafing out and flowers blooming. It was unusual to see a red paved highway. There were lots of antelope in the fields. We took the road to see Devils Tower. It's much like in the movie except a lot smaller than expected. We stopped in Sturgis SD to see where the Bike Rally takes place each year. And then on to Rapid City for the night. Our next adventure is Mount Rushmore..
You can see the Presidents from quite far away. The park is well organized. You follow a path past the gift shop to the lodge where they designed the cutting of the stone. Then you walk under the faces and back up to a Amphitheater where you can view the faces front on.
On our way to I-90 we saw a Burma Bull. Must have been from one of the bulls brought up on those long ago trail drives..
You can see the Presidents from quite far away. The park is well organized. You follow a path past the gift shop to the lodge where they designed the cutting of the stone. Then you walk under the faces and back up to a Amphitheater where you can view the faces front on.
On our way to I-90 we saw a Burma Bull. Must have been from one of the bulls brought up on those long ago trail drives..
Beyond Yellowstone
On June 1, 2010 we pulled out of Fishing Bridge early as it lightly snowed. By the time we reached the pass it was a full blown snow storm. We left the East gate of Yellowstone and within 10 miles it was sunny and 58 degrees. Heading toward Cody we passed oilwells and open range where we had to stop to wait on 3 horses, who were walking down the road, to get off the road. Turning south we went through the beautiful Ten Sleep Canyon. We briefly went along the Bozeman Trail on our way to Buffalo, Wy where we stayed the night.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Jackson Hole, Tetons, To Yellowstone are next
On our way north we went through some mountain passes to get back on I15 North and then through Salt Lake City. They have The Great Salt Lake there. Which also had dunes around it, very much like an ocean environment. North of there it was very Green farmland. The temps were in the 50's and still very windy. Idaho was also farmland until we had to turn east toward the Mountains on our way to Wyoming. We got to cross the Oregon trail. The Rocks are Black Lava now and we saw lots of cows and horses. We drove into Jackson Hole looking for a place to eat. It's a tourist town with lots of saloons and shops so their were lots of people. We had to go slow because the stage coach was in front of us. We watched it snow as we were eating our lunch and drinking our sarsaparilla.
Pulling out of Jackson hole we went into the Teton National Park. Even though it was May there was a lot of snow on the peaks. We stayed in a campground between the Park and Yellowstone.
We dropped the trailer at Fishing Bridge campground in Yellowstone and drove the park. Parts of the park were at 7988 ft elevation. There are many areas of this park as it takes up 3468 sq miles. What we did was take all the loops except the one out the east gate. We got to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its waterfalls, and the mudd flats and potholes, Sulfur Caldron, Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake which was iced over. We saw lots of herds of buffalo with babies, elk and we even saw a wolf. There were an assortment of birds; hawks, eagles and ravens. They had closed the park last week because of snow and it was threatening today.
Old Faithful went off only minutes after we arrived. It lasted about 5 minutes. It was sad that the park was still recovering from a bad fire in 1988. We managed to see all we wanted to that day and were ready the next morning to head east...
Pulling out of Jackson hole we went into the Teton National Park. Even though it was May there was a lot of snow on the peaks. We stayed in a campground between the Park and Yellowstone.
We dropped the trailer at Fishing Bridge campground in Yellowstone and drove the park. Parts of the park were at 7988 ft elevation. There are many areas of this park as it takes up 3468 sq miles. What we did was take all the loops except the one out the east gate. We got to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its waterfalls, and the mudd flats and potholes, Sulfur Caldron, Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake which was iced over. We saw lots of herds of buffalo with babies, elk and we even saw a wolf. There were an assortment of birds; hawks, eagles and ravens. They had closed the park last week because of snow and it was threatening today.
Old Faithful went off only minutes after we arrived. It lasted about 5 minutes. It was sad that the park was still recovering from a bad fire in 1988. We managed to see all we wanted to that day and were ready the next morning to head east...
Friday, November 12, 2010
Utah explodes in color
As we left the campground the land was rolling hills and plateaus. It was a long distance to the beginning of Canyonlands, about 60 miles. By all appearances the land stretched out in front of us. Soon we stopped and peared over the edge. Wow, for miles we could see canyon walls of bright red with spirals that had white tops. The area had 3 parts, the Island in the sky, the Needles, and the Maze with the Colorado and Green rivers meandering through this desert area. We saw Mesa's and Buttes of rich colors with many shades of Red. Down in the canyon we could see a tiny line stretching across the canyon floor toward the town of Moab. The elevation was 7000 ft.
The Needles area was off in the distance to the South and was filled with red and white banded pinnacles as well as canyons, potholes and a number of arches. The Maze to the west of the Rivers is the least accessable area of the park. The Island in the Sky that we visited was on the North side of a level Mesa and had many overlooks from the White Rim. This was probably our favorite park so far.
We were told by the ranger that since we had a four wheel drive we could get back to Moab by taking the road down the canyon wall. The overall mileage was 16 miles once we got down the wall...
It was a great adventure. We took the hairpin turns down the wall at about 3 miles per hour. There was a pickup a ways ahead of us and we passed a couple cars coming up the wall. As we reached the canyon floor we journeyed across the tiny road we had seeen from the top rim. We discovered another canyon within the canyon we were traveling. We had seen deep blue water from the Rim off in the distance and now we came upon the blue water. It was a salt plant. Several pools of water with white salt around the edges. On down the road we saw a potash plant. The road heading into Moab had tall solid rock walls on each side of the road.
Moab was a western town that had hosted many Movie crews. We ate at an old brewry before we went on our way to the Arches..
It was about 4:30 pm when we arrived in Arches Park. Due to the late hour we took the first loop of the park and viewed several Arches. They were scattered out all over the 119 mile park. The Arches sets atop a Salt bed. Over time the salt liquified and pushed up dome's of rock. Time again eroded the rock and the wind carried away the loose particles forming the arches. They had names like twin Windows, Double O, Delicate, and Skyline.
We spent the next day taking it easy in Green River if you can call a wind storm taking it easy...
The Needles area was off in the distance to the South and was filled with red and white banded pinnacles as well as canyons, potholes and a number of arches. The Maze to the west of the Rivers is the least accessable area of the park. The Island in the Sky that we visited was on the North side of a level Mesa and had many overlooks from the White Rim. This was probably our favorite park so far.
We were told by the ranger that since we had a four wheel drive we could get back to Moab by taking the road down the canyon wall. The overall mileage was 16 miles once we got down the wall...
It was a great adventure. We took the hairpin turns down the wall at about 3 miles per hour. There was a pickup a ways ahead of us and we passed a couple cars coming up the wall. As we reached the canyon floor we journeyed across the tiny road we had seeen from the top rim. We discovered another canyon within the canyon we were traveling. We had seen deep blue water from the Rim off in the distance and now we came upon the blue water. It was a salt plant. Several pools of water with white salt around the edges. On down the road we saw a potash plant. The road heading into Moab had tall solid rock walls on each side of the road.
Moab was a western town that had hosted many Movie crews. We ate at an old brewry before we went on our way to the Arches..
It was about 4:30 pm when we arrived in Arches Park. Due to the late hour we took the first loop of the park and viewed several Arches. They were scattered out all over the 119 mile park. The Arches sets atop a Salt bed. Over time the salt liquified and pushed up dome's of rock. Time again eroded the rock and the wind carried away the loose particles forming the arches. They had names like twin Windows, Double O, Delicate, and Skyline.
We spent the next day taking it easy in Green River if you can call a wind storm taking it easy...
Utah's got Rocks
I believe I am slightly slow in getting back to this blog..If you'll bear with me I'll get back to the story..
Zion National Park was very shapely. It had rounded formations and vivid colors. We shuttled around the park and saw the different canyons and cliffs with large boulders balanced on the tops or just lying on the ground.
Before we reached Bryce Canyon we went through an area known as Red Canyon. The Canyon walls were extremely tall with very dark red dirt. Our approach to Bryce Canyon was at 7777 ft. After parking the trailer in the parking lot along with many others we boarded a shuttle and began our journey. We were able to get on and off whenever we wanted. I'd say that what we saw was like looking at a beach of sand castles only with vivid reds and oranges, creams and whites. Most of the time we were standing above looking down or across. At times there were single peaks and other times there were hundreds of them. It was noon so we didn't get much shadow effect on our pictures.
We headed north on Hwy 89 passing Big Rock Candy Mountain then through a very green valley. That was the way it went, mountains then valleys. We saw Ostrichs and cows. Going up I70 to Green River it was extremely windy. This whole trip had wind it seems. John did a great job of handling the trailer through all that wind. We stopped at Green River Utah for our two day stay so we could go to Canyon Lands, Moab and Arches.....
Zion National Park was very shapely. It had rounded formations and vivid colors. We shuttled around the park and saw the different canyons and cliffs with large boulders balanced on the tops or just lying on the ground.
Before we reached Bryce Canyon we went through an area known as Red Canyon. The Canyon walls were extremely tall with very dark red dirt. Our approach to Bryce Canyon was at 7777 ft. After parking the trailer in the parking lot along with many others we boarded a shuttle and began our journey. We were able to get on and off whenever we wanted. I'd say that what we saw was like looking at a beach of sand castles only with vivid reds and oranges, creams and whites. Most of the time we were standing above looking down or across. At times there were single peaks and other times there were hundreds of them. It was noon so we didn't get much shadow effect on our pictures.
We headed north on Hwy 89 passing Big Rock Candy Mountain then through a very green valley. That was the way it went, mountains then valleys. We saw Ostrichs and cows. Going up I70 to Green River it was extremely windy. This whole trip had wind it seems. John did a great job of handling the trailer through all that wind. We stopped at Green River Utah for our two day stay so we could go to Canyon Lands, Moab and Arches.....
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Seattle to Nevada
5-9 to 5-12
Arrived in Seattle 5-9 and went to my brother Bob’s house. The day was so clear we could see Mt. Rainer from his deck. We had a great visit with Bob’s family. And great time playing with my 6 month old Great Nephew, Carter. One of the things we were glad to see was the abundant blossoms. On 5-10 we went shopping. We bought a new Jeep [Red] Liberty. And then we shopped for Travel Trailers. We ended up finding the one we liked and made the deal. On Tues 5-11 we did a walk-thru to make sure we knew how to operate everything. Then we went shopping to by a few household things so we could live comfortably in the trailer for the next 6 weeks. My brother is a great cook and he made several great meals for us.
On Wed 5-12 we loaded up our jeep and went to Verizon so we could get an Air card so when John needed to work on the way home we could. Then we went to pick up our trailer. This took longer than we thought it would. Finally about 4:00pm we got on our way. We had decided to go directly over to the coast. We had been advised that traffic would be impossible on Interstate 5 and we certainly didn’t need our first experience with pulling a trailer to be more difficult. Our first night we stopped at Bay Center, WA. Our first set up went well so we took a little trail that led to the beach and we took a walk wearing only a light jacket.
5-13-10
We left Bay Center and traveled Rt.101 along the coast of Washington. We crossed over the bridge to Astoria, OR and continued down the coast. We hadn’t gone far when we saw a herd of Llamas. It was nice seeing the many beaches with large rocks protruding out of the water and the cliffs. We saw an eagle soaring overhead. It was warm and we rolled up our sleeves and rolled the windows down. We saw 2 lighthouses. This night we stopped at Bandon, OR. John is getting the hang of pulling the trailer.
5-14-10
We slept late and left Bandon at 11 am, with our eyes on the Redwood Forest as our next stop. As we continued down the Oregon coast on Rt. 101 we saw cliffs with gigantic rocks protruding out in the water. It was a bit foggy. We saw deer and Ravens.
We stopped in the Redwood Forest National Park. I have to say I was in total AWE. These trees were so large, so tall that it was hard to see the sky. The road was only 2 lanes with many pull offs. I had always wanted to see this. John & I took pictures of each other and we were but small creatures next to these trees. Since the trees were so tall and dense the forest was dark in a Grimes fairy tale kind of way.
There were Elk feeding in a field along the redwood highway. We passed through a canyon where there were wild flowers. As we turned inland the land was rolling hills. Tonight we stayed at Willits, CA.
5-15-2010
We left the trailer in Willits and drove the Jeep to see Napa Valley. There was vineyard after vineyard of Grapes as far as you could see. It was neat for a short time but got very old. Rt. 29 was a two lane road that went through some towns that specialized in wine business with gift shops, restaurants, wine shops and anything grape you could imagine. We found some wineries that we recognized and did some wine tasting. The whole day otherwise was spent fighting traffic. We both agreed that it was a day we could have done without. We were glad to see the area and to have been able to shed out jackets since it got up to 81F.
5-16-2010
As we left Willets we passed more vineyards and left behind the gently rolling hills. The animals were out for us, we saw deer and a herd of Bison that were fenced in. The road over to I-5 after we left the Valley became like a roller coaster then a wide valley and farmland. We began to see groves of fruit trees. Something else we noticed that we hadn’t experienced in a year and a half is dead skunks. We drove I-5 to get to the other side of Sacramento. The median on I-5 was filled with Azalea bushes of many colors. 85F. Then we turned off and headed for Yosemite National Park. We saw more and more mountains and kept getting more elevation. We experienced some difficulty getting up the inclines. We stopped at Mid Pines, CA for the night.
5-17-2010
We got up early and went to see Yosemite. Thinking that we were going to several national parks we decided to get an annual pass. The Merced River flows thru the middle, we were at 1266 feet. Both sides had tall rock cliffs 6000 – 10,000 feet. Some had waterfalls flowing from them. This place was awesome. The river was calm some places and other places it was rushing over gigantic boulders. We found that there was several different looks to the orange-brown bark of the Sequoia tree. The young ones were elongated strips while the older ones were flat ovals, similar in look to a snake skin. Our hikes were short but worth it to see the waterfalls up close. We had to put a baggy over the camera lens because some of the spray from the falls was like being in a rain storm. We made a long loop going on each side of the River. It was spectacular. Afterwards we went back to Mid Pines and spend the night again.
5-18-2010
We left Mid Pines and headed southwest. Our goal today was to get to Mojave. Retracing our earlier path we reached lower elevations. The deer were out feeding in the morning and we started seeing farming and cattle. Hawks were flying overhead a good part of the day. Did you know that Fresno was the raisin capital of the world? Bakersfield has lots of Oil refineries, tank farms and wells. As we near Mojave we see windmills across the mountaintops as far as we could see. Going down into the desert we stayed at a campground right beside the airport. Nothing was flying because the wind was extremely strong.
5-19-10
We left Mojave early and it was already 82F with a light breeze. We saw a lizard cross the road but the neatest thing we saw was Joshua trees. Another neat area we went through was an area called Boron [Borax- Twenty Mule Team}]. And can you imagine we ran into, what looks like frost heaves in the middle of the desert. Guess it works just the opposite down here. We also went through the Cajon Pass by San Bernardino 5310 ft. It was very steep, very hazy and very windy. We have definitely found where most of the cars are—here in southern CA. The hills south of Riverside going toward San Diego have light colored rocks all over them which make them look like dots. I guess that over time the winds have eroded the dirt away and left the rocks sticking out. Reminds me of MASH. Well the temperature is now 87F and we couldn’t be happier.
The plan is to stay the next five nights in San Diego. We are here to attend John’s son Philip’s graduation from College. Phil was busy with school and exams and work so we rested and got a few things done. We added a cooler for the jeep to help us with the steep hills. As we traveled and had time we put things in order inside the trailer but now we had time to put in rubberized shelf paper, buy groceries and do laundry. Philip’s graduation was nice. They had 10,000 graduates done in 5 different ceremonies. Phil’s was on Saturday 5-22 at 8:30 am. That night we went to dinner with Philip’s bride-to-be’s parents and sisters. It was a great time. We are so glad we got to meet them before the wedding. On Saturday 5-23 Phil & Kristina showed us where they were holding the wedding, a Hotel that looks like a Spanish Hacienda. Wow it is going to be so nice.
5-24-2010
It’s time to retrace part of our steps and head north. Instead of Mojave we head to Barstow. On our way toward Las Vegas we see lots of electric towers going through the desert, I guess carrying all that electricity from the wind mills. Another neat thing I notices was old fashioned water tanks like we see in the cowboy movies near railroads. And again, just like the movies the police cars are black & white and also we saw motorcycle police. We decided to stay off the strip at a campground in Las Vegas. Gambling wasn’t something we wanted to do, we just slept. We are on to Utah…
Arrived in Seattle 5-9 and went to my brother Bob’s house. The day was so clear we could see Mt. Rainer from his deck. We had a great visit with Bob’s family. And great time playing with my 6 month old Great Nephew, Carter. One of the things we were glad to see was the abundant blossoms. On 5-10 we went shopping. We bought a new Jeep [Red] Liberty. And then we shopped for Travel Trailers. We ended up finding the one we liked and made the deal. On Tues 5-11 we did a walk-thru to make sure we knew how to operate everything. Then we went shopping to by a few household things so we could live comfortably in the trailer for the next 6 weeks. My brother is a great cook and he made several great meals for us.
On Wed 5-12 we loaded up our jeep and went to Verizon so we could get an Air card so when John needed to work on the way home we could. Then we went to pick up our trailer. This took longer than we thought it would. Finally about 4:00pm we got on our way. We had decided to go directly over to the coast. We had been advised that traffic would be impossible on Interstate 5 and we certainly didn’t need our first experience with pulling a trailer to be more difficult. Our first night we stopped at Bay Center, WA. Our first set up went well so we took a little trail that led to the beach and we took a walk wearing only a light jacket.
5-13-10
We left Bay Center and traveled Rt.101 along the coast of Washington. We crossed over the bridge to Astoria, OR and continued down the coast. We hadn’t gone far when we saw a herd of Llamas. It was nice seeing the many beaches with large rocks protruding out of the water and the cliffs. We saw an eagle soaring overhead. It was warm and we rolled up our sleeves and rolled the windows down. We saw 2 lighthouses. This night we stopped at Bandon, OR. John is getting the hang of pulling the trailer.
5-14-10
We slept late and left Bandon at 11 am, with our eyes on the Redwood Forest as our next stop. As we continued down the Oregon coast on Rt. 101 we saw cliffs with gigantic rocks protruding out in the water. It was a bit foggy. We saw deer and Ravens.
We stopped in the Redwood Forest National Park. I have to say I was in total AWE. These trees were so large, so tall that it was hard to see the sky. The road was only 2 lanes with many pull offs. I had always wanted to see this. John & I took pictures of each other and we were but small creatures next to these trees. Since the trees were so tall and dense the forest was dark in a Grimes fairy tale kind of way.
There were Elk feeding in a field along the redwood highway. We passed through a canyon where there were wild flowers. As we turned inland the land was rolling hills. Tonight we stayed at Willits, CA.
5-15-2010
We left the trailer in Willits and drove the Jeep to see Napa Valley. There was vineyard after vineyard of Grapes as far as you could see. It was neat for a short time but got very old. Rt. 29 was a two lane road that went through some towns that specialized in wine business with gift shops, restaurants, wine shops and anything grape you could imagine. We found some wineries that we recognized and did some wine tasting. The whole day otherwise was spent fighting traffic. We both agreed that it was a day we could have done without. We were glad to see the area and to have been able to shed out jackets since it got up to 81F.
5-16-2010
As we left Willets we passed more vineyards and left behind the gently rolling hills. The animals were out for us, we saw deer and a herd of Bison that were fenced in. The road over to I-5 after we left the Valley became like a roller coaster then a wide valley and farmland. We began to see groves of fruit trees. Something else we noticed that we hadn’t experienced in a year and a half is dead skunks. We drove I-5 to get to the other side of Sacramento. The median on I-5 was filled with Azalea bushes of many colors. 85F. Then we turned off and headed for Yosemite National Park. We saw more and more mountains and kept getting more elevation. We experienced some difficulty getting up the inclines. We stopped at Mid Pines, CA for the night.
5-17-2010
We got up early and went to see Yosemite. Thinking that we were going to several national parks we decided to get an annual pass. The Merced River flows thru the middle, we were at 1266 feet. Both sides had tall rock cliffs 6000 – 10,000 feet. Some had waterfalls flowing from them. This place was awesome. The river was calm some places and other places it was rushing over gigantic boulders. We found that there was several different looks to the orange-brown bark of the Sequoia tree. The young ones were elongated strips while the older ones were flat ovals, similar in look to a snake skin. Our hikes were short but worth it to see the waterfalls up close. We had to put a baggy over the camera lens because some of the spray from the falls was like being in a rain storm. We made a long loop going on each side of the River. It was spectacular. Afterwards we went back to Mid Pines and spend the night again.
5-18-2010
We left Mid Pines and headed southwest. Our goal today was to get to Mojave. Retracing our earlier path we reached lower elevations. The deer were out feeding in the morning and we started seeing farming and cattle. Hawks were flying overhead a good part of the day. Did you know that Fresno was the raisin capital of the world? Bakersfield has lots of Oil refineries, tank farms and wells. As we near Mojave we see windmills across the mountaintops as far as we could see. Going down into the desert we stayed at a campground right beside the airport. Nothing was flying because the wind was extremely strong.
5-19-10
We left Mojave early and it was already 82F with a light breeze. We saw a lizard cross the road but the neatest thing we saw was Joshua trees. Another neat area we went through was an area called Boron [Borax- Twenty Mule Team}]. And can you imagine we ran into, what looks like frost heaves in the middle of the desert. Guess it works just the opposite down here. We also went through the Cajon Pass by San Bernardino 5310 ft. It was very steep, very hazy and very windy. We have definitely found where most of the cars are—here in southern CA. The hills south of Riverside going toward San Diego have light colored rocks all over them which make them look like dots. I guess that over time the winds have eroded the dirt away and left the rocks sticking out. Reminds me of MASH. Well the temperature is now 87F and we couldn’t be happier.
The plan is to stay the next five nights in San Diego. We are here to attend John’s son Philip’s graduation from College. Phil was busy with school and exams and work so we rested and got a few things done. We added a cooler for the jeep to help us with the steep hills. As we traveled and had time we put things in order inside the trailer but now we had time to put in rubberized shelf paper, buy groceries and do laundry. Philip’s graduation was nice. They had 10,000 graduates done in 5 different ceremonies. Phil’s was on Saturday 5-22 at 8:30 am. That night we went to dinner with Philip’s bride-to-be’s parents and sisters. It was a great time. We are so glad we got to meet them before the wedding. On Saturday 5-23 Phil & Kristina showed us where they were holding the wedding, a Hotel that looks like a Spanish Hacienda. Wow it is going to be so nice.
5-24-2010
It’s time to retrace part of our steps and head north. Instead of Mojave we head to Barstow. On our way toward Las Vegas we see lots of electric towers going through the desert, I guess carrying all that electricity from the wind mills. Another neat thing I notices was old fashioned water tanks like we see in the cowboy movies near railroads. And again, just like the movies the police cars are black & white and also we saw motorcycle police. We decided to stay off the strip at a campground in Las Vegas. Gambling wasn’t something we wanted to do, we just slept. We are on to Utah…
Friday, May 28, 2010
Anchorage Through Canada
May 5, 2010
As we said goodbye to Anchorage [8:15am]we viewed the snow covered mountains in a very 3D sky. Our jeep was packed to the max. We made it to Palmer and ran into a construction stop. We got our trusty Milepost out and found a way around it. The trees were budded but not open as yet. On the way out of the state we felt like we were the only car leaving Alaska. The temperatures were in the 40’s. It was sad to see the Matanuska Valley and Glacier for the last time. It was new to see the road to Tok and the Wrangle Mountains . We traveled along the Cooper River a long distance, there were short black spruce along the road. We had looked forward to the Border in order to take pictures in front of the signs entering and leaving but the road was under construction and we were not allowed to stop [4:45pm]
Entering Canada our first territory was the Yukon. The road was a mess, frost heaves and broken pavement for the first 100 miles. We stopped at Buckshot Betty’s for a bite to eat. Our first Bear was on the side of the road and the second was walking right down the middle of the road, we actually had to stop. We stopped at Burwash Landing for the night. [9:20pm] 550miles
May 6, 2010
The road was good, the speed limit was 90K [52mph] and the mountains had more snow. We had originally planned to go down to Haines to see the Eagles but were told that it wasn’t the right season. So we altered out schedule to get as far as Watson Lake. Another 550mile day. We saw several Elk and Caribou along the road. The land between Haines Junction and Whitehorse was sandy and there were a lot of Aspen trees. 50F. After Whitehorse there was a lake that was 80 miles long, and Laird Hot Springs. The trees were taller spruce and there was still some snow on the ground. Some of the lakes and ponds were still lightly frozen. We saw many Ravens and Hawks.
We saw an eagle flying then just a couple miles later we saw a black bear that ran into the forest and a few miles later we saw 2 Caribou. The road dips into British Columbia several times before we get to Watson Lake. We had gone 902 miles when we crossed the continental divide and more Caribou. Again, there are no cars to speak of going south but at least 50 going north.
May 7, 2010
As we leave Watson Lake the land is gentle and green rolling mountains. Off in the distance the snow-capped Rockies. The roads today aren’t bad, at least when there is a break in the pavement they are marked very well. We saw 12 Bison, 6 Black Bear, 4 Stone Sheep and 15 deer today. One bear was trudging through the snow. It was so deep he really was struggling. And we saw a deer run out in front of a north bound car. This area is the North end of the Rocky Mountains, called the Terminal. The road follows the Toad River, the water is very green because the rocks that fall down the mountains grind down to a powder as they fall and they reflect through the water as green. The stone faced mountains we passed here were steely grey. The trees are now White Spruce.
Ft. Nelson, BC sat on the East side of the Rockies and was flat and industrial. We ran into long 6-9% grades as we approached Ft. St. Johns and we ran into frozen rain. 47F . Now there are campers, motor cycles and u-hauls going north and still few going south. We stopped for the night at Ft St. Johns. [668 miles]
5-8-2010
We left Ft. St John, 40F with blue sky. We drove through farmland and very long curvy steep hills overlooking a river valley. We bypassed Dawson Creek and headed southwest on Hwy 97 back into the Rockies. The trees are mostly leafed out and very tall and there is water running out from the rocks on the sides of the mountains. Pine Pass had a delay of 30 minutes which gave us the opportunity to walk down to a mountain stream. Today we saw about 10 sheep, many cows with calves, many horses and folds, 20 deer and12 Lamas. Prince George was the biggest city we had seen since Anchorage. 59F. As we go south the trees are all popped out, green grass, more mountains. Tonight we stay in Cache Creek.
5-9-10
As we leave Cache Creek, BC we see Rolling, curvy green hills. We go through an area that the road has mountains on each side with Rail Road Tracks on each side and the Frazer River running down the middle. Each RR had several tunnels. Headed south at Abbotsford and at 2290 miles we crossed the border. God bless America!!!
As we said goodbye to Anchorage [8:15am]we viewed the snow covered mountains in a very 3D sky. Our jeep was packed to the max. We made it to Palmer and ran into a construction stop. We got our trusty Milepost out and found a way around it. The trees were budded but not open as yet. On the way out of the state we felt like we were the only car leaving Alaska. The temperatures were in the 40’s. It was sad to see the Matanuska Valley and Glacier for the last time. It was new to see the road to Tok and the Wrangle Mountains . We traveled along the Cooper River a long distance, there were short black spruce along the road. We had looked forward to the Border in order to take pictures in front of the signs entering and leaving but the road was under construction and we were not allowed to stop [4:45pm]
Entering Canada our first territory was the Yukon. The road was a mess, frost heaves and broken pavement for the first 100 miles. We stopped at Buckshot Betty’s for a bite to eat. Our first Bear was on the side of the road and the second was walking right down the middle of the road, we actually had to stop. We stopped at Burwash Landing for the night. [9:20pm] 550miles
May 6, 2010
The road was good, the speed limit was 90K [52mph] and the mountains had more snow. We had originally planned to go down to Haines to see the Eagles but were told that it wasn’t the right season. So we altered out schedule to get as far as Watson Lake. Another 550mile day. We saw several Elk and Caribou along the road. The land between Haines Junction and Whitehorse was sandy and there were a lot of Aspen trees. 50F. After Whitehorse there was a lake that was 80 miles long, and Laird Hot Springs. The trees were taller spruce and there was still some snow on the ground. Some of the lakes and ponds were still lightly frozen. We saw many Ravens and Hawks.
We saw an eagle flying then just a couple miles later we saw a black bear that ran into the forest and a few miles later we saw 2 Caribou. The road dips into British Columbia several times before we get to Watson Lake. We had gone 902 miles when we crossed the continental divide and more Caribou. Again, there are no cars to speak of going south but at least 50 going north.
May 7, 2010
As we leave Watson Lake the land is gentle and green rolling mountains. Off in the distance the snow-capped Rockies. The roads today aren’t bad, at least when there is a break in the pavement they are marked very well. We saw 12 Bison, 6 Black Bear, 4 Stone Sheep and 15 deer today. One bear was trudging through the snow. It was so deep he really was struggling. And we saw a deer run out in front of a north bound car. This area is the North end of the Rocky Mountains, called the Terminal. The road follows the Toad River, the water is very green because the rocks that fall down the mountains grind down to a powder as they fall and they reflect through the water as green. The stone faced mountains we passed here were steely grey. The trees are now White Spruce.
Ft. Nelson, BC sat on the East side of the Rockies and was flat and industrial. We ran into long 6-9% grades as we approached Ft. St. Johns and we ran into frozen rain. 47F . Now there are campers, motor cycles and u-hauls going north and still few going south. We stopped for the night at Ft St. Johns. [668 miles]
5-8-2010
We left Ft. St John, 40F with blue sky. We drove through farmland and very long curvy steep hills overlooking a river valley. We bypassed Dawson Creek and headed southwest on Hwy 97 back into the Rockies. The trees are mostly leafed out and very tall and there is water running out from the rocks on the sides of the mountains. Pine Pass had a delay of 30 minutes which gave us the opportunity to walk down to a mountain stream. Today we saw about 10 sheep, many cows with calves, many horses and folds, 20 deer and12 Lamas. Prince George was the biggest city we had seen since Anchorage. 59F. As we go south the trees are all popped out, green grass, more mountains. Tonight we stay in Cache Creek.
5-9-10
As we leave Cache Creek, BC we see Rolling, curvy green hills. We go through an area that the road has mountains on each side with Rail Road Tracks on each side and the Frazer River running down the middle. Each RR had several tunnels. Headed south at Abbotsford and at 2290 miles we crossed the border. God bless America!!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The trip begins..home
We were able to leave Anchorage on May 5, 2010. To follow will be our story..
Our internet connections haven't be the greatest so I am very far behind. I have been writing in a spiral and will get it in the blog soon. Just wanted to let you all know I haven't forgotten.
Our internet connections haven't be the greatest so I am very far behind. I have been writing in a spiral and will get it in the blog soon. Just wanted to let you all know I haven't forgotten.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Ready, Set, Go
We have been packing and cleaning out and finishing up work now for a few weeks. We sent off boxes, have two more to send and then we have to close up the ones sitting in the living room of our apartment. Those go into the Jeep. I've been cleaning things like the stove, refrigerator, tops of doors, windows, and bathrooms. Must make sure it's all clean so we get our deposit back.
We've said goodbye to all those we know up here. Probably go out to dinner on Tuesday before we pack the car, but Wednesday morning we are on the road. We've tracked out a long day for Wednesday, we want to get into Canada before we stop. The places to stop are sometimes a long distance between. Some hotels aren't open yet.
We are excited and maybe a little fearful. The computer will get packed up tonite or tomorrow so I want to get this out today. We have loved being here and would very much come back but not for such a long time again. We loved our church and the friends and coworkers. And so the next chapter of the Adventures of John & Gloria will begin on Wednesday morning May 5, 2010. Stay tuned....
We've said goodbye to all those we know up here. Probably go out to dinner on Tuesday before we pack the car, but Wednesday morning we are on the road. We've tracked out a long day for Wednesday, we want to get into Canada before we stop. The places to stop are sometimes a long distance between. Some hotels aren't open yet.
We are excited and maybe a little fearful. The computer will get packed up tonite or tomorrow so I want to get this out today. We have loved being here and would very much come back but not for such a long time again. We loved our church and the friends and coworkers. And so the next chapter of the Adventures of John & Gloria will begin on Wednesday morning May 5, 2010. Stay tuned....
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Still Winter in Alaska
Yes, Winter just won't give up. About noon today I looked out the window to see it snowing. The grass had a light covering of snow but the roads were just wet. But after a couple hours it was just rain.
The other day while walking to the bus I saw a Moose in a field. He was a big one with a white underbelly. He turned his head toward me then went back to chewing on the new buds of the trees. Yes overnight like I said trees started budding and a few have even opened up the leaves. I saw a few flower beds with shoots coming out of the ground....
The other day while walking to the bus I saw a Moose in a field. He was a big one with a white underbelly. He turned his head toward me then went back to chewing on the new buds of the trees. Yes overnight like I said trees started budding and a few have even opened up the leaves. I saw a few flower beds with shoots coming out of the ground....
Friday, April 16, 2010
Snow one more time
Yes, we got snow again. I woke up on Wednesday April 14, 2010 to a beautiful scene outside the living room window. Big flakes of snow were gently dropping from the sky. The ground was very white with tracks of the cars that had gone down Cordova St. The trees were laden with puffs of snow clinging to their branches. The roof tops were white without any sign of their shingles. Just yesterday the street cleaners had gone down our street to brush away the dirt that had been covering them since the first snow fall when they came though with sprayer trucks that spray dirt instead of salt. We probably had about 4 inches already. As the day went on it continued to snow sometimes heavy, other times gently. It continued into the evening. The mountains got another layer of pretty white snow when they were starting to have trees and brush peaking through.
Now today, Friday, there's very little sign of it. The old snow piles in the yards and fields are still there and very dirty looking. I haven't seen the buds of spring yet but last year they appeared almost overnite. The daylight hours are getting longer.
We are packing our things, and we made arrangements for a new Jeep. We hope to start our trip May 1 or 5. We are going to Philip's graduation in San Diego May 22. More news as they develop, I hope to be able to write this blog as we travel. I'll keep a written journal as we go so I can transfer it to the blog as we are able to be online....
Now today, Friday, there's very little sign of it. The old snow piles in the yards and fields are still there and very dirty looking. I haven't seen the buds of spring yet but last year they appeared almost overnite. The daylight hours are getting longer.
We are packing our things, and we made arrangements for a new Jeep. We hope to start our trip May 1 or 5. We are going to Philip's graduation in San Diego May 22. More news as they develop, I hope to be able to write this blog as we travel. I'll keep a written journal as we go so I can transfer it to the blog as we are able to be online....
Friday, April 9, 2010
Bus's and Coasting...
Today was my 3rd day this week that I got out and rode the bus. Went on Tuesday instead of Monday(It snowed all day) for my blood test. Seems my Cholesterol is going down. Wednesday is free day for me on the bus so I rode to do errands. I met John after work and we went to dinner. He liked not having to come home first to get me then go back. Today, Friday, I rode to the Mall to get a box large enough to fit my wheeled garment bag. Then I came home and John came by to pick me up and took me to the Dr to pick up some sample medicine, then we had lunch. He dropped me at WalMart and went back to work. I took off again on the bus back home. I was there all of 30 minutes and back on the bus to go down town to try on some dresses. But alas nothing worked so I'm home again. John will be home early today and I hope we will have a leisurely evening, but with us you never know.
One day last week we went to look at a new Jeep. You see we are planning to drive home. The trailers up here are too expensive so we think we'll look when we get to Seattle. Since we plan a slow trip back home we thought a camping trailer would be a great idea. However, my point was a new Jeep that is set up for towing may be our best bet instead of revamping this one. I'm going through our things weeding out the stuff we have collected that doesn't need to go home. Since we came up here with 8 suitcases and 5 boxes we should be able to fit most of it in our Jeep but we'll have to send some of it home by mail. I'll let you know as things progress what's up....
One day last week we went to look at a new Jeep. You see we are planning to drive home. The trailers up here are too expensive so we think we'll look when we get to Seattle. Since we plan a slow trip back home we thought a camping trailer would be a great idea. However, my point was a new Jeep that is set up for towing may be our best bet instead of revamping this one. I'm going through our things weeding out the stuff we have collected that doesn't need to go home. Since we came up here with 8 suitcases and 5 boxes we should be able to fit most of it in our Jeep but we'll have to send some of it home by mail. I'll let you know as things progress what's up....
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Hawaii vacation 2010
I made a trip to Hawaii this past week. This being the third trip by plane in a month this one was at least shorter. Christropher met me and we had a nice drive in a convertible up to his house on north side of the island. It was mostly in the high 70's and low 80's during my visit. We got a lot of rain showers. The kids are moving next month and they showed me their new place. They will have more space this time. We spent some time at the beach. I got to see the set of 'Lost'. The water was reasonably warm, but the winds were very strong. So there were a lot of waves to watch. Some surfers were out too. We also took a 3 mile hike and saw seals, whales and Albatross. I ended up getting sunburned on my neck because I didn't have enough lotion on it. I found myself sick on the second day. Sore throat, cough, just a bad cold. I wish I had felt better. I'm still sick but getting better. Eve and I fixed the quilt I gave her last year. Some of the seams were coming apart. We also made a doll skirt/moo moo. I helped her with her homework. She reads very well, big words and all.
My last day we had lunch at Eve's school. On our way to the airport we picked up Eve and went to Christropher's work. Eve and I shopped while he took care of some business. My plane pulled out of the gate on time but we pulled back in and some police escorted a man off our plane. We don't exactly know what it was all about but we all thought he must have been trying to flee the state. So my flight was an hour late getting back to Anchorage. It was sure nice getting back to John. We have a lot to prepare for...
My last day we had lunch at Eve's school. On our way to the airport we picked up Eve and went to Christropher's work. Eve and I shopped while he took care of some business. My plane pulled out of the gate on time but we pulled back in and some police escorted a man off our plane. We don't exactly know what it was all about but we all thought he must have been trying to flee the state. So my flight was an hour late getting back to Anchorage. It was sure nice getting back to John. We have a lot to prepare for...
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Snow everywhere but watch out here comes the Sun
3 weeks ago the weather was warming up some. It was kind of disappointing that it hadn't snowed that much this year. Yes, there was about 3 feet out there but not fresh. We left for the trip to Alabama and by the time we got back the second time it had snowed almost everyday. But on the Morning (1:30AM) that we got back it was a white out. The wind was strong and the snow drifting. It's snowed lightly since, but alas we are into another warm up. Their saying that breakup isn't here yet though. The road graders are clearing Cordova St as I type and the sidewalks too. They pile it into the middle of the street and a dump truck and front end loader remove it out to the mountains somewhere.
We were looking for a camper this past weekend and took a ride up to Wasilla and wow they have a lot of snow up there. Everything was so white. It looked like powdered sugar had been poured all over everything. So pretty.
John is working hard on a Seminar he is putting together about Piping Codes. He'll do 5 Classes. Me, I'm sewing and keeping everything shipshape. I also have some editing to do on our last batch of pictures. I'm going to Hawaii to see Christroper and family next week. John has a lot to keep him busy.
We were looking for a camper this past weekend and took a ride up to Wasilla and wow they have a lot of snow up there. Everything was so white. It looked like powdered sugar had been poured all over everything. So pretty.
John is working hard on a Seminar he is putting together about Piping Codes. He'll do 5 Classes. Me, I'm sewing and keeping everything shipshape. I also have some editing to do on our last batch of pictures. I'm going to Hawaii to see Christroper and family next week. John has a lot to keep him busy.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A sad few weeks
I know it's been 3 weeks since I wrote in this blog. We got news of John's mother (Nana)not being well and flew to Birmingham to see her. John got to spend several days with her. He gave her water and milkshakes. They talked about the early days and what was happening in the present. She told him he was her favorite son. They did Grocho Marx eyebrows together. Scott and Eric came down from SC and spent some time with her. It was very nice to see how gentle they were her. She seemed very happy to see everyone. Patti got to spend some good time with her also. I told her what a great Mother-in-law I thought she was and she thanked me for being in John's life.
She slept more and more the next couple days. Not knowing how long she had we went back home. Got back to Anchorage at 2AM on Sunday morning, slept, got up and went to church and came home to watch the Dog races of Furondy. They had already started and I had taken a few pictures while John made dinner. He got a call from Patti saying Nana had passed away. She had gotten to spend some time with her before and then after.
We spent the afternoon making reservations to go back. So on Tuesday morning we began our flight back to Birmingham. Thursday and Friday the family arrived. A lovely funeral Mass was held at the Catholic Church Nana had attended for many years on Saturday. She will be missed by many. We returned on Monday to Anchorage.
She slept more and more the next couple days. Not knowing how long she had we went back home. Got back to Anchorage at 2AM on Sunday morning, slept, got up and went to church and came home to watch the Dog races of Furondy. They had already started and I had taken a few pictures while John made dinner. He got a call from Patti saying Nana had passed away. She had gotten to spend some time with her before and then after.
We spent the afternoon making reservations to go back. So on Tuesday morning we began our flight back to Birmingham. Thursday and Friday the family arrived. A lovely funeral Mass was held at the Catholic Church Nana had attended for many years on Saturday. She will be missed by many. We returned on Monday to Anchorage.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Portage Glacier Ride
We decided late in the afternoon to try and get to Portage Glacier. It's about 30 miles south along Turnagain Arm. We also hoped to see some Beluga Whales. It was a bright sunny day here in AK and as it turned out the tide was out on the ride down . All we could see was mud flats and layers of ice piled up, so we went all the way to Portage. As we got within 10 miles we saw very white mountains or rather Glaciers. They have been forecasting snow for days but most of it has gone as far as the Mountains and not to us. Most of the West side of the mountains you could see trees mixed in the snow but on the back sides all that you could see was snow. It's really neat when we see the Blue ice on the mountains. We had been told we couldn't actually get to Portage Glacier but if we stopped after we went through the tunnel toward Whittier we could see the ice field. Wow it was so Blue. I took a picture of course.
On the way back we could see that the tide was coming in. We took a detour into Girdwood to try and eat at the "The Double Musky" but the wait was 1 1/2 hours. So never mind. The tide was now coming in much better and we stopped to take a picture of the reflection of the mountains in the clear water. But alas when we got to Beluga Point it wasn't up enough to see whales.
On the way back we could see that the tide was coming in. We took a detour into Girdwood to try and eat at the "The Double Musky" but the wait was 1 1/2 hours. So never mind. The tide was now coming in much better and we stopped to take a picture of the reflection of the mountains in the clear water. But alas when we got to Beluga Point it wasn't up enough to see whales.
Friday, February 5, 2010
New Year..On we go
Well, one major decision we made was for me to stop working full time. I'm back to Temping and feel much better about it. John has had many different schedules put before him and thinks that it's finally working out. The plan is to come home in May. We don't have all the i's dotted or the t's crossed but we'll go with that for now.
We are continuing our hiking even with the snow. We took a hike to Eklutna Lake and hiked 8 miles total. Got farther than we had and hope to eventually get all the way back to the Glacier. We took a hike in Earthquake Park last weekend but we got cold. We alternate walking the Malls and the Garage. We are keeping moving.
We watched the Viking/Saints game with some friends. There were at least15 kids there. But they were so good. We plan to watch the Super Bowl with some friends, I just don't know the details. You see we don't usually care much but this time with the Saints in John feels compelled.
Our February has started out quiet. It got really cold for a few days then it warmed up some and we got some snow, supposedly we are in for more this weekend. I woke one night and looked out the window to see if there was any snow as forcast, not. What I did see was a moose sitting in the lot across the street. Just sitting there, two people walked by and he looked up but just sat there. How cool is that? Well I'll write more as the adventure continues. We are looking forward to Furrondy again as well as the Iditirod. Scott may get to come up and I may go to Hawaii, we'll let you know...
We are continuing our hiking even with the snow. We took a hike to Eklutna Lake and hiked 8 miles total. Got farther than we had and hope to eventually get all the way back to the Glacier. We took a hike in Earthquake Park last weekend but we got cold. We alternate walking the Malls and the Garage. We are keeping moving.
We watched the Viking/Saints game with some friends. There were at least15 kids there. But they were so good. We plan to watch the Super Bowl with some friends, I just don't know the details. You see we don't usually care much but this time with the Saints in John feels compelled.
Our February has started out quiet. It got really cold for a few days then it warmed up some and we got some snow, supposedly we are in for more this weekend. I woke one night and looked out the window to see if there was any snow as forcast, not. What I did see was a moose sitting in the lot across the street. Just sitting there, two people walked by and he looked up but just sat there. How cool is that? Well I'll write more as the adventure continues. We are looking forward to Furrondy again as well as the Iditirod. Scott may get to come up and I may go to Hawaii, we'll let you know...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ending the year 2009
Alaska has the most amazing sky's. Maybe it's partly due to the fact that we are almost at the top of the world. Some day's it snows a little but other day's it snows a lot. The weather channel doesn't always get it right. It doesn't take long for the snow to get brown and ugly because they use dirt, sand & gravel to help with traction.
December took us on some local hikes. When you get out of the city you find lots more snow. The Mountains on the east and south of Anchorage stop a lot of the snow storms from getting to Anchorage.
Jared joined us for Christmas. It was sure a pleasure to see him. He seemed tall, thin and barely any hair. We did our best to fatten him up. He and John ate Crab legs one night and Corned beef & cabbage another. He learned fast that we knew how to dress up here and he didn't. Our first short hike to earthquake Park he nearly froze. We didn't get any snow to speak of while he was here. We all went to Christmas Eve Services at our Church. The music was great, I'd call it a rocken Christmas.
We went up to Hatcher Pass one day and showed him the Rock filled streams that had iced over yet the water still flowed under the ice. You could see many layers of ice and show. Then we went on up the road, thank goodness for 4 wheel drive. Showed him Independence Mine which is closed this time of year. We hiked up a hill that many were sledding down. If you stepped off the packed snow you sank to your knees. Some girls came barreling down on a sled, I think with the intent to run Jared down for the attention, However, at the last second they veered and ran me down.
We took him by the Butte to show him the Reindeer farm. He enjoyed that, they weren't afraid of us, and we even saw a Buffalo and a Moose that walked right up to the fence. Another day we went to Flat Top Mountain. We hiked about half way up. The views up there are so great.
We could see beyond Anchorage and see Mt McKinley. It's always so white. It's a neat perspective from up there. But Alas I wore out.
I got to work between Christmas and New Year's and John and Jared hung out together. They did computer stuff and one afternoon they went to Portage. They were able to go to the visitor's center and got to see pieces of the Glacier floating in the river. Another day they went to Ekultna Lake. The trail there supports hikers, cross country skiing, and snow machines. They said they hiked 6 miles total.
They had fireworks in downtown at 8:00pm on New Year's eve. They do go all out. We could watch them from our apartment. We took Jared to the airport around 11:00 pm. He ended up not leaving until 3:30 AM. And so the year ended. Now what...
December took us on some local hikes. When you get out of the city you find lots more snow. The Mountains on the east and south of Anchorage stop a lot of the snow storms from getting to Anchorage.
Jared joined us for Christmas. It was sure a pleasure to see him. He seemed tall, thin and barely any hair. We did our best to fatten him up. He and John ate Crab legs one night and Corned beef & cabbage another. He learned fast that we knew how to dress up here and he didn't. Our first short hike to earthquake Park he nearly froze. We didn't get any snow to speak of while he was here. We all went to Christmas Eve Services at our Church. The music was great, I'd call it a rocken Christmas.
We went up to Hatcher Pass one day and showed him the Rock filled streams that had iced over yet the water still flowed under the ice. You could see many layers of ice and show. Then we went on up the road, thank goodness for 4 wheel drive. Showed him Independence Mine which is closed this time of year. We hiked up a hill that many were sledding down. If you stepped off the packed snow you sank to your knees. Some girls came barreling down on a sled, I think with the intent to run Jared down for the attention, However, at the last second they veered and ran me down.
We took him by the Butte to show him the Reindeer farm. He enjoyed that, they weren't afraid of us, and we even saw a Buffalo and a Moose that walked right up to the fence. Another day we went to Flat Top Mountain. We hiked about half way up. The views up there are so great.
We could see beyond Anchorage and see Mt McKinley. It's always so white. It's a neat perspective from up there. But Alas I wore out.
I got to work between Christmas and New Year's and John and Jared hung out together. They did computer stuff and one afternoon they went to Portage. They were able to go to the visitor's center and got to see pieces of the Glacier floating in the river. Another day they went to Ekultna Lake. The trail there supports hikers, cross country skiing, and snow machines. They said they hiked 6 miles total.
They had fireworks in downtown at 8:00pm on New Year's eve. They do go all out. We could watch them from our apartment. We took Jared to the airport around 11:00 pm. He ended up not leaving until 3:30 AM. And so the year ended. Now what...
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