tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31295941036392492262024-03-13T12:37:30.072-04:00Winter in the Desert, Summer in the MtnsTraveling toward simplicity and happiness.lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-67262070964602078852015-12-17T23:25:00.000-05:002015-12-29T21:07:45.997-05:00Time To Change URL and Bloggers Celebrate! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">THIS BLOG NOW LIVES AT <a href="http://www.winterindesert.blogspot.com/">www.winterindesert.blogspot.com</a> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Please go there for the most recent posts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you!!!</span></div>
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January 2015</div>
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Lost Dutchman SP</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No one has said anything negative. No flame throwers are appearing. Nothing is happening to make me give up the old Blog...the one with the casita n desert.blogspot.com address.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I can hear some people's thoughts. "Why is she calling her blog 'Casita in the Desert' when she clearly does not own a Casita travel trailer?" So it's time to change before my Casita friends disown me and my Escape friends stop speaking to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried to change the blog name. Thanks to all of you who noticed the name change to Winter in the Desert and changed it on your Blog Roll. But even after I changed the name, the blog continued to exist under the old Casita title for most blog readers. I see no alternative other than changing the url.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A more tech savvy person might be able to do it differently and not give up all the followers and 4 years of blog posts. But I'm not that techy. My eyes cross when I see a sentence of code. So I am starting over. The new blog address is</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.winterindesert.blogspot.com/">www.winterindesert.blogspot.com</a>. (winter in desert)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please come with me!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">November 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gunter Hill COE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The blogging world has an early Christmas present today with the creation of Open Live Writer! I'm celebrating being able to continue following some of my favorite bloggers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have not explored OLW today but hope to get with the new program as I work the bugs out of the new blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Winter in the Desert Summer in the Mountains</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teaser....next post on new blog will explain why we are still in Tennessee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember <a href="http://www.winterindesert.blogspot.com/">www.winterindesert.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<br />lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-90048554185902580202015-11-12T15:49:00.000-05:002015-11-12T15:57:11.960-05:00Mountain Rally, Bigger Truck and Challenging Gulf Shores Trip <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherokee Rally at Happy Holiday RV Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a struggle to get started writing when it's a month or more between posts. Thought I would just put a synopsis in the title...to keep me on track!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What should I say about the Cherokee Rally? It is a lovely setting that's on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina. The changing of the leaves makes it even more special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had our Texas friends right next to us and our Oliver friends on the other side of the pond. Most of my time was spent shuttling between the two campsites....when I was not struggling with the campground personnel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Background: In 2014 I was the rally host ( hostess?) and learned that I did not have the right set of genes to tolerate administrative duties. (Think I already knew this!) After a few upsets with the campground not keeping their agreements, I said "never again".</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Decided to set up a rally date for 2015, hoping someone else would take over as the host. But no clear leader emerged and, again, the stress of coordinating with the campground kept me upset. Correction! Take responsibility! I allowed myself to become upset. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It took two years to learn the lesson...now I know not to do it again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe someone else will take over or maybe there will not be a rally. Either way, next year we will be somewhere else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the positive side, everyone else seems to have such a lovely time. The open house is a great success. We enjoy lots of visitors, showing the Escape for 4 hours! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The weather is perfect with lots of blue sky and sunshine! This is our 6th rally here. We have been here every year since 2010.</span><br />
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David and the Oliver gang<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Terri giving the crowd instructions. She is great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After making three trips into the mountains, pulling the Escape with the 2002 Tacoma, we decide that it's time to get a more powerful truck. Our Taco is great on the flat and hills but it is struggling in the mountains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many friends are happy with their Tundras. They report an average towing mpg similar to what we are getting with our Tacoma...13 to 14 mpg. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We buy the first and only Tundra we see! (It was being traded-in just as we arrived at the dealership.) We will eventually see if we were hasty and foolish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is big and beautiful! Looks new but it is 8 years old. Pulls like a dream and it was the right color!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We buy the Tundra a few days after the Cherokee rally. Nine days after buying the truck we are on our way to Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Our reservations have been made months ago. The weather was frigid in November last year so the plan is to cancel if the weather did not cooperate. Beautiful warm weather is forecast! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had also bought what I call a "baby Clam". After spending many pleasant nights in a friend's Clam, we decided to get the very small, 6 foot by 6 foot tent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can't see them in the photo but there are two large fire ant hills on either side of the Clam. Unfortunately, I step into the front one while attaching the screen panel! In an instant my ankle has fifteen large bites resulting in burning, pain, swelling and itching!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that is Day 1. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By Day 2 I could tell this trip is not going well. The heat and humidity has put the hubby in bed, feeling lifeless, wet dishrag style. The AC is on by mid morning. The sun is relentless. My leg is still hurting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A trip to the campground office reveals that we can cancel....(maybe because I show her my red, swollen ankle) and get a refund. So we will leave Thursday instead of Sunday. After the decision to leave is made, no time is wasted as the clouds roll in, David revives, and we head to the beach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sad part of leaving is saying good-bye to some wonderful friends who are camped down the road. But the great thing about the fiberglass community, we will see them again at the spring rally. Or Quartzsite, AZ!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our trip home is uneventful except for a few showers. The truck, still intimidating because of its size, pulls smoothly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The following Sunday it is pouring rain and we are thankful to be home!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sylvester says he is ready to go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The plan is to head southwest in 6 weeks. Desert here we come!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-72298682138326604992015-10-13T10:33:00.001-04:002015-10-13T10:34:05.513-04:00Land between the Lakes Rally<span style="font-size: large;">Wow! Another month has flown by! And we are packing to head out this pm for a rally in North Carolina!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAxYrM3GePE/Vhz8t9QuCBI/AAAAAAAAZOo/Cd1ynGOqCoU/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAxYrM3GePE/Vhz8t9QuCBI/AAAAAAAAZOo/Cd1ynGOqCoU/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">bridge over TN River</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Realized I better write something fast before we leave....the Land Between the Lakes Rally will soon be a distant memory. This park is federal lands...the space between the Cumberland River and the Tennessee River just northwest of Nashville, TN.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This rally has been a Scamp Camp in the past. Now you will see a bit of everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And many of our favorite people are here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not entirely sure what makes this rally so special but believe that it is the energy coming from the host, Dennis. Upon arriving, each rally-goer receives a page full of events...often something every hour starting on Thursday evening!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hubby's birthday is in the middle of the week. After finding a buffet at Paris Landing State Park, David celebrates his 78th year with 30+ friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather goes from hot to cold...just like it did last year. We were not prepared for the bitterness...it is suddenly winter! Friend, Holly, saves the day with a warm hoodie for the birthday boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I take a few photos...trying to get back into photography....attempting to edit with Google photos. The lake is huge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sylvester takes it all in stride. He is definitely enjoying the larger bed and not being squished by sleeping humans!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Note for camping cat lovers....I was ready to say goodbye to my baby due to kitty litter in the sheets and everywhere else. Another camper told me about the <a href="http://www.tidycats.com/products/breeze">Tidy Cat Breeze</a> system and it is working for us!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of Sylvester's friends....Sally!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">More of our friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spend quality time with a great bunch of friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But one week later, I am just beginning to feel normal again. As much as I love being with those I love, the non stop visiting and excitement completely wear me out! After getting home, all I want to do is sit and stare at the wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, maybe I can blame the extremely cold weather on some of my exhaustion. Cold wind is tiring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now we are both excited and getting ready to do it again!!! A shorter stay, abundant sunshine and exposure to the Smoky Mountains will help me stay balanced...I hope!</span></div>
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lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-72441719461544166602015-09-16T14:27:00.001-04:002015-09-19T12:55:18.622-04:00Changing Gears<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3TKyCILHVnw/Vfm0XPQg0AI/AAAAAAAAMBY/rH8IhMiOTEQ/s1600-h/2015-08-19-18.51.3518.jpg"><img alt="2015-08-19 18.51.35" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kWV31E4KX38/Vfm0XmQl7RI/AAAAAAAAMBc/l0yQzNuT1xg/2015-08-19-18.51.35_thumb15.jpg?imgmax=800" height="406" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2015-08-19 18.51.35" width="516" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Our life of selling, discarding, moving and remodeling is coming to a close. Yes, there’s lot still to be done but nothing that can’t wait until later. Definitely time to take a long slow breath and relax. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">And time to focus on something else….like our new to us Escape!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Mid-August finds us heading north to Tennessee RV in Knoxville where Andersen Weight Distribution Hitches are installed. Our little 2002 Tacoma needs all the help she can get. It is worth the 3 week wait for an appointment and we are out the door in a few hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Friends meet us on the side of the freeway and escort us to Panther Creek State Park where we take the above photo of Cherokee Lake.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">From there we head to our favorite summer camp, Mt Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway (just below Asheville, NC.) I worry about pulling the trailer straight up the mountain from Waynesville. The last 4 miles are all hairpins curves but the truck does ok after shifting to second gear.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">We have our hiking gear with us but it goes untouched. We spend 4 days of doing nothing but enjoying the views and the cool air.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AcGy4BkB2yg/Vfm0X_3MyzI/AAAAAAAAMBo/LsfQNqwp0oc/s1600-h/2015-08-20-19.35.399.jpg"><img alt="2015-08-20 19.35.39" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kc1x2Sgt8qw/Vfm0YnaLrlI/AAAAAAAAMBs/0fnvfUMkkYc/2015-08-20-19.35.39_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" height="388" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2015-08-20 19.35.39" width="516" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-awc03AjfSJ0/Vfm0Y_b-NRI/AAAAAAAAMB0/Wq4nHaF-uzk/s1600-h/DSC_00118.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0011" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3F7x1iWOXSs/Vfm0ZaDi7rI/AAAAAAAAMB8/MQIgTX3NtoM/DSC_0011_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="345" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0011" width="516" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Nfp4yUNvaQ/Vfm0Zi3U8kI/AAAAAAAAMCI/QHl0O1vdd3M/s1600-h/DSC_00188.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0018" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1jjNJNVVKYM/Vfm0aI4PuYI/AAAAAAAAMCM/qqCYUJ6Zru0/DSC_0018_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="345" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0018" width="516" /></a></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking Glass Rock</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yx80vVF1M3E/Vfm0arpTdhI/AAAAAAAAMCY/Dq1SziqLKjg/s1600-h/DSC_00129.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0012" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPdJy2ODCNE/Vfm0bJgtrcI/AAAAAAAAMCc/688pK2CwSD8/DSC_0012_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" height="345" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0012" width="516" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Mt Pisgah</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">We are still getting acquainted with our new trailer. We put everything away in May before the onslaught of moving chores. Now we can’t remember where any thing lives! Constantly searching! But this is our first real camping trip…not counting the two days in June…and we will eventually find a routine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sylvester is not bothered by all the fuss.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c3iqqBdnJ9A/Vfm0bmeFssI/AAAAAAAAMCk/ldFJu6l7dbc/s1600-h/DSC_00018.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0001" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eEJ5JFmTUD0/Vfm0bwtk-XI/AAAAAAAAMCs/HP2KLRjPxuM/DSC_0001_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="375" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0001" width="516" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5qGZkx7WaRI/Vfm0cbxTe0I/AAAAAAAAMC4/9nJU9zS9Wpo/s1600-h/DSC_00068.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0006" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UbQ8gsUPahk/Vfm0c-7vYyI/AAAAAAAAMC8/grBIf3-td44/DSC_0006_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="265" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0006" width="516" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Notice how the truck is dwarfed by the trailer.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_avStN1RzU/Vfm0dQpYaqI/AAAAAAAAMDE/pj3xmWGCN1I/s1600-h/DSC_00028.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0002" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvH6tV54w3g/Vfm0dknhp_I/AAAAAAAAMDQ/sTZfbnl1qkI/DSC_0002_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="345" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0002" width="516" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xX_M6nphkXU/Vfm0eTjNrBI/AAAAAAAAMDY/08eJIh49H00/s1600-h/DSC_00055.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0005" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ImDFSYYfvl8/Vfm0exffQtI/AAAAAAAAMDc/SkApwHj_sPU/DSC_0005_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="345" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0005" width="516" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Our time in the mountains goes fast. Soon we are back home and learning how to live at a less demanding pace. We see our first movie of the year, take our first bike ride in 6 months. I hike with my Tuesday group, another first for the year! </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ChD93V6A7o0/Vfm0fDB2jbI/AAAAAAAAMDo/9kg45Po3jF8/s1600-h/DSC_0017%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0017" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1JN0wlMiFxs/Vfm0fi1J6tI/AAAAAAAAMDw/JpkiL3EufCE/DSC_0017_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="160" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0017" width="240" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAMwl62cq_0/Vfm0gLQBeSI/AAAAAAAAMD4/QZbLeR2tGWY/s1600-h/DSC_0013%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0013" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4mfl8fMzBTM/Vfm0grlL0hI/AAAAAAAAMD8/EhZYBvi4q7g/DSC_0013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="160" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0013" width="240" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Adjusting to the unknowns of a new home and a new trailer is not enough stress for me. A visit to Best Buy during our August tax free weekend results in a new tiny HP laptop. Now I am trying to learn how to transition from my 2008 Windows Vista to Windows 10. Windows 10 is ok, so far, except for my inability to download Live Writer. Still have much to figure out. Also did not realize the photos would look so poor on the small screen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Speaking of inabilities….I am unable, so far, to get the Casita language off the blog as it is distributed. I may need to create another URL. If anyone can help, sure would appreciate it!! I am so technically challenged, it is a miracle that the blog exists!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Also been playing around with the new Google photos app..thanks to videos from <a href="http://geeksontour.com/" target="_blank">Geeks On Tour</a>. Still learning, but hope to get all my photos uploaded. Lots of fun so far!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-otoGDCjIN18/Vfm0hCRGaoI/AAAAAAAAMEI/_3rcHgv9jmM/s1600-h/2015-09-12%25252011.22.07%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2015-09-12 11.22.07" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BWOMf6oN3qk/Vfm0hg0P1QI/AAAAAAAAMEM/6aQvrABmpRE/2015-09-12%25252011.22.07_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="186" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2015-09-12 11.22.07" width="246" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFLdSYTqlEg/Vfm0iLaFkfI/AAAAAAAAMEY/H1tAAfmEUpg/s1600-h/2015-09-12%25252011.05.14%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2015-09-12 11.05.14" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GRfN9Kvb8E0/Vfm0ilHJOcI/AAAAAAAAMEc/VmVv62NOmeE/2015-09-12%25252011.05.14_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="186" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2015-09-12 11.05.14" width="246" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">A short hike on Signal MTN results in a few phone photos. Left, David at Mabbit Spring; right, turkey tail lichen.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--hHxOXa0G3E/Vfm0i9gtaEI/AAAAAAAAMEk/Z7cRwxFy5IU/s1600-h/2015-09-12%25252012.02.25%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2015-09-12 12.02.25" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hJ3hMCThavA/Vfm0jdWiTYI/AAAAAAAAMEs/BQuhihWR6nQ/2015-09-12%25252012.02.25_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="388" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2015-09-12 12.02.25" width="516" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Looking north from Falling Water Falls overlook.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nk6pjNYj6Dc/Vfm0j7a8aSI/AAAAAAAAME4/LahnzNcjim4/s1600-h/2015-09-07%25252010.55.12%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2015-09-07 10.55.12" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bztohlnU2gY/Vfm0kqOrcVI/AAAAAAAAME8/dk7OMKviD0s/2015-09-07%25252010.55.12_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="186" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2015-09-07 10.55.12" width="246" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XiX4jcQcaI4/Vfm0lQQ4EMI/AAAAAAAAMFI/Wn-EpqiX7xM/s1600-h/2015-09-11%25252017.11.25%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2015-09-11 17.11.25" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5hWpLJ4EWlk/Vfm0lxQBFGI/AAAAAAAAMFM/53cGt2hjr4w/2015-09-11%25252017.11.25_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="186" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2015-09-11 17.11.25" width="246" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">David on the Chattanooga River Walk and Sylvester trying to be good.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xXDDiEpBjbE/Vfm0meUKGbI/AAAAAAAAMFY/YnEdx3CiaiY/s1600-h/96d24f45-722c-48a3-a132-24cc380b901f%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="96d24f45-722c-48a3-a132-24cc380b901f" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tf4CfQjxTqA/Vfm0m8vYLJI/AAAAAAAAMFg/V3eGsYAgd5k/96d24f45-722c-48a3-a132-24cc380b901f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="247" style="display: inline;" title="96d24f45-722c-48a3-a132-24cc380b901f" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Results of playing around with the app, PicsArt. ( which disappeared when I was playing with Google Photos.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Looking forward to beau coup good times this fall in our yet unnamed Escape. Heading east in 5 days back to the mountains of North Carolina. Then west to the Land between the Lakes Rally. October will find us at the rally in Cherokee, NC. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Looking forward to seeing many of you out there!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">LIFE IS GOOD!!!</span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-55327718724316012312015-08-15T11:22:00.001-04:002015-08-15T11:23:39.636-04:00Downsized and Happy!<p> </p> <p><font size="4">The title says it all! It has been a heck of a ride but we did it! Now we are beginning to enjoy our new home. Phone photos are the best way to show our summer. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x1sUvL4h41E/Vc9YyZ4cY_I/AAAAAAAALj4/rJ7lO7KD7mY/s1600-h/2015-06-03%25252013.55.24%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-06-03 13.55.24" alt="2015-06-03 13.55.24" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X2jKT3Xo1XE/Vc9YzbgeSXI/AAAAAAAALj8/k4d4QMvDUYs/2015-06-03%25252013.55.24_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">June 8th, 2015, this is the depressing reality of our new outdoor space.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a1VduXWUZQY/Vc9Yz2YsEcI/AAAAAAAALkE/H5F_GbyNXbg/s1600-h/2015-06-27%25252012.31.37%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-06-27 12.31.37" alt="2015-06-27 12.31.37" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UtI2ArbJCPg/Vc9Y0PjkZEI/AAAAAAAALkM/E98ZUH_GQz4/2015-06-27%25252012.31.37_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">First splash of primer on the old kitchen walls.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2DeOmd4_0GM/Vc9Y0ovlpZI/AAAAAAAALkY/C5-OBKj0hfE/s1600-h/2015-06-29%25252015.13.59%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-06-29 15.13.59" alt="2015-06-29 15.13.59" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RvXwi9efScM/Vc9Y0-DF2jI/AAAAAAAALkc/S3XOEElA1KM/2015-06-29%25252015.13.59_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The kitchen/living room wall comes down.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3zd_bBDL1c/Vc9Y1aOGk1I/AAAAAAAALkk/W77nr5AO9xA/s1600-h/2015-06-29%25252015.25.06%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-06-29 15.25.06" alt="2015-06-29 15.25.06" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p1RkAIU_Cqw/Vc9Y1lXkJtI/AAAAAAAALkw/IgBa3Pv2FxA/2015-06-29%25252015.25.06_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Bedroom floor after carpet is removed.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VQLQWB5HSAM/Vc9Y2HuEEiI/AAAAAAAALk4/I0HdS4y7Vn8/s1600-h/2015-06-30%25252010.52.04%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-06-30 10.52.04" alt="2015-06-30 10.52.04" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PE5syBmA704/Vc9Y2rXy0uI/AAAAAAAALk8/O2T2YJ9pYpQ/2015-06-30%25252010.52.04_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> <font size="4">Ceiling braced before header beam installed.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cKH78OMqAmY/Vc9Y22Y6-TI/AAAAAAAALlI/UnPFHsIMY_E/s1600-h/2015-07-01%25252015.30.19%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-01 15.30.19" alt="2015-07-01 15.30.19" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qk2KWiGqQDk/Vc9Y3X9xGLI/AAAAAAAALlM/q_TCfU6df0w/2015-07-01%25252015.30.19_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The beam is up…loving the open space!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaAz3FfEaAk/Vc9Y32WtWwI/AAAAAAAALlY/jKSzrZIsnds/s1600-h/2015-07-10%25252010.10.25%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-10 10.10.25" alt="2015-07-10 10.10.25" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQt30NhipE8/Vc9Y4WReZkI/AAAAAAAALlc/Bb1AriGy0Vk/2015-07-10%25252010.10.25_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8SsBbqcxRRw/Vc9Y4oRm0nI/AAAAAAAALlo/-Gq1XQM-MEw/s1600-h/2015-07-10%25252010.17.21%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-10 10.17.21" alt="2015-07-10 10.17.21" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mu13XC51WiA/Vc9Y5LAeXaI/AAAAAAAALlw/Rhx19-E3qvM/2015-07-10%25252010.17.21_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="174"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HomL6K2CvgU/Vc9Y5izyM-I/AAAAAAAALl4/xto7zusO7_g/s1600-h/2015-07-10%25252010.16.54%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-10 10.16.54" alt="2015-07-10 10.16.54" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nYIXzXnm3lQ/Vc9Y5_KOqfI/AAAAAAAALmA/142_36JY6e4/2015-07-10%25252010.16.54_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="175"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Meanwhile, back at the old home, piles of unwanted stuff start accumulating. Our criteria for keeping something: </font></p> <p><font size="4">1. Do we love it? </font><font size="4">2. Is it necessary?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fa-IbfD_1fI/Vc9Y6XH2EkI/AAAAAAAALmI/mm2Fy9dhO9Y/s1600-h/2015-07-11%25252009.06.25%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-11 09.06.25" alt="2015-07-11 09.06.25" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BSUx_fXRqAw/Vc9Y69XX37I/AAAAAAAALmQ/vnhqzz6Quyo/2015-07-11%25252009.06.25_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RvKK4ha0-Ag/Vc9Y7LwAb-I/AAAAAAAALmY/zgWF1rMWGOM/s1600-h/2015-07-11%25252009.07.31%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-11 09.07.31" alt="2015-07-11 09.07.31" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bo91Yk0kEwA/Vc9Y7kUFyKI/AAAAAAAALmc/FW84n2hXXc0/2015-07-11%25252009.07.31_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Our first look at the new floors. Wow!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yxu1vrGn06s/Vc9Y72SUAjI/AAAAAAAALmk/Sn9ZRTzDu1I/s1600-h/2015-07-11%25252009.09.02%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-11 09.09.02" alt="2015-07-11 09.09.02" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kync0wXnAE8/Vc9Y8ScN-dI/AAAAAAAALms/D7auF4_rrQg/2015-07-11%25252009.09.02_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="483"></a></p> <p><font size="4">David removing hinges.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFTW-1ttp0s/Vc9Y8tDXioI/AAAAAAAALm4/plP4QbpT1k8/s1600-h/2015-07-11%25252009.09.37%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px; display: inline" title="2015-07-11 09.09.37" alt="2015-07-11 09.09.37" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D8-SIWxE6H0/Vc9Y9CCgWOI/AAAAAAAALm8/Ql1LYJn7xzM/2015-07-11%25252009.09.37_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Rockers relocated from old porch to new porch.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkAVLDvqLck/Vc9Y9jIjB7I/AAAAAAAALnE/Utu05hcauy4/s1600-h/2015-07-15%25252008.12.30%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-15 08.12.30" alt="2015-07-15 08.12.30" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--1wYIyujM_M/Vc9Y9xR-EKI/AAAAAAAALnM/kNcd3e4tzVE/2015-07-15%25252008.12.30_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFwxGsVwyuE/Vc9Y-AQglcI/AAAAAAAALnU/DQJAqziERck/s1600-h/2015-07-15%25252008.11.51%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-15 08.11.51" alt="2015-07-15 08.11.51" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CJHHQtl__BA/Vc9Y-SOJCzI/AAAAAAAALnc/quEGGCHDJCk/2015-07-15%25252008.11.51_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">The painting begins!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u3nYmjF8_eA/Vc9Y-4duQXI/AAAAAAAALnk/Jq35Pv32j8U/s1600-h/2015-07-17%25252016.06.36%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-17 16.06.36" alt="2015-07-17 16.06.36" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_7r6zSG8wY/Vc9Y_ENs_tI/AAAAAAAALns/JCqlve8cCtY/2015-07-17%25252016.06.36_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And ends.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1yTzT4HJR8/Vc9Y_hR9hTI/AAAAAAAALn0/5pAMmX1kVL0/s1600-h/2015-07-20%25252018.34.42%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-20 18.34.42" alt="2015-07-20 18.34.42" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NaiS1gA_VwI/Vc9ZAGDzUXI/AAAAAAAALn8/nQKqrj50Tj4/2015-07-20%25252018.34.42_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The Escape finds new parking.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FBboz78ZEBQ/Vc9ZApJTewI/AAAAAAAALoE/qdW2S0WmqCQ/s1600-h/2015-07-25%25252006.48.51%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-25 06.48.51" alt="2015-07-25 06.48.51" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jMC3Q22YlVE/Vc9ZA8hnk4I/AAAAAAAALoM/kwBjG4zhZqA/2015-07-25%25252006.48.51_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zlh4HtcDyMk/Vc9ZBC2Tu3I/AAAAAAAALoU/uJJ1kAlicYI/s1600-h/2015-07-24%25252015.50.15%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-24 15.50.15" alt="2015-07-24 15.50.15" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nsMC0sQJSsA/Vc9ZBt2V9rI/AAAAAAAALoc/45xPv54iWLM/2015-07-24%25252015.50.15_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMAs9XGXOrQ/Vc9ZB2l0-rI/AAAAAAAALoo/_-NK2Bk6q1U/s1600-h/2015-07-25%25252006.49.36%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-25 06.49.36" alt="2015-07-25 06.49.36" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x8yzWaEsZOE/Vc9ZCRw6VMI/AAAAAAAALos/xtnOfatHVy0/2015-07-25%25252006.49.36_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p> <font size="4">Our furniture arrives.</font> <a href="http://getbellhops.com" target="_blank"><font size="4">Bellhops</font></a> <font size="4">move us.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gL3U2iwsgRM/Vc9ZCrioOdI/AAAAAAAALo4/mxtWYv4Cpss/s1600-h/2015-08-01%25252008.12.46%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-08-01 08.12.46" alt="2015-08-01 08.12.46" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfSCmtVW_Bo/Vc9ZDRAganI/AAAAAAAALo8/XU1JcomvNVE/2015-08-01%25252008.12.46_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The new fridge arrives….now we can eat!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gHaTYlR9Ueg/Vc9ZDjfRVGI/AAAAAAAALpI/PU2wPc5aa_4/s1600-h/2015-07-26%25252018.25.57%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-26 18.25.57" alt="2015-07-26 18.25.57" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BXnCfeeqq0/Vc9ZEHWtzpI/AAAAAAAALpM/lL_-RsGD0Qs/2015-07-26%25252018.25.57_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Princess moves with us…still looking for her new home. Sheba, the Siamese, finds perfect loving new owners. Sylvester, the camping cat, adjusts to his new smaller space.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O1rpvRFIqZs/Vc9ZEQPhQgI/AAAAAAAALpY/N5vlTJeYEio/s1600-h/2015-08-01%25252008.06.24%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-08-01 08.06.24" alt="2015-08-01 08.06.24" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gpaAFWDbLpU/Vc9ZExovzFI/AAAAAAAALpc/COQPjRmY9a0/2015-08-01%25252008.06.24_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Small improvement to back yard.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0oYPFRySANI/Vc9ZFfs5VcI/AAAAAAAALpo/RZ7YogGOw8o/s1600-h/2015-08-01%25252008.10.14%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-08-01 08.10.14" alt="2015-08-01 08.10.14" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVTS4hheEZI/Vc9ZF3dGCvI/AAAAAAAALps/4nVJyv4vaig/2015-08-01%25252008.10.14_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Woods behind the house.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZS3wDzjVh4/Vc9ZGKiR72I/AAAAAAAALp0/n6wYKWIcpQg/s1600-h/2015-07-31%25252007.22.16%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-07-31 07.22.16" alt="2015-07-31 07.22.16" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4igJ4DyeC0/Vc9ZGRsNw0I/AAAAAAAALp8/e3kQPFGft0A/2015-07-31%25252007.22.16_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GWTKuQzMhS0/Vc9ZGxp3xzI/AAAAAAAALqI/ac1DugxAG4E/s1600-h/2015-08-03%25252007.53.41%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-08-03 07.53.41" alt="2015-08-03 07.53.41" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FywxSYbU_XU/Vc9ZHIYsEPI/AAAAAAAALqM/bGBYJfD_Wqc/2015-08-03%25252007.53.41_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Our daily walk.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DHGMFirmZD0/Vc9ZHqQGnYI/AAAAAAAALqY/jOTbjp3RdyM/s1600-h/2015-08-12%25252018.02.28%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-08-12 18.02.28" alt="2015-08-12 18.02.28" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EPxLGhiXOiI/Vc9ZINh9s8I/AAAAAAAALqc/qjLZCjVK8KM/2015-08-12%25252018.02.28_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">David enjoying our first outdoor meal. (Two days ago)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mmipgbfiqa0/Vc9ZItXbIPI/AAAAAAAALqo/Ktha9FQv8PE/s1600-h/2015-08-15%25252006.50.30%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px; display: inline" title="2015-08-15 06.50.30" alt="2015-08-15 06.50.30" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NK1ZHcQUlNQ/Vc9ZJLxnVeI/AAAAAAAALqs/QstRJrmPKt0/2015-08-15%25252006.50.30_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Before photo…spot for our storage building.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OP4INJOpwxE/Vc9ZJsvU1II/AAAAAAAALq4/_FKoXvxM5iY/s1600-h/2015-08-15%25252009.01.28%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-08-15 09.01.28" alt="2015-08-15 09.01.28" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-luJb-RjTpXg/Vc9ZJ3FsBLI/AAAAAAAALrA/UH4KjCVBOjE/2015-08-15%25252009.01.28_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XdBc33Vm8HU/Vc9ZKf4kSpI/AAAAAAAALrI/fMnE_zH5kjY/s1600-h/2015-08-15%25252009.03.15%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-08-15 09.03.15" alt="2015-08-15 09.03.15" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JeV58jLgzh0/Vc9ZKwXLR9I/AAAAAAAALrM/XZiCs-I4-JI/2015-08-15%25252009.03.15_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">And now. It is being built as I type this post.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We will resume camping soon! Heading to Knoxville next week to get the Andersen WDH and hope to camp a few days before returning home. Rally time will start the end of September!</font></p> <p><font size="4">My goal for this post is to document our summer and to give hope and inspiration to those who are continuing to downsize. We are living in 3 rooms plus a bath and utility room, less than 975 square feet, and I have never been happier! There are absolutely NO REGRETS!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Yes, it has been a roller coaster of emotions…picking every object up and asking “do I love this?” But the rewards are huge! </font></p> <p><font size="4">Good luck to all..go after those dreams!!</font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-37762661159154694232015-06-23T00:10:00.001-04:002015-06-23T00:13:34.004-04:00What a Difference!<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">What a difference 3 days made! Three days after writing that last, kind of pitiful, post, we got an offer on our house! One that we could accept. And my sweet husband drove up to the duplex, pulled a few nails from the wall, carted off more trash, spackled a bit and suddenly I am able to sleep through the night!</font></p> <p><font size="4">The place does not look that much different. I am just choosing to see what it can be, rather than what it is!</font> </p> <p><font size="4">Last week some friends asked us to join them at <a href="http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/henry-horton" target="_blank">Henry Horton</a>, a state park in middle Tennessee. It was time to try out our new-to-us trailer home. The park is big…. boasts a golf course, restaurant, inn and cabins. But it was so hot and muggy, we went into survival mode. Spent more time inside with the A/C than we ever had and the hubby still managed to get two tick bites!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d0yhXLwuquI/VYjcA2IQXaI/AAAAAAAALhw/IGx1LypRQnc/s1600-h/2015-06-17%25252013.53.42%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-06-17 13.53.42" border="0" alt="2015-06-17 13.53.42" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lv5qkus-Adc/VYjcBaok6eI/AAAAAAAALh4/B1JGESyglyU/2015-06-17%25252013.53.42_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="301"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vME9djKOPA4/VYjcCb2hQsI/AAAAAAAALiA/SeJuEDKkZr8/s1600-h/2015-06-17%25252017.21.02%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-06-17 17.21.02" border="0" alt="2015-06-17 17.21.02" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NNQc25aGQBM/VYjcDRgyzbI/AAAAAAAALiI/5V4JpOuYIo8/2015-06-17%25252017.21.02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="303"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We are working on getting a WDH. Our buddies at the Townsend rally sang praises for the <a href="https://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/andersen-nosway-weight-distribution-hitch.aspx" target="_blank">Andersen</a> Weight Distribution Hitch with sway control. Even those with full size pickups were using it with the 19’ Escape. This is what we want, we think, but no one in our area sells it and the one RV dealer who was willing to get it from the manufacturer in Idaho told us he did not understand how it works….even after watching the video on You Tube. Not sure if we want to spend $600 and not get it properly installed!! Still trying to figure out what to do.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We have got a new transmission cooler on the Taco. Our little truck pulled the trailer up the big mountain at <a href="http://www.crashforensics.com/monteaglemountain.cfm" target="_blank">Monteagle</a>. I just need to get accustomed to the engine noise in second gear and 3500 rpms!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Another challenge that we are facing, one we can barely discuss, is the issue of the cats….as in, too many cats! Last week I finally made up flyers for the two older females, Sheba and Princess and began distributing them at local vet offices. Several calls have come in but when I mention their ages, 11 and 13, the interest suddenly disappears. (Please don’t try to shame us. If we had a motorhome, I could see us traveling with 3 felines, but the truck barely holds the two of us and Sylvester.)</font></p> <p><font size="4">After our short jaunt to middle Tennessee, we immediately got back on the road, minus the Escape, and headed for Louisville, KY, delivering a load of family antiques to one of the granddaughters.</font></p> <p><font size="4">That night we strolled across the Ohio River on an old railroad bridge. Loved the views from the river.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xB_wOQBuvwQ/VYjcEHMPvjI/AAAAAAAALiQ/RmWYqoCg3cY/s1600-h/2015-06-19%25252021.39.20%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-06-19 21.39.20" border="0" alt="2015-06-19 21.39.20" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RE0_SCIZE9Y/VYjcE7LH4AI/AAAAAAAALiY/oMfaycXP6tE/2015-06-19%25252021.39.20_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="356"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Louisville at night</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCo8BCcRyvI/VYjcFVnP5zI/AAAAAAAALig/-ryXJ37IdUM/s1600-h/2015-06-19%25252021.22.53%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-06-19 21.22.53" border="0" alt="2015-06-19 21.22.53" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3er9nD3x_s/VYjcF9vHn2I/AAAAAAAALio/T7ZC3aAPLgE/2015-06-19%25252021.22.53_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="248"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The Big 4 walking bridge with led color changing lights</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i9l8suTDo8M/VYjcGtfeJBI/AAAAAAAALiw/mT7_-zo6DGs/s1600-h/2015-06-19%25252021.13.32%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-06-19 21.13.32" border="0" alt="2015-06-19 21.13.32" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wufaYVH0Q54/VYjcHMRLwlI/AAAAAAAALi4/1QtU_naR6eM/2015-06-19%25252021.13.32_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="288"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Ohio River</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yDlEQhVmTd4/VYjcH_-O5sI/AAAAAAAALjA/62BkMJZXNQY/s1600-h/2015-06-19%25252020.39.40%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-06-19 20.39.40" border="0" alt="2015-06-19 20.39.40" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3MpFZtJi4pA/VYjcIQNYGGI/AAAAAAAALjI/1C4lwJXZMXg/2015-06-19%25252020.39.40_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="384"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Paddleboat</font></p> <p><font size="4">We are one month and one day away from closing on the house, assuming we can get all the necessary repairs completed. Hope to find a contractor to take out a wall in the duplex and get new flooring before we move in. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Can’t believe we are starting the next phase of “the dream!”</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-82604934620285129422015-06-03T21:19:00.001-04:002015-06-03T21:20:38.524-04:00Panic! Can We Do This?<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1w0prWsu9A/VW-nml34jMI/AAAAAAAALf4/AsXHx6qfdWU/s1600-h/DSC_4073%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Front yard" border="0" alt="Front yard" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsM4t6zvRO8/VW-nnDVeHhI/AAAAAAAALgA/kmhIL3RFjkU/DSC_4073_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="371"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The renter moved this past weekend. Decided to go take a peak at our future home and came away shell-shocked! It’s not that it was left in a bad state. It’s just the reality of what must be done. It’s got me wondering if we have it left in us?</font></p> <p><font size="4">I know we can make it into a lovely place to live….a place to call home in between all our ramblings. But are we too old and too tired to make it happen? Would it just be easier to take the house off the market and enjoy the results of all the cleaning, updating and the beautiful blooming yard?</font></p> <p><font size="4">This is the back yard of our future home.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZZcl8E4bP4o/VW-nosK4qoI/AAAAAAAALgI/O68AjSqYR6g/s1600-h/DSC_4074%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Back yard" border="0" alt="Back yard" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NlKsAVSc6o/VW-npag-SrI/AAAAAAAALgM/GiDHUSLAOA0/DSC_4074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="341"></a></p> <p><font size="4">This is our present backyard.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BUv0A1fIvfg/VW-nqGsCv5I/AAAAAAAALgY/IhH1Qqhhl44/s1600-h/2015-05-20%25252016.55.41%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-05-20 16.55.41" alt="2015-05-20 16.55.41" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iO0XZJ-qylM/VW-nqz7p68I/AAAAAAAALgg/ApGC38o56OI/2015-05-20%25252016.55.41_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And we will have three closets in our future place, of which, currently, one has no doors.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The move has felt so right until today. After returning home, I found myself just sitting, dumbstruck, with the reality of what we are doing. I look at all the popular tiny houses and say, of course we can move into 900 plus square feet. But?? Can we handle doing it? The actual move?</font></p> <p><font size="4">Painting must be done before we can put down new floors. And a major redo from the driveway must be performed as there is mud everywhere. Not sure what kind of professional is needed to fix the mud problem?</font></p> <p><font size="4">We can do it…just having a temporary breakdown today.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Need to get into the new trailer and Escape for a few days!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Speaking of the Escape. We are working on finding the right weight distribution hitch and a tranny cooler and monitor for the Tacoma’s transmission temps. Just about got everything else ready to go.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The house showings have dropped off this week. None in the past 3 days.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The daylilies have started blooming….these aren’t current photos but the flowers look the same as a few years ago.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IToHsBZ4GAc/VW-nrYsEz0I/AAAAAAAALgo/N4ec9I9buS8/s1600-h/daylilies%25252Cect%252520June%2525202011-35%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="daylilies,ect June 2011-35" border="0" alt="daylilies,ect June 2011-35" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GFTNi3NH_Yc/VW-nsJdqFqI/AAAAAAAALgw/QhWI20irbcE/daylilies%25252Cect%252520June%2525202011-35_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="341"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AVeJQVnjrnc/VW-nsoaQDmI/AAAAAAAALg4/UTMfneVRsOw/s1600-h/DSC_7163%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_7163" border="0" alt="DSC_7163" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePIVmbmBFSY/VW-ntQjTJcI/AAAAAAAALhA/i8BHYrqIjLs/DSC_7163_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="429"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oS87E24HJtk/VW-ntwGClAI/AAAAAAAALhI/M-vNR74AADw/s1600-h/DSC_7155%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_7155" border="0" alt="DSC_7155" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jcHh3Y32qk8/VW-nuaEix4I/AAAAAAAALhQ/PhebCa_Ntdc/DSC_7155_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="341"></a></p> <p><font size="4">After rereading this post….thought I should explain for newcomers that we are downsizing from a medium size house to one side of a duplex that we own. </font></p> <p><font size="4">And back to using Windows Live Writer.</font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-56111157466037521282015-05-28T11:33:00.000-04:002015-05-28T11:33:17.893-04:00The new Escape and general ramblings <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYhMrfNL8jXzgFb4W89zVvImmwdGsJzg3OX9JvJcjVETTMBdzxG1SWIfmebwpDyNZNsQ9Lu6xsDRMw98xT2MQcZvG_sq-AaWQ8jHSZbDuCaAP5magQchCs0NLfuwwvMwJ4hu_D0DB40E/s1600/2015-05-07+18.31.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYhMrfNL8jXzgFb4W89zVvImmwdGsJzg3OX9JvJcjVETTMBdzxG1SWIfmebwpDyNZNsQ9Lu6xsDRMw98xT2MQcZvG_sq-AaWQ8jHSZbDuCaAP5magQchCs0NLfuwwvMwJ4hu_D0DB40E/s640/2015-05-07+18.31.28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I promised photos...this is our new baby! We are camped at Fontainebleau State Park in Louisiana convenient to the Walmart parking lot where the sale happens. We spend two nights in Louisiana and one night at Gunter Hill COE in Alabama before we arrive back in Chattanooga. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SayaFb4xOeuZr8HPNlqFZgeZ_sNTEGJIAdVtqPpZ7GKXhtgoajZVDS_FEIEcbacvGdsrxO-M-v3UtrPQ5oApUZf9emsa6vLFqbLMWa6_PoYJiAcTB6nsTonMsFz_BtlKvYjXzXPz31o/s1600/2015-05-20+16.58.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SayaFb4xOeuZr8HPNlqFZgeZ_sNTEGJIAdVtqPpZ7GKXhtgoajZVDS_FEIEcbacvGdsrxO-M-v3UtrPQ5oApUZf9emsa6vLFqbLMWa6_PoYJiAcTB6nsTonMsFz_BtlKvYjXzXPz31o/s320/2015-05-20+16.58.16.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">David manages to back the trailer 180 degrees down the driveway, around the house and into its tiny parking space. Our previous 13 and 16 foot trailers were towed in and turned around.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh085m_QS-0ibOs7gesy_gLFMidONd3P4q4KtGGRSxr3aWGf14nUePmR7-eMlWJZd3v3ul8kA5_PVCHdlh9GZWY-sn8Q0Yoq5AkO_fntB1gC0lie0RwGb7i9ACMfAMmg43as1Rz3jg8HI/s1600/2015-05-20+16.55.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh085m_QS-0ibOs7gesy_gLFMidONd3P4q4KtGGRSxr3aWGf14nUePmR7-eMlWJZd3v3ul8kA5_PVCHdlh9GZWY-sn8Q0Yoq5AkO_fntB1gC0lie0RwGb7i9ACMfAMmg43as1Rz3jg8HI/s200/2015-05-20+16.55.20.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this is where our new toy has been for the last three weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No plans to camp on the horizon as we are still in the middle of selling the house and downsizing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each day presents new challenges, a new list of priorities, things that must be done yesterday....and it is getting old!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Much of our work has been manual labor, painting the deck, painting downstairs, cutting branches, small trees, scrubbing, washing, cleaning and cleaning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Need to rant a moment..."All I do is work!!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But it will all be worth it some day...(maybe some year!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is mostly why there has been no recent posts and few comments. Just too exhausted!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also there needs to be some changes to the blog as there is no Casita in the driveway but this may take some time due to my computer ineptness. The name did get changed and it is appropriate as our BIG goal is to spend our winters in the desert and our summers in the (cool) mountains and the shoulder seasons in our duplex on the side of the mountain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tenant will be moved out of our side of the duplex this weekend. Good news...we will not be homeless if the house sells, bad news....another place to paint and do general rehab!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Closing with phone photos. Seems like there's lots more to say but guess it can wait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Left photo is of the mirror..little conf</span><span style="font-size: large;">using...sorry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The yard is blooming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time last year we were overwhelmed and not sure if we wanted to sell the house. This year we are so ready for the perfect buyer to appear. Someone who will love the flowers we are leaving behind.</span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-63138246644123232522015-04-26T11:56:00.001-04:002015-04-26T11:57:31.486-04:00The Townsend Eggscursion 2015 and a Tale from the Past!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aBF6z9QJI-k/VT0KenzjipI/AAAAAAAALZY/eOjOTi004qc/s1600-h/DSC_0008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0008" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-APcCp8q8CcY/VT0KfVuCKDI/AAAAAAAALZg/vrGFtWOgXms/DSC_0008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><font size="4">This is our 6th year to attend the fiberglass rally held in Townsend, TN which borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We manage to get a site on the Little River.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBAFohR7PUA/VT0KgnVHZxI/AAAAAAAALZo/da6VECnVTSw/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0006" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F5Y7pFQ_rzg/VT0KhLRtOjI/AAAAAAAALZw/ksrA_PU1gL0/DSC_0006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="366"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We love spending time with our friends while enjoying spring in the Park. Unfortunately we have rain every day! Not all day rain but enough to not leave camp without the raincoat. My fun with the Nikon is very limited.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zMm2dad12uc/VT0Kh7B9tiI/AAAAAAAALZ4/_jm-XXLQpU8/s1600-h/DSC_0004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0004" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KhkqX-k9XWs/VT0KiyH0PSI/AAAAAAAALaA/5FAJdaEiHnU/DSC_0004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Visiting during the pot luck.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Lots of great photos of the gathering can be found on <a href="http://www.lakeshoreimages.com/eggscursion1501.html" target="_blank">Jon's website</a>. It is great to see him and his lovely 17 foot Escape. I get to thank him in person for adding this blog to his list of fiberglass trailer <a href="http://www.lakeshoreimages.com/fiberglass.html" target="_blank">Links</a>.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Going to shift gears now…probably should have created two posts but that’s not the way I do things! Going to flash back in time to 2009, several years before this blog is born.</font></p> <p><font size="4">It is May 4th, 2009, four days after retiring from my state government job, and we are heading to Yellowstone and parts west, our first long trip in our little 13’ Casita. My flowers in the back yard are blooming beautifully. I am sad to leave them.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The plan is to see Yellowstone NP and other places that lie along our path.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eiJ7RnXkTPg/VT0KjrY8emI/AAAAAAAALaI/akn36ad84yE/s1600-h/DSC_1022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1022" border="0" alt="DSC_1022" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ogWO50kyEDE/VT0KkY2eoGI/AAAAAAAALaQ/6DsKyAmduS0/DSC_1022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="343"></a></p> <p><font size="4">This is what we look like back in 2009. Our precious 1990 13 foot Casita has everything but a table and a bathroom! We love our Casita and are fascinated by all other fiberglass trailers.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kNoHnV7x_j0/VT0KlAsFtEI/AAAAAAAALaY/vfswfrU1Los/s1600-h/DSC_1053%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1053" border="0" alt="DSC_1053" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cD3U0KvAvVE/VT0Kl0zmk6I/AAAAAAAALag/QK1oTHsJoh4/DSC_1053_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We see Old Faithful and a lot of ice and snow. Headed Idaho and it started getting colder. Turned around and went south into Utah…which is the point of the story.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We are at Bryce National Park and we spy an<font size="4"></font>ew fiberglass trailer across the campground. It is strange looking</font></p> <p><font size="4">We had never seen anything like it! As we walked by, the owners appeared.“It’s an Escape” they said. “We have traveled from Vermont to British Columbia to pick it up.” </font></p> <p><font size="4">Thus began our relationship with the Eddy’s. Did not realize how important this chance meeting would be. No photos of the trailer or our meeting. Just a few of the Park.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7DJ_ULLRmkU/VT0KmhtAksI/AAAAAAAALao/GrBHWWI7sRo/s1600-h/DSC_1122%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1122" border="0" alt="DSC_1122" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vHAhVAX0aNk/VT0Knv6B9PI/AAAAAAAALaw/tAXEcwZI_pg/DSC_1122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We have tea inside the Escape, the four of us sitting around their table. They share a little trailer history…former Casita owners…and we share our story of rehabbing a pitiful old Casita that was formerly owned by the Navy Recreational Services. We have breakfast at the lodge the next morning and say our goodbyes.</font></p> <p><font size="4">One year later, with a small suggestion from yours truly, they arrive at the rally at Townsend!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F0fXiTiKecg/VT0KoFRYiYI/AAAAAAAALa4/dBmHEM0XnJ8/s1600-h/IMG_1602%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1602" border="0" alt="IMG_1602" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tmSILOfur6g/VT0Ko0HCfvI/AAAAAAAALbA/aG0DERCn61I/IMG_1602_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The Egg Camping Club of TN, GA and AL enjoy meeting the folks from New England. This is when the club only had 30 to 40 trailers at a rally…..and almost none from out of the area.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sdOddMTYXEc/VT0KqO0JG3I/AAAAAAAALbI/B7l90pxLyN4/s1600-h/IMG_1601%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1601" border="0" alt="IMG_1601" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7AC_G8S60KI/VT0Kq19EK3I/AAAAAAAALbQ/3R_sbtmMTcQ/IMG_1601_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Our new friends became our mentors in all things boon docking. They taught us how to manage without electrical hookups. Later that summer we managed to visit their area and see Ian’s <a href="http://www.ianeddyblacksmith.com/" target="_blank">blacksmithing company</a>. He does beautiful work!</font></p> <p><font size="4">So the Escape trailer is introduced to the southeast and Houdini, their trailer, has managed to make the trek south to the Eggscursion almost every spring.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Fast forward to January, 2012, David and I are at our favorite place in Arizona, Tortilla Flat. We are walking through camp and come across two Escapes, a 19 ft. and a fifth wheel. A nice gentleman emerges….much like what happened in 2010…and we meet two lovely couples from south Texas. </font></p> <p><font size="4">The gentleman strongly suggests that we not miss the RV show in Quartzsite. We spend maybe 20 minutes talking, and chatted briefly later that day.</font></p> <p><font size="4">One week later we find them on Dome Rock Road and more precious relationships are made. These two Texas couples became our mentors for the trip to Alaska. We meet up with one couple in Quartzsite, AZ each winter and the other in Alabama.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_mN9qtg2fAk/VT0KrTSW7WI/AAAAAAAALbY/x12h019EWAE/s1600-h/2015-01-20%25252017.59.37%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-01-20 17.59.37" border="0" alt="2015-01-20 17.59.37" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxDvTH9X0sc/VT0Kr80RbjI/AAAAAAAALbg/4FIppGbnCGs/2015-01-20%25252017.59.37_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="293"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Now one of the couples have given us an opportunity that we never thought to get. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Last week we sold our beloved 16 foot trailer. She will be living in the western North Carolina mountains and we will be heading south to pick up our new to us 19 foot Escape.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I apologize in advance to any of my loyal Casita followers who might not like this decision. We have adored our Casita and believe it is one of the best made trailers. But it is time for a change for us…..remember I said changes were coming?</font></p> <p><font size="4">Our house is also on the market and lots of people are seeing it. Don’t know what’s next…we are just hanging on for the ride…and it feels like a roller coaster right now!!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uS5EFstavSM/VT0KsxRW4YI/AAAAAAAALbo/zChPPXOdP6o/s1600-h/DSC_0015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0015" border="0" alt="DSC_0015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1AYeoow5Ku4/VT0KtmsbPRI/AAAAAAAALbw/Zf1VAMn6qZU/DSC_0015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="293"></a></p> <p> For Sale!!!!</p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-56589742107025177522015-04-04T11:15:00.001-04:002015-04-04T11:16:45.768-04:00Home & the Green Eggs Rally!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BgWTW6var8s/VR__k9P6ZvI/AAAAAAAALQM/Tce-9sX2-ds/s1600-h/2015-03-16%25252018.23.07%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-16 18.23.07" border="0" alt="2015-03-16 18.23.07" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rHYiSDB--TI/VR__lhZllyI/AAAAAAAALQU/AhRCbAb0o_4/2015-03-16%25252018.23.07_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We hit the ground running after arriving home less than three weeks ago. It’s the price we pay for doing nothing all winter but sitting in the sun and enjoying the scenery!</font></p> <p><font size="4">The yard is showing signs of spring.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L3e7n_yLM2s/VR__mvXjBgI/AAAAAAAALQc/6oBX5K5kqIs/s1600-h/2015-03-16%25252015.22.19%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-16 15.22.19" border="0" alt="2015-03-16 15.22.19" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ESR4m6efVRg/VR__nLZeTaI/AAAAAAAALQk/NZZx2TsP3qs/2015-03-16%25252015.22.19_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wXgpDG9nKdY/VR__oZH_8BI/AAAAAAAALQs/n79wGNuEx0c/s1600-h/2015-03-16%25252015.20.29%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-16 15.20.29" border="0" alt="2015-03-16 15.20.29" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dRW_YblJyiM/VR__pN_QH2I/AAAAAAAALQ0/ScHf8rt0584/2015-03-16%25252015.20.29_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">(All photos in this post are from the phone camera and unedited!)</font></p> <p><font size="4">We have a box with three months of mail to shred or file. (Will do mail forwarding next time!) There’s the septic work that must be done immediately. Income taxes to file. Doctor appointments to be made. A trailer to clean after 3 months of use. And a house and yard to be made ready to sell! </font></p> <p><font size="4">It feels like there are a dozen chores to do for every hour of the day! And the blog update keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list.</font><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">We have another rally coming up in 10 days. Looking forward to seeing friends in the Great Smoky Mountains!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Speaking of rally's….the Green Eggs and Ham in Montgomery, Alabama was great fun. It is right on our way home and a great way to transition from our time in the southwest to the southeast. </font></p> <p><font size="4">We arrive two days earlier than planned which gives us 7 days to visit…enough time to get caught up with those we have not seen in a long time.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y3yKwndz6Io/VR__p060B9I/AAAAAAAALQ8/4HeexbX7nB4/s1600-h/2015-03-14%25252011.26.57%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-14 11.26.57" border="0" alt="2015-03-14 11.26.57" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gVHi4Wgt4Nc/VR__qtRiRqI/AAAAAAAALRE/TqtqZanweok/2015-03-14%25252011.26.57_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">There is the traditional Dutch oven demonstration.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JdZTI-r4A1w/VR__r2OH7uI/AAAAAAAALRM/6Easb8QAAP0/s1600-h/2015-03-13%25252014.34.02%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-13 14.34.02" border="0" alt="2015-03-13 14.34.02" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iUoLEJehRDU/VR__svmuGDI/AAAAAAAALRU/p1FDpLookus/2015-03-13%25252014.34.02_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1wTEV33e91I/VR__t8tE61I/AAAAAAAALRc/rzCv5RKWZCY/s1600-h/2015-03-13%25252014.33.12%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-13 14.33.12" border="0" alt="2015-03-13 14.33.12" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3DzmOm02kCE/VR__uR4J8eI/AAAAAAAALRk/x3Sy4w1haGI/2015-03-13%25252014.33.12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hj_sgeOrzow/VR__vfvMwWI/AAAAAAAALRs/0QjFAntwo5c/s1600-h/2015-03-13%25252014.40.26%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-03-13 14.40.26" alt="2015-03-13 14.40.26" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lz41xixKvCU/VR__wOwY_hI/AAAAAAAALR0/HvetcZb8wdQ/2015-03-13%25252014.40.26_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Great music each night!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8j1OfwtRSL8/VR__w4M-HWI/AAAAAAAALR8/L4LM7oeHB6E/s1600-h/2015-03-12%25252019.29.43%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-03-12 19.29.43" alt="2015-03-12 19.29.43" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_kgaW21COa0/VR__xgAvRmI/AAAAAAAALSA/-ec4lfuL8uU/2015-03-12%25252019.29.43_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">An appreciative audience.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b-9NeSvIlbQ/VR__yCCBL9I/AAAAAAAALSM/yKELGBeKjow/s1600-h/2015-03-12%25252019.31.37%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-12 19.31.37" border="0" alt="2015-03-12 19.31.37" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QgK4zdN5pMQ/VR__y4phk-I/AAAAAAAALSU/hbp6O3V8V7w/2015-03-12%25252019.31.37_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Friends with their dogs!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NoXIIWZhYg8/VR__zbRH02I/AAAAAAAALSc/sOYWXAGl8iQ/s1600-h/2015-03-13%25252013.52.58%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-13 13.52.58" border="0" alt="2015-03-13 13.52.58" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UyvrW73ZyOg/VR__0DXzAII/AAAAAAAALSk/jPPvCF-0i8k/2015-03-13%25252013.52.58_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="489"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RZ2kOmsocPM/VR__08f9cOI/AAAAAAAALSs/lzdzYkPDa6E/s1600-h/2015-03-14%25252010.46.40%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-14 10.46.40" border="0" alt="2015-03-14 10.46.40" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cMv551aMXNM/VR__1XuVLeI/AAAAAAAALS0/y5r67UsOYVE/2015-03-14%25252010.46.40_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The lake is just across from our site.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cN_UW4gHki8/VR__2taRzBI/AAAAAAAALS8/LYnCCm_zwGM/s1600-h/2015-03-14%25252016.32.14%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-14 16.32.14" border="0" alt="2015-03-14 16.32.14" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VvY_5I6g4Ns/VR__3Qu4ocI/AAAAAAAALTE/7r9tExLMdC8/2015-03-14%25252016.32.14_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">It’s the relationship with other egg owners that makes this such a special time. We feel blessed to be a part of so much love.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OJ-EH2KdVJI/VR__4JU0LqI/AAAAAAAALTM/gJxdPT8OSN0/s1600-h/2015-03-14%25252018.34.28%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-14 18.34.28" border="0" alt="2015-03-14 18.34.28" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w939kw556qY/VR__48MqzNI/AAAAAAAALTU/ff8HJS7sphU/2015-03-14%25252018.34.28_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nk8fJo1lhw4/VR__5kpNf1I/AAAAAAAALTc/GWGO7RFOoLE/s1600-h/2015-03-14%25252017.56.54%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-14 17.56.54" border="0" alt="2015-03-14 17.56.54" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c8MLktdmd0M/VR__6Vb4YYI/AAAAAAAALTk/FecvDSqLLHQ/2015-03-14%25252017.56.54_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TOjbk5BJXL4/VR__71Lr74I/AAAAAAAALTs/ZYlx9xAUuJQ/s1600-h/2015-03-13%25252015.40.33%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-13 15.40.33" border="0" alt="2015-03-13 15.40.33" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yPaMjyPpz2k/VR__8rpkZAI/AAAAAAAALT0/P5e-J4rm8hk/2015-03-13%25252015.40.33_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3wn977Wwmpk/VR__9t2CQEI/AAAAAAAALT8/OUjF9nOtpRo/s1600-h/2015-03-14%25252018.35.23%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-14 18.35.23" border="0" alt="2015-03-14 18.35.23" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FpiVLyUi0hc/VR__-QWigyI/AAAAAAAALUE/zpYcf2RRvz8/2015-03-14%25252018.35.23_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="386"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The new camping “must have” is the Clam. </font><font size="4">They are scattered throughout the campground.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BR7mFS9fAn0/VR___iJa1fI/AAAAAAAALUM/l-hlxWpOBuI/s1600-h/2015-03-10%25252012.20.18%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-10 12.20.18" border="0" alt="2015-03-10 12.20.18" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5wBPiGysInA/VSAAADJR5sI/AAAAAAAALUU/POx8zBoWA-4/2015-03-10%25252012.20.18_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5VMLfsEilIg/VSAABPCK5QI/AAAAAAAALUc/1cKGsPFlWYg/s1600-h/2015-03-10%25252012.04.34%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-10 12.04.34" border="0" alt="2015-03-10 12.04.34" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d-a9m6M-BZI/VSAABmVkATI/AAAAAAAALUk/dy-bk2Nat54/2015-03-10%25252012.04.34_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Hope this post is not confusing. We were at this rally from March 8 to March 15, 2015. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Today is April 4, 2015 and our yard is blooming….</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hgVlL0Z-r0s/VSAAClKLzKI/AAAAAAAALUs/iKNyuj2OhIU/s1600-h/2015-03-29%25252017.57.54%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-29 17.57.54" border="0" alt="2015-03-29 17.57.54" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_f4kJmlSFkk/VSAADUqU0NI/AAAAAAAALU0/n4l1HF1szvo/2015-03-29%25252017.57.54_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">and we are glad to be back in time to enjoy the redbud and dogwood blooms.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We are excited about our life and all the upcoming changes! Lots of changes…..</font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-70017845318021324502015-03-13T08:42:00.001-04:002015-03-13T08:43:27.195-04:00Tucson Mountain Park, Gilbert Ray and the Desert Museum<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5xAYNvQrVdw/VQLalEn3wFI/AAAAAAAALIA/Wv-DLslqtvs/s1600-h/DSC_0051%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0051" border="0" alt="DSC_0051" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ah_V5iCQ3IU/VQLal1U6IsI/AAAAAAAALII/a6uZyvby9vI/DSC_0051_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="347"></a></p> <p><font size="4">It’s early on Friday the 13th of March. The wind is whipping around the trailer here in Montgomery, Alabama and we are on the last two days of the Green Eggs and Ham rally! </font></p> <p><font size="4">But I want to write about our last few days in Arizona…while the memory is still intact.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We leave our lovely parking lot in the Tonto National Forest. It is time for David to have his blood tested again and there are groceries to be bought. Between the wait at Walgreens’ clinic and fighting the senior crowd at Fry’s, we leave Apache Junction much later than planned.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Our destination is the Desert Museum in Tucson. There’s a nice campground close to the museum but it may be full. It does not take reservations. I research free camping in Tucson in find a BLM close to our destination. <a href="http://www.wheelingit.us" target="_blank">Nina and Paul</a> warn that the road is rough and there’s some broken glass scattered throughout the camp.</font></p> <p><font size="4">After several hours of negotiating traffic, we find the area and, at first glance, it does not look too bad.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tIKeLWDkrwo/VQLanQRkKfI/AAAAAAAALIQ/Bq-v7fp0id0/s1600-h/2015-02-28%25252012.31.57%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-02-28 12.31.57" border="0" alt="2015-02-28 12.31.57" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--n83Hq9ZRb8/VQLaopBnWHI/AAAAAAAALIY/qNOMwLuKKyU/2015-02-28%25252012.31.57_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4"> The sunset gives us another visual delight.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cu6hAs2Vi_w/VQLapeCuoAI/AAAAAAAALIg/yDlRWazS_gI/s1600-h/2015-02-27%25252018.34.06%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-02-27 18.34.06" border="0" alt="2015-02-27 18.34.06" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4dRqa5Z6QfA/VQLaqHQSAKI/AAAAAAAALIo/LtVysxUAN6w/2015-02-27%25252018.34.06_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">David settles in with his book.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZxfRxvxaojQ/VQLar2UjJoI/AAAAAAAALIw/nUIZgR7SG9Q/s1600-h/2015-02-27%25252018.35.42%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-02-27 18.35.42" border="0" alt="2015-02-27 18.35.42" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TffjrqchPNY/VQLatFE4UtI/AAAAAAAALI4/CrCPff6TTGA/2015-02-27%25252018.35.42_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We notice a bit of broken glass as we park. By the next day, with the changing sunlight, I realize that we are surrounded by glass and dog poo! David decides to nap and I decide to go find Gilbert Ray, the campground that keeps coming up in conversations.</font></p> <p><font size="4">After consulting Google Maps and making a few turns, I arrive at Tucson Mountain Park. The beauty is overwhelming! How can this be so pretty and our spot be so….less than pretty?</font></p> <p><font size="4">On to Gilbert Ray, stopping at the office to find that there are campsites available..even though it is Saturday afternoon! After riding through all the loops, drinking in the lovely landscape, I wonder what kind of mood the husband will be in if I suggest that we break camp and move…NOW!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Luckily…the nap is over….and we break camp in record speed!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0bE-wopyZVo/VQLau5nA5NI/AAAAAAAALJA/bPvlNAwYrQw/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0006" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-90F0g0JeAO0/VQLavoUaL-I/AAAAAAAALJI/XkjT_EKduDM/DSC_0006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a> </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6BdwztsWgmo/VQLawn1Lp7I/AAAAAAAALJQ/16DL7VbOcvk/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0001" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6L2EMKIkmaE/VQLaxfF3SPI/AAAAAAAALJY/CntR0eqEtnI/DSC_0001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="344"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pvh1heAn7Ks/VQLayd0av_I/AAAAAAAALJg/ikHMAhmp6vQ/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0005" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4iA01PckJl4/VQLazAvgI9I/AAAAAAAALJo/K7mlrVicdz4/DSC_0005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="489"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Love this guy! He looks like he is directing traffic!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Camping at Gilbert Ray is like camping in a desert garden!</font></p> <p><font size="4">We pay for two nights…staying long enough to visit the Desert Museum. And feeling nostalgic…already sad that our paradise visit is ending.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We hear from our neighbor to not miss the museum’s free flight show. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gtCCddSruWQ/VQLaz90UU4I/AAAAAAAALJw/u9lbDgzYakg/s1600-h/DSC_0039%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0039" border="0" alt="DSC_0039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fOHIMAWRacM/VQLa0T5HOsI/AAAAAAAALJ4/jL9_zmJd4Lo/DSC_0039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="398"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-86Ls3OdAabE/VQLa1rEacUI/AAAAAAAALKA/VAe-_1gf2ug/s1600-h/DSC_0029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0029" border="0" alt="DSC_0029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D7knS9_hD5o/VQLa2b8c8cI/AAAAAAAALKI/PSdFsSnrqyw/DSC_0029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="455"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1G8yQThQBN8/VQLa3AtgHvI/AAAAAAAALKQ/AmCzitKpFns/s1600-h/DSC_0043%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0043" alt="DSC_0043" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lJfRbx06GeM/VQLa3-Hdw1I/AAAAAAAALKY/TRfqJ8RA0DI/DSC_0043_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="339"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ull_VJ4C7Hg/VQLa4xlk2ZI/AAAAAAAALKg/3RaQT7HsyF0/s1600-h/DSC_0037%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0037" border="0" alt="DSC_0037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22T4TvnlWHs/VQLa6NdvHzI/AAAAAAAALKo/AZ7jDry-e_E/DSC_0037_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The show is astounding! It starts with two ravens, then a great-horned owl, then hawks….two are red tail hawks. The birds fly freely, soaring out of sight into the clouds. The handlers are not concerned when wild red tails bombard their wards, trying to knock them out of the wild birds’ territory. They explain that their birds know where good living and easy food can be found…so they always return.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1uGX9t_UGDM/VQLa7CYFJTI/AAAAAAAALKw/tUc1nD5mDqk/s1600-h/DSC_0035%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0035" border="0" alt="DSC_0035" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q2lWs0rZz9k/VQLa8Gq9ttI/AAAAAAAALK4/61gezq2DRfE/DSC_0035_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">We return to camp for lunch and return to see the rest of the park.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0qRuD1CswY0/VQLa9Za071I/AAAAAAAALLA/-NSF484J4VU/s1600-h/DSC_0046%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0046" border="0" alt="DSC_0046" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jOTSC9C0UKE/VQLa-A3daFI/AAAAAAAALLI/JbARJT6BvAM/DSC_0046_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="381"></a></p> <p><font size="4">There are coyotes.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tH6CWOfWCuI/VQLa_r68twI/AAAAAAAALLQ/TeFuOqd4d7s/s1600-h/DSC_0048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0048" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fI_aj5NRkS4/VQLbAton5YI/AAAAAAAALLY/fmtSZ0Uf74k/DSC_0048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="289"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wnzcbJt5yHo/VQLbBoCXrvI/AAAAAAAALLg/c-lm8OYgv-U/s1600-h/DSC_0049%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0049" border="0" alt="DSC_0049" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iepM8wNRC90/VQLbCquRrNI/AAAAAAAALLo/VPUrvx3EoRc/DSC_0049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="365"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Big Horn Sheep.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jawTvhEpzi0/VQLbD9Tq9kI/AAAAAAAALLw/km7598X6G5k/s1600-h/DSC_0050%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0050" border="0" alt="DSC_0050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EDJmPxmuOC8/VQLbElnx2wI/AAAAAAAALL4/VOKtiFjeh4c/DSC_0050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And hummingbirds!</font></p> <p><font size="4">It’s a perfect day and a perfect way to end our winter in the desert.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vURT2EM41eo/VQLbF1D0fZI/AAAAAAAALMA/KAT4hbugB_s/s1600-h/DSC_0019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0019" border="0" alt="DSC_0019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sKGHNO-2h2Y/VQLbG2IdGlI/AAAAAAAALMI/vHH6qAQS52c/DSC_0019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AdVih4cKR4U/VQLbHgJRvjI/AAAAAAAALMQ/URjYIRWcJJw/s1600-h/DSC_0013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0013" border="0" alt="DSC_0013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UJszFUntND4/VQLbIcKwMiI/AAAAAAAALMY/m7xqmERe3-8/DSC_0013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-5960699262158395052015-03-05T23:15:00.001-05:002015-03-05T23:17:48.520-05:00Five Nights in Texas!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S3wnRv7PYtI/VPkpds7pxwI/AAAAAAAALGM/fwDvfHQxnRQ/s1600-h/2015-03-05%25252016.32.51%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-05 16.32.51" border="0" alt="2015-03-05 16.32.51" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XhWcEo9F1B4/VPkpf65PeuI/AAAAAAAALGU/4FEPyRuZIAc/2015-03-05%25252016.32.51_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="369"></a></p> <p>Llano River in Junction, TX</p> <p><font size="4">Technically it will not be 5 nights in Texas until tomorrow night but it’s going to take that long to get through this state.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The weather forecast dominates our thoughts this week. Staying safe is at the top of our priorities. Rain, wind, ice, snow and plummeting temps are heading our way!</font></p> <p><font size="4">We leave Tucson on Monday morning after a superb visit to the Desert Museum in the Tucson Mountain Park. (Plan to write next about our time in Tucson.)</font></p> <p><font size="4">Our destination for the night is the KOA behind Camping World in El Paso. We need a few things from CW and the park is conveniently placed just off I-10. The winds blow relentlessly all day….two hands on the wheel type wind.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k3AqWDE4zfQ/VPkpiISCv6I/AAAAAAAALGc/fCuIu-Z-uPg/s1600-h/2015-03-03%25252018.14.55%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-03 18.14.55" border="0" alt="2015-03-03 18.14.55" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qQR8A9LL4WA/VPkpkDGX9wI/AAAAAAAALGk/IFPNhO2gtRE/2015-03-03%25252018.14.55_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="271"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gZxH6MOQAP4/VPkplxx2taI/AAAAAAAALGs/bx53546udv0/s1600-h/2015-03-03%25252018.16.05%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-03 18.16.05" border="0" alt="2015-03-03 18.16.05" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-weAt69l5Lg8/VPkpnasqqYI/AAAAAAAALG0/InFH4LAy0XY/2015-03-03%25252018.16.05_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="278"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">The setting sun over Camping World’s inventory of trailers and, us, sandwiched between motor homes.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Tuesday morning’s mission is to find a Discount Tire store and get a second opinion on our truck tires. We decide to stay another night in El Paso as it’s raining and there are groceries to be bought. The tire store confirms our opinion that it’s time to replace two of the tires. The other two are good enough to get us home.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We didn’t expect the tires to be in the same place as an outlet mall. And I see a Crocs store! I am almost Croc-less…none were bought this year in Mesa. I rationalize that walking the mall will be an excellent way to get my daily steps done and ….. m</font><font size="4">ore rationalizations…..we have spent almost no money on camping in February and I have spent only $7.50 on clothes this trip, a $2 tee at Quartzsite and 3 items at a thrift store. This is what I am telling myself as I enter a Chico's store for the very first time!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Short version….we leave several hours later. I have 5,000 steps registered on my phone, two new pairs of Crocs….there was a sale…, a new blouse and David has a new pair of pants!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Groceries, lunch and a tour of Camping World leaves us exhausted. What an expensive lay over day!</font></p> <p><font size="4">The scary weather is coming in on Wednesday and we are nervous. We pick a nice RV park in Fort Stockton…nice in case we are stranded for several days. Up early by 5:30 the next morning and on the road by 7. And it’s a good thing!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Rain, sun, rain keeps us guessing for most of the day but by the time we roll into the park, dark clouds and gale force winds were whipping around the Casita.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The sun comes out momentarily and I run out to take this photo.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-blKIIa2vCTo/VPkpo5DjaRI/AAAAAAAALG8/1tUW8z1FPnU/s1600-h/2015-03-04%25252016.49.27%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-04 16.49.27" border="0" alt="2015-03-04 16.49.27" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6H1HVV1_3Q4/VPkpqOEm4CI/AAAAAAAALHE/m6QWX2PMOdE/2015-03-04%25252016.49.27_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The Fort Stockton RV park also has a nice little café, the Road Runner. There’s nothing better than food to lift our morale…not looking forward to the 22 degrees forecast for the night.</font></p> <p><font size="4">After ribs, maybe the best I have eaten, mashed potatoes and green beans, I am wishing to be back in the sun so I can walk off all the calories.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We survive the night without getting cold, as long as we are under the comforter! But it takes the little ceramic heater and one stove eye on low to get the inside temperature into the 50’s the next morning.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The roads are icy and we wait for the sunshine before getting back on the road. After a sunny trip, we are at Morgan’s Shady RV in Junction, Texas, another 200 miles down the road. We can see the lovely Llano River from the side dinette. The rest of the windows are covered with Reflectix.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OS9iib4s9_Q/VPkptCzhunI/AAAAAAAALHM/GlZGxNOoJ5Q/s1600-h/2015-03-05%25252016.32.51%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-05 16.32.51" border="0" alt="2015-03-05 16.32.51" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RnVrRzlHHBA/VPkpupZVc4I/AAAAAAAALHU/cAygIG9IGQU/2015-03-05%25252016.32.51_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BaLCxECIdN8/VPkpxRBsLZI/AAAAAAAALHc/pzB4Fw63HY0/s1600-h/2015-03-05%25252007.41.28%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-03-05 07.41.28" border="0" alt="2015-03-05 07.41.28" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ApldxJ2YsUs/VPkpzCYQUvI/AAAAAAAALHk/7Ty8z4iuGfA/2015-03-05%25252007.41.28_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">The plan for tomorrow is to get through Houston! Once we say good bye to Texas, our journey will get easier.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Trying to keep good thoughts about the upcoming rally….note to self, stop checking the Montgomery, AL 10 day forecast! </font></p> <p><font size="4">Maybe it won’t rain the whole time!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-11417986642740139222015-02-25T17:49:00.001-05:002015-02-25T17:51:21.345-05:00Another Day in the parking lot!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JEmLlX2A3rU/VO5RCp83gBI/AAAAAAAALBI/q0w2Yi_UmlQ/s1600-h/DSC_00263.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0026" alt="DSC_0026" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gbt7sDJgfuk/VO5RDhlNiRI/AAAAAAAALBQ/jGvpnvCXajU/DSC_0026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="338"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We are back in one of our favorite places, Phon D Sutton Recreation Area in the Tonto NF, and we never thought we would be so happy camping in a parking lot!</font></p> <p><font size="4">It’s the Salt River that makes it so special….(see above photo.) And the wild horses and bald eagles also entice us to stay. </font></p> <p><font size="4">We moved here last weekend, thinking we would stay one night on our way back to the Cholla camp at Lake Roosevelt. But as the day passed, we found no reason to move. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Now we are working on our fifth day! The $3.00 daily fee for the senior version of the Tonto pass also helps us to stay put.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And we keep discovering places to hike!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RAoRb5jq5z8/VO5REcDYIPI/AAAAAAAALBY/y_HpRbeKUJo/s1600-h/DSC_00223.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0022" alt="DSC_0022" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b3wRtcudNoo/VO5RFGtUYZI/AAAAAAAALBg/HV_TXQw7cQc/DSC_0022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="311"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AyZirSjCK-I/VO5RFhiUoFI/AAAAAAAALBo/d92a03b4dns/s1600-h/DSC_00203.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0020" alt="DSC_0020" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-roriT8aF7yU/VO5RGXdNM2I/AAAAAAAALBw/RasdrRrLC9M/DSC_0020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="256"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ODeTQN7sZwg/VO5RHcmB9jI/AAAAAAAALB4/VHVRXwaKOEs/s1600-h/DSC_00213.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0021" alt="DSC_0021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HQcNZqmrbrY/VO5RIOYsHwI/AAAAAAAALCA/x3LfWUjFkR8/DSC_0021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="341"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LJgPYDd8mrk/VO5RI6gkEAI/AAAAAAAALCI/M6aZSvVzu24/s1600-h/DSC_00243.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0024" alt="DSC_0024" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-34B9qehePNU/VO5RKCzASdI/AAAAAAAALCQ/OuwKx32TBJY/DSC_0024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="204"></a></p> <p><font size="4">One day runs into the next. We chat with neighbors, hike and sit and stare into the mountains. Trying not to be sad….this is our last week in the desert.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Backing up to 10 days ago….</font></p> <p><font size="4">We pull onto the 202 after saying good bye to David’s family in Phoenix. Not sure of our destination but have several camps in mind. But after the Flatiron of the Superstition Mountains rises in front of us, our truck heads straight for Lost Dutchman SP.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We notice another Casita as we try to maneuver into our spot. Taking a second look, the Casita is waving at us! What a great surprise, it’s Bob and Mary from Kansas! We last saw them at Quartzsite.</font></p> <p><font size="4">After talking them into second night, we call other fiberglass friends from Mesa, John and BJ, and arrange a mini gathering.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8pw1ovs-QFE/VO5RK_EK47I/AAAAAAAALCY/v0aDZ7bloIo/s1600-h/DSC_00053.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px; display: inline" title="DSC_0005" alt="DSC_0005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lbHXfbxW_fA/VO5RLx5DibI/AAAAAAAALCg/jnRW0JAzQdc/DSC_0005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="339"></a></p> <p>David’s hand!</p> <p><font size="4">It’s great to see everyone again….may be another year before we visit again!</font></p> <p><font size="4">David wants to hike up the Siphon Draw trail as he has only looked up at the mountain looking over us.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R0txNpa_t6c/VO5RMctfdEI/AAAAAAAALCo/AOFuI6lJxpE/s1600-h/DSC_00133.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0013" alt="DSC_0013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-82e1VNYzLoQ/VO5RNVXAdGI/AAAAAAAALCw/tvCE4dY4nVw/DSC_0013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="239"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vvQaS-SJkIA/VO5RNzRs_RI/AAAAAAAALC4/lY_fYjo8La8/s1600-h/DSC_00113.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0011" alt="DSC_0011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mqk3jBpnH7U/VO5ROm7j0oI/AAAAAAAALDA/Dp9G8IL8RAk/DSC_0011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="410"></a></p> <p><font size="4">(Our hike photos are on my camera….will insert here if I get to a place to download them. )</font></p> <p><font size="4"> Less than a mile up the Siphon Draw trail in the Superstitions.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3w6Fv82qXjU/VO5RPUgoGPI/AAAAAAAALDI/w5vFQeLOkOk/s1600-h/2015-02-19%25252011.17.52%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px; display: inline" title="2015-02-19 11.17.52" alt="2015-02-19 11.17.52" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-47uki0PveMs/VO5RQWAkXII/AAAAAAAALDQ/Qex33B8iuco/2015-02-19%25252011.17.52_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QSgW_rVH0oI/VO5RRFQiVtI/AAAAAAAALDY/5UL2lzo8os4/s1600-h/2015-02-19%25252010.58.33%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-02-19 10.58.33" alt="2015-02-19 10.58.33" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lNbfjX43COU/VO5RRzyCeDI/AAAAAAAALDg/558zdXOvEAM/2015-02-19%25252010.58.33_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3eX4R9omI78/VO5RSmFanAI/AAAAAAAALDo/64XD5AYqXrg/s1600-h/2015-02-19%25252010.59.35%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-02-19 10.59.35" alt="2015-02-19 10.59.35" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O8QCCawDttg/VO5RTe4bAfI/AAAAAAAALDw/Y5reAJhc98M/2015-02-19%25252010.59.35_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wQOk0hVJjHU/VO5RUEYDFeI/AAAAAAAALD4/8Ma1-H6XpZE/s1600-h/2015-02-19%25252018.41.48%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-02-19 18.41.48" alt="2015-02-19 18.41.48" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W6USlv42awU/VO5RU1612MI/AAAAAAAALEA/X2XU7Bf9Dvs/2015-02-19%25252018.41.48_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Lost Dutchman SP</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hVmteRuyAkA/VO5RVoFA23I/AAAAAAAALEI/0rihO9B7CwQ/s1600-h/DSC_00323.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0032" alt="DSC_0032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bA8_6aFj3mw/VO5RWjJz7BI/AAAAAAAALEQ/AsyGODwOD14/DSC_0032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="316"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Our parking lot home.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y5aY3Cw_Jhg/VO5RXRPPCxI/AAAAAAAALEY/UT04dEocEPA/s1600-h/DSC_00283.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px; display: inline" title="DSC_0028" alt="DSC_0028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vRm-rM_JKxw/VO5RYIYfl4I/AAAAAAAALEg/4OfxOVLdDzo/DSC_0028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="231"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Salt River</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d1dmBBluzOU/VO5RY-_-ZtI/AAAAAAAALEo/U2ahAJn7Umg/s1600-h/DSC_00313.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0031" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ua4ngvdgTSk/VO5RZtD0qjI/AAAAAAAALEw/nFxG-DBnXFY/DSC_0031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="483"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Unidentified desert flower.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MceUWd5aNJc/VO5RaHVpM-I/AAAAAAAALE4/19Z7x8iJwRM/s1600-h/2015-02-22%25252011.42.04%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-02-22 11.42.04" alt="2015-02-22 11.42.04" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UvJZPXA19fI/VO5RbByMW6I/AAAAAAAALFA/oX3v_XkbO0U/2015-02-22%25252011.42.04_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">David feeling envious!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wdDtUxemW0k/VO5RbiNGoPI/AAAAAAAALFI/eeZ3jKBlb2s/s1600-h/2015-02-22%25252011.37.22%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="2015-02-22 11.37.22" alt="2015-02-22 11.37.22" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lxvShrUywKs/VO5RcbFaw9I/AAAAAAAALFQ/A0R5htA0E50/2015-02-22%25252011.37.22_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Another Salt River photo.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Although we are sad to leave our winter home, we do have many good things happening in the future. We are excited to be attending the rally in Montgomery, Alabama in less than two weeks. Just need to get through the several thousand miles between here and there!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Then we can go home, catch up with family and friends and, fingers crossed, sell our house!</font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-68483920978113087642015-02-19T21:48:00.005-05:002015-02-19T21:48:50.511-05:00More Lake Roosevelt and good news!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-buWNwcUMugE/VOPFeKFvavI/AAAAAAAAK9s/n_Aq09UXGGQ/s1600-h/DSC_0029%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fDCdQL4-QHs/VOPFfP0Y19I/AAAAAAAAK90/n1SaqS1IaO8/DSC_0029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="211" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0029" width="510" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Our week at Lake Roosevelt passes uneventfully. Our time is more precious with the thought that it may be our last week in the desert. There’s a path along the bluff above the lake. We walk it each morning for exercise and entertainment.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UCunK81F_x8/VOPFf7a3dQI/AAAAAAAAK98/hPoNyvs8Kv0/s1600-h/DSC_0007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H7OtigHje04/VOPFg1Em7JI/AAAAAAAAK-E/Rm_KDjG3gKk/DSC_0007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="327" style="display: inline; margin: 0px;" title="DSC_0007" width="510" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hOpKmvdsRH0/VOPFht8HVgI/AAAAAAAAK-M/gQP9JBuafx0/s1600-h/DSC_0012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i6Y1QUkPHkg/VOPFikHe6kI/AAAAAAAAK-U/PDLwCL3UcP0/DSC_0012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="372" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0012" width="510" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Unidentified hawk….possible red tail?</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Xh9SMMEFVA/VOPFjaaZZvI/AAAAAAAAK-c/YwiArhVGCHw/s1600-h/DSC_0013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JazZIOzZdA4/VOPFkVG9jTI/AAAAAAAAK-k/1ySwfjed5A4/DSC_0013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="277" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0013" width="510" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The campground from a small hill…red truck..bottom right.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Four Peaks Wilderness Area is to the west of us….seems strange as the peaks have always been east of where we previously camped.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z60u6CzZVJo/VOPFlEfxzNI/AAAAAAAAK-s/mTCofW5cffM/s1600-h/DSC_0019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0019" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WtsSlRfVA08/VOPFmOsVGLI/AAAAAAAAK-0/BA5xF1WCtkI/DSC_0019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="255" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0019" width="510" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Although the lake level is down, its beauty still overwhelms us.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mmlccSvrOjE/VOPFnPRD4YI/AAAAAAAAK-8/zqPqOpMRXxo/s1600-h/DSC_0018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r1wOrnahaSc/VOPFoFyC10I/AAAAAAAAK_E/DF5e4g2xKxQ/DSC_0018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="476" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0018" width="510" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ij6q9hCzZr0/VOPFozuTI1I/AAAAAAAAK_M/wwMlp812P54/s1600-h/DSC_0022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0022" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lDFv0GQ94xE/VOPFph3d5yI/AAAAAAAAK_U/tP0K-KCX0_o/DSC_0022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="339" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0022" width="510" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The campground allows the winter visitors to stay for months. This makes for some interesting neighbors.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">This Canadian has the right idea for simple camping. Notice the smoke vent in the middle of the tent! A good neighbor…very polite.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i1WtKSJzfBw/VOPFqstpi3I/AAAAAAAAK_Y/_95cKxbX8KA/s1600-h/DSC_0030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0030" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gDnp4XzmrU0/VOPFrkL2CHI/AAAAAAAAK_k/AN6Y4MyZyJo/DSC_0030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="271" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0030" width="510" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Found an old graveyard where workers who died while constructing the dam are buried. The Theodore Roosevelt Dam was completed in 1911.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZOxDRaCwsP4/VOPFsWzVGaI/AAAAAAAAK_s/_UW5ja73S28/s1600-h/DSC_0033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VdOvSqe4t-U/VOPFteHd9eI/AAAAAAAAK_0/DjaVQCdLneg/DSC_0033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="339" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0033" width="510" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c9HwXgQRmL4/VOPFueWuVRI/AAAAAAAAK_8/xlWOwehZQPI/s1600-h/DSC_0042%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0042" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MGXX851mj1Q/VOPFvdNjHwI/AAAAAAAALAE/3_HDpdlEnXM/DSC_0042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="339" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0042" width="510" /></a><br />
T Roosevelt Dam<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eiV9tFmGCVo/VOPFwPe9ekI/AAAAAAAALAM/PQdy2gr2JHw/s1600-h/DSC_0047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ozA-pb1dTFY/VOPFxPS_ruI/AAAAAAAALAU/w23whGe7_Qc/DSC_0047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="display: inline; margin: 0px;" title="DSC_0047" width="510" /></a><br />
Roosevelt Bridge…built 1992.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yqNXkyXxlnQ/VOPFyFh6mjI/AAAAAAAALAc/M2fOQSjIy9I/s1600-h/DSC_0039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0039" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SHFMHXlgC8U/VOPFzHwkRJI/AAAAAAAALAk/Pa3GBz4VdSk/DSC_0039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="339" style="display: inline;" title="DSC_0039" width="510" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">At the end of the week, on a mission, we leave this peaceful camp. It is time to WASH CLOTHES! This is capitalized due to importance…we have not washed since January 18th…4 weeks ago!.........(Later I realized that I am lying! Completely forgot about using a RV park laundry in Yuma...not a senior moment....a senior two days...so sorry!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Deciding that we are not able to drive 90 miles, wash for two hours and then drive through traffic to Phoenix in one day, we move closer to civilization…back to the parking lot at Phon D Sutton Rec Area. This way we will only need to drive 18 miles to the laundry. The parking lot is full of a singles group and we move to the next lot. From this position we are able to see the fountain at Fountain Hills shoot up at 6 PM and a bald eagle circling the Salt River looking for dinner!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Choosing to wash at the Superstition Laundry is a wise decision. With the help of an assistant we are able to get everything in one 50 lb. washer! ($5.50) Twenty four minutes to wash and 30 minutes to dry and we are done!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">(Note: we did not go around dirty and stinking…)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">This past weekend is spent back at the relatives and we are now, happily, back at Lost Dutchman State Park, near Apache Junction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">And, thanks to my friends and relatives, our house has been cleared of foul odors and brown liquids. No need to go back home early! Hooray!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">But the countdown has begun….must hit the road going east in two weeks or less.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-26292980047101718242015-02-11T13:25:00.001-05:002015-02-11T13:27:01.016-05:00“Q”, a desert lake, & another problem<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">We land at Hidden Beaches in Blythe, CA to deal with the house issues. (See former post.) It is on the Colorado River and sounds like a beautiful park. But not so with the full hookups. We are stuck in a slum, looking at a storage shed and our neighbor’s refrigerator. To be fair, the water sites are immaculate…we did not inquire on their cost. This is a PA park which is $16 with the discount. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HdkTyzAZW6A/VNueCvyEElI/AAAAAAAAK2M/eRiPq6CLaTU/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0001" alt="DSC_0001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VAJUYN6z2jY/VNueD-eeISI/AAAAAAAAK2U/85yQp3P1fLQ/DSC_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="268"></a>Colorado River</p> <p><font size="4">We arrive at Dome Rock on Monday, 5 days before the huge fiberglass rally that happens the first weekend in February. Parking in the back close to <a href="http://justfinding.blogspot.com" target="_blank">John and BJ</a>, we think we have a good spot. The next day <a href="http://eggrollings.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Jerry and Wanda</a> appear and then <a href="http://casitaescapes.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Glenda and Jeff</a> . It is bloggers row!</font></p> <p><font size="4">I take few photos…can’t seem to get excited about taking pictures of trailers that look identical. The time is spent visiting and eating.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IF7hWI8THnQ/VNueGAYSM8I/AAAAAAAAK2c/AlrctL0qn7c/s1600-h/DSC_0018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0018" alt="DSC_0018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hW50N2cErrk/VNueIhka8WI/AAAAAAAAK2k/obsEIuvdClg/DSC_0018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="313"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ovy812jD_uw/VNueK2sBsRI/AAAAAAAAK2s/wAeplW9RWxU/s1600-h/DSC_0019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0019" alt="DSC_0019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nog53nMmOLU/VNueMFqLdXI/AAAAAAAAK20/vZYeGV0GxCM/DSC_0019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="258"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WATE-Fkijyo/VNueNhqy4CI/AAAAAAAAK28/S3aUICu0NhA/s1600-h/DSC_0013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0013" alt="DSC_0013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PlNYRVksXgg/VNueO_7ertI/AAAAAAAAK3E/qh6rxTSm2A0/DSC_0013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="483"></a></p> <p>John, BJ and Turk.</p> <p><font size="4">The weather is turning hot! It gets up to 89 inside our trailer and more Casitas keep arriving. We are beginning to feel like a sandwich. </font></p> <p><font size="4">On Saturday morning, no longer having fun, we head east to Scottsdale for another short visit with family.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Trying something new, we make reservations at <a href="http://westworldaz.com" target="_blank">Westworld of Scottsdale</a>. It is just for one night and much easier to park than the daughter’s back yard.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Our site is in a parking lot facing the polo field.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YxPx3-IP-oc/VNueUUOWexI/AAAAAAAAK3M/jtmt8EpOSvg/s1600-h/DSC_0030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0030" alt="DSC_0030" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0Z7__CiEr5A/VNueWXhoPlI/AAAAAAAAK3U/9BD5KWQrDkQ/DSC_0030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="264"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1qHhRQwW8B8/VNueYEi21GI/AAAAAAAAK3c/_Ygd_w2nuP0/s1600-h/DSC_0024%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0024" alt="DSC_0024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ASyOGsBv-Z8/VNueZcAgf5I/AAAAAAAAK3k/x0BTmU_Q7Z4/DSC_0024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="243"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"> This large tent is the home of the famous Barrett-Jackson collector car auction. West World is huge! We walk 3 miles trying to see everything.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I know there are some cooler temperatures somewhere. We head up into the Tonto National Forest to a campground on Lake Roosevelt. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Beauty is found everywhere.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SUW2z_RGvqs/VNueaVaSCoI/AAAAAAAAK3s/Baowug1w2Aw/s1600-h/DSC_0040%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0040" alt="DSC_0040" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eF5Vz_aNsPg/VNuebSUh1qI/AAAAAAAAK30/tydVQx1i9pw/DSC_0040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="346"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SZHqvQw09vg/VNuecVo4KmI/AAAAAAAAK38/R1I3QsH3E7k/s1600-h/DSC_0044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0044" alt="DSC_0044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wAtv_VzfpcM/VNuedg5uxiI/AAAAAAAAK4E/TWhZQq1rDdM/DSC_0044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="279"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1W-TGtkXujE/VNueeizPhNI/AAAAAAAAK4M/WoXu6-kkWcY/s1600-h/DSC_0031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0031" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GKmgToMlJRs/VNuefaFrhjI/AAAAAAAAK4U/mlB6RIzcL-8/DSC_0031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qcLwAka7om4/VNuegd4RkCI/AAAAAAAAK4c/WzHTojvqcI8/s1600-h/DSC_0038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px; display: inline" title="DSC_0038" alt="DSC_0038" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oA3CyCLTRx4/VNuehNjJcuI/AAAAAAAAK4k/KNFsioFLi4c/DSC_0038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="255"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And it is cooler! A lovely breeze caresses us as we walk in the morning sun. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I am walking frequently, on a mission to lose some weight after seeing some disturbing photos of myself. Manage to complete 6 miles (according to the phone) the first full day.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Life is good…much like life right before we had the home crisis 7 days ago. And, again, another issue…much like the first one! This time a clog in the plumbing has resulted in an overflow and a very bad smell! </font></p> <p><font size="4">Thanks to a good friend who met the septic company and then met the plumbers, the crisis is resolved. Not sure at this writing if we must head back home early to take care of the aftermath. Don’t want to leave…each day here in the winter feels like a golden gift!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Will know something in a few days.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-80030959671021546012015-02-03T14:33:00.002-05:002015-02-03T14:35:19.620-05:00Peace in the Desert...Anza Borrego SP<span style="font-size: large;">It is late afternoon when we arrive at the Visitor Center in Borrego Springs. Our trip from Yuma is uneventful except for seeing boon docking places, Ogilby Road and Salton Sea, frequently mentioned by a famous blogger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As it is late, we are concerned about finding a spot to land for the night. The volunteer at the Center is helpful and directs us to one of her favorite areas, but on the way we spot a huge expanse of land between two mountains with RVs sitting spaciously from each other. And there is a cell signal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's us, the red dot in the middle!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Turning the camper door away from the setting sun, we think this spot is perfect for the night, not realizing that it will be perfect for the next four nights!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's difficult to see from the photo, but there is no one close to us! I can yell at Sylvester, David can yell at me, and no one can hear!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We want to see the pictographs that LuAnn (<a href="http://paintyourlandscape.com/2015/01/25/natures-history-lesson-anza-borrego-desert-state-park-ca/">http://paintyourlandscape.com/2015/01/25/natures-history-lesson-anza-borrego-desert-state-park-ca/</a>) recently wrote about in her blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To find the trail we must take the truck for miles on sand roads...our little baby really got a work out, but it was worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The photo is morteros.... holes made by the native people, Kumeyaay, used for grinding pinon nuts, mesquite beans and desert agave into meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is a stunning view on past the markings where a wall of rocks opens up to this panorama.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Palm Canyon hike is also recommended by a friend. This time I set off alone as the hubby declines the exertion two days in a row.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This will be my 3rd hike into a palm canyon...one two years ago and another, recently, in Kofa. But this is different!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am able to go right up into the trees!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our time at Anza Borrego is special....relaxing with nature surrounding us. Coyotes serenading us at night after the light shows are over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All is well in my world....no cares, no frustrations, nothing that must be accomplished! Each night I enjoy the solitude, sitting alone, watching the clouds float over the moon while hubby spends his time inside reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little did I know that my world would turn upside down, temporarily, a few miles down the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The call came as we were on our way to Joshua Tree NP. My friend, staying at our house, called to let us know that sewage was coming up in the sink downstairs!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is rightfully traumatized and so am I! I tell her I cannot talk...must get off the road!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After 24 hours of stress, the situation is resolved. My dear 87 year old mom met the septic contractor who pumped the tank..and she paid him! Very important as he did not like dealing with his customer being in California. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And there is always a lesson to be learned! So ready to get rid of the house!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While on the road, we feel alive and happy! Not so much at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Currently posting from the library at Quartzsite....not sure were we will be tomorrow. But all is well, again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-78770821118331807932015-01-27T19:41:00.000-05:002015-01-27T19:41:24.235-05:00The Rest of the Story...Q and Yuma<span style="font-size: large;">YUMA...Yearly Unorganized Migration of the Aged! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was printed on one of our pamphlets from the Kofa Ko-Op.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't know why I could not add more photos to the last post! I'm not accustom to using the Blogger format....normally use Windows Live Writer but also been having problems with Live Writer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sylvester in his new harness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our spot just off Dome Rock Road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">David and Duke.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are the same sunset..about 30 seconds apart! Dome Rock</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">David just informed me the refrigerator's off! I must have washed too vigorously around the vent...fingers crossed I can get it going again!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-47622118962893772192015-01-27T19:05:00.002-05:002015-01-27T19:05:31.792-05:00Boondocking at "Q", Clean in Yuma<span style="font-size: large;">It's Tuesday afternoon and we are in Yuma, AZ, hanging out at an Escapees park, Kofa Ko-op. Not really hanging out....should have said "working our buns off". Since our arrival on Sunday afternoon we have washed 3 loads of clothes, bathed the Casita and the truck, bought groceries, found a lab and got David's INR level checked. Also cleaned our bodies and walked several miles doing loops of the park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a first for us...the Escapees thing! (Just joined but more about that later.) Got a chance to see inside our neighbors' park model. This is probably boring stuff for those who live in the west or Florida, but we were fascinated with the tiny houses that dot many of the RV parks here in the southwest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our lovely neighbors have had their winter home for 20 years. It has two bedrooms and felt much larger than 800 sq ft. They explained that a lot in the park would cost $6,000 to $10,000 and one of these tiny houses would be another $10,000 or so. Considering that winter residents stay here at least 6 months of the year, it did not sound too extravagant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But there is a waiting list for spots and one might need to wait two years. Providing this information as we are thinking of our dear New England friends who are currently dealing with the Blizzard of 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Need to back up.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We arrive in Quartzsite, AZ Tuesday, after spending one night on the road at a PA park in Tonopah, Saddle Mountain. Its palm trees are lovely.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89DjSUH00koZXQIHSh5oL8PZHK6c2lLdMWyfQbdVXjEOXBlh_6prAD3SgZPE2vB8WFRd1E0c4kWd09QZW0jiJki1knkfGCyVxPcvHdE2maN_7-Dyne0bt2upFyNxGb07qB_OcABhRofk/s1600/2015-01-19+17.58.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89DjSUH00koZXQIHSh5oL8PZHK6c2lLdMWyfQbdVXjEOXBlh_6prAD3SgZPE2vB8WFRd1E0c4kWd09QZW0jiJki1knkfGCyVxPcvHdE2maN_7-Dyne0bt2upFyNxGb07qB_OcABhRofk/s1600/2015-01-19+17.58.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is our third trip to "Q"so easily found our fiberglass buddies on Dome Rock Road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Set up camp just across a service road close to Glenda and Jeff of <a href="http://www.casitaescapes.blogspot.com/">CasitaEscapes</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Glenda and David staring at the mtns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is called boondocking.....camping without any hookups or other amenities, totally dependent on your rv to provide for all your needs. We love it! But it does get tiresome after awhile... when the holding tanks get full!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And it's mixed pleasure and pain....camping with so many dear people. Love them and want to spend lots of time visiting but just getting so worn out from the massive amount of visiting. Still trying to find ways to tweak the social and the alone time...do not want to give up either!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spend 5 days boondocking here. Brief highlights of the week include:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">An RVillage social gathering at the Quartzsite Yacht Club where Cherie and Chris of Techomadia and Jim and Chris of Geeks on Tour were in attendance. Also met many who were SKPs... leading to us joining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spending a morning at the big tent...always an exciting event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hiking around the Dome Rock area, hiking down in Kofa Wildlife area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Attending the first annual blogger fest and meeting so many others...specially <a href="http://www.kimbopolo.blogspot.com/">Kim</a>....another snowbird from the South!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Random desert photos.....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBXlShiclpuVLWn6Of9kxYWFN2CyLkNuDDMfsgASL2AK5po1UoexlR9MG4pL4M7bRpjOuAT6tFVwy8HXCp3a75vyDh2I7BtNx2j1Ni4wXBiydM0sdpiVCvDwkI9qq5WNkeAvnJEi-_vs/s1600/IMG_0685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBXlShiclpuVLWn6Of9kxYWFN2CyLkNuDDMfsgASL2AK5po1UoexlR9MG4pL4M7bRpjOuAT6tFVwy8HXCp3a75vyDh2I7BtNx2j1Ni4wXBiydM0sdpiVCvDwkI9qq5WNkeAvnJEi-_vs/s1600/IMG_0685.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9GY_LCJIy-CfwYRwztKFP3OcWblxKR5f8WSrLhX76z0-Rj5h7OZZp54g4T8UQXPHnFeOPWpGfEz7VYJQiMcoKZK-UZM_PF0t40roczQ1rUY_b1I2VIq2xXcpEq7znLH2Q4lCz8EnnYQ/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9GY_LCJIy-CfwYRwztKFP3OcWblxKR5f8WSrLhX76z0-Rj5h7OZZp54g4T8UQXPHnFeOPWpGfEz7VYJQiMcoKZK-UZM_PF0t40roczQ1rUY_b1I2VIq2xXcpEq7znLH2Q4lCz8EnnYQ/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-KDdJjcqrnCytBMds6GX_DdNg2MvnsuNST15AjQL8IxIYZek4t-Volfl03wsRlPWniPpvDMCykjBaUS3bWOXocUrGH_VNUQxJD0kutomsbtB11_t2EAZDY5dK4hdEd7k9137UFV8mbY/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-KDdJjcqrnCytBMds6GX_DdNg2MvnsuNST15AjQL8IxIYZek4t-Volfl03wsRlPWniPpvDMCykjBaUS3bWOXocUrGH_VNUQxJD0kutomsbtB11_t2EAZDY5dK4hdEd7k9137UFV8mbY/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blogger is beginning to get hateful with me. I just want to put in a few more photos before I quit! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But it will not let me!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So Sylvester's new harness photo will have to wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We plan to head out tomorrow for Anza Borrego State Park in CA!</span></div>
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lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-74908036177229665932015-01-18T12:32:00.000-05:002015-01-18T12:32:20.175-05:00Another Week of Sun and Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cNbBpQkqAi4_j5eP3lLmXzUpu36GU3ifqJ36Pwd3kqbHwWaNTAm3mTb5p0XpcvcRX9slm7eRDwOCbiEN3ZlwZqXGwcpTMVOv7msBcyyIBZ7yhqjkYyRicYdlLvzeNFkeYDnbTv-lV10/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cNbBpQkqAi4_j5eP3lLmXzUpu36GU3ifqJ36Pwd3kqbHwWaNTAm3mTb5p0XpcvcRX9slm7eRDwOCbiEN3ZlwZqXGwcpTMVOv7msBcyyIBZ7yhqjkYyRicYdlLvzeNFkeYDnbTv-lV10/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Salt River in Tonto National Forest<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our time in Scottsdale starts with rain! This is a first for us! We remember a light mist falling on Valentine's Day in 2012, but this is an outright gully washer. And we are taking our morning constitutional...coming in soaked and throwing everything in the dryer. Happy to be in the back yard at hubby's daughter's home in this unusual Arizona weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We decide to explore a regional park, McDowell, that's much closer to town. Circling the campground and the overflow area, we find the fees to be a bit higher than we care to pay....$30 per night. But the desert is beautiful and we take a short walk enjoying the calm emanating from the landscape.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nearby is the town of Fountain Hills with a huge fountain that gushes hourly into the desert sky. We play tourist and stroll the park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After another day of being spoiled with good food and lots of family time, it's time to head back to the boonies. Our refrigerator has been on the blink with no cooling while using propane. There's no problem on the electric setting. We have an appointment early Thursday morning in Apache Junction with Apache RV Supplies and Service. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a previous scouting trip, we find Phon D Sutton Recreation Area in the Tonto National Forest. We stop at the local Chevron to dump and buy three $3 passes for the Tonto. It's a big parking lot with several pit toilets and a few picnic tables. While setting up, we notice fly fisherman unloading their gear. Huh? Must be a river around here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The recreation area is located where the Verde River rushes into the calm Salt River. There are numerous birds including eagles coming to fish in the early morning...(we did not see the eagles).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Also there are horse droppings around the riverbank and in the parking lot. The camp host, a very friendly guy, tells us there are wild horses who come down from the hills to drink from the river each evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Needing the exercise, we decide to climb the hill next to the parking lot. Not really expecting to find wild horses, we scan the vistas. And this guy, with his two mares, appears a few hundred feet away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He must have told the mares to vamoose as we barely get a glimpse of them. Having never been around a wild horse, we are a bit intimidated as he begins to walk straight to us. But he's only checking out the threat level and stops to continue to graze. (I had already located the tallest palo verde...where I was heading if he got any closer!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The photos above have the Four Peaks Wilderness in the background.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Need to wind this up!! Our refrigerator is working, finally, after two days of dragging the camper down the mountain for service in town. Needed more pressure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are currently back in Scottsdale for a final visit before heading west to Quartzsite and other boonie places. This is the end of our third week...time is flying! </span><br />
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<br />lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-12224482899740021542015-01-11T19:16:00.000-05:002015-01-11T19:16:38.855-05:00Arizona Mountains, Medicine and Friends<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, January 4th, we stop at Sunrise RV in Deming, NM, picking this park at random from the All Stays Camp and RV app. Calling from 30 miles away on I-10, we learn the price is $17. As the forecast is 21 degrees, the little ceramic heater needs an electric hookup. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have good friends just 30 plus miles south in Pancho Villa State Park but it seems too far away after the long drive. I text <a href="http://www.casitaescapes.blogpost.com/">Glenda</a> and make some tentative plans to meet later at "Q". We winterize the windows and snuggle down for what we hope is our last frigid night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday, arriving at Picacho Peak SP just north of Tucson, we feel warm...actually hot....for the first time in months!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is like heaven to see the green desert foliage, the mountains and the beautiful sunset. I-10 runs beneath us, endless points of light moving through the desert. Rocks around us glow red during the sunset.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now we are only 60 miles or so from our favorite Arizona place, Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction! If we time it right, we will be able to get into the overflow loop where no reservations are necessary. No reservations and no electricity...we arrive at noon....check out time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quickly we claim a primo spot at the top of the loop, just a few feet from the mountain bike trail. The mountain, Superstition Mountain, looms over us and I am feeling that it will heal me from this ### trip!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I take a few photos!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All I want to do is sit in the sun and stare at the mountain....but, life gets in the way. We must find a place for David to get his blood tested and medications renewed. And there are other chores....our refrigerator that worked perfectly in Deming and Picacho..now refuses to cool and we need ice. The truck is filthy from a muddy dirt road in San Antonio and we have no groceries. At the end of the day all is accomplished, thanks to a Walgreen's that has a lab, and ice store and grocery all in the same parking lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Warning! Wednesday is Seniors' Day at Fry's Supermarket! (For you southeasterners...think about the grocery when snow is forecast....it was a nightmare!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next day our Arizona friends, <a href="http://www.justfinding.blogspot.com/">John and BJ</a>, invite us for a drive through the Tonto National Forest. Traveling over rough dirt roads in his wonderful little Tacoma, we explore potential boondocking spots while enjoying the Four Peaks area. No photos..guess I was enjoying the ride too much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Decide to stay another day at Lost Dutchman to get some much needed exercise. It feels great to get back on our bikes after almost 10 days of inactivity. Now it's time to pack up and head for the Scottsdale backyard to visit with David's family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Which takes us up to the present! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Took a few photos on a walk around the neighborhood this morning. This pm is all about the blog... playing on the computer while all the rest of the family is watching some very important football game...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The plan is to stay around this area until we can get the fridge into a shop and David's blood tested again. Then we are westward bound.</span><br />
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<br />lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-15878459520518509112015-01-05T23:44:00.001-05:002015-01-05T23:45:15.459-05:00We Made It!<p> </p> <p><font size="4">The trip that took forever (8 days) has finally come to an end! We are in Arizona at a beautiful state park, Picacho Peak, and only had 250 mile driving day. We had time for a short walk before sunset but those photos are still in the camera. Relying on the new phone’s photos……</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DUEvbRzyfLs/VKtoCBUb0lI/AAAAAAAAKrs/wCwCpNzp4GY/s1600-h/2015-01-05%25252016.25.16%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-01-05 16.25.16" border="0" alt="2015-01-05 16.25.16" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x2gmkHqbW_A/VKtoDFE9AmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mK-nsIN-Ysg/2015-01-05%25252016.25.16_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="333"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Interrupting the story to tell you that I got a S5 on Black Friday…it was free…kind of free…with another 2 year commitment to Verizon. Now I am like a teenager…can’t do anything without it!!! I’m constantly asking Google…”Ok, Google” everything from “what time does the sunset in Deming, NM” to “where is the closest McDonalds” , “what is the elevation of Picacho Peak” And love the camera!</font></p> <p><font size="4">So back to the story! It has been a hell of a trip!! Thought that we would never, ever get here! From our very slow start…our Garmin issues and the rain, the never ending clouds and mist, damp and cold to the nightmare of the western Texas freezing rain. Can close my eyes and still see that weather radar map so full of pink..indicating the freezing mix that was falling over Texas off and on for days. </font></p> <p><font size="4">We have only taken I-10 through west Texas one other time and it was a miserable trip. This time we were better prepared and knew we needed to know where we were sleeping and where we would be buying gas before we passed our only opportunity. Still totally unprepared for what we found in Fort Stockton! Due to the prolonged ice and snow, the gas deliveries had not been made. The few stations with gas were over run….our exit ramp was backed up to the interstate with everyone waiting in line for gas. We waited over an hour for our 8 or 9 gallons of gas. And if you are thinking “why did they not go on down the road?”, there is no down the road…well maybe 60 or 70 miles away!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Another thing on this drive…(last Saturday…our first day of sunshine).. was seeing the totaled tractor trailers in the median. Terrifying to think what might have happened….hoped most of them made it out alive. Most of the autos on the side of the road or in the median did not look demolished like the big trucks!</font></p> <p><font size="4">The ice and snow is now behind us! Temps in the 70’s with the famous abundant Arizona sunshine! Sitting in the camper with bare feet and a short sleeve tee shirt, rejoicing that it will not be in the low 20’s tonight. (In Van Horn, Texas, and Deming, NM we woke to temps in the low 20’s.)</font></p> <p><font size="4">It feels good to be back in the desert!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iq_u16CXWvE/VKtoD1uKAWI/AAAAAAAAKr8/PIyWqk5pfqQ/s1600-h/2015-01-04%25252010.02.34%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-01-04 10.02.34" border="0" alt="2015-01-04 10.02.34" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vJnrg8q8VF4/VKtoEsU_LsI/AAAAAAAAKsE/z4QKD4LR5sI/2015-01-04%25252010.02.34_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="291"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VkFbaP8J0CY/VKtoFXGmF9I/AAAAAAAAKsM/nk8Fy5V68rY/s1600-h/2015-01-05%25252017.44.00%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-01-05 17.44.00" border="0" alt="2015-01-05 17.44.00" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V04RtoLOsDs/VKtoGMnsWeI/AAAAAAAAKsU/eF9RoTD_REA/2015-01-05%25252017.44.00_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="291"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oKt5v4iN8fM/VKtoG47QI_I/AAAAAAAAKsc/3XsvjT-pcOY/s1600-h/2015-01-04%25252017.40.28%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2015-01-04 17.40.28" border="0" alt="2015-01-04 17.40.28" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P7GEgBxAj2c/VKtoHqzzEiI/AAAAAAAAKsk/HRVy-yqnzt4/2015-01-04%25252017.40.28_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="291"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Forgot to mention that we relied on our Passport America app and the All Stays Camp and RV app to find our overnight stops. Prices ranged from $27 (Comfort, Texas) to $13.50 in Van Horn Texas. It was too cold for us to be without hookups and the weather was too bad for us to care what was outside the trailer. Most nights we even had cable tv…..amazing for us!</font></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-70310607968241996902014-12-31T23:41:00.001-05:002014-12-31T23:43:06.921-05:00Happy New Year from Beaumont, TX!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-016rKjiYXxk/VKTP8c0tXOI/AAAAAAAAKqA/bd3_65FBy_A/s1600-h/data%25253DU4aSnIyhBFNIJ3A8fCzUmaVIw%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="display: inline" title="data=U4aSnIyhBFNIJ3A8fCzUmaVIwyWq6RtIfB4QKiGq_w,s7V9SS_7PLh65j7Ym6qLPnrH79FAOOUUMO2lIovhk4uSsToIqg7AhqoMAv9Gl219E1mI3HLqDx8djZDdx_OyHoxyFulV4zXziqgAcqWyAmltq2UVayq9IE7NF7jZ-5_siG_chL2B9rkW5rN7lkho9KZqz4jH5pyV6_DHRbbu" alt="data=U4aSnIyhBFNIJ3A8fCzUmaVIwyWq6RtIfB4QKiGq_w,s7V9SS_7PLh65j7Ym6qLPnrH79FAOOUUMO2lIovhk4uSsToIqg7AhqoMAv9Gl219E1mI3HLqDx8djZDdx_OyHoxyFulV4zXziqgAcqWyAmltq2UVayq9IE7NF7jZ-5_siG_chL2B9rkW5rN7lkho9KZqz4jH5pyV6_DHRbbu" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J-BknL7eOTc/VKTP8xDfjMI/AAAAAAAAKqI/yC37vLqyMdE/data%25253DU4aSnIyhBFNIJ3A8fCzUmaVIw%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="510" height="184"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Not sure how we could be moving at this turtle pace, but tonight, on this new year’s eve, after three days of travel, Google says it is only 729 miles back home! I am sure our truck odometer will show more but maybe it is a divine intervention to keep us out of this storm that’s bearing down on us.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Our first day of travel we made it to Meridian, MS….just like the trips in 2012 and 2014. But this time my 2 year old Garmin gps announced that all the maps had been locked!! </font></p> <p><font size="4">After driving all day, I spent another 3 hours on the laptop (in the tiny trailer in a rv park) trying to find a way to unlock the maps. Then more time on the phone the next day with customer service. A stop at Auto Zone for new windshield wipers, a stop at Dollar General for a kitty litter scoop and a stop for food and gas ate up more of our travel day. Tried using my phone’s navigation system but grew impatient with the inability to see where we were going. After several wrong turns, I thought I was turning right onto I-59 south and wound up in a Best Buy parking lot! After making several less than spiritual comments, my husband urged me to go buy a new gps. Which I did.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Spent last night at Fontainebleau State Park near Slidell, MS. Very cold but we did get in a nice walk to see Lake Pontchartrain.</font></p> <p><font size="4">This am the skies were clear with a beautiful blue …wonderful to see the sun again. We were making great time all day…no need for extra stops….until we decided to stop at the Texas Welcome Center to discuss the possibility of taking 90 instead of I-10. We were warned to stay off of the roads past San Antonio, I-10 or 90, for the next 36 hours due to ice and possibility of snow. It was after 3 by then and we started looking for a PA camp for the night. Got the last site at Hidden Lake Park in Beaumont. </font></p> <p><font size="4">So our new year will arrive in another 90 minutes. Occasional booms can be heard in the distance from those who celebrate with noise. They are not bothering Hubby and Sylvester who have been asleep for an hour. I am snuggled into the corner of the bed with my laptop keeping me company. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Don’t know what tomorrow will bring…other than rain. We still have not de-winterized and camping with the pink stuff is getting tiresome. Guess we will either stay here or head to San Antonio. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Highlights of our three days……</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VvwtbqHZuT4/VKTP9gsAI0I/AAAAAAAAKqQ/-ovVVc7YlNE/s1600-h/2014-12-29%25252011.36.17%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2014-12-29 11.36.17" border="0" alt="2014-12-29 11.36.17" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qYLL6rlK1Dw/VKTP-O4QEhI/AAAAAAAAKqY/ri4zqJzJK9o/2014-12-29%25252011.36.17_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="487"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8ZdqA8w661w/VKTP-6hWg_I/AAAAAAAAKqg/qp8MEoHqBaU/s1600-h/2014-12-29%25252021.52.07%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2014-12-29 21.52.07" border="0" alt="2014-12-29 21.52.07" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-skjj5Y4_pRU/VKTP_odYTeI/AAAAAAAAKqo/ytw9Mdj_27I/2014-12-29%25252021.52.07_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="291"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w9qli7gwHtc/VKTQAPglOnI/AAAAAAAAKqw/FpFY3L0bzV8/s1600-h/2014-12-31%25252009.01.39%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2014-12-31 09.01.39" border="0" alt="2014-12-31 09.01.39" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-19QxxTgWzPk/VKTQA-rIB2I/AAAAAAAAKq4/baG3H9pkZcI/2014-12-31%25252009.01.39_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="291"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gUN06scTB6c/VKTQBkNgAbI/AAAAAAAAKrA/VbO8z3XX_yE/s1600-h/2014-12-29%25252018.38.30%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2014-12-29 18.38.30" border="0" alt="2014-12-29 18.38.30" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cRIM8x8bAOo/VKTQCQyGh4I/AAAAAAAAKrI/V6T9od_9tR4/2014-12-29%25252018.38.30_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="291"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5pd_8wq4E7A/VKTQC247noI/AAAAAAAAKrQ/TJy9oBhuSBk/s1600-h/2014-12-31%25252009.26.35%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2014-12-31 09.26.35" border="0" alt="2014-12-31 09.26.35" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S26uIh5yT88/VKTQDckVeRI/AAAAAAAAKrY/Jy-pYWHbt6Y/2014-12-31%25252009.26.35_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="291"></a></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-85481685739214999912014-12-28T20:38:00.000-05:002014-12-28T20:38:27.459-05:00Sylvester Goes West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi! I am Sylvester, Lynne and David's "Casita Kitty". Mom is resting after a long day or three of packing. Just want everyone to know that we are heading out to the desert tomorrow morning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to get out of here! That scrawny little Princess cat makes my life miserable, constantly screaming when I get close to her and slapping me for no reason!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I get to be the only cat-child for next three months! Mom has bought me a new bed for the trip and she promises to cover me each night with a warm fleecy throw. (Sure wish they would get some heat in that trailer!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I overheard them talking...they are going to take the warmest route...so maybe I won't freeze after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lynne here....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our baby gets under the covers with us...so he is seldom cold. And we do have a heater...when we have electricity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are tired but excited. Another trip to the doctor for blood work early tomorrow and then we hit the road. Maybe in San Antonio by New Years Eve?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-16180970348418006852014-12-21T11:07:00.001-05:002014-12-21T11:08:05.329-05:00Winter Solstice, Challenges and Gratitude<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DHvQGelRfv8/VJbv56bbbfI/AAAAAAAAKm0/6nW8Dr6DKOA/s1600-h/DSC_6770%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_6770" border="0" alt="DSC_6770" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fx3D6aYcYG8/VJbv60tcIlI/AAAAAAAAKm8/mD8mBwyovE4/DSC_6770_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p>AZ Morning</p> <p><font size="4">This is what happens when I don’t post regularly….I have too much to say and can’t figure where to start and where to stop!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Normally I build the post around recent photos….and I may go back and stick in a few. But, for now, I am just going to start writing and see what emerges.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Today is the winter solstice, 12/21/2014..the day I live for each winter, the day the sun returns to lengthen the day. (Just noticed that I sound a bit dramatic…..but I do get very “down” in the cold, dark months.)</font></p> <p><font size="4">Lying in bed this morning I made a list of 10 things for which I am grateful. Later thought of sharing them as a post….and a way to catch up. They are in random order….not in order of importance.</font></p> <p><font size="4">1. Grateful for the house furnace that provides warmth although it is 32 years old.</font></p> <p><font size="4">2. Grateful for the comfortable bed and the deep sleep that comes with the comfort.</font></p> <p><font size="4">3. Grateful for Sylvester, my newest feline, who provides a deeper quality of love than my other cats.</font></p> <p><font size="4">4. Grateful that my husband’s heart is back in rhythm after it went into atrial fibrillation last week. Grateful for the hospital who shocked it back into rhythm after only one night’s stay. Grateful that he is tolerating the medication that will be a necessary and permanent part of our life.</font></p> <p><font size="4">5. Grateful that my husband can walk normally and without pain. David, after the hospital stay, took a short walk which resulted in severe hip pain….probably from arthritic changes….and he was unable to walk without assistance for 4 days! Afraid the take the anti-inflammatory drugs that interact with the blood thinner, he just toughed it out until the doctor gave him permission to use Aleve….which has “cured” it for now.</font></p> <p><font size="4">6. Grateful for the cardiac doctor who understands us and our priorities…who said there was no reason to stay home and we could make our trek to Arizona!!</font></p> <p><font size="4">7. Grateful for the lovely lady who decided to spend the winter at our house…grateful our other kitties will have someone to feed and love them.</font></p> <p><font size="4">8. Grateful it is only 8 more days before we start our winter journey to the sun. Grateful we have family in Arizona that prompts the travel and grateful for the memories of the Superstition Mountains towering over our camp…..can’t wait!</font></p> <p><font size="4">9. Grateful for the little 16 foot Casita trailer and how it has changed our lives. And the 8 trips we made in 2014…after we returned from the two months in Arizona! </font></p> <p><font size="4">(Trips: Montgomery for the GE&H rally, Townsend rally, Blue Ridge Parkway, Fall Creek Falls rally, Chester Frost Park, Land Between the Lakes rally, Cherokee rally and Gulf State Park.)</font></p> <p><font size="4">10. And, finally, grateful for the friends…..who seem more like family than friends….who have come into our lives through this community of bloggers, fiberglass rv owners and fellow tumbleweeds who love this wandering lifestyle.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2XyABKlEWIk/VJbv8XeTIaI/AAAAAAAAKnE/O5Tl8Kja6ro/s1600-h/DSC_6761%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_6761" border="0" alt="DSC_6761" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CNZXIznbbD8/VJbv9QEToRI/AAAAAAAAKnM/QmM0fzlkk7M/DSC_6761_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="335"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Superstition MT and David 2/2014</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EW8Yhw10OB4/VJbv-x595YI/AAAAAAAAKnU/3yHcPDK_biM/s1600-h/DSC_6774%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_6774" border="0" alt="DSC_6774" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZMF2ZVL2aXY/VJbv_2deztI/AAAAAAAAKnc/HdEf3PdYlV8/DSC_6774_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><font size="4">2/2014 Lost Dutchman SP</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d9vw2FV8kNQ/VJbwBqDvNrI/AAAAAAAAKnk/EA2Rt3gyhqU/s1600-h/DSC_0015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0015" border="0" alt="DSC_0015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1iRAIg9Psqs/VJbwC30DvdI/AAAAAAAAKns/T7cT_4bUoiQ/DSC_0015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><font size="4">11/2014 Gulf State Park, AL</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qqk1Ban2kTE/VJbwEZJXtMI/AAAAAAAAKn0/SAWzhbQ-w9A/s1600-h/DSC_0016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0016" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A3oJ6ryjT-0/VJbwFpwlAWI/AAAAAAAAKn8/H2zjoakMnBM/DSC_0016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="338"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZKisVZzVLEw/VJbwHSsEQ1I/AAAAAAAAKoE/YeLQHF9Fgl4/s1600-h/DSC_0014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0014" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SFWK1fTuujU/VJbwIWCSr2I/AAAAAAAAKoM/E2wXhnawC3w/DSC_0014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="345"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! </font><font size="4">And safe travels!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2pZYuRm3roI/VJbwJ-clpPI/AAAAAAAAKoU/-Pp88zw7Dj8/s1600-h/DSC_6536%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_6536" border="0" alt="DSC_6536" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AXJBl8UKso8/VJbwLa2YeTI/AAAAAAAAKoc/WNvwvihg9ZM/DSC_6536_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="485"></a></p> lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129594103639249226.post-18176010270448519242014-11-15T12:16:00.000-05:002014-11-15T13:58:29.813-05:00Surviving at the Shore<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hL3lEFKk4CI/VGeIJsfTd6I/AAAAAAAAKhw/ET-70s_mLrg/s1600-h/DSC_00078.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0007" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-myyrNNwhck4/VGeIKnuwyQI/AAAAAAAAKh4/tiUxfrf3pJ8/DSC_0007_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="341" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0007" width="512" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">It is 72 degrees and a bright sunny day as we arrive at our campsite in Gulf State Park. Our bodies, already accustom to cold weather, are hot. The sun is relentless and we are scrambling to get out the awning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">But the forecast is ominous! A deep freeze is coming and we will not be able to escape. Tomorrow will be our best chance to get out in the kayaks….we have a rule…if we carry a toy with us, it must be used! And I have no intention to paddle in 40 degree wind chills! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">There are 3 lakes at <a href="http://www.alapark.com/gulfstate/" target="_blank">Gulf State Park</a> separated by canals. We decide to start in one of the canals.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ojqHxRk4jRM/VGeILVmhSEI/AAAAAAAAKiA/OlNPsExlP8E/s1600-h/IMG_0578%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0578" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BYH_6Riovks/VGeIL6tl45I/AAAAAAAAKiI/Zw5MbpH9ayg/IMG_0578_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="384" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0578" width="512" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0YyjBOmNGIA/VGeIMiHleaI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/8wILbaZMC4Q/s1600-h/IMG_0583%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0583" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GJWNpquTHR4/VGeINUoMIiI/AAAAAAAAKiY/UT3AZSRuFUk/IMG_0583_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="386" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0583" width="512" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LJ_N_JwlM2A/VGeIOFmzlPI/AAAAAAAAKig/lsUGLdDlL8M/s1600-h/IMG_0587%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0587" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c6C_UwvCQJA/VGeIO6B9akI/AAAAAAAAKio/YN-bQEXIfLE/IMG_0587_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="384" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0587" width="512" /></a></span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WYHFvsuVyZg/VGeIPRm4zzI/AAAAAAAAKiw/yUQMWa2bEUM/s1600-h/IMG_0577%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0577" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Tc8JFitqrE/VGeIQL1ufbI/AAAAAAAAKi4/T3i6a1hJ5CM/IMG_0577_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="384" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0577" width="512" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">After a couple of hours we are ready to quit….and, with the sun setting at 4:55 PM, dinner must be grilled while there is still daylight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The next morning I get up and take a shower! (not my normal routine while camping)… Preparing for a special day! This is the day we will meet up with <a href="http://cozybegone.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Carla and Jerry</a>, blogging friends that I have never met in person!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">While walking from the bathhouse a big truck passes, I look in the window and there they are…..recognizing her face from the two years of reading the blog!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">We immediately start talking and can’t quit! They offer to show us around town and we head for the beach.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mgjK_lg1lVY/VGeIQ_b4X_I/AAAAAAAAKjA/jvXG_5GQDek/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0006" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zHP_2bL73g4/VGeIRglImbI/AAAAAAAAKjI/jHKH-gIfSiY/DSC_0006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="355" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0006" width="512" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1bCrpj8fmfE/VGeISaHbYTI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/kUhBD3HLFq8/s1600-h/DSC_0014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0014" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UcMuL1ONers/VGeITND-kfI/AAAAAAAAKjY/ckLDVm8cEpg/DSC_0014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="282" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0014" width="512" /></a></span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ye6wUj_XVYo/VGeITrRCEBI/AAAAAAAAKjg/3iPj9tO4GQY/s1600-h/DSC_0012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0012" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EIIkCHRFWmk/VGeIUcswKVI/AAAAAAAAKjo/URmLGgpnewg/DSC_0012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="208" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0012" width="512" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JcCXP_dayzw/VGeIVMMqk7I/AAAAAAAAKjw/A2B-kH0zhTg/s1600-h/DSC_0011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0011" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0eG4XT-clHU/VGeIV0puQiI/AAAAAAAAKj4/_g55ecl9mPE/DSC_0011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="260" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0011" width="512" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IdxhEx_Evj0/VGeIWoUbHXI/AAAAAAAAKkA/IAj9qzjRo44/s1600-h/DSC_0015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0015" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gBU6fAyr06A/VGeIXAhLujI/AAAAAAAAKkE/DFFv0K9VsZw/DSC_0015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="300" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0015" width="512" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">After a tasty lunch and a quick trip to see their lovely fifth-wheel home, we say good bye….knowing we will meet again somewhere down the road. Maybe we will get in another visit before we head north!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The promised rain arrives the next morning. We make plans to eat lunch with our egg group. There are now two other Casitas, one Escape and an Egg Camper just a few sites away. This is not an accident but the sharing of plans at a rally last month. Two couples had reservations at Gulf Shores in November. The rest of us just thought it an excellent idea!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gJTPBLc57bE/VGeIX9V_t0I/AAAAAAAAKkQ/6Qf57rWHF58/s1600-h/IMG_0579%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0579" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BbOgSj2avxs/VGeIYUg_6XI/AAAAAAAAKkY/6fGEFjQKkvc/IMG_0579_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="384" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0579" width="512" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Boardwalk to gulf….just across from park.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The survival part of the trip starts right after the rain! We are not winter campers! Except for lower Florida and Arizona! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">There is full bright sun which makes the cold a bit more bearable but the wind is merciless. We decide to check out Fort Morgan, not realizing that the breezes are gale-force out on the point.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rEH0JB1v5pA/VGeIZJDb6II/AAAAAAAAKkg/YKu-JUXBg_s/s1600-h/DSC_0027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0027" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2meaHAVoQAw/VGeIZ3p7SrI/AAAAAAAAKko/M7Wj_C77Czw/DSC_0027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="204" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0027" width="512" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uTCegf26tE4/VGeIaZni9nI/AAAAAAAAKkw/a8rVe6YAN0c/s1600-h/DSC_0028%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0028" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g-pLcX6PJCg/VGeIba8mhLI/AAAAAAAAKk4/_8S3Kb2xSiU/DSC_0028_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="485" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0028" width="481" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uDbj-cDTOq8/VGeIb-c7gvI/AAAAAAAAKlA/d3be3LfqUXY/s1600-h/DSC_0029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0029" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-szOWdL3kjAk/VGeIcmcesvI/AAAAAAAAKlI/Hzs6emrvyfc/DSC_0029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="341" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0029" width="512" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Nothing is very pretty….don’t enjoy taking photos of ugly…but anything historical is educational. Fort Morgan guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay during the Civil War. This is where Admiral Farragut made the famous quote “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” (At that time, a mine was called a torpedo.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The Gulf is blustery and cold.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_pgWrjG0MaU/VGeIdTRK80I/AAAAAAAAKlQ/te8HI-77sQg/s1600-h/DSC_0024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0024" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bKRBNgaNr54/VGeId_7zz8I/AAAAAAAAKlY/0Z1w6aNx1xE/DSC_0024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="340" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0024" width="512" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Today is another cold day with plentiful sunshine! We may ride our bikes…many, many bike trails lead out of the park. Tomorrow it will be warm again but rain and cold are heading back soon. Thinking it will be time to leave before another round of survival-type weather.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hZPkirO7Ni8/VGeIelZSkkI/AAAAAAAAKlg/350yQcQLe4M/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0005" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n8dOc9Ln6Kk/VGeIffB5N5I/AAAAAAAAKlo/3F7JQ_CZMlU/DSC_0005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="284" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0005" width="512" /></a>lynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05417850245451338218noreply@blogger.com12