Friday, June 29, 2007
The Graduate
29 June 2007 - We had to have proof of his graduation before 'baking the cake' so he provided this program (diploma to follow). We think they make a lovely couple and even the heat did not deter the mother-to-be from looking beautiful (and proud) of our new grad. Congratulations to you both!!! Only a few more months before Lori receives her Masters also. It was more than gracious for her to 'give up' her own graduation for Dave (and us!). Thank you from the bottom of our heart.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Graduation Day
27 June 2007 - It's finally here - GRADUATION DAY!!!! Oldest son, Dave, received his Masters in Eduacation on 28 April 2007 with his wife, mom, dad, wsm, brother & wife and sister in attendance. We were all proud (to say the least). To top it all off he was in the front row (can't see in this photo but look at link below) and also made the local newspaper! It was hot but bearable and the after-graduation party was conducted around a pool so that helped. See if you can find him in the photos at this link - http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/galleries/2007/apr/28/fgcu_graduates_more_800_two_ceremonies/
Many thanks to James, Cheryl and Melissa for taking the time, expense, trouble, etc. required to attend - it made it very special for me to have all of you there.
And, of course, congratulations to the graduate for staying the course (and making better grades than even he thought possible). You'll have to ask him for the details as I have already given him too much of a big head!!!
Many thanks to James, Cheryl and Melissa for taking the time, expense, trouble, etc. required to attend - it made it very special for me to have all of you there.
And, of course, congratulations to the graduate for staying the course (and making better grades than even he thought possible). You'll have to ask him for the details as I have already given him too much of a big head!!!
Florida or Louisiana
25 June 2007 - Leaving Georgia and continuing on toward Fort Myers, FL we drove our usual miles and Becky found Paynes Prairie State Park just south of Gainsville. As you can see moss was in abundance and it made a great park to ride our bikes. Quite a change from the pines of Georgia and our last park and the drive in was like going through a tunnel in places. In fact I used the WHOLE road a couple of places to avoid dragging limbs on top or the trailer. Really a very nice park and another one we would recommend if you are in the area.
I have had a run of bad luck with these photos - they don't appear to like to stay on the Blog!!! Have put them on the original entry twice and they have been 'lost' both times. Decided to try a new entry.
I have had a run of bad luck with these photos - they don't appear to like to stay on the Blog!!! Have put them on the original entry twice and they have been 'lost' both times. Decided to try a new entry.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Seen in Paynes Prairie State Park
25 June 2007 - Same park - as we rode our bikes around the park (toting the camera as usual) we happened across a couple of interesting subjects. The first was this squirrel which decided it was way too hot to be running around in the trees and stopped for a quick drink. No, I didn't see him manage to turn the thing on but he sure spent some time licking the spout. Becky says she will never use another outdoor fountain again!!!!!!
The second subject was in the swamp fishing and to tell the truth I never really got the photo I wanted but you get the idea anyway I hope. He did not need an anchor as he just pushed up in the weeds and fished. Not seen in the photo but noted out in deeper water was a small alligator so we presume he did no 'wade fishing' in this water hole!!!
Last photo gives you an idea of the site we had. Yes it was a bit 'tight' (park host said he wished he had been around to see me back in!) but all in all a good site if you can stand the heat - it was very still which made it pretty warm in the middle of the day.
The second subject was in the swamp fishing and to tell the truth I never really got the photo I wanted but you get the idea anyway I hope. He did not need an anchor as he just pushed up in the weeds and fished. Not seen in the photo but noted out in deeper water was a small alligator so we presume he did no 'wade fishing' in this water hole!!!
Last photo gives you an idea of the site we had. Yes it was a bit 'tight' (park host said he wished he had been around to see me back in!) but all in all a good site if you can stand the heat - it was very still which made it pretty warm in the middle of the day.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
More Georgia State Park in Cordele
24 June 2007 - Three more photos of the park. The last one is of the area we did not choose but if we return we will likely try this area. It is very beautiful and the sites are a bit more private (and larger). However, the lake front was nice and made you feel cooler and, as you can see, you still have good pine tree shade.
On To Southern Georgia
24 June 2007 - Leaving Ellijay to continue on toward to Florida we traveled our usual 250 or so miles and stopped in Cordele, GA. Becky found a great little state park there called Georgia Veteran's Memorial State Park. As you can see it too was empty but what a beautiful little park along a lake. You had your choice of lake or wooded so we chose a little of both. Not quite as private as the wooded ones (see next blog) but beautiful views and plenty private. We bought a State Park annual pass which ran about the same as one nights stay and since we were to be Georgia for almost 3 months it seemed a good idea (turned out it was as we have used the pass already). Oh yes, pardon the self photo but Becky insists on one ever so often to prove I am still with her.
Photo Catch Up
24 June 2007 - For some reason the photos that go with Christmas In The Desert (earlier Blog) did not load and I cannot figure out how to put them where they belong so ....... here they are in the wrong place. I will try to make them appear both places by editting the html of the other posting. Sorry abut that!!
Carter Lake Georgia
24 June 2007 - On our way to Florida for the graduation, we stopped in Georgia to have a look at a llama farm (yes, a llama farm) that Becky had found on the Internet . They were looking for a workamper to help with the llamas and had an RV site for that purpose. I had always wanted to work with animals (but llamas!!!) so we stopped to check it out.
The place we chose to stop was Carter's Lake, a Corps lake near Ellijay, GA. Since it was early in the season (and not a weekend) Becky spoke to the hosts about 'choice' sites and they recommended this one. WHAT A SITE! I have to say it was the absolutely best site we have stayed in when you consider everything we like in a site. Note the large deck (private), the fact we are the only ones in that section of four sites, the lake in the background, the bbq grill (with wood available) and the seating along the deck. Add to that a nearby bathroom and laundry (1/4 mile away) and you have the perfect site. Of course the price is always right in Corps parks ($6/night). I must acknowledge the one negative on this park - the steepest grade in and out of (including these campsites) we have encountered. To make matters worse the check-in is on a really steep hill and, wouldn't you know, it is at the start of the hill. Next time I will put it in Low range before stopping - better yet I will stop at the bottom of the hill and walk up to register. I really worried about Park holding all the weight here but had no choice as the check-in took awhile. Here, as we have encountered before, the hosts are not really computer literate and it always takes awhile to get checked in. Worth it though!!!
Oh yes, we liked the folks at the llama farm and told them we would be back in 3 weeks!!
The place we chose to stop was Carter's Lake, a Corps lake near Ellijay, GA. Since it was early in the season (and not a weekend) Becky spoke to the hosts about 'choice' sites and they recommended this one. WHAT A SITE! I have to say it was the absolutely best site we have stayed in when you consider everything we like in a site. Note the large deck (private), the fact we are the only ones in that section of four sites, the lake in the background, the bbq grill (with wood available) and the seating along the deck. Add to that a nearby bathroom and laundry (1/4 mile away) and you have the perfect site. Of course the price is always right in Corps parks ($6/night). I must acknowledge the one negative on this park - the steepest grade in and out of (including these campsites) we have encountered. To make matters worse the check-in is on a really steep hill and, wouldn't you know, it is at the start of the hill. Next time I will put it in Low range before stopping - better yet I will stop at the bottom of the hill and walk up to register. I really worried about Park holding all the weight here but had no choice as the check-in took awhile. Here, as we have encountered before, the hosts are not really computer literate and it always takes awhile to get checked in. Worth it though!!!
Oh yes, we liked the folks at the llama farm and told them we would be back in 3 weeks!!
Friday, June 22, 2007
On The Road Again
22 June 07 - We finally hooked up for the first time in 4 months (yes, I used a checklist this time) and headed East. We had a bit of excitement along the way in the form of our trusty Chevy diesel decided to let us see it's dark side. Due to what turned out to be a dirty fuel filter (found out much later) it could not get enough fuel under high rpm, heavy load conditions and the computer would show a fault. Result was the engine refuses to run over 2000 rpm until the warning light goes out. Well, if you don't watch it you will only be going about 35-45 mph on the Interstate at those rpms. Becky (and I) were not very thrilled with that experience!!! Thanks to son James (my long distance mechanic) we were able to obtain a reset of the alarm by stopping and going through a series of start cycles and were only mildly terrified as we encountered this problem some 3 or 4 times across the next month!
We did finally make out way to Austin, TX to visit an old friend, Dr. Bill. We stopped in Concan, TX at a campground along the river there and had a very pleasant couple of days. Met interesting folks from all over and would consider returning sometime.
Dr. Bill's house was absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed catching up a little of his life since we last talked. Though changed a little, he is still the young man I remember as he grew up in Plano, TX and later stopped to visit me a few days in England as he made his way through Britain and Europe almost 20 years ago!!! You make us (and your folks) proud son.
The photos are of the river in the campground in Concan, my beautiful bride out for a walk and then the view from our window back in the first park we stopped in when we started this journey in 2006. The park in Grove, OK is still super nice and the same folks were running it. They remembered us and put us in a great site on the lake. The lake was pretty low but I got a pretty good photo right out our window don't you think?
We did finally make out way to Austin, TX to visit an old friend, Dr. Bill. We stopped in Concan, TX at a campground along the river there and had a very pleasant couple of days. Met interesting folks from all over and would consider returning sometime.
Dr. Bill's house was absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed catching up a little of his life since we last talked. Though changed a little, he is still the young man I remember as he grew up in Plano, TX and later stopped to visit me a few days in England as he made his way through Britain and Europe almost 20 years ago!!! You make us (and your folks) proud son.
The photos are of the river in the campground in Concan, my beautiful bride out for a walk and then the view from our window back in the first park we stopped in when we started this journey in 2006. The park in Grove, OK is still super nice and the same folks were running it. They remembered us and put us in a great site on the lake. The lake was pretty low but I got a pretty good photo right out our window don't you think?
Seen In the Desert
22 June 07 - We had to make another pass through some of Joshua Tree National Park before leaving. Of course I had to capture a couple more quail (female in first photo, male in second). Then we found a couple of examples of 'rough' camping along the way. The fifth wheel had lots of privacy but not much else as you can see. The other end of the camping spectrum was also in evidence. Note they do not even have a tent! Now that is camping on the cheap! However, they will likely go home as excited (or more so) about the experience as anyone in a top quality RV Resort. Go for it!!!
Desert Memories
22 June 07 - It's must be time to leave the desert - the trees are in bloom which means the heat can't be far behind! It is also getting close to April which is when Dave H. will receive his Master's Degree in Education in Florida and we want to have plenty of time to stop along the way and to visit the kids and friends in Missouri. Before we go we captured a couple of photos to remind us (and you) that the desert is more than just cactus. The tree with the beautiful blooms is in my sister's back yard and the sunset is just a typical one for the desert!
A Trip In The Desert
22 June 07 - Becky and I finally took a couple of days off to get away and see a few things. There were some good packages at casinos on the Cal/Nev state line so we decided to explore in that direction. I used to hunt in the New York Mountains out of Baker and friends had told us about a new desert museum up that way. They have restored an old depot in Kelso and it is now a museum!! We stopped for a few hours and really enjoyed what they have done. Great job of restoration (as you can see) and I discovered several things about the desert in that area I either had forgotten or never knew. They will soon have a small cafe decorated in a 50's decor in addition to all the displays. If you are ever out that way on the LA to Vegas freeway, turn at Baker on KelBaker road and see for yourself. It is well worth the trip.
We went on into Baker for lunch and then drove several miles out into the desert looking for Horse Thief Springs (kids great grandparents had a ranch there in the 70's) but the roads had changed so much I finally gave up and turned back. Perhaps another time.
Traveling on to stateline we found three different casinos/hotels and had a nice time just exploring. Becky managed to find her luck and made enough at the slots to pay for our stay, gas, meals while I donated $20 back to the casino!!!
Back into California and across the desert to Searchlight and on to Bullhead City. We used to travel to Bullhead to ski in the Colorado River back in the 60's/70's but it looks nothing like it did then!!!! The only thing I could find that resembled what I remembered was the river!! Never mind, I have changed a bit too. We traveled on down the river toward Needles, CA continuing to note how much had changed. They have pretty well populated the land along the river and have even branched away from the river in places.
We hit old Route 66 to make our way back toward 29 Palms and found the two scenes below. The 'tennis shoe' tree was in the middle of nowhere and must be there for those who lose their way in the desert and need a new pair of shoes to continue. I didn't make a close examination but from the numbers, I'm sure you can find a size/style to suit you. Further along we found this service station/motel, etc. It is a small reminder of what 66 looked like in the 50's before the Interstate was built. I miss it.
We went on into Baker for lunch and then drove several miles out into the desert looking for Horse Thief Springs (kids great grandparents had a ranch there in the 70's) but the roads had changed so much I finally gave up and turned back. Perhaps another time.
Traveling on to stateline we found three different casinos/hotels and had a nice time just exploring. Becky managed to find her luck and made enough at the slots to pay for our stay, gas, meals while I donated $20 back to the casino!!!
Back into California and across the desert to Searchlight and on to Bullhead City. We used to travel to Bullhead to ski in the Colorado River back in the 60's/70's but it looks nothing like it did then!!!! The only thing I could find that resembled what I remembered was the river!! Never mind, I have changed a bit too. We traveled on down the river toward Needles, CA continuing to note how much had changed. They have pretty well populated the land along the river and have even branched away from the river in places.
We hit old Route 66 to make our way back toward 29 Palms and found the two scenes below. The 'tennis shoe' tree was in the middle of nowhere and must be there for those who lose their way in the desert and need a new pair of shoes to continue. I didn't make a close examination but from the numbers, I'm sure you can find a size/style to suit you. Further along we found this service station/motel, etc. It is a small reminder of what 66 looked like in the 50's before the Interstate was built. I miss it.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Christmas in the Desert
June 2007 - As you can tell, I have been on vacation from the Blog!! We have settled down for a couple of months and I am going to try to catch up! Wish me luck. These photos were taken in 29 Palms on New Year's Day, 2007. As you can see the desert DOES get snow. Of course it melted the same day but we were able to almost have a feel of Christmas. One of the local 'Engine' shops helped us out by displaying their own version of Santa's sleigh!!! All in all, Becky and I still prefer our four seasons though.
!!
!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
