Steam Train (9 Passenger Cars)
Saturday – September 2 – Last night an older Airstream came into the park but John was cooking dinner when the couple came by so only talked to them for a couple of minutes. This morning I was just getting out of the shower when he said he had talked to them and they were leaving shortly so he was going down to see their trailer. I put myself into high gear and got dressed, the bed made and the trailer tidied up then also made it down to see their trailer. It is a 1964 and they said it was in really bad shape when they bought it but they have spent the last 4 years restoring it and it is lovely. The outside has been finished to a high gleam - I felt really bad as I figured they would have to wipe John’s drool off it before they could leave - John just ate his heart out seeing the outside!! The inside is really neat and they have done a wonderful job of cleaning it up and redoing the interior.
The weather was okay again today so we drove about 5 miles back towards Ottawa and took a ferry across the river to Quebec. We drove up through the Gatineau Hills and it was a lovely drive. We ended up in a small town called Wakefield and there was an old steam train there, it goes every day from Hull to Wakefield and was stopped there for a bit before returning to Hull. There is also a covered bridge in Wakefield, the original bridge burnt down in the 1980’s so they rebuilt a replica but this one is for walking and bikes only. We walked across and got some pictures of the river it crosses – all in all a real pretty place. We had lunch there then came back down to Ottawa.
We went to Ikea – what a zoo, then drove along the waterfront, up Sussex Drive past 24 Sussex and Rideau Hall, then toured around Rockcliffe – wow the houses there! On the boat tour yesterday they said the average house price in Rockcliffe is 2.5M so you can just guess what the houses are like. It appears that there are a lot of ambassadors living in the area, hard to take!!
It was about 6:30 when we got home and had started to rain so I thought John would get wet doing the barbecue but it stopped right after he got the awning out and hasn’t rained since, wouldn’t it be nice if the forecast is wrong! Tomorrow is the War Museum so if it wants to rain that is fine.
The weather was okay again today so we drove about 5 miles back towards Ottawa and took a ferry across the river to Quebec. We drove up through the Gatineau Hills and it was a lovely drive. We ended up in a small town called Wakefield and there was an old steam train there, it goes every day from Hull to Wakefield and was stopped there for a bit before returning to Hull. There is also a covered bridge in Wakefield, the original bridge burnt down in the 1980’s so they rebuilt a replica but this one is for walking and bikes only. We walked across and got some pictures of the river it crosses – all in all a real pretty place. We had lunch there then came back down to Ottawa.
We went to Ikea – what a zoo, then drove along the waterfront, up Sussex Drive past 24 Sussex and Rideau Hall, then toured around Rockcliffe – wow the houses there! On the boat tour yesterday they said the average house price in Rockcliffe is 2.5M so you can just guess what the houses are like. It appears that there are a lot of ambassadors living in the area, hard to take!!
It was about 6:30 when we got home and had started to rain so I thought John would get wet doing the barbecue but it stopped right after he got the awning out and hasn’t rained since, wouldn’t it be nice if the forecast is wrong! Tomorrow is the War Museum so if it wants to rain that is fine.
Friday – September 1 – What a beautiful day for weather but the forecast for the next few days is not great so we are trying to make the best of the good days and do the outdoor things first..
This morning we went into
I don’t know what is in the air here but for the last couple of days I have been going crazy with allergies so stopped in
Thursday – August 31 – Today we headed for Ottawa and it was a pretty drive across Highway 7. The traffic wasn’t too bad so that was good. We saw Ikea on the way into Ottawa so I know where we are going to go one day!
We got set up at our park, Recreationland RV Park, which is located in Rockland, east of Ottawa and we are very pleased with the park, especially after the one in Lindsay. I must say the park in Lindsay was not great but we didn’t spend a lot of time there so not too much of a problem, but apparently the washrooms were deplorable – I heard and didn’t even want to check! This park is cheaper and has cable TV and free internet – HOORAY!! Now I can keep in touch plus get my blog up and running again. It’s a small world, the woman who checked us into the park saw John’s hat (Carl gave it to him the other night and it is from Sarnia) and said she was originally from Sarnia and it turns out she lived on Talfourd Street (the other end from us) and went to St. John’s Church (first thing she said was Cannon Bev Farr). So we went through some names but didn’t come up with much but I think she has about 10 years on me so I will have to think about this and see if I can come up with some more names. (Janet – any help for me?)
After we got set up we went into Rockland and got some groceries, so now we are all set for a few days.
We got set up at our park, Recreationland RV Park, which is located in Rockland, east of Ottawa and we are very pleased with the park, especially after the one in Lindsay. I must say the park in Lindsay was not great but we didn’t spend a lot of time there so not too much of a problem, but apparently the washrooms were deplorable – I heard and didn’t even want to check! This park is cheaper and has cable TV and free internet – HOORAY!! Now I can keep in touch plus get my blog up and running again. It’s a small world, the woman who checked us into the park saw John’s hat (Carl gave it to him the other night and it is from Sarnia) and said she was originally from Sarnia and it turns out she lived on Talfourd Street (the other end from us) and went to St. John’s Church (first thing she said was Cannon Bev Farr). So we went through some names but didn’t come up with much but I think she has about 10 years on me so I will have to think about this and see if I can come up with some more names. (Janet – any help for me?)
After we got set up we went into Rockland and got some groceries, so now we are all set for a few days.
Wednesday - August 30 – Today we did some laundry then drove into Peterborough and visited the Canoe Museum which was very interesting - lots of canoes. They also had an old Hudson Bay Store in there with some of the items they would have sold back in the 1800’s. Al in all it was worth the visit. We had a late lunch (early dinner) at Swiss Chalet then went out to the 4th Line Theatre at Millbrook.
The play was called The Art of Silent Killing and was about a couple who had been at Camp X during the Second World War. Camp X was located in Oshawa and was a very secretive place, people who went there were sworn to secrecy and they trained people to be spies in Germany during the war (Ian Fleming the creator of James Bond had something to do with Camp X). It turns out that Tim’s (our son-in-law) grandfather worked at Camp X, Tim’s mother says as a janitor, but who knows for sure. Anyways, the play was very enjoyable and in a very unique setting. It is on a farm on the 4th line and they have bleachers set up and it is all pretty well outside. We got to sit on plastic chairs as we had the VIP seats and if it rains the show is cancelled, so thankfully it was a beautiful evening. It is amazing what there is out there we don’t know about! We got home about 9 so it wasn’t a late evening (the play started at 6).
The play was called The Art of Silent Killing and was about a couple who had been at Camp X during the Second World War. Camp X was located in Oshawa and was a very secretive place, people who went there were sworn to secrecy and they trained people to be spies in Germany during the war (Ian Fleming the creator of James Bond had something to do with Camp X). It turns out that Tim’s (our son-in-law) grandfather worked at Camp X, Tim’s mother says as a janitor, but who knows for sure. Anyways, the play was very enjoyable and in a very unique setting. It is on a farm on the 4th line and they have bleachers set up and it is all pretty well outside. We got to sit on plastic chairs as we had the VIP seats and if it rains the show is cancelled, so thankfully it was a beautiful evening. It is amazing what there is out there we don’t know about! We got home about 9 so it wasn’t a late evening (the play started at 6).
Tuesday – August 29 – Another nice, sunny day. We drove back to Bobcaygeon and went to Bigley’s Shoe Store which is a huge shoe store but they also have purses, clothes, jewelry etc. I thought it was very expensive but they had a sale on so John got a nice pair of shoes at 60% off. We then went across the street and John found 2 pairs of the Royal Robbins shorts he has been look for and I got a T-shirt (all at 40% off) so we got some good buys. We then drove over to Fenelon Falls then on down to Port Perry to Kel’s for dinner.
There was a lacrosse game in Peterborough which Carl wanted to go to so Nan came to Kel’s for dinner and Carl, Brent and Derrick went to the lacrosse game. We left Kel’s at 11 and they hadn’t come back yet so it would be a real late night for Nan and Carl, as it is about 1-1/2 hours home from Kel’s, then they had to get up and go to work in the morning. We had a great dinner and a wonderful visit with Kel, Tim and Nan (saw a bit of Cara but like a normal teenager she spent the evening watching a movie and on the computer).
I hooked my computer up at Kel’s and downloaded my e-mail, did some banking etc. It sure is a pain not having the internet in these campgrounds. All in all it was another most enjoyable day.
There was a lacrosse game in Peterborough which Carl wanted to go to so Nan came to Kel’s for dinner and Carl, Brent and Derrick went to the lacrosse game. We left Kel’s at 11 and they hadn’t come back yet so it would be a real late night for Nan and Carl, as it is about 1-1/2 hours home from Kel’s, then they had to get up and go to work in the morning. We had a great dinner and a wonderful visit with Kel, Tim and Nan (saw a bit of Cara but like a normal teenager she spent the evening watching a movie and on the computer).
I hooked my computer up at Kel’s and downloaded my e-mail, did some banking etc. It sure is a pain not having the internet in these campgrounds. All in all it was another most enjoyable day.
Monday – August 28 – We woke up to a beautiful sunny day, but a bit cool which I don’t mind. We left about 12:30 for Susan and Dick’s (Susan is John’s cousin & we shared a large house in Toronto in 71-73 at Lansdowne & Dundas – they had the 1st floor and we had the 2nd and 3rd floors) and what a beautiful house and property they have just a few miles north of Peterborough.
We visited for a bit then they drove us into Peterborough by the scenic River route and we saw Sanford Fleming College and Trent University – both very pretty places. We went to the lift lock and were in luck, just as we were going through the Visitor Centre the girl there told us there were boats in the lift and it would be coming down soon. What an amazing system, there are only 8 of these hydraulic lift locks in the world – one in Peterborough, one in Lakefield and the others are in Britain, France and Belgium.
We went back to Susan and Dick’s and had a great visit and a delicious dinner. Their 40th wedding anniversary had been on Sunday and I was a bridesmaid in the wedding and when we called they had asked us to come on Sunday as they had some people over to celebrate their anniversary but because we were going to Marion and George’s we had to pass on Sunday. Probably Monday was a better day anyways as we were able to have a real good visit with them. Tim, who was also in the wedding party, came for dinner so it was a fun visit. Tim is in a play in Millbrook about Camp X and Dick is on the board of directors so they got us tickets for Wednesday night in the VIP seating so we are looking forward to that.
We visited for a bit then they drove us into Peterborough by the scenic River route and we saw Sanford Fleming College and Trent University – both very pretty places. We went to the lift lock and were in luck, just as we were going through the Visitor Centre the girl there told us there were boats in the lift and it would be coming down soon. What an amazing system, there are only 8 of these hydraulic lift locks in the world – one in Peterborough, one in Lakefield and the others are in Britain, France and Belgium.
We went back to Susan and Dick’s and had a great visit and a delicious dinner. Their 40th wedding anniversary had been on Sunday and I was a bridesmaid in the wedding and when we called they had asked us to come on Sunday as they had some people over to celebrate their anniversary but because we were going to Marion and George’s we had to pass on Sunday. Probably Monday was a better day anyways as we were able to have a real good visit with them. Tim, who was also in the wedding party, came for dinner so it was a fun visit. Tim is in a play in Millbrook about Camp X and Dick is on the board of directors so they got us tickets for Wednesday night in the VIP seating so we are looking forward to that.
Sunday – August 27 – Woke up to another damp, overcast, dreary day. The people on the site we wanted finally left about 1:45 so we did the move, until then it was just relax and read.
Once we moved it was get ready to go to Bobcaygeon as George and Marion Arnold had invited us for dinner and John and Fran Wylie were also coming. These are people we have met through Can-Am at the shows (George & John) and we have got to know George & Marion as they come to Green Acres for a week each year to visit with George’s sister. They have an absolutely beautiful home in Bobcaygeon and we had a wonderful dinner and a good visit. George & Marion had hoped to take us for a boat ride but the weather was not good for boating, plus we were late getting there because of having to wait to move the trailer. We were disappointed in being so late getting there as we didn’t even have time to check out Bobcaygeon
Once we moved it was get ready to go to Bobcaygeon as George and Marion Arnold had invited us for dinner and John and Fran Wylie were also coming. These are people we have met through Can-Am at the shows (George & John) and we have got to know George & Marion as they come to Green Acres for a week each year to visit with George’s sister. They have an absolutely beautiful home in Bobcaygeon and we had a wonderful dinner and a good visit. George & Marion had hoped to take us for a boat ride but the weather was not good for boating, plus we were late getting there because of having to wait to move the trailer. We were disappointed in being so late getting there as we didn’t even have time to check out Bobcaygeon
Saturday – August 26 – Today was another mainly overcast day with the sun coming out in the afternoon for a while. We arrived at the park in Lindsay about 2 p.m. I had called and reserved a site but when we got there we were informed that the site she was going to give us she had given to a regular transient but they were leaving on Sunday so if we wanted to take another one without sewer hook up we could then move on Sunday – again wonderful!! Anyways we got parked and John washed the trailer and truck and I did a good clean inside so it wasn’t a wasted day. We also had a number of people come by and admire our Airstream and stay for a chat. It started to rain in the early evening but at least John got the barbecue done without getting wet.
This is our first time traveling with A/S in Canada and so far we are not impressed with the parks. As far as wireless goes they just look at you like you are crazy when you ask if they have wireless.
This is our first time traveling with A/S in Canada and so far we are not impressed with the parks. As far as wireless goes they just look at you like you are crazy when you ask if they have wireless.
Friday – August 25 – Happy Anniversary Mike & Franneca. Well, today is the start of our fall trip. We left Kincardine about 8 a.m. to head for London and get a couple of things fixed on the trailer before heading out. As usual it was an all day affair and was 6 p.m. before we got away from Can-Am. The weather was overcast with just a couple of sun breaks but it didn’t rain.
We went to Golden Pond RV Park which is east of London on the 401 and on the phone the lady assured me that they had large pull through sites – what she didn’t tell me on the phone was how narrow they are and that there is a large tree on the corner of every site – wonderful. After quite a bit of messing around it became apparent that we weren’t going to be able to fit in there so they gave us our money back and we went back to the London KOA. I have a problem with KOA’s as they charge a huge price for mediocre services (on the site we were on the grass was ankle high) but at least the trailer fit in and by this time it was getting dark and we’ve had enough and just want to sit back and relax.
We went to Golden Pond RV Park which is east of London on the 401 and on the phone the lady assured me that they had large pull through sites – what she didn’t tell me on the phone was how narrow they are and that there is a large tree on the corner of every site – wonderful. After quite a bit of messing around it became apparent that we weren’t going to be able to fit in there so they gave us our money back and we went back to the London KOA. I have a problem with KOA’s as they charge a huge price for mediocre services (on the site we were on the grass was ankle high) but at least the trailer fit in and by this time it was getting dark and we’ve had enough and just want to sit back and relax.
Tuesday –May 2 – Today was a really nice day and we headed to Can-Am to have the awning looked at. They removed the whole awning and reinstalled it, then we had to wait about 3 hours for the caulking to dry, so by the time we got away from there it was almost 5 p.m. and we got to Kincardine about 7 p.m. Now we are home again.
I am closing my diary now and will restart it when we go out again. Hope everyone enjoyed it and if anyone has any suggestions as to how I can improve it please pass them on.
I am closing my diary now and will restart it when we go out again. Hope everyone enjoyed it and if anyone has any suggestions as to how I can improve it please pass them on.
Monday – May 1 - Today was mostly overcast but at least it didn’t rain and wasn’t too windy. We made the trip from Mounds to Port Huron without incident and the awning held up so we were happy. Got to the KOA in Port Huron about 5 and got set up and the sun was shining by then. We just hope the rain holds off for the next couple of days and it would be nice if it stayed reasonably warm also.
Doug and Fran came over and we went to Chicken in the Rough for dinner and had a great visit. It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen them so lots to catch up on. Tomorrow is off to London to have the awning looked at then on to Kincardine either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Doug and Fran came over and we went to Chicken in the Rough for dinner and had a great visit. It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen them so lots to catch up on. Tomorrow is off to London to have the awning looked at then on to Kincardine either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Sunday – April 30 – Today was overcast but the wind wasn’t too bad this morning so we decided to head out and see how far we could get. We ran into rain off and on but the awning held up okay to the wind so we ended up going as far as our favourite state park – Mounds in Anderson, Indiana. The park doesn’t officially open until tomorrow but there were no closed signs and there are a few other trailers in here, so guess we are okay for the night, I expect the park person will be around at some point to collect our money. We were watching the news when we got here and they are predicting sever thunder storm where we were last night so we are glad we left this morning and didn’t decide to stay another day like we had considered.
We called Doug when we got here and he and Fran are going to meet us for dinner in Port Huron tomorrow night so we are looking forward to a nice visit with them. There is no wi-fi here so I won’t be able to post this until we have wi-fi again.
We called Doug when we got here and he and Fran are going to meet us for dinner in Port Huron tomorrow night so we are looking forward to a nice visit with them. There is no wi-fi here so I won’t be able to post this until we have wi-fi again.
Saturday – April 29 – It rained all night last night so I kept waking up and thinking about how wet John would get hooking up this morning, fortunately though about the time we got up the rain stopped so he managed to hook up in the dry. The Branson forecast was for high winds and severe thunder storms so John wanted to leave as he is paranoid about possible hail. We got away about 9:30 and although we didn’t see rain all day the winds were really gusty – probably the worst we have seen yet.
We got to Cedarbrook RV Park at Mulberrygrove IL about 4:30 this afternoon and when I got out to go check in there were a few people barbecuing near the office and the one fellow said something about our awning and I turned around and here it had started to unroll. We got set up and a couple of the people who had seen the awning when we came in came over and helped John get it out and rolled up but there is major damage to the awning, it has started to rip loose from the roof for about 1/3 of the length – just what we need!!! John has been unhappy since day one with this awning as it doesn’t have the lock on it to prevent it unrolling like the other ones did – proof today that this lock is necessary! He now has it duct taped, strapped etc. and hopefully we can get home without any further damage. If it is really windy tomorrow I think we will just stay for another day.
We got to Cedarbrook RV Park at Mulberrygrove IL about 4:30 this afternoon and when I got out to go check in there were a few people barbecuing near the office and the one fellow said something about our awning and I turned around and here it had started to unroll. We got set up and a couple of the people who had seen the awning when we came in came over and helped John get it out and rolled up but there is major damage to the awning, it has started to rip loose from the roof for about 1/3 of the length – just what we need!!! John has been unhappy since day one with this awning as it doesn’t have the lock on it to prevent it unrolling like the other ones did – proof today that this lock is necessary! He now has it duct taped, strapped etc. and hopefully we can get home without any further damage. If it is really windy tomorrow I think we will just stay for another day.
Friday – April 28 – Today was an off and on rainy day and now it is raining quite hard. We had a quiet day, did laundry and a bit of cleaning then read. We left about 4:30 and stopped at the office and asked where there was a grocery store. The closest one (and I suspect the only one) is about 5 miles away so went a picked up a couple of groceries, stopped and got gas then went to the Cracker Barrel for dinner before going to Cirque.
Cirque was very good, it is amazing the things these people can do. The costumes were also good, all in all an enjoyable show. We managed to get back before the rain started again but now it sounds like it is good for a while and I think the forecast is for rain for the next few days – great. It is pretty well bed time so will get this posted before I go to bed.
Cirque was very good, it is amazing the things these people can do. The costumes were also good, all in all an enjoyable show. We managed to get back before the rain started again but now it sounds like it is good for a while and I think the forecast is for rain for the next few days – great. It is pretty well bed time so will get this posted before I go to bed.
Thursday – April 27 – Today was a real nice day, sunny and warm. We drove around Branson, can’t believe the number of motels, theatres and restaurants, but we didn’t see one grocery store! We stopped at an outlet mall for a bit, I bought 3 pairs of socks and John bought a book – last of the big time spenders. We are definitely in the Ozarks, it is a very hilly city with lots of narrow streets. At one point we had stopped at an overlook and the woman beside me said one of the two houses below belonged to one of the Lennon Sisters – she thought is was Janet Lennon, so the picture is for you Pat.
We went to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and quite enjoyed it. The building was huge and first we went into a large room for the pre show entertainment which was a juggler and he was very good. At one point he balanced an 8’ ladder on his chin – amazing. We then went into the arena where the show was held and the sides of the arena were tiered with a bar type table along the length of each tier and this is where we sat and had dinner while watching the show. Dinner consisted of a roll, a cream soup, a whole chicken, a slice of pork, corn on the cob, a huge potato wedge, an apple turnover and all the coffee/and/or iced tea or pepsi you wanted – and eating utensils were your hands. The dinner was excellent but far too much and the show was very good. John hadn’t realized that the show consisted of a lot of acts with horses, there also were pig races, ostrich races, and other races and it was the north against the south like in the Civil War, all in all very entertaining.
We went to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and quite enjoyed it. The building was huge and first we went into a large room for the pre show entertainment which was a juggler and he was very good. At one point he balanced an 8’ ladder on his chin – amazing. We then went into the arena where the show was held and the sides of the arena were tiered with a bar type table along the length of each tier and this is where we sat and had dinner while watching the show. Dinner consisted of a roll, a cream soup, a whole chicken, a slice of pork, corn on the cob, a huge potato wedge, an apple turnover and all the coffee/and/or iced tea or pepsi you wanted – and eating utensils were your hands. The dinner was excellent but far too much and the show was very good. John hadn’t realized that the show consisted of a lot of acts with horses, there also were pig races, ostrich races, and other races and it was the north against the south like in the Civil War, all in all very entertaining.
Wednesday – April 26 – Today was quite cool and cloudy, I had on a T-shirt and vest and had to resort to a sweat shirt, hopefully tomorrow will be warmer. We were very annoyed as by the time we had gone from Oklahoma City to the Missouri border we had paid $33.50 in tolls, we certainly will think twice about going this way again.
We arrived in Branson about 4 and are staying at the Branson Ozark Country Park, it is a Passport America park and seems quite nice and is only $15/night. I got a lot of information on shows when we arrived and went back to the office and booked Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show for tomorrow night and will go back in the morning and see if I can book Cirque for while we are here. John doesn’t really seem too interested in the shows but hopefully he will enjoy them when he gets there. I just can’t see coming here without taking in a show or two.
The park has free wi-fi but it seems to come and go which is a bit frustrating but as long as it is free I guess I can’t complain too loudly.
We arrived in Branson about 4 and are staying at the Branson Ozark Country Park, it is a Passport America park and seems quite nice and is only $15/night. I got a lot of information on shows when we arrived and went back to the office and booked Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show for tomorrow night and will go back in the morning and see if I can book Cirque for while we are here. John doesn’t really seem too interested in the shows but hopefully he will enjoy them when he gets there. I just can’t see coming here without taking in a show or two.
The park has free wi-fi but it seems to come and go which is a bit frustrating but as long as it is free I guess I can’t complain too loudly.
Tuesday – April 25 – Go figure, after I went to the office yesterday and got logged on I came back and got the internet just fine in the trailer. I checked the e-mail before we left this morning and there was nothing. Today was very windy and cold, the temperature dropped over 60 degrees over night and was only in the low 30’s when we got up. It warmed up to about 60 during the day, but the wind was cold all day. We drove to Chandler, Oklahoma which is about 30 miles east of Oklahoma City, altogether just over 300 miles. It was a good drive, but mostly plains, lots of cattle, a few cotton fields, and other farming operations. We also went by the huge windmill operations near Weatherhead today and there sure are a lot of windmills.
The park tonight is not fancy, it is a Passport America park and only $9/night so we can’t argue with the price. Tomorrow we are heading to Branson and plan on spending a few days there.
I keep forgetting to mention that when we were at the park in Albuquerque John was talking to Amy, the manager, and mentioned that we had been there in January and she said she remembered us as we had “such a purty trailer”.
The park tonight is not fancy, it is a Passport America park and only $9/night so we can’t argue with the price. Tomorrow we are heading to Branson and plan on spending a few days there.
I keep forgetting to mention that when we were at the park in Albuquerque John was talking to Amy, the manager, and mentioned that we had been there in January and she said she remembered us as we had “such a purty trailer”.
Monday – April 24 – We did not get any rain or thunderstorms last night, so were lucky as from the sounds of the news it just missed us. Today was another sunny, hot day, in the mid 80’s so not as hot as yesterday.
We went to Palo Duro Canyon today and it was lovely. It is not as deep or as large as the Grand Canyon but is very nice with lots of interesting rock formations and colours. We were thinking of staying there but I couldn’t find too much on their campground on the internet so we decided to stay in Amarillo and just drive out to the canyon and that turned out to be a good thing. When we got there we saw a sign saying 10% grade for 2 miles and it was a very steep, windy road down to the bottom of the canyon where the campgrounds are. Also, the sights looked a little small for our trailer, so we were very glad we hadn’t decided to stay there. It is interesting driving out to the canyon as the area is very flat, you can see for miles, it reminded us of around Sarnia, then all of a sudden there is this large canyon. There were some very large looking cattle ranches with beautiful homes so I presume the cattle industry is a very prosperous industry.
After the canyon we came back and toured around Amarillo for a bit, it is a very large city and busy, there are lots of stores, restaurants, etc. here so no lack of shopping, eating or places to stay. We also saw a first in four months – a cemetery with grass!!
I can’t log onto the internet from the trailer so will have to pack up and go over to the office (or clubhouse) to use it. I will just download some of my pictures now so I can post a couple and not wait for John’s.
We went to Palo Duro Canyon today and it was lovely. It is not as deep or as large as the Grand Canyon but is very nice with lots of interesting rock formations and colours. We were thinking of staying there but I couldn’t find too much on their campground on the internet so we decided to stay in Amarillo and just drive out to the canyon and that turned out to be a good thing. When we got there we saw a sign saying 10% grade for 2 miles and it was a very steep, windy road down to the bottom of the canyon where the campgrounds are. Also, the sights looked a little small for our trailer, so we were very glad we hadn’t decided to stay there. It is interesting driving out to the canyon as the area is very flat, you can see for miles, it reminded us of around Sarnia, then all of a sudden there is this large canyon. There were some very large looking cattle ranches with beautiful homes so I presume the cattle industry is a very prosperous industry.
After the canyon we came back and toured around Amarillo for a bit, it is a very large city and busy, there are lots of stores, restaurants, etc. here so no lack of shopping, eating or places to stay. We also saw a first in four months – a cemetery with grass!!
I can’t log onto the internet from the trailer so will have to pack up and go over to the office (or clubhouse) to use it. I will just download some of my pictures now so I can post a couple and not wait for John’s.
Sunday – April 23 – Wow, what a hot day, it was over 90 most of the day and very hot driving. We changed time zones again, we are now in the Central Time Zone so it is only an hour difference from home. We arrived in Amarillo, Texas about 4:00 their time and are staying at the Sunset RV Park, it is $16.20/night with full hookups and free internet, the only trouble is that we can’t get connected in the trailer so will have to go to the office to use it. It is now 8:15 and is still about 85 degrees, there are severe thunderstorm warnings out so we are watching the sky. We can see a very dark cloud but it seems to be passing us by, hopefully it will stay that way. They are calling for much cooler weather tomorrow, apparently this heat is not common for here at this time of year. It looks like there could be a nice sunset tonight, will have to keep an eye on it.
Friday – April 21 – Today was another gorgeous day, sunny and warm. We have certainly been lucky with the weather this winter, there have been very few bad days and most of the time it has been really nice. We went to Santa Fe today and what a lovely city it is. We went to the Visitor’s Centre and were able to park there, for free, and tour the historical district by shanks mare.
We saw the oldest house in the U.S. and also the oldest church but my picture of the church didn’t turn out. The chapel of the Sisters of Loretto was absolutely gorgeous and the spiral staircase is fascinating. The Miraculous Staircase, which legend says was constructed or inspired by St. Joseph the Carpenter, was built sometime between 1877 and 1881. It took at least six months to build, and has two 360 degree turns with no visible means of support. (See www.lorettochapel.com). The railing on the staircase was added in later years.
There were lots of stores and we toured most of them and John didn’t complain today, thank goodness. We were looking for a wedding present for John and Wendy and finally found what we wanted at an affordable price so I am happy. We took the Turquoise Trail, which is a scenic route back
We saw the oldest house in the U.S. and also the oldest church but my picture of the church didn’t turn out. The chapel of the Sisters of Loretto was absolutely gorgeous and the spiral staircase is fascinating. The Miraculous Staircase, which legend says was constructed or inspired by St. Joseph the Carpenter, was built sometime between 1877 and 1881. It took at least six months to build, and has two 360 degree turns with no visible means of support. (See www.lorettochapel.com). The railing on the staircase was added in later years.
There were lots of stores and we toured most of them and John didn’t complain today, thank goodness. We were looking for a wedding present for John and Wendy and finally found what we wanted at an affordable price so I am happy. We took the Turquoise Trail, which is a scenic route back
Thursday – April 20 – Today started off cool but it turned into a beautiful, warm, sunny day. We decided to do Old Town Albuquerque, it was interesting – lots of neat shops and a nice square, but again John was bored. We also did the Albuquerque Museum which was interesting. We stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant and had Nachos Grande, they were very good other than the fact they had refried beans on them – yuck.
We went to Home Depot after and got a new tap for the bathroom and finally, found a good light for me for reading. We have been looking for ages for a light so I am thrilled that we finally found one. Came home and had a light dinner and we are about to watch the last part of Lonesome Dove.
We went to Home Depot after and got a new tap for the bathroom and finally, found a good light for me for reading. We have been looking for ages for a light so I am thrilled that we finally found one. Came home and had a light dinner and we are about to watch the last part of Lonesome Dove.
Wednesday – April 19 – This morning John finally got the awning cleaned, he has been wanting to do it since we left Castle Rock park on the Colorado River but this is the first time we have not only had the time but there was no wind so he was happy to have it done. I did some cleaning – why is it that there is always cleaning to do! We went to a large mall with a J C Penney and Sears and I got a couple of pairs of capris and a couple of tops and John was totally bored. Shopping is not his thing!!!
When we came back I did some laundry then we had dinner and a quiet evening. Last night by 10 I had had it but tonight I managed to stay awake until nearly midnight. Think I got caught up on my sleep last night.
When we came back I did some laundry then we had dinner and a quiet evening. Last night by 10 I had had it but tonight I managed to stay awake until nearly midnight. Think I got caught up on my sleep last night.
Tuesday – April 18 – Today was nice and sunny but cool and windy. There were a couple of times when driving to Albuquerque that we felt a good push, but no problem. We got to High Desert RV Park (which is where we stayed in January) and got the last spot. We were very surprised that is was so busy, but glad to get a spot, we are here now till Sunday.
After we got set up and settled we went across the interstate and checked out the new Camping World Store, bought a couple of little things but nothing exciting. It is part of the American RV dealer so we went through 3 huge motor homes in their showroom – one was priced at $450,000 and I really didn’t like it. It was very dark and depressing looking inside, maybe it would be different outside in the sunlight, but man they do have all the bells and whistles – this one even had a dishwasher! All the counter tops were marble and the kitchen and bathroom fixtures were very fancy, just not my cup of tea, give me my Airstream any day.
We lost an hour today, 2 more to go between here and home but at least we are now back to a 2 hour time difference from home, makes calling family a bit easier. John has just gone out and started the bbq so guess I had better get busy and do my part.
After we got set up and settled we went across the interstate and checked out the new Camping World Store, bought a couple of little things but nothing exciting. It is part of the American RV dealer so we went through 3 huge motor homes in their showroom – one was priced at $450,000 and I really didn’t like it. It was very dark and depressing looking inside, maybe it would be different outside in the sunlight, but man they do have all the bells and whistles – this one even had a dishwasher! All the counter tops were marble and the kitchen and bathroom fixtures were very fancy, just not my cup of tea, give me my Airstream any day.
We lost an hour today, 2 more to go between here and home but at least we are now back to a 2 hour time difference from home, makes calling family a bit easier. John has just gone out and started the bbq so guess I had better get busy and do my part.
Monday – April 17 – Today was another gorgeous day, but windy. We decided to take a drive down to Show Low and then take the scenic loop back. When we got to Snowflake, which is a pretty little town, we stopped at the Post Office to mail some post cards and I asked the woman if there were any Divell’s in the area. She said she kind of recalled the name but there was no one by that name there now and we even checked the phone book so guess Aunt Irene and her daughter no longer live there and I have no idea where they might be now, or even if Irene is still alive. Oh well, I tried.
It was a pretty drive and we hit the highest elevation so far in Arizona – 9055”. It was very cold and windy up at that elevation and we saw some mountains where there was still snow, we could see where the ski runs were and it looked like a very touristy area, especially during the winter. When we got home it was still windy, but much warmer and now the wind seems to have calmed down.
Tomorrow we leave for Albuquerque.
It was a pretty drive and we hit the highest elevation so far in Arizona – 9055”. It was very cold and windy up at that elevation and we saw some mountains where there was still snow, we could see where the ski runs were and it looked like a very touristy area, especially during the winter. When we got home it was still windy, but much warmer and now the wind seems to have calmed down.
Tomorrow we leave for Albuquerque.
Sunday – April 16 – Happy Easter all. Today we went to Denny’s for breakfast and Kel, it wasn’t too bad. We found the Seniors menu and ordered an omelette which was very good. We then headed to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, both of which were very fascinating.
The petrified wood is pieces of trees that lived in ancient ecosystems over 200 million years ago. The logs were buried in layers of sediment along a great river system and silica gradually replaced organic material. The rainbow colours found in the wood come from trace minerals such as iron and manganese oxides. There are all sizes of wood and the colours are absolutely beautiful. When you see these pieces of wood lying on the ground they look just like wood logs, but they have all turned to stone! Don’t think they would make good logs for the campfire!
There are many stores selling pieces of petrified wood which have been cut and polished and we have seen large pieces priced in the many thousands of dollars. Oh, if only I were rich I would love to buy a large piece for a coffee table or even a couple for end tables!
The Painted Desert was also very beautiful and again it is hard to get the full beauty and grandeur in pictures. On the way through the park we saw 6 pronghorns so John got some good pictures. He also got a good picture of a large raven sitting on a sign, the raven was really screeching at him as he tried to get close for the picture.
The petrified wood is pieces of trees that lived in ancient ecosystems over 200 million years ago. The logs were buried in layers of sediment along a great river system and silica gradually replaced organic material. The rainbow colours found in the wood come from trace minerals such as iron and manganese oxides. There are all sizes of wood and the colours are absolutely beautiful. When you see these pieces of wood lying on the ground they look just like wood logs, but they have all turned to stone! Don’t think they would make good logs for the campfire!
There are many stores selling pieces of petrified wood which have been cut and polished and we have seen large pieces priced in the many thousands of dollars. Oh, if only I were rich I would love to buy a large piece for a coffee table or even a couple for end tables!
The Painted Desert was also very beautiful and again it is hard to get the full beauty and grandeur in pictures. On the way through the park we saw 6 pronghorns so John got some good pictures. He also got a good picture of a large raven sitting on a sign, the raven was really screeching at him as he tried to get close for the picture.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
