Yesterday we spent the day exploring Zion. Had a good time. A lot of towering cliffs and interesting rocks. A lot of red rock and Navajo Sandstone. The tunnel in Zion is 1.1 miles long. Have driven thru it 3 times. With the camper once, not my idea of fun.
During the afternoon we took the shuttle bus on the scenic drive. Private cars are not allowed. On the way in there was a recorded narration about the various features we were seeing. Road the bus to the end and then walked up the trail into the Narrows. At the end of the trail you can hike further but it mostly in the Virgin River. What they call "canyoneering". On the way out we saw Rock Climbers several hundred feet above the canyon. Wish I had been able to get pictures. Got off the bus at Zion Lodge and hiked to Lower Emerald Pools. I was quite disappointed. The pools were NOT emerald colored. The might have been nice early in the day when the sky would have been reflected in the pools.
Left Zion this morning and are now at Boulder Station Casino in Las Vegas. Weather is warmer here. Thankful for that. Joyce has been playing the slots. She was up $6 for awhile but is only up a nickel at the moment. It can be cheap entertainment if you are prudent. Just holds no interest for me. I am in our room updating this and watching football.
The room is very nice and surprisingly economical. $50.38 including tax of over $15.00. Several places to eat. Great showers.
Tomorrow we will go to Flagstaff, AZ on our way to Canyon de Chelly. Trying to keep my driving days reasonable.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
October 29
Moving day. Slept late so got a late start. As we drove up the mountain the snow on the peaks was gorgeous. Decided to go into to Bryce to get snow pictures. Went to Fairyland Canyon and then to Sunset Point. Beautiful. More pictures. I try to load pictures to this Journal but don't know if any one can see them. So tonight I will load them to flickr. The guest pass that I generated should still work.
Left Bryce and headed for Zion thru intermittent snow. Went south on 89 and the snow really picked up. Visibility was reduced but the road was clear. Just wet. Got to the park around 3:30. They measured the width of the camper to make sure we did not need an escort Thru the mile long tunnel. They have to hold up traffic so larger rigs can go through. We were OK.
Once again this park is totally different. We will explore it tomorrow. Now in a campground in Springdale ,Utah. Real tourist oriented with the usual high prices.
Left Bryce and headed for Zion thru intermittent snow. Went south on 89 and the snow really picked up. Visibility was reduced but the road was clear. Just wet. Got to the park around 3:30. They measured the width of the camper to make sure we did not need an escort Thru the mile long tunnel. They have to hold up traffic so larger rigs can go through. We were OK.
Once again this park is totally different. We will explore it tomorrow. Now in a campground in Springdale ,Utah. Real tourist oriented with the usual high prices.
Monday, October 28, 2013
October 28
Wind howling. Under advisory until 7 pm today. Chance of rain and snow. This wind reminds me of a time when Joyce, Ivy and I were camping outside of Yellowstone. Camper shaking and we wondered if was going to blow us over. As I write this the wind has subsided and where we are their have been some scattered showers. Looks like the worst is over.
Last night I got some good pictures of the sunset and this morning Joyce got some great ones of the sunrise.
This morning we toured Bryce Canyon. Each park is so stunning that we have a hard time deciding which is the best. Went to most of the overlooks and took a bunch of pictures.
Later in the day we went to Kodachrome State Park. It too was quite nice. Took more pictures then back to the campground.
Was thinking about how many places we have visited. I will try to list them.
Temple Square in Salt Lake City
Antelope Island SP in the Great Salt Lake
Sego Canyon in Thompson Springs Utah
Dead Horse Point SP near Moab
Canyonlands NP near Moab
Arches NP near Moab
Scenic Highway along the Colorado River, which I rafter the next day
Bryce Canyon NP
Kodachrome SP near Cannonville Utah.
Last night I got some good pictures of the sunset and this morning Joyce got some great ones of the sunrise.
This morning we toured Bryce Canyon. Each park is so stunning that we have a hard time deciding which is the best. Went to most of the overlooks and took a bunch of pictures.
Later in the day we went to Kodachrome State Park. It too was quite nice. Took more pictures then back to the campground.
Was thinking about how many places we have visited. I will try to list them.
Temple Square in Salt Lake City
Antelope Island SP in the Great Salt Lake
Sego Canyon in Thompson Springs Utah
Dead Horse Point SP near Moab
Canyonlands NP near Moab
Arches NP near Moab
Scenic Highway along the Colorado River, which I rafter the next day
Bryce Canyon NP
Kodachrome SP near Cannonville Utah.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
October 27
Yesterday we took a day to rest and see some of the cultural things that we had missed. Nothing exciting.
Today we left heading for Zion National Park. Took the scenic route. Very little traffic, beautiful scenery. We got high enough we could see ice in the fields from the irrigators. 48 degrees and ice from the overnight period.
It seemed that our route took us near Bryce Canyon National Park. I have been worried about how I would do at high elevations. Seem to be doing OK. Max elevation was a little over 7,000ft. Found a campground in Cannonville at 5,800 ft. So instead of Zion we are at Bryce. Zion later in the week.
This campground has what we need. Electricity, showers and laundry. Showers and laundry done. Clean clothes, clean body and clean hair. Hard to beat.
We have no Cell service here but the campground has slow Wi-Fi. When we got here the campground was mostly empty. The owners said that would change when the 24 RVs would come in with a bunch of French folk. They are here but with no children or pets it's pretty quiet.
Took some nice sunset pictures. I have loaded a few more to Flikr. Use the guest pass and look at them if you want.
Today we left heading for Zion National Park. Took the scenic route. Very little traffic, beautiful scenery. We got high enough we could see ice in the fields from the irrigators. 48 degrees and ice from the overnight period.
It seemed that our route took us near Bryce Canyon National Park. I have been worried about how I would do at high elevations. Seem to be doing OK. Max elevation was a little over 7,000ft. Found a campground in Cannonville at 5,800 ft. So instead of Zion we are at Bryce. Zion later in the week.
This campground has what we need. Electricity, showers and laundry. Showers and laundry done. Clean clothes, clean body and clean hair. Hard to beat.
We have no Cell service here but the campground has slow Wi-Fi. When we got here the campground was mostly empty. The owners said that would change when the 24 RVs would come in with a bunch of French folk. They are here but with no children or pets it's pretty quiet.
Took some nice sunset pictures. I have loaded a few more to Flikr. Use the guest pass and look at them if you want.
October 27
Now near Bryce Canyon. Loading three days of journal.
October 23
Went rafting on a mild section of the Colorado yesterday. Several small rapids. When the guide found out about my whitewater experience and I switched places with a very nervous lady from Greece, he made sure I had the wettest(best) ride of anyone. Was a really nice day. Sunny, mild temps.
Joyce spent the day going to Thrift Stores, wandering around town. After she picked me up, we ended up eating at a place called Milt's. An old fashioned hamburger joint with good burgers and the best fries.
Today we moved down to Capitol Reef National Park. They have one of the prettiest campground's I have ever seen. It's at a place called Fruita. Apple and peach trees galore. Apples still on the higher branches of the trees. About 20 mule deer waiting for apples to hit the ground. At least 3 bucks.
Ladders and picking poles are provided and the apples cost $1.00 a pound. We picked three pounds and had them for supper. We had to be careful of the bucks since they are in rut and chasing the does thru the orchard where we were picking and these deer had no fear of us.
Unlike the other places we have been there is absolutely no cellphone service here. Guess we'll have to rough it. Tomorrow we will explore the area. No electric for the camper either. Will be a bit cool I expect. Temp down to 37 tonight.
October 24
Stopped by the visitors center on the way out this morning. Then to see petroglyphs. Returned to visitor center for a fascinating geology talk. Great insight about the park and it's many features.
Stopped by the Gifford farm and museum to buy pies and a scone. Ate one of the cherry pies for dessert this evening and was it good. All the pies are made from locally. This farm was the center of an early Mormon community.
The orchards here in the park are historic and are maintained by the park as a Rural Historic Landscape. They produce pears, peaches, apricots, cherries and apples.
Started down the Scenic Highway but only went a couple miles. Turned down Grand Wash and drove into a canyon. It was a dirt road and I have never found a dirt road I did not want to travel. It ended up at a trailhead for the Narrows. I will hike it tomorrow and Joyce will meet me at Rt 24.
We decided to go back to camper and have lunch. Then to Torrey to get cash out of the ATM. I got the last $40 out of it. Finally got to the Scenic Highway again and drove to the end of it. The last couple of miles was called Capitol Gorge. The canyon was beautiful and the road was rough. BUT!!! Was it ever worth the drive. Near the end we came upon a group of Bighorn Sheep. Three large rams and about six females. Got some very good pictures. On the way out of the Gorge they were still there feeding. More pictures. What a great end to a good day.
October 25
Today I hiked the Narrows Canyon. Easy hike. 2.5 miles long. Took about an hour and a half. Took a few pictures. Had lunch at the camper. Sun shining. Very nice. Sat outside to eat.
After a few chores we took off again. To find Pebble Creek road that leads back into the park. Picked up Rt. 12 in Torrey toward Brice Canyon. Topped out at almost 9,000 ft. Managed to control my breathing and oxygen level with little difficulty.
Found what we think was the road we wanted. Only problem was that it was unmarked and split off in several directions. We wandered around for a couple of hours. The road got so bad that we turned around and went back the way we came. Joyce was oh so glad.
Plan to drive out the scenic highway and look at the stars. They are supposed to astounding. Will let you know.
October 23
Went rafting on a mild section of the Colorado yesterday. Several small rapids. When the guide found out about my whitewater experience and I switched places with a very nervous lady from Greece, he made sure I had the wettest(best) ride of anyone. Was a really nice day. Sunny, mild temps.
Joyce spent the day going to Thrift Stores, wandering around town. After she picked me up, we ended up eating at a place called Milt's. An old fashioned hamburger joint with good burgers and the best fries.
Today we moved down to Capitol Reef National Park. They have one of the prettiest campground's I have ever seen. It's at a place called Fruita. Apple and peach trees galore. Apples still on the higher branches of the trees. About 20 mule deer waiting for apples to hit the ground. At least 3 bucks.
Ladders and picking poles are provided and the apples cost $1.00 a pound. We picked three pounds and had them for supper. We had to be careful of the bucks since they are in rut and chasing the does thru the orchard where we were picking and these deer had no fear of us.
Unlike the other places we have been there is absolutely no cellphone service here. Guess we'll have to rough it. Tomorrow we will explore the area. No electric for the camper either. Will be a bit cool I expect. Temp down to 37 tonight.
October 24
Stopped by the visitors center on the way out this morning. Then to see petroglyphs. Returned to visitor center for a fascinating geology talk. Great insight about the park and it's many features.
Stopped by the Gifford farm and museum to buy pies and a scone. Ate one of the cherry pies for dessert this evening and was it good. All the pies are made from locally. This farm was the center of an early Mormon community.
The orchards here in the park are historic and are maintained by the park as a Rural Historic Landscape. They produce pears, peaches, apricots, cherries and apples.
Started down the Scenic Highway but only went a couple miles. Turned down Grand Wash and drove into a canyon. It was a dirt road and I have never found a dirt road I did not want to travel. It ended up at a trailhead for the Narrows. I will hike it tomorrow and Joyce will meet me at Rt 24.
We decided to go back to camper and have lunch. Then to Torrey to get cash out of the ATM. I got the last $40 out of it. Finally got to the Scenic Highway again and drove to the end of it. The last couple of miles was called Capitol Gorge. The canyon was beautiful and the road was rough. BUT!!! Was it ever worth the drive. Near the end we came upon a group of Bighorn Sheep. Three large rams and about six females. Got some very good pictures. On the way out of the Gorge they were still there feeding. More pictures. What a great end to a good day.
October 25
Today I hiked the Narrows Canyon. Easy hike. 2.5 miles long. Took about an hour and a half. Took a few pictures. Had lunch at the camper. Sun shining. Very nice. Sat outside to eat.
After a few chores we took off again. To find Pebble Creek road that leads back into the park. Picked up Rt. 12 in Torrey toward Brice Canyon. Topped out at almost 9,000 ft. Managed to control my breathing and oxygen level with little difficulty.
Found what we think was the road we wanted. Only problem was that it was unmarked and split off in several directions. We wandered around for a couple of hours. The road got so bad that we turned around and went back the way we came. Joyce was oh so glad.
Plan to drive out the scenic highway and look at the stars. They are supposed to astounding. Will let you know.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Sept. 21
Decided to take an easy day and drive Rt. 128 along the Colorado River. It is rated amount the top ten scenic drives in the country. It was very pretty. Canyon walls towering over the river. We kept looking for Bighorn Sheep but didn't see any drove about 18 miles and decided to head back to town for lunch. On the way we stopped at Rocky Rapid, used the bathroom and looked around. There was a raft there and I started talking to the people. Found out what it cost for a full days trip and a half day trip. Of course I was intrigued. On the way back into town I told Joyce that we should do it. Reluctantly she agreed, commenting that we would never get to raft the Colorado if we missed this opportunity. Now don't get me wrong, this is more of a float trip then whitewater rafting.
Returning to town we had lunch, went to Walkers Drug, which is really a large General Store with about anything you would need. Indulged Joyce's most enjoyable thing to do. Thrift store shopping. Found a large framed poster of Wildflowers and I purchased it and several bandannas.
Went to the outfitters and talked them about a rafting trip. Joyce decided I should raft and she would spend the day by herself. So tomorrow I raft the Colorado. It not where I have always dreamed of but it is better than nothing.
.
Returning to town we had lunch, went to Walkers Drug, which is really a large General Store with about anything you would need. Indulged Joyce's most enjoyable thing to do. Thrift store shopping. Found a large framed poster of Wildflowers and I purchased it and several bandannas.
Went to the outfitters and talked them about a rafting trip. Joyce decided I should raft and she would spend the day by herself. So tomorrow I raft the Colorado. It not where I have always dreamed of but it is better than nothing.
.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
October 20, 2013
Been a busy two days. Two National Parks and a state park. Yesterday we went to Dead Horse Point State Park first. Legend has it that westerners drove wild horses onto the point where the land bridge is only 30 feet and corralled them with brush across the gap. Then,after taking the horses the wanted, they left the remainder in the corral. There was no water on the point although there was plenty in sight. Only problem was, it was 2000 feet below in the Colorado River. Consequently the horses died.
There were nice views of the Colorado from the point.
Next we went to Canyonlands National Park. Here also, the scenery was stunning. Great canyons carved out of the rocks. Rock formations galore. Four wheel drive trails. One was the White Rock Rim trail. A hundred miles long and a recommended two day trip. From the overlooks we could see bicycles and 4 when'll drive vehicles navigating the road. Was originally put there by uranium mining companies. On the way back to camp we stopped and had dinner at the Slick Rock Bar and Grill. Well after dark when we got home.
Today we did Arches National Park. We left early and went into town to have breakfast. Boy, was that a fiasco. Several restaurants were closed and the others had long wait times. Ended up at McDonalds and it was packed. Must have been 20 orders on the counter. But after a reasonable time we got our food.
Then on to the park. We thought Canyonlands was the best but Arches was better. Saw great rock formations. Joyce and I went to the base of Balanced Rock. About .4 walk and climb round trip.
We then drove into the Windows section where we observed Rock climber going up one of the spires. After that we hiked to the base of North Window Arch. A short steep climb up but we made it. Joyce struggles with these climbs but so do I. The difference is that I know how to pace myself. She also has a knee problem which I don't have.
I did a really nice one mile hike which they call Park Avenue. An easy hike. Worst part was the steep downhill at the beginning. Joyce met me at a view area down the road.
We saw lots of arches. I hiked into a couple of more. Joyce came partway but turned back when we came to a steep downhill that had to be climbed on the way out.
I came to the conclusion, that unless you can hike reasonably long distances, there is an awful lot of things that you will miss. That is my biggest regret. There are places I would have liked to have gone to, but it would have meant leaving Joyce waiting for me for several hours. And that wouldn't be fair to her.
There were nice views of the Colorado from the point.
Next we went to Canyonlands National Park. Here also, the scenery was stunning. Great canyons carved out of the rocks. Rock formations galore. Four wheel drive trails. One was the White Rock Rim trail. A hundred miles long and a recommended two day trip. From the overlooks we could see bicycles and 4 when'll drive vehicles navigating the road. Was originally put there by uranium mining companies. On the way back to camp we stopped and had dinner at the Slick Rock Bar and Grill. Well after dark when we got home.
Today we did Arches National Park. We left early and went into town to have breakfast. Boy, was that a fiasco. Several restaurants were closed and the others had long wait times. Ended up at McDonalds and it was packed. Must have been 20 orders on the counter. But after a reasonable time we got our food.
Then on to the park. We thought Canyonlands was the best but Arches was better. Saw great rock formations. Joyce and I went to the base of Balanced Rock. About .4 walk and climb round trip.
We then drove into the Windows section where we observed Rock climber going up one of the spires. After that we hiked to the base of North Window Arch. A short steep climb up but we made it. Joyce struggles with these climbs but so do I. The difference is that I know how to pace myself. She also has a knee problem which I don't have.
I did a really nice one mile hike which they call Park Avenue. An easy hike. Worst part was the steep downhill at the beginning. Joyce met me at a view area down the road.
We saw lots of arches. I hiked into a couple of more. Joyce came partway but turned back when we came to a steep downhill that had to be climbed on the way out.
I came to the conclusion, that unless you can hike reasonably long distances, there is an awful lot of things that you will miss. That is my biggest regret. There are places I would have liked to have gone to, but it would have meant leaving Joyce waiting for me for several hours. And that wouldn't be fair to her.
Friday, October 18, 2013
First day in Moab
Up this morning an attended to little things like baths and laundry. Got that out of the way, had lunch and went exploring.
Drove to Thompson Springs to go to Sego Canyon where there are petroglyphs and pictographs. Found them and took pictures. Unfortunately vandals have damaged a lot of them.
We drove deeper into the canyon to the Ghost Town of Sego. Found remains of old buildings. Most were dug back into the hillside. Lots of nice color. We also found a couple of old ranches with roofs falling in.
Once more I am trying to set up a guest pass to my Flickr account. Try it and see if it works.
http://flickr.com/gp/27108760@N06/iA2Y0M
Drove to Thompson Springs to go to Sego Canyon where there are petroglyphs and pictographs. Found them and took pictures. Unfortunately vandals have damaged a lot of them.
We drove deeper into the canyon to the Ghost Town of Sego. Found remains of old buildings. Most were dug back into the hillside. Lots of nice color. We also found a couple of old ranches with roofs falling in.
Once more I am trying to set up a guest pass to my Flickr account. Try it and see if it works.
http://flickr.com/gp/27108760@N06/iA2Y0M
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Salt Lake to Moab
Drove from Salt Lake to Moab today. Staying at a KOA Again. Will be here for 3 nights and then move into Arches National Park. Once we got off the interstate the scenery was great the road was good. Actually drove thru desert country for a while. Usually had snow covered peaks in sight. We were in no great hurry today so had time to enjoy everything.
We are only 4 miles from Arches and about 10 miles from Canyonlands. We will have a total of 10 days here unless we decide to move on earlier. So plenty of time to explore.
We are only 4 miles from Arches and about 10 miles from Canyonlands. We will have a total of 10 days here unless we decide to move on earlier. So plenty of time to explore.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Antelope Island State Park
Today we went to Antelope Island which is the Great Salt Lake. They have hiking trails, great views of the Lake and lots of wildlife. We saw Bison(they have a herd of abut 600), coyotes and Mule Deer.
We did not see the Prong Horn Antelope or the Big Horned Sheep. Took lots of pictures and walked a couple of trails where Joyce found some wildflowers blooming.
Tomorrow, we head to Moab where I have booked us into KOA for 3 nights. After that we will move into the campground in Arches National.
We did not see the Prong Horn Antelope or the Big Horned Sheep. Took lots of pictures and walked a couple of trails where Joyce found some wildflowers blooming.
Tomorrow, we head to Moab where I have booked us into KOA for 3 nights. After that we will move into the campground in Arches National.
Salt Lake City cont.
Felt so bad last night that I couldn't finish, so will try tonight.
We couldn't go into the Temple but there was a scale model which showed us what was inside. They explained what each level was for and how it made them feel. They seemed to be very sincere and committed to there faith. Then they took us to another building and showed us this sculpture of Jesus and the backdrop of the stars and planets.
After that we thanked them for there time and went off on our own.
We had lunch at the Pantry, which had been one of Brigham Young's homes.
Next headed for the Conference Center. This will seat 21,000 people and has an area of 1.4 million square feet. We had a guided tour of this building also. They have a rooftop area that has living plants. It represents all the different ecosystems in Utah. Spent a good deal of time there educating our guide on different wildflowers.
Our last stop was at the Genealogy Center. There I did some research on our family with the help of one of there staff. Learned a few things I didn't know.
Then back to the camper.
We couldn't go into the Temple but there was a scale model which showed us what was inside. They explained what each level was for and how it made them feel. They seemed to be very sincere and committed to there faith. Then they took us to another building and showed us this sculpture of Jesus and the backdrop of the stars and planets.
After that we thanked them for there time and went off on our own.
We had lunch at the Pantry, which had been one of Brigham Young's homes.
Next headed for the Conference Center. This will seat 21,000 people and has an area of 1.4 million square feet. We had a guided tour of this building also. They have a rooftop area that has living plants. It represents all the different ecosystems in Utah. Spent a good deal of time there educating our guide on different wildflowers.
Our last stop was at the Genealogy Center. There I did some research on our family with the help of one of there staff. Learned a few things I didn't know.
Then back to the camper.
Salt Lake City
The day started out pretty ragged. Got up and the electric heater could not keep with the cold outside. Tried to turn the furnace on and nothing happened. Once I had coffee and breakfast, I checked fuses's and breakers. They were all as they should be. I called Outdoor Escapes in Amherst and discussed the problem. We decided that it was probably the thermostat. Looked up an RV repair service, but before calling them I decided to look at the thermostat myself. I discovered one of our "marvelous" stink bugs trying to hide for the winter. I removed it and the furnace is now working. Saved a repair bill there.
After that things went much better. Found a Notary to witness our signatures and mailed a document to North Grumman Benefits. The campground staff was helpful in locating the Notary who was at the side of the parking lot. The also called the "free" shuttle service to take us to Temple Square.
On the way the driver gave us some history of the area and pointed out various things to us. We thought we might be camping across the street from a nuclear power plant but he said it was from natural gas. At least we won't glow in the dark.he advised us to look for young ladies wearing badges who would give us a tour.
We found thee young ladies who are doing their missionary work. These young ladies were from Brazil, Denmark and an Asian(whom we not understand which country she was from). They took us into the Tabernacle where the Choir performs. It will hold a large number of people and is one of the most "acoustically" perfect buildings you can find. It was built be microphones and speakers so it had to be so everyone could hear the speaker. You could hear pin drop at the back of the auditorium.
After that things went much better. Found a Notary to witness our signatures and mailed a document to North Grumman Benefits. The campground staff was helpful in locating the Notary who was at the side of the parking lot. The also called the "free" shuttle service to take us to Temple Square.
On the way the driver gave us some history of the area and pointed out various things to us. We thought we might be camping across the street from a nuclear power plant but he said it was from natural gas. At least we won't glow in the dark.he advised us to look for young ladies wearing badges who would give us a tour.
We found thee young ladies who are doing their missionary work. These young ladies were from Brazil, Denmark and an Asian(whom we not understand which country she was from). They took us into the Tabernacle where the Choir performs. It will hold a large number of people and is one of the most "acoustically" perfect buildings you can find. It was built be microphones and speakers so it had to be so everyone could hear the speaker. You could hear pin drop at the back of the auditorium.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Day 6
Up early this morning. Went out to the car to load some things and a cold rain was starting. The next trip to the car and it was snowing. For the next few hours we drove thro rain, sleet, and snow. Fortunately traffic was not bad and I didn't have a nervous breakdown. Joyce might have. Especially when I swerved to miss a pothole and she wasn't expecting it. The temp when we left was 35 and it was raw.
Even tho I didn't want to spend the money for the hotel it was a wise decision. It would have been terrible to put this camper down under those conditions. We eventually drove out of the wet weather and once again the scenery was beautiful. Huge Mesas and Buttes. Not sure of the names for them. Lots of snow covered mountains. And the aspens and oaks were pretty.
Joyce loves to count things. Saw 9 trains, many wind turbines and a lot of antelope today. One section of turbines were so numerous that she couldn't count them. She has taken bunches of pictures. I have taken three. The driver doesn't get to take pictures. And since we have been on Interstates for almost 2000 miles not much opportunity anyway.
We are now in a KOA in Salt Lake City. On Temple Ave. a light rail runs along the street and we will probably use it for our sightseeing. The weather is much better here than in Rawlins. Currently it is 52 degrees outside. Far better than yesterday.
Even tho I didn't want to spend the money for the hotel it was a wise decision. It would have been terrible to put this camper down under those conditions. We eventually drove out of the wet weather and once again the scenery was beautiful. Huge Mesas and Buttes. Not sure of the names for them. Lots of snow covered mountains. And the aspens and oaks were pretty.
Joyce loves to count things. Saw 9 trains, many wind turbines and a lot of antelope today. One section of turbines were so numerous that she couldn't count them. She has taken bunches of pictures. I have taken three. The driver doesn't get to take pictures. And since we have been on Interstates for almost 2000 miles not much opportunity anyway.
We are now in a KOA in Salt Lake City. On Temple Ave. a light rail runs along the street and we will probably use it for our sightseeing. The weather is much better here than in Rawlins. Currently it is 52 degrees outside. Far better than yesterday.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Day 5
Left Junction City, NE this morning with Rawlins, WY as our destination. Due to the weather forecast we are staying at the Quality Inn there. Expecting rain tonight and turning to snow tomorrow morning. A couple of inches or so. Will make an interesting day.
Drove 376 miles today and are now on MDT. A two hour difference from home. We saw lots of snow on the ground between Cheyenne and Larimie. Stopped at visitors center at asked lady how much snow did they get. She said 5 inches and it is not unusual at this time of year. The visitors center was at 8,680 feet.
I noticed that I was dizzy so returned to car and checked my oxygen level. It was low, so I practiced a technique that I have been taught and got it back up to a good level. That should be the highest we have to go over.
We have seen lots of corn, millet and other grains being harvested on our way here. Also lots of hay and several feedlots. Do they ever smell bad. Quickly learned to switch from outside vent to recirculating until we passed by.
The Aspens are in full color right now and they are spectacular. We will miss our fall color but this makes up for it. Ate at a little truck stop for lunch today. As Joyce said after we left, "now that was an interesting experience". It was run by Indians from India. Turbans and foreign writing everywhere. Wasn't sure we wanted to stay, but did. Meal was acceptable and price very reasonable.
Joyce finally spotted some prong-horned Antelope today. Actually ended up seeing quite a few. That made her happy. And there is an occasional flower blooming.
All for today.
Drove 376 miles today and are now on MDT. A two hour difference from home. We saw lots of snow on the ground between Cheyenne and Larimie. Stopped at visitors center at asked lady how much snow did they get. She said 5 inches and it is not unusual at this time of year. The visitors center was at 8,680 feet.
I noticed that I was dizzy so returned to car and checked my oxygen level. It was low, so I practiced a technique that I have been taught and got it back up to a good level. That should be the highest we have to go over.
We have seen lots of corn, millet and other grains being harvested on our way here. Also lots of hay and several feedlots. Do they ever smell bad. Quickly learned to switch from outside vent to recirculating until we passed by.
The Aspens are in full color right now and they are spectacular. We will miss our fall color but this makes up for it. Ate at a little truck stop for lunch today. As Joyce said after we left, "now that was an interesting experience". It was run by Indians from India. Turbans and foreign writing everywhere. Wasn't sure we wanted to stay, but did. Meal was acceptable and price very reasonable.
Joyce finally spotted some prong-horned Antelope today. Actually ended up seeing quite a few. That made her happy. And there is an occasional flower blooming.
All for today.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Left home Wednesday not knowing what might be in store for us when we get to Utah. Left home shortly after nine and headed for Carter Caves State Park in KY. Got there mid afternoon and we decided to make some more miles and spend the night in a motel.
On Thursday we left for St. Louis and the Casino Queen which has an RV park. We get there and to our chagrin the RV park is closed for the season. Sitting in the parking lot, figuring our next move, when security shows up. Instead of telling us there was no room in the in he told us to camp in a gravel lot nearby. We did, and took him up on his offer to drive us to and from the casino. Ate dinner there Afterwards, Joyce played the slots and lost for the first time. She was not happy!!!
I went to the hotel and the office manager let me use her computer. I needed to get to the internet and print a document that Joyce needs to sign and have notarized. Got the document but unable to find a notary yet.
Left Friday morning and headed west again. Lots of traffic driving thru St. Louis and Kansas City. Made it safely to Junction City! CO in late afternoon. Joyce has been feeling bad so we stayed in a motel again.
While there I researched elevations thru the Rockies. Found on I 70 the elevation was a little over 11,000 feet. Going north into Nebraska and Wyoming it was around 8,000 feet. So we went north and are now in North Platte Nebraska. Joyce is feeling better and we are camping tonight. Low around 32 tonite. Have an electric space heater going and two quilts on the bed. We will do OK.
Our next stop is Rawlings Wyoming. Chance of snow there tomorrow night. Ah, the adventure.
On Thursday we left for St. Louis and the Casino Queen which has an RV park. We get there and to our chagrin the RV park is closed for the season. Sitting in the parking lot, figuring our next move, when security shows up. Instead of telling us there was no room in the in he told us to camp in a gravel lot nearby. We did, and took him up on his offer to drive us to and from the casino. Ate dinner there Afterwards, Joyce played the slots and lost for the first time. She was not happy!!!
I went to the hotel and the office manager let me use her computer. I needed to get to the internet and print a document that Joyce needs to sign and have notarized. Got the document but unable to find a notary yet.
Left Friday morning and headed west again. Lots of traffic driving thru St. Louis and Kansas City. Made it safely to Junction City! CO in late afternoon. Joyce has been feeling bad so we stayed in a motel again.
While there I researched elevations thru the Rockies. Found on I 70 the elevation was a little over 11,000 feet. Going north into Nebraska and Wyoming it was around 8,000 feet. So we went north and are now in North Platte Nebraska. Joyce is feeling better and we are camping tonight. Low around 32 tonite. Have an electric space heater going and two quilts on the bed. We will do OK.
Our next stop is Rawlings Wyoming. Chance of snow there tomorrow night. Ah, the adventure.
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