Into The Land Of Lava Flows And The Snake River

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

 

Another account of our all too short stay on the swell, by Dana and Cathie.

 

Monday, May 13 - West of Yellowstone is lava land – stretching all the way to the Pacific coast. If you have seen one metamorphic basalt flow then you have seen them all. So why did we go out of the way to reach Craters of the Moon NM in south central Idaho? Well, it’s one of the few places in the parks system that we have not visited. And I wanted to know if it was better than I imagined. It is better. Slightly so. It is at the foot of the Lost River range and south of it is the wide Snake River Plain.

How do you photograph dark colored rock?

A comment on the extra branches in the far right picture. It’s called Witches Broom. We had seen the odd growth before, but now we know it caused by a parasitic lichen. The lichen sucks a lot of energy out of the host tree, but emits hormones to excite the tree to grow, hence the many branches.

One more comment, the Park Service is always protective of everything. At the moon, they remind you to stay on the trails to prevent damage to the basalt. Considering that there are thousands of miles of basalt it seems rather overboard. In one place, on a foot path, they left a piece of basalt about the size of a football in place and poured concrete around it. 

It was a long driving day. We left our place near Logan, UT and toyed with stopping after two hours or so. After considering we will need some place to hole up for the weekend we decided to make the four-hour drive to the Moon in one leg. It took six hours and we almost did not make it. We were both groggy by late morning and the temp was 85, so an afternoon nap was not in the cards. I saw the rig drift all the way into the oncoming lane and yelled before we left the road. She caught it and we stayed on the road. Fortunately Route 26 is a lonely road and there was no oncoming traffic.

Tuesday, May 14 – Having a few extra days before we need to arrive in Baker City, we noted the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. We like raptors, it has more raptors than any place in the US and since it’s BLM land parking is free. We have not found the alleged campground, but we did find a great parking place on the river and the horizon stretches for ever.

The Snake River from near our parking spot 

Wednesday, May 15 - Today we moved to Mack's Creek CG. This is a COE camp along the Boise River. The canyon isn't very deep but it is certainly impressive. The walls are rolling hills covered with yellow wildflowers that look much like daisies. The river is green. It's great to sit at our campsite and look across the river and see so much green. It's a small campground, only five RV sites, which is what we love. We have a nice Ramada where I have spent some time today. One thing we did after lunch was drive to Idaho City. It was a gold mining town in the 1860's and had over 6,000 residents. Things dried up in 1942 because of the war. Today there are about 450 residents, but some of the old buildings still exist. It's been a very interesting and relaxing day.

 A section of the dammed up Boise River across from our parking spot

Beautiful downtown Idaho City. In 1862 it was the largest city in the NW and produced more gold than any other place.

Before we left Boise, we toured the state capital. We have visited about half of the western state capitals. Normally, we learn a bit of local history in the process. Idaho’s is modeled on the US capital. Here, and at many Idaho buildings we have seen the black POW/MIA flag flying. In fact, even Idaho Power CG’s fly the POW/MIA flag.

BTW, Boise shows all kinds new growth. The Costco parking lot was more than double the normal size and it was full by 11am. This one had a garden shop and a car wash.

Thursday, May 16 – Another day of driving. This time from east of Boise NW into Hell’s Canyon. We have approached the canyon from two different directions before, but this is the first time into the heart of the beast. We are parked in a delightful CG operated by Idaho Power. If this were private, the price would be north of $40. We have a pull thru with W&E and free Wi-Fi. [3 to 6 Mbps] The Snake River is downhill about 60 yards through lush green grass. Oh yeah, we can wash the vehicles here.

Dorothy needs to veg, so we will hang here until we move to Baker City Monday for the NW GTG. Look closely and you can see Dorothy under the tree.

Friday, May 17 – It rained - we vegged. I did manage to get my princess to go into the hamlet of Halfway and do laundry.

Saturday, May 18 – The Wx report says partly cloudy for the next 10 days and also cooler. At 7am there are raindrops on the roof. Grump!

By 10, we had cabin fever, so clouds be damned we wanted to see what we could of the canyon. We drove 22 miles on the Idaho Power built and maintained asphalt road to the last dam. Beyond there, there are no roads and a permit is required to be on the river. As we returned little patches of blue sky inched larger.

After lunch and a nap, there was only 50% cloud cover so I decided to take the Kleinschmidt Grade to Sheep Rock. Here is how one web site describes the road.

The truck’s tires on the driver’s side were inches from the edge of a 1,000-foot drop-off while the side-view mirror on the passenger side came pretty close to scraping a craggy rock wall. One thing about the Kleinschmidt Grade, you’ve got to keep looking uphill in anticipation of other rigs while looking for turnouts. That’s not easy as the road winds in hairpin turns and climbs about 2,200 feet in less than 5 miles.

Well that sounded great to us. Phooey! The gravel road is actually smoother than most interstates, the width is 1.5 to 2 lanes most of the way and can be driven in any passenger car at speeds of 35mph. About as exciting as going through a car wash. The only car we encountered on the way up was the Sherriff. We had some fine views as we climbed.

So we get 17 miles in and come to this.

So at only 6,505 feet and 42 degrees, we make a seven point turn around and descend. Defeated again.

We have tried Hell’s Canyon three times. First, from the Oregon side from Imanaha to Hat Point. Smoke from a distant fire got so bad we had to turn around. Another year we tried from Seven Devils on the Idaho side. We made it to the end of the road, but the canyon had smoke from two fires reducing visibility less than a mile.

Factoid: In the late 1880s, entrepreneur Albert Kleinschmidt built the road to haul copper and gold from the Seven Devils area to the Snake River. He wanted to haul the ore by boat upriver to Huntington, Ore.  That did not work out as the boat he had built to haul the ore could not manage the rapids.

An upside to the day was our first sighting on a bear in the wild. We don’t count any animal by the side of the road that is accustomed to people. The animal must be surprised, and flee to be counted by us. Dorothy spied a bear with a golden coat of hair browsing in a meadow. He threw up dirt in his run to get away from us, first cross hill, then dashing across the road and down into thick tree cover. Not so far away, near Riggins, ID, we saw our only wild bull moose.\

Amusing history about the place we are, that was once Copperfield, OR, The wildest town on Oregon. There is the story about one Texas Ranger being dispatched to handle a riot. When he arrived the Sherriff is reported to have asked “There is only one of you?” and the ranger replied “There is only one riot.” The Oregon governor sent his 5’4” inch private secretary and six guardsmen to shut down a town and it was done in an hour. More here.

 Sunday, May 19 – It was 100% cloudy from dawn to after nap. I wanted to do the Hess Road, one of those goes up the side of the canyon roads, but I was strongly counseled not to as it would be low-gear 4WD after the rain. Of course I am thinking just what I like. While I pondered it, I washed the Jeep. Then someone strongly suggested we take the road to the Overlook. Hmmmm, cloudy, Jeep clean, do I want to trash the Jeep for a view or take a paved road to the Overlook. I will just say that the Overlook was impressive. 6,500 feet, no snow, and a 180 degree view. If only the clouds had lifted on the Idaho side so the Seven Devils Mountains showed up.

Tomorrow, we will be in Baker City with 39 other Lazy Daze.

 

Last Days In Utah

A Cloudy day on the Swell

As we pulled out to leave, I saw this in the side mirror. I grabbed the camera and got out as fast as I could. It was already fading and lasted less than a minute. It’s a keeper.

The San Rafael Swell has some of the most bizarrely twisted, uplifted and eroded rocks in Utah. There are canyons, domes, pictographs and petroglyphs. Everything we like. We have poked around the Swell before, but have yet to spend enough time there.

 

Tuesday, May 7 - Although we would have loved staying in the San Rafael Swell longer, the weather was not going to cooperate with us.  We never drive on interstates if we can avoid them, but today was the exception. We wanted to drive the scenic 75 miles of I-70 along the Swell. This area is breath-taking in it's beauty. There are many scenic view areas and each one must be taken. Also, there are no signs that you can't overnight, but 10:00 a.m. seemed a bit early to stop for the day. This is definitely a "Must Do Again" area. It took us 2 1/2 hours to drive the 75 miles. We arrived in Payson, UT mid-afternoon and parked at Wal*Mart where we shopped and spent the night. We had TV reception after three weeks without.

Wednesday, May 8 - The first order of business was to go to Utah Trikes, where we bought the trike, Trixie, and have her checked out. They made a  minor adjustment and cleaned all of the red dirt out off her and she certainly did have red dirt. We stopped at Costco to get some things. Then we moved on to the Salt Lake City area. Right now we are camped at Rockport State Park about 35 miles east of Salt Lake City. This is a decent state park on a lake. The sites are asphalt and there is a concrete pad with table, grill, fire pit and Ramada. There is also grass and trees. We have a fast internet connection and 13 TV channels. We had the place to ourselves the first two days. All of this for only $10 per night. The entertaining thing in the campground are the magpies. They are big and beautiful.  There are pikas that have dug large holes, so the magpies go into the holes and retrieve worms and insects. 

Thursday, May 9 - We went into Salt Lake City, drove around for a little while and stopped at the Court House. This is a beautiful building. We had been to the State Capitol last year, but missed the Court House.  The important stop was the Red Iguana for lunch. We ate there twice last year.  Don had Mole Coloradito - Pine nuts, almonds, dried chile chiuacle, guajillo chile blended with fresh chile poblano and Mexican chocolate - served over grilled pork loin. I had Mole Negro - dried chile mulato, negro pasilla, Mexican chocolate, raisins, peanuts, walnuts & bananas tossed with chicken. Don't ask what a lot of this stuff is. All we can say is that it is very delicious. We may go back Saturday for lunch. We also had a first in town – a Wal-Mart with a covered two floor parking deck! 

If you like Gothic, this courthouse is for you. Note the column details from 1894.

Flowers around Temple Square

Friday, May 10 – Another trip into SLC to eat at The Star of India. Good, but not excellent. By 7, the campground was full for the weekend.

Saturday, May 11 – We had lunch at Mazza, a Lebanese establishment. Marvelous fare.

Sunday, May 12 – We drove an hour north and spent the afternoon and night at Anderson Cove near Logan. It was a glorious afternoon and both rode Trixie around the paved and level campground.

Continuing In Moab

Monday, April 29 - Our adventure today was to find the Secret Spire. Jeep roads are rated 1 - 5 with 5 being a metal bender. We can handle most that are rated 3. This road is rated 2. We had vague directions, but the main problem is that the roads aren't labeled with signs, Glenda is clueless and the so is Delorme. The first mile or so was a washboard road, but after that it was a fine dirt road, then it became a little less fine, then it was a slick rock road with low steps and then a sandy wash. But we found the Secret Spire. It's a OK spire in the middle of a flat area. It was the adventure of finding it plus we got in a Jeeping experience again.

On the return trip, we had a much better road and saw some good dispersed camping sites that are suitable for large rigs. The only problem is no cell phone coverage. [Dubrinski Well Road off Spring Canyon Road]

Tuesday, April 30 - Today was a maintenance day - dump tanks, get propane, get groceries, try to find another 12 volt back-lighted clock. For lunch, we went to one of the city parks then had a little nap. Love small Utah towns. We stopped at the Senior Center which is very nice and they have a book exchange so I got a few more book. Wish I could find something like that in Montgomery. We sat outside and it was a very pleasant day, a little warm. Late at night the wind really kicked up.  Koko was so clean we we left town 16 days ago, now there is a layer of red dust coating stuff.

Wednesday, May 1 - A cool & breezy day, but a very good one. Dale Ellis and his daughter-in-law, Debbie, came down from Grand Junction for a visit. We met Dale last year when he came to look at Koko because he was considering buying a LD, which he did. Before they got here, I cleaned the tricycle, which I have named Trixie, because she was really dirty. When they arrived we went sightseeing. We took the La Sal mountain loop counter-clockwise which makes it a quite different road. We wound up at Arches National Park for a picnic lunch. It was a very clear day and the scenery was spectacular. Arches happens to be one of my favorite parks. We returned home so I could make us coffee. Dan & Barb Adamson, a fellow LD couple, were there for few minutes and will come back and visit later. The wind finally died down and we had wine and campfire with neighbors, Dana & Cathie. It was a very good day.

Thursday, May 2 - We swapped Moab books with Dana & Cathie for the evening so we found a trail or two to explore.  The first trail we tried, Behind The Rocks, was not for Pelli, but the second trail we took to Lone Rock has Balcony Arch and Picture Window Arch. We drove that way last year but missed going around Lone Rock to Picture Window Arch. More beautiful scenery. This afternoon I road Trixie around the CG. There is a paved trail that I must do before we leave!

Friday, May 3 - We drove out Kane Creek Road, which is paved for a good ways, then turns to gravel. It's a narrow, windy road but not bad at all.  There were a lot of people camping along the way. We went as far as the Hurrah Pass where we had some great overlooks. I even got out of the Jeep and walked around for a little bit.  Really need the exercise. On the way back we stopped at Amass Back. This is a Jeeping trail that is very difficult. We got there just in time to watch someone being winched out. The rest of the Jeeps we saw simply climbed over the rocks. Ours isn't equipped to do anything close to that. To give you an idea of busy Moab is, when we stopped at Subway for lunch, Don asked how many sandwiches they had made. They said that the previous Saturday they made 103 in one hour!

Saturday, May 4 - We are leaving Moab tomorrow, so this day was dedicated to chores. That included dumping tanks, laundry, and grocery shopping. Moab is a small town but has a really great grocery store. And it is a very busy store. It must be the most productive of the City Market chain.

Sunday, May 5 – We moved a little west of Moab to near Goblin Valley. The last time we were in the area, we missed Horse Thief Canyon and it being a narrow slot, we wanted to hike it. We found a marvelous parking place above an arroyo with a million dollar view of the San Rafael Swell in our backyard. The only thing to spoil the day were periodic high winds that pick up the dirt so you can eat it. We are parked with Dana and Cathie who we met in at Goose Island. We don’t normally hike in the middle of the day, but Dana was ready and I reasoned that the light might be better in narrow canyon with the sun overhead. So off we went.

Dorothy had problems right away as boulders filled the narrow canyon entrance. We went up and then down into the canyon. After all that she was out of platformate. She parked herself on a flat rock and took a nap. I went up the canyon a ways and was surprised to see her smiling and heading toward me as I returned. I turned around and escorted her up to the first of the just wide enough to walk through section and she was happy. Not too long after that Dana and Cathie caught up with us on the way back to the trail head.

The wind increased after dinner and we were all bushed, so no campfire. We had a lighting fast internet connection and streamed 60 Minutes. 

Monday, May 6 – We woke up at 6:45 to a splendid sunrise painting the Navaho sandstone of the swell in soft colors . By 7, clouds filled the sky and we could see rain trying, but not making it to the ground north of us. Our internet connection went from fast to slow to not even there.

Nearby is some rock art. We marveled at the breast plate design of the warrior from a distance. When we looked at the picture, we noted two things. In 1977, Rob felt it necessary to inscribe his name on the painting. We hope Rob dies painfully. Second, the design was made by a rifle. A pox on the shooter.

In the late afternoon water hit the surface. A check of weather maps shows a series of clouds all the way to the Pacific. The forecast chance for rain is 30-40%  for the next few days. Rain in the Spring in Utah? Amazing. Not taking any chances, we moved a mile or so to get off the dirt road. Since if the ground gets saturated and soupy, we would not be moving until it dried.

Now In Moab

Sunday, April 21 - We finally exited Texas and crossed into New Mexico. Now don't get us wrong, we love Texas. It just takes so long to cross the state. We over nighted at Sumner Lake State Park. It's a decent park and better than Santa Rosa SP up the road. Like most lakes out here, it’s going away. We have a Ramada at our site and sat outside for a while. I had a bad day with my arm. I took a pain pill at lunch and then another one at dinner and then had to take a pill to combat the nausea.

Monday, April 22 - We stopped in Santa Fe to have lunch at Mucho Gusto. Yes, Martha, we still had your recommendation from 2010. You are correct that it is very good place. We were the only touristas. If I had known where the place was, I would have passed on it. A block from the Spanish Plaza is not a great area for an RV towing. But for an $8 parking charge we enjoyed a marvelous lunch.

We had chips and salsa first and the tomatillo sauce was fantastic. We could have drunk it. I had grilled shrimp and mushroom tacos with guacamole and Don had shredded lamb in sweet red barbecue sauce. They were served with very good Spanish rice, refried black beans and pico de gallo. Muy flavors!

We have been to Santa Fe a few times day tripping. This time it hit me, if you lived there you would need to somewhat proficient in Spanish as most of the road names are Spanish.

A beat up LD was turning into parking lot right in front of us. We saw it was a single woman with a German Shepard. Something told us she would not want to speak with us. By the time, we parked and got over to pay she was gone, walking fast towards the church. But, before we could stuff all our bills into the machine, she was back. No eye contact. She had put $20 in the machine for a $4 parking ticket despite the fact that a sign says No Change. Now, she feels that she made a mistake in her haste to escape us. The attendant advised her that she would need to see someone “upstairs”. And she was off again. No eye contact.

While eating, we decided to go Jemez Springs rather than Abiquiu. There is a small FS CG up a canyon that we like and our favorite site was open. We sat outside for Happy Hour and watched the sun paint the bluff, the trees and listened to the babbling Jemez River. A very good day.

Tuesday-Wednesday, April 23/24 – Back on US550, we headed north to Colorado and got our first view of the snow covered San Juan’s. We will drive the Jeep all over them in August, but for now it is like seeing old friends. I asked Dorothy if she knew where US550 went. She did not know. I said Ouray and I think I saw her grab her arm rest.

All along 550 we saw work trucks flying colored flags that indicate what energy company they belong to. It seemed every fourth south bound was flying colors. If Obama finds out, he will want to shut em down. Drilling bad, giving tax dollars to friends good.

We had not talked about it prior to the trip, but opted to go to Mesa Verde National Park. We have passed it a few times in last few years, but had not been there since 1984. We went to the new Visitor's Center first and I asked a ranger about ruins that I might get to. Most have ladders to climb and my feet will not allow me to climb ladders, but then my arm won't allow me to pull myself up either. It's disappointing. But there is a positive side - the CG is open, but doesn't officially open until mid-May. Therefore, it's free to camp. One must see thing here is the museum. We spent 1 1/2 hours, but could have spent more.

We toured Spruce House, which is accessible by a paved path. We learned that the natives desire the ruins to decay, while the Park Service maintains them in a state of arrested decay.

While the ruins are interesting what I most like about Mesa Verde are the long views you get in all directions. It’s an island in the sky, but unlike that like named place in Canyonland’s or Dead Horse Point, you see several other mountain islands from her.

The San Juan’s 25 miles away         Spruce Tree House                   I like the four level square house

Moab

Thursday, April 25 – We should have left at 6, but we messed around until 8, which put us into Moab after musical campsites happens each morning at the BLM CG’s along the Colorado. Dorothy’s handicapped placard allowed us to get a good site at Big Bend CG which is seven miles north of our favored CG. That said, BB is quieter than Goose Island as the canyon is wider so road noise has a place to go and a bit more scenic. OTOH, it is crowded and camp host is a bit of a Nazi.

Friday, April 26 – We are happy campers in Moab, UT. After a quick breakfast, we went to see if we could find a campsite in a CG closer to Moab. It had to be one that was better than we one we have. Every site was occupied. After getting gas, I told Don that we needed to go somewhere, but it had to be after I did my shoulder and foot exercises. The exercises take about 30 minutes and then I had to make lunch just in case we were gone at lunchtime.

We drove north on UT126 and turned onto Onion Creek Road and drove and drove and drove. We forded Onion Creek 23 times and crossed it once on a bridge. The landscape had unexpected intrusions of beauty.  We don't know how they do it, but campers find all kinds of places to camp along with road. We got to Taylor Ranch in Fisher Valley (a dead end) or we could continue east. Glenda, our GPS, told us that continuing would be the shortest way to return. We believed her and continued on Hideout Road. She lied! We aren't sorry that we believed her because we got to see more gorgeous scenery and also got in some 4-wheeling adventure climbing up 2,700 feet. We finally turned around and headed home. The trip was four hours and 23 miles of gorgeous Utah scenery.

Moab is a unique town. In the 1930's and 1940's, it was popular as a movie location, then uranium mining was big. After that closed, the town was dying. Someone had the foresight to promote the town as a tourist spot. Arches National Park is here. But that's not all. They hold all kinds of rallies here - bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, Miata, and Corvettes. This weekend is no exception - it's a Hot Rod Rally. Last night people lined the sidewalks with their chairs and watched the hot rods cruise up and down the street and we joined in until it was too dark to see the cars. They love to race their engines so that they roar.  The hotels are full and the campgrounds are full. The town is doing well.

Yes, we are happy campers in Moab with smiles on our faces and we get to stay here for two weeks.

The road goes on forever and the party never ends - Robert Earl Keen

Saturday, April 27 – Up and out early was our plan but it didn't happen.  We had a plan - we would drive to Klondike Bluff.  We had the map and off we went. It was an easy dirt road at first, then a four wheel drive and then there were steps.  We stopped, scoped out the situation and Don even built up the road bed.  It looked fine and I stayed on the road to watch.  "STOP" - the left front wheel was in the air and frame was on the rock. With three tires on rock we backed up and turned around.

Of course, the main reason for being in the Moab area is the scenery.  We avoided town because of the Hot Rod Rally.  Just too many people.  We returned to camp and spent a quiet day.

Sunday, April 28 – We played musical campsites. Moab cleared out today. Finding a good site proved to be no problem. We are now at Goose Island. The temp today and the next two days will be in the high 80’s, so we are staying in the shade. It will cool off on Wednesday.

There are dingbats everywhere. I read where a single woman that has owned a old RV for 12 years was asking for help getting her RV to start. She did not know the rig had a second starting battery located under the drivers seat. A 12+ year old battery!

Crossing The Country Again

(Note:  For those of you that are new to our blog, our motor home is manufactured by Lazy Daze in Montclair, CA.  Throughout the blog, you will see us talking about friends that we are with that have a Lazy Daze or LD.  The motor home is white and dark tan and we wanted a name referring to the color. We thought of cocoa. Since a friend knows we love the west, she suggested Kokopelli - a Navaho fertility deity, usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player.  Thus the motor home is named Koko and the Jeep is named Pelli.) PS, the rock art images of Kokopelli are anatomically amplified, not cleaned up like this one.

This is our eighth crossing of the country since we retired in 2006. Over 80,000 miles in the RV, plus another 30,000 in the Jeep. It takes us about 10 days to cross. Let’s see 8 round trips, so 16(10) is 160 days or almost six months of our lives that could have been better spent if our daughter had moved to any western state.

Sunday, April 14 - We left home in the rain. We thought of postponing for a day but it looked like we were going to drive in rain at some point so we left.  It rained until we got to Reform, AL which is about 40 miles west of Tuscaloosa. Then it was cloudy, but no rain.  We spent the night at the Jeff Busby Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway.  The campground is paved and the sites are mostly level.  The restrooms are clean.  And it is free! 

Monday, April 15 - We drove to El Dorado, AR and spent the night at Wal*Mart.  I will whine a little here.  My arm is giving me a little trouble and I am having trouble sleeping.  I finally gave in around 6pm and took a pain pill.  I have lots of them. I don't like being drugged, but I don't like being in pain either. 

Tuesday, April 16 - A very early morning for us - we left at 6:00, stopping for breakfast along the way. We arrived at Juniper Point CG on Lake Texaoma just after noon. Our site has a nice concrete patio and water and electric. We get good television reception and internet.  We came here to met our friend, Nancy, that full-times in her LD.  We had a good time chatting and catching up.

Wednesday, April 17 - The three of us went to Sherman looking for a barbecue restaurant.  It wasn't where it was supposed to be so we went to the Visitor's Center, which is located in a very large antique store.  The place we were looking for has been closed for some time, but they recommended the Cackle & Oink Restaurant.  We all had ribs which were pretty good.  Our son-in-law’s sauce is better and I will have that on my leftovers.  It is mostly cloudy, warm and windy.  The breeze feels great.  And even though the sun isn't shinning brightly, you can still get a sunburn which I did yesterday sitting outside.  I will have to be more careful.

Thursday, April 18 - Had a storm come through early this morning, but it didn't wake us.  It's much chillier today, so we are just lazing around and spending some time with Nancy.  Going to be colder tonight!

Friday, April 19 – We could not stop chatting with Nancy so we got away at 10:30 and proceeded to stop every few miles for something. The plan was to boon dock in Caprock Canyon, but by 3PM we had covered about two hours of the five hour distance. No way were we going to drive until 6PM. About that time one of the fine Texas rest stops appeared and we parked for the night.

Saturday, April 20 – Caprock Canyon or bust. This is part of the legendary Llano Estacado where the Comanche held off the pony soldiers for almost 100 years. One arroyo after another to hide in and wait for the cavalry. We read a book on Quanah Parker last year and wanted to see more of area than you can see from the main highways.  I had seen two great aerial pictures of the area and wanted to try to get one picture that would make the diversion worthwhile. However, the gods were not with me. The forecast clear skies were actually 98% overcast all day. Not sure I found the right place anyway. We did pause at some of the picnic areas. Ideal for views and over nighting. Every so often a ranch truck will go by.

 

On the way you pass through Turkey, Texas, home of Bob Wills. One fine year our crossing will time with the annual music festival held there. I had rather waltz than drive across Texas.

Sunday, April 21 – A two hour drive through some of the brownest country we have ever seen to an almost dry lake near Ft. Sumner. Ft. Sumner has two claims to fame. One, a place to herd plains Indians until they died. The second is Billy The Kid. Now on Mountain Time.

Next stops, Lake Abuquiu, Mesa Verde and Moab.

Finally

There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.

We have a number of feral cats that patrol the fence line behind our home. They range for many blocks based on sightings from our neighbors. The Old Woman has taken to feeding them in the hopes that one of them allow her to touch them. The food trough is just out the door, but so far, they remain suspicious of humans and bolt if you touch the doorknob.

 

The gray is our favorite.

March 25: We are three weeks away from departure.  I continue to go to physical therapy, but now only twice a week.  I have washed and ironed the curtains that hang in the kitchen and bathroom and I am getting ready to stock up the kitchen.  For those that don't travel in a RV, it's like moving.  You have a new kitchen to supply with essentials.  But this is exciting for us.  If only the weather would cooperate. We have to get both vehicles in for maintenance. 

April 2: We have started packing - yea!  When we got home last August, we took everything out of Koko so that she could get a really good cleaning since a lot of the trip was where there was a red dirt blowing.  Since we downsized our house, we don't have extra storage space, so I put everything up someplace.  I keep finding things that needs to go in Koko.  I have lists of most everything, but I still keep finding stuff that is not on a list.   I wonder how much stuff I will leave at home.

We got new foam in our lounge/bed area.  We told the owner of the business, who happens to have a motor home, that we wanted firm.  He said he certainly understood.  Well, we picked up the cushions, put them in the rig, and they are firm.  No memory foam needed. They really gave us our money’s worth, somehow they were able to put more foam in than they took out. The cushions are an inch higher.

I will continue to do my shoulder therapy when we are on the road and take pain pills with me.  The therapist tells me that I have to do exercises as long as I have a problem, but no one knows how long that will be. 

Announcements:

We don’t plan on sending out notices when we update the blog this year. We update it about every week, so check when the mood strikes you. Another change, we may not be real specific about some of our boon dock locations. We have found that sharing secret locations is often one-way deal. So we will play along. We have another web site that lists the best ones and folks that have shared with us know about it.

Launch date is Sunday. All the vehicles are serviced. I did not get two items done. Mañana.

Sun 14.................. Natchez Trace Jeff Busby CG.................. Ackerman, MS

Mon 15.................. Wally World.................. El Dorado, AR

Tues 16.................. COE Juniper Point.................. Denison, TX

Wed 17.................. Collingsworth County Pioneer Park.................. Wellington, TX

Thur 18.................. Palo Duro.................. Boondock

Fri 19.................. Sumner Lake SP.................. Ft Sumner, NM

Sun 20.................. Abiquiu Lake.................. Abiquiu, NM

Tues 22.................. San Juan NF Bradfield CG.................. Delores, CO

Wed 23.................. Goose Island.................. Moab, UT

May

.................. Hyrum SP.................. Hyrum, UT

.................. Crater’s of Moon NM.................. Arco, ID

Mon 20.................. Mt. View RV Park.................. Baker City, OR

The Alabama State Capital

We try to visit the capital buildings in the states we travel. We had not been in the one at home since we were kids.

The portrait is of Lurleen Wallace who served as governor, because her husband George was prohibited from serving consecutive terms. He served three terms himself.