It's time for Excellent Adventure 2015

Hi Everyone!

We have been blessed with the privilege of being able to take another summer trip. This one is going to be a bit longer than last AND... the weather should be much nicer. Warmer that is. Our route should keep us away from any threatening weather but I'm sure we'll see some that we are not used to experiencing in AZ.

Our main goal is East Tawas, MI to visit Don's sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Darrell. We were headed that way last year but alas....we were sissies and could just NOT handle the cold any longer and headed back west. Spring back in the Midwest and east is about two months later than it is here.

Sis is coming along again. Don't know if that will make her happy or sad but we are a bit better equipped for her, with a stroller (quit laughing), a new setup in her backseat apartment in the truck and her couch stairs are coming along. Throw in a little food and she's set. At least WE think so.

So, that's it for now. I'll try my best to post here very often. I hope the internet connections are good so I can post more pictures than last year.

Follow us if you like. All comments welcome! Wish we could all go together!

Be back soon.

P.S. departure date is June 4th!

Wednesday, May 7th -

I have to say, and it does scare a part of me after I saw 60 Minutes on Sunday, that I do forget what day it is at times. So does Don but when you're on the road and we're changing plans all the time based on a number of things that it's easy to get your days mixed up. The 60 Minutes show was about the "90+ Study" and one of the questions used in a test for dementia was "What day is it"?

So yesterday we arrived here at Springfield, MO. We cut short our Illinois stay because it was going to rain and be cold. We are cutting short our stay here because of severe weather warnings. So, we are leaving tomorrow. It's sad as today was beautiful. We just came in at 8p from sitting outside in the breeze. It's still light outside and the birds and squirrels are everywhere. There is a storm system headed this way and we'd rather not sit it out as the news here is saying it can be severe. So after praying for guidance, we feel it is best to head out early tomorrow. This is a beautiful park with lots  of trees for shade and green carpets of grass with woods around.

Illinois was fun. We went to downtown Springfield and visited the Lincoln Library. It is beautiful. I took a few pictures before I noticed the sign prohibiting photos. The Lincoln Museum was across the street but we could not go in. We had Sis at home waiting for us so our time was limited. The whole downtown Springfield area is awash in Lincoln sites and facts. I wish we had a whole day to wander but I'm grateful for what we did see. We can always come back...maybe next year.

Today we took a little drive back to Sam's Club (we were there yesterday for a food run) to fill up on diesel fuel which was only $3.63 - the cheapest we've paid since we left Phoenix. Across the street was an Andy's Frozen Custard...so, you know...we went there. I have to say, it beats anything we've ever had, including Carvel's. It is the BEST! We even, just now, debated going back for more but we know better. I'll have the memory until we come back this way. Next to Andy's was Einstein's Bagels. I have only seen once since home and it was at a rest stop. So, you know... we went there. Of course, poor Don couldn't have any. I bought a few to bring home. I'll freeze them for the way...

Speaking of rest stops, we have seen some beauties. There are some that cross the highway. It's pretty creepy to be in the walkway when a semi comes by underneath you. They have Starbucks, Panera Bread, McD's, and a host of other food places in them. The facilities are nice, clean and modern.

After Andy's and Einstein's, we went to downtown Springfield (Missouri this time). We passed another Andy's (yes, we were tempted) and a host of other places BUT the crowning glory was the Bass Pro Shops store. It is the company flagship, national headquarters store. It easily takes up 4 blocks and they are still adding to it. They have everything there - taxidermy, repairs, catalog sales, boats (not just a few either), conservation center, I can't remember the rest but it is huge and they are adding to it. They even took over a closed up K-Mart store. That's where the catalog sales and pick-up are. The rest of the complex all looks classy like the Bass Pro Shop stores.

I knew we have been traveling in the Bible Belt but I have never seen so many churches. There is easily one every block and some are very large. Everywhere you look there's a church. There are billboards for churches too and lots of billboards with Christian messages (these we've seen in most of these states).

There are also a lot of Donut shops including Krispy Kreme. So many donut shops would not make it in Phoenix. Lots of Oriental Food too, every couple of blocks in certain areas. There have been lots of car washes too, I guess due to the salt on the roads in the snowy weather. We went through one and they use HOT water. There are also many same day denture shops. We've seen all these things in several states now. Lastly we've seen some oldies... Sinclair and Hess gas stations. I haven't seen those in many years.

These states have farm roads. You can use them to get around the toll roads. We were told they are confusing but we have been using them regularly with no problems. They are fun because you can see all the rural areas and beautiful old (and newer) homes, yards and ranches. The only bad thing about them is they are very narrow and some don't have much if any shoulder before you might be on a slope. Not a very steep one but enough to cause a large problem.

We are looking forward to being home soon but it is also a bit sad that our Excellent Adventure has to end. It has been grand just seeing everything and being free to pretty much go where we want except for being weather conscious. We know this whole adventure has been a gift and a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty of our country. We have thought about you all during our travels and especially when seeing certain sites. Devon, I thought of you at the Lincoln Library and thought how awesome it would be if you could bring your classes there. I think of our neighbor Charles when I see the beautiful Robins, Cardinals and squirrels outside as he does such a great job photographing birds at home.

That's it for tonight. We are headed to Oklahoma tomorrow. We are hoping to leave here before the storm and it looks like we will not be heading into it unless of course the weather changes from what we heard today.

I'll try to add some pictures when I post this message. Good night everyone.

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 This picture does not do the complex any justice

Our spot here in MO. VERY nice! That's it for pictures, the internet is not very good, as usual.

May 3rd - Our last night in Indiana. We had planned to stay until Monday morning BUT.. tomorrow it turns colder again and the rain is back. We had a reprieve today. It warmed up in the afternoon and after a couple hour wind spell, that went away too so the afternoon got pretty nice. I wouldn't say warm but not cold.

Tomorrow, we are off to Illinois. We'll stay at the same place we stayed on the way up here. It is by Lake Springfield so is very nice. Also, there are some Abraham Lincoln sites to see but what we can do with Sis remains to be seen. We have been quite limited but that's ok. We knew it would be that way and Sis is a member of the family after all.

So, I did not mention that the grass here does not spread. I'm not sure what kind it is although I have seen and heard ads for Kentucky Blue grass. All I know is wood mulch is a big thing here and whenever we've seen it in a flower bed right in the middle of grass, there is no grass in the flower bed. A lot of the yards are landscaped quite beautifully and there are lots of bulb flowers. Surprisingly a lot of those flowers have bloomed. I saw a huge bed of beautiful tulips today.

I know I have not mentioned the large amounts of cemeteries around here. They don't use the flat headstones so are pretty different. Of course there are trees and green, green grass. They look very nice.

School buses are driven home by the drivers as we have seen many at homes. I guess the districts don't need to have a yard that way. And school campuses are completely open. No fences and gates. Not like in AZ where they are all locked up. I think I mentioned that most all schools we have seen are comprised of one building just like I remember.

The unfenced schools and unfenced pools are funny as you would think back here those things would be standard and we'd be more lax back west but not so. At least, that is my thinking however skewed it may be.

Illinois weather shows warm and dry temps, hallelujah! We are looking forward to that.

Today we drove to Nappanee, an Amish community. We were able to stop in a furniture store. I have to say, they had the most beautiful, well-made furniture I ever saw. The prices are not unreasonable at all but quite comparable however for much higher quality product. It is a treat just to drive and see the landscape and homes.

As promised the other day, here are some pics.

Lake Michigan from New Buffalo Beach, MI. This lake is so big it looks like the ocean. All you can see is water, in every direction.

Well, sorry but I am having no luck downloading pictures tonight. It is taking a loooong, loooong time. I will try again tomorrow.

Good night! As of tonight, we are looking at being back home in Phoenix by May 20th!!! :-)

May 1st!! A fine spring day I'm sure, in any of the western states, but not on this side of the country.  :-) People that live on this side of the country say that it really isn't spring until June. I believe it!

So, it was on the road again today, early. Back to South Bend, Indiana as part of our plan to find warmer, dryer weather. We have only actually been able to sit outside 2 days since we left. It does hamper things but all in all, we are still grateful. We don't get this kind of weather and soon we won't see it again anytime soon.  However...we are still seeking warmer, drier weather. I tell myself if I lived here it would be different because you'd be prepared and have a mud room and all that stuff. Today we had clear sailing (but lots of clouds) until about 2/3 of the way here. Then the rain, cold (40's) and our old friend, Mr. Wind came. Poor Baby Sis was miserable outside again.

It seemed like a long drive today for some reason but we did get here about 3:15. We made a few stops along the way.

We passed a lot of signs along the way and I looked a lot of places and things up on the internet. Places include: Willow Lake, Kenisee Grand River Campground, Geneva on the Lake and Geneva State Park. They all look like very nice places with tons of summer activities. The lists are long and I'm sure all places are packed during summer. I'm sure they are popular. It's probably what "they do" here in summer.

We passed the Spire Institute which I looked up. It is one of the largest indoor, multi-sport, training and competition complexes in the world. They have a residential academic program too. Their website says they are for all walks of life, olympic hopefuls, wounded warriors, Special Olympics, etc. I'm impressed.

We passed the Elizabeth Scott Community which is a 4 generation, family owned residential care facility. They take care of people in all stages of need. The story behind this place is interesting and they mention little Maximillian, the possible fifth generation that may one day take over.

These are not earth shattering tidbits but they are interesting to check out along the way. More stuff to see and hear about.

We had planned on stopping at a Costco along the way here and took the route around Cleveland to do so, which we would have done anyway this time around, however....we ended up in the express lane on the interstate and could not use the exit so we waved goodbye to Costco as it faded from sight. It was several miles before we could have turned around and by then it wasn't worth it. We wanted some GF items for Don and a layered salsa dip (with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream and cheese) which we have grown to love.

Tolls today totaled a few cents shy of $40 with $25.25 paid for out stint on the Ohio Turnpike which in my opinion is the worst road we have found between NY and AZ. That must be where the term "highway robbery" came from.

So here we are at the South Bend KOA again. It really is a nice place and actually felt like home upon returning. Theypeople here are very nice. I did laundry when we arrived and had to buy quarters again. I asked them in the office if they felt bad selling me the same quarters for the third time. Laundry can be expensive with each load costing between $2.50 and $3.00 or more for washing and drying. Oh how I miss my clothesline.

That's it for today. Not too interesting. We'll leave here on Monday and head for Illinois. The weekend weather is supposed to be warmer, 60's. That is great if it's not raining. It really isn't cold, probably due to the humidity as my mom pointed out.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow and maybe even spare you my wit.

Goodnight everyone. We'll be seeing you soon!

Thanks for all the help you are all providing!

April 30th - Day 3 of RAIN. It was raining when we left Elkhart/South Bend and it followed us to Erie, PA and refuses to leave us. We have seen more rain in 3 days than we get in AZ, all year. The ground at this KOA is saturated. After the just under 12 feet of snow this past year and now all this rain, the ground can't take it. We even had to move spots this afternoon as our spot was flooded out. Apparently they did some construction work here and that work caused our space to flood as we were told it never did before..... :-)

So, today was Niagara Falls day. I will post pictures at the bottom. It rained all the way there and drizzled while we were there. The wind on the way was horrible and we passed several overturned trailers and semis on the way. They apparently turned over  yesterday with wind gusts of 75 miles per hour as the toll booth attendant told us. All booth attendants have been very nice. Could it be because they all share in the take as the money doesn't seem to go to road maintenance in many areas.

So the ride over was gorgeous again. This time however much of the land was covered in grape vines as Ryan told me we'd see. More beautiful, huge homes with lots of green land around them complete with creeks, ponds, rivers, streams etc. How awesome to sit on your porch and see such sites. I get jealous and then thank God for the beautiful home we have in AZ. It's the totally different landscape and lifestyle (even if it's only in my mind) that I see. Of course these people have to work too but again, it looks so idyllic.

Oh, yesterday we went out to Presque Isle. It is a little isle that juts out into Lake Erie. It was very windy and there were white caps in the water. It was spooky walking on the dock with that wind and I didn't go far and was very careful. The isle was very nice and the ride back out took us on the other side. It was calm and had beautiful, deserted (at this time of year) beaches. The lake looks like an ocean because you can't see the other side. You just see water, everywhere you look. I picked up some cool, flat rocks to bring home.

On to the Falls... they are gorgeous! I am so glad we took the time after Elkhart to come further east. I had never seen the Falls and am so glad I did. We stopped first at the rapids just before the Falls. That would be some white knuckle rafting if it were allowed but I don't think anyone would survive. The water runs hard and fast.  Back into the truck and down the road a very small way and we parked at the Falls. Luckily there were not many other people around at this time which made it very nice. I don't think there were more than 20 people around at any one time. Pets are welcome and we were even able to take her in the buildings with us since some of the outside walks were closed for construction. The boat ride was closed as was the gift shops due to repairs and construction. They were even working on some of the outside walks alongside the Falls. I guess the harsh winter put them behind. There was still lots of ice at the Falls and we even saw lots of ice floating on Lake Erie on the way over.

Our Baby Sis, was again such a trooper. It was cold and rainy and she handled it well. Don and I took turns with her so we could take pictures but of course she liked it best when she was zipped in my jacket. She has been through so much and has done so well. I can't say enough about how good she has been for an old, blind girl. Her reward is sleeping in our bed every night. She'll stay in it long into the morning if we let her. She eats and goes out at about 6a, then goes back to bed. The other day she stayed in there until after 10:30. She deserves it.

I didn't get to have my white pizza. Sad face... but the rest of the day makes up for it. I did make some calls and found white pizza in South Bend where we'll be returning tomorrow. It's time for us to head back. The cold and rain have turned us around but that's ok. We've been gone awhile and it will still take some time to get home. And, Macri's Italian Bakery is in South Bend. I think I should go there again to be sure my first opinion was correct. Happy face....

I think that's about it. I forgot my notebook today which I've taken every day to write notes. I don't think I forgot anything. If I do remember anything, I'll post it next time.

Good night everyone. I end with thanks to our loving Lord for the privilege of getting to see the beauty of His creation and our safe travels. Our God is an awesome God. My prayer is that all my family and friends have a relationship with our Lord Jesus so that we can all meet again in heaven after our brief time here is over. Wouldn't that be awesome!!!

 

 

 

Hootie in my jacket. She was shivering.

This is after the water comes off the Falls.

Thursday, April 24 - We have our home back!! I can't tell you how nice that is. The cabin was nice/rustic but with all our stuff in there it was cramped. No real place to sit. So after a call this morning and about 90 minutes at the Lifestyle plant, we got it back.

All but two small things were done and we can live with that. We got a nice backsplash behind the sink, a drawer installed under the fridge (more storage) and the two awful swivel recliners were replaced with a stadium loveseat with cupholders and storage and they MATCH the couch. This is what should have been in here to begin with. These things were in addition to what needed to be fixed. All in all, we are very happy. Of course we had to clean the place up again and move back in. That was no small task and we are bushed. But the upside is we are now FREE!!

We had a place to be at a certain time and we accomplished that. Now however we are on our own. It's quite exhilarating. I can't tell you how happy we are to have our place back and to now be free to go where we please. We are grateful too that Sis weathered the whole ordeal and is resting comfortably in her bed. She knows this place as home as she is comfortable once again.

Yesterday we took her to the vet for a nail trim and vaccination. The vaccination was for bordatella so we could board her later if necessary. We wanted to do that one day this week but she had to have the shot at least one week before boarding. We have it now in case we decide to do that further down the line. She also got one extra vaccination for a condition specific to this area. We did not want her getting sick. She is too fragile to go through anything like that. It was a traumatic day coupled with being in an unfamiliar place but she is well. Thank you God!

Yesterday we took a driving tour through several Amish towns. It was nice. There were horse and buggy drivers on the road and that was interesting. There is covered buggy parking at the Wal-Mart and hitching posts at other places. We stopped at a bakery/store and picked up two delicious treats, one of which was gluten-free! The place was immaculate including the restrooms and the staff very pleasant. We did not have time to stop anywhere other than one more place as we had the vet appt at 3:30 and had to get back on this side of town.

It's funny how quick you learn your way around and we even have the tolls memorized. We were threatened with "toll road jail" or "losing our truck" by one of the toll takers when we asked her what would happen if we did not have money enough for the toll. She was very pleasant as they all have been. W e have had the privilege of meeting some very nice people including our camp hosts and workers. They are exceptional.

We are staying put at least until Monday morning. That will give us time to recoup and for Sis to also. Our plan is to then head for Erie, PA which is 330 miles. We made reservations today for two days there. After that we are headed to Niagara Falls. That will be a short 120 mile trip. After that we'll head through Canada, if all Sis's paperwork is in order. If not, we'll just turn around and head back the way we came. We are not going to let it cause us any grief. If it works fine, if not, fine. We plan only on crossing Canada into MI. We will not be staying in Canada.

We are facing rain here tomorrow but it shouldn't be too cold - 60's. I think the weekend is going to be ok with temps in the 50's with some rain coming late Sunday and then all next week. A good time to leave.

We were going to splurge today and have breakfast out down the road at a recommended pancake house but decided to get all our laundry done and consolidate our things in the cabin in anticipation of getting our home back. We decided to go there for lunch instead however, about 10:30 we heard sirens and could see and smell smoke when we went outside. It was concerning as it was obvious it was close and we are surrounded by trees. It turns out it was the pancake restaurant on fire. That's too bad, they opened about 2 years ago and I think the damage was extensive.

I think that's about it for now. Archie Bunker is on. We watched him last night and it was fun.

Good night everyone. We love you all! Thanks for all your help  in watching our home when we're gone. We appreciate it very much!!

 

4/21/14

Hellloooo! Sorry I've been lax on my posts. After we got here: Elkhart, Indiana (actually Granger, IN), it was so nice to finally reach our set upon destination that we just melted. I think we got here at 2:30p on Friday. We set up camp with a bit more detail than the nightly stops and just enjoyed the afternoon. We slept in until 8 or 8:30 on Saturday which was so nice.

Even Sis, got up once, about 6:30a, went outside (not alone...) and came back to bed. Yep, our bed. We have felt so bad for her that we have spoiled her. She has been such a good dog though through the whole trip. Poor girl can't see where we put her outside and had to be stuck in the truck for 6 days. I do believe the last 2 days, she had cabin fever. She was a bit more restless. These days when we take her outside now, she just walks and walks. It is nice here for her with  green ground, trees and woods and she just goes, way out. However, today we saw a LARGE brown, furry creature in the woods and need to be a bit more careful on letting her get more than a step or two from us. The KOA hosts say it was most likely a groundhog - they get to 40 pounds here unlike the 1 pound creatures in Phoenix. We are told there is lots for them to eat here as in the way of crops and such. Also there are foxes...and who knows what else.

We brought the trailer to the factory today and may have it back by Thursday. That would be great. Let's hope they stick to their word and work hard at it. So now we are cabin people. It's a nice cabin but a bit cramped with all the stuff we took out of the trailer and put in here. The KOA hosts are storing some of our frozen items. We can really fit a lot of stuff in the trailer. We have not eaten any meals out (except Don's one catered meal at the first KOA) and still have plenty of food. We only bought a few things for our cozy Easter dinner.

As I have written already, the landscape here too is just as gorgeous. Pictures cannot do it justice. Homes set back with green front yards and trees, some with beautiful rolling hills. The home architecture is so different. Memories of growing up in NY!

This is the best KOA (even including Flagstaff) we have ever stayed at. The spaces are level and there are lots of tall pines, oak and I believe maple trees. The latter two with no leaves yet due to the late cold spell. There are only 5 guests here including us so that is nice too. I had the laundry to myself. $10 for 3 loads including drying - laundry can be expensive. We've had time to chat with our neighbors, both from NY and headed back after traveling, and the camp hosts and workers. Everyone is so nice. The owners are German, I believe. They live upstairs of the office. In the off season, they take their '73, GMC, front-wheel drive motorhome to Texas for 2 months or so. Their motorhome is cool. Windows all along the sides. Check one of them out on the internet.

So today, as you know we went to the factory. Afterwards, we took a little ride through Middlebury and saw horse and buggy riders. They were hitched in store parking lots and on the road. Those horses can haul and are not afraid of the cars. Middlebury has lots of Amish people.  There are several towns close by that do. The town names here are amusing. We are almost in Mishawaka and Shipshewana is close by. :-)
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Tomorrow we are touring the Lifestyle/Bayhill plant and going to the RV Museum/Hall of Fame. We have heard it really is quite good. It is cooling down tomorrow so I hope it's not too bad. Today was mid 70's but it is raining now, since about 6 or 6:30p. Tomorrow's forecast: the 50's...

So we are contemplating our return trip home and the route we will take. Our thoughts change daily. I'm thinking we might have to seriously avoid COLD weather. We just aren't fans. Thankfully, Mr. Wind hasn't found us yet. Chicago was in our original plan but with another round of violence this past weekend (which really is nothing new) and the un-recommendation by one of the staff here who was an officer, it is now off our list.

Well, it's 9p here. I'm not happy about losing three hours but what can you do. It seems like the days fly by.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope everyone is well. Don and I are so grateful to God for this fantastic opportunity to see the countryside. It doesn't matter if we see any big towns or famous sites. It's beautiful just traveling around.

Goodnight everyone. Ooooh... Archie Bunker is coming on tv!! Seeya!!!