4-30-14 (Pictures below)
Another cold, breezy day but we bundled up and we were on our way. Our adventure today took us to Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments. We can not say enough good things about the National Parks we have been too so far. The rangers are wonderful. We can say that our government needs to increase the funds to these parks as they are in need of upkeep. We know the rangers do the best they can, we just need to get our government to back them up and preserve our National Parks and history.
About a 1,000 years ago a 1,000 foot high cinder cone, known today as Sunset Crater grew where forest had been. The volcano ash buried about 64,000 acres of potential farm land. All the hills and mountains in the area are volcanos. They are part of 2,200 square miles of landscape, lava flows, cinder cones and other wonders known as the San Francisco field. The San Francisco Mountain shown in the pictures was named after St. Francis. In the pictures you can tell the volcano ash is still prevalent everywhere. Trees and shrubs are again lining these hill and mountains. Different elevations support different habitats. The upper elevation supports Squirrels and blue steller jays. The middle elevations supports jackrabbits and pronghorn antelope. The lower elevation and lower lands support lizards, snakes, coyotes and bobcats.
Jim and I walked the lava trail and it was just magnificent to walk among history that happened over 1,000 years ago.
At the Wupatki National Park we saw a Big House or Hopi and and the Citadel Pueblo. The Hopi and the Citadel is what is left of the culture of the puebloan people that occupied this land during the 1,100.
Until tomorrow,
Jim and Debbie
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
April 28, 2014 ( lots of pictures)
Today was our train ride trip to the Grand Canyon. We are just so excited. I have never been on a train before so I was double excited. We first saw a western show that was just so funny and we really enjoyed it. We spoke to one of the cast members (he was from Mississippi). He said that if it wasn't for the train and the man that owns the Canyon Railways, the town of Williams would be a ghost town.
We had a great ride and saw cattle fences, corrals and phone lines that were built in the 1890's. This land still has cattle ranches that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Our first stop at the Grand Canyon was to view the Bucky O'Neill Cabin. Mr. O'Neill was a prospector and adventurer. The cabin was built in the 1890's and is the oldest Grand Canyon structure. Mr. O'Neill's career ended abruptly in 1898 when he was killed in Cuba while serving with Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. Later when Theodore Roosevelt became President he stayed in Bucky's cabin and made the Grand Canyon a National Park.
The Grand Canyon has to be one of the most awesome landmarks in the US. I can't even put into words how gorgeous it is. It is one of those places you have to experience for yourself. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and an average of 10 miles wide from rim to rim. It boast 24 miles of hiking trail and has an average elevation from 7000-8000 feet above sea level. Jim and I walked the Trail of Time and almost made it to a bus pick up point, but we have to admit the altitude has put a kink in our breathing.
As beautiful as the Grand Canyon is a lot of the trails especially the trails that go down the side of the mountains have no barriers. When Jim and I were coming off of our trail we walked by a ranger that was receiving a call about an incident at Mather Point. Unfortunately someone did fall 400 feet off the South Rim and this morning our prayers are with this family.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Sunday, April 27, 2014
April 27, 2014 (pictures below)
Deep contrast between todays weather and yesterdays. We woke up to clear skies and a temperature of 34 degrees. We took a ride to Sedona and Jerome today. It was a beautiful drive as we had to go to Flagstaff to get to Sedona. Flagstaff received up to 8 inches of snow so the snow on the trees was beautiful as well as the mountain with snow on it and in the clouds this morning.
We saw a herd of at least 20 deer but could not get a picture as the road was steep and there was no place to pull off. The ride to Sedona and was like every picture we have ever seen (another bucket place check marked off). I think you will agree the rock formations are breathless and beauty to behold. We did not stop in Sedona as the town was really touristy and Jim and I love history. So we drove to an old mining town called Jerome.
Jerome was an old copper mining boom town of 15,000 people and turned into one of Arizona's largest ghost town but now is considered Arizona's most unique art and history destinations that boast over 1,000,000 visitors a year. The town is built on Cleopatra Hill and in its hay day produced 3 million pounds of copper per month. In the late 60's and 70's Jerome offered a haven for artists that renovated homes and opened up abandoned shops to sell their wares. Jerome is now a bustling tourist magnet and artistic community with a population of about 480. We had a cup of coffee with Vinnie who owns the Copper Town Café. Vinnie gave us tips on the town of Jerome and was a very inspirational soul. God led us to this little Café for a reason today. Thank you and God Bless you Vinnie.
We then headed for the Montezuma Castle National Park. Montezuma's castle was built by the Southern Sinagua farmers. It is a 5 story, 20 room dwelling that was built between 1100 and 1300.
It occupies a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley. The castle once was a five story apartment like building with about 45 rooms. The farmers found reliable water in the nearby creek and fertile land on the nearby terrace for farming. As you can tell by the picture this was a unique history lesson.
We came back to town and ate at the 66 café where we met a Joann and Dave from Ocala, FL. What a small world.
Tomorrow is our train ride which we are both really excited about, number 1 I have never been on a train and no. 2 we have never seen the Grand Canyon.
Have a great evening,
Jim and Debbie
Deep contrast between todays weather and yesterdays. We woke up to clear skies and a temperature of 34 degrees. We took a ride to Sedona and Jerome today. It was a beautiful drive as we had to go to Flagstaff to get to Sedona. Flagstaff received up to 8 inches of snow so the snow on the trees was beautiful as well as the mountain with snow on it and in the clouds this morning.
We saw a herd of at least 20 deer but could not get a picture as the road was steep and there was no place to pull off. The ride to Sedona and was like every picture we have ever seen (another bucket place check marked off). I think you will agree the rock formations are breathless and beauty to behold. We did not stop in Sedona as the town was really touristy and Jim and I love history. So we drove to an old mining town called Jerome.
Jerome was an old copper mining boom town of 15,000 people and turned into one of Arizona's largest ghost town but now is considered Arizona's most unique art and history destinations that boast over 1,000,000 visitors a year. The town is built on Cleopatra Hill and in its hay day produced 3 million pounds of copper per month. In the late 60's and 70's Jerome offered a haven for artists that renovated homes and opened up abandoned shops to sell their wares. Jerome is now a bustling tourist magnet and artistic community with a population of about 480. We had a cup of coffee with Vinnie who owns the Copper Town Café. Vinnie gave us tips on the town of Jerome and was a very inspirational soul. God led us to this little Café for a reason today. Thank you and God Bless you Vinnie.
We then headed for the Montezuma Castle National Park. Montezuma's castle was built by the Southern Sinagua farmers. It is a 5 story, 20 room dwelling that was built between 1100 and 1300.
It occupies a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley. The castle once was a five story apartment like building with about 45 rooms. The farmers found reliable water in the nearby creek and fertile land on the nearby terrace for farming. As you can tell by the picture this was a unique history lesson.
We came back to town and ate at the 66 café where we met a Joann and Dave from Ocala, FL. What a small world.
Tomorrow is our train ride which we are both really excited about, number 1 I have never been on a train and no. 2 we have never seen the Grand Canyon.
Have a great evening,
Jim and Debbie
Saturday, April 26, 2014
April 26, 2014 (pictures below)
Well as you can see by the pictures below we were pretty RV bound today. Had 40-50 mile an hour winds all night and then woke up to snow flurries, which I found pretty cool, Jim not so much (LOL).
The people that know my Jim, know that anything below 80 degrees is cold to him.
It started to really snow about 9:00am, now I have seen snow before, but I have never seen it snow. I was in awe. In between the snow we decided to go get a bite to eat and experience the freezing weather. While we were on the way out we saw a coyote cross the road and go into an empty lot next door. Another 1st for me and again I was in awe. By the time we got done with lunch the snow pick up again.
We have plans to cook chili and corn bread for dinner as the weather is suppose to get bad again.
Tomorrow is suppose to be a nicer day and we are planning to take a trip to Sedona.
Have a great evening,
Jim and Debbie
Well as you can see by the pictures below we were pretty RV bound today. Had 40-50 mile an hour winds all night and then woke up to snow flurries, which I found pretty cool, Jim not so much (LOL).
The people that know my Jim, know that anything below 80 degrees is cold to him.
It started to really snow about 9:00am, now I have seen snow before, but I have never seen it snow. I was in awe. In between the snow we decided to go get a bite to eat and experience the freezing weather. While we were on the way out we saw a coyote cross the road and go into an empty lot next door. Another 1st for me and again I was in awe. By the time we got done with lunch the snow pick up again.
We have plans to cook chili and corn bread for dinner as the weather is suppose to get bad again.
Tomorrow is suppose to be a nicer day and we are planning to take a trip to Sedona.
Have a great evening,
Jim and Debbie
April 25, 2014 (pictures below)
Hi,
We decided to leave Winslow early because the weather up in Williams was suppose to get bad.
Had a gorgeous ride again. Williams is a beautiful little town. We have reservations to take a train ride to the Grand Canyon on Monday. From here we can drive to Flagstaff, Sedona, Jerome (which is suppose to be a western ghost town) so we are planning a lot of day trips from here.
The town of Williams is only 2 blocks away (old route 66) so after we set up yesterday we walked up for a peak to see what it is like. Cute little town with lots of shops and places to eat. Jim and I tried Pine Country Restaurant which is family style cooking. The desserts were amazing (homemade pies and cakes). Having a great time.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Hi,
We decided to leave Winslow early because the weather up in Williams was suppose to get bad.
Had a gorgeous ride again. Williams is a beautiful little town. We have reservations to take a train ride to the Grand Canyon on Monday. From here we can drive to Flagstaff, Sedona, Jerome (which is suppose to be a western ghost town) so we are planning a lot of day trips from here.
The town of Williams is only 2 blocks away (old route 66) so after we set up yesterday we walked up for a peak to see what it is like. Cute little town with lots of shops and places to eat. Jim and I tried Pine Country Restaurant which is family style cooking. The desserts were amazing (homemade pies and cakes). Having a great time.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Friday, April 25, 2014
April 24, 2014 (see pictures)
Hi everyone,
We had a great travel day. You could definitely see the landscape change from one state to another. The combination of the sculpture of these plateau's and the hills is amazing. We crossed the Continental Divide and ended up at one point being over a mile above sea level.
We gained an hour so by the time we arrived at the RV park it was only 2:30. Since the crater is just 5 miles away we went ahead to tour the largest crater made by a meteor preserved on Earth.
About 50,000 years ago part of an asteroid hurtling about 26,000 miles per hour and estimated about 150 feet across and weighing several hundred thousand tons struck the rocky plain with an explosive force greater than 20 million tons of TNT. In seconds a crater 700 feet deep and over 4000 feet across was carved into this once flat rocky plain. In some of the shocked meteorites, the intense pressures transformed small concentrations of graphite into microscopic-sized diamonds.
To give you a better idea as to the craters size, imagine twenty football games being played simultaneously on its floor, while more than 2 million spectators observe from its sloping sides.
Fortunately for science and all of us, Meteor Crater has sustained relatively little removal of material since it's formation 50,000 year ago. Meteor Crater is the first proven and best preserved impact site on Earth and is designated a Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior.
One more site to cross off our bucket list. Truly an amazing sight to see.
We also saw the Milky Way (yes my granddaughter Kylie you can see the Milky Way) last night as the RV park we are staying at is away from any towns so the stars are amazing and spectacular.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Hi everyone,
We had a great travel day. You could definitely see the landscape change from one state to another. The combination of the sculpture of these plateau's and the hills is amazing. We crossed the Continental Divide and ended up at one point being over a mile above sea level.
We gained an hour so by the time we arrived at the RV park it was only 2:30. Since the crater is just 5 miles away we went ahead to tour the largest crater made by a meteor preserved on Earth.
About 50,000 years ago part of an asteroid hurtling about 26,000 miles per hour and estimated about 150 feet across and weighing several hundred thousand tons struck the rocky plain with an explosive force greater than 20 million tons of TNT. In seconds a crater 700 feet deep and over 4000 feet across was carved into this once flat rocky plain. In some of the shocked meteorites, the intense pressures transformed small concentrations of graphite into microscopic-sized diamonds.
To give you a better idea as to the craters size, imagine twenty football games being played simultaneously on its floor, while more than 2 million spectators observe from its sloping sides.
Fortunately for science and all of us, Meteor Crater has sustained relatively little removal of material since it's formation 50,000 year ago. Meteor Crater is the first proven and best preserved impact site on Earth and is designated a Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior.
One more site to cross off our bucket list. Truly an amazing sight to see.
We also saw the Milky Way (yes my granddaughter Kylie you can see the Milky Way) last night as the RV park we are staying at is away from any towns so the stars are amazing and spectacular.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
April 23, 2014 (lots of pictures today)
We had another beautiful day today. First we started off the day with a visit from a little rabbit (he is so cute).
Today we visited the Petroglyph National Monument. Petroglyphs are fragile, non renewable cultural resources that once damaged can not be replaced. The location we visited was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. To the America Indians the entire monument is a sacred landscape. There are over 20,000 images pecked in stone, some recognizable as animals, people, crosses and others more mysterious. Archeologists estimate that most of the images were made 400 to 700 years ago by the ancestors of todays Native people. Some images may be 2,000 to 3,000 years old. The West Mesa is a 17 mile long table of land west of the Rio Grande, emerged about 200,000 years ago when lava flowed from a large crack in the Earth's crust. This is the natural setting for the petroglyphs you see today. Jim and I really enjoyed the images that were created centuries ago along and with a lesson in ancient culture.
We move on tomorrow to Winslow, AZ.
Happy Trails,
Jim and Debbie
We had another beautiful day today. First we started off the day with a visit from a little rabbit (he is so cute).
Today we visited the Petroglyph National Monument. Petroglyphs are fragile, non renewable cultural resources that once damaged can not be replaced. The location we visited was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. To the America Indians the entire monument is a sacred landscape. There are over 20,000 images pecked in stone, some recognizable as animals, people, crosses and others more mysterious. Archeologists estimate that most of the images were made 400 to 700 years ago by the ancestors of todays Native people. Some images may be 2,000 to 3,000 years old. The West Mesa is a 17 mile long table of land west of the Rio Grande, emerged about 200,000 years ago when lava flowed from a large crack in the Earth's crust. This is the natural setting for the petroglyphs you see today. Jim and I really enjoyed the images that were created centuries ago along and with a lesson in ancient culture.
We move on tomorrow to Winslow, AZ.
Happy Trails,
Jim and Debbie
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
April 22, 2014 pictures below
Beautiful day. We drove on what is called the Turquoise Trail. Prehistoric people made their homes here, Spanish missionaires explored the area and battles were fought over this land. Outlaws and Confederate soldiers camped in the area and Kit Carson marched the Navajo people along the trail in their "Long Walk" to Fort Sumner.
The ride took us through the Sandia Range, which is home to the towns of Golden a town that appeared suddenly in 1839 as a new placers gold mining town.
Madrid dates from the early 1800 which was a coal mining town. It had unique geology as it mined hard and soft coal and phenomenon found in only two other mines in the world. The town has been converted into galleries, services and shops. The movie "Wild Hogs" was filmed in this town and we took a picture of Maggies Diner. Over 100 movies have been shot in New Mexico most recently Trancendence with Johnny Depp. We did pass a movie location with big white tents and ATV's but we saw no humans. Rumor has it that J.J. Abrams is scouting out this area for the next Star War's movie.
The town of Cerrillos is known for its turquoise and lead deposits. The Cerrillos mining district from 900 AD is one of the oldest and most marked of the Old Spanish Mineral Developments in the Southwest.
We then drove down to the Old downtown of Albuquerque which is situated on the Old Highway 66.
The old homes are now housed with shops, restaurants and galleries.
Hope this post finds our family and friends happy and healthy,
Jim and Debbie
Beautiful day. We drove on what is called the Turquoise Trail. Prehistoric people made their homes here, Spanish missionaires explored the area and battles were fought over this land. Outlaws and Confederate soldiers camped in the area and Kit Carson marched the Navajo people along the trail in their "Long Walk" to Fort Sumner.
The ride took us through the Sandia Range, which is home to the towns of Golden a town that appeared suddenly in 1839 as a new placers gold mining town.
Madrid dates from the early 1800 which was a coal mining town. It had unique geology as it mined hard and soft coal and phenomenon found in only two other mines in the world. The town has been converted into galleries, services and shops. The movie "Wild Hogs" was filmed in this town and we took a picture of Maggies Diner. Over 100 movies have been shot in New Mexico most recently Trancendence with Johnny Depp. We did pass a movie location with big white tents and ATV's but we saw no humans. Rumor has it that J.J. Abrams is scouting out this area for the next Star War's movie.
The town of Cerrillos is known for its turquoise and lead deposits. The Cerrillos mining district from 900 AD is one of the oldest and most marked of the Old Spanish Mineral Developments in the Southwest.
We then drove down to the Old downtown of Albuquerque which is situated on the Old Highway 66.
The old homes are now housed with shops, restaurants and galleries.
Hope this post finds our family and friends happy and healthy,
Jim and Debbie
Monday, April 21, 2014
April 21, 2014 (pictures below)
We traveled from Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM today. It was a pretty drive. We literally got on the exit going I-40 west and got off at exit 149 in New Mexico. This was one of the most easiest traveling days we have had. We stopped at a rest stop and ran into a truck driver from Orlando, Fl. He was with the Ferrari Race Team and was headed to Sonoma then back to Sebring, Fl.
We are planning to travel the Turquoise Trail tomorrow. One of the towns on this route was in Hog Wild.
Happy Trails,
Jim and Debbie
We traveled from Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM today. It was a pretty drive. We literally got on the exit going I-40 west and got off at exit 149 in New Mexico. This was one of the most easiest traveling days we have had. We stopped at a rest stop and ran into a truck driver from Orlando, Fl. He was with the Ferrari Race Team and was headed to Sonoma then back to Sebring, Fl.
We are planning to travel the Turquoise Trail tomorrow. One of the towns on this route was in Hog Wild.
Happy Trails,
Jim and Debbie
April 20, 2014 (pictures below)
Hi,
Hope everyone had a Happy Easter. Jim and I attended service at Redeemer Christian Church and what a great choice. The congregation was so friendly and we felt very welcomed. We got the opportunity to witness 10 people being baptized from 10 years old to an 80 year old gentleman. This brought tears to our eyes.
Since there is just the two of us we decided to go out to lunch afterwards. We really broke from tradition when we had Mexican food instead of a ham dinner.
It rained pretty much of the afternoon but the rains produced a beautiful rainbow. Tomorrow we move on to Albuquerque, NM.
Happy Trails,
Jim and Debbie
Hi,
Hope everyone had a Happy Easter. Jim and I attended service at Redeemer Christian Church and what a great choice. The congregation was so friendly and we felt very welcomed. We got the opportunity to witness 10 people being baptized from 10 years old to an 80 year old gentleman. This brought tears to our eyes.
Since there is just the two of us we decided to go out to lunch afterwards. We really broke from tradition when we had Mexican food instead of a ham dinner.
It rained pretty much of the afternoon but the rains produced a beautiful rainbow. Tomorrow we move on to Albuquerque, NM.
Happy Trails,
Jim and Debbie
Saturday, April 19, 2014
April 19, 2014 (pictures below)
Jim and I drove to Groom, TX today about 40 miles east of Amarillo to visit the magnificent Christian sculptures. A long time ago I had received an email with pictures of these sculptures included. I decide then if Jim and I ever fulfilled our dream to travel this would be one place we would visit. We took pictures of the 13 stations of the cross, the last supper, the crucifixion, and the tomb. What gave us chills was the statue of Jesus down on his knees holding a tiny baby that had been aborted in his hands. Visiting this Christian site was truly spiritual.
On the back we stopped at the Big Texan for lunch. This is the steak place that if you eat a 72oz steak in 60 minutes you get your meal for free. Not only do you have to eat the steak but a salad, baked potato and a roll. While we were there an exchange student from Switzerland took the 72oz challenge. When we left he still had 1/2 steak to eat with 30 minutes left on his clock.
I hope ya'll have a wonderful Easter. We will go to church and get ready for our traveling day on Monday.
Happy Easter,
Jim and Debbie
Jim and I drove to Groom, TX today about 40 miles east of Amarillo to visit the magnificent Christian sculptures. A long time ago I had received an email with pictures of these sculptures included. I decide then if Jim and I ever fulfilled our dream to travel this would be one place we would visit. We took pictures of the 13 stations of the cross, the last supper, the crucifixion, and the tomb. What gave us chills was the statue of Jesus down on his knees holding a tiny baby that had been aborted in his hands. Visiting this Christian site was truly spiritual.
On the back we stopped at the Big Texan for lunch. This is the steak place that if you eat a 72oz steak in 60 minutes you get your meal for free. Not only do you have to eat the steak but a salad, baked potato and a roll. While we were there an exchange student from Switzerland took the 72oz challenge. When we left he still had 1/2 steak to eat with 30 minutes left on his clock.
I hope ya'll have a wonderful Easter. We will go to church and get ready for our traveling day on Monday.
Happy Easter,
Jim and Debbie
Friday, April 18, 2014
April 18, 2014 (pictures below)
Beautiful day today in Amarillo. We went to the Palo Duro Canyon. The canyon is a place where erosion shapes the land, four bioregions intersect, cultures have met and clashed and change is the only constant. The state park consist of 18,438 acres. The canyon is home to the Palo Duro mouse which is only found in the Red River canyon. It is also home to the mule deer, roadrunners, wild turkey, cottontails, horned lizards, coyotes, Barbary sheep, bobcats and of course the diamond back rattlesnake.
The canyon is the second largest in the US and was formed 1 million years ago when the Prairie Dog Town Fork and the Red River first carved its way through the Southern High Plains.
From 1876 to 1890 most of the canyon was part of the JA Ranch owned by Charles Goodnight (we have run across his name several times on our way to Amarillo). He had history with John Chisum, yes there was really a John Chisum. To read their is history is interesting. Goodnight himself owned over 1,325,000 acres of land and over 100,000 head of cattle.
After the canyon we went to see Cadillac Ranch. Jim and I got to spray a message.
We then took a drive down to the old part of Amarillo the houses old building that use to stand on the old route 66. These buildings now are home to antiques and restaurants.
Love,
Jim and Debbie
Beautiful day today in Amarillo. We went to the Palo Duro Canyon. The canyon is a place where erosion shapes the land, four bioregions intersect, cultures have met and clashed and change is the only constant. The state park consist of 18,438 acres. The canyon is home to the Palo Duro mouse which is only found in the Red River canyon. It is also home to the mule deer, roadrunners, wild turkey, cottontails, horned lizards, coyotes, Barbary sheep, bobcats and of course the diamond back rattlesnake.
The canyon is the second largest in the US and was formed 1 million years ago when the Prairie Dog Town Fork and the Red River first carved its way through the Southern High Plains.
From 1876 to 1890 most of the canyon was part of the JA Ranch owned by Charles Goodnight (we have run across his name several times on our way to Amarillo). He had history with John Chisum, yes there was really a John Chisum. To read their is history is interesting. Goodnight himself owned over 1,325,000 acres of land and over 100,000 head of cattle.
After the canyon we went to see Cadillac Ranch. Jim and I got to spray a message.
We then took a drive down to the old part of Amarillo the houses old building that use to stand on the old route 66. These buildings now are home to antiques and restaurants.
Love,
Jim and Debbie
April 17, 2014
Jim and I are proud of ourselves today, we actually switched out are microwave all by ourselves. We went to an RV place and they did not have any in stock that would fit. So we went to Walmart and found one. Jim was able to drill holes and put back on the grill that went around the old microwave. We are going to Palo Duro Canyon today. We did post pictures of the Texas Motor Speedway. This is one race my son Mike and I would like to go to. I pray that our friends and family in Florida have a safe day as it is suppose to be a stormy one. Prayers your way.
Love,
Jim and Debbie
Jim and I are proud of ourselves today, we actually switched out are microwave all by ourselves. We went to an RV place and they did not have any in stock that would fit. So we went to Walmart and found one. Jim was able to drill holes and put back on the grill that went around the old microwave. We are going to Palo Duro Canyon today. We did post pictures of the Texas Motor Speedway. This is one race my son Mike and I would like to go to. I pray that our friends and family in Florida have a safe day as it is suppose to be a stormy one. Prayers your way.
Love,
Jim and Debbie
Thursday, April 17, 2014
April 16, 2014 (Pictures below)
Yesterday was a travel day. We left South Lake, Tx and headed for Amarillo. We saw the Texas Motor Speedway, which is huge. This is one race we as a family would like to attend one of these days. Our favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt has a Parkway named after him. We saw cattle farms, wind mills and cotton fields. I always pack a picnic lunch so we can stop at a rest stop and have lunch half way through our ride. We stopped at a rest stop that was one of the nicest one we have seen, it even had a playground for children. The only problem it also had a big sign that said beware of rattlesnakes. Now I am like Harrison Ford when it comes to snakes, I HATE THEM. Needless to say we sat in the car to eat.
We will spend tomorrow replacing our microwave which decided to take a dive, so Lowes it is.
Have a great day,
Jim and Debbie
Yesterday was a travel day. We left South Lake, Tx and headed for Amarillo. We saw the Texas Motor Speedway, which is huge. This is one race we as a family would like to attend one of these days. Our favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt has a Parkway named after him. We saw cattle farms, wind mills and cotton fields. I always pack a picnic lunch so we can stop at a rest stop and have lunch half way through our ride. We stopped at a rest stop that was one of the nicest one we have seen, it even had a playground for children. The only problem it also had a big sign that said beware of rattlesnakes. Now I am like Harrison Ford when it comes to snakes, I HATE THEM. Needless to say we sat in the car to eat.
We will spend tomorrow replacing our microwave which decided to take a dive, so Lowes it is.
Have a great day,
Jim and Debbie
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014
Jim and I spent the morning getting some needed groceries and looking for a nut for my bicycle. I guess the bumpy roads unloosened a bolt on my bicycle tire.
Spent the afternoon with Debi and Bob. They have been so gracious showing Jim and I around. We have had a wonderful time catching up and we all agreed we can not let 19 years go by before we see each other again. We really fell in love with Savannah their rescue dog. She was such a delight.
Spending time with family is so important and we enjoyed our visit very much. THANK YOU, DEBI, BOB AND SAVANNAH.
Love,
Jim and Debbie
Jim and I spent the morning getting some needed groceries and looking for a nut for my bicycle. I guess the bumpy roads unloosened a bolt on my bicycle tire.
Spent the afternoon with Debi and Bob. They have been so gracious showing Jim and I around. We have had a wonderful time catching up and we all agreed we can not let 19 years go by before we see each other again. We really fell in love with Savannah their rescue dog. She was such a delight.
Spending time with family is so important and we enjoyed our visit very much. THANK YOU, DEBI, BOB AND SAVANNAH.
Love,
Jim and Debbie
April 14, 2014 (Pictures below)
Woke up to a really chilly, windy morning we will have to pull out a heavy coat today. The wind was horrendous last night and I could have used a sleeping aide last night. Bob and Debbie pick us up for a day for touring Grapevine, TX one of the many suburbs of Dallas. First they took us to lunch at a barbecue place that use to be an old feed store. The food was wonderful. I had a grilled chicken salad with chipotle seasoning that was awesome. We took a drive to where the rich and famous live. The homes were gorgeous. We saw where Pat Summerall and Jason Whitten lived. We also went to the biggest Pro Bass store that Jim and I had ever been in. We had a great day and finished with dinner at a Mexican restaurant. What topped off my day was laying in bed and able to see the lunar eclipse right out my side window as it got down to 34 last night. Nothing better to watching something so amazing under the covers.
We hope everyone is well. Thank you Doug and Mickey for you voice message regarding our blog. We are having a great time and enjoy writing down our day and sharing our pictures.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Woke up to a really chilly, windy morning we will have to pull out a heavy coat today. The wind was horrendous last night and I could have used a sleeping aide last night. Bob and Debbie pick us up for a day for touring Grapevine, TX one of the many suburbs of Dallas. First they took us to lunch at a barbecue place that use to be an old feed store. The food was wonderful. I had a grilled chicken salad with chipotle seasoning that was awesome. We took a drive to where the rich and famous live. The homes were gorgeous. We saw where Pat Summerall and Jason Whitten lived. We also went to the biggest Pro Bass store that Jim and I had ever been in. We had a great day and finished with dinner at a Mexican restaurant. What topped off my day was laying in bed and able to see the lunar eclipse right out my side window as it got down to 34 last night. Nothing better to watching something so amazing under the covers.
We hope everyone is well. Thank you Doug and Mickey for you voice message regarding our blog. We are having a great time and enjoy writing down our day and sharing our pictures.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Monday, April 14, 2014
April 14, 2014 (See pictures below)
Yey, we have internet access today so I am going to play catch up.
On April 11, 2014 we took a chance and went diamond mining again, let me tell you it is really hard work. We did not have any luck but met some interesting people and to us this is what this trip is all about. In the afternoon we took off and explored the town of Murfreesboro (which took all of three minutes, LOL) the town is not very big, but the store they had was just filled with stuff. We found a gas station that sold diesel for $3.69. We thought we hit pay dirt and at this point finding diesel at this price was like finding a diamond (well close). We got back to the camp and realized we had no electricity, some of you know the history of our luck so we immediately thought it was the fifth wheel. It turned out that a limb fell down on one of the major roads and took down a power line which started a fire, we had power before dark.
April 12, 2014 we went to an Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village. Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village is the excavated site of a pre-historic mound-builder village. The museum and other displays in the village highlighted the history and artifacts of this 1,000-year-old site. There were 7 mounds that were excavated to reveal burial sites. The skeletons are castings as the skeletons that were unearthed were reburied in another ceremonial site. There was one burial sight that contained two bodies. One was a chief and a younger male that was a sacrifice. Some of the skulls are deformed do to a rawhide band around the head when they are very young forcing the head to grow in a defective shape. This practice was considered a mark of tribal importance.
We went back to the camp and I decided to go for a walk/jog. I opened the camper when we got back went in to change. Jim was outside so I shut the door (huge mistake). When I got back Jim asked me why I took the keys and I said what keys. He proceeded to tell me that the 5th wheel was locked. At this point I swear we have a ghost living with us as I had gotten locked in the shower the day before and had to yell for Jim to come and save me (we should have called this the misadventures of Jim and Debbie, lol). It turns out when we got back I opened the door okay but when I took out the key I accidently turned the key to lock the door don't ask me how I did this, but I am not allowed to open the door anymore. We proceeded to try and call a locksmith and we were having no luck. Our knight in shining armor was our neighbor Trent who is an Air Force pilot. He came over with a small screw driver and a bobby pin that we borrowed from our neighbor on the other side. Trent was able to pick our lock and all was good.
April 14, 2014 was a travel day. The weather was not great but by the time we arrived in South Lake, TX we were able to set up with clouds clearing. Jim called his cousin Bob and they had dinner waiting for us. They have a beautiful home with an awesome yard, pool and outside barbeque area. Their home is also equipped with a home theater room which includes a small kitchen.
Debbie (Bob's wife) loves her antiques like I do. She still has her Tiny Tears doll from when she was younger and her metal Tom Thumb register. Debbie said the guy that moved them from CA back to TX in December told her that she had made his record of most boxes moved, she had 369. We enjoyed touring their house and listening their memories.
Yey, we have internet access today so I am going to play catch up.
On April 11, 2014 we took a chance and went diamond mining again, let me tell you it is really hard work. We did not have any luck but met some interesting people and to us this is what this trip is all about. In the afternoon we took off and explored the town of Murfreesboro (which took all of three minutes, LOL) the town is not very big, but the store they had was just filled with stuff. We found a gas station that sold diesel for $3.69. We thought we hit pay dirt and at this point finding diesel at this price was like finding a diamond (well close). We got back to the camp and realized we had no electricity, some of you know the history of our luck so we immediately thought it was the fifth wheel. It turned out that a limb fell down on one of the major roads and took down a power line which started a fire, we had power before dark.
April 12, 2014 we went to an Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village. Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village is the excavated site of a pre-historic mound-builder village. The museum and other displays in the village highlighted the history and artifacts of this 1,000-year-old site. There were 7 mounds that were excavated to reveal burial sites. The skeletons are castings as the skeletons that were unearthed were reburied in another ceremonial site. There was one burial sight that contained two bodies. One was a chief and a younger male that was a sacrifice. Some of the skulls are deformed do to a rawhide band around the head when they are very young forcing the head to grow in a defective shape. This practice was considered a mark of tribal importance.
We went back to the camp and I decided to go for a walk/jog. I opened the camper when we got back went in to change. Jim was outside so I shut the door (huge mistake). When I got back Jim asked me why I took the keys and I said what keys. He proceeded to tell me that the 5th wheel was locked. At this point I swear we have a ghost living with us as I had gotten locked in the shower the day before and had to yell for Jim to come and save me (we should have called this the misadventures of Jim and Debbie, lol). It turns out when we got back I opened the door okay but when I took out the key I accidently turned the key to lock the door don't ask me how I did this, but I am not allowed to open the door anymore. We proceeded to try and call a locksmith and we were having no luck. Our knight in shining armor was our neighbor Trent who is an Air Force pilot. He came over with a small screw driver and a bobby pin that we borrowed from our neighbor on the other side. Trent was able to pick our lock and all was good.
April 14, 2014 was a travel day. The weather was not great but by the time we arrived in South Lake, TX we were able to set up with clouds clearing. Jim called his cousin Bob and they had dinner waiting for us. They have a beautiful home with an awesome yard, pool and outside barbeque area. Their home is also equipped with a home theater room which includes a small kitchen.
Debbie (Bob's wife) loves her antiques like I do. She still has her Tiny Tears doll from when she was younger and her metal Tom Thumb register. Debbie said the guy that moved them from CA back to TX in December told her that she had made his record of most boxes moved, she had 369. We enjoyed touring their house and listening their memories.
Friday, April 11, 2014
April 10, 2014 (See pictures below)
April 9th was a travel day from Mississippi to Crater of Diamonds National Park. Most of the roads we took to get here were back roads which sometimes takes a little longer but you can not beat the view. This is the nicest state park we have ever been to you and the people are so friendly.
April 10th was diamond mining day. We did not have any luck but had tons of fun, except for my cold intolerance decide to flair up as I had my arms in water sifting the clay and the wind was cold so both of my arms blew up like balloons from the hives. My arms were so cold that I did not realize anything was going on until the lady across from us saw that my arms were not normal. Went and purchased some Claritan as I forgot my Benydrel at home and stayed out of the water, my arms finally cleared up. As you can see by the picture below the place is huge and there are days that go mind that not one diamond is found, however, the day before we arrived there were 4 diamonds find. This is definitely one of those places where you have to be at the right place at the right time. Jim and I walked a natural trail down to the Little Missouri River and were adventurous on the way back as I wanted to see a Bob Cat, needless to say we did not even see a Squirrel. LOL
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April 9th was a travel day from Mississippi to Crater of Diamonds National Park. Most of the roads we took to get here were back roads which sometimes takes a little longer but you can not beat the view. This is the nicest state park we have ever been to you and the people are so friendly.
April 10th was diamond mining day. We did not have any luck but had tons of fun, except for my cold intolerance decide to flair up as I had my arms in water sifting the clay and the wind was cold so both of my arms blew up like balloons from the hives. My arms were so cold that I did not realize anything was going on until the lady across from us saw that my arms were not normal. Went and purchased some Claritan as I forgot my Benydrel at home and stayed out of the water, my arms finally cleared up. As you can see by the picture below the place is huge and there are days that go mind that not one diamond is found, however, the day before we arrived there were 4 diamonds find. This is definitely one of those places where you have to be at the right place at the right time. Jim and I walked a natural trail down to the Little Missouri River and were adventurous on the way back as I wanted to see a Bob Cat, needless to say we did not even see a Squirrel. LOL
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Monday, April 7, 2014
4-5-14 See picture below
Today we spent with our friends the Sherhouse's. Curt made the most amazing tacos. Kim and I use to work together and had not seen each other in four years so we had a lot of catching up today. Jessica Kim's oldest daughter has grown up into a fine lady and Kaitlyn is a little lady who is really smart. We had a great day with our friends.
Today we spent with our friends the Sherhouse's. Curt made the most amazing tacos. Kim and I use to work together and had not seen each other in four years so we had a lot of catching up today. Jessica Kim's oldest daughter has grown up into a fine lady and Kaitlyn is a little lady who is really smart. We had a great day with our friends.
4-7-14 See pictures below
Woke up to clouds but no rain. We started out at old downtown to look at old homes built in the 1800's. One house was used to hold a ball for George Washington. One of the homes we wanted to view is said to have a cannon ball stuck in the wall from the Civil War, but the house was not open to the public today. We then an old train station that was filled with models of iron clad boats from the Battle of Vicksburg and models of paddles wheelers. The museum showed a film of the Battle of Vicksburg and what the people endured for 46 days of battle.
We then drove to the Vicksburg Memorial Cemetery and where the battle of Vicksburg took place. It was such a surreal feeling to stand on the same land where a war took place. We also got to see the ironclad boat the Cairo that was sunk in the Mississippi river before the battle of Vicksburg ended. This boat sunk with over 175 crew members on board and not a life was lost. In 1960 two men took it upon themselves to raise this boat, unfortunately 1 of those men drowned in the Mississippi river before the boat was raised. The boat was finally raised in three pieces and put back together.
I end our post with our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of a 9 year old girl that was swept away by flood waters in Yazoo County (county over from where we are staying.
Woke up to clouds but no rain. We started out at old downtown to look at old homes built in the 1800's. One house was used to hold a ball for George Washington. One of the homes we wanted to view is said to have a cannon ball stuck in the wall from the Civil War, but the house was not open to the public today. We then an old train station that was filled with models of iron clad boats from the Battle of Vicksburg and models of paddles wheelers. The museum showed a film of the Battle of Vicksburg and what the people endured for 46 days of battle.
We then drove to the Vicksburg Memorial Cemetery and where the battle of Vicksburg took place. It was such a surreal feeling to stand on the same land where a war took place. We also got to see the ironclad boat the Cairo that was sunk in the Mississippi river before the battle of Vicksburg ended. This boat sunk with over 175 crew members on board and not a life was lost. In 1960 two men took it upon themselves to raise this boat, unfortunately 1 of those men drowned in the Mississippi river before the boat was raised. The boat was finally raised in three pieces and put back together.
I end our post with our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of a 9 year old girl that was swept away by flood waters in Yazoo County (county over from where we are staying.
On to Vicksburg, MS
4-6-14
Today was in interesting traveling day weather wise it was not the best. We started out in sprinklers to torrential downpours. This did not damper the beautiful scenic route we took though. We drove through some old towns. We saw two older gentlemen sitting in rockers on an old front porch and it reminded us of a scene in Secondhand Lions. We ended up setting up the 5th wheel in the rain. The county we are in ended up having a tornado and flood flash warnings by evenings end. We look forward to some nicer weather tomorrow so we can do some sight seeing.
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Today was in interesting traveling day weather wise it was not the best. We started out in sprinklers to torrential downpours. This did not damper the beautiful scenic route we took though. We drove through some old towns. We saw two older gentlemen sitting in rockers on an old front porch and it reminded us of a scene in Secondhand Lions. We ended up setting up the 5th wheel in the rain. The county we are in ended up having a tornado and flood flash warnings by evenings end. We look forward to some nicer weather tomorrow so we can do some sight seeing.
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Saturday, April 5, 2014
Day 2
4-4-14 (see pictures below)
A beautiful day in Pensacola. We went to the Naval Air Museum today, what a fantastic place. It ranks in the top 10 tourist destinations in Florida. We saw war planes used from World War I to present day. Jim saw the engine and plane that his dad fixed and flew as a Flight Engineer and Crew Chief. We also saw an amazing IMAX film (the screen was 7 stories high) about the training of a fighter pilot. There were two huge buildings just filled with war planes plus planes to view on the tarmack. The museum is free and runs on donations and corporate sponsors. They do charge for the film and the chance to ride on a jet simulator. We passed as the movie was enough to give you the feeling for being in a jet and that was enough for two people over 60. LOL.
The base did have a nice RV park right on the bay but unless you are retired military you can't use it.
There is also an old lighthouse on the base that you can visit for a fee. Climbing to the top you got a good view of the base and the bay.
We met our dear friends the Sherhouse's for dinner at the Mellow Mushroom and will go to their house Saturday for a barbeque. This trip is about new adventurers and visiting family and catching up with old friends, so be careful we will find you. LOL.
A beautiful day in Pensacola. We went to the Naval Air Museum today, what a fantastic place. It ranks in the top 10 tourist destinations in Florida. We saw war planes used from World War I to present day. Jim saw the engine and plane that his dad fixed and flew as a Flight Engineer and Crew Chief. We also saw an amazing IMAX film (the screen was 7 stories high) about the training of a fighter pilot. There were two huge buildings just filled with war planes plus planes to view on the tarmack. The museum is free and runs on donations and corporate sponsors. They do charge for the film and the chance to ride on a jet simulator. We passed as the movie was enough to give you the feeling for being in a jet and that was enough for two people over 60. LOL.
The base did have a nice RV park right on the bay but unless you are retired military you can't use it.
There is also an old lighthouse on the base that you can visit for a fee. Climbing to the top you got a good view of the base and the bay.
We met our dear friends the Sherhouse's for dinner at the Mellow Mushroom and will go to their house Saturday for a barbeque. This trip is about new adventurers and visiting family and catching up with old friends, so be careful we will find you. LOL.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Hi Everyone,
The adventure began at 8:30 this morning. Had a beautiful ride from home to Pensacola. We realized that stopping for gas and something to eat in a 5th wheel is anything but easy if you can not find a truck stop. One lesson learned. We did stop at a nice rest area and made us a sandwich which was much nicer anyway. We are set up and ready to do some sight seeing tomorrow and have a barbeque with our dear friends the Sherhouse's. We will leave here Sunday to head for Vicksburg, Mississippi.
The adventure began at 8:30 this morning. Had a beautiful ride from home to Pensacola. We realized that stopping for gas and something to eat in a 5th wheel is anything but easy if you can not find a truck stop. One lesson learned. We did stop at a nice rest area and made us a sandwich which was much nicer anyway. We are set up and ready to do some sight seeing tomorrow and have a barbeque with our dear friends the Sherhouse's. We will leave here Sunday to head for Vicksburg, Mississippi.
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