June 24 Marshall, Illinois

What a beautiful spot we have found at the Lincoln Trail State Park just west of the Illinois/Indiana state border. They do not use a reservation system in this state so we had no problem getting in. This is our second full day here and we will be here at least 2 more.

The park is over 1,000 acres, green, lush and wooded. They have created a lake with a manmade dam and stock it with a number of species of fish. Nice facilities with picnic grounds around the lake, group camping and two large sections of camp sites. It is so well established that the trees (mostly beech and my favorite sweet gum) are enormous and provide lots of shady spots. It is really needed as the temperatures have been over 90.

Don't know how they do it here. Some of the people must be really acclimatized to the heat as they sit out all around visiting with one another. Man yesterday at the restaurant here had on a long sleeve flannel shirt...in 90 degree weather. The people next to us have firewood stacked up and built a big, WARM campfire last night...weird...can anyone explain this to me?

The town of Marshall is a real experience. Very small with population les than 4000. Very pretty with Italian style regal homes. It is part of the Historic National Road and was established in 1827. It reminds me of something out of a movie set...tonight they are having the city band play music outdoors at the courthouse square...complete with an old fashioned ice cream "social". Of course we are going!

Tomorrow night is "Downtown Movie night at sunset"...must be an outdoor screen...sounds like fun too if we remember to take our bug repellent along.

Cell phone service is very spotty here and internet is not available. However we searched out today and found their tiny WalMart (car wash supplies for the motorhome), an IGA grocery (yummy sugarfree popsicles), a thrift shop (paperback books 10 cents each and a florescent swimsuit for 75 cents) and a medical clinic/lab (for my monthly blood test)...now all is right with the world.

We are having an enjoyable time exploring America and discovering the style of travel we best enjoy...SLOW is the word!

Linda

June 22 KOA in Granite City, IL

This morning we had an uneventful drive out of Steelville, past St. Louis, just across the Mississippi River to Granite City, Illinois.

Our plans here include a visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center and perhaps a scenic drive up the "Scenic Waterways Highway" along the banks of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

June 20 & 21 R & R in Steelville, MO

Where is Steelville? about 100 miles West of St. Louis

What is in Steelville? not much at all, a little grocery store and an RV park named "Candy Cane RV park"

Why did you go to Steelville? found the RV park in our "half price" RV book (Passport America). It was along our way and only $10 per night. We needed a quiet place to rest up and this worked perfectly. RV park had room for about 30 units and we were only one of three there. Washed the motor home, slept, read, slept, read, generally rested up for two days. Pretty good deal, we probably used $10 of electricity running our AC but they did not complain so we just enjoyed.

June 19 Keep The Smoke In The Wire

After three days without power in our motor home, my clever and handy husband was able to diagnose and fix the problem. It was a loose connection in the main electrical power entering the coach and it was "arcing" dangerously shorting out the current. Being a new coach, we had called RV dealerships and no one could "work us in" for at least a week so it gave Gary some extra time to "think it out". He said it all came down to the basic principal he always taught his Automotive Electronic students, just keep the smoke in the wire and you are OK.

Stayed in Branson another day and enjoyed IMAX and more accolades from people who had seen Gary in the parade. Such a famous man I am married to!

Linda

June 18 "Rock Concert" Vietnam Veteran Style

Woke up to a beautiful, sunny day for our concert on top of Saddlebrook mountain. It was located about 10 miles north of Branson and we were instructed to drive out, follow the signs and expect to park in a field and be "bussed" to the concert site. We were pleased upon arrival to be waved on through to the mountain top to the "handicapped" parking. Always are a bit concerned to leave the motorcycle/sidecar rig in too remote a location. It worked out great.

As we came in from the parking area, we could hear the strains of Tony Orlando singing "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree" and we knew we were in the right spot. Other entertainers included The Beach Boys, Ann Margaret, Yakov Smirnof, The Dooby Brothers, The Supremes, The 4 Tops, the list went on and on and on.

A few of the entertainer names were not familiar to me but once they started performing we were right there in a memorable song of 1960/1970. It was great. The crowd was in excess of 20,000 and they were all having a wonderful time with enough water, beer, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc, etc to go around for all. Dancing was rampant and wild.

We also had video links and "talks" with soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan...as well as taped messages from President Bush and numerous military commanders.

We had frequent "fly overs" by all the various military airplanes and helicopters of the Vietnam era. They even put on a battle reenactment...only thing was they forgot to warn these battle weary vets before they started the firepower...firing shots. Good test for everyone with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in the crowd.

The only thing in short supply was shade. They had warned to bring chairs (which we did) and an umbrella for shade (which we did not). I finally scouted out and found the beginning of shade alongside one of the concessionaire tents and we hugged the tent until the sun moved further and deepened the width of the shade. It worked out fine and we soon had quite a crowd of others sharing our shade with us.

I have to say my favorite part of the entire day was the numerous times when people stopped and went out of their way to congratulate Gary on his courageous "march" in the parade the day before. He obviously had an inspirational effect on a number of them.

All in all it was a super end to a super week...hard to leave however as for the Vietnam Vets, they have needed this welcome home so badly...the friendly clasping of hands and statement of "Welcome Home, Brother" from townspeople as well as fellow vets. Hopefully it can continue and set an example as to how all our Veterans present and future should be treated.

If you love your freedom, Thank a Vet!!!

Linda

June 17 Brothers Supporting One Another

Today was the day for the Vietnam Veterans' parade down "Shepherd of the Hills" expressway. A distance of 1.7 miles in all. Each of the military units represented would be walking en masse behind a banner displaying their unit of service. They had requested veterans to register in advance and arrangements would be made for those unable to walk the distance would be either carried in "Ducks" (the amphibious tour vehicles you see at lots of locations) or on the top of pontoon boats. Of course, my veteran (who is still moving around on crutches) declared with his usual determination that he was going to "walk" the entire route.

We were picked up from our motor home by Jim and Linda Buckner. We had gotten to know Jim very well when he was a participant on our recent trip to Vietnam. His wife has Lou Gerrig's disease and can barely move around with her walker. Jim was glad to have me be able to drive their car and transport Linda from the guys drop off point, to our viewing point on the parade route, and then to the pick up point for our husbands at the end of the parade route.

When Gary joined his group of 101st Airborne veterans, he was "alone" but I have to report that he was not "alone" as he walked that parade route. In the true camaraderie of veterans, they banded together, stayed with him, helping him to complete this challenge which perhaps they could only completely understand.

As I saw the 101st Airborne group approach from a distance there was a large group of them right behind the banner but then a space before another group approached. Right in the center front of the second group, was my gutsy husband painfully placing his crutches forward and taking one step after another. They were all around his sides, "spotting" to prevent a fall and helping him to continue in a forward motion. It was so moving that I could not help myself but to rush out and hug those around him in gratitude for their support and efforts. Their reply to my thanks was "If it takes all day, we are going to stick with him until he finishes this parade...we won't leave him behind!"

As they moved beyond me, I stood mid-street crying over the emotion of it all. Finally a woman came out and embraced me, then a man touched my arm, he introduced to me a boy about 6 years old by saying "This is my grandson, he wants to give you a hug!"

Oh, God, what a moment. As I turned to return to my chair, the group around expressed their support and admiration.

Gary reported later that each time they were going down an incline, the other vets clasped their hands in front of his body to prevent him by moving down the slope too fast and falling. It was very emotional for him.

After Linda and I battled the traffic and got to the end of the parade route to pick up our guys, Gary was no where to be found. I was concerned but kept telling myself that our cell phone number was on his crutches and that the phone had been on the whole time. I could have been summoned if needed. Finally, I found him riding around in a utility/golf cart type vehicle with a cute, young blonde trying to help him find me.

I was amazed when Gary still had the energy to go out to lunch with Jim, Linda and 4 other friends from our Vietnam trip. The best was yet to come...for the restaurant was right along the parade route and full of people who had watched it. When Gary entered the room on his crutches, they all applauded. At first Gary looked around to see who was causing the commotion but quickly realized from the cheers and smiling faces that he was the object of their recognition. WOW...what an experience!

Next stop was back at the Grand Palace for a ride in a Huey helicopter. Gary was determined that I needed the experience to add to my adventures and better understand his Vietnam experience. I loved it...Linda got to go along and we were both very wind blown by the time it was done.

Then quick back to our motor home to prepare for our "formal" awards ceremony that night. Yuck, we quickly found that the power was out in our motor home which made it even more of a challenge to freshen up, clean up and put on formal attire...yes, Gary wore his newly acquired tux! I settled with a "little black dress" (first dress in a couple years) with a silk Vietnamese jacket over the top. My Vietnamese shopping paid off!

This event was to honor three individuals who have given considerably to support the Vietnam Veterans. Recipients were Bob Hope (his daughter was there to graciously receive it on his behalf), Tony Orlando, and Ross Perot.

Tony Orlando told the story of his hit song "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree" (Did you know that's where the yellow ribbons idea originated ?) and we heard of his USO servicemen benefit performances (first with Bob Hope and then later on his own) and ongoing support of veterans' causes.

We were personally introduced to Ross Perot (by our buddy Jim) on his way into the Grand Palace. He is a very friendly, gracious man. His acceptance speech for the award, included nothing about himself but rather he praised everyone else in the room.

We honored military award winners and surviving POWs. What rousing stories of courage and survival they had to share. We had recently returning Iraq veterans in attendance, as well as current military on their way to Iraq.

Top entertainers from Branson were there to add to the show with a grand patriotic theme. It was wonderful and one of those events you grow weary from standing up every couple minutes because the performance is so very good, the word so very rousing, or the theme so moving and patriotic.

Even if we had only come all this distance just for this Veterans' Welcome Home event, with everything that has evolved out of it, I would have to say it was well worth the trip.

Tomorrow the big "rock concert" at Saddlebrook Mountain...more later.

June 14 Etchings at The Wall

A somber part of this day was our special visit to the 3/4 scale Vietnam Memorial Wall. It sits outside the Grand Palace and beckons every time you go to the Palace for one of the events. We had just finished watching a very entertaining opening ceremony in the Palace and moved out into the sunlight on our mission to pay our respects.

As we approached, I sensed Gary had halted in his progress and I looked back to find him in tears. A bagpiper had approached from afar and the lilting bars of music had instantly melted his stoic resolve. We embraced and then moved on to the tent where the volunteers use computers to look up the location of a name for you.

Gary had three names he wanted to seek out and we were provided with the information we needed. They provided a pencil and a strip of paper for you to take an etching from the surface of the wall as a memento of your visit. The number of names on the wall is staggering.

When Gary was drafted, his original basic training group ended up going to Vietnam at least 6 months prior to him. Gary was selected for advanced training as a Non-Commissioned Officer which took more time and delayed his departure. As a result, his original group were sent right into the middle of the big "Tet Offensive" that saw very large casualties. Several of them were killed before Gary even arrived in Vietnam. It was sobering to see the rapid pace at which the names were added to the list during this period of time. That delay may have very well saved his life...or at least put him in a different portion of the war and a different mode of operation. All a matter of fate as we look back on it now.

As I watched the sorrow expressed by others at the wall, I could not help but remind myself of how fortunate and blessed we have been and continue to be in this life.

"There but for the grace of God go I"...
Linda

June 15 Branson entertains us

Branson reportedly has well over 100 different shows to pick from so there is no way a person could ever get bored here. It is actually difficult to pick whether you want more pickin' or more grinnin' (really catchin' onto this southern lingo).

We started out with an IMAX presentation of Lewis and Clark. It was an excellent production and the IMAX images were stunning. Quite appropriate in this anniversary year of their expedition.

After that we stopped for some southern cookin' at Wendy's : - ))

From there we proceeded to one of the music halls for a family show by "The Duttons". It is totally run by their "family". Mom and Dad Dutton were married in 1969 and within 9 years they had 7 children. Dad was an economist and taught at a university. He had played a bit of guitar in his school days but never dreamed of being a professional performer. Mom had never had a music lesson in her life. As the kids told it, their parents wanted to start them out at a young age in something that required discipline and hard work (to train them in those life skills) so they each started taking classical violin lessons at early ages. As they got older they branched out into more bluegrass and a variety of instruments. Soon they were performing publicly. Finally they persuaded Dad to dust off his guitar and join them. At age 47, Mom took her first music lesson.

Subsequently, they have toured internationally and now purchased their music hall to give them a home base and room for family. There are now 15 grandkids (6 were born within 6 months of each other...must have been a good "season"). Part of the show today included children right down to their two month old newest addition. What a treat to be able to bring the kids to "work" and include them. You could see the babies getting used to the bright lights and hamming it up for the crowd. Evidently when they are first born, they make it a point to put a guitar in their crib to get them used to their heritage and start developing their talents at an early age. I particularly liked the finale with a 2 year old holding his tiny violin (not having a clue how to play it yet) and a 3 year old trying to point out to his dad that one of the strings had come loose on his violin.

In addition, the Duttons have decided to share their life with orphans from other countries and adopted a number of sibling groups of children from such locations as Russia and Bosnia. I lost count at that point but they have the theatre, a restaurant, a motel and sell their own produced candies and baked goods. What an enterprise! and so neat that they are sharing it with others!

Of course, like everywhere we go this week, they did a military tribute and had all the veterans stand up for recognition...lots of clapping and acolades.

After this heartwarming performance, our friends insisted that we accompany them to the Dutton restaurant next door to sample the ice cream and share pictures from out Vietnam trip.

A good time was had by all. Now if I can figure out how to "work off" all that good ice cream...

Linda

June 10 Lamar, Missouri

Much calmer weather this morning as we drove south through Kansas City Missouri and within 150 miles of Branson. Called to arrange early arrival tomorrow (instead of Sunday) at Musicland Kampground.

After nearly 2000 miles of travel in 6 days, we will be ready to tidy up the coach and kick back and explore Branson, taking in some of their famous entertainment.

Quiet smaller truck stop tonight and if we are lucky the storm clouds will not catch up with us again.

Nap time....Linda

June 9 Percival, Iowa

VERY stormy day with thunderstorms all around us as we drove. It was like a 4th of July celebration but yet a bit scary at the same time. No where to go for cover so you just keep driving, even as at one time the hail and moisture almost totally blocked our visability. Finally drove out beyond it and located the friendly truck stop we had chosen for our over night.

Couple hours later the thunder storms caught up with us forcing us to "pull in our wings" and hunker down for a stormy night. "Pull in our wings" is our new term for when we are forced to pull in our slide outs for fear of wind damage to the awnings that stretch out over their tops. No one has really instructed us to do this but once the canvas starts flapping we just figure "better safe than sorry".

And then there was the time in Bend (early this past May) when we woke up with snow on top of the slides and found that it rolled up in the awnings if you tried to pull them in. Glad the coach is laid out in such a way that it is liveable even with the slides in.

Another productive day towards our destination, Linda

June 14 Ozark Hospitality

This morning started off with the official “Opening Ceremony for the Attendees”. This was held in the enormous theatre of the “Grand Palace” and hosted by Janet Lennon (of the Lennon Sisters). There were a number of impressive guest speakers including the Mayor, the local State Representative, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, all veterans themselves and with warm words representative of the spirit of the gathering. Interspersed with these tributes and presentation were samplers from 7 or 8 of the local professional “shows”. It was great entertainment and reinforced our decision on the shows we were planning on attending during our stay here.

New reunions for us as two more from our Vietnam trip joined our group. Everywhere we go people greet us and others with such warmth and sincerity. This is truly a great event. People, young and old, stop Gary, and all the veterans, on the street to thank them for their service.

Our big adventure today was finding a barber shop so Gary could get his hair trimmed. Military style cut of course but very comfortable on these warm, humid days. I tried to get the barbers to chop mine too but they sent me next door to the beauty shop…perhaps their liability insurance policy was not up to date…who knows.

We took another motorcycle tour of the outlying roads around Branson and enjoyed the views of their lake, that looks more like a river, and the beautiful Ozark Mountains surrounding us.

Considered taking in one of the “shows” tonight but decided tomorrow is another day and we need to recharge our batteries in the meantime.

June 13 Tornado Warnings

We arrived at the Grand Palace to find that the crew had been successful at fully erecting The Wall and it was ready for the scheduled dedication ceremony. The tributes were moving and the young patriotic singers sincere, even the 8 year old who misplaced the words to the national anthem. The group chimed into the song to bail him out in the true American spirit.

The afternoon found us traveling with others up to one of the showcase theatres for the “Event Kick-Off and Show”. This meeting covered many of the logistical details for the week regarding individual scheduled events. Once they were finished with “business” then we were treated to a sampler of the “Best of the 60’s” Show. It was fun and entertaining and a good start to the week.

One aspect of our visit here was the opportunity to reunite with various members of our Vietnam trip group. At this meeting we were able to locate “Jim” from Arkansas and meet also his wife, Linda, who was not able to accompany us to Vietnam because of her health. Afterward we were able to go out to dinner with them which turned into something resembling a “progressive dinner” when we ventured clear across Branson for an ice cream desert at Dairy Queen. They are very good people and we enjoy their company a great deal.

Again the weather was predicting storms and even some mention of a “tornado watch” so we made sure to tuck our magic red machine back into its enclosed trailer for the night. What a night it was! As the storm winds got stronger and stronger with lightening continually lighting the sky around us, we unplugged all the electronics in the coach that we could to protect from power spikes. Next time we will just unplug the entire coach, but by the time that occurred to us, it was all ready hailing and too dangerous to venture out. Finally we hunkered down under the covers waiting out the fury of the storm to pass so we could relax and sleep. Gary said it did not bother him but I have to say that once it started sounding like freight trains all around our motor coach, I was sincerely scared, storms here are just not the same as at home and the images of tornado damage they have displayed on the television in the past had me pretty spooked.

Needless to say, we survived but woke up in the AM a bit more tired than usual.

June 12 Arrival of the Wall

It was a very warm morning, the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” event had not even officially begun but veterans in the thousands turned out in front of the Branson Grand Palace to greet each other with a sincere “Welcome Home” and a hearty handshake. Grown men who would have otherwise passed each other on the street with nary a nod turned out wearing proudly shirts, caps and patches displaying their military affiliations and proceeded to mingle informally, comparing details of unit numbers and year of service. Men, who otherwise shy from expressions of emotion, cried and hugged one another as they renewed old bonds.

First order of the day was the arrival of the ¾ scale Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It was reported that a group of “bikers” had traveled early that morning to Springfield to escort the wall on into Branson. No one in the parking lot was certain when the wall was due to arrive but the excitement was high and rumors rampant. Some reports said there were as many as 900 “bikers” in the escort and it was creating traffic tie-ups on the highway all along the way.

Finally we heard sirens, saw state police cars and the procession of motorcycles approaching flanking the large semi truck bearing the precious symbol of the Memorial Wall. The bikers looked tired but yet excited, knowing their mission had been worthwhile and that they had been successful in delivering their escort in true style. Cameras clicked and videos rolled as the bikes paraded by with their finest display of patriotic clothes and flags. True there were probably in excess of 300 bikes, but if there were the rumored 900 when they started…a good 600 of them must be back there making repairs along the highway. (Sorry guys!)

Once everyone was parked, they had a brief ceremony before everyone had an opportunity to help in unloading the panels that go together to make up “The Wall”. There were cadets in training, reservists, and active duty military on hand to help with the task. They were gracious in allowing the retirees and veterans an opportunity to feel instrumental in this labor of love and it was truly heartwarming to watch.

Once we had gauged our limitation of sunlight and heat, we left and spent an hour or so just riding the motorcycle around Branson exploring the sights and sounds. Upon returning to our motor home, knowing there were thunder showers in the forecast, we tucked our red baby into the enclosed trailer before we went in for the night. Good thing too as we had more than our share of thunder, lightening and hail that night.

June 11 Branson We Have Arrived

It was a pleasure to wake up this morning and know we were just 120 miles from Branson. After a couple 400 plus mile days, this was a "piece of cake". Just as the thunder showers were hitting our last truck stop parking lot in Lamar, MO, we headed south.

The traffic was light and we were ready to park the coach for awhile. My trusty navigation software (CoPilot) with GPS on board, led us right into the heart of country music land. Not sure what we expected, but this is different than anticipated. More spread out but nice and everyone is friendly.

The RV park is truely in the middle of everything but rustic, treed and hidden away with a security gate and all. We pulled down into the narrow entrance road and Gary kind of said "Whoa... what is this?" It was so narrow and enclosed. They led us with a golf cart to our pull thru site...very narrow, tight turns but we negotiated it fine and the site was plenty big with all the amenities we have been without on our trip down here...running water, septic hook-up, 50 amp electricity (yeah, A/C), cable TV, and I am now sitting running laundry and doing internet via Wi-Fi (for no charge) in their laundry/activity room.

We tried walking to a barber for Gary to get his hair trimmed but it was too far and we came back very tired but well fed and we found a very nice, large 50's diner on our way back. After the walk, I bet Gary sleeps well tonight...I will too...without the trucks pulling in and out on all sides at the truck stops...what a treat. Have to admit that 6 nights of parking overnight for free was worth the little hastle at the truck stops...we will do it again but maybe not that many nights in a row again.

Tomorrow we hope to be rested and ready to explore a bit more...maybe take in one of the "shows"...more later.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Linda

June 8 Home, Home on The Range

My "wildlife spotting" for this morning has been antelope. Lots of them, so I guess we are officially "where the deer and the antelope play" here in the high plains of Wyoming.

After the very strong winds of yesterday, we awoke to a calm morning with high clouds and vivid colors...contrasts between rolling mountains, rocks, light blue sky and the deep blue of the occasional pond or stream.

We were underway by 6 AM to avoid any winds that may come up later in the day. Good thing too as it is now 10 AM, we are still a good hour out of our destination in Cheyenne and the winds are really building again. You can tell it is typical for this area as they have numerous wind mills atop the ridges to generate power from Mother Nature's gifts...i.e. making lemonade out of lemons.

We have been traveling up on high flats of 7000 foot elevations and crossed the "Continental Divide" several times as it does not follow a straight line but rather the high point of the mountain ridges.

There are lots of truckers out traveling...think maybe the general tourists sleep later or have avoided this area because of the storm alerts that have been issued. Not much for a tourist to do up here anyway other than use it as a means to get from point A to point B.

We are headed for another "Little America" outpost/truck stop but this time in Cheyenne. Their gas prices are good, nice paved lots and even the truckers are very civil to us...not sure why I would expect any different, they are just out her earning a living transporting all that material "stuff" we cannot live without.

Not much exciting today, just progress towards our initial destination of Branson.

Back to watching for the cute little baby antelope...

LATER:

Well, we arrived at the chosen truck stop in Cheyenne and found it not up to the same standards we had seen elsewhere.

Looks like the company has purchased an old resort and is in the midst of upgrading it...the convenience store/fuel cashier is operating out of a modular trailer, the parking lot is torn up and being repaved and the canopy over the fueling bays was too short for a motor home. We approached cautiously watching the overhang and were able to purchase some of their discount diesel but were overwhelmed by the sound of their jackhammers and opted to move further down the highway.

150 miles further we have now stopped at another truck stop which is much nicer and even has wireless internet "Wi-Fi" in the parking lot. So here I sit in our motor home, with semis parked all around us, using my internet and enjoying new technology.

Nuff for now...I feel a nap coming on.
Linda

June 7 "Little America" Wyoming

Drove early this morning leaving Twin Falls Idaho at 7 AM. First excitement was the two juvenile moose I saw sauntering along the highway median much the same way our local deer do in Oregon. First I thought it was a donkey or something but then finally went back to cartoon images of Rocky & Bulwinkle the moose and realized what I had seen for the first time ever.

The weather has been very unusual with very heavy torrential rain, hail, thunderstorms and even SNOW. Then the wind kept getting stronger and stronger until reaching a mid day peak of reports of 20 mph constant and gusts over 50. We were sitting here in parking lot and just being buffeted around. Tried to "huddle" between other rigs but they kept moving. Finally now we have big semis on both sides and they pulled in late enough that we should have their shelter all night. This is almost like the sway we used to get on the Nordic tug at anchor so it almost feels "right" but will take some getting used to.

Even with the wind we had good mileage today with 8.8 mpg (yesterday was only 7.7) and the diesel down to local truck stop prices of 2.199 per gallon. Don't think we will ever purchase at regular gas station prices again...we are hooked on truck stops...now if I can just learn the trucker lingo!

Tomorrow we are headed further East on I 80 to Laramie Wyoming.

On the road again,
Linda & Gary

June 6 Headed East out of Pendleton

Today we will follow I 84 East from Pendleton to Twin Falls Idaho. It is just 8:30 AM and we have already been on the road for an hour...up the famous "Cabbage Hill" Gary had told me about...climbing up to 4,000 feet where they get lots of snow in the winter time.

Did not see any cabbage on "Cabbage Hill" but I am sure there is a story behind the name. All I could think of was the trip the pioneers must have had when they traveled West over such terrain. Someone told us the other day that they averaged 20 miles a day. WOW...

More later
Linda

Off on a new adventure! June 5th

Saturday had been a very exciting and rewarding day as we had the privilege of watching daughter Cindy participate in and complete the Newport marathon. Her busy life had been full of many varied exercise routines lately but not included the long range training that is necessary for a full marathon. Consequently she really "paid" in the pain category to be able to complete this event. But she did and we were very proud of her...as we are anyway.

Sunday morning we were up and ready (once we said our goodbyes and explained to year old Jenna why she could NOT go with us)to hit the road on our new adventure. With Gary at the helm of our new 34' Bounder Motor home with trailer in tow we crossed out of the gates of our protected little community of Seagrove not really knowing when we will be back. We have good, trusted neighbors watching our home base and we are glad we designed the house to "take care of itself" pretty much while we are gone. We even have guard fish in the pond out back, just hope any would be intruders have sen Jaws and have a strong imagination.

Actually we brought ALL our toys with us so there is not much that an intruder would want anyway. You se the enclosed trailer tagging along behind us contains the shiny red Honda Goldwing with sporty sidecar. And sorry guys, there is NO one pin he can pull to disconnect the sidecar and send his trusting wife off into oblivion like you see in the cartoons...do you believe everything you see in the cartoons?

So day one of our adventure took is through hail and heavy thunder showers on the Oregon coast, inland through cloudy, overcast in Salem, up I 205 and East on I 84 up the VERY windy Columbia River gorge to Pendleton. We logged 326 miles in all. Our overnight stop, as planned, was at the Wild Horse Casino. They have a nice gravel parking lot adjacent to their regular one. No charge to "boondock" there. "Boondock" is an Rv term for staying someplace with no services...best of all it is FREE. Trying to se if we can get all the way to Branson "boondocking" helps to offset the cost of the fuel we are using along the way.

The Wild Horse Casino was quite small compared to the ones we are used to on the Oregon Coast. More the size of 7 Cedars in Sequim but not as well run or clean.

I love the names we are encountering here in what I call "cowboy country". We stopped for diesel and propane at the "Arrowhead Truck Stop".

Nuff for now,
Linda