Monday, July 20, 2009

California here we come, right back where we started from —-yes!  Coeur d’Alene was very nice but the country club with the floating green (hole #14) was not kind to dear Jackson.  He was thrilled to start off with high hopes of low scores and high finances: somehow that reversed to high scores and ca-ching ca-ching to his finances.  Weather was close to 100 when he played twilight golf.  It upset him so much he came back and grabbed a 3# tri tip and conned the park into allowing him to use their giant barbecue and developed a feast fit for royalty.   Maybe he should come back upset from golf more often – but then again – maybe not.  He spent the following day pouting and sulking.  He kept inspecting his wallet to see if there wasn’t some mistake.  Green fees and Caddies in that world are certainly different from his usual golf rounds. 

We are now in Canyonville, Oregon at an RV Park connected to an Indian Casino – then tomorrow to Redding and then home!  The RV park is very similar to the Jackson Rancheria – it is very nice.  I imagine we will go over to the casino later on today but then, tomorrow – closer to home, family and friends!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Greetings from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We have traveled from Cody, Wyoming through Bozeman and Missoula, Montana. It was very windy between Cody aGreetings from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We have traveled from Cody, Wyoming through Bozeman and Missoula, Montana. It was very windy between Cody and Bozeman, through Butte. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to live there. It took all of Jack’s efforts to keep both hands on the wheel and steady as the gusts kept buffeting the rig. We stopped in Big Timber at an art gallery and talked to someone who had lived there all her life and who’s grandparents had homesteaded in the area. She said the winds blow like that all the time. Ugh! It quieted down in Bozeman and the trip to Coeur d’Alene has been lovely. Last night we stayed at Jim and Marys RV park in Missoula. It was really lovely with very large sites and lots of flowers. We happened in on their Wednesday Night cowboy entertainment and ice cream social with huckleberry ice cream – very yummy. The cowboy was Legrand Harvey who’s brother is a songwriter in Memphis who wrote the song Delta Dawn. It was fun to listen to him. He told stories as he sang and played the guitar. He told us that he wrote the official Montana Ballad that the legislature picked in 1981. It was a fun evening. Then, although I had won both cribbage games the night before, Jack managed to redeem himself last night and took me in both games. I just managed to avoid a skunk. Of course, it was only because I was tired! This morning we were up at 6:00 AM and drove to Coeur d’Alene. We did manage to stop just over the Idaho border in a little town called Mullin which is known for silvermining. Jack managed to eat biscuits and gravy until he could eat no more. We chatted with a local who gave us the ‘skinny’ on the area. Jack is playing the golf course here that has the floating green tomorrow. We are also going into Spokane for a visit. It was great to come into the Pacific Time Zone again! Yes – heading home!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Yellowstone Grand Canyon Falls

Old Faithful

Yesterday we took an organized tour of Yellowstone with Yellowstone Tours.  They picked up at 7:00 AM and brought  us back at 6:00 PM so it was a long but fun day. We were the only ones on the tour except for the tour guide and his wife.  We saw Old Faithful who faithfully blew her spout 5 minutes after we arrived.  We were able to visit Inspiration (prespiration point because I hobbled after Jack for at lea st a ½ mile down and back).  My boot is wearing out! (isn’t that a hoot!) We saw the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as well as many other sights.  Our tour driver was a very nice 79 year old man who turns 80 in September.  He almost created 4 angels when he was trying to think of Clint Eastwood’s name while he was executing a turn, didn’t look behind him, and nearly got us sideswiped.  Other than that, he was great.  He really tried to find us wildlife but wasn’t too successful.  He drove us over 200 miles, fed us lunch and narrated for 11 hours.  Wow – the stories he told!  Jack and he really hit it off as they are both full of blarney and had a number of locations in California in common that most people would never have heard of.  He was an ex border patrolman and park ranger and had lots of stories to tell.

 

Last night we had dinner had a restaurant that Critter (tour guide) recommended:  it was an old Cody steak house that Bruce Willis likes to visit.  It was called the Proud Cut Saloon – and a saloon it was.  Steak and PrimeRib  were  both large and very good.  This morning we were up bright and early – 5ish, and left for Bozeman, MT.  We are here overnight then onto Missoula and then to Coeur d’Alene where Jack has a tee time scheduled at the Floating Green Golf Course- then we get to head towards home. Yeah!  We will go along the Columbia River and once we reach Interstate 5 we head south and towards California! 

 

 

 

 

 

The Continental Divide

Sunday, July 12, 2009

 

Spectacular mountain greenery, fields of wildflowers, clear running streams and mountain vistas: Wow!  This was the drive out of Sheridan, WY on highway 14/16/20 to Cody, WY.  To look at the mountains we crossed, one would never think it would be so gorgeous.  The road was twisty, turning, barren mountain top and switchbacks.  We climbed to over 9500 feet.  Then it opened up and for several miles through the Buck Horn Mountains, it was truly awesome.  Cold, too! I bought a sweatshirt at the Visitor Center at the top of the mountain valley. Thank Goodness that Jack had a good command of the road, and we were both pleased at how well the motor home handled the road.  Parts were under construction, so although we had washed the tow car, it was filthy by the time we arrived in Cody due to all the dirt roads we traveled.

Cody is in high desert mountain territory.  Everything about it is owed to Buffalo Bill Cody.  We visited the Buffalo Bill Cody Dam that was constructed in 1910.  It was the highest dam in the US for its’ time.  Yesterday we spent the first day at the Cody Historical Society.  Jack went back and reviewed all the guns.  We’re both going back today.  He wants to look at the guns in the basement that are not on display and I want to see the western art gallery.  It is all beautifully done.

Last night we took in the Cody Rodeo.  It was fun to see the kids all performing.  Some of the bull riding and bucking horses were certainly rough to watch.  One kid was injured when he fell off the bull, hit the ground really hard and then the bull stepped on the middle of his back.  He left on a stretcher.

Jack at Buffalo Bill Historical Museum

Jack at Buffalo Bill Historical Museum

Thursday. July 9, 2009

After Jack’s nap yesterday, we toured the local Sheridan Western Museum.  It was new and held the latest technology.  All the exhibits had touch screens for more information.  Jack found that fascinating.  There were replicas of what Sheridan was as a town when it was settled in 1882 versus today.  There were lots of local artifacts, etc.  Good job Sheridan!  Even the building was portrayed as a log framed building as it could have been in 1882.

Up bright and early – gorgeous day – Jack found biscuits and gravy with sausage and eggs while I was prudent with scrambled eggs and toast and then we were off to drive 70 + miles to see where Custer made his Last Stand.  It was a lovely route.  The RV Park where we are staying suggested a different road rather than the main freeway.  It was rolling hills, trees and streams – but not many goats!  Part of it was through the Indian reservation. 

The Visitors Center was great.  There was a talk by a Ranger about the battle and he certainly made it come alive with lots of dramatic flair.  He also talked about the economic situation of that period of time and actually, it sounded a lot like today.  We then took a guided bus tour offered by the Indians.  It was fabulous.  It was a 5 mile tour out through the battle field and again, lots of dramatic stories by a young Indian college student.  She was marvelous.  She made the whole battle come to life for us.  There is also a cemetery there that has 5000 plots.  It is a national cemetery like Arlington and is now closed to new arrivals.  It dates back to the American Indian Frontier wars through Vietnam.  Jack believe that there may be some casualties from the Iraq war, as well.  He also believes that had he been with Custer with his Scope mounted seven millimeter rifle, he could have made a difference in the outcome.  Dreamer!!  There are two soldiers buried there who lost their lives at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.   Weather and scenery continues to be great.  Tomorrow we are off to Cody where we will be for at least three nights.  I believe we plan to attend a rodeo there, and Michele is still awaiting her good steak dinner!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Two days of driving through Wyoming – heading west again – Yeah!  Peaceful high desert scenery!  Yesterday we visited Devil’s Tower which was amazing. We stopped to visit a woodcarver who uses a simple power saw to create eagles and bears.  Unfortunately, he wasn’t there but his work was fabulous.  Probably a good thing he wasn’t there or we might have come home with one of his masterpieces. 

We left Betty and Bob in Custer and then managed meet up with them twice during our day yesterday, once at a viewing stop and then again at Devil’s Tower where they were hiking.  It was interesting to watch for climbers going up the tower.  I am glad it wasn’t me although, if it weren’t for the boot, I would have wanted to hike around the base of the tower.

 Today we are in Sheridan, Wyoming and will be here until Friday AM when we drive to Cody, Wyoming.  We plan to spend the weekend there and perhaps longer if we use that as our base to explore Yellowstone.  We’re both tired.  Jack just woke from a three hour nap.  And of course, I am missing home.  Tomorrow we are going up to the battle fields of the Little Big Horn.  It is about 70 miles from where we are situated here in Sheridan.  Only one game of cribbage last night – Michele won!  Jack thought it was an anomaly –little does he know!  I asked Jack if there was anything he wanted to add, he said no, he thinks he is losing his memory as he doesn’t remember last night and or losing!

 

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Today was a quiet day.  Bob and Betty went hiking and Jack and I took a scouting trip over to the Mt. Rushmore National Monument.  The Visitors Center and all the things to do there are really outstanding.  This is especially so because there aren’t nearly as many people there as were over the last couple of days because of the 4^th festivities.  But, as Jack says, there were still way too many people, so we scouted and left to come back to visit during the lighting ceremony tomorrow evening.  It was then lunch in Keystone a touristy cowboy town.  We stopped at a woodcarving shop and museum.  We didn’t stay long.  They wanted $7.50 each even if we only wanted to go into the gift store – ha!

Awesome day, awesome picture

Dinner was an event.  We decided to eat outside on the picnic bench.  As soon as three of us sat down, down came the bench, and down we went.  Could it be that food has been more of a focus than necessary!

Oh yes, Betty and I somewhat redeemed ourselves last night at cribbage:  they took us 3 to 5 – but we will live on try it again!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

 

Jack at Badlands Overlook - awesome

Saturday, July 4, 2009

 

 

Happy Birthday to our country – 233 years old!  Today we traveled to Wall Drug and the Badlands of South Dakota.  Amazing country all around us: seas of grasslands, craggy bluffs and vast vistas of sky, clouds and sun.  I can imagine how the pioneers felt going across it.  The country is very intimidating with rarely a tree in sight – flat and lonely.  I have been told that when the wind blows, you can feel it in your spine!  Just imagine as Jack says, how the bad guys felt when being chased by the good guys into the Badlands!  We were very lucky to pick this time to visit as there has been a lot of moisture (including today) so everything is green and gorgeous!  We were told that in Wyoming there had been 23 days of rain out of 27 in June: 2^nd wettest June in History.  But that is OK because the green grasses are sure a lot better than shades of brown weeds.

Jack had an opportunity to check out the leather shop and be a cowboy for a few seconds.  We had fun looking at different hats.  He was afraid I would insist that the strap be tied under his nose or too tight around his neck:  hmmmm- I should have thought of that!  Wall Drug is everything that people talk about and much more!  It is tourist hog heaven.  Speaking of Hogs, you should see the number of motorcyclists on the road!  Heaven help us stay away from Sturgis! Lunch was salads and Philly sandwiches –Yum!

Coming back, we actually saw a Buffalo very close to us (not counting old eagle eye pointing out to me all the goats and deer along the scenic byway).  The Buffalo gave us a real photo opportunity.  Three of us were trying to snap pictures while Bob, who was nicely driving and navigating all the traffic stopped for the Buffalo tried to catch our Buffalo friend on camera – unfortunately all I got was nothing! But Betty and Jack were more successful!

Our Buffalo

Dinner was courtesy of Michele and Jack – cards were abominable: the guys took us 5 to 0 in crib.  Snide remarks were made about how wine improves my card playing skills – we shall see!

Friday, July 3, 2009

July 3, 2009

We are off to explore Mt. Rushmore and Custer National Park with picnic supplies in hand!  Somehow, we even have to go to the store AGAIN!  Fog, Fog, Fog, then rain, rain, rain, and people, people, people!

The line of cars parked along the road to go to the day long festivities in celebration of the 4^th stretched two miles in all directions:  People with kids were everywhere – and of course if was pouring rain and the fog was so thick nothing could be seen of the mountain.  We decided wisely to just keep on going and save the lighting ceremony for another day.  So it was off to Rapid City and Ellworth Airforce Base to see the Air and Space Museum.  Good day for it as it never stopped raining but we were indoors – most of the time ‘cept when the guys were checking out the big planes on display.

Lunch – which was delicious – was provided by Jack and he even let us eat in the car.  I wonder if the rain had something to do with that kind decision or he is just mellowing!  I especially enjoyed his take on a tuna/ham/cheese sandwich with lots of mayonnaise!  We ate in the South Dakota Visitors Center parking lot.  The visitor’s center was fabulous – very extensive not only with information but clean, and well organized –oh yes, with lots of opportunity to buy.  Jack bought me a Mt. Rushmore kitchen magnet for my collection.  We returned to Custer through some really beautiful country which included Custer State Park.  It was all rolling hills, trees, horses, etc.  We still haven’t seen any buffalo but those pesky goats keep showing up.

Dinner was courtesy of Bob and Betty – yummy steaks, unfortunately for my head there were many yummy glasses of wine to go along with dinner!  It is amazing that Jack is speaking to me this morning as he certainly was not last night.  Could part of it be because Betty and I whipped the guys royally at cribbage?  I believe it was 4 games to 1 which included two skunks – but who is keeping score?

Michele, Betty and Bob

Sunday, June 28

We are in Laramie, Wyoming.  Three days of driving 300-400 miles per day.  Well, at least we are still speaking but tired!  We forgot the chicken – all 12 #’s sitting in my refrigerator at home.  Oh well, guess we won’t starve.  So far the parks have been so so.  The worst was in Battle Mountain, Nevada – ugh and double ugh.

Ah, but now the trip officially starts – yea~!  We were going to head towards Colorado Springs to drive up Pikes Peak and just discovered that at 14,000 feet, it probably would not be a good idea for us to be there -Jack didn’t consult a doctor before he left and there were cautions about those with heart disease and we were of the opinion, that we really want Jack’s heart to continue to beat!  So, we are going to take the next couple of days and explore Laramie, Fort Laramie and the vicinity here in Wyoming.  So far, cribbage kudos still go to Jackson – I think that is very unfair.  Although, stopping in West Wendover, I managed to  win $20.00 on penny slots!   So what’s more valuable to us – a cribbage game or $20.00 in my pocket!

Altitude is raising heck with our sleep number mattress – one ends up sleeping on a soft cloud and the other on a hard floor  – such is life.  Still can’t figure out how to work the Direct TV Satellite System.  TV has been non existent – until today.  Kinda nice!