FINAL STOPS

Read prior blog first. This is a continuation.
Pat & Greta with Boulder Dam in the background.
Brother Mike pointing where new turbines & intakes will be built.
This winds up our visit to the Dam. Enjoyed a fine Chinese dinner this evening at PF Changs.

Early Sunday (4:30 AM) we depart for our 450 mile trip to Coarsegold to complete our 3 month journey. Much easier to drive at this time of the day & miss all the traffic. Arrived safely...plan to do a wrap & summary. The best to all of you & thanks for following. Roger & Pat
Some earlier travelers across Boulder Dam!

FINAL STOPS NEXT

I am running behind on my posting. My writings here starts on April 23rd. This morning we leave Hatch, Utah for Mesquite Nevada. Programmed to stay at the Oasis Casino & RV Park in Mesquite. Plan to dine out tonight, empty our RV holding tanks & take on fresh water. Friday & Saturday we will be dry camping in front of my brother Mike's & Greta's new home in North Las Vegas.
Arriving in Mesquite it was quite warm & they have fallen on hard times. Many of the Casinos have scaled back. No buffets during the week. The RV park was 1/3 full & we had full hookups.

Friday we arrived around noon at my brother's home. All parked including a parking pass from the home owners association. Greta is teaching school. They are the perfect hosts. For dinner tonight we dined out at a Olive Garden.

On Saturday morning Mike planned a short motor trip. Arrived at Boulder Dam to view the new construction of Highway 93's new bridge that spams the canyon and is above the dam. Note the arch that is being poured in place that will support the bridge roadway when completed. Scheduled to be completed in 2010. I believe it will be one of the tallest bridges in the world.
A popular tourist attraction in Las Vegas. (have lost 2 photos in this blog so I will post a continuation)

ZION NATIONAL PARK

On this cold morning we off on a hour's drive to Zion in the Honda. Entering the park on the East side from Route 89 is a twisting & winding road that takes you through this tunnel. Buses & motor homes go by escort. So glad that we elected to leave the motor home outside the park. It's my understanding that coming into the park from the West side there is no problems for motor homes or buses.

Once through the man made tunnel the beauty of the park's landscape's unfold right before you. What a site it is.

The park receives more visitors than Bryce. So the trams are up & running. We parked at the visitor's center & were off for our Zion experience. The Tram is the best & easiest way to view the park. It takes 90 minutes to complete it's route. One can get on & off as many times as you wish at no charge...free.
At the end of the route we got off the tram & hiked 3.2 miles inside the canyon & along the Virgin River which has carved out the walls over time. The foliage was beautiful with many kinds of ferns growing in the shade.
The colors change as the day progresses.
By this time we were ready for lunch. A Tram stop at the lodge was a convenient lunch stop. The next stop was at the museum where we were able to see a film on the history of the park.
We had camped in the park in the mid sixties with our children. There have been many changes from that time.

There is a good size campground in the park that takes RVs & tent camping. Dry camping on a first come basis; no reservations.

A great park to visit, the tram is a relaxing way to get around. This time of year the weather was very comfortable. Gets real warm in the summer!!

On to Mesquite Nevada tomorrow.

BRYCE NATIONAL PARK

Arrived at the Riverside RV Park in Hatch, Utah around 1 PM. Will be staying here for the next two nights. This afternoon we are off to see the beauty of Bryce National Park. After a 30 minute drive our golden age pass gets us into the Park. Our first stop is to the visitor center for a map of the park & to view the orientation movie. You are allowed to drive your car inside the park. The road runs South of the entrance for 20 miles along the West ridge of the park. Pull outs are along the way with excellent viewing spots.
This was a photo op afternoon with the sun looking over our shoulder.
There was snow lacing the hoodoos and on the mountain peaks that added to the contrast and beauty of the park. If one wanted to hike there are several trails. The highest point by car is 9,600 feet. I think we

stopped at ten different viewing stops. Both of us rate Bryce as a spectacular park to visit. Views are endless & change by the minute. So glad we were able to be here this afternoon!The weather was on the brisk side and refreshing. It will get down to freezing tonight at the RV Park.

Tomorrow we will drive to Zion National Park which is about and hour south of Hatch.

JOLIET, IL TO HATCH, UT.

1,533 miles. Leaving Joliet on Friday morning April 17th. We will do this stretch over 5 days driving about 300 miles each day. Following the interstates 80, 76, & 70 West; taking Utah Route 89 South. Why are we going to Hatch? Will tour Bryce & Zion National Parks. Then on to Las Vegas to visit brother Mike & Greta.
Bad weather is forcast to hit the Rockies on Friday & Saturday. Studying the routing we did; oh well if they close I 70 because of snow we decided we would just wait it out. Planned not to stop at any RV parks on this leg of the trip. We boondock when we can. The motor home can handle it and we save a few dollars.
Our first night was camp Wally: Super Wal Mart, Newton, Iowa. In the heart of Iowa corn farming. Had a great view looking right into a farming landscape to the East. It was a warm afternoon & every body was coming in to town. The ground is still too wet to till...planting time is just a few days away.

Leaving Newton this AM we drove through Omaha, Nebraska; then on to Kearney Ne. for the night. Well the rain started and it rained for most of the morning. We still enjoyed our ride through the farming country. Arriving in Kearney we elected to boondock at Cabela's Store parking lot which they let you do. The store is about 1 mile East of town in a level farming area. Union Pacific's main rail line East to West is right across the highway. Later in the afternoon the clouds gathered above & soon lighting struck & hail began to hit for a short period. Each time a loaded coal train passed the ground shook. Would you believe neither of us heard or felt the trains during the night.

On to Sterling, Colorado about 135 miles East of Denver. We were getting reports that I 70 was closed on Saturday. Arriving at Camp Wally in Sterling we found a nice parking space for the night. Over the TV the weather reports from Denver were reporting it had warmed up & flooding was occurring in some spots. Good news for us.

This Monday morning we passed through Denver around 10:30 & headed West toward Loveland Pass.
Road reports were all roads open. Pat was able to capture all of the photos while we were driving. The mountain landscape was breath taking. As old trucker's would say the road was dry & dusty.

A stop in Rifle, Co at a road side rest we were able to empty our waste water & take on a new supply of water. Mid afternoon we arrived at Grand Junction, Co. Camp Wally had posted signs, no over night parking. So we looked for a plan B location. On the West side of town there was a developing industrial park. The roads were in...our spot for the night. We had protection from a patrolling sheriff.

An easy drive the next day to the high desert town of Hatch, Utah. Will be touring Bryce this afternoon.
Until next time wish you were here. Roger & Pat

A COLLAGE OF CHICAGO

Try your cursor over the photos & click...they should enlarge.

CHICAGO

How are going to tour Chicago? We selected the city of Joliet, Il. to find a RV park & hopefully ride the train into the city the following day. We arrived in Joliet April 15th in the afternoon. Made a dry run to the train station to scout out the parking and the trains times & fares. Senior ride for 1/2 price :$2.80 & parking is $1/dy . Thursday bright & early we were on the Metra Train that takes you right downtown. Had to walk about 4 blocks to the Sears Tower... 103 stories the tallest building in the US. The building in black is the Sear's Tower. A clear & warm day in the city. What a photo op day.
The best way for us to see the most of Chicago in one day was to purchase tickets for the trolley buses that take you around the city where you can get off an on as many times as one wishes. We had very knowledgeable drives that explained more than one could remember.
A shot of the water front over looking Lake Michigan. This was a stroll and lunch stop for us. We had to try there deep dish Chicago pizza...disappointed in our selection. A lot of big events are held out in this area
Later in the afternoon we head back into the city and will ride the elevator to the top of the Sear's Tower. From the top on this clear day you could see Gary Indiana. Breath taking views from all four sides .
Chicago was built in the early 1900s. Many of the early buildings are of French design & made of granite & marble.
Third in size in the US only behind New York City & Los Angeles. As far as beauty Pat & I would rate Chicago behind
New York City. Easy to get around in...Chicago is number 1.
Speaking of number one. This is the building where the number one lady of Chicago lives. "Oprah Winfrey". Located close to her TV Station. The building also has a view of Lake Michigan and a park.

That's it folks for Chicago. We are heading West...bad weather in the forecast. Joliet proved to be the best location for us to commute into the City.

ON TO NAPPANEE, INDIANA

On April 10th we departed College Park, Md. for Nappanee, Indiana...600 miles to the East. This was our turn around point. Traveled 4,467 miles with the motor home; an additional 2,500 miles in the Honda. The Honda's mileage was a little surprising.
Why are we going to Napannee? Two reasons: first to have some minor work done on the motor home at the Newmar Factory, second to visit Chicago.
Newmar has full motor home hook ups on their grounds for those having service work done. We arrived Saturday afternoon & would depart the following Wednesday morning. By appointment they take your MH at 6 AM & return it between 3-4PM each day until the work order is completed.
It was a pleasure & treat to have the work done here...they strive for excellence. They take 10-15 units a day.
While in Nappanee we visited the RV Hall of fame in near bye Elkhart. Elkhart is the RV manufacturing capitol in the US. Currently they have a 40% unemployment rate. Many factories have closed down; many empty plants. Also visited the city of Goshen; Goshen is hard hit also.

The RV Hall of fame is housed in a brand new building. Depicting the history of Rving. Starting with restored units that date back to the Model T days. Various makers can display there current models. Various RV vendors have their wares on display.
A Motel T with Trailer.
A Tennessee Traveler mounted on a Model A Truck.
Takes about an hour to tour the museum. Well worth the modest admission.



This area is also home to the Amish. Always enjoy visiting the Amish. They seem to be more friendly here. We drove out to one of their country stores. Purchased such food items of creamed peanut butter with maple syrup, noodles, jam, bread & butter.
At the farm store I had a good discussion with the owner who I concluded was a very good business man. One of my questions to him was: How to the Amish power their milking machines to milk their cows? "Well we use diesel generators for power" Leaving the store I notice this was also the power source for his two stores.
What beautiful farms they have that are well maintained. Horse drawn carriages are everywhere. They also use two wheel bikes to get around. Many work at the Newmar Plant & ride in before day light.
An interesting stay here. Now on to Chicago.

TWO MORE DAYS TOURING DC

Yes our days started at 6 AM. A quick breakfast in the motor home. Catch the bus at 7:40 to the Metro train station. Then a 30 minute train ride into DC.
This day was a photo op day. A camera shot from the fence of the White House. Note the two black spots on the roof...security on duty. No we didn't get a tour of the White. 20,000 people apply in advance a day...2000 get a tour.
We did email our congressman & got a tour of the Capitol building this morning. Disappointed in how little we got to see. The Library of Congress right next to the Capitol building was a better tour. Another good stop was to the old DC Post Office where you ride up to the Bell Tower on the top floor. The view from the top is just like looking out of an airplane.

Really did enjoy the Transportation Museum. This is a 1935 Ford Truck like my day had. Early, early in my life I was driving dad's truck in the hay fields on the farm.
Well we did get to cover a lot in DC but no way did we do it all. So glad we came this week. No way were we prepared for all the middle school kids touring the city...they did there thing and we did ours.
Cherry Hill told us the best stop for lunch was in the Agricultural Building where we ate twice.
By 3PM each day we were ready to start our trip back to the RV Parks.
A Southern Bell from Alabama. One of a group that took part in the parade.
"Charles D Schoepelin" one of many that paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Viet Nam War. We paid our respects by visiting the Viet Nam War Memorial. Charles was the husband to our close friend & traveling companion: Terrie Massie.


Good bye Washington. On to Nappanee Indiana

A DAY WITH MICHELLE & TAYLOR; & MT VERNON

I am running behind on my blog. Here it is April 18th and this happened on April 5, 6, & 7th. Yes we did have a wonderful time with my niece, "Michelle & fiancee Taylor". Drove South on the DC Beltway to meet them for breakfast. First we had a tour of their new fixer upper home in Annandale, Va. Also met the new dog, "Dozer" a character. A trip after to the Great Falls National Park. This is where Taylor proposed to Michelle just a week ago. Don't you know I forgot to put a chip in my camera. No Pictures until I get home. After a stroll in the park we were on our way in this historic area to see the battlefield of Manassas. Then back to their home for a BBQ...weather co-operated all day with a springlike day.

The following day Michelle took the day off to be our personnel tour guide to several of the museums in DC. So we didn't get lost this day in DC. Thanks so much Michelle.

On Tuesday Pat & I drove to Mt. Vernon to visit George Washington's restored home. Amazed how they could build such a quality home at this early date. Yes it was crowded during this Easter Break week but doable & weather was on the cool side.
The view from George's front porch looking North at the Potomac River...what a view.
The crypts where George & Martha lie.
A memorial to his slaves.







On my next blog I will post a few more DC pictures.

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Yes we up early & ready to ride the Metro into DC. Seniors ride the Metro at half price. Arriving by bus at the station along with hundred's of people with families all going to the well publicized festival. Needless to say their was standing room only on the ride. Departing the train the station was jammed with people but doable. Once outside everyone was heading to the parade route or their favorite viewing area.

Able to have another tourist take our photo under this fruitless Japanese cherry tree...blacked out all the other people here.

Here is a tree that is in full bloom. It had rained hard the day before & quite windy today. The blooms managed to hang on.

You can enlarge a photo by dragging your cursor over the photo & them clicking it.
A view of what is called the: "Tidal Basin".
Couldn't pass up this shot of the Washington Monument with the bloomed cherry tree.

Boy did we do a lot of walking this day. On returning to a metro station it was so crowded we walked to the next station so we could board a train. It is easy to ride the metro when it is not so crowded. They have five lines that criss cross each other; red, orange, blue, yellow & green.

Sunday we will visit our niece, "Michelle Massey & fiancee Taylor"

A WEEK'S STAY IN WASHINGTON DC

We arrived here Friday April 3rd in pouring down rain. College Park, Md. is home to the Cherry Hill RV Park about 30 minutes from the Capitol by Metro Train. We can't say enough good things about the people at Cherry Hill. They give you a lecture about how to ride the buses & metro & things to see in DC. We found it easy to get around DC.

Friday evening we booked a Gray Line tour, "Washington By Night". It left the park at 6 PM & returned us at midnight.
So lucky to have an excellent driver & our tour guide. Had the front seat of the bus for the entire evening. The tour takes in the entire DC area including Arlington Cemetery. Many stops and getting on & off the bus to walk up to vantage photo ops. Here is Pat standing in front of the Capitol on this crisp Friday evening.
It was just getting dark at this point. All the monuments have strong lights on them showing them off to there advantage. Yes; we are here at the peak of the Cherry Trees in full bloom. Will save their beauty for later.
Plan to share blogs with you in order of how we toured DC.

This Friday evening many people were taking advantage of the outdoor cafes & dining at side walk tables. A beautiful setting with all the lights.

Washington Monument all lit up. A clear evening. One could see from one end of the Mall to the other a 2 mile distance.

I took many photos but will only share 4 with you on each blog. (that's all blogger will let me post at a time)
World War II Veterans Memorial with Lincoln's Memorial in the background.

There were a total of 41 passengers on the bus. We picked up the other 39 passengers at the Grand Central Train Station.
At the end of the tour the bus took the passengers to their respective hotels. We were the last drop off by midnight. We did get to see many of the fine hotels in DC.

Tomorrow will be the day to ride the Metro & view cherry blossoms...good night. Roger & Pat

ST. MICHAELS, MD.

In the afternoon when returning from Annapolis we took a side trip to ride thru this small tourist city of St. Michaels. "The town that fooled the British August 10, 1813". The residents were forewarned, they hoisted lanters to the mast of ships and in the tops of trees. Tricking the British by causing the cannons to overshoot the town. The blackout was effective, only one house was hit by a cannon ball. Still being lived in today.




St. Michaels harbor on the Chesapeake Bay.






The original houses built back in the late 1700s that are still lived in today. The early settlers were engaged in tobacco growing and ship building. The city today has become a small tourist area with many B & Bs, small shops & restaurants. One called the "Crab Claw" I would have liked to eaten in...we had eaten light already.







Just out of town on the way back to the motor home we spotted this flock of wild turkeys grazing in a farm field. Must have been 30 in the flock. Tomorrow morning we make a move to Washington DC for a week's stay. Until next time wish you were here! Roger & Pat