June 14, 2014 Pictures below
We had a beautiful drive today from Deer Lodge, MT to West Yellowstone, MT. Jim and I are continually amazed at this beautiful America. We drove through mountains, saw many creeks and rivers where people were fly fishing, lots of ranches and cute, small, old western towns.
We traveled on a small road where there were falling rock signs and falling rocks in the road which was a little nerve racking when you have a 34ft fifth wheel behind you. What we didn't know was this little road is where most of the earthquakes occur in the Yellowstone area. We realized this when we came upon a lake that used to be solid ground until 1959 when an earthquake occurred in this area.
We saw many signs about animals in the road ahead but unfortunately we did not see any. The weather is very cold here, we had a freeze warning last night and actually had to unhook our water for the night. We plan to do some bike riding today around town. Tomorrow we will travel the upper loop of Yellowstone.
Happy Father's Day,
Jim and Debbie
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
June 13, 2014 (see pictures below, lots today)
Hi everyone,
Started out with rain today and temperatures in the 60's but we traveled on. We had the mind set that just because it is raining here it doesn't mean it is raining where you are going. We took the a 70 mile loop today that took us through the old mining towns of Drummond, Hall, Philipsburg and Anaconda. We took a two lane road that took us through some beautiful back country.
As you can see by the pictures the buildings in these towns date back to the early 1850. There was one store in particular that any one would enjoy, it was called the candy palace.
Jim and I also visited the Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a National Historic Site and is run by the National Park Service (Kohrs family gave the land and home to the National Park Service). In touring the ranch we learned that in this area they get a lot of snow fall on the mountains but not a lot of rain in the valley. The area depends on the snow fall in the mountains. The Deer Valley averages only 10 inches of rain a year. This is the reason that Mr. Kohr's cattle grazed over 10 million acres of land. This was free, public grazing and other ranchers had cattle on the same land at the same time. The worst land in the arid West requires 250 acres for a cow and calf. The National Park Service maintains 150 heads of cattle on this ranch. I did post a picture of a longhorn and a calf.
We got to tour the downstairs of the Kohrs home which had the original carpet, wallpaper and original furniture. Unfortunately they would not let us take pictures inside the home which is also still furnished with original china, silverware and cookware.
Outside we toured a working blacksmith shop, toured a bunk house, a barn filled with old carriages and bunkboards. There was an old chuck wagon which served hot coffee. At this point I would like to say what a great job that the people who work for the National Park Services do and we commend them for their service.
Also impressive was the 100 year old lilac bushes and 150 year old poppies that sprout every year.
Again we had a blast learning about the past. As I sit here writing this I am gazing at mountains that still have snow on the tops. As I am looking at Mount Powell (where the snow lies the longest) I am reminded what a lady told me yesterday. She said that in the distant pocket of this mountain they pray that the snow holds out until July 4th. At that point they breathe a sigh of relief and it means the streams will have enough water to keep water flowing for the year. Conservation is important and we must all do our part.
Tomorrow we travel to Yellowstone, we will be there for a week. Jim has never seen Old Faithful, he is in for a treat. Happy Fathers Day to all our Dad's, especially to my husband and our son Michael who are both incredible Dads.
Our love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Hi everyone,
Started out with rain today and temperatures in the 60's but we traveled on. We had the mind set that just because it is raining here it doesn't mean it is raining where you are going. We took the a 70 mile loop today that took us through the old mining towns of Drummond, Hall, Philipsburg and Anaconda. We took a two lane road that took us through some beautiful back country.
As you can see by the pictures the buildings in these towns date back to the early 1850. There was one store in particular that any one would enjoy, it was called the candy palace.
Jim and I also visited the Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a National Historic Site and is run by the National Park Service (Kohrs family gave the land and home to the National Park Service). In touring the ranch we learned that in this area they get a lot of snow fall on the mountains but not a lot of rain in the valley. The area depends on the snow fall in the mountains. The Deer Valley averages only 10 inches of rain a year. This is the reason that Mr. Kohr's cattle grazed over 10 million acres of land. This was free, public grazing and other ranchers had cattle on the same land at the same time. The worst land in the arid West requires 250 acres for a cow and calf. The National Park Service maintains 150 heads of cattle on this ranch. I did post a picture of a longhorn and a calf.
We got to tour the downstairs of the Kohrs home which had the original carpet, wallpaper and original furniture. Unfortunately they would not let us take pictures inside the home which is also still furnished with original china, silverware and cookware.
Outside we toured a working blacksmith shop, toured a bunk house, a barn filled with old carriages and bunkboards. There was an old chuck wagon which served hot coffee. At this point I would like to say what a great job that the people who work for the National Park Services do and we commend them for their service.
Also impressive was the 100 year old lilac bushes and 150 year old poppies that sprout every year.
Again we had a blast learning about the past. As I sit here writing this I am gazing at mountains that still have snow on the tops. As I am looking at Mount Powell (where the snow lies the longest) I am reminded what a lady told me yesterday. She said that in the distant pocket of this mountain they pray that the snow holds out until July 4th. At that point they breathe a sigh of relief and it means the streams will have enough water to keep water flowing for the year. Conservation is important and we must all do our part.
Tomorrow we travel to Yellowstone, we will be there for a week. Jim has never seen Old Faithful, he is in for a treat. Happy Fathers Day to all our Dad's, especially to my husband and our son Michael who are both incredible Dads.
Our love to all,
Jim and Debbie
June 13, 2014 (Friday) See pictures below
Hello Everyone,
Today we woke up in Deer Lodge, Montana. We arrived here yesterday. The world is such a small place. After setting up yesterday, Jim and I were just famished as we had not had breakfast and did not stop for lunch. We were off to get groceries but decided to stop at this little place next door and get some lunch. As we were leaving we noticed this couple getting out of their car with licensed place tags from Florida. Come to find out their were from Orange County which is one county over from us. The both had lost their jobs after 35 years so like me the lady decided to retire and her husband was a medical therapist and was working up here in Deer Lodge. They still have a home in Orlando because the wife does not like Montana winters so she just visits in the Spring and Summer.
We plan to go on a ride which should encompass a ghost town and gem mining for Sapphires.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Hello Everyone,
Today we woke up in Deer Lodge, Montana. We arrived here yesterday. The world is such a small place. After setting up yesterday, Jim and I were just famished as we had not had breakfast and did not stop for lunch. We were off to get groceries but decided to stop at this little place next door and get some lunch. As we were leaving we noticed this couple getting out of their car with licensed place tags from Florida. Come to find out their were from Orange County which is one county over from us. The both had lost their jobs after 35 years so like me the lady decided to retire and her husband was a medical therapist and was working up here in Deer Lodge. They still have a home in Orlando because the wife does not like Montana winters so she just visits in the Spring and Summer.
We plan to go on a ride which should encompass a ghost town and gem mining for Sapphires.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
June 10, 2014 (see pictures below)
Hi Dear Family and Friends,
We have spent the last couple days enjoying graduation festivities for Paige Adora Drennon. Her graduation was beautiful. Paige is a beautiful, sweet and thoughtful girl. We have known Paige since she was a baby and we felt honored that we could share this important moment in her timeline with her and her family.
Although Jim and I have enjoyed the scenery and the places we have visited, what we really have enjoyed is spending time along the way with family and friends. These memories are irreplaceable.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote "The glory of friendship is not in the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is in the spiritual inspiration the comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." So cherish the times you have with people because when those times are gone all you'll have is memories.
So to all our family and friends, if you are in our lives we are inspired by you in some shape or form and the best thing in our life is holding onto each and everyone of you.
To lovely Paige, the true test in life does not occur when all is going well. The true test takes place when we are faced with challenges, so just remember life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a ticking whether your are getting somewhere or just standing still. Enjoy the ride, Paige and remember you have a lot of people that love you and are riding that taxi with you.
Tomorrow we will start our journey home, next stop is Spokane Valley.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Hi Dear Family and Friends,
We have spent the last couple days enjoying graduation festivities for Paige Adora Drennon. Her graduation was beautiful. Paige is a beautiful, sweet and thoughtful girl. We have known Paige since she was a baby and we felt honored that we could share this important moment in her timeline with her and her family.
Although Jim and I have enjoyed the scenery and the places we have visited, what we really have enjoyed is spending time along the way with family and friends. These memories are irreplaceable.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote "The glory of friendship is not in the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is in the spiritual inspiration the comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." So cherish the times you have with people because when those times are gone all you'll have is memories.
So to all our family and friends, if you are in our lives we are inspired by you in some shape or form and the best thing in our life is holding onto each and everyone of you.
To lovely Paige, the true test in life does not occur when all is going well. The true test takes place when we are faced with challenges, so just remember life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a ticking whether your are getting somewhere or just standing still. Enjoy the ride, Paige and remember you have a lot of people that love you and are riding that taxi with you.
Tomorrow we will start our journey home, next stop is Spokane Valley.
Love to all,
Jim and Debbie
Sunday, June 8, 2014
June 8, 2014
Hi Everyone,
We have been real busy since we have arrived in Seattle. We arrived here on Tuesday, June 4th. We had made reservations in February for Thunderbird RV park in Munroe which was close to our friends in Snohomish. When we got there we were told it was first come first serve which meant we had no hook ups and they charge was $41 dollars a night. Jim said this is not what he made reservations for and there was no way we could stay there. Then they had the nerve to get nasty with us and it took them 45 minutes to give us a refund. We called our friends and Tara made arrangements for us to park our RV in their gated community so we could find another park to stay at.
Wednesday we found spot in Everett, WA which is nice but the sights are really close. So while I went shopping with the girls and having lunch at the American Girl store with Sandy, Tara, Paige and Madelyn, Bill and his grandson William help Jim set up. While they were setting up they saw smoke bellowing out of our kitchen cabinets. It ended up being the inverter box (converts AC into DC). $500 dollars later we now have a new converter box.
Friday Tara and Roy's son Royce graduated from 8th grade. Royce is excited about attending high school next year and he will spend the summer with his Mom and Dad up in Alaska.
Saturday Tara and Roy had a barbeque for the gang. Scott (William and Maddies dad) flew in from Tennessee and Roy flew in from Alaska. A great time was had by all.
Today is Paige's party as she graduates tomorrow. We have known the Opfer family for over 34 years and even though most of those years have been spent in different states we have remained constant in each other lives. Thank you Bill, Sandy, Tara, Roy, Paige, Royce, Scott, William and Madelyn for taking care of us, opening your home and feeding us such wonderful meals.
We love you all,
Jim and Debbie
Hi Everyone,
We have been real busy since we have arrived in Seattle. We arrived here on Tuesday, June 4th. We had made reservations in February for Thunderbird RV park in Munroe which was close to our friends in Snohomish. When we got there we were told it was first come first serve which meant we had no hook ups and they charge was $41 dollars a night. Jim said this is not what he made reservations for and there was no way we could stay there. Then they had the nerve to get nasty with us and it took them 45 minutes to give us a refund. We called our friends and Tara made arrangements for us to park our RV in their gated community so we could find another park to stay at.
Wednesday we found spot in Everett, WA which is nice but the sights are really close. So while I went shopping with the girls and having lunch at the American Girl store with Sandy, Tara, Paige and Madelyn, Bill and his grandson William help Jim set up. While they were setting up they saw smoke bellowing out of our kitchen cabinets. It ended up being the inverter box (converts AC into DC). $500 dollars later we now have a new converter box.
Friday Tara and Roy's son Royce graduated from 8th grade. Royce is excited about attending high school next year and he will spend the summer with his Mom and Dad up in Alaska.
Saturday Tara and Roy had a barbeque for the gang. Scott (William and Maddies dad) flew in from Tennessee and Roy flew in from Alaska. A great time was had by all.
Today is Paige's party as she graduates tomorrow. We have known the Opfer family for over 34 years and even though most of those years have been spent in different states we have remained constant in each other lives. Thank you Bill, Sandy, Tara, Roy, Paige, Royce, Scott, William and Madelyn for taking care of us, opening your home and feeding us such wonderful meals.
We love you all,
Jim and Debbie
Friday, June 6, 2014
June 6, 2014 See pictures below
We had a beautiful drive to Astoria. Astoria is the oldest city on the West Coast and was founded on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We started the day at the Marine Time Museum and toured a boat that was used as a light house boat for ships coming and going with cargo. It was next to two Coast Guard vessels where there were young men and women working on their boats. We made sure to thank them for their service.
We walked around the time looking for Goonie movie spots. We found the bowling alley where Chunk smashed his milk shake and pizza against the window during the policy chase. We found the jail where the Fratelli's were held. We had lunch on the water at "Baked Alaska". Food was outstanding.
As we left we drove to the Walsh's House and next door was Data's House. If you are a Goonie fan you will love the pictures.
Traveling on,
Jim and Debbie
We had a beautiful drive to Astoria. Astoria is the oldest city on the West Coast and was founded on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We started the day at the Marine Time Museum and toured a boat that was used as a light house boat for ships coming and going with cargo. It was next to two Coast Guard vessels where there were young men and women working on their boats. We made sure to thank them for their service.
We walked around the time looking for Goonie movie spots. We found the bowling alley where Chunk smashed his milk shake and pizza against the window during the policy chase. We found the jail where the Fratelli's were held. We had lunch on the water at "Baked Alaska". Food was outstanding.
As we left we drove to the Walsh's House and next door was Data's House. If you are a Goonie fan you will love the pictures.
Traveling on,
Jim and Debbie
Monday, June 2, 2014
June 5, 2014 (pictures below)
We are in Woodland, WA just over the border from Oregon. We spent yesterday traveling to Gresham, OR to visit my Aunt Juilet who will soon be 100 and her son Carl. I could not get over how much she looks like my mother. It brought tears to my eyes. Sitting and talking about old times was like spending the afternoon with my mother. My aunt is in good health other than her eyes and had not problem remembering the times we spent together when we were younger. We had a wonderful day with her.
Today we went to Mt. St. Helens, what an awesome experience. We watched a movie about that fateful day and saw landscape that showed just how devastating the eruption was. Although the blast extended out 26 miles, companies have come together to help rebuild the forest. In 34 years they have done a great job. The blast sight closer to the mountain they are letting the foliage and trees build naturally. The mud and the ash have carved new rivers in the valley below and this is very evident even today. We were amazed to learn that up to the day of the blast that the volcano experienced 10,000 earthquakes in 7 weeks. We have seen pictures of Mt. St. Helens but nothing matches to seeing this active volcano in person.
Tomorrow we are traveling to Astoria, OR as we are big Goonie fans.
Much love,
Jim and Debbie
We are in Woodland, WA just over the border from Oregon. We spent yesterday traveling to Gresham, OR to visit my Aunt Juilet who will soon be 100 and her son Carl. I could not get over how much she looks like my mother. It brought tears to my eyes. Sitting and talking about old times was like spending the afternoon with my mother. My aunt is in good health other than her eyes and had not problem remembering the times we spent together when we were younger. We had a wonderful day with her.
Today we went to Mt. St. Helens, what an awesome experience. We watched a movie about that fateful day and saw landscape that showed just how devastating the eruption was. Although the blast extended out 26 miles, companies have come together to help rebuild the forest. In 34 years they have done a great job. The blast sight closer to the mountain they are letting the foliage and trees build naturally. The mud and the ash have carved new rivers in the valley below and this is very evident even today. We were amazed to learn that up to the day of the blast that the volcano experienced 10,000 earthquakes in 7 weeks. We have seen pictures of Mt. St. Helens but nothing matches to seeing this active volcano in person.
Tomorrow we are traveling to Astoria, OR as we are big Goonie fans.
Much love,
Jim and Debbie
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