Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Disney Experience

On Wednesday evening, Denise, Katie, Sarah and I set out for our Disney Adventure.  We drove to the Ramada Inn at the Grapevine for the night and drove on to Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel early Thursday morning.  We were making pretty good time until we hit Los Angeles.  Complete STOP and so slow off and on.  We arrived about 11:00 am, checked the car, luggage and off we were to the Land of Disney.  Thursday was not a bad day, shorter lines and the weather was decent.  I think we hit all the main rides we wanted to do without much hassle.  We had dinner at Ariel's Grotto and received passes to the new show World Of Color.  An amazing show, I think we all were quite impressed.  A MUST SEE for anyone visiting.  World Of Color is in California Adventure.   There is still quite a bit of construction going on in California Adventure, most of the re-do will not be finished until 2012. 

Friday, was overcast but dry, a bit chilly but it did not put a damper on our second day at Disneyland.  We were able to take lots of pictures and finish up the rides we wanted to do at Disneyland Park. We watched the Christmas Parade, always a treat.  That evening we went to another new show at California Adventure, called Electronica.  Very Interesting, spent most of the time watching the kids dance.  There were some pretty talented kids out there "doing their thing"  We went back to Disneyland to see the fantastic fireworks display.  As always it was spectacular.  By that time I was ready for a rest so Denise, Katie and Sarah went back to Electronica, I went back to the room for a bit or rest.  They were quite excited when they came back, evidently they all did a bit of dancing . 

Saturday,  dang it is pouring ....  We started out with breakfast with the Disney characters, great food, very nice buffet.   We went to some of the new rides in California Adventure and after getting totally soaked, I headed back to the room while the girls went back to Disneyland.  Needless to say by the time they got back they were dripping.  The sun came out in the afternoon and Denise and I went shopping, where I took a fall. Dang I hate that!!!!  A bruised knee and a sore back and a bit of embarrassment, I did get up and moved on!!!  We are about to go to dinner... I will be updating the rest of the day later and add pictures when I get home!!!   Be Back Later........

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Back to the Desert 10/27/10 to 11/5/10

We have been busy this last month.  We were at the ranch for the weekend before we left for the Desert.  Some days you just wonder... every time we go up there these days there are issues.  Ed has been working on some fence problems and thought he could get that finished but oh Noooooo, the rain hit that weekend.  We did see Randy Travis that weekend at the new concert venue in Napa.  The Uptown Theatre .  We are going home to get the Motor home and the garage is full of water, the water heater went out. 


We finally got on the road Tuesday November 26th went to Bakersfield RV Resort for the night.  Started our last leg of the trip Wednesday.  Ed was driving the MH and I was following in my car.  Climbing the mountain to Tehachapi, Ed kept going slower and slower which is unusual since the coach generally takes the mountain range without a problem. Called Ed and he said he had no power.  We pulled over when we got to the top, checked what could be checked and started out again.  Got a little better and when we hit the desert where there is God Awful Nothing, I was a bit concerned but we made it to Indio.  Mechanic has been out, serviced the coach and see if that fixes the problem. 


 Once we arrived on Wednesday, we met up with Bill and Shirley, longtime friends.  We had dinner and made plans to see the Palm Springs Follies the next afternoon.  Shirley was able to get great seats for last minute and we were in the 5th row.  This was the second show of the season and evidently there were mistakes but I didn't notice.  A fun show for anyone visiting the Palm Springs Area.


Over the weekend, I was able to get my hair done and so needed it!!!!  Thanks Sharon!  I am just going to have to travel here for appointments in off season because she is so good.  Ed and I went to the COD Street Fair on Sunday.  Quite a few vendors but it is not up to full capacity for a few more weeks.  The rest of this week, we just kicked back, went to the pool, the weather was outstanding for this time of year.  Of course we watched the Giants take the World Series a huge highlight of the week.  Then on Tuesday watched the results of the mot horrible bashing election that I can remember.  There should be a law that only ISSUES are discussed and absolutely no bashing.  Maybe that we the candidates would have to actually tell us their PLAN!  OK off the political soapbox.  Of course I had some retail therapy while down here.  Some of the best shopping experience's are in the Desert.  The restaurant at the resort opened this week and the food has been great. 


The car is packed and ready to go, we just have to turn off the water in the morning and hit the road.  It is about a nine hour drive home.  I hope we get home early enough to pick up Beau.  He is at a friend's place with four other dogs to play with and Maureen and Heath really like him so it works out well he has such a great place to go when we travel.  I do miss my dog!!!


Until next time...........

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Back Home July 13, 2010

It was a busy early morning with everyone getting ready to head home.  Danny and Lynn were gone very early, did not get to say goodbye.  Gary and Phyllis were the next ones out followed by Pat and Jane.  Ed and I left with Ed, Dorothy, Paula, Len, Dave, April and Steve to follow soon.  Ed and I stopped at Carson Valley Inn for lunch.  We had a good trip and home about 2:00 PM.  We unloaded the food, laundry and clothes before I drove down to my daughter's to pick up Beau.  Ed was on the fence/gate project and by the time I returned home, he had it pretty much finished.  Glad to see Beau and he did OK at the daughter's with the exception of moving some bark to find a cool spot.  I was glad to see him and he wasted no time getting in the car to come home.  Thanks to daughter and family for taking good care of him.

Another successful trip with SIRS 15, we saw some beautiful country and had a great time.  Looking forward to our next trip, whenever that will be... 

Until next time.....

Monday, July 12, 2010

Day 7, Last Day July 12, 2010

The last day here at June Lake. This last week has gone by so fast. I hope everyone had a good time in this gorgeous area of our beautiful State. I know Ed and I have enjoyed the area and all it's splendor.


Jane, Pat, Ed, Dorothy, Dave, April, Gary, Phyllis, Ed and I went to Mammoth Lake to have breakfast at a well known restaurant, The Breakfast Club. I have to say the chicken fried steak is one of the best I ever had. The croissants were so fresh and yummy, I enjoyed my breakfast and there were no complaints from the others! We said farewell to Garry and Marilyn and Bella this morning. They are heading home and safe travels to our friends. Dave and Len had a marathon fishing day... they left at 6:00 am and we did not see them until dinner. Steve went sight seeing, not sure if he fished.


After we got back to camp, Ed and Ed R. went back to Mono Lake and did a tour and to see the Tufa area. Ed is very interested in Mono Lake and glad he was able to spend more time there. He took some amazing pictures, can't wait to get them posted.


April, Paula, Dorothy and I took a walk up to the town of June Lake. There are few shops there but we still managed to stimulate the economy. We stopped at the Tiger Bar which is a landmark around here for some ice tea and to see the place.


Jane, Pat, Gary and Phyllis took a tour of some of the other lakes here in the area. They enjoyed their day very much. We went to the Mobile Station Restaurant tonight and had a nice dinner. This is another landmark in the area and Pat really wanted to see it. The fishermen met us there and had a very long successful day. I think they made their limit!!!


This afternoon I started editing the pictures for the blog, so far I have about 72 pictures to post when I get home. It may take a day or two to get them online and hope you all enjoy them. All in all.... I had a fantastic time this week. I love traveling with this RV group, we always have a good time and just all such good people.


Safe travels to all our group tomorrow, I had a great time but I miss my Beau. Time to go home!!


So until next time.. much love to our group and as always safe travels wherever you go!

Miscellaneous Pictures


Sunday, July 11, 2010

Day 6 July 11, 2010 Free Day

Today is a free day, everyone off in different directions. Of course we had the fishermen, Dave, Len, Ed R., Pat and Steve. There were fish caught again today but I did not get the exact number. They seem to find some dangerous territory to conquer before fishing. Dave was so excited about fishing he jumped in Len's truck and away they went. When they got to the fishing spot, he could not find his equipment in the truck... ooopppps, forgot to throw it in. Pat to the rescue, he had another pole with him.


Butch and Betty headed home today. We really tried to convince them to stay but Butch wanted to get to the dentist and they have a full week ahead. We surely missed them tonight at cocktail/ appetizer night. Safe travels to Butch and Betty.


Dorothy, April, Jane and Phyllis went back to Mammoth Outlets today and again found some pretty fine bargains. They had lunch at the bakery where we all stopped a few mornings back and said lunch was very good. I did go to Mammoth for just a short time to exchange a shirt for Betty, and pick up a razor for Ed.


Ed and I went to visit Mono Lake, which Ed was interested in since the lake is in such bad shape due to water that should go to the lake is diverted to Los Angeles. A situation that has been in the courts for years. The lake itself covers about 60 square miles, it is an ancient lake, one of the oldest in North America. Throughout it's existence salts and minerals have washed into the lake from Eastern Sierra streams. Fresh water evaporating from the lake each year has left the salts behind so the lake is now about two and a half times as salty and eighty times as alkaline as seawater. In 1941 the city of Los Angeles began diverting four of the five major streams to L.A. causing the lake to drop more than 40 feet. This exposed 17,000 acres of land that was previously under water. Concerns about the effects of Mono Lake Basin, air quality, shrinking lake led citizens to take the issue to court. In 1994 after 16 years of court battles, water resources board issued an order to protect Mono Lake. While the lake may be saved on paper, much remains to be done. It is sad to see the devastation.


After Mono Lake, Ed and I decided to take a drive up to Tioga Pass and the East entrance to Yosemite. The area is just so gorgeous, Yosemite is one of my favorite places and I have never been to this area of the park. I am so glad we took the time to take that drive.


We returned to camp for Happy Hour and Appetizers and again a feast to be had. As I have said in previous posts, we have eaten very well on this trip. We missed Butch and Betty and toasted them along with all that helped on this trip. Tommorrow Garry and Marilyn will be heading home a day early. Tomorrow is another free day, there are still some of the fishermen going out, some of us are going to Mammoth Lake for breakfast and will then make plans for the rest of the day. I forgot to ask Danny and Lynn what they did today but sure they enjoyed the day as well...


So until next time....

Pictures of Mono Lake and Tufas


Pictures of Yosemite

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Saturday July 10,2010 Day 5... Bodie and Fishing

Another full day for thas group. Ed R., Steve and Butch went fishing again today and another successful day for them. With the catch from yesterday and today they had 23 fish to cook up tonight. Len, Paula, Gary, Phyllis, Betty, Danny, Pat, Jane, Dave, April, Dorothy, Garry, Ed and I took the trip to Bodie. Marilyn and Lynn stayed back at camp. The town of Bodie rose to prominence with the decline of mining along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Prospectors crossing the eastern slope in 1859 to search for gold made a rich discovery. This huge gold strike later was known as the Comstock Lode started a wild rush to the high desert counry. By 1879 Bodie had a population of 10,000 and was second to none for wickedness, badmen and the worst climate out of doors. Only about five percent of the buildings remain. Today it is just as it stands just as time, fire and elements have left it a genuine California gold mining ghost town. Designated a state historic park in 1962, it is now maintained in a state of "arrested decay" I think everyone enjoyed seeing this town and the history.


One thing I would like to add, the cemetery of this town. Only those accepted as respectable were buried inside the fences. Others were buried in Boot Hill outside the fences with no markers. The ladies of the night and this town evidently had many, were not allowed in the fenced cemetery. The Chinese were also banned from the main cemetery. The quality of life must have been very harsh as the dates showed how young these people passed away. The ages of the deceased were under 49 years old and many were little children.


Tonight was suppose to be appetizer night, however Marilyn fed us all again, also all 23 fish were cooked as well. We had pasta, two different salads, fish grilled on the BBQ, french bread and a few appetizers. We all want to see where Marilyn and Garry store all this food. Again a big thanks for a fine meal and a big thanks for our fishermen that contributed the fish. We had a campfire tonight, a very pleasant and memorable day. Tomorrow is a free day and will report on those adventures tomorrow...


Until then.....

Pictures of Bodie Ghost Town




Friday July 9, 2010 FREE DAY

I did not get the blog written last night. Dorothy, Betty, Marilyn and I played Mexican Train until 10:30 so by the time I got back to the coach I went to bed. Since it was a free day, various activities were going on.


April, Dorothy, Betty, Paula and I went shopping at the Outlets. It is a small outlet but very nice. We were able to do some damage on credit cards. Dorothy was able to select a very nice early birthday present. We found a real bargain at Bass, three pair of shoes for the price of one. So three of us were able to get a $75.00 pair of shoes for $27.00. April on the other hand was able to find three pair she liked so really lucked out.


Butch, Steve, Ed R. Dave, Garry and Len went fishing and did very well with 12 fish and Jane got one, no license required. A neighbor up the street caught a fish and only had one so she gave it to Jane. Dave caught the largest, Butch caught the most. ED N. stayed at camp and went to lunch with Marilyn and Jane at the rowdy Tiger Bar on the corner, with the bikers. Gary and Phyllis were at canp, Danny and Lynn were out exploring.


Last night we had heavy appetizers, and lots of good stuff. I swear every time Mariyn came out of her traier she had a plate of new food. We wanted to inspect her trailer because she must have a walk in freezer in there.


We are off to Bodie today, some of the guys are going to fish, so will report tonight about todays activities..


Until next time.....

Devils Postpile Pictures from yesterday....
Flag at Devils Postpile

Busride to Devils Postpile

Devils Postpile


Jane and Dorothy!!

Trailboss Pat

Paula, Phyllis and Gary
River along the way

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Day 3 Mammoth Mountain and Devils Postpile

We really had a busy day today. We started out at a bakery in Mammoth, some outstanding pasteies, bread, candy, jams just all kind of goodies. We proceeded to Mammoth Mountain Gondola for a ride to the top. I do not like heights and could not get out of that gondola fast enough, leaving my purse behind. Steve was in our gondola and saved the day, asking if I was missing something. The elevation at the top is 11053 feet. The scenery was nothing but spectacular. There was still snow on the ground and some of us did some slipping and sliding. There was a little snack bar up there and I think we should have had a bite to eat, we were planning lunch at a restaurant at the bottom but never made it. There were mountain bike riders riding down from the top and interesting watching them, some would be flying off some of the hills. Ed and Len were thinking about walking down but would have taken at least two hours, so they passed since we had plans to move on down the road. There are several riding, hiking paths and quite a few of ski lifts on that mountain.


When we got down, we found out we had to take the bus to Devils Postpile, got our tickets and hopped on the bus. NO time for lunch. The ride down was speedy and curvy and a few of us were feeling a bit queasy when we got off the bus. Once we got to our destination we had a half mile walk in to Devils Postpile, it was an easy walk, I think the only thing really bothering us would be the elevation issues. The monument was interesting and hope the pictures will show that when I get them posted. In this area there are tent campgrounds, some gorgeous lakes, the river was flowing swiftly and the waterfalls were awesome. On the bus back to the parking lot, a family of four got on with two Ridgeback dogs. The Dad was sort of an ass, evidently they just hiked out about four miles after camping for three days and could not get on some of the busses ahead of us because they were full. He yelled at our driver and she put him in his place right away. The interesting thing was the dogs, they were so well behaved and had packs on carrying some of their supplies, like camp stove fuel and other stuff. Good looking animals. By the time we got back to the parking lot, I think our group was pretty tired and hungry, we did not have lunch and already 4:00 in the afternoon. We were having huge dinner at camp tonight so we all headed back.


Cocktail hour was immediate upon our return to camp. Garry and Marilyn were cooking spaghetti and grilling steaks tonight. Salads, bread and dessert provided by the gals. What a feast!! We had so much good food and everyone was mighty hungry. A big thanks to Garry and Marilyn, especially since Marilyn has not felt too good this week. Thanks to Lynn, April, Dorothy, Betty and Jane for the sides and desserts.


We topped off the evening with Butch breaking out the guitar and doing our campfire and sing a long. Since Rosie was not here to accompany Butch, Steve played the SPOONS, and a fine job he did. Very interesting.


Tomorrow is a free day. Several of the guys are going fishing at 6:00 AM with specific instructions NOT to wake the wives. Some of the gals are doing a bit of retail therapy in Mammoth. Very cute town with outlets and specialty shops.


Until next time......

Mammoth Lake Pictures