Here we are at Hill AFB just north of Salt Lake City. I always feel like we are getting such a great deal when we stay at a Famcamp within the military system because the prices are very reasonable ($14 with full hookups), and I feel very comfortable and “at home”. It was a rather long day today since we drove from St. George, Utah to Ogden. We managed to drive through Salt Lake City right about four o’clock, but fortunately, the traffic moved pretty well. Karen and Rod are still traveling with us, but we will probably go our separate ways after our stay here.
We spent a good number of hours in the car yesterday as we went all the way to Bryce Canyon Park. Ken and I had never seen it, nor had Rod and Karen. But there has been snow in the area, so I feel as if we need to return at a different time of year for yet another perspective. The red rock is spectacular, but I feel it was diminished by the snow. Whereas one looks up to appreciate Zion Park, one must look down to appreciate Bryce.
We have friends from our Navy days in Iceland who live in this area, and we are delighted that they are going to come for dinner on Sunday night. I love the fact that the friendships formed throughout the years in the military never go away, and we can just pick up where we left off.
So it was while we were in St. George. Joan Schultz and her son Danny lived just a block or two from us all the time we lived in San Jose. Danny and Brian were the best of friends, and we have all kept in touch over the years. I did call Joan while we were in St.George, and we had a good visit, but she is a bit under the weather so we did not have an opportunity to see each other. Her son, Danny, who is married and has two teen aged sons is still in the Air Force in Texas but is getting ready to retire and move to the civilian side of health care which is what he has done all of his 20 years in the Air Force.
According to Gary’s blog, he and Carolyn are home and are in the process of moving out of the motor home and into their house. That is major after one has been on the road for almost four months. And before you know it, they will be repacking the MH for their trips around the island and elsewhere over the coming months. I am so overwhelmed at the thought of arriving home within the next two weeks that I am tempted to just park in the driveway and continue to live in the MH.
There is a museum of vintage aircraft here at Hill AFB that Ken and Rod plan to see, and Karen and I are going to seek out every fabric and quilt shop we can find. That, along with any other items of interest in the area. We will probably leave here on Monday with Rod and Karen making their way toward Washington and we toward Mt. Home to see Brian, Sheila and the boys. Ciao
Friday, March 24, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Viva Las Vegas
Hello from Las Vegas. We have been to the strip, and I’ve gambled away my $2 in the penny slots.
We left Foothills West in Casa Grande on Saturday morning and made our way to Bullhead City. Karen found a county park right on the Colorado River which afforded us a great place to stay for two days. We drove across the river to Laughlin for dinner and introduced Rod and Karen to the joys of an In N Out burger and fries.
On Sunday, we drove to the little old mining town of Oatman to see and feed the burros that tromp up and down the street looking for carrots and feed. Oatman is a little like Tombstone; complete with the shoot ‘em up showdown on Main Street, but we quite enjoyed ourselves. We ducked into a little place for a cup of coffee only to encounter a gentleman singing and playing his guitar. I couldn’t resist buying his CD even though I have never heard of him.
On Monday, we covered about 100 miles to settle in at the Famcamp at Nellis AFB. We are in overflow which means we have no hookups, but it is working out just fine since we came in with water and empty tanks. The Spragues are pleased with the performance of their newly added second solar panel, and our generator works just fine. There are warm and clean showers with lots of hot water.
Karen had never seen Las Vegas, and it has been years since Rod was here, so they have walked and gawked for hours on end. We tried to get tickets to see Mama Mia, but they were outlandishly expensive so we passed. Ken and I didn’t spend as much time downtown, but we could see some changes from when we were here last time – which was when Brian and Sheila lived here around 2000.
Jeff and Bev Schuler are going to visit Keith and Janet this Saturday. Bev has been in Washington DC this week for a nursing conference, and Jeff is joining her today. Bev wants lobster so it is lobster and wine at the Kirkwoods on Saturday. Keith and Janet live quite close to where Jeff and Bev lived right after he finished college and was active duty in the army for a while. They haven't seen Janet and the girls since Brian and Sheila's wedding. I think Keith has been in San Jose since then. Wish we could join them.
We are headed out of here either today or tomorrow, depending on the weather in southern Utah, to stay in the St. George area for a day or two to take a look at Bryce and Zion if we can get close. We have a friend, Joan Schultz, from our days in California who lives in Ivans, which is next door to St. George, so we will make it a point to see her.
……..I just got online and the weather looks fine up ahead so we will go!
Ciao
We left Foothills West in Casa Grande on Saturday morning and made our way to Bullhead City. Karen found a county park right on the Colorado River which afforded us a great place to stay for two days. We drove across the river to Laughlin for dinner and introduced Rod and Karen to the joys of an In N Out burger and fries.
On Sunday, we drove to the little old mining town of Oatman to see and feed the burros that tromp up and down the street looking for carrots and feed. Oatman is a little like Tombstone; complete with the shoot ‘em up showdown on Main Street, but we quite enjoyed ourselves. We ducked into a little place for a cup of coffee only to encounter a gentleman singing and playing his guitar. I couldn’t resist buying his CD even though I have never heard of him.
On Monday, we covered about 100 miles to settle in at the Famcamp at Nellis AFB. We are in overflow which means we have no hookups, but it is working out just fine since we came in with water and empty tanks. The Spragues are pleased with the performance of their newly added second solar panel, and our generator works just fine. There are warm and clean showers with lots of hot water.
Karen had never seen Las Vegas, and it has been years since Rod was here, so they have walked and gawked for hours on end. We tried to get tickets to see Mama Mia, but they were outlandishly expensive so we passed. Ken and I didn’t spend as much time downtown, but we could see some changes from when we were here last time – which was when Brian and Sheila lived here around 2000.
Jeff and Bev Schuler are going to visit Keith and Janet this Saturday. Bev has been in Washington DC this week for a nursing conference, and Jeff is joining her today. Bev wants lobster so it is lobster and wine at the Kirkwoods on Saturday. Keith and Janet live quite close to where Jeff and Bev lived right after he finished college and was active duty in the army for a while. They haven't seen Janet and the girls since Brian and Sheila's wedding. I think Keith has been in San Jose since then. Wish we could join them.
We are headed out of here either today or tomorrow, depending on the weather in southern Utah, to stay in the St. George area for a day or two to take a look at Bryce and Zion if we can get close. We have a friend, Joan Schultz, from our days in California who lives in Ivans, which is next door to St. George, so we will make it a point to see her.
……..I just got online and the weather looks fine up ahead so we will go!
Ciao
Monday, March 13, 2006
Hey Mike and Mary
Welcome to the Kirkwoods' blog site. You will probably learn more about us than you ever wanted to know.
We like it here! This is a very nice little RV park, and I could see us returning for a longer stay next winter. Unlike so many that we have encountered, this one is not overrun with rules, golfers and their wild golf carts, and "can't or won't dos". The staff is VERY FRIENDLY, and there are no hours for the pool or spa - open for business 24 hours per day. BTW the name is Foothills West and it is located at the very northern edge of Casa Grande off Val Vista.
Yesterday we met Rod and Karen for lunch as they were making their way from Dollbeer Park in Mesa to Beaudry RV in Tucson to attend an Alpenlite rally. They had made one last visit to the Mesa Market and Rod drove a hard bargain to purchase a crimson and gray Cougars blanket for Ken. Now Ken thinks it should be a permanent drape over the back of the sofa - NOT!
Colleen and her new love, Girlie, drove down to visit and have dinner with us yesterday. Girlie is very sweet, smart, alert, and seemingly a bit headstrong. She would bark when other dogs were walked by, but more out of saying, I want to play."
She looks like a small long-haired German Shepherd with very erect high-set pointed ears (think German Shepherd), and the backs of them are as soft and fuzzy as a Koala bear. As is typical of the breed (Belgian Tervuren)her feet are small and look like cat paws. We discovered that the Belgian Malinois has a short coat, so hence the thinking that she is a Tervuren. Since she was originally rescued as a stray near Douglas, AZ, we are wondering if she had an encounter with a bobcat. Our site here at the park as a metal sculptor of one, and Girle barked and growled at it. On the other hand, with her intense yellow eyes and long bushy tail, she sometimes look a bit of a wolf. We quite like her.
Ken put the new screens on the front windows yesterday, and we are delighted with them. They very effectively cut the sunshine and glare, but allow us to clearly see out. It is interesting to see the sunshine on the dash, but still have it cool to the touch.
We plan to go into Phoenix a time or two this week. We want to see Martha one more time before we leave as well as Colleen. Rod and Karen will join us here next Friday night, and then we will make our way toward Laughlin and Las Vegas. We don't have a complete route planned, but have a general idea. However, if it stays cold and wintery up north, I'm stayin' down here!
Ciao
We like it here! This is a very nice little RV park, and I could see us returning for a longer stay next winter. Unlike so many that we have encountered, this one is not overrun with rules, golfers and their wild golf carts, and "can't or won't dos". The staff is VERY FRIENDLY, and there are no hours for the pool or spa - open for business 24 hours per day. BTW the name is Foothills West and it is located at the very northern edge of Casa Grande off Val Vista.
Yesterday we met Rod and Karen for lunch as they were making their way from Dollbeer Park in Mesa to Beaudry RV in Tucson to attend an Alpenlite rally. They had made one last visit to the Mesa Market and Rod drove a hard bargain to purchase a crimson and gray Cougars blanket for Ken. Now Ken thinks it should be a permanent drape over the back of the sofa - NOT!
Colleen and her new love, Girlie, drove down to visit and have dinner with us yesterday. Girlie is very sweet, smart, alert, and seemingly a bit headstrong. She would bark when other dogs were walked by, but more out of saying, I want to play."
She looks like a small long-haired German Shepherd with very erect high-set pointed ears (think German Shepherd), and the backs of them are as soft and fuzzy as a Koala bear. As is typical of the breed (Belgian Tervuren)her feet are small and look like cat paws. We discovered that the Belgian Malinois has a short coat, so hence the thinking that she is a Tervuren. Since she was originally rescued as a stray near Douglas, AZ, we are wondering if she had an encounter with a bobcat. Our site here at the park as a metal sculptor of one, and Girle barked and growled at it. On the other hand, with her intense yellow eyes and long bushy tail, she sometimes look a bit of a wolf. We quite like her.
Ken put the new screens on the front windows yesterday, and we are delighted with them. They very effectively cut the sunshine and glare, but allow us to clearly see out. It is interesting to see the sunshine on the dash, but still have it cool to the touch.
We plan to go into Phoenix a time or two this week. We want to see Martha one more time before we leave as well as Colleen. Rod and Karen will join us here next Friday night, and then we will make our way toward Laughlin and Las Vegas. We don't have a complete route planned, but have a general idea. However, if it stays cold and wintery up north, I'm stayin' down here!
Ciao
Saturday, March 11, 2006
The rains came......
about ten last night, and it has been raining pretty much ever since. I think it is supposed to clear up by tomorrow afternoon, but as of now, Phoenix has received 8/10 of an inch.
We were up at five yesterday morning to get an early start for Yuma because there were threats of strong gusty winds. We made it with no problem, had the screens installed, and did a bit of shopping. While parked at Yuma Palms shopping mall, Ken discovered one of the outer duals was flat. "Hello, Coachnet?" We had someone arrive within a half hour and discover that the problem lay with the valve stem extension, and there was nothing wrong with the tire. So with an adjustment and some air, we were on our way. I used Coach Net one other time to unlock my car and in both cases, we signed our names and were on our way.
We said good by to the Ouseys, but we reminded ourselves that we only live about 100 miles apart, even though it is different countries, and we will get together this summer. They are such good folks and good friends. We have enjoyed our time with them. We have known them for about 30 years thanks to the US and Canadian forces.
Last night we overnighted at the Paradise Casino which is right across the road from Cocopah where we stayed in December. There are rows and rows of plowed dirt roadways separated by dirt berms. We just pulled in and parked. Tried the casino, but it was so smokey, I wouldn't go back. But Ken did and won $50 on a quarter machine. I was more than happy to accept half of his smokey-smelling winnings.
Since we were up at five, we were ready for bed by seven, but made ourselves stay up for a while. We had constant entertainment as we watched the various rigs come in and park for the night. Everything from a 40 foot long Dynasty to a box van with a welded rack on top that was loaded to the gills. Our guess is that is was someone who had just pulled up stakes from his Quartzite shop. He never set foot outside the van, so obviously was able to crawl into the back from the cab. It doesn't take much to entertain us, does it?
We were up at six this morning so we could be first in line at Mr. Goodwrench's place. We dined at McDonalds, shopped at the Yuma Marine Air Station commissary, and made a final quick pass through the Yuma market.
We arrived in Casa Grande about three this afternoon and are parked right across the street from the office and pool and spa. It is a smaller older park with quite a few park models, but friendly staff and everything very neat and attractive.
I can't think for the rain pounding on the roof. Ciao
We were up at five yesterday morning to get an early start for Yuma because there were threats of strong gusty winds. We made it with no problem, had the screens installed, and did a bit of shopping. While parked at Yuma Palms shopping mall, Ken discovered one of the outer duals was flat. "Hello, Coachnet?" We had someone arrive within a half hour and discover that the problem lay with the valve stem extension, and there was nothing wrong with the tire. So with an adjustment and some air, we were on our way. I used Coach Net one other time to unlock my car and in both cases, we signed our names and were on our way.
We said good by to the Ouseys, but we reminded ourselves that we only live about 100 miles apart, even though it is different countries, and we will get together this summer. They are such good folks and good friends. We have enjoyed our time with them. We have known them for about 30 years thanks to the US and Canadian forces.
Last night we overnighted at the Paradise Casino which is right across the road from Cocopah where we stayed in December. There are rows and rows of plowed dirt roadways separated by dirt berms. We just pulled in and parked. Tried the casino, but it was so smokey, I wouldn't go back. But Ken did and won $50 on a quarter machine. I was more than happy to accept half of his smokey-smelling winnings.
Since we were up at five, we were ready for bed by seven, but made ourselves stay up for a while. We had constant entertainment as we watched the various rigs come in and park for the night. Everything from a 40 foot long Dynasty to a box van with a welded rack on top that was loaded to the gills. Our guess is that is was someone who had just pulled up stakes from his Quartzite shop. He never set foot outside the van, so obviously was able to crawl into the back from the cab. It doesn't take much to entertain us, does it?
We were up at six this morning so we could be first in line at Mr. Goodwrench's place. We dined at McDonalds, shopped at the Yuma Marine Air Station commissary, and made a final quick pass through the Yuma market.
We arrived in Casa Grande about three this afternoon and are parked right across the street from the office and pool and spa. It is a smaller older park with quite a few park models, but friendly staff and everything very neat and attractive.
I can't think for the rain pounding on the roof. Ciao
Monday, March 06, 2006
Last week in Ehrenberg
We will be on the road this coming Friday, and bright and early we will be because we need to be in Yuma before noon to keep an appointment to have sun screens made for the front windows of the motor home. Then on Saturday morning Ken has an appointment to get the motor home lubed and oiled in preparation for the trek home.
We will spend the next week or two in the Phoenix/Tucson area and then start for home. Rod and Karen fly back to Phoenix this Wednesday, and will be attending a rally in Tucson next week. Then we plan to join up to drive part way home together.
I think we are going to try Bryce and/or Zion in Utah. We will go on to Mt. Home to see Brian, Sheila, and the boys before we go on to Steilacoom.
Speaking of which.....Ken stopped to chat with someone who came in to the park today because they had Washington license plates - they are from Steilacoom!
We drove to Lake Havasu City on Saturday to have a look around. Since it was just founded in the early 60s, everything is quite new. There are some huge magnificent homes scattered around the town. I found the only two fabric shops in the town, and we did stop and take a quick look at the London Bridge. I could see us seeking out an RV park to spend a month next winter.
We are still waiting for rain. It was overcast all day but stayed dry.
Ciao
We will spend the next week or two in the Phoenix/Tucson area and then start for home. Rod and Karen fly back to Phoenix this Wednesday, and will be attending a rally in Tucson next week. Then we plan to join up to drive part way home together.
I think we are going to try Bryce and/or Zion in Utah. We will go on to Mt. Home to see Brian, Sheila, and the boys before we go on to Steilacoom.
Speaking of which.....Ken stopped to chat with someone who came in to the park today because they had Washington license plates - they are from Steilacoom!
We drove to Lake Havasu City on Saturday to have a look around. Since it was just founded in the early 60s, everything is quite new. There are some huge magnificent homes scattered around the town. I found the only two fabric shops in the town, and we did stop and take a quick look at the London Bridge. I could see us seeking out an RV park to spend a month next winter.
We are still waiting for rain. It was overcast all day but stayed dry.
Ciao
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