Day 181 with Ruby and Rocket

It’s Friday morning (30^th) and we’re here on Mission Bay in San Diego. I’m lounging in bed with Duncan passed out beside me. I think he’s having a gown day!

It was a great time in Guerneville. We managed to get things unpacked from when Chris brought up boxes in June. We’re now ready for the big delivery which will happen when we return. We did some wine tasting, bicycling and last Sunday kayaked down the river to the Jazz Festival.  Buddy Guy and BB King were headliners. Wild and crazy time!!! That morning we met Barb Mooney, Qwest, and her husband, Rick, and another couple from Alameda for breakfast. They were in town and headed to the jazz festival as well. It was great seeing her and catching up on Qwest news.

Wednesday we picked up Ruby from storage and headed south. We stayed somewhere in the middle of the grapevine and arrived yesterday in San Diego. Needless to say I was pooped from driving in all the traffic. Taking it easy today.

My sister, Paula, and Steve are coming for dinner tonight. Tomorrow we’ll head to Wickenburg and spend the night.

Bill is planning to ride in to town on Sunday and we’ll end up at Chris’ house. We’d love to see everyone if you can drop by. His address is 7815 N. Ironwood, Paradise Valley. I think we plan to arrive around 3 PM so please come by for a beer or a glass of wine and help us celebrate the conclusion of this adventure!!!

Take care – off to Wickenburg tomorrow

Day 167 with Ruby and Rocket

Hi – Hope all is well with everyone.

We’ve been in Guerneville now for about a week and a half after a hellacious drive from Reno. We left there on Labor Day which was stupid on our part and had to drive through Donnor Pass. It was not a fun drive in a Motor home with tons of traffic but I survived. We’re staying at the River Bend RV and Campground which is just down the road from Korbel Champagne and a few miles from our house. (Yeehaw!) We’re on the river so enjoying the view and action on the river. Duncan and I visit it often where he plays ball in the river until he can hardly walk.

This Sunday we can move in to our house as all the rentals will be over. We have to take out the dock and can start on any little projects and just sit on the deck and relax. We’re so looking forward to that.

We’ll be staying here until the 28^th when we start to head south. We’ll stay in San Diego the 29^th and 30^th then on to Wickenburg for the night of October 1. On October 2^nd (Sunday), Bill is planning to ride his bike in to Paradise Valley to Chris’ house where this all began. His hand is still swollen and sore so he won’t be riding down the coast. We hope to have a little get together on the 2^nd with beer and wine in the afternoon at Chris’. Well keep you posted on those details.

We’ve done a little wine tasting and been to dinner a little. We’re renting a car on Saturday for a week to move things out of Ruby and in to the house so will do some more fun stuff then.

Anyway – take care a will update as things progress.

Day 154 with Ruby and Rocket

It’s Friday afternoon and Bill and I are getting ready to hit the road tomorrow. Shocker!! We’ve been here almost 3 weeks but it’s time to move on. The weather is turning a little colder so need to go to warmer climates in California.

We’ve done some bicycling this week which has been good. Also had some field trips to town for dinner and shopping. We met our friends Tom and Suzanne for dinner and to see the HELP. Great Movie!!!

Bill went to town today to have his cast adjusted and we’ve done some cleaning today to get ready for our trip.

We head to Twin Falls tomorrow and then on to Reno on Sunday. Monday we’ll arrive at the River Bend RV Park on the river in Guerneville. We’ll stay there until we can get in to our house on the 18^th.

Bill sees the doctor in Hearldsburg on Tuesday so we should get an updated on his hand. It’s still swollen and black and blue. It’s difficult for him to ride up hills and have to break going down. Also changing a tire would be difficult so the rest in Guerneville will be needed.

Take care – off to Twin Falls tomorrow!!! Hope I remember how to drive this thing!

Day 150 with Ruby and Rocket

It’s Monday morning and we’re relaxing after a really great time with family and friends. We were planning to leave Jackson this morning and head for California but the River Bend RV Park in Guerneville is booked for Labor Day so we are staying here a few more days then heading west and will be in Guerneville next Monday, the 5^th. It’s beautiful here and we have shuttle service to town so all is good.

Chris and Casey arrived on Thursday afternoon and it was so good to see them after almost 5 months. We went to town and cruised the Cowboy Bar and then on to a great dinner. Duncan was so happy to see them especially since he got to sleep on the couch with Casey. We were just leaving the campground on Friday to go to town and ride the Alpine slide when my brother and sister drove up. I thought Ron was bringing my sister-in-law, Pat, but she had to work so they surprised us and it was my sister, Paula. We all headed to town and shopped around then rode the Alpine Slide. Last time we did that Casey wasn’t old enough to go by herself!

Chris and Casey after arriving at campground

By the time we were headed back to the campground, Sue, Mary and Alan (Bill’s sisters and brother-in-law) had arrived and their camp was set up. They brought Dutch oven dishes and prepared a feast of pork loin, upside down cake and all the trimmings. It was wonderful!! Great time –

 Sue and Alan doing a Dutch Oven dinner - fabulous!

Alan - Mr. Dutch Oven

The next morning Bill’s cousins, Linda and Lynn, arrived in the campground. I had never met Linda and hadn’t see Lynn in many years. We all headed to town to have brunch at Café Gennivieve along with friends, Tom and Suzanne.  After that we said goodbye to the cousins, Sue, Mary and Alan and headed to our White Water Rafting destination.

Well let me tell you about this experience. Bill and I had done this when the kids were little and it was in June when it was kind of cold and the rapids are higher. So we thought this would be great as its August and warmer. Everything was going good and we launch and start to paddle down the Snake. Then the thunder starts and the rain and then it hails!  It was cold, miserable and all we could do was laugh! Great time anyway.

We BBQ’d hamburgers that night at the campground and had adult beverages. I think some of the party had a few shots of whiskey to warm up from the day.

Breakfast last morning

Yesterday everyone left which was sad but lots of good memories. Bill and I are getting down the bikes this morning as there’s a really nice bike trails across from our campground. He’s going to see if he can ride with the cast he has on now and I’m going to see if I remember how to peddle!

Take care – off to nowhere still!



Day 146 with Ruby and Rocket

Well it’s been 10 days since I’ve blogged – I guess a little vacation was in order but my brother called me this morning and told me to get in gear so I’m back blogging. (He's still bossy!)

It’s been a wonderful, restful time in Jackson where the weather has been beautiful. We’ve done some shopping downtown and had some great dinners. Our friends, Tom and Suzanne Morrow from Fort Collins arrived Monday and we’ve spent time with them shopping and going to dinner. A couple days ago the four of us took the gondola up to the top of the ski run in Teton Village. They have a bar up there and half price drinks and man was that popular thing to do! Great view and pictures.

 Snake River

 Downtown Jackson

Riding the Gondola down from happy hour at Teton Village

We could see the forest fire that is burning and have smelled the smoke in the morning the last couple of days. I think at this point they are letting it burn. It’s quite a ways away so no danger to us.

We’ve only had a couple of mishaps while we’ve stayed here. One day we had our new awning out enjoying the afternoon and it looked a little stormy but Bill insisted it was only suppose to be cloudy. Well before you know we are getting a soaking and the wind is blowing. Our little awning lights are going crazy and we can’t them off to bring in the awning. I’m trying to hold it down and with Bill only having one hand he’s got the other side. In the meantime we’re getting soaked and the lighting strikes very close which I felt and I’m trying not to laugh and wishing I had the event on camera.

The next day we have another little incident. We have a leak in our shower drain and it’s causing the water to drain out directly on to the ground. So Bill is in the shower testing the drain and I’m watching it outside and he yells help, help! I go running in there and the faucet has come off and water is going everywhere. Soaked again today! We get that all taken care and I wish we had that on camera too! I’m sure we could win a prize.

Anyway the service man comes to look at our shower issue and we have to take it to a dealer to get fixed – no biggie! At least it’s not the toilet! YUCK.

Chris and Casey arrive today and we are so excited. We haven’t seen them since we left. My brother and sister-in-law come tomorrow along with Bill’s 2 sisters and brother-in-law. His 2 cousins arrive on Saturday. We have a weekend of fun planned including rafting on the Snake River. We did this many years ago when the kids were small.  Should be a blast!

Bill is at the doctor now and hopefully he will get good news and a cast he can take off easily. We plan to leave here Monday morning and make our way west eventually to Guerneville. He’s hoping he can ride south from Guerneville to AZ but will know more today.

Thanks for all your concern and encouragement.

Take care and still off to nowhere!!!

Day 136 with Ruby and Rocket

Yeehaw we’re in Jackson!

We had to cover about 200 miles yesterday and that almost took as long as the day before. We left Bozeman around 9 AM and after a few construction delays started going south on 191 to Yellowstone. This is a two lane road through the mountains along a beautiful river and breathtaking scenery – also a little stressful driving at slower speeds. It was about 80 miles to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park where we had to wait to pay the entrance fee. Anyway we get on our way again and it’s rather slow going at times. You would be driving along and all of a sudden traffic would stop. Well there would be some kind of wild life stopped by the river and everyone would want to take pictures. Then there was the area of the mud pots – geothermal pools with lots of steam rising from them. This also slowed traffic. Then there was Craig Pass Ruby had to go over which she did pretty darn good. I had to brake at one point as a deer was on the side of the road and decided to cross right in front of me. Pretty exciting! Then we come upon the Tetons and they are truly majestic. Somehow we went from being in Yellowstone Park to Teton Park.  All in all it was the most beautiful drive I’ve had on this trip but I was very happy when we finally were out of the park and on a regular highway. Check out Bill's blog for pics.

We had a few miles before we reached Jackson and it was hopping. We drove through Jackson past the Cowboy Bar and on to our RV Park. We are actually in Wilson which is about 4 miles beyond Jackson. It’s a nice setup so we will be quite comfortable for the 2 weeks we are here. They have a shuttle in to town which is great since Bill won’t be able to maneuver Rocket.

We finally had cell service when we left the park and had a text from our friends, Pam and Marty Muir. They’re new grandparents and welcomed Lola Mae Muir yesterday at 6 lbs. Congrats to them and Amanda and Greg.  This is our second birth since this trip started, first our grandniece, Harper and now Lola. I love the names!!!

It’s 39 outside this morning so we busted out our down comforter. Doing a little cleaning and exploring today.

Take care – off to nowhere.  YEAH!!!!

Day 135 with Ruby and Rocket

Well I’m sitting here having a glass of wine after driving 478 miles from Williston, ND to Bozeman, MT and I think Ruby, Duncan and I are all a little pooped!

I was happy to leave North Dakota and all the oil tankers and it wasn’t too far until we crossed the Montana border. It was amazing to see all the different scenery changes and it became more beautiful after every mile. There were lots of rolling hills (big ones sometimes), rivers, farm land, trees and just beautiful country.

We grabbed lunched in Billings and kept driving on to Bozeman and gained an hour which was nice. We drove through Bozeman and it looked like a neat little town with some cowboy bars which I was very tempted to pull in to at that point. We needed some groceries and what do you know, there was a Safeway! I almost cried!!! We got groceries and of course wine!!! I even got to use my Safeway card – welcome to my little world. Of course my credit card didn’t work since I’d gotten gas twice in one day and usually it’s probably every three days. Anyway, used my spare one and have now informed them we are in Montana and travelling! Hello – been doing that for a while now – get a clue!!!

We’re at the KOA in Bozeman and it’s pretty warm here in the 90s. We do have 50 amp so are running those air conditioners. Tomorrow we go to Jackson Hole which is about 200 miles. Piece of cake!!! Of course we do have to go over two passes at about 7 and 8,000 ft so it will be slow going. I’m very excited to be in one place for two weeks and to see Chris and Casey, our other family and our friends, Tom and Suzanne.

Bill travelled along today with me and that was a little nerving as I’m not use to a backseat driver. I told him how lucky he was not to have to ride over all these mountains and he let me know we covered about 5 days of the ride today. I feel like it!

Anyway we’re off to Jackson Hole tomorrow and the Cowboy Bar and Silver Dollar Saloon! Guess you know where my mind is –

Take care – thanks for all your calls and well wishes after Bill’s accident. He’s doing good and thankful it wasn’t more serious.

Day 133 with Ruby and Rocket

As some of you might know by now Day 133 has been eventful. I left Ross in the rain and was afraid I’d get stuck pulling out. There are lots of potholes as they haven’t landscaped this part of their campground. It filled up so quickly they didn’t get around to it. There are so many people living in trailers all year around working in the oil fields. This is a picture of an interesting building (Public School) that’s very dated and we’re parked right next to it.

Old Public School house in Ross, ND

Travelling on Interstate 2 west there are lots of semi trucks hauling oil and construction equipment. So I’m travelling along and receive a call with the ND area code. I’m thinking it’s the bicycle store in Williston where I’m suppose to drop Bill’s bike off before parking at the campground. Well the man, Steve, says to me, Bill’s OK but he’s had an accident and we’re in the ambulance going to the hospital in Tioga. YIKES! My heart beats a little faster but I’m trying to concentrate on the directions he’s giving me to get to the hospital. It’s only about 15 miles away so I get there pretty fast.

Bill’s in the ER and he’s got road rash on his hip and a few cuts on his left arm and then I see his hand and it’s a mess and swollen. I’m sorry at this point but I’m also really thankful this is all that has happened. I find out a car clipped his shoulder and that threw him off his bike. I shudder to think about those semi trucks going by where he was biking.  Anyway they take x-rays and his bone below his little finger is broken and he is now in a cast.

After thanking everyone, we head in Tioga for a prescription at their little pharmacy. It’s amazing how a small town pharmacy is so very different from a Walgreens. The pharmacist actually talked to me and asked me if I’d been to Sun Devil Stadium. I laughed and said my kids went to ASU. He said he has a friend out there so it kind of made me feel good.

We left Tioga and headed for Ray, ND to pick up Bill’s bike and cell phone as it’s at the Fire Station. The emergency attendant, Sheri, meets at the Fire Station and we load his bike in Ruby and take off for Williston and the Buffalo Trails Campground. Bill said he’d heard that this campground looks like an old KOA that has gone to seed. Well he’s correct about that!!! There are lots of oil field workers but it’s a little better than in Ross. We’re here for 2 nights so we will be able to regroup and make a new plan.

So we’ve decided to head to Jackson Hole early since we have family and friends with plans to meet us toward the end of the month. We’ll leave here tomorrow, Monday, and drive to Bozeman, MT and stay the night there and then on to Jackson Hole Campground until August 29^th. Bill has visions of continuing the ride after that but my visions are wavering!!!

So we shall see ---- we’re off to Bozeman tomorrow and 4++ miles. I’ve never driven Ruby 400 miles – hope I can do that!!

Take care and thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I know I’m thankful that we only have a pinky finger and some ugly road rash to worry about!

Day 131 and 132 with Ruby and Rocket

Well Minot proved to be quite interesting. The drive from Rugby was on Route 2 which is very pretty through lots of farmland and small lakes. As I arrived in Minot I could see some of the effects of the flooding. I managed to find Lucy’s Amusement Park which was doing a little bit of business. Lucy’s husband, Norman, helped me park Ruby next to their garage and get me plugged in to a 30 amp power outlet. So the next thing I do is turn on the water pump which didn’t work. Just swell – luckily I bought 3 gallons of water as I left Rugby.

 Ruby parked next to the garage at Lucy's Amusement Park

Bill spotted an RV Center just down the street and drove Rocket there to get a replacement pump and fuse. He got those installed and it still didn’t work. Bummer!!! Anyway we called the RV Center and made an appointment for first thing this morning.

We packed up and I drove to the RV Center and my friend Mark and I tried to figure out where the pump was shorting out. That could have taken all day so we basically have it hot-wired from the fuse to the switch. It works!!! Mark and his family are living at the RV Center has his house was flooded. Too bad there’s not a water pipeline to send some of the water west to Texas.

I left Minot and drove to Ross today in the rain. Ross is very tiny!!!! We’re parked along the highway at this RV Park (and I use that loosely) with lots of people who live here and are working in the oil fields. The owner of the park is very nice and we’re set up with power and water so lucky us!

Tomorrow we’re off to Williston, ND for 2 days. Williston is a larger town and Bill has to get his touring bike fixed so hopefully that will work out.

We got a little rain today and I think it’s the same forecast for the next couple of days.

Take care -

Day 129 and 130 with Ruby and Rocket

Well Rugby, ND, which is the center of North America, has just been a highlight! We are parked at the Oakwood Inn and RV Park. The Inn is little motel rooms that fill up every night so far and the RV Park is about 10 sites to the side of the Inn (motel). I think the most exciting part was on Monday watching the RV’s pull in and set up. Unfortunately last night was boring as no pulled in until 11:00 PM and that was way past watching time!

Rugby is a pretty little town as the neighborhoods seemed very well maintained. We had dinner at a Bar & Grill last night and it was pretty good and then dessert at the Dairy Queen. I know you all are very envious right now but you’ll get over it!

We worked a little on our route yesterday. Bill’s ride in to Rugby was not fun and included a nice headwind the whole time. The official perimeter route should take us straight across Montana to Idaho. Because we are going to Jackson Hole to see friends and family, it adds about a 1,000 miles in to and out of Yellowstone. Bill was planning to ride that part but now will ride with me but he’ll still be able to complete the perimeter once we leave Wyoming and head back north to Montana. So now we’ll bee in Jackson Hole for 8 days starting August 21^st. There is a lot to do in Jackson so we’ll probably rent a car and have a mini vacation. Hope you’re following all this. Anyway it includes changes in reservations so that kept me busy yesterday.

We’re off to Minot, ND today which has had way too much rain and flooding. A few of the camp grounds are closed and others are available only to residents. I think it’s in pretty bad shape. Anyway we’re staying at this place called Lucy’s Amusement Park and I’m not sure exactly what kind of facilities we will have there. Actually the next 4 days are a little sketch as far as facilities. Oh joy!

The nice thing is that it’s been rather cool here so we’ve not had to use our AC. I think I need to stock up on some food and drinking water as it may get interesting the next few days before we get to civilization again. Thinking about that remodel in Guerneville if you know what I mean!!!

Take care -

Day 128 with Ruby and Rocket

I left Erie this morning and zig zagged on country roads north through miles and miles of farmland. Finally I turned west toward Devil’s Lake. I turned south a little toward the campground and had to cross this bridge where the water came up to the edge and it was a dirt road with the washboard effect. Oh joy!

Miles of farmland

Unfortunately this was the only way to get there but it didn’t last too long and another mile or so on dirt roads and I arrived at the campground. I had to wait a little while before a site was available as the site assigned to me was under water. This is a huge lake and it’s about 2 ½ feet higher than normal and many of the trees are in the water. Kind of creepy looking!

 Devils Lake

Sitting on the beach at Devil's Lake

I got settled and there’s a little beach in front of me and a beautiful view of the lake. The weather is beautiful so Duncan and I sat on the beach and waited for Bill to arrive. I wished I had one of the jet skis going by!

Looking at a beautiful sunset and making plans for my drive tomorrow to Rugby, ND for two days. Bill needs a rest and my fun factor is a little low so maybe the rest will be good.

Take care -

Day 126 and 127 with Ruby and Rocket

I left Bemidji and did a few errands in town before heading out to Detroit Lakes. The drive to Detroit Lakes was pretty easy and as I was nearing town I started passing a lot of motor homes. Then I even drove right past WE Fest which is this huge country music festival, including some big names like Willie, Brad Paisley, Sugarland, etc.  Lyle and Kathy live not too far away on Pelican Lake so I met them at the turn off of County Road 20 and followed them to a Country Club where I was parking Ruby for the night. No problems there and then they drove Duncan and I to their house which was a very short distance but Ruby never would have made it down their drive.

They have this beautiful cottage on this beautiful lake and I was sorry we were only going to be there one day. The cottage is just down from this resort that has been there for around 60 years.  The resort is one of those all inclusive types – it reminds you of the resort that was in Dirty Dancing. When Bill arrived he cleaned up and we went for a cruise around the lake. We past the Young Life Camp called the Castaways – for you Young Lifers this camp looked really cool. We cruised by some beautiful homes especially this one with a guest house and a boat house. We’re talking big bucks here as I would have been happy in the boat house.

Kathy made this amazing dinner including homemade apple pie. We got to meet Becca, their daughter, as she’s visiting for the summer from AZ. Duncan managed to get along with Gracie and Bailey, however, he wasn’t very friendly to the neighbor dog, Wilson but was OK after a while.

The next morning we had Kathy’s really delicious blueberry coffee cake. Have I said I didn’t want to leave! I reluctantly packed up and we returned to Ruby and said our goodbyes.

Thank you to Lyle, Kathy, Becca, Bailey and Gracie for a wonderful stay!!!! We had some of the leftovers for dinner last night and will have coffee cake this morning. Thank you Kathy!!!!!

I drove in the rain mostly from their cottage to Brewer Lake County Park in Erie, North Dakota (new state!). As I drove through Erie which if you blink you’ve gone too far and I thought I’d missed the park but kept driving so I could find a place to turn around. Well I had to drive probably a half a mile and luckily I did as there was a sign for the park. I turned and was on a dirt road and went for probably a half a mile and thought this isn’t looking too good. But then I came to another sign and followed that for about a half a mile and then there was another sign and finally I saw the park and it looked really nice. Well my gosh it has full hookup with 50 amp power even though its cold enough that we don’t need the AC and is on this pretty little lake. You who’d have thought!

Bill called from a little ways away wondering where the park was and he soon arrived dripping wet.

We did manage to bust out the BBQ as the rain cleared to have something with our leftover salads from Kathy. Staying at Kathy and Lyle’s really made me homesick and wanted to get busy on our many projects waiting for us in Guerneville.

However, we’re off to Warwick, ND where ever that is! At least we’re going WEST!!! Won’t be long before Jackson Hole and family!

Take care -

Day 124 and 125 with Ruby and Rocket

I arrived in Grand Rapids and we had a nice stay there even though we weren’t on the lake. The weather is very pleasant but lots of mosquitoes.

As I was leaving Grand Rapids I stopped at the farmers market in town and bought some veggies and berries. Yummy stuff!

We’re now at the KOA in Bemidji, MN and I was able to check my email. Sometimes the connection is so slow I get frustrated and will wait for a better location. I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from our friend Kathy Williamson, who with her husband, Lyle, has a cottage in Detroit Lakes, MN.  We were suppose to stay in Detroit Lakes tonight but there is a huge country western festival going on this weekend and couldn’t get reservations. We then changed our route and were headed a little north of Detroit Lakes. Anyway, we are now headed to Kathy and Lyle’s cottage and are going to stay there tonight. We are so excited to see them, not to mention the use of real bathrooms!

Sorry we missed you Jaime in Minneapolis. If anyone is headed our way be sure to email me as we’d love to connect. My email is neitacomings@hotmail.com or just post it on Facebook.

Bill has already taken off this morning as it’s about 100 miles. I have lots to do this morning so better get at it. We’re off to Kathy and Lyles in Detroit Lakes!!

Take care -

Day 123 with Ruby and Rocket

It’s a beautiful morning here in Aitkin and I’m sitting outside looking at Hickory Lake. This is a pretty little campground and very well maintained. I’d like to stay here as it’s very peaceful.

 Hickory Lake

I had a wet drive yesterday from Stanchfield but as I got closer to Aitkin it began to clear up and the afternoon was pretty. Bill arrived not too long after I got set up. His route was a little different and he came through the town of Aitkin. He found a Red Box so we had some entertainment last night.

This morning I’m off to Grand Rapids, MN and the Prairie Lake Campground. Hopefully we’ll have another pretty view.

Take care -

Day 122 with Ruby and Rocket

Duncan and I had a nice little run around the empty campground and left in the drizzle of rain. I headed in to town to the grocery store before getting on the highway.

It was a rainy drive the whole way to Staunchfield, MN. I met Bill just before the turn off to the campground so he followed me in. We’re camped at the Rushmore Campground and it seems to be mostly seasonal residents. There’s only about 4 or 5 overnight campsites which are located right on the lake. We have a really pretty view of a very choppy lake! However, just as we enter the campground there’s a sign “no dogs”. Oopsie – oh well.

It stormed the rest of the day and in to the night but seems to have kind of cleared up this morning. It’s still overcast but not raining. There are a couple of people out on the dock fishing.

West Rush Lake, MN

We head to Aitkin, MN today and the Hickory Lake Campground.  I better get Duncan out of here before we’re busted!

Take care -

Day 120 and 121 with Ruby and Rocket

I had another nice drive on Saturday to The Rivers Edge Campground in New Richmond, WI. Well this place is a huge campground with water slide and river tubing. The tubing seems to be the big draw as it’s on the Apple River. So we get settled and are surrounded by kids (twenties and up)having a really good time!!! Fortunately we were at the end of a row so we could look out at them on one side and it was pretty entertaining. The place is obviously a popular weekend destination for partying. Some came by to say hello and play with Duncan. We even bought beer off our neighbors as we weren’t prepared for the river trip. They were from Pardeeville, WI. It showed!!! Saturday night was Karaoke and that was a drunk fest but entertaining.

Sunday morning was busy busy busy! It was amazing how fast this place cleared out and now we’re almost all by ourselves.  Bill and I got ready to go tubing so you walk a little ways to get your tube and in you go with, of course, you cooler tube as well.  It’s a 3 hour float trip down the river and so much fun. It would have been a lot more exciting if we had gone on Saturday but this was really nice. The water is only 2 to 4 feet with some mild rapids but a great time. Then you get out and they bring you back to camp. It’s a great deal.

I took this picture this morning and it’s amazing what this place looks like when its empty. It’s sprinkling here this morning and feels like a sauna outside.

River's Edge campground after the party weekend!

We’re off to Staunchfield, MN today. New State and new month!!!

Take care =

Day 119 with Ruby and Rocket

As I was packing up to leave the KOA in Hayward Bill called and had been thinking about these bear candle holders we saw in the woodsy store yesterday. He said for me to go ahead and buy them as they would look cool in Guerneville. Well I was planning to do some grocery shopping in Hayward before leaving and the store was near the bear store so fun! I also stopped back in to the bakery to buy Bill a couple more cinnamon rolls as they were to die for. So I bought the bear candle holders then went in to the market and what do I find there but my Elephant Tracks chocolate ice cream. Yep bought that too! All in all a successful shopping day and I haven’t even left town yet!

I finally was on my way to Amery, WI and I have to tell you that driving in Wisconsin has been the most pleasant of any state I’ve driven in so far. Their roads and scenery have been the best!

We’re staying at the Port Valhalla campground in Amery, WI that’s located on a lake and it seems several people are full timers.  Everyone seems friendly and there are couple kids that drive around in their parents golf carts for entertainment.  So Duncan and I are sitting outside and I hear this crunching on the gravel and here comes these two little kids in this little miniature golf cart (mother walking beside them) and I  had to get their picture. I figure Audrey and William are future golf cart drivers!  Very cute - we are so not cool without a golf cart!

We only have about 30 miles to go today and have a rest day tomorrow. Bill is definitely looking forward to that as his legs are hurting a bit to say the least.

Off to New Richmond, WI and the Rivers Edge Campground.

Take care -

Day 117 and 118 with Ruby and Rocket

I’ve had a couple days of pretty scenery driving through Wisconsin and the Land-o-Lakes. At first I thought, OH – butter! Then as I drove the light went on and thought Lakes!! There’s lots of lakes!

Yesterday I left Mercer, a little town, and drove to Hayward which is larger with a really quaint downtown area. They’re gearing up for Lumberjack weekend which is a lumberjack competition. The KOA is hopping!

The weather has cleared up nicely but it’s very buggy. I killed 5 mosquitoes the night before last. Yesterday I was at Walgreens and they had those fly strips so I bought some to hang in Ruby. I always read a little in bed at night and wait for them to come toward my light. Last night I had my bug strip nearby but I didn’t get any customers which was a little disappointing.

As I mentioned before, I’ve had this craving for Chinese food so Bill and I launched Rocket and drove the 3 miles to town. We walked around Main Street and did a little wine tasting at the local winery. Sonoma is still safe but they did have this really delicious Sangria which we bought. I also found more bear lights in this really cool store featuring woodsy stuff. We left there and went to the local Chinese restaurant to order food to go. Well this ain’t no Flo’s and far from it! I did get to enjoy my champagne though. The KOA has ice cream at 7 PM every night so Bill found that and came back with a fabulous chocolate and I mean fabulous. I don’t usually eat ice cream as it doesn’t agree with me but I made him go back and get me some. I ate the whole thing and never got a pain. Must have been the champagne combo! I’ll need to try that more often or find this ice cream.  Really, really good.

So this morning we’re off to Amery, WI which will be our last night in Wisconsin. Yeah – headed West!

Take care,

Day 115 and 116 with Ruby and Rocket

We camped on Lake Michigan again in the city park of Gladstone. This was a pretty park and had a few little beach areas with a bicycle strand.  We had a pretty view from Ruby which was nice as it was very windy. Great temperature as it required no AC and good sleeping weather.

Tuesday morning I left Gladstone and arrived in Iron River, MI which was a pretty drive past potato farms and lots of trees. Saw logging trucks again! 

This was a little glitch in the plan. I had made reservations at Top of the Morn campground as Bill had instructed. So I go to enter the address in Gabby and it says its 200 miles. I question Bill to see if he’s planning to ride 200 miles and he looks a little panicked! He then gets on the computer and realizes there’s an Iron River, Wisconsin and that’s where Top of the Morn is located. So we quickly revised our plan and found the Iron River Campground in Michigan. Luckily they weren’t full and it’s a pretty little city park as well.

It’s raining this morning and Bill is stalling hoping it will clear up but I think we’re going to get showers all day. Ruby needs a bath anyway!

Nothing else too exciting going on but we do head to Wisconsin today. We’ll be in Mercer and I’m dying for some Chinese food and champagne (great combination if you haven’t tried it). Maybe we’ll get lucky.

Take care – off to Mercer, Wisconsin! Another State!!!!

Day 114 with Ruby and Rocket

I made it across the bridge!!! They post a speed limit for trucks and RV’s at 20 MPH which made me feel good as I didn’t have to keep up with traffic. It didn’t seem too windy but my leg was still shaking. Glad that is behind me!

Beginning of the Mackinaw Bridge. It goes a lot higher!

I had a pretty drive on highway 2 all around Lake Michigan and arrived at Driftwood Shores just after passing through Manistique. I stopped at this wonderful market, Jacks (kind of like AJs), and went in for 3 things and came out with a lot more. Shopping is my social time!!

Anyway we’re camped on the lake and have a beautiful view. We were able to open all the windows and have a nice cool breeze. Left the windows open and had to snuggle under the comforter. It was cold!!

Driftwood Shores, Lake Michigan

I’m sitting here this morning typing looking out my front window and not wanting to leave.

BUT, since we are heading west I’m off to Gladstone, MI which is not very far.

Take care

Day 112 and 113 with Ruby and Rocket

So I haven’t crossed the bridge yet and it’s been two days! I guess I wasn’t paying attention to the schedule or my geography is lacking. We’ve been in Mackinaw City for 2 days and will cross the bridge today as I drive to our next location. I’ve seen it in the distance several times and it’s a long one but I can do it!

I arrived at the TeePee camp ground which is on Lake Michigan. It’s nice here, however we need to do laundry and they have no facilities for that which is unusual. We launched Rocket and did some site seeing in the City which was just a mile down the road. This one store we went in had beautiful furniture and unique items. I found a Bear light that would match my classy bear lights in Guerneville. I may have to order it from them.

Potential Bear light for Guerneville - I know this is thrilling!

We had a nice dinner not too far away at the Blue Water Grill. It was OK but I think Bill was disappointed.

I’ve been a little down lately as we had to go so far north and I wasn’t expecting that but now I can see why Bill wanted to see the upper- peninsula. We took a ferry over to Mackinaw Island yesterday and were taken back in time. The island allows no motorized vehicles so there are bicycles (lots and lots) and horse drawn carriages. We did a carriage tour of the island and it’s just beautiful and the history was really interesting. There are beautiful homes (pricey), bed and breakfast places, shops selling fudge which we bought, restaurants and tons of bicycles. It was cool to see the horse drawn taxis, trash collector, luggage delivery, etc.   Some of the views were breathtaking.

 Approaching Mackinaw Island from ferry

 No cars - just bikes and horses

 The road is below with bikers

Beautiful views

We headed back to Mackinaw City on the ferry and out to dinner. Bill needed some pasta!

It was great having a rest day as we both needed it. Today I think we’re truly headed west to Thomas, MI.

Take care -

Day 110 and 111 with Ruby and Rocket

Well I’m now in Bay Harbor, MI which is near Petoskey at the beautiful Motorcoach Resort.

I thought yesterday in Traverse City was uptown but I think this has it beat. Traverse Bay RV Park was near a Trevino Golf Resort and the RV’s there were high class. We were once again a Chevy! It was pretty hot yesterday so I had both air conditioners running since we had the amps for it.

I went to the fitness center this morning (quite a shock) and seemed to work the machines OK. Then I cleaned house and left for Bay Harbor. It was a pretty drive and not terribly far.

This place is next to an equestrian park and across from Lake Michigan although we can’t see the lake. I do have a pretty little view of a pond. Ponds must be big here as we had a view of a pond in Traverse City. There’s a fancy club house, pool, spa, tennis, etc. We’ll probably be in a dump tomorrow! You just never know. We have had TV for the last 2 days and I feel like I’m part of the real world. It’s a little cooler here than yesterday so hopefully going north is a good thing.

 Our clubhouse for the day!

 Our view for the day!

This is in the yard of the model. I think it would be good in Guerneville.

Tomorrow is the big drive to Mackinaw Island but I’m not worried. Well maybe just a little but I’ll live. Let’s all pray for no wind!!!!

Mackinaw Bridge here I come!

Take care -

Day 109 with Ruby and Rocket

Still going north but I think I did head west a little today. I was on the interstate 131 for most of the day. It seemed like a long drive and Bill confirmed with his mileage – 130 miles for him. He was pretty beat when he got in. This campground was voted best in 2006 and 2007 – I can kind of see why that was the end of their reign! It’s a ways off our route so therefore the extra mileage. We head up to Traverse City today and back to civilization.

I took a picture of our neighbor. It looks like it’s been parked there since the reign in 2006. Ron doesn’t this remind you of the Nugget? The picture makes it look good.

It seems a little cooler here and as we go north I’m sure it will get better. I talked to my neighbor at the Double RR Ranch and she’s driven on the Mackinaw Bridge and said I’d have no trouble. It’s in the winter that it can be scary. It’s a 5 mile suspension bridge – I think the 3^rd or 4^th largest in the world. Great! That’s in a couple of days so I’ll probably start dreaming about it. I haven’t wrecked anything lately so I’m probably due!

Off to Traverse City, MI today.

Take care -

Days 107 and 108 with Ruby and Rocket

As I left Indian Lakes Campground I continued through Amish country. These were beautiful farms and farmhouses that were very well taken care of. I passed an Amish family in their buggy probably coming back from church. I felt like I was in a different country.

I arrived at Cold Brook County Park near Battle Creek which was a small park and very wooded. I found a spot with lots of trees as you might know we are experiencing another heat wave. We pretty much stayed inside as the humidity was also high and uncomfortable.

Monday I left Cold Brook and travelled on north to the Double RR Ranch near Belding. I’m a little disappointed that we are going north instead of west. I guess we have to experience the Mackinaw Bridge. Lucky me! More on that later. The Double RR is a big deal with a golf course, river rafting, horseback riding, pool and not sure what else. After driving on a 5 mile dirt road I find the place and, of course it was hotter than blazes when I arrived but its wooded and everyone seems friendly.

Bill left early this morning (Tuesday) as it’s a long day for him. As he left he tells me the power just went out. Great! Well it’s still out as is the whole area. Not sure how long this will last but not a good morning coffee. Hopefully I can get the slides in on the battery.

We’re off to Irons, MI and the Enchanted Acres Park. It better be enchanting as I could use some of that!

Take care -

Day 106 with Ruby and Rocket

I left Shepherd’s Pasture and drove past miles and miles of farmland on small, straight, flat roads. I crossed in to Indiana out in the middle of nowhere. I was then on a more travelled road as I neared my destination. Right before I crossed over a bridge near a large lake I saw my first Amish in his horse and buggy. It was pretty amazing him travelling on the other side of the road as I just zipped by. I was near Indian Lake where we were camping and Gabby had me turn off the main road on to some country roads. I passed some beautiful farms and noticed no cars, trucks, tractors but they did have these buggys and such. I had to stop and take a picture.

 Somewhere in Ohio

 Another State!

 Stopped at a light - a pretty corner in a little town in Indiana

A farm down the road from our Campground in Indiana - these aren't for show!

Soon after, I arrived at our campground and man this is a hoppin place. It’s on Messick Lake and within the campground there are 6 piers with boats docked. You can see houses and other docks in the distance. The campground has all kinds of entertainment for mostly the kids but Bill did take advantage of the chocolate brownie offer. Apparently this is chocolate weekend! They had a chocolate slippy slide! There is a large group camped next to us with several families and many of them Amish.

It’s warming up now and we’re expecting a little hotter weather so I’m glad we were able to get our 2^nd air conditioner replaced. I still haven’t figured out why the TV converter isn’t giving us any channels but maybe today I’ll do that. I made some more reservations for next month as I’d kind of put that off thinking we wouldn’t be on schedule but never fear those legs just keep pedaling!

We cross in to Michigan today and are staying at the Cold Brook County Park.  Another state! I'm dizzy!

Take care -

Day 104 and 105 with Ruby and Rocket

Thursday - I was up bright and early this morning heading to Clyde, Ohio and the Town and Country RV Center. No problem finding and was on the Ohio Turnpike for most of the way. Of course when I got there at the time they told me to be there, they said so – you’re dropping it off? We had a little miscommunication which was quickly remedied and he understood what the deal was and got me in immediately. So Duncan and I walk down the street to the McDonald’s for a coffee and wait for the status call. It wasn’t but an hour and he called saying that we needed a new unit (I already knew that!) and should he replace it whether the extended warranty authorized it or not? I said yes. So another hour went by and Duncan and I had walked back to the dealership and were sitting outside when he called again. Good news – it was fixed and the extended warranty covered it and we only had to pay the tax!!  Yippee!! They also fixed the bedroom TV cabinet which was a little loose.

I was off down the road to Lindsey, Ohio which wasn’t very far and got set up at the Wood Acres Campground. The countryside sure has changed. It's now flat and lots and lots of farmland and corn. Before the corn was maybe up to my knees but now its as tall as I am. It very beautiful but different from what we've seen so far.  The campground is quiet with no train and no traffic and the water is good. The water yesterday was horrible and smelled like sulfur (probably why the lady had no teeth!). This place is very country but quiet.

Bill got in early and we both had naps because we didn’t sleep so well last night. We’re busy making a few changes to our schedule due to reservation issues.

Friday – I had to get on the road early again today as I had another appointment for Ruby to get her oil changed, etc. I drove the 20 miles to Amos Auto and RV Center in Bradner, OH. There was also a bar, a laundromat, the beauty shop and Amos’. That’s about all there was to this town but Amos’ has been in business for 55 years and it was very efficient.  I also found out why my antennae didn’t work since our Driect TV is suspended which I should have figured out before. My TV is analog and all the TV stations are now digital which happened quite some time ago. So I went to Walmart and purchased the converter and we installed it this afternoon. All the signs indicate it works but we’re now in Defiance, OH at Sherpherd’s Pasture (no lie) and a whole lot of trees so no reception.  This is another colorful campground! I think if we had a golf cart, people would be more friendly!

Anyway tomorrow we go to Wolcottville, IN and a really cool RV park (I hope). Maybe we can try our TV again as I don’t think they have cable. Oh the joys of camping! 2 ½ months to go!

Take care -

Day 103 with Ruby and Rocket

So here I sit looking out the window at the freeway and trucks going by and then to my right is the train going by! Oh this is going to be a great night!!

I drove from Conneaut on I90 toward Cleveland and lots of construction. Oh joy! After several miles I reach Cleveland and manage to follow my route Gabby tells me through Cleveland and more construction. I get past Cleveland and then not too far to our Campground, Crystal Springs. Why anyone would want to stay here is beyond me! I don’t see an office or the manager but do see the maintenance guy. So I ask him about things and he’s very nice and we walk to the manager’s trailer. He knocks and she comes to the door (mind you I’ve called her several times today and have gotten voice mail). He says they must be napping but business is business! She answers the door and they figure out where to put me and she tells me they’ll be down later to collect! She doesn’t have her teeth in! Pitty.

Anyway, the maintenance guy tells me where to park and gives me directions to the nearest market so I do a little shopping and return to get set up. I see the interstate immediately but it was a little surprise when the first train rolled through.  I’ve had the windows open all day as it’s really nice out but tonight we’ll have to close up or we’ll never get any sleep.

I made a few reservations for the end of July and August that I had not done thinking we might have changes in our schedule. Bill had a rough day and didn’t get in until 6ish. I have to get up and going early tomorrow as I have my appt for the AC to be replaced and I have to drive about an hour to get there by 9.  No relaxing in bed drinking coffee. Bummer!

Anyway off to Lindsay, OH tomorrow. Manager still hasn’t come to collect!

Take care -

Day 102 with Ruby and Rocket

My drive to Conneaut, OH was pretty much on the I90 the whole way. The Evergreen Lake Campground isn’t too far off the highway but you don’t hear it which is nice. I had done a little research on this location as its wine country. I had scoped out 4 wineries to visits that were relatively close to our campground. This area is very close to Lake Erie.

Bill arrived early so we launched Rocket. Well the first 2 wineries were closed when they advertised open but apparently there were family issues. On the drive to see them, we were very close to Lake Erie and the homes were interesting along the way. The third winery we visited, Taristano also has a restaurant but its only open on the weekend. We did taste wine but it really wasn’t up to our standards! We went to the 4^th winery, Markko, and were pleasantly surprised. He had some great Cabernet which we bought. This winemaker and his wife have been growing and bottling wine here for 45 years. Think about that! He was pretty funny and really interesting.

Markko Winery - good Cab

Kelly at Taristano also recommended a place for dinner in Conneaut. Biscotti's was a great place and we ordered a bottle of the Markko cab. I had salmon with this horseradish and bread crumb topping that I'm going to have to figure out as it was pretty darn tasty. The owner did give me the ingredients so will have to experiment. 

We drive to Rocky River, Ohio today. I need to call and confirm our reservation so hopefully no surprises there. Tomorrow I have an appointment to take Ruby in for a new bedroom air conditioner and a couple other minor issues. The next day is an oil change so a little added excitement for my days.

Take care – off to Rocky River!!! Going WEST

Day 101 with Ruby and Rocket

Thank you for your comments on my possible new career, however, I think I’ll stay with the wine serving! I love hearing from everyone.

I left Niagara Falls yesterday and drove south through Buffalo. Luckily I was on a highway and didn’t have to venture in to downtown. I was driving by the water and passed a lot industry including the Gold Medal Flour plant. Then I drove west to Sheridan, NY where we spent the night in the Sheridan Bay Campground.  It advertises to be on Lake Erie so you kind of have a good thought about that but this place is a little sketch.  Our power was out yesterday as the day was heating up but thankfully the neighbor found the fuse box and fixed it. The owner or whatever he is was at work. His work not being here! Fortunately this place is only $16 a night. Duncan and I sat down by the Lake for an hour or so while I threw the ball in to the lake for him. He loves to chase it but the waves scare him some.

Bill didn’t get in until about 5 pm so I was getting a little worried about him. In places like this I always like it when he arrives so people know I’m not alone. It can get a little unnerving at times. Anyway he arrived safely and we BBQd.

Bill's pouting - his hamburger fell apart. He's a little cranky! 

 Lake Erie

This morning I’m having breakfast alfresco, as well as blogging as I’m in the process of fogging Ruby. Fruit flies have arrived! We had this problem earlier in the trip and had to fog then. It’s warmed up considerably so that’s probably the cause. I do have a pretty view of the lake and it’s cool out.

We head through Pennsylvania and on to Ohio today. We’re in Conneaut, OH tonight. Heading WEST for real!!!!

Take care -