September 29, 2008 We are Home

We have been home a couple of days but we hit the ground running. I think Ed was on the mower before the rig shut down. He has all the lawns cut and watering. He is taking care of Elk Grove today then off to Napa we go.

Before I forget... today is my older brother's 70th

birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR FRANKIEEEE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUU

Wishing you a wonderful day!!

We left the Rally on Thursday late afternoon and stayed at Seven Feathers RV Park , what a nice park. It is across the freeway from Seven Feathers casino and have shuttles to pick you up 24/7. They have meeting area's and picnic and BBQ area's check it out in the link above.

We drove straight through Friday and made it home about 7:30 pm. It was a long day but once we are on the way home.... go for it!!! Before we left that morning, as Ed would say... "A gross act of incompetence" happened... before we go to bed Ed sets up the coffee pot.. in the morning I woke up, poured the water in and went back to bed to wait... the coffee pot works better with a carafe in place!!!! WHAT a mess, we were delayed about an hour and half leaving to clean up the dang mess. We both messed up on that one!

We have been busy nonstop and probably going to be a crazy week. I have two more doctor appointments on Friday, have to get some blood work done and hopefully figure out what is causing this leg swelling. It is quite annoying.

When we go home, Ed noticed a crack in the bottom of the windshield!! OUCH!!! Yep, that big big window in the front. After being washed well the crack is now the entire windshield. Before any other adventures it must be fixed!!! WE are NOT Happy Campers right now!!!

A few pictures below from the rally... and of Seven Feathers RV Park. If we travel up that way again it is at exit 99 in Oregon so a very convenient stop.

Good to be home and hope to see everyone soon!!!

Rigs at the Rally For Sale

Upscale Rig... wow

Maureen getting the Driving Certificate from instructor

Seven Feathers RV .... I drove the RV in this spot!! Just a little edge of the grass hit!

Seven Feathers BBQ area

Until the next trip..... I will be updating the blog on boring everyday life from time to time, so check back in...

Days 31 to 34 September 25, 2008 End of the Rally

Days September 22,23,24,25, 2008
Four days away from a computer connection, I am having withdrawal symptoms. The Rally has been interesting; the new coaches are fabulous although I don’t think there are very many sales going on. Chris from Beaver Sales in Bend is here, he did the paperwork on our purchase last December. Scott the salesman that helped us along with Rich is not here. Monaco really puts on a nice Rally. There are adult beverages every afternoon and evening, the food is ok for a group of about 1100 people. We are scheduled to have the work done on the rig today. We have not seen the service people as of yet but hope they get whatever done today. The folks that volunteer here are totally amazing. When we pulled into the waiting area I guess there were about 100 rigs and when they opened the gates at 8:00 am I figured would be lucky to be parked by noon. WOW at 8:30 am we were parked and hooked up to the electric, and we are on blacktop… I may have mentioned this already in the Sunday’s blog but I do not have a connection so cannot remember what exactly I talked about...
I took the Women’s Driving Class and scheduled to do the “drive” part of it today. They do not take us out on the streets, PROBABLY a good move but have a driving course in one of the fields. Will update on the outcome of that later.
The only real excitement was spending 3 hours in Urgent Care Monday night (missed the dang Bingo) and three hours in the emergency room yesterday. On this trip I have had swelling in my left leg and foot and got to the point it was difficult to put shoes on, it was suggested by several people to have it checked out. At the urgent care they took blood work and when I called yesterday they said something was a wee bit high and suggested going to the emergency for an ultra-sound. What a way to spend the day … geeez I have to say the Salem Emergency was amazing, I did not have to wait at all and the staff there is great. They did the ultrasound and all is well. The doctors were concerned it could be a blood clot but all is ok. We were back in time for dinner which was fair. The entertainment was a bit boring so we went back to the rig and got some rest.
We were going to go down the coast with Trish and Tom this weekend but because of the incident with the leg, my doctor wants to see me early next week so we will be leaving possibly tomorrow before the rally ends officially. I was really looking forward to seeing the Oregon coast but Ed said we can come back up soon and spend a bit more time than we could now.
September 25, 2008
We spent yesterday afternoon with Trisha and Tom, had lunch and toured around Salem. The two things that needed fixing on the rig were taken care of yesterday. I did my driving class and it was fun. I really lucked out, they had four different rigs and I got to drive a 39 foot Contessa, in fact it was just like the first one we looked at. I did very well and will get an official certificate today. The entertainment last night was a comedian, singer, songwriter that was very good. He has opened acts for many of the country stars, his name is Jimmy Travis.
Ed and I are g leaving the rally a day early (today) after the award ceremony this afternoon. I am really enjoying the rally and would like to stay for the final dinner but also a bit anxious to get home. Several of the couples we had dinner with encouraged us to stay, so we shall see. If we do leave, I will have an internet connection at the park we plan on stopping at this evening.
We will be home this weekend and the fun begins laundry, lawns, housework, more laundry…. Etc ….
I think everyone is home from our trip, and hope all had safe travels. Looking forward to seeing everyone…

First trip around the course..

Backing Up!!! NO cones were hit!! woohooo. I did not hit any cones which is great!!!

On the road again........ homeward bound!!!

PS... we arrived at Seven River RV resort, very nice and they have a shuttle to the casino. We had dinner there and I came out ahead $20.25.. I drove 78 miles today plus pulled into the RV resort and into a narrow spot.. woohoooo!! We are hoping to make it home by tomorrow night!

Day 30 September 21, 2008 Monaco Rally and Trish's Place

We were up at 5:30 am to get ready to get over to the fairgrounds. There were probably about 100 rigs already in line to get in. I have to say, the organizers of this rally are efficient. We arrived at 7:00 am they started letting rigs in at 8:00 and we were in our spot and hooked up by 8:30. The rally does not officially start until tomorrow the 22nd at noon but I think whoever is coming to this event are here or will be by evening. We are fortunate to be parked on blacktop which is good since it was raining this morning. I wish we had an aerial view of this place, they can accommodate up to 800 rigs.
We are going to meet Trish and Tom sometime today. They are busy this morning cleaning up after the daughter’s wedding reception . I will post a few pictures of the set up here and hope to get online and post more pictures during the week.
I am at Trish’s using her connection, good to see Trish and Tom… We will spend the day here and catch up.

Rigs lined up ready to go in

The line starts

Our rig in the row

I received an email from Marilyn, it was sent yesterday but just got it today. They made it to Dayton NV and should be home sometime today, and more than ready to be home. Paula and Leonard are still in Las Vegas enjoying time with some friends. Butch and Betty are visiting friends south of Jackson Hole. We suspect Steve and Sue are in So. California with their family.

Ed and I are enjoying some time with Trish and Tom here in Salem. Below is a picture of Trish and I hard at work on the computer... actually probably getting in trouble but we won't tell!!!...

Day 29 September 20, 2008 Arrive in Salem

We drove about 55 miles to Phoenix RV Park in Salem Oregon. This is a real nice park and strange enough there are Monaco, Beaver, Holiday Ramblers, Dynasty coaches all over the park. I have a feeling it is going to be a mass exodus early tomorrow morning for the Fair Grounds. There are already some rigs parked there that could not find RV parks, maybe smart on their move as they will be the first ones in. I did not drive today but will get some more miles on the way home. The rally officially starts on Monday, we are going in a day early in hopes of getting an electric hook up, otherwise we have to rely on the generator for five days and I really an not looking forward to that.

I will not have a connection while at the rally unless we can find a wireless somewhere along the way. I will post about the rally and festivities when I have a connection. I have a friend here in Salem, actually she is the owner of the Casual Chat Forum that I have been involved with for fourteen years and I no doubt will spend some time with her this week. I know I can get online at her place.

Hope everyone is well and those that are still traveling, be safe.. I am getting to the point, I want to go home!! I don't think I could ever be a full timer, I want my house !! Huggs until I can post again!

PS, just got an email from Paula and Leonard and here is where they are now and what is going on with them..

When we left Arnie & Marrilyn on Thurs AM we headed to Ceder City, Ut. Spent the night there for one night. We are now in Las Vegas, got here yesterday. Thank goodness he has a working computer so can let you know our plans and catch up on the blog.. Our trailer & truck are parked in front of our friends house. We will be here until Monday then head to AZ where we will put our trailer in storage in Pebblecreek. We have a pickleball social to go to on Wed. then will head back to Ca. by the end of the week.

Len's sister Delilah and Jen ended up at the same area by Little America that A&M and Len & I stayed at. They were at the KOA 20 minutes away. Len talked to them Thurs. evening and they were in Park City, Ut heading back to Sparks, NV.

Day 28 September 19, 2008 Trip to Fairview Oregon

We drove about 400 miles today and I only got about 65 miles in. By the time I started to drive it was getting pretty windy and I decided I would rather read my book. We made good time and arrived at Fairview Portland RV Park about 3:30 this afternoon. We stayed here two years ago when Sirs 15 had a RV trip to this area. That trip was hosted by Sue, Steve,Rosie and Mike. We had a great time especially on the river cruise. If we have time this next week, I would love to that cruise again.

It is starting to cool off and Fall is definitely in the air. Tomorrow we will go to Salem and stay one night at a RV Park until we check into the Rally on Sunday.


Driving down the Columbia River Gorge is very pretty. The wind was whipping up and good grief the BUGS on the window. When I did take over the driving it was like, where is a clear spot. Ed had his work cut out for him when we got settled in camp. I did some laundry and we did some domestic chores.. Not a lot exciting this day...

As of today I have driven 1078 miles. Just a note to myself...


Again Happy Birthday dear daughter, hope you had a great day.


Almost there...

Columbia River



Drawbridge



Tugboat pushing barge


What the heck is it?


Ed cleaning the windows. He wears the towels very well doncha think?



Hope everyone is doing well. I will try and post tomorrow, however while we are at the rally next week, I doubt I will have a connection but will post as soon as I can....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENISE

Friday, September 19, 2008

Ed and I want to wish Denise a very Happy Birthday!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENISE,MOMMIE LAMBY BIKER BABE....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUU

Hope you have a fantastic, wonderful birthday....

Katie, Denise, Sarah, Me

Day 27 September 18, 2008 Coeur D' Alene

The system that posts these blogs has this post listed as September 17th, when it is in fact September 18th...

I just got an email from Marilyn Arnie and Sugar, will post it after the pictures. Anyone else of our travelers want to check in, I will be glad to post ... Huggs


We woke up to a brisk morning but the sun was shining. Started out cool but turned into a beautiful warm day about 90 degrees. Because we only had one day here in Coeur D'Alene, it was suggested we go to the town center and the lake. We decided to take a cruise around the lake and it was absolutely gorgeous.

Lake Coeur D'Alene is located 2,128 feet above sea level. The lake is 25 miles long with over 135 miles of shoreline and an average of of 120 feet deep. The name Coeur D'Alene is French for "heart of the awl" a name given to the Coeur D'Alene Indians by early French traders because of the natives' sharp trading practices. The lake is fed by two rivers, the St. Joe and Coeur D'Alene, and drained by the Spokane River. The lake's water level is controlled by a dam on the Spokane River at Post Falls.

This weekend there is a festival for the old wood boats and they started coming in today. Saw one today built in 1941 and quite a few from the 50's. What gorgeous boats.

After the cruise, we did a little shopping in the shops associated with the Coeur D'Alene Hotel. Needless to say, I did a bit of browsing, saw a pair of denim capri's for $130.00. We then took a drive down the shoreline and saw some of the amazing homes along the way. There is one in particular I liked but don't think Ed is going to buy it..

We had dinner at Red Lobster and back to the rig to get ready for the 400 + miles we will drive tomorrow. We will be staying at Portland Fairview RV Park for one night, this is the same park we stayed on the Sirs trip a couple of years ago. Saturday we will drive to Salem and stay at a park there before going to the Rally on Sunday.

Talked to George tonight and he and Bev are already home. Hope the rest of the traveling group are enjoying their time on the road and again safe travels.

A few of the wood boats

Party Boat



This boat is too cool, a while later it drove out and down the street



Floating Golf Green (the world's only according to the tour>



This boat is for sale for only $811,000.00 Ed said sure!!!!



Gorgeous home on the lake, even has a lawn



Ed on cruise

Hi Maureen and Ed,
We sure enjoyed travelling with you. So glad you are continuing with the blog. We really enjoy reading it and sharing it with family and friends.

We spent last night with Paula and Leonard at Little America, WY near Green River, WY. The previous night we were in Cody, WY and spent time in the fabulous Buffalo Bill Museum. Leonard even went back at 8:00AM for 2 more hours.

We said goodbye to Paula and Leonard today at Evanston, WY and headed to Salt Lake City. We are now in Elko, NV and heading home.

Keep in touch.

Love,

Marilynn, Arnie and Sugar

Day 26 September 17, 2008 Coeur d' Alene, Idaho

First of all before I begin, I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to my friend, Sandy. Wishing you a wonderful day and will see you when I get home. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUU!!!

We left Missoula this morning and traveled 165 miles. I took the day off driving and finished my book. We arrived in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho about 1:00 pm and we are back to Pacific Standard Time!!! Yayyyyy!!!! After purchasing several watches along the way, now I have to change them all. It is absolutely gorgeous here, there are so many lakes Blackwell Island RV Park is right on the river. Ed and I decided to take our extra day here and will be here until Friday morning. Ed researched and has a plan for tomorrow, so much to see but just one day it will be limited. There are at least five lakes and many golf courses here, in addition I hear the fishing is great.

We heard from George this morning and he was already in Idaho Falls and was hoping to make it all the way home today, will be a very long day if they do it. Hope the rest of our traveling friends are doing well and having fun, we miss ya all.

I will have pictures tomorrow, there were a few taken today but nothing really exciting plus I have to edit the bugs out. One thing about this area, lots of bugs on the windshield!!

Take care and safe travels to those still on the road...

Day 25 September 16, 2008 Travel to Missoula Montana

Greetings from Missoula Montana, today was a travel day. Ed and I left this morning about 7:40 am and followed George and Bev for about the first 200 miles. We stopped for breakfast at the Flying J. George and Bev turned south on I-15 toward Idaho.

We drove 394 miles today and I drove 130 of those miles. I actually took a nap part of the way and read my book a bit

We said our goodbye's to Arnie, Marilyn, Leonard and Paula this morning in Hardin. as the are heading toward Cody. I am going to miss my fur buddies Max and Sugar, I still have treats left so hope to see them soon.

For those that were in Hardin, the group of motorcycles that camped next to us are here in Missoula. We talked to them this evening, some nice people from Oregon. They are all truckers and they were at Mount Rushmore the same time we were, they camped at Spearfish.

We are going to the Blackwell Island RV Park in Coeur d' Alene, ID tomorrow and probably will stay there two days before heading to Salem.

This morning Max and Sugar looked like we woke them up.. both these pictures look like they are sleepy....

Max trying to open his sleepy eyes!

Sugar yawning!

River along I-90

Madonna on Hillside

Maureen passing on curve.... is Ed nervous yet?

Parked at KOA in Missoula

Hope everyone is doing well on their trip home, safe travels!!!

Day 24 September 15, 2008 Little Big Horn

It was great to wake up to the sun shining, even though it was a bit chilly this morning it turned out to be a beautiful day about 78 degrees. This morning Butch and Betty bid us farewell and headed toward Cody, Wyoming. The remaining of our group drove over to Little Big Horn. We watched a film about the battle and Custer's last stand, then we did an auto tour around the battlefield which took about 90 minutes. We then listened to a talk by a ranger and his speech was pretty much what we learned on the auto tour. I will be posting some pictures of the battlefield. George, Bev, Ed and I, left and had lunch.
Arnie, Marilyn, Leonard and Paula, spent several more hours at Little Big Horn that we did. It was very interesting and glad we made the trip to see this historic area while back here Montana.

Today we received very special news Jane and Pat are proud grandparents of a baby girl born last night. Congratulations to the new Grammy and Grandpa , and best wishes to your daughter and new baby girl.

Today is George and Bev's 51st wedding anniversary and special best wishes goes to them. Now George..... we have to talk, you have to do better than taking your bride of 51 years to Pizza Hut for dinner..... tsk tsk tsk.. OK..... actually it was not much of a choice here in Hardin, Montana. There were two places recommended by the folks that run the KOA here in Hardin, the first place is suppose to be a steak house.......well how about a stinky bar with a few tables and smoke galore.. scratch that... onto the other place and we did not even stop to look in, not very appealing. We found a Pizza Hut and settled for that, the food was not bad and I am sure George will find a nice place to take Bev to dinner on their way home.

Tomorrow, we split up again, George and Bev are heading home going through Jackpot, Arnie, Marilyn, Leonard and Paula are going to Cody and hope to see Butch and Betty near Yellowstone. Ed and I are heading west toward Salem for a rally. This has been a great trip. I hope the traveling group keeps me posted on where they are so I can keep everyone posted.


Custer Advance

Custer Advance today

Memorial


Custers original burial site


National Cemetary

How do we get home from here??

Arnie and Ed, they are up to something!!

Happy Anniversary Bev and George

There was some mention of a get together after we all get home and share pictures and just have some fun. So think about some dates, Leonard and Paula are leaving for Arizona about October 14th, so before that date if possible.

Safe travels my friends and see ya all at home .

Day 23, September 14, 2008 Hardin Montana

The Mount Rushmore trip is officially over. Pat and Ed L. left about 6:30 am on their way to Billings Montana. George, Bev, Arnie, Marilyn, Butch, Betty, Ed and I hit the road to Hardin about 7:40 am. What a gorgeous day, and the drive was not too bad. We did hit about eight miles of construction and the rig was rattling like a son of a gun, we traveled about 303 miles today and I drove 220 of those miles. One thing we are going to have to address when we get to Salem Oregon and the rally, is some way to make my driving more comfortable. It just seems the seats in this rig is just too long, and with my short little legs, it is a challenge.
We arrived in Hardin KOA about 2:30 this afternoon. We passed Little Big Horn on the way in and Butch and Betty stopped to do a tour of the area. I think they will be leaving in the morning, heading toward Cody, Wyoming. The rest of us will do the tour tomorrow and visit some other museums recommended by the folks here at the KOA. Sue and Steve left today for Cody as they did not want to go over any mountain passes. Eventually Leonard and Paula or Butch and Betty may meet up with them again on the way home... As I have said before "Plans are made in JELLO!!!

We are going to have a potluck BBQ, I think most of us are real tired of eating out and we all brought food so we best cook it. We also have ice cream and sorbets to get out of various freezers, ya never know maybe another game of LEFT RIGHT CENTER...... Yes we did play under the full moon over Montana, and the winners tonight were..........DRUM ROLL........ Marilyn, George and Ed.... not enough to pay for diesel yet tho...

Safe travels for those that left us today and hope to be back later to post more pictures. If not, they will be posted when I have a decent connection!

Tractor in the field in Montana

Maureen putting in 220 miles

Rig at KOA

MAX, let me outta here

Sugar

Some of the group relaxing

George bringing the wine
To our fellow travelers that have gone on their own, leave a comment on where you are and what you are doing. Comments are welcome by family and friends reading the blog..