Colorado adventures

August 25, 2014

Camping at Pueblo State Park near Pueblo, Colorado from August 20th-24th.  What a beautiful State Park.  Our site overlooked the Arkansas River.  Each morning we sat in our lounge chairs having coffee enjoying the view before we started our day.

On Thursday we took a trip to the Royal Gorge to see the suspension bridge.  Due to the fire in 2013 the complex was not open to the public.  The bridge was not damages, however, it was closed down while we were there, as they were putting finishing touches on the visitors center, etc.  So we didn't get to walk across it.  However, we did get a chance to take some pictures from a distance.  We headed back into Canon City and checked out the the Royal Gorge train.  What a surprise to find out there was one leaving in 5 minutes and they had room for us in the dome car.  We were glad they were serving lunch on the train as it was 12:30.  The ride on the train gave us a chance to view the bridge from the gorge as the train went under it.  

If you are ever in the area of Canon City, CO, plan a trip on the Royal Gorge Train.  It is well worth the money it costs.  

On Friday  we visited Pueblo, River walk, where we took the tour boat along the canal.  We also walked along the river walk.  

Saturday, we were up early for a trip to the Great Sand Dune National Park.  A BIG sand pile.  It was just that.  What a fun place.  After walking about 2 blocks across the flats to get to climb on the BIG sand pile.  We didn't climb all the way to the top, but we go high enough to enjoy the sand.  The wind was really brisk, and the sand really does sting when the wind blows.  

We also had the chance to see a few 14ers.  (14,000 feet).  Wow that is really tall.  

Tuesday, July 17

Travel day!!  We left Diamond River Campground this morning, continuing our journey south.  We arrived at Cedar Creek Corp of Engineers Park campground around 11:30 a.m.  We got into our campsite which over looks Old Hickory lake. 


Our campsite

It is really a nice place.  We just got all backed in and beginning to set up, when a neighbor came over to talk to us.  They too have a DRV.  Since we had a conference call at 1:00 Central time, we decided to continue our conversation later. 

After getting set up and having lunch, we were ready for our conference call.  After call, we finished getting the things we had not done prior to the call finished.  Then off to go talk to Christ and Jim, the couple with the DRV.  We spent the rest of the afternoon talking to them, comparing notes on our units.  They have a 2005 Mobile Suites and ours is a 2010. 

The view from our front door

By the time I looked at my watch it was already time for dinner.  Back to the camper for dinner.  Thank goodness for leftovers from the freezer for dinner.  Great Italian beef, potato salad, and Cole Slaw. 

After dinner we took a walk around the campground.  Then back to sit and watch the sun go down over the lake. 


Sun Set over Old Hickory Lake

 

 

Until tomorrow

Monday, July 15

Moving day!!  We headed out early Monday morning to go back to the factory to get the replacement closet door put in on Tuesday morning.  So back to DRV in Howe, IN.  We arrived around 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.  The weather was HOT.  We plugged the camper in and quickly put the air conditioner on to cool down the camper.  Luckily we were having left overs for dinner, so I didn't have to cook anything.  After eating we caught up on odds and ends around the camper before heading to be early.  Otherwise it would have been a very short night.  You see when you are having work done at the factory, you need to be up and ready to leave the camper by 6:00 a.m. 

Tuesday:  We were up at 5:00 a.m. and ready to receive our new closet door by 6:00 when the tech's arrived.  At 6:00 a.m. JT came out to tell us they had our door in and ready to install.  As he was beginning to install the doors, he broke one in the corner.  Luckily he had an extra one, so he put it in.  Woops, he also broke that one in the corner.  So we are back with one original and one new one.  JT ordered another one that will be delivered to RV's for Less this coming week.  Since we have an appointment there in August we will have them put it in.  (hopefully it won't get broken). 

After our work was done, we headed out for breakfast  Then back to the camper to hook it up and head south.  But before we headed south we went to pick up a end table to place between the two chairs.  It looks great.

Once that was done, we headed south!!!  We are spending the night at Diamond Caverns Thousand Trails Campground. 

We will head to Cedar Creek Corp of Engineers Park near Nashville. 

I am ready to be home for a little while.

Moving On

We arrived in Rockford, IL on July 1 and checked into Rock Cut State Park.  We reserved our favorite spot for the next two weeks.

 Tuesday night Mark came to the camper for dinner since Andrea and the kids were in WI visiting with her parents.  Mark's family got home on Wednesday.  Dave and his family retuned from Dave's business trip on Thursday.  We spent Wednesday and Thursday nights with Mark, Andrea, Richard and Lizzy. 

Friday, we went over to Dave's for pizza night.

 Saturday afternoon, Mark and the kids came over to the campground while Andrea was working .  We took a bike ride on one of the many bike trials at the park.  The weather was overcast, but we didn't think it would rain, but it did as we were just getting to our circle.  We didn't get to wet.  Saturday night we went to Dave and JoRae's for dinner. 

Sunday, we went to Westminster Presbyterian Church of Rockford.  Later in the afternoon all the kids came over for a cook out at the camper.  It was HOT!!!! and HUMID!!!  Not the best day to be outside.  Unfortunately we did not all fit inside the camper where it was cooler.  So we suffered outside. 

Monday:  We caught up on things around the camper and then went to the grocery store.  Seems like we go to the grocery store a lot.  (lack of space). 

Tuesday:  I took Andrea to lunch, while Richard and Lizzy kept grandpa company at the camper.  We had a some one on one time.  Then when we got back we headed to Dave and JoRae's house where I did  a  batch of laundry.  Dave was out of town Monday and Tuesday, so we went to dinner with JoRae and the kids.  Callan suggested a place called "Johnny Pampcakes".  It was a really good local restaurant.  I decided the food must be really good by the amount of people eating there.  The fact was it was really good. 

Wednesday:  We headed down to Dave and JoRae's to go watch the boys at their swimming lessons.  Quentin is becoming a fish.  He has really progressed this year.


Grandpa and the boys before swimming lessons

Gavin and Callan are really doing GREAT.  For two little boys who were afraid of putting their  faces in the water a year ago, they both were able to hold their breath under water for at least the count of 10.  Callan is getting braver.  It will take Gavin a little longer to be brave enough to leave the side of the pool on his own.  However, he did walk away from the side a few times.  They are both getting along so good. 

Wednesday afternoon, we picked up Richard and Lizzy to spend the night with us at the camper.  Once we picked them up we took them to lunch before we headed to the grocery store again! 

Thursday afternoon, we took Richard and Lizzy to play miniature golf at "Volcano Falls"    Of course after playing miniature golf, you need ice cream.  Dinner was at the camper.   We played a lot of Phase 10 (a card game)

Friday:  Breakfast at the camper!  Pancakes with chocolate chips, or blueberries, bacon, juice and milk.  After breakfast we took Richard and Lizzy home, and headed to Dave and JoRae's to pick up Quentin, Gavin and Callin to go play miniature golf at "Volcano Falls".  The day was beautiful, a good day for golf.  However, Gavin decided not to play.  He was engrossed in his Harry Potter book.  He is on the second book.  So Gavin and I went inside to read while Harris and the other two boys played golf. 

Friday night Gavin, Quentin, and Callan came over to have a sleep over with us. 

Saturday morning after breakfast, we headed back to Dave and JoRae's house so Harris could slow cook some pork for pulled pork and Sunday.  Since our grill is to small, we used Dave's.  I brought some more washing and did finished my laundry.  (almost all of our clothes were clean).  JoRae and I pitted cherries from their cherry tree.  Then we picked more cherries and pitted them.  JoRae and I went to lunch.  When we came home Dave was out picking cherries and Harris was at Firestone.  When Harris came back he headed back to the camper to make coleslaw, while I helped pick cherries.  We ended up picking 6 gallons all together.  That didn't count the cherries Harris and I picked earlier in the week. ( I pitted them and put 2 quart bags full  in the freezer).  

The freezer now has fresh strawberries and fresh cherries in it waiting to be used at a later date. 

Saturday night we had dinner with Dave and JoRae and the kids. 

Sunday:  We went to church with  Mark, Andrea, and the kids.  Mark was the worship leader that day.  It was really great to be there to support Mark.  After lunch we headed home to get things ready for everyone coming out to the camper for pulled pork, Harris's coleslaw, my potato salad, JoRae made Cherry desserts, and Andrea brought fruit.  I made mac and cheese for the kids. 

The day was much cooler than the week before so we all enjoyed ourselves even more.  It was wonderful to have everyone together.  The kids enjoy being together and playing together.  The adults always have a great time.

Grandpa and the kids (without Callan)

Callan (just for Grandma)



Richard, Quentin, Gavin, and Lizzy (Callan didn't want to be in the picture)


 

Andrea, me and JoRae

David, Harris and Mark

Jan, David, Richard, JoRae, (Callan), Andrea, Lizzy, Mark, Quentin and Gavin

Harris, David, Richard, JoRae (Callan), Andrea, Lizzy, Mark, Quentin, and Gavin

  

 

 

 

 

I'm Back!!

Once again, I have been remiss in writing on the blog.  Life has been really fun and busy since the last time I wrote on the blog. 

Our camping trip with Dave and Elaine was over way to soon.  We had a really great time.  It would have been even better if Elaine had not gotten sick. 

We left Otsego State Park on Sunday June 23 heading to Dave and Elaine's house in Alpena.  We  put the camper in front of their barn



Our camper parked at Dave and Elaine's

 

 



We were not home very long before Dave got the same illness Elaine had.   Harris and I were  hoping we were not next.  Monday morning Dave felt much better and even had a little to eat. 

By Tuesday Dave was feeling so much better, we decided to go to Mackinaw Island for the day.  We took the Star Ferry over.  Since there are no cars allowed on the Island we decided to take a carriage ride around the Island.  We have been on the Island many times before, but have not had a the opportunity to take the carriage ride.  The ride was fabulous. 



Dave and Elaine's house

Wednesday was a Strawberry social at their church.  So after dinner we headed to their church to enjoy dessert. 





Parking at Gaye & Cork's House


 

We left Alpena on Friday morning heading to Traverse City, MI to spend the weekend with Gaye and Cork (Cordell), friends from Sun City, AZ.  We were able to back our camper into their driveway.

On Saturday they took us out on their boat to have lunch at the Dock Side Café.  We ate on the dock where we could see the water and the boat.   The day was cloudy, but it didn't rain.  When we returned to their dock, we sat enjoying the water.  They introduced us to several of their friends.

On Sunday we went to Church with them at their Presbyterian Church.  After Church and lunch we headed south toward Indiana and the DRV factory.  We needed to be at the factory first thing on Monday morning for them to replace the other closet door, so it matched the one they replaced while we were at the Rally. 

When we arrived at the factory, where they have 4 hook ups and got set up.  We were in bed early as we knew we needed to be up early.  The factory workers begin work at 6:00 and end at 2:30.  So anyone staying in the parking lot needs to be up with their campers ready for the workers by 6:00 a.m.  We were up at 5:00 and ready by the time they were ready for us.  There were 2 other campers who were also getting work done.  

JT came with our closet door, but soon found it was the wrong one.  So he needed to order another one.  He made an appointment for us for July 16.  So we will return to the factory.




 



June 19, 2013

Wow, once again I have not been good about blogging.  Lots has been going on, but I have not gotten a chance to write it all down. 

The week of 2 through 6 I spent the week at Interim Ministry Network Conference at the Sheridan Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.   I spent the week helping as the Hospitality Chair person for the conference.  I did lots of running.  Every night I was pooped when I got back to the camper.  Harris and the camper were parked in the southern part of Indianapolis.  The campground was a fish camp, but nice. 

June 6-15 - DRV Annual Rally

Thursday Harris picked me up at the hotel around 10:30 a.m.  We went back to the camper and hooked up and left for Goshen, IN. and our Annual DRV Rally.  (our brand of camper).  This is our 3rd Rally. 

Friday, June 7 - Washing!!!  We found a laundry mat and got our clothes clean.  We also began connecting with friends we met at the Rally last year.  Margie, and Paul, Marge and Bill, Bill and Jody, and Terry and Mary.  Terry and Mary had their 4 yr old granddaughter with them. 

We also met a new couple who were camping near us, Tom and Cindy. 

Our Camper next to AG and Mary Ann's

Saturday, - June 8.  Dinner at an Amish home.  There were 100 of us who enjoyed a Amish dinner, served by the Amish family who lived there. 

Sunday - June 9  - Church at Sunnyside Presbyterian Church.  Harris and I both worked at Sunnside about 15 yrs ago.  What fun to see people we have not seen in many years.  It was good being back there. 

After church we met my good friend Kathy for lunch at Panera.  It was really fun catching up with her and hearing about her family. 

Back at the campground it was time to go up to the BIG pot luck, with all our friends.  Jody and Bill's daughter and her husband brought their granddaughter to the campground so she could spend the week with Jody and Bill. 

All the DRV's

Monday - June 10 the actual Rally began.  That was the beginning of our really fun week. There were 137, Select Suites, Mobile Suites, and Elite Suites.  It was a really BIG Rally.  Since the factor is in Howe, IN (not that far from Goshen), the factor treated to many surprises.  There were many meals, served, and lots of extras.  On Friday we took a tour of the factory and they fed us lunch.  As you might guess, we ate way to much.  We also  enjoyed a lot of time with our friends, and got to know Tom and Cindy better.

Saturday - June 15 - Time to leave the Rally.  Our last goodbye was at a breakfast of wonderful donuts and coffee. 

We headed as far as Cedar Springs, MI, where we spent the night.  I had laundry to do, so I spent the afternoon doing laundry.  Shortly after we arrived at the campground, another DRV pulled in.  When we talked to them, we found out they too had been at the Rally.  We both recognized each other. 

Sunday- June 16,  We were up and ready to go shortly after breakfast.  Our destination was Otsego State Park near Gaylord, MI, were we were meeting Dave and Elaine to camp for the rest of the week.  Dave and Elaine arrived shortly before we did. 

Elaine fixed Chicken Chili and salad for dinner.  What a treat. 

Monday - June 17 We headed into Gaylord, MI to check out the town.  One of the really neat things we found was the Elk sanctuary.  The first stop by to see them, we found them resting in the tall grass.  So onto the grocery store.  Before we headed back to the camper we stopped by the Elk Sanctuary again, this time we found them feeding nearer the fence.  We got lots of really good pictures.  Since we had lunch out we decided to eat cheese and crackers fir dinner. 

Tuesday - June 18 - We headed back to Gaylord to run some errands and then head to Houghton Lake to Camping World.  Then back to the campground where we spent the afternoon chilling.  We fixed Brats, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and asparagus.  Elaine had made brownies for dessert. 

Wednesday, June 19  We had decided we wanted to spend the day at the campground just reading and enjoying the day here.  Since it was a quiet day, we got the bikes outs and took a ride, over to the store across the street to have an ice cream cone.  Elaine and Dave made dinner (Salmon, baked sweet potato's, and salad). 

Thursday - June 20  Elaine was one sick puppy.  She spent the day in bed.  Harris and I got our ironing done.  I got the barbecue roast beef ready to go into the crockpot for dinner.  After I cleaned up the mess, I made salsa.  Once again I cleaned up the mess.  This afternoon, I made a Rhubarb pie.  Our day was spent reading, and relaxing outside.  Tonight for dinner, we had barbeque beef, sweet potato fries, and broccoli.  Elaine had soup.  Harris, Dave and I had rhubarb pie. 


Until tomorrow!

Otsego State Park beach

Harris

Elaine and Dave  watching the Elk

Beach  at Otsego State Park



Elk feeding




 

June 2, 2013

Our camper in the dirveway at Don and Linda's

We left Des Moines on Friday morning heading for Beecher, IL to visit with Don and Linda who we met at Paradise RV Resort in Sun City.  We arrived at Don and Linda's house around 4:30.  We put our camper in their driveway and stayed with them. 

We had a great visit with them.  Saturday we attended their grandson and granddaughters soccer game.  The weather was cool, but sunny when we left.  The clouds rolled in shortly after we got to the field for the game.  We had more rain later that day.  We are really getting tied of rain.  It rained almost every day while we were in Des Monies and now again in Illinois.  I am thinking we may need to look for material to build that Ark again. 



Linda's garden

Saturday afternoon, we spent the afternoon looking at Don and Linda's farm.  Linda was getting ready for an art show on Sunday, so she finished up some things she wanted to take to the show.  Harris and I spent the time reading while Don and Linda did the things they needed to do. 

Linda's garden

Saturday evening, they took us to dinner at the USA American Cafe in Grant Park, IL.  It is a small town near their town.  It was fun watching them as they know everyone around.  Don grew up in the area.  They have also had a hair salon for many years. 

They have a great place.  It was fun being at their house and just relaxing. 



Linda in her workshop



Linda's craft 

Don and Linda's house

 

Pond in the back yard or Don and Linda's