Day 33, Monday, February 26, 2018

Researched all the great things to do in Fresno, CA

Chaffee Zoo, Regional Park, Japanese Gardens, Waterpark, etc. - No - it is cold outside - and cloudy.  How about something indoors?

Foresteirre Underground Gardens - Yes!  Closed months of December, January and February.

Meux Home Museum - Yes.  Opened only on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, bummer.

Kearney Mansion Museum - Awesome, let's go.  Open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fashion Fair Mall - Are you kidding?

The first day we were in Las Vegas we found a Steak n Shake, so decided to go.  After driving the 10 miles to get there, found out it was likely in the Student Union at the University - read no parking.  Bad news.  Back to the RV to make dinner.

Since so much to do indoors here, we found another Steak n Shake, let's go!  Had a great lunch, then took Zeke to Pet Smart - he loves outings especially at pet stores there are so many smells.  We let him pick out a treat, $5.00, but hey we are on vacation - back to the RV, Zeke demolished that treat in 10 minutes.  2 minutes per $1.00, not bad.

Day 32, Sunday, February 25, 2018

Beautiful sunrise this morning.  Very nice camp site as well.

Travel Day.  Decided to take a detour and go to Sequoia National Forest and see those huge trees, so divert we did.  Got to the entrance, $30 to get in, good thing we have Senior Pass; our cost $0.  Drove two miles to the Visitors Center.  No RVs allowed - too sharp of turns on the road.  Plus, all cars must have chains!  Apparently they had a large winter storm last week and there is a bit of snow and ice up there.  The Sequoia's only grow between 6000 feet and 8500 feet. What a bummer.

Lake Isabella Camp Site View

Based on the forecast, checked the weather at Bass Lake, our camp site for tonight - expect winter storm Monday - Tuesday with highs in the 40s and lows in the teens.  We are not set up for cold weather camping, so decided on alternative - found a place in Fresno, CA.

Day 31, Saturday, February 24, 2018

Zeke in Jail on way to Death Valley

Travel Day, with bit of a detour through Death Valley - hottest spot in the US.  We are looking for warmth!

Most seneanic drive we have had so far.  Decending into the Valley, through the Valley, then ascending out of the valley.  Wonderful.

Descending into Death Valley

Stopped at the Visitors Center located in Furnance Creek - elevation 190 feet below sea level.  Not quite the lowest point in the US, but close - Badwaters is 278.9 feet below sea level.  It was a bit of a detour to go to Badwaters, so we decided not to.

Did stop at the Sand Dunes in the Valley.  What a varied landscape from one side of the Valley to the other.

After Death Valley drove through parts of the Sequoia National Forest, but did not see any of the huge trees.  Onto Lake Isabella, our camp site for the night

Sand Dunes in Death Valley

Out in the middle of nowhere

Day 27, 28, 29 and 30, Tuesday thru Friday, February 20 - 23, 2018

Nanette and Zeke stayed at the RV while I attended the ISWM Conference.  Saw many people I know - have been a member of this organization since 1985.  If you look real close you will see me in the photo below (hint white shirt)

Nanette did a lot of quilting over the days.

When we first got to the RV park, while manuvering the RV into place, Nanette sat on the picnic table.  New table, got pine sap all over her pants.  Went to the office, they had no issues whatsoever covering the cost to have them cleaned.  New tables, said that they sanded and sealed them, but apparently not well enough.  Nanette was not a happy camper that night.

Day 26, Monday, February 19, 2018

Headed up to Las Vegas for the International Society of Weighing and Measurements Conference. 

Winds moved in last night (of course) and because we were headed west had a direct head wind, so fought the winds all day.  Then north on AZ Route 95, along the Colorado River to Havasu Falls where we stayed the night. 

When we got off Interstate 10 to go north on 95, on the shoulder of the road were three buses painted in psychedelic colours and 8 or so free spirit youngsters (called hippies in my day) with a sign asking for help - Out of Diesel.  After we refueled, pulled over and Nanette gave them $20.  Heart of gold.  One of the many reasons why I love her.

Stayed the night in Havasu Falls best known for The London Bridge, built in the 1830's, spanned the Thames River.  In 1967, Robert McCullock had the bridge dismantled and relocated here.  Not sure why he moved it here, but it does span the "main land" to an island in the Colorado River.

Day 25, Sunday, February 18, 2018

Last day with Dad and Shirley.  Dad and I took the RV up to get the propane filled - we were empty.  Relaxing day.  Had to take a group photo before our departure tomorrow:

Day 24, Saturday, February 17, 2018

Relax day..... for me.  Shopping day for Nanette.  Two quilt stores, don't know how many dollars later, Nanette was gone all day. 

For all the time Nanette was gone, she came home with amazingly little.

Day 23, Friday, February 16, 2018

Our longest travel day of the trip so far.  Up and out at 8AM.  But had to dump the tanks, then go 17 miles out of our way to get fuel.  This is the West.  It can be 40, 50, 60 miles between gas stations and not knowing our route and what, if any gas stations were along the way, decided to play safe and go where the gas was.

Really off at about 9AM due to the "delays", arrived at Dad and Shirley's around 7, 397 miles.  But in our defense we did lose an hour - Arizona does not observe Day Light Savings!

Went through Quartzsite, City of RVs.  RV park after RV park.  RVs out in the boondocks.  Never seen so many except at an RV show!  Interesting town for sure.

Long day, but well worth it.  Steaks cooked on the grille for dinner!  Yeppee!  Love steak.

Day 22, Thursday, February 15, 2018

Great day to visit Uncle Ray.  Haven't seen him in about 8 years.  96 years young, still active, still driving, still sharp mind.  Great time visiting him and talking about old times.  Had lunch with Uncle Ray, then had to think about going back since we left Zeke at the RV.

On the way, since this site had no TV reception and all Nanette wanted to do since she retired is to watch the Olymics, decided to stop and purchase a Dish Network automatic antenna.  Did so, purchased the "basic" plan.  All excited now.  Got back to the RV, hooked everything up, and no NBC, ABC, CBS, etc.  Those are local channels so have to purchase that package as well.  Called Dish, they had a minor technical problem, solved while I was on hold, time to give payment.  As I was giving credit card information I hear "Mr. Clark, Mr. Clark, you still there?"  Yes, yes yes I am I authorize you to charge my card, click.  No go.  No cell phone coverage.... Ugh.

Day 21, Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Happy Valentines Day.

Left Yuma in route to Aguanga, CA our next home.

Before leaving Yuma had to visit Marthas Gardens Date Farm so Nanette could load up on dates - in anticipation of this year's Jensen date auction.

 Up in the mountains, northwest of Escondido, home of my Uncle Ray.  Three miles up a dirt road with "minor" incline - read steep climb up a mountain.

Not many people here.  Zeke loved it - first place in days with grass.  He sure did take advantage of it, lying on the ground enjoying the 70*F temperature and sunshine.

Nanette's comment: "This is the type of camping I like - no one around with hook ups!"

Day 20, Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Nanette was able to visit another quilt store, Granma Jo's.  Zeke and I patiently waited outside.  Only an hour.  Not nearly as long as the other guy.

Farm Tractor to pick up a T pin for the car dolly since I inadvertently left the one for the dolly somewhere along the way.  Thank goodness for safety catch it has.

Over to Aunt Shirley and Jim's for visit and great steak dinner cooked on the grille by Jim.  Nanette doesn't eat meat, but that is what was served so as a good trooper, she ate the T-bone.  She can't stop talking about how good, how tender it was.  All in the meat and how it is cooked.  Dea, the lady Aunt Shirley and Jim rent their space from joined us.  Very nice lady.  Many of the houses here have a concrete slab poured along side them and offer full hook ups and the residents rent them out by the day/month.  Interesting concept.

Day 19, Monday, February 12, 2018

Time to say goodbye to great Jensenite friends.  Headed to Yuma to see my Aunt Shirley whom I haven't seen for 10 years!

Of course, one hour before departure the clouds move in and the winds start a blowing.  Once again fighting the steering wheel and winds to keep the RV on the road.

Made it to Yuma, lettuce capital of the US.  This is where your winter lettuce comes from.  Met up with Aunt Shirley and Jim.  Great visit, will see them again tomorrow.

Day 18, Sunday February 11, 2018

On way to Casa Grande RV Park to meet up with some Jensen friends.

After getting on the road found a place that would be great place to let Nanette drive.  So did so. 
Nanette's maiden voyage.  She seemed a bit nervous, but most likely not nearly as nervous as was I.  After about 40 minutes of driving, the WIND warnings started to appear, so into a gas station we go to change drivers.  Not bad for her first time.  But need to work on those white knuckles and aching arms from gripping the steering wheel so hard.

Met up with Brett, Kathy, Arv and Deb from our Jensen group just in time for Happy Hour!  Always great meeting up with friends on the road.

Went to dinner at a place called The Thirsty Donkey.  It is one of those I Pour It places.  I have never heard of them before, but great place.  You get a wrist band and you pour your own beer.  They had about 40 taps available.  Place wrist band on the one you want, it activates it and you can pour however much you want.  It measures by the tenth of an ounce; priced by the ounce, so you can drink as much or sample as much as you want (up to the 40 oz limit).

Just had to try, so I sampled six different kinds of beer and had a whooping 8.6 ounces.  Oh it was good.  The food was great as well!  Go figure!

Day 17, Saturday, February 10, 2018

Another Travel Day.

You know you are in the desert when yesterday was 78*F and this morning when I woke up it's 33*F!

Fought the wind all day again today; west Texas, New Mexico.  Speed limit 75, but drove at 65 due
to the winds.   Looked over at the right outside mirror and saw the trim moulding flying in the wind.  Nanette rolled down her window and pulled it in, closed the window on it so we wouldn't lose it.  Always something.






 Everyone talks about how flat and boring crossing Kansas is.  Well, got to tell ya, Kansas has nothing on New Mexico.  Straight, flat, windy.  At least in Kansas you can watch the wheat sway in the wind.

Arrived at our camp site for the night.  Out in the middle of nowhere.  We were about 10-15 miles north of Deming, NM.  No cell phone coverage, no internet, no TV.  What is this?  Camping or something?

Did minor repair job to put moulding back on.

Day 16, Friday, February 9, 2018

Off to Carlsbad Caverns.   Huge Caverns.  The Big Room is over 8 acres in size.  Stalagmites as high as 68 feet - that's almost a 7 story building in height! 

Nanette and I rented the audio tour thingy, $5 each.  Not many people do that.  We noticed the same thing at the Biltmore when we visited.  Don't understand.  With the audio tour you get some education, learn things that you just don't get by reading the placards and the rentals are cheap!  Well off that soap box...

We took a ton of photos.  Difficult to determine which ones to use.  So beautiful. 

We took the elevator 750 feet down to the Big Room, then

took the tour of about a mile to see the Temple of the Sun, Twin Domes, Hall of Giants, Top of the Cross, Mirror Lake, Bottomless Pit, so much more.  Spent two hours touring down there.  Wonderful.  Nanette loved the 56*F temperature, I on the other hand...... 

Unfortunately, I really wanted to see the 500,000 bats fly out of the cave which they do every day around dust, but they are in Mexico!  I remember by parents bringing us here when I was very young (pre driving days) and I remember it to be an absolutely amazing sight!  Apparently they winter in Mexico and summer here.  The Caverns were discovered because of them.  Well, we are about a month too early.  Guess we will have to come back.  Breaks my heart.

Day 15, Thursday, February 8, 2018

Guadalupe Mountains

Short travel day today to Bud's RV Park in Carlsbad, NM.  Two lane road in Texas with speed limit of 75 miles per hour.  Apparently in December they had 7 fatalities on that road.  I can understand.

Got to Carlsbad, unhooked the Cube and took off with Zeke to the Gualalupe Mountain National Park.  El Capitan world famous rock climb.  Zeke loved the trail we went down.  Tons of new smells.

Pretty brown this time of year.  Should see the desert in the Spring/Fall when everything is green and in bloom, but...

Then we were off to Carlsbad Caverns.  We will visit the Caverns tomorrow, but wanted to scout out the area first.  Number of people going into/out of the Visitor Center commented on what a wonderful dog he was.

Day 14, February 7, 2018

Travel Day.  Extremely windy last night.  Winds continued into today which made driving a bit of a challenge and took a toll on our fuel economy (oxy moron when considering we are in an RV.  Fought the wind almost all day.

Nanette took advantage of the day though and visited quilt store in Bandera and we made a couple hour detour to visit another quilt store in Fredericksburg, TX.

While visiting the quilt store in Bandera, Zeke took to opportunity to sit in Nanette's seat.  Note the deer at the edge of the parking lot.

Day 13, Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Travel day.  Headed to Holiday Villages in Bandera, TX (cowboy capital of the world).  As we followed GPS started getting on some pretty small back roads.  Asked Nanette to look up the resort and see what their directions say.  Their directions say, do NOT follow GPS it will take you to the wrong place.   Oops!  Well, continued to follow and found the sales office which was closed, but did have a map, which looked like the same way we were going, so continued on.

Got to the main entrance, gated, and of course no one there.  Did have a "host" phone number.  Called answered right away, gave us the code to get in and said would meet us at the Club House.  Met them, they took us to our site for the night

Host site was 4 sites away and after we hooked up, they went out and "called" the deer.  Here comes a family of deer.  Nice buck, does and some fawns.  Awesome.

Towards dust, even more deer came, perhaps as many as 25.  Zeke was huffing and puffing.

Day 12, Monday, February 5, 2018

Zeke & Nanette enjoying Paluxy Heritage Park

Woke up this morning at it was 24*F!  Thank goodness we brought the hose in last night.  Waiting for it to warm up so I can hook up the hose and take a shower!

Our one day in Glen Rose, so we decided to go sight seeing. 

Went to the Paluxy Heritage Park where they have a number of historic buildings, a one room school house built in 1902 - also used as a church in the day, log cabin home, old stone house, an old store.  Unfortunately all the buildings were locked up, but we were able to peek in through the windows.  Zeke loved this park, tons to smell...

Dinosaur Valley State Park - they wanted $7 a person to get in.  Thought $7 a car would be OK, but $7 a person a bit steep, so passed.

Old Bldg on way to Heritage Park - note the petrified wood!

Then to Barnard's Mill and Museum - closed.





Then to the Somervall County Museum - closed.

Then to a fabric store Nanette wanted to visit - closed.

Gave up.  Seems Glen Rose TX is closed on Mondays.

Day 11, Sunday, February 4, 2018

Another travel day today.  240 miles.  Made it to Texas.

Finally found warmth, 68*F.  Unfortunately over night it dropped to 24*F, so at 10PM Nanette and I went out and disconnected our water hose and brought it in the RV to prevent it from freezing.

Our site at Tres Rios RV Park is quite nice.  Not another RV around.  Nice facility, but the dog run is very small.   Zeke will not be able to "run" in it.

Our site at Tres Rios RV Park

Will be here for two days.  Plan on doing some sight seeing tomorrow.

Day 10, Saturday, February 3, 2018

Mississippi from the MS side

Well another travel day.  Headed to Greenwood, LA, just shy of Texas border.  Not much to report today, other than we crossed the Mississippi River which I find always amazing.

Ten days, 1,740 miles and we are still smiling.  Think it is because we have Zeke with us!

Tomorrow we will travel to Tres Rios RV Resort in Glen Rose, TX and will spend two days there.  Time for a bit of a rest

Day 9, Friday, February 2, 2018

Woke up today at John and Kris'.  It was 19*F.  Had to unload the Cube and unhook the tow dolly in order to turn the RV around.  The tie downs on the Cube were frozen.  Finally got those undone, then the lock on the tow dolly was frozen.  Took grille lighter to heat the lock to get it to work.  Successfully unloaded the car, turned the RV around and got everything hooked up again.

Zeke close to the stream

Off to Bonita Lake RV Park in Meridian, MS.

Arrived at the RV Park.  Owner lady big time into collecting a lot of Wal Mart fabric.  Had a train car on the property full with bolts of fabric.  Apparently she smokes and it smelled like it.

Zeke enjoyed the area near a stream.  Think there was a lot of wildlife using that stream.

Filled up propane for first time today.  Gauge says it was down to 1/3, but only took 1/2 to fill it.  Pretty good.  Wanted to make sure we had enough as it was going down to 27*F to night.

Day 8, Thursday, February 1, 2018

Zeke on Guard Duty

Stayed at Lakeside Landing in Pell City, AL last night.  Nice place.  Right on the river.  Lots of boating/fishing in this area.  Our spot was close to another RV - they had to be professional competition fishers with the pickup and boat looks - matching designs.

Zeke was on guard duty this morning.  Making sure all is well in the park.  He takes this very seriously - it is his job.

Stayed the night at John and Kris'.  They took us for a tour of some of their 160 acres in their 4 wheel drive F150.  They have done a lot of work in cutting in roads.  Kris hikes and John hunts on the property.  They also were very kind to take us out to dinner at the Junkyard Dog Steakhouse.  Very good food.  Thanks John.

John & Kris' Chickens

Nanette particularly liked their chickens.  Note the fishing line.  They had 6 chickens, down to 5 due to a hawk with a 4-5 foot wing span who had a chicken dinner one night.

Day 7, January 31, 2018

Travel day, from North Shore Landing, Greensboro, GA to Lakeside Landing, Pell City, AL

Not much happened today.  Originally had made reservation at Talladega Creekside RV Resort, but when we arrived no one was there.  Pretty empty place, but right on the river.  Texted the lady I had made a reservation with (she wants texts versus phone calls).  She texted back pretty fast and said, "I will be back later".  Texted back and asked what time.  She would be back in about 40 minutes.  Nanette and I decided to move on.

Earlier we stopped by Camping World and picked up our free Sam's Club RV Directory.  Nanette found a place about 10 miles down the road.  Called they had a space for us and off we went.

En route Nanette found her some Boiled Peanuts.  7th Heaven!


Lakeside Landing nice place.  Full hook ups as well as cable!  Unfortunately, we don't have a coax cable.  Will need to stop and pick one up sometime.

Off tomorrow to see Kris and John.  Kris is Nanette's cousin who lives in Tennessee.  That will take us north, going to be a bit colder up there (below freezing), but hey, it's family.