Apparently, I am a blog loser and I can't keep up with posting interesting information. Oh well, I guess it keeps the mystery alive! We have been all over in the last couple of years and are making memories.
Our next adventure leads us to Cancun, well we do need to get back to Texas first!
Should be exciting!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, March 8, 2010
Beginning again
Okay, so things have been really quiet on the blog, but not in real life. We have been really busy with life - 5th grade, work, traveling, moving to Texas, etc. So, I have really failed on updating the blog.
But, now is the time to have a new beginning - we are heading into spring, finally have nice weather and are in a fantastic park in Ocala, FL. We left Texas mid-day on Friday. We stayed the first night in Lake Charles, LA - at a better park than the last time we came through Lake Charles. The second night, we stayed outside Tallahasee, FL. It was not the best park, but we got a good night sleep and drove the rest of the way into Ocala. We got set-up right after noon and headed to the Orlando area to visit some friends from Boyd's Marine Corp days. Doug and Rachel have twin boys (Gabriel and Thaddeus) and a younger daughter (Abigail). The kids were so much fun. The boys are seven and Abigail was four (I think). They all got along great and joined about 12 other kids from the neighborhood in playing spy, jumping in and out of the truck bed, tug o' war, and Wii. Caden had a great time and the kids didn't want her to leave.
Today, we had grand plans for touring around Ocala, finding out things to do and just getting out and seeing the area. However, during a morning dog walk, plans changed. There was a family that moved in next to us late last night. They have a boy just older than Caden. His name is Jasper. Jasper is home schooled, has a Boxer, rides horses, loves games and swimming and is pretty much a boy version of Caden. They hit it off immediately and have been playing non-stop. His family has been on the road pretty much full time for over 16 months and probably won't stop any time soon. It was crazy how quickly the kids realized how much they have in common.
So, needless to say, we didn't really leave the park all day. We went and grabbed a quick bite to eat, but after we got back, Caden and Jasper have been swimming, bike riding, walking the dogs, playing football and Bocce ball, Whonu, balance board, riding scooters, etc. I have no idea what we are going to do when Jasper and his family move on tomorrow. They are heading south to go on a cruise.
Caden said Jasper reminds her a lot of her friend R.J. - except Jasper also rides horses. He said he hasn't met anyone during his whole time on the road who knows as much about horses as Caden.
We plan on being in Florida for a couple more weeks before heading north to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. We are excited to restart our adventure!
But, now is the time to have a new beginning - we are heading into spring, finally have nice weather and are in a fantastic park in Ocala, FL. We left Texas mid-day on Friday. We stayed the first night in Lake Charles, LA - at a better park than the last time we came through Lake Charles. The second night, we stayed outside Tallahasee, FL. It was not the best park, but we got a good night sleep and drove the rest of the way into Ocala. We got set-up right after noon and headed to the Orlando area to visit some friends from Boyd's Marine Corp days. Doug and Rachel have twin boys (Gabriel and Thaddeus) and a younger daughter (Abigail). The kids were so much fun. The boys are seven and Abigail was four (I think). They all got along great and joined about 12 other kids from the neighborhood in playing spy, jumping in and out of the truck bed, tug o' war, and Wii. Caden had a great time and the kids didn't want her to leave.
Today, we had grand plans for touring around Ocala, finding out things to do and just getting out and seeing the area. However, during a morning dog walk, plans changed. There was a family that moved in next to us late last night. They have a boy just older than Caden. His name is Jasper. Jasper is home schooled, has a Boxer, rides horses, loves games and swimming and is pretty much a boy version of Caden. They hit it off immediately and have been playing non-stop. His family has been on the road pretty much full time for over 16 months and probably won't stop any time soon. It was crazy how quickly the kids realized how much they have in common.
So, needless to say, we didn't really leave the park all day. We went and grabbed a quick bite to eat, but after we got back, Caden and Jasper have been swimming, bike riding, walking the dogs, playing football and Bocce ball, Whonu, balance board, riding scooters, etc. I have no idea what we are going to do when Jasper and his family move on tomorrow. They are heading south to go on a cruise.
Caden said Jasper reminds her a lot of her friend R.J. - except Jasper also rides horses. He said he hasn't met anyone during his whole time on the road who knows as much about horses as Caden.
We plan on being in Florida for a couple more weeks before heading north to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. We are excited to restart our adventure!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and Beyond
On Friday night, we were able to go to the Crazy Horse Memorial. It was pretty cool, but it isn't yet completed. They have a long way to go, but it is HUGE!!! It was neat to see a "work-in-progress," as they are completely carving this figure out of a mountain using dynamite and tools - CRAZY!!!!
On Saturday, we traveled through Custer State Park, the Wildlife loop, down to Hot Springs where we visited an actual Mammoth Paleontological dig. Then, we trucked back up and went through small tunnels on our way back up to the campground. After a doggie potty break, we headed to Keystone for dinner. We ate in a restaurant decorated as an old saloon. The food was okay, not the best, but the atmosphere was cool.
Then, on Sunday, we started heading for Omaha. We stopped in Wall, ND to visit the famous Wall Drug store that was about 10 blocks of stores hooked together. It was pretty much a tourist trap with everything from a restaurant, drug store, book store, western wear shop, chapel, photography displays, fake animal displays, and candy shops. It had a number of other mini-stores inside of the walls too, but we managed to make it out of there with only purchasing some ice cream and soda, and getting a bumper sticker for free.
We made it south of Omaha at about 10 p.m. last night and then got up early, did laundry and headed to Kansas City in pouring rain. We made it safely to Cameron (outside of KC) to meet up with my Mom's side of the family for lunch. It was a lot of fun and we wished we could have stayed longer. Then, as Boyd had to work (ever see someone try to do graphic design from a passenger side seat), I got to drive the trailer to Gladstone, MO to my Uncle Phil's house (my Dad's brother). Let's just say that there were two or three places where Boyd was wishing he was behind the wheel. However, we have arrived here in Gladstone, and both Boyd and I are chugging away on getting some work done. My email is down and I am working on getting it corrected. Hopefully, it will be up and running soon!
We head towards St. Louis first thing tomorrow morning! It is supposed to rain for the next week. We may be a soggy mess before you know it.
On Saturday, we traveled through Custer State Park, the Wildlife loop, down to Hot Springs where we visited an actual Mammoth Paleontological dig. Then, we trucked back up and went through small tunnels on our way back up to the campground. After a doggie potty break, we headed to Keystone for dinner. We ate in a restaurant decorated as an old saloon. The food was okay, not the best, but the atmosphere was cool.
Then, on Sunday, we started heading for Omaha. We stopped in Wall, ND to visit the famous Wall Drug store that was about 10 blocks of stores hooked together. It was pretty much a tourist trap with everything from a restaurant, drug store, book store, western wear shop, chapel, photography displays, fake animal displays, and candy shops. It had a number of other mini-stores inside of the walls too, but we managed to make it out of there with only purchasing some ice cream and soda, and getting a bumper sticker for free.
We made it south of Omaha at about 10 p.m. last night and then got up early, did laundry and headed to Kansas City in pouring rain. We made it safely to Cameron (outside of KC) to meet up with my Mom's side of the family for lunch. It was a lot of fun and we wished we could have stayed longer. Then, as Boyd had to work (ever see someone try to do graphic design from a passenger side seat), I got to drive the trailer to Gladstone, MO to my Uncle Phil's house (my Dad's brother). Let's just say that there were two or three places where Boyd was wishing he was behind the wheel. However, we have arrived here in Gladstone, and both Boyd and I are chugging away on getting some work done. My email is down and I am working on getting it corrected. Hopefully, it will be up and running soon!
We head towards St. Louis first thing tomorrow morning! It is supposed to rain for the next week. We may be a soggy mess before you know it.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Mt. Rushmore
Yesterday was great. Boyd and I worked and Caden did her school work for most of the day. We took a little break to go to lunch at the little restaurant at the Hill City KOA. It was great food. We all think this is our favorite KOA so far, and we have missed out on most of the fun, as they close almost everything at Labor Day. In fact, this whole campground will be closed in less than one week. It is a real destination and one a family or group of families would really enjoy.
One of the coolest things is the summer program they have where many of the positions are filled with Christians. The organization that puts it together is called SummerShine Resort Staffing Ministry and it was founded in Myrtle Beach, SC in 1979. At the KOA here in South Dakota, there were 10 Christians college students, living, working and playing.
At about 6:30 p.m., we headed to Mt. Rushmore. We were able to see it in the daylight and then stayed for the evening program. During the evening program, there was a trivia portion about the mountain, the four Presidents, and the sculptor. There was a little debate when one of the questions posed was, "In what state was our current President born?" After that, one of the Rangers gave us a little history and then we watched a 20 minute video about Mt. Rushmore and the Presidents.
Then, there was the National Anthem and during the National Anthem, the face(s) of Mt. Rushmore lit up. It was breathtaking.
For the grand finale, they called down all former and current military personnel to retire the flag for the evening. It was very moving to watch five people take the flag down and then have it passed from person to person. There must have been 50 people who were up there on the stage. It was probably about 1/4 of the people who were attending the evening show.
Today, we are back at work, but hope to do some more sightseeing this evening and will tomorrow and part of Sunday, for sure.
One of the coolest things is the summer program they have where many of the positions are filled with Christians. The organization that puts it together is called SummerShine Resort Staffing Ministry and it was founded in Myrtle Beach, SC in 1979. At the KOA here in South Dakota, there were 10 Christians college students, living, working and playing.
At about 6:30 p.m., we headed to Mt. Rushmore. We were able to see it in the daylight and then stayed for the evening program. During the evening program, there was a trivia portion about the mountain, the four Presidents, and the sculptor. There was a little debate when one of the questions posed was, "In what state was our current President born?" After that, one of the Rangers gave us a little history and then we watched a 20 minute video about Mt. Rushmore and the Presidents.
Then, there was the National Anthem and during the National Anthem, the face(s) of Mt. Rushmore lit up. It was breathtaking.
For the grand finale, they called down all former and current military personnel to retire the flag for the evening. It was very moving to watch five people take the flag down and then have it passed from person to person. There must have been 50 people who were up there on the stage. It was probably about 1/4 of the people who were attending the evening show.
Today, we are back at work, but hope to do some more sightseeing this evening and will tomorrow and part of Sunday, for sure.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Still in Cody, WY
We are postponing our move to South Dakota for another day - need to do a couple telephone meetings today, so we get to stay in Cody for a bit longer.
Caden's cough returned today, so we may also end up taking her into see a doctor. Poor girl.
But, we did have a good day yesterday. Lots of work, then downtown to watch a shootout show, and dinner at the Irma Hotel. Boyd and Caden went for the buffet where they had all-you-can eat prime rib, ribs, pastas, salads, etc. Caden had a huge piece of prime rib, a few BBQ ribs and a serving of Alfredo pasta. Boyd had at least two HUGE (plate size) pieces of prime rib. The horseradish was also great and we did end up clearing up our sinuses! I had a smaller cut of prime rib - it was excellent.
So, today will be a work, school, and possibly doctor day. I am sure it will fly by quickly!
Caden's cough returned today, so we may also end up taking her into see a doctor. Poor girl.
But, we did have a good day yesterday. Lots of work, then downtown to watch a shootout show, and dinner at the Irma Hotel. Boyd and Caden went for the buffet where they had all-you-can eat prime rib, ribs, pastas, salads, etc. Caden had a huge piece of prime rib, a few BBQ ribs and a serving of Alfredo pasta. Boyd had at least two HUGE (plate size) pieces of prime rib. The horseradish was also great and we did end up clearing up our sinuses! I had a smaller cut of prime rib - it was excellent.
So, today will be a work, school, and possibly doctor day. I am sure it will fly by quickly!
Monday, September 14, 2009
From Yellowstone to Cody, WY
Where do I even begin?
We had two of the greatest days exploring Yellowstone National Park. On Saturday, we were able to visit Old Faithful, see tons of wildlife, some fumerals, mud pots, and geysers. It was fantastic. Both Boyd and I have seen three bald eagles (Caden only saw two), tons of elk, bison, and geese.
I guess while we were visiting the park someone hit and killed one of the bison. It totalled their car, but I guess everyone was okay - except for the buffalo. It was a fatal mistake.
Following Karyn and Jacy's advice, we decided not to be the typical tourists who get out of their cars to approach the wildlife. Safety first! We were supposed to remain safe and sound within the confines of our protective vehicle. It worked well until Boyd decided to put his life at risk by posing in front of a huge bull buffalo. I think I saw his life flash in front of my eyes - that is what happens when you have known someone for as long as I have known Boyd. I was scared, as I know that we are an accident prone family. Do not try this at home - or at Yellowstone for that matter. He was within about 40 feet from the buffalo. Was that dumb or what?
Anyway, I had left the truck door open so I could scramble back to the truck to save my life, if necessary. Guess what - all I got was grief for leaving the door open. It was a precautionary measure!!! I had to have a back-up plan. We made it out of there safely.
On Sunday, we packed up the trailer and headed for Cody, WY. We stopped at one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone for lunch and had a fabulous meal. While the ambiance of the hotel reminded me a little of an old folks' home, the food was fantastic. Boyd had a grilled chicken, sun-dried tomato, arugula, and goat cheese sandwich. It was so tasty! I had an antipasto plate that included meats, cheeses, breads, dressings, and peppers. Yummy! But, the winning meal was Caden's Lobster Ravioli. Not only did she clean up the plate, but she had to fight off both Boyd and me from trying to get bites. The sauce was creamy and delicious and was topped with a white truffle oil. We probably could have stayed there all day eating the ravioli.
Then, after we had such a great meal, we headed back out to the trailer to walk the dogs and they were able to sample the same type of fabulous meal - buffalo chips (fresh and fantastic). It was a scramble to keep them away from their buffet.
We drove from the lodge to Cody, WY driving past huge cliffs, beautiful rivers, and sweeping plains. We saw rugged land and dramatic homes built on practically unreachable hillsides. The drive was breathtaking.
Once we arrived in Cody, we set up "Howie" - our home on wheels at the local KOA. This KOA gives us something to write home about. It not only has a larger than life chess set, but a playground, dog agility course (which our dogs are failing at miserably), and a jumping pillow - kind of like a trampoline. If we would have made it here before Labor Day, we could have sampled the pancake breakfast and gone for a trail ride right from the KOA grounds. They also have a HUGE game room with a TV, diner tables, tons of video games, Skeeball, Foosball, and many other activities.
If it wasn't so cold here year around, I could see our family living here. It portrays that old wild west feel that we love.
We head for South Dakota tomorrow - hopefully!
We had two of the greatest days exploring Yellowstone National Park. On Saturday, we were able to visit Old Faithful, see tons of wildlife, some fumerals, mud pots, and geysers. It was fantastic. Both Boyd and I have seen three bald eagles (Caden only saw two), tons of elk, bison, and geese.
I guess while we were visiting the park someone hit and killed one of the bison. It totalled their car, but I guess everyone was okay - except for the buffalo. It was a fatal mistake.
Following Karyn and Jacy's advice, we decided not to be the typical tourists who get out of their cars to approach the wildlife. Safety first! We were supposed to remain safe and sound within the confines of our protective vehicle. It worked well until Boyd decided to put his life at risk by posing in front of a huge bull buffalo. I think I saw his life flash in front of my eyes - that is what happens when you have known someone for as long as I have known Boyd. I was scared, as I know that we are an accident prone family. Do not try this at home - or at Yellowstone for that matter. He was within about 40 feet from the buffalo. Was that dumb or what?
Anyway, I had left the truck door open so I could scramble back to the truck to save my life, if necessary. Guess what - all I got was grief for leaving the door open. It was a precautionary measure!!! I had to have a back-up plan. We made it out of there safely.
On Sunday, we packed up the trailer and headed for Cody, WY. We stopped at one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone for lunch and had a fabulous meal. While the ambiance of the hotel reminded me a little of an old folks' home, the food was fantastic. Boyd had a grilled chicken, sun-dried tomato, arugula, and goat cheese sandwich. It was so tasty! I had an antipasto plate that included meats, cheeses, breads, dressings, and peppers. Yummy! But, the winning meal was Caden's Lobster Ravioli. Not only did she clean up the plate, but she had to fight off both Boyd and me from trying to get bites. The sauce was creamy and delicious and was topped with a white truffle oil. We probably could have stayed there all day eating the ravioli.
Then, after we had such a great meal, we headed back out to the trailer to walk the dogs and they were able to sample the same type of fabulous meal - buffalo chips (fresh and fantastic). It was a scramble to keep them away from their buffet.
We drove from the lodge to Cody, WY driving past huge cliffs, beautiful rivers, and sweeping plains. We saw rugged land and dramatic homes built on practically unreachable hillsides. The drive was breathtaking.
Once we arrived in Cody, we set up "Howie" - our home on wheels at the local KOA. This KOA gives us something to write home about. It not only has a larger than life chess set, but a playground, dog agility course (which our dogs are failing at miserably), and a jumping pillow - kind of like a trampoline. If we would have made it here before Labor Day, we could have sampled the pancake breakfast and gone for a trail ride right from the KOA grounds. They also have a HUGE game room with a TV, diner tables, tons of video games, Skeeball, Foosball, and many other activities.
If it wasn't so cold here year around, I could see our family living here. It portrays that old wild west feel that we love.
We head for South Dakota tomorrow - hopefully!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Arriving in West Yellowstone, MT
We made it to West Yellowstone, MT. It was a beautiful drive, but we ended up taking a slightly more challenging route than the one recommended by Karyn and Jacy. Oh well, it worked out fine.
We are staying in the West Yellowstone KOA and it is beautiful. The campsites are phenomenal. We have a swing, a round table, water, sewer, electric, cable - what more could you ask for? Actually getting into the RV? Well, that might be too much to ask. Good thing we have two doors, as our front door completely jammed and we were unable to get into the front of the trailer. Boyd took the lock mechanism apart to try to fix it and the good news is we can now open the door, but we can't lock it from the inside. Ahhhh, the joys of being full-time RVers.
Tonight was a feast of bagel sandwiches - yummmm... and tomorrow we head to Yellowstone Park. We went to the Visitor's Bureau today and asked for input on how we should handle our time here. We now have a game plan.
Last night, Caden and I made Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are so good. Except, now the oven works too well and the cookies ended up a little burned on the bottom. They actually only took 12 minutes to bake. Prior to having the oven fixed (yet another one of our RV issues), it was taking up to 40 minutes to do a batch of cookies. I was under the impression it would take longer than the actual 12 minutes, but alas, the oven works now!
This morning, we met back up with our friends Karyn and Jacy. They own a Veterinary practice in Bozeman. We spent some time talking to them about Moxie and our plans. They really liked the fabrics. They also gave us pointers for getting to Yellowstone.
Also this morning, I woke up really early and did a load of laundry. In the laundry room, I ran into a lady and was talking to her about what we are doing (selling Moxie, traveling, home schooling Caden, etc.). She asked where we came from and I told her we recently left Ellensburg where we were at the rodeo. She said, "No kidding, I am from Ellensburg." What a small world! I didn't recognize her last name, but I believe her name was Jenny and her husband is Jim.
We are excited about visiting the park tomorrow. We are going to Old Faithful and some of the other locations on the Southwest side of the park. Then tomorrow, we head towards Cody, WY and see the Southeast side of the park. Part of the roads are closed, so we will not be able to do both loops.
Until the next update...
We are staying in the West Yellowstone KOA and it is beautiful. The campsites are phenomenal. We have a swing, a round table, water, sewer, electric, cable - what more could you ask for? Actually getting into the RV? Well, that might be too much to ask. Good thing we have two doors, as our front door completely jammed and we were unable to get into the front of the trailer. Boyd took the lock mechanism apart to try to fix it and the good news is we can now open the door, but we can't lock it from the inside. Ahhhh, the joys of being full-time RVers.
Tonight was a feast of bagel sandwiches - yummmm... and tomorrow we head to Yellowstone Park. We went to the Visitor's Bureau today and asked for input on how we should handle our time here. We now have a game plan.
Last night, Caden and I made Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are so good. Except, now the oven works too well and the cookies ended up a little burned on the bottom. They actually only took 12 minutes to bake. Prior to having the oven fixed (yet another one of our RV issues), it was taking up to 40 minutes to do a batch of cookies. I was under the impression it would take longer than the actual 12 minutes, but alas, the oven works now!
This morning, we met back up with our friends Karyn and Jacy. They own a Veterinary practice in Bozeman. We spent some time talking to them about Moxie and our plans. They really liked the fabrics. They also gave us pointers for getting to Yellowstone.
Also this morning, I woke up really early and did a load of laundry. In the laundry room, I ran into a lady and was talking to her about what we are doing (selling Moxie, traveling, home schooling Caden, etc.). She asked where we came from and I told her we recently left Ellensburg where we were at the rodeo. She said, "No kidding, I am from Ellensburg." What a small world! I didn't recognize her last name, but I believe her name was Jenny and her husband is Jim.
We are excited about visiting the park tomorrow. We are going to Old Faithful and some of the other locations on the Southwest side of the park. Then tomorrow, we head towards Cody, WY and see the Southeast side of the park. Part of the roads are closed, so we will not be able to do both loops.
Until the next update...
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