Trip #80 (11): Colorado Tour II - first emergency room visit

** To see a photo slide show, just double-click on the first image and scroll through**

June 7 – 17, 2016

Colorado: Wolf Creek's Big Meadows, Creede, Lake City, Crawford, Carbondale, Leadville: and then it happened.

Tuesday, June 7
Copy to come later, but here's some pics...
Big Meadows, otherwise known as Little Texas. Most of the campers here were from Texas.

Camp Big Meadows. Not a lot of trees in camp due to the beetle kill, they had to cut most of them down.

Solo trip.

Pretty good spot, and a downhill drag to get the kayak to water.

The bugs and the bird.

How the surrounding area looks after the big fire South Fork a few years ago.

Doing what he does best.

A fish! a little fish, but a fish!

Creede

The coolest fence treatment I've ever seen, in Creede.

Me and a bluebird looking toward the town of Creede from the campground.

Creede Mountain Bluebird.

Love this fence. I think it was Creede, but unsure.

Apparently, this is a relaxing place to be.

For a bit of claustrophobia, an old jail cell from Creede. Trivia: Creede was the last silver boom town in Colorado in the 19th century. The town lept from a population of 600 in 1889 to more than 10,000 people in December 1891.

On the road to Lake City

Alllllllll dead trees. A very sad state of affairs on the road to Lake City.

The obligatory Airstream beauty shot in Lake City.

Lake City

Not sure it gets any better than this. Camping ON Lake San Cristobal in Lake City.

Taken from the kayak, looks so tiny!

Had time to put out a feed to work the hummer shots.

Lake San Cristobal in the morning.

Had dinner here. About the only place open this early in the season. BTW, Mr. Packer was a Lake City cannibal back in the late 1800s.

...no idea why...

On the way to Crawford...

The west Gunnison area, on the way to Crawford has to stop for this view: Curecanti

pano of shot above

Crawford

This is the real deal, just had to stitch two shots together to get it all in.

The most excitement of Crawford as far as we could tell, except for the biker bar full of seniors.

From Crawford, a drive over to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, way way way down there.

Carbondale
 

Celebrating our 27th Anniversary (half my life?!) in Carbondale. Were supposed to be in beautiful town of Glenwood Springs, but we didn't like the RV "resort" there, so found this place instead. Last spot she had.

The view from our very small campground in Carbondale. Had a nice bike ride on the great trail they have there; could have ridden all the way to Aspen but, well, we aren't 20 anymore.

Leadville

Well, we did it. Called 911 on the trail. Thankfully I had my phone. and it was charged. and had a signal too. and I remembered to take a picture!!!

Not a happy camper. Almost done getting wrapped up after a few hours in the emergency room.

The Killer Mountain Bike trail around Turquoise Lake we should have never taken. But we did. About 5 miles around it happened: Bill hit a rock, the bike stopped, and the brake lever stabbed him in the thigh. Blood gushed...

My Jackie O bike glove bloody from holding his bike glove over the "hole" while dialing 911 with the other hand. Glad I can multi-task while shaking...

Hobbling around town in Leadville the next day.

Trip #79 (10): Sedona

May 15 – 20, 2016

Arizona: Homolovi State Park and Oak Creek Canyon / Sedona

Truck passes 90,000 mile mark

Sunday, May 15
Me sick, so delayed departure by a day. To break up trip to Sedona, we stopped for one night at Homolovi State Park outside Winslow. Nice day but very windy. Arrived late in the day but managed to get in a quick walk around ruin #1 behind the campground. Not rebuilt but potsherds all over, what’s left over the years anyway. Super windy so not interested in riding bikes. Busier than expected but picked spot #31.

Junior archaeologists like to pick up pieces and leave them on display, as if the rest of us can't see them ourselves.

Always enjoy new additions to this billboard along I-40

Monday, May 16
Bill drove over for a look at ruin #2 while I took my time getting ready. Still feeling sick so moving slow. A drive down steep Oak Creek Canyon hwy 89A and we were at our campground, Pine Flats, #27. No electricity, but we have the generator. Dark canyons not my favorite. Drove down to the Village of “Old Creeps,” looking around to get the lay of the land. Slipped on a slick rock down by the creek, with sand, and smashed my knee good. Didn’t affect movement, but swelled up quick and ugly.



Tuesday, May 17
Had a rough night of sore throat and coughing, decided I am ready to visit urgent care, need the drugs. Rainy day today, looked at some houses for future reference. Lots of expensive old crap out there, not too encouraging. Found an urgent care on the west side of town, pretty quick in and out with diagnosis of sinus infection. What? Really? I have allergies? That’s what the PA said. On to Walgreens for Z-pak, I could have done that. Big dark clouds over the dark red sandstone, got caught in some rain as we made our way to Oxauca, for a late lunch-dinner. Bad service for us as always, my taco salad pretty gross; Bill said his flautas not bad. Back to the dark canyon...

through the skylight, rain rain rain

What you do when it rains in Sedona.

Wednesday, May 18
Another rainy day, so out driving again to check ’hoods, this time discovered Pine Valley, and the idea of a lot as an alt. Another awful night of coughing.

No need to saturate a photo when it's sunny in Sedona.

Thursday, May 19
Finally a sunny day! Planned on biking around Bell Rock area but busy and not a place to park so did some more touring. Turned out to be several open houses in Pine Valley so we checked out a few. Again, not too encouraging. Later went back to the trailhead and got a parking space. Rode about 1.5 miles uphill on the rocks, 84 degrees full sun, and I was dyin’. Rode back on the highway -- that was enough! Totally out of shape and still remnants of sinus breathing issues. Moving on... More driving around and a visit to the library for some wifi surfing--there is no signal to speak of at the trailer--thanks canyon. Then the final 20 minute drive back up the canyon to camp. Finally got to sit outside with a fire, only to add to all the other smoky campfires that stink up the canyon. Not one of my fave spots to park.

The very short (hot) bike ride.

Friday, May 20
Both of us awake at 5:30 AM so decided to start the day the earliest ever (for me)... Breakfast, packed up and on the road by 7:15 AM!!! 10 am as I write and we are almost to Kayenta. Plus we lose an hour due to DST -- AZ does not participate.

Mileage milestone. In not quite 5 years.

RIP: Morley Safer “60 Minutes” and Allan “Wilbur” Young of “Mr. Ed”

Trip #78 (9): Denver, Farewell to Sue

May 3 – 7, 2016

Tuesday, May 3
Left Durango, finally starting to warm up after two weekends of snow, going as far as Great Sand Dunes National Park for one night. Got a great spot though it took some jamming to get it in there, it's a smaller, older campground. Took a bike ride all downhill to get to the base of the dunes, that was chilly!! Windy too! A large herd of about 20 deer were crossing the road just as we rode down the hill, the last few hesitating to cross as we and a truck were approaching, but they made it. Bill looked like part of the herd. The two miles back was killer, especially considering we haven't ridden since...?
A nice little seasonal river was flowing alongside the base we had to cross, but the water was surprisingly warm, and the higher sands surprisingly hot. Didn't go far, it was about 4pm when we headed back to camp. Quite the uphill ride back. Into a headwind. Ran our now propane-powered generator as this camp has no electric, I'm sure everyone was thrilled with us. Today is the last open day before reservations start — talk about timing. It wasn't too crowded on a Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 4
Drove on to Denver, bypassing Alamosa -- and Starbucks (we forgot to pack coffee, ugh) -- and of course he kept going with only a stop for gas and a stop at Sam's for a return, the rest, nonstop. This trip we are "freestylin'" like Frankie and Mike (Am. Pickers), because reservations were unable to be made (need to do it three days in advance), so all we could secure was one night at Cherry Creek, and hope for the cancellation list. After talking to the front desk, Bill wasn't feeling too confident we'd get a spot so we looked into private campgrounds in Englewood, driving over during rush hour — about 45 minutes to go 11 miles in crawling traffic. Between the Flying Saucer and South Park Mobile Home Community, we chose South Park, off Federal. The joke was that it was 55+ but it was a whole lot nicer than the saucer. So tomorrow morning we will move from Cherry Creek. After being on the road all day with the bonus traffic crawl to Englewood, we decided to stay in for dinner, can't bear another drive. Warm day, low 80s.

Thursday, May 5
Happy Cinco de Mayo!

After a short bike ride we made the move of the day for the next two nights at South Park, which turned out to be quite nice. Super quiet except for traffic, not many people around, and lots of signs, and bunnies, robins and crows hopping around in the green space. Plus we knew we wouldn't be around much with the services for Sue. Set up then headed out for some lunch and shopping close by, knowing we would be meeting the family for dinner WAY over in Lowry — another 45 to an hour drive in traffic. oh joy. Good lunch and margarita at Chili's then some shopping. Met the Martin gang and Amy's family at a pizza place in Lowry, loud Latin celebration at Salty Rita's next door as we sat outside. Kids and dogs everywhere, all having fun. Nice day for it. Tomorrow we will meet again. Oh yeah -- our drive back to the camp turned out to be through the Mexican neighborhood so we got caught up in the Cinco Crawl on Federal, the party was on that night!

Friday, May 6
Long, sad day today. Met the family at Fairmount Cemetery for the ceremony of placing of the ashes into the niche (as Bill about the "ditch"). The four or so kids were running around playing at first, not understanding, but I think Sue would have liked that. After that we moved on to the memorial service at Augustana Lutheran Church, and finally to the reception at the Wellshire Inn at 3pm. All planned out by Sue, down to the tulips that were handed out to guests upon their departure. There was a huge turnout both at the church and reception. Sue was a notable force in the Rotary and greatly respected as evidenced by the speakers and attendance. It was a great farewell.

Sue Fox

August 28, 1946 — April 20, 2016

Saturday, May 7
Colorado being what it is, another storm is moving in, was hoping to take some days to see Shelley,  should we stay or should we go... Bill read the word HAIL, so yes we should go. So off we went, on the road by 8:30 and home by 4:30 — including an iffy drive over Wolf Creek Pass... blue skies south of Denver and west to South Fork, but the gray skies and obvious snow over the mountain had me spooked but he is determined so up the pass we went, then the flurries started half way up, then it went from 46 degrees down to 26, and all I can say is thank God the snow wasn't sticking yet and the roads were just wet, not icy, and we made it over safely — AND I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN. I live by the "what if." 7 miles of downhill at 7%, even in second gear you have to brake a lot, especially when being pushed by a 7000 lb trailer... whew.

RIP: Shiprock girl; Trump becomes presumptive candidate

Trip #77 (8): Denver, visit Sue

April 8 – 15, 2016

Friday and Saturday: Two nights at a very windy Walsenburg, CO, at Lathrop State Park. Brought bikes, but no way riding them. Saturday took a drive over to La Veta.

Sunday, April 10
Arrived to blackening skies in Cherry Creek State Park. Stopped at Castle Rock Outlets but of course on the way up. Getting stormy out, went to dinner at Cheddars in Parker.

Monday, April 11
Shopped all morning, lunch at Macaroni Grill, then back for a nap! Went over to Bob and Sue’s later in the afternoon for a visit. Sue hasn't eaten in weeks and very weak, only sips water. Moves slow and very tired but able to sit out in the livingroom and visit, text and read the paper. Big beef dino rib night, hahaa

Tuesday, April 12
Over to Bob and Sue's to stay with her while Bob got out for some errands. In for a pizza night. Sue very weak and of course not joining us; naps often.

Wednesday, April 13
Cooked dinner at the house with Bob; Amy arrived that evening. Supposed to stay another night but we are keeping an eye on the weather...

Thursday, April 14 
Storm is brewing, gotta leave now!! Hit the road early and got home in time. Snowed all day on the weekend at home. Denver also got hit with a big storm.

Trip #76 (7): Arizona: Tucson & Cottonwood

 March 13 – 23, 2016



Sunday, March 13
Earliest start ever and on first day of time change, left house at 6am! OK technically 7am Durango time, but I'll call it 6. Cool 27 degrees in Durango but the day will warm as we get south. Got to RV storage around 2pm -- so early! Checked out the future campground across the street (instead of spending first nights at a casino) and then Bill pressure sprayed off the dust before we took off for Lost Dutchman. Gorgeous day, gorgeous sunset. Had dinner at Los Gringos, which was packed and had a very annoying woman laughing loudly with at everything—the whole table did for that matter, glad to get out of there, tho we did sit outside, it was nice out. Spot #24, on the outer ring, nice.

Monday, March 14
Drove down to Tucson on Highway 79 through Florence. Pinal Pioneers Parkway they call it. Arrived to a "Campground Full" sign at Catalina State Park, but sure didn't look like it inside. Either way, we have reservations for 5 days; Spot #B-9. Had a lady walk behind the site to say it was the best site in the campground. Really? as you walk through it? OK, thanks. Set up all over again, marveling that we've only been here for 24 hours... There are tons of small prairie dogs running all over the campground, loving the birdseed that falls from the many feeders throughout the park, so I decided to take their photos. They put on a show climbing the trees to get to the new leaves sprouting on the trees. Got some good shots. Later went to Trader Joe's and the Happy Saguaro, a Mexican imports shop with everything you could ever want -- and I don't need a thing. Maybe next time.

Tuesday, March 15
Today is a super Tuesday for the campaigns, listening to the media try to take down Trump; I hope they don't. They lie anyway. There is an In 'n Out Burger across the street here; perhaps today is the day...  : )  But after a bike ride. Yesterday I had no energy, I hope today is better.

Yes today was definitely better. We biked the paved trail across Oracle road, and tried to keep going, as this is our first outing in MONTHS; at least since December in Florida. We are sooooooo fat and out of shape…. anyway, fantastic trail so we finally turned around when we realized it was easy going because it had been a gradual downhill. As planned, our final stop was at the In 'n Out burger across the street! We did about 14 miles. And had my first flying dutchman -- didn't realize that meant no bun. The Atkins burger! Later we went to Trader Joe's and the Marketplace shopping across Oracle. This is a good spot. Spend some nice idle time watching and photographing the cute prairie dogs. Weather was warm but not killer. They say it's been 10 degrees over normal. High was in the low 80s.

Wednesday, March 16
Going to be warmer today so went for a hike/walk earlier, about 10 am here at the park on the 50 Year Trail. It's all a gradual uphill, and after we got past the horse part of it it was quite nice, lots of cactus and creatures. Saw a roadrunner and while searching for the pee spot higher up on a ridge I seemed to have spooked a, what I later learned, was a mountain sheep. All I saw was a wide rear-end, bigger than a dog and later read they have been introduced and that you should stay on the trail and not spook them because it's lambing season. oops. didn't know that. sorry. Turned around after a few miles and figure we did at least 5 miles. Pretty warm on the way down. Done by 12:30. Later drove south through downtown on our way to HF Coors to check off the pottery. Got two mugs for Susan, but I declined. Kinda big for me. And to be honest, not overly impressed with half of the stock, those mugs are the best things. Made in Tucson -- hiring the wrong artists for the other stuff if you ax me. Hit many shops on the way back to camp in search of a floor rug;  to no avail. But had dinner at El Charro and oh lucky us, Happy Hour. In camp we saw a scarlet tanager. Which in fact thanks to Kelsey was a Vermillion Flycatcher.

Thursday, March 17
Biked on the city bike trail for a ways today, ended up being 21 miles in total. Went as far as the Conquistadores golf tournament until Bill insisted we turn around.  Gorgeous day. It warming up, mid 80s, though not too bad. Had lunch at In 'n Out Burger (#2) then rode over to the marketplace to shop. Bill lasted a few stores then rode home, I on the other hand even made it to Walmart. Worked for over an hour, got a call from O'Connor, had happy hour and finally picked a place for dinner: High Falutin' down Oracle. Not bad, out of corned beef tho, and the loudest table of 6 I ever heard (except for the table of 4 last Sunday). People seem to have extremely boisterous laughs down here, man o man. Hit Trader Joe's on the way home. Not bad livin' down here in Tucson.

Friday, March 18
Art show today downtown at the museum of art. Got an early start and buzzed thru (all the elderly retirees); left empty-handed. Some nice things tho. Had lunch at an Italian place off Craycroft, sat outside on a perfect day, on to more shopping: hobby lobby, BBB, Borderlands, and Macy's and REI, and a Safeway. Got a set of grey towels for the trailer; no more second-hand mixed colors! We also got a new heater for the trailer. Had planned on taking a bike ride to end the day but my back tire was completely flat so didn't go anywhere. Happy hour with guacamole and called it dinner. Streamed a Netflix movie, it works!

Saturday, March 19
Packing up to move to Cottonwood. Bill found a huge cactus spike in my bike tire. Tire and tube. Fixed that too, after a trip to the bike shop. One more lunch at In 'n Out (#3) then we hit the road. Warmer today glad we are leaving. But sure was nice to be there 5 days. Had to use the blue boy twice. Said bye to Spot (prairie dog who shared our site). Right know sitting in traffic on I-10 for an accident. There goes the 3:30 arrival time probably. Oh wait, then there was another on I-17 north of Phoenix for another 30 minutes at lease so we arrived at 4:30 instead of 3:30. Very busy weekend, lots going on apparently. 88 degrees, then 92... glad we are moving north. Found Redtail campground and our Spot #69, and also a skateboard and bacci ball kit in the driveway... sloppy neighbors who think they own the joint. This will be fun. Hoping they move along tomorrow morning, since bacci balls are flying around as well as frisbees and they don't care if they hit trucks. guess this is karma for all the shit I did with mark and chris... and God knows what bill did with whom. Outside typing this with a very bright 5/8ths of a moon shining brightly overhead. I bet this will be a smoky camp tonight, doesn't look like our Tucson crown of retired quiet types!

RIP: Frank Sinatra Jr.

Trip #75 (6): Florida for Christmas 2015

December 5, 2015 -  January 19, 2016


6,000+ Miles  
 
Arizona: Wild Horse Pass Casino, New Mexico: Mesilla, Texas: Sanderson, San Antonio
Louisiana: Lake Charles, Lake Ponchartrain. Fla: Panhandle's Destin, Live Oak, Withlacoochie River/Silver Lake near Nobleton, Vero, Pompano, Naples, St Pete, Santa Rosa


Saturday, Dec. 5
Nice day for a drive back down to Phoenix for the trailer. Durango had good weather, nothing to worry about, not even super cold. Stopped for coffee at Safeway in Gallup and who walks up but Jeff Trank. Blew me away! Chatted for about 30 minutes then back on the road. Arrived to Superstorage before dark, unpacked and moved it over to Wild Horse Pass Casino among a very busy parking lot for the night. Walked over to the outlet mall for shopping and food court dinner. Called it an early night.


Sunday, Dec. 6
Left the parking lot for Las Cruces today. But first: a stop at In 'n Out Burger for an early lunch outside Tucson. First time to "hack the menu"! 2x2 animal style and well done fries, which weren't, root beer float and a neopolitan shake for me! Back on the road without a stop until Lordsburg for another coffee hit. What a desolate place. Arrived to The Hacienda campground about 3:30. Out for food at Walmart, then dinner down the street at Andele, pretty not great tho it was  packed. Good salsa bar but Bill's beef, their specialty was dry and plain! And we are so close to Mexico, dammit. Oh well. Mornings here low 30s, days were 65, nice.


Monday, Dec. 7
Went out in the truck to scout around first, then took out the bikes to downtown Mesilla plaza area. After hitting a few shops (got a blue cotton queen size cotton bedcover at the Mexican shop), we rode bikes along the irrigation ditch, having a lovely time until Bill got a flat tire. He had a kit to fix it so we were able to get back after 6 miles. Then went out to see the town and hit the mall; came back to find two more tires flat! big thorns to blame, no wonder no one rides that great trail... So he fixed those too. Finally at night for dinner we went to the Double Eagle to again eat on their patio, which was the best chips and salsa, but the margarita, no so much. should have axed for a margatini.


Tuesday, Dec. 8
Mesilla to eventually Sanderson, TX. Took Interstate until after El Paso, then we took Highway 90 thru Del Rio and into San Antonio eventually. Pretty much uneventful driving except for a stop at Marfa, or outside it near Valentine, to see the Prada store art installation. That was... interesting. Marfa also know for strange lights glowing and twinkling in the distance--since the 1880s-- but we didn't stay there at night to see them; he kept driving until Sanderson, where we were the only "guests" at Canyon RV "Resort," a rather strange place, a highway on one side and the train tracks on the other, self-serve, $25 a night with full hookups and cable, tho wifi didn't work. Not bad, it was getting dark anyway, we had food, good thing cuz no where to go... just a place to cookout and sleep. Again, cool mornings, high 30s, days 70-ish.
 

Wednesday, Dec. 9
Leaving Sanderson, the drive was mostly empty roads except for trucks, and open desert along the Mexico border. Stopped at Seminole Canyon State Park for a look-see, but decided to keep going. Could have kayaked the Pecos River, but saving it for another time. Warmer here, near Langtry, maybe 80; back in the truck to drive on. Kinda retracing our steps from three years ago, so no need to keep stopping. Uvalde was a bigger town than I recall, cute. Finally reached San Antonio and staying again at  Travelers World on Roosevelt, spot #118, almost near same as last time. But so much warmer this time! Sunny and 80 and beautiful. Quickly got on bikes for a short 4 mile ride on river trail, couldn't connect to mission cuz we are stupid and came back, margarita time! Couldn't decide on where to have dinner, so drove around to the south along Military (which looked like 441), and picked a place with the most cars: La Pearla Mexican. Well, it was packed with local Mexicans, plus a crooner sitting at a table with his guitar. Good cheap food, and did enjoy. Wine margaritas so passed on that. $40 night/ full hookups


Thursday, Dec. 10
Bike day to Riverwalk. Cool morning but would warm up to about 80. Ready to finally go and there's another flat tire on my bike: front tire again. Another thorn. So he patched that and we got off to a late start. Rode the Riverwalk north to town, GREAT cement trail, beautiful and wonderful, well maintained and couldn't have asked for anything better. It was about 4 miles to downtown, then we parked them at La Villeta and walked the loops from there. Before this I found my new favorite neighborhood: King William with incredible old mansion after old mansion, all restored to gorgeousness. Loved that. So did the loop walked, everything about the same as three years ago, then got back on bikes and rode north about another 4 miles, past the water locks for the little river boats, then turned around beyond that. Trail even nicer up that way, lots of interesting details: hanging fish art under the interstate overpass, a cave, apparently some bats live around there, etc. Stopped at the Blue Star arts area on the way back (kinda weird area) and rode back to camp: 17 miles in all. Cleaned up and drove to town later for dinner at Paesano's, good Italian and giving mexican a rest (just this once). What a vibrant downtown, walked a ways and seems to be a pretty safe place, even in the dark.


Friday, Dec. 11
Interstate driving today toward the dreaded Beaumont...  knowing the east is ahead of us, along with it's many people and traffic... and humidity. Had a slow down around lunch time in Houston but made it through; heading as far as Lake Charles today. Finally arrived later in the day back to our old Westlake Park in the swamp. Three years ago it was cold and empty, this time, it was warm and almost full. Overcast and gray, humidity and mosquitoes. It's all here. Stayed in for the night and ate leftovers, and what's that? a salad? Facebook gave me look back three years ago in history and we were IN THE SAME CAMPGROUND ON THE SAME DAY THREE YEARS AGO. unbelievable. This is a weird place, time to keep moving on. $24/night, water and elec


Saturday, Dec. 12
Kind of in a race with the weather. They keep saying rain is coming so we are rushing to keep a day ahead of it but once in a while we need to slow down. Especially after some heavy interstate traffic driving. ugh. But not him, he wants to keep going. We got in a short bike ride around the park before leaving this strange swamp area. Today we would drive across Louisiana, mostly on Highway 190 (about 15 miles north of I-10) rather than the bumpy interstate. Not bad, very rural, passing thru several little towns: Elton, Eunice, Basile, etc. Ready for some cajun so picked Ronnie's in Eunice. Again, the place was packed, everyone was HUGE and everyone knew we weren't from there. Very friendly folks, waitress very helpful trying to explain what a Boudin was, so we tried an order. Still not sure, but not bad. The truck driver with the fuller family stopped by to chat as well. Bill's po boy was great, but my okra shrimp gumbo was.... not. It was pureed, no distinguishable solid food parts of either okra or shrimp, and it tasted like, well, cigarette butts. But I choked it down after drowning it in hot sauce. Back on the road, heading for Coffee Call BEIGNETS in Baton Rouge, our original destination! Highway busy as always around there but we made it there slowly by about 3:30. Again, being watched by locals who started up a convo, very nice and suggested where to camp. They figured it was our Airstream. This is becoming a pattern around here. Are we that obvious? Guess so. Inhaled a large plate of beignet fingers and cafe au laits, and went nextdoor to a friendly and busy walmart for food. Getting late... getting dark... ended up towing another hour in the dark in heavy traffic to get to the Fountainbleau State Park on Lake Ponchartrain for the night. Left it on the hook and hmm, not really hungry. Got here about 6:30. Should be a nice park, I see they have a great bike trail, but too dark to tell.  $26 a night, elec and water



Sunday, Dec. 13

Dreary weather still, warm and humid and cloudy… just about all I have ever seen in the part of the country. But we took a bike ride on the very nice rails to trails they have here, maybe went 4 miles, can't remember, and it got warmer and Billy was whining so we went back to leave. Checked out the sugar mill ruins that are part of the park, interesting. Checkout isn't until 1pm. Drove all the way to the Florida Panhandle and picked a park in Destin on the beach. First time in this area, the Emerald Coast, packed with chain stores and beach things, I can't imagine this at spring break. Got roped into taking a toll bridge that was barely 2 miles long and cost $11.25!!! ridiculous. Samantha owes us. As soon as we got out of the truck to check in at Henderson State Park's park station, we started this annoying cough. Both of us, weird. Still trying to stay ahead of the weather so wanted a decent place if we had to spend the day doing laundry in the rain. Got on bikes for a quick ride to the beach, wind blowing like a MFer, I hated it and turned around after a few pics. A nice couple on bike was kind enough to show us the way, we were riding around lost when she showed us. Wet wet wet here, so close to the beach so wet city. not liking.
$33 a night, elec and water only, with a backwards dump station.



Monday, Dec. 14

Cloudy morning, rained last night, everything soaked, so gross. Went across the highway to all the stores to shop a bit, BBB, Fresh Market, Publix… Came back and started laundry, $2.25 a load and dryer, and four hours later I was done. Even managed to sneak out to Marshalls, but not on bike. Coughed all the way to the front station for more quarters. It was while at the laundry area that a man told me all the coughing was due to Red Tide! what?? we had no idea. It was rough on everyone. Ready to leave this place. Two nights, enough.



Tuesday, Dec. 15

On we drive taking I-10 to Live Oak, Suwanne River State Park. Seemed like a good idea… could kayak the Suwanee, since last time we stayed here in '08 we did nothing. Wellllllll, more clouds and humidity, just plain gross. Our spot, there were only two available, was very unlevel so we had to dig down one side, plus the front hitch to get that low enough. Went out for a quick bike ride, only to have Bill hit a root, then catch his sandal on the way down, and next thing I know he's rolling toward the river. He stopped before going over the edge, then I could laugh. It was a good one, and he was fine. About time he did some of the falls. During happy hour I noticed about dusk that a big Airstream had arrived, and would be in the next spot over. Then about a half hour later I see they are still trying to to get it in the spot so I told Bill, let's go over and see if they need help. They did and we helped. Had a different kind of lift system, but we showed them the shovel trick. As we were talking I said, hey, were you just at Destin??? Yes, it was the couple who were on bikes who helped us find the entry to the beach. Unbelievable; small world. Got them situated and went back to make dinner.
$48 for 2 nights, full hookup, except he couldn't use sewer cuz poop doesn't go uphill.



Wednesday, Dec. 16

Today is kayak day on the Suwannee. Only went about not even three miles upriver but not the most scenic or exciting, barely any birds even. Turned around and found where the Withlacoochee  joins it then called it a day. Ran into the Airstream couple and made a plan to meet for cocktails later. Next we got on bikes, still a gross overcast humid day -- hate it here -- rode around the park to see a huge sink area, and an old cemetery from the 1850s from a town that used to be there called Columbia. There were confederate earthworks there but we didn't get by to see them. Rode along the river some more, no one fell, and after four miles that was enough of that. Now time to drive into beautiful downtown Live Oak for some Winn Dixie action and a peek at the old downtown. Came home, showered, and Amy and Will came over for some camping location tips and convo. Nice fun couple, we should keep in touch but we'll see. 



Thursday, Dec. 17

Gladly left Live Oak, still crappy out, and hit I-75. Saw a peek of blue sky near Gainesville. On the way to Silver Lake Recreation Complex, no alcohol allowed (hahaaa), for biking and kayaking on the Withlacoochee. We did this maybe 15 years ago, long before Airstreams and we biked 35 miles. Not this time… Weather not too bad when we arrive, warm enough to run the air and buggy enough to get three monster bites that will hurt for days… Camp is right next the interstate, so pretty loud, good thing we keep the windows closed… This time instead of biking right away we got in a quick kayak paddle around the "lake," which is actually just a wide part of the river, to scout out where the river continues on. While out there we did a fishing line rescue for a guy on shore who had snagged a cypress knee. Our work being done, we paddled back. no bugs out there happy to say. Bill grilled and got attacked by skeeters. Weather supposed to be moving in, along with a cold front.



Friday, Dec. 18

Sun and clouds so good day to kayak. First went under the bridge, which was with the current, but it was still quite wide so we turned around and went ALL THE WAY across the lake to that other exit and down the river for a few miles. Much more interesting. Bill started whining again to turn around so we did, doing about 8 miles total. Nice ride. Good weather for it. Never sitting around for long…. time to drive to Brooksville to check out the action and do some errands. Zoom in and out, 12 miles away, Bill has to rush back. He is always in a hurry, for nothing, WTF I must ax??? Lots of huge old oaks with all the moss swaying, and more than a few Confederate flags flying. Stopped at the Cracker Kitchen and trading company but now it's a small bar, not a store like it said online. but no, we gotta go… Anyway, he's out grilling in the dark again, and now it's too cold for 'skitters he says. Started work on Bec's menu but didn't get too far.



Saturday, Dec. 19

Woke up (late, 9am) to 47 degrees -- and this is bike day! Looks like it got down to 44 last night. After a conference call to bec and vic, and another flat tire fix on bill's bike, we finally got out for a bike ride on the rails to trails Withlacoochee Trail. It was still familiar. But more exciting the first time. We pushed on, going 11 miles on the trail then turning around (yes, Bill was whining), so all total did 21.5 miles. We like to call it 22. Beautiful day, dryer finally (yay), but pretty cool but we rode anyway. It was about 64 but a lot of riding in the shade. It's now 5pm, and bill spent the last hour repacking the truck so time to what else, eat again. Humidity is 55%. And you can tell. 


For the next few weeks it is all a blur...



Sunday, Dec. 20 - Vero for a night, visit with O’Connors and Woody

 
Monday, Dec. 21 - Arrived Pompano, parked at man cave amidst heat and neighborhood noise. Labamba


Tuesday, Dec. 22 - to Bec's to make pasta, then pizza brought in

Wed Dec. 23 - LaBamba

Thursday Dec 24 - bec's Christmas Even extravaganza

Friday, Dec 25 - hung out

Saturday, Dec. 26 - bec and I shopped her hood

Sunday, Dec. 27

Monday, Dec 28 - Joyner and LaB lunch with Mary

Tuesday, Dec. 29 - La B in WPalm (did we really go this many times?)

Wed, Dec 30 - Keys, super hot

Thurs, Dec 31 - New Years Eve in Keys, very busy, very hot

Friday, Jan 1 - headed back

Saturday, Jan 2 - Bec and I to mall, lunch at Rocco's Tacos

Sunday, Jan 3 - packing day, bike ride with Dad, yard work with vic, feeling sick, at at Brew Fish on McNab. Finally a break in the weather. Cooler with a bit of sun.

Monday, Jan 4 - leave for Naples, drive across alligator alley, night at Welle's and boys. Her (me) sick.

Tuesday, Jan 5 - Drive to Fort DeSoto Park in St. Pete, I sick.

 
Wednesday, Jan 6 - slept, Bill to dinner with Barb and Roo

 
Thursday, Jan 7 - Gainesville. 
Camped at Micanopy’s Paines Prairie, HUGE mosquitoes, partly sunny and cloudy but drove bikes to town for campus ride one last time, 32 years after graduation. Me back to bed.


Friday, Jan. 8
Big day drive to Santa Rosa for next two nights for 10th Annual Can Opener. Spot #126. Met Pat and Patty but that's about it, don't feel much like coughing and socializing.


Saturday, Jan. 9
Tons of rain this morning, went to the movies, The Revenant. Hit a few events but cooked in and laid low. still recovering.


Sunday, Jan 10 - Leave for New Orleans. Sun finally coming out. Arrived about 2:30, 49 cold wet windy degrees. Walked to filthy Frenchie Quarter for dinner at Pierre Maspero's then over to a very disappointing Cafe du Monde. Monde was busy as always but very greasy tasting and coffee bitter -- nothing like Coffee Call's perfection!! Walked back at dusk and had a local puke, wait... no piss, along a fence right in front of us, then apologize. yeah, thanks. gross. Not enjoying this place too much, seeing it for the pit it is this time. 

 
Monday, Jan 11
About 32 degrees this morning. Got a late start to walk over to the Frenchie Q again (stopped to get Powerball tickets) which was good cuz we went to the Central Grocer and got a muffuletta, which we ate along the river. Walked around and shopped for cool mardi gras beads, tried a beignet at a different place (tasted better), plus hit a bakery before going home to rest before… dinner! Made a 6pm reservation for Emeril's NOLA. Still getting over my crud so took a nap in the late afternoon while Bill biked it over to City Park to check out where the action is. sometimes. Pretty cool out for the walk to dinner. Bill had the works (martinis, oyster app, drum fish entree) while I just had a jambalaya app and citrus martini -- and shared in on the bread pudding, the real reason we are here! It was colorized for mardi gras, complete with gold baby!


Tuesday, Jan. 12

Back on the road again. And tho we swore we wouldn't, we made one last stop at Coffee Call in Baton Rouge! They still beat the pants off du Monde. Good weather so just drove as far as we could to get west and went as far as San Felipe, TX, west of Houston (hit the 3:30interstate traffic), home of the first Texas post office, and first settlement by Stephen J. Austin. Nice park, had to enter from the side due to construction, but lots of standing water so bike trails closed (as if we would ride…). Lots of hanging moss -- we are still too far east! Skeeters huge so we just did a quick walk of the campground and in for the night.


Wednesday, Jan. 13

Back on the road, destination Del Rio to the Seminole Park we visited on the way out, with the intention of staying two night and paddling the Pecos River. Arrived about dusk, long day of driving on Highway 90, beautiful sunset, windy night… Woke to a soaking gray sky, cold, gray and… yep let's go. So we left and drove in soup, very poor visibility on the two lane road out. And no, we didn't win Powerball, but I got three of the numbers.


Thursday, Jan. 14

Drove in the soup with quarter mile visibility if that for about an hour to get out of it, sunny by the time we reached Sanderson. Again, wanting to go far but played it by ear. Almost stayed in El Paso, but one look at the RV place he said lets keep going on to Anthony TX even tho it was getting dark. Once thru that traffic hell (an accident with a car sitting on the wall), we then realized that Las Cruces was only 14 more miles further than going backwards to Anthony so… on to Mesilla and Hacienda again! We used our second night there instead. Watched the first Republican debate of 2016.


Friday, Jan. 15

Exciting morning, did all the laundry -- 6 loads. Hacienda has nice facilities so glad we took the time to do it there. Lunch at La Posta then to the movies at Cineport 10 to see The Hateful Eight. Yes dumb idea. Very windy at night, mornings were 27 degrees. To bed early, like every othernight. I'm still getting over this crud so bed before 8 always seems like a good idea.


Saturday, Jan. 16

9 am start! Leaving west up the first I-10 hill out of Las Cruces the truck starts its shuddering again, then the engine light then the "limp" mode, where it loses power. So we pull over and restart and it does fine for a while, until it does it again, on and off all day. Being a Saturday we are screwed anyway, so we kept going, switching plans from Safford to Tucson just in case we get stuck, which we didn't, but made it to exit 264 KOA Lazy Days in Tucson. And of course to In 'n Out Burger for lunch! Kinda cool at 60 degrees so lazed out from a bike ride, but we probably coulda…

Sunday, Jan. 17
(Writing this a month later… have forgotten, but I'm told:) We did a few nights at Lost Dutchman then packed it up to come home from there, after taking trailer back to Superstorage at Wild Horse.


Tuesday, Jan. 19

Returned home.




RIP: Peter O'Toole, Pat Harrington, Natalie Cole, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Celene's Rene, Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams); El Chapo recaught. Glen Frey after we got back.