Rocky Top Ramblers

Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum

2012-01-26T22:02:00.005-05:00

The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum located close to the Valley International Airport in Harlingen is well worth the stop. The historical displays are excellent and the day we were there the traveling exhibit "Blending the Old and the New Quilts" by Paul D Pilgrim was on display. All this at no charge....

As you enter the museum there a nice display showing the highlights of Lon C Hill's contributions to Harlingen. It had been named "Rattlesnake Junction" and "6-Shooter Junction", but Hill named it "Harlingen" in honor of his friend and railroad builder Uriah Lott, was from Harlingen, Holland.

Lon C Hill was a larger than life figure...he was a lawyer, store keeper, hotel owner, farmer, sugar mill owner, developer, builder, brick kiln owner, canal builder, statesman, pioneer and visionary. He began his home construction in 1904. Here Hill raised 8 children after the deaths of his wife Eustacia and a son of typhoid fever. The home was moved to the museum complex in 1989.

In 1923 Ida Gilbert and Marie Yeager(a nurse from Chicago) opened the first hospital in Harlingen. It included 7 patient rooms, a surgery room, reception and storage rooms. The building was moved to the museum complex in 1978.

The Paso Real Stagecoach Inn was built in the 1850's on the north bank of the Arroyo Colorado near Rio Hondo. It served as the way station for the stagecoach from Alice to Brownsville. Rooms were 35-50 cents a night. Meals consisted of jerked beef, beans, tortillas & milk. The Inn served as a receiving point for mail for Harlingen until 1904, when the arrival of the railroad made the station obsolete. In 1976 students from TSTC constructed this replica of the Inn in the courtyard of the museum, using salvaged wood from the original Inn.

Original Iwo Jima Memorial Statue

2012-01-26T21:54:00.002-05:00

Memorial is located at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX.

The memorial was given to the Academy in 1981 by Felix de Weldon. It is the original working model prepared by him for the casting of the bronze in Washington DC. There were factors involved in this site being selected by deWeldon..the fairly constant temperature and humidity are ideal for the preservation of the molded plaster figures. The figures are repainted every 5 years.

Memorial is a depiction of the Pulitzer Prize winning photograph by Joe Rosenthal of the Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.

Robert Burns Birthday Celebration in Llano Grande

2012-01-26T21:43:00.002-05:00

Bagpiper, haggis, and people dressed in kilts and caps join the celebration of Scottish poet Robert Burns' Birthday.

Mariachi Band at Llano Grande

2012-01-26T10:04:00.001-05:00

Tila Bead Wave Bracelet

2012-01-09T13:10:00.001-05:00

This bracelet is Jan's newest made with Miyuki Tila Beads plus size 11 seed beads in bronze and gold with a size 8 gold accent beads. The design came from "Tila Beads" by Alice Korach. The bracelet is on the way to my friend, Peggy in AZ. .....Peg, have fun wearing it!

Welaco,TX eatery and Canadian $100.00

2012-01-08T13:22:00.002-05:00

Met RVing friends Butch and Barb Brooker at the El Dorado for dinner. The "El Dorado" is one of the Brookers' favorite Mexican restaurants in the RGV and we can see why...the meal was great and it was wonderful catching up with old friends. Barb is one of Jan's beading buddies from Thunder Bay Resort in Michigan and both Butch and Barb workcamped there with us. Sorry Barb and Butch, we will get a photo of you next time.

Original Willies Barbeque, Alamo, TX

2012-01-08T13:20:00.001-05:00

We had a great meal at Willi B's, as this Alamo, TX BBQ joint is called by the Winter Texans. As you can see by the photos we didn't leave hungry.

Berta Gonzales Hamburgers, Donna, TX

2012-01-05T17:36:00.001-05:00

This is a "Winter Texan" favorite in Donna, TX, know for it's giant hamburgs and onion rings!!!

The burgers are 3/4 of a lb. When we got our order decided we would half one and take the rest home.

The restaurant has been in business since the 1940's. The building has no sign, so folk call the it "No Name Burgers". The decor is not fancy, but the hamburgers and onion rings were great. Understand that they stay open until they run out of meat, which is ground fresh daily.

Weslaco, TX Thursday Night Street Party

2012-01-01T12:38:00.001-05:00

Once a month the city of Weslaco, TX has a street party for the Winter Texans that come to the Rio Grand Valley for the winter months.

Good food including BBQ and homemade ice cream topped off with great music makes the event a must do in the RGV....just bring a chair!!!

Christmas at Llano Grande

2011-12-28T14:18:00.002-05:00

Colby and Joe sent gifts for Scout and Patches.....the toys were a big hit! Scout put her claim on the ones that had noise makers in inside.

Glen, Carol, Lynne, Claus and Jan at Christmas Dinner at the Burns' Casita. The potluck was great...there is a lot of good cooks at Llano Grande.

Amigos de Los Ninos de Mexico

2011-12-28T14:10:00.002-05:00

We were apart of a group of volunteer that passed out toys and food to the children in Nuevo Progress, Mexico, on Christmas morning. Above photo shows Jan with the gang from Llano Grande RV Resort.

Jan, Carol and Claus at the elementary school where the event took place.

The passing out of toys and food was proceed by a Christmas Parade...above are some parade characters.

The line was around the block waiting for the doors to open. We figure that gifts were passed out to 3,000 plus children.

Each child got to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.......

Everyone had a chance at the pinata....candy! candy! candy!

We were all told to give our Santa Hats away....this is the young lady that Ted gave his hat to.

Jan passed out bead necklaces and boxes of rice. The children each had two large bags of goods when they headed home.

Merry Christmas Puppies

2011-12-22T19:26:00.001-05:00

Luna, Kari's new dog, and her friend Ginger are all dressed up for the Holidays.
Merry Christmas to ALL!

Nuevo Progreso, Mexico Welcomes Back the "Winter Texans"

2011-12-10T11:58:00.003-05:00

Nuevo Progreso’s many restaurants, trinket shops, vendors selling authentic Mexican clothing and pottery, pharmacies and dental clinics have attracted Winter Texans for years. The businesses of Nuevo Progreso welcomes back the Winter Texans each year with a fiesta in Dec and an appreciation day in March.

With music, dancing and food the fiesta was enjoyed by all.....

We have helped the Nuevo Pregreso economy with the purchase of souvenirs, new glasses and both Ted and Jan have had their teeth cleaned at one of the local dentists. All with big savings over US prices.

Kari and Friends on Pikes Peak

2011-11-28T13:32:00.002-05:00

Since 1891, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been taking visitors on a safe, comfortable and relaxing journey to the summit of majestic Pikes Peak, 14,110 feet. From the mountain top, it's possible to see four states, the snow-covered peaks of the Continental Divide, the cities of Denver, Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs and the historic gold camps of Cripple Creek and Victor.

Kari at the top of Pikes Peak Thanksgiving weekend 2011.

Thanksgiving at Sylvan Dale Ranch, Loveland, CO

2011-11-28T13:21:00.001-05:00

Kari spent her Thanksgiving with her Aunt Jean & Uncle Gerry and family friends Shirley and Bob Fulton in Loveland, CO. The day was beautiful and meal delicious....thanks for sharing the photos, Kari!

Shirley, Bob, Jean and Gerry

Shirley, Bob, Kari and Gerry

Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

2011-11-23T20:01:00.001-05:00

We have joined the "Winter Texans" with our first trip across the US-Mexico Border at Nuevo Progreso.

Jan wishes she had a place to put one of these flamingos....

Glen did his part in supporting the local economy.

Carol and Glen are great tour guides. They showed us all the highlights and we had a fun day topped off with Margaritas!!!!

LLano Grand RV Resort & Country Club

2011-11-20T16:53:00.002-05:00

We arrived Tuesday November 15th at our winter location. We have been settling in and getting the lay of the land.

The sites are large and grassy. There is a great "Dog Park", so our furry friends are loving it. The park has a lake & Scout has been doing some swimming.

Texas Whataburgers

2011-11-14T18:33:00.003-05:00

Way back in 1950, an adventurous and determined entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson opened up the world’s first Whataburger on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas. He had a simple goal, to serve a burger so big that it took two hands to hold and so good that with one bite customers would say, “What a burger!” He succeeded on both accounts and turned that one little burger stand into a legend known throughout Texas and the South.

Since we try to sample local fare we made a lunch pilgrimage to the original store, which has a great view of the Bay....

We had an A-1 Thick & Hearty Burger. Little-known fact: this sandwich was originally conceived as a creative response to a lettuce and tomato shortage and is now one of What A Burger's all time favorites

Shields RV Park NAS Corpus Christi, TX

2011-11-13T11:41:00.002-05:00

Some of our closest neighbors at Shields RV Park in Corpus.

The jack-rabbit is an inhabitant of Texas and of some other Western States. He is often called the "mule-eared rabbit," and by the cowboy, is familiarly spoken of as the "muley."

Texas Black Tailed Jack Rabbit info.... Both of our dogs are very interested in our current neighbors!

Shields NAS Corpus Christi Famcamp is located on Corpus Christi Bay separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a string barrier islands.

Our first couple of days at NAS Copus Christi was windy and rainy as a storm front passed thro the area. The last few days have been beautiful and typical beach weather.

Port Aransas and Mustang Island

2011-11-11T14:00:00.007-05:00

The Port Aransas Ferry System is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation and provides FREE transportation service seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. The short ride connects Mustang Island and Port Aransas with the mainland via Aransas Pass

The Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse was deactivated in 1952 after a major channel shift left the station a mile from the channel entrance

Corpus Christi, TX Sights

2011-11-11T13:51:00.004-05:00

Skyline of Corpus Christi.....

Corpus Christi Bay from Ocean Blvd......

The USS LEXINGTON, CV-16, is a World War II-vintage aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1943, she served the United States longer and set more records than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation.

The USS LEXINGTON rests in Corpus Christi Bay, just across the ship channel from downtown Corpus Christi, Texas

The Texas State Aquarium has been designated as the “Official Aquarium of Texas,”

The Aquarium has a vast array of displays housing fish which are indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a few exotic species

Fredericksburg, TX day trip and Kerrville

2011-11-06T14:38:00.001-05:00

Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the U.S. The farm has more than 200 cultivated acres at its Texas Hill Country headquarters.

The Wildflower Farm has a great gift shop and even had wine tasting (TX wines) the day we were there.

Artist alley in downtown Fredericksburg......

And we continue to try local favorites as we travel to new areas!!!!!!

This was Ted's favorite part of the day.....

There was plenty of room at the inn at our CG in Kerrville. Guess the "Winter Texans" haven't arrived yet!

Leaving Tucson heading East on I-10 to Texas

2011-11-06T14:21:00.002-05:00

View of our empty RV site as we pull out of Davis-Monthan AFB Famcamp in Tucson. Cameron's Reliable RV Repair got both our awning motors replaced to get us on the road to our winter quarters in Texas...

Entering NM heading East on I-10.......

Texas line at El Paso.....keep rolling!!!!!

Needless to say we were getting passed alot......

Stayed at a Passport America RV park in Balmorhea, TX. There wasn't alot around, but great overnight stop for $10 FHU...

Border Patrol Check Point AZ

2011-10-31T13:54:00.001-05:00

As we were heading back to Tuscon from Tombstone we were checked by the U.S. Border Patrol on AZ 80. At this point think we were about 30 miles north of the Mexican border.

Tombstone, Arizona

2011-10-31T13:15:00.006-05:00

Tombstone reached its pinnacle of riches and fame and then faded, all within the span of just eight years.The West's wildest mining town owes its beginning to Ed Schieffelin, who prospected the nearby hills in 1877. Friends warned him that all he would ever find would be his own tombstone. But instead of an Apache bullet, he found silver - ledges of it - and the rush was on.
Miners soon built a shantytown on the closest level space to the mines, then known as Goose Flats. Remembering the grim prophecy given to Schieffelin, and with tongue in cheek, they changed the name to Tombstone.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was a roughly 30-second gunfight that took place at about 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 1881, in Tombstone Territory. Frank and Tom McLaury and Billy Clanton were killed; Morgan Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday were wounded and survived. Wyatt Earp was the only individual who came through the fight unharmed. It is generally regarded as the most famous gunfight in the history of the Old West and has come to represent a time in American history when the frontier was open range for outlaws who were confronted by law enforcement that was often sparse, or nonexistent

In it’s heyday, this building was the Grand Hotel, where the Clantons would stay when they came to town. In fact, Ike Clanton and the two McLaury brothers were registered guests, the night before the famous OK Corral gunfight, October 26, 1881."Big Nose Kate" is synonymous with Tombstone history. "Big Nose Kate" Elder or Fisher, as some called her, ran the first combination saloon and brothel in Tombstone. Kate is also known for her turbulent relationship with the gambling former dentist, John Henry "Doc" Holliday. For many years Kate was "Doc’s" live in girlfriend. To some peoples dismay, Holliday was never married to "Big Nose Kate."

Walking Around Tombstone, AZ

2011-10-31T12:52:00.004-05:00

As Tombstone's population grew, so did its political power. In 1881, the Arizona Legislature established Cochise County. No longer would the nearest county office be a long two-day ride. Built in 1882 at a cost of nearly $50,000, the Cochise County Courthouse was a stylish building as well as a comfortable symbol of law and stability in those turbulent times. It housed the offices of the sheriff, recorder, treasurer, and the board of supervisors. The jail was at the rear, under the courtroom

"Doc Holliday" and Big Nose Kate in front of the Historic Bird Cage Theater Legend has it that 26 people were killed in The Bird Cage during it reputed eight years as one of the wildest and meanest places in Tombstone. Over a Hundred and Twenty bullet holes remain in the building . .

Boothill Graveyard Tombstone, AZ

2011-10-31T12:01:00.001-05:00

"The Tombstone Cemetery" was laid out as a burial plot in 1878 and used until around 1884. Because of the many violent deaths of the early days, the cemetery became known as Boothill Graveyard.

Buried here are outlaws with their victims, suicides and hangings, legal and otherwise, along with the hardy citizens and refined element of Tombstone's early days.

Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury part of the 1881 O.K. Corral battle, which took place between the Earp Brothers, with "Doc" Holliday and the cowboys. Three men were killed and three were wounded.

Years of research and hard work by interested citizens of Tombstone have helped to preserve the main art of the cemetery. The stories of those buried here have been checked with available resources to compile an accurate history.

One of the Tombstone tour trolleys.....

The Pink Ball Pals & wives reunion

2011-10-29T19:50:00.001-05:00

Colby and Joe's New York City Trip

2011-10-26T20:21:00.002-05:00

Colby and Joe went to visit Cameron over a long weekend at the end of Sept. These are a few of the photos that Joe shared with us. Joe, thanks a bunch!!!

Why are all thos people running after Cameron and Colby... Did they skip out on a restaurant bill? Looks like they have quite a lead on the crowd... Run kids, run....

El Charro Cafe Tucson....

2011-10-22T14:19:00.001-05:00

El Charro Cafe was established in 1922 by Monica Flin is the Nation's Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. The definition of the word "Charro" is a name given to the peasants of the province of Salamonca....

Monica Flin, who started El Charro is the originator of the Chimichanga, which means "thingamajig"....

We had a great meal with a Kilt Lifter AZ beer for Ted and frozen Margarita for Jan.....

Saguaro National Park

2011-10-22T13:42:00.001-05:00

Enormous cacti, silhouetted by the setting sun, for most of us the Giant Saguaro is the universal symbol of the American West. And yet, these majestic plants are only found in a small portion of the United States. Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical giants, on the edge of the City of Tucson. Saguaros starts where the sidewalks end. Two park districts bookend the city of Tucson......Rincon Mountain District on the east side and Tucson Mountain District on the west.

Ted and Jan along the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in the east district. The scenic loop is an 8 mile paved road featuring several trail heads, scenic vistas and pullouts.

A Road Runner hiding in the pear cactus.

Red Tailed Hawk searching the vista for his next meal.

We were visiting Saguaro NP during the 2011 bioblitz, which was sponsored by National Geographic and centers on a 24-hour race to count species

Davis-Monthan AFB and Tucson, AZ Sunsets

2011-10-22T13:10:00.003-05:00

Immediately after World War II, the Army's San Antonio Air Technical Service Command established a storage facility for B-29 and C-47 aircraft at Davis-Monthan AFB. Today, this facility is the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG), which has grown to include more than 4,400 aircraft and 13 aerospace vehicles from the Air Force, Navy-Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, and several federal agencies including NASA. With an original purchase price of more than $35 billion, this aerospace fleet provides a unique savings account from which military units throughout the world may withdraw parts and aircraft. The government earns additional income by selling aircraft to our allies.
The chief reasons for selecting Davis-Monthan as the site for this storage center were Tucson's meager rainfall, low humidity, and alkaline soil. These conditions make it possible to store aircraft indefinitely with a minimum of deterioration and corrosion. In addition, the soil (called caliche) is hard, making it possible to park aircraft in the desert without constructing concrete or steel parking ramps.

Red sky by morning, sailor take warning. Red sky at night, sailor's delight!

Mission San Xavier del Bac

2011-10-16T17:31:00.001-05:00

This mission complex is to Tucson what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, except it's more ancient. Founded in 1700 by the Spanish missionary Father Kino, 10 miles south of what is now downtown Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation, San Xavier del Bac is considered one of the finest examples of Mexican folk baroque architecture.

Indian Day Celebration at Mission San Xavier

2011-10-16T17:14:00.001-05:00

When we arrived at Mission San Xavier del Bac we realized that a big Indian Day celebration was taking place with a parade, music and food booths.

Indian Fry Bread was on the menu with many choices of toppings... sweet which is topped with sugar, beans or meat with lettuce and tomatoes like a taco.

Plaza in front of the church was filled with food vendors....seemed very hot for cooking. The temperature reach 100 while we were walking around......

Silver City, NM

2011-10-16T16:17:00.001-05:00

Historic downtown Silver City, NM, it's story tied to the western mining rush both Silver and Copper.

Jan met a new friend as we were checking into Rose Valley Ranch RV CG......

What use to be the main street of Silver City was washed away in a series of floods beginning in the early 1890's. The creek is now 55ft below grade. The Warren House below was the only structure left standing on "Main" St after the flooding.

Bullard Street is now the main street of town and nice walking through the historical buildings, artist galleries gift shops and two bead shops.

The controversy over Billy the Kid’s life and death started when he was shot and killed by Pat Garrett in July 1888. But did Billy die, did Garrett really kill him or was somebody else the victim of Garrett’s bullets? The legend holds that Billy, also known as William Bonney Henry McCarty and Henry Antrim, was born in New York, or was it Texas? His mother was Catherine Antrim, or was he born to her sister and raised by Antrim?

The controversy of his life stems far beyond what documented history can tell us. However, a few things about Billy’s life are not controversial. He was raised in Silver City, New Mexico, by Antrim and known then as Henry McCarty. After her death, he had no role models, got involved with shady characters and began his brief life of crime. Also not disputed is that Billy the Kid attended Sixth Street Elementary School in Silver City

Veterans Memorial & other T or C Sites

2011-10-10T12:30:00.002-05:00

Very well done Veterans Memorial in Truth or Consequences, NM. There is a replica of the Vietnam Wall and a park area with tablets for each war or conflict that the USA has been a part of.

The museum at Veterans Park has a collection of items from Veterans in the Truth or Consequences area and surrounding towns.

Veteran's Park is just 2.5 miles off I25 at exit 75.

Red or Green? Had a wonderful NM style meal at Maria's and tried both red and green pepper sauces.

Ted's favorite hangout at Sierra del Rio Golf Course at Turtleback Mountain Resort.

Chloride, NM "Ghost Town"

2011-10-03T14:00:00.004-05:00

Area mines continued producing ore mostly copper, lead and zinc -- from the turn of the century until about 1931. The post office was open until 1956. About 20 people still live in Chloride, including Mr. and Mrs. Don Edmund. They own a number of the old homes and buildings in town and have restored the Pioneer Store, which is open as a museum. The Edmund Family plans to open a cafe in one of the restored building within the next year.

An Englishman named Harry Pye, a mule skinner and prospector, was delivering freight for the U.S. Army from Hillsboro to Camp Ojo Caliente in 1879 when he discovered silver in the canyon where Chloride is now located. After completing his freighting contract, he and two others returned to the area in 1881 and staked a claim. A tent city grew up nearby and then a town, originally called Pyetown, then Bromide. The name "Chloride" was finally selected, after the high-grade silver ore found there. It became the center for all mining activity in the area, known as the Apache Mining District.

During the 1880s, Chloride had 100 homes, 1,000-2,000 people, eight saloons, three general stores, restaurants, butcher shops, a candy store, a lawyer's office, a doctor, boarding houses, an assay office, a stage line, a Chinese laundry and a hotel. Residents even hoped the town would become the county seat. The "Black Range" newspaper operated from 1883 until 1897. (Apaches attacked the Chloride store on Jan. 18, 1881, killing two and injuring one. Harry Pye was killed by Apaches a few months later, apparently because his gun jammed.)

The Don Edmund Family has spent the last 20+ years restoring buildings in Chloride to presserve the history and stories of the New Mexico mining pioneers. Don Edmund's daughter, Linda Turner, showed us through the Pioneer Musuem and the Monte Cristo, which is now a gift shop with local artists' creations on display and for sale. Click the following link for insight into the town and his family's restoration project.....Choride a piece of NM history

Winston, NM

2011-10-03T13:55:00.003-05:00

Originally called Fairview, the town was settled in 1880-81 by miners who found the area more agreeable than nearby Chloride. By 1884, it had 3,100 people, a school, a newspaper, horse races and a bar, and featured literary readings, plays and songfests at Cloudman Hall (named for the local butcher, William Cloudman.y readings, plays and songfests at Cloudman Hall (named for the l

Winston declined as silver prices dropped. By 1940, the population was about 400, and was 250 by 1946. Today, only a few families remain. Some old buildings still stand, including the school (built in 1890), Frank Winston's home, his carriage house and store. A flood in the 1950s wiped out many others.

Map showing Geronimo Trail Ghost Towns and points of interest...

Cuchillo, NM along the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway

2011-10-03T13:53:00.004-05:00

San Jose Church circa 1907......

The town of Cuchillo was founded by ranchers and farmers in the 1850s. It was named for nearby Cuchillo Negro(Black Knife) Creek, which took its name from a local Apache chief.

When stage and freight lines ran from the railroad station at Engle to the silver mines at Winston, Chloride and Hermosa in the 1880s & 90s, Cuchillo was a natural choice for the stage stop because it lay midway between the two and was a thriving agricultural community with plenty of supplies for men and horses.
At the end of the mining boom, plus a series of devastating floods on the Cuchi1loNegro Creek, changed Cuchillo.
Today, it is a small village with some ranching and farming and a great deal of history and charm.

Scenery along the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway

Truth or Consequences, NM

2011-10-03T13:47:00.002-05:00

Truth or Consequences is a spa city and the county seat of Sierra County, New Mexico. It is commonly known within New Mexico as T or C.
Originally named Hot Springs, the city changed its name to Truth or Consequences, the title of a popular NBC radio program. In 1950, Ralph Edwards, the host of the radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced that he would air the program from the first town that renamed itself after the show. Hot Springs won the honor. Edwards visited the town during the first weekend of May for the next fifty years. This event was called "Fiesta" and included a beauty contest, a parade, and a stage show. The city still celebrates Fiesta each year on the first weekend of May. The parade generally features area celebrities such as the Hatch Chile Queen. Fiesta also features a dance in Ralph Edwards Park.

Sunset view from our campsite at Cedar Cove RV Park.....

Kirtland AFB Photos

2011-09-28T19:22:00.001-05:00

Our rig with the flag and mountain views at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM

May and Bev were Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival......

The coyote was one of Ted's many views on the AFB golf course.

Ted got to play a round with one of his golfing buddies, Craig Christen.

Old Town Albuquerque, NM

2011-09-25T14:27:00.001-05:00

Eat lunch at The Original Garcia's Kitchen at the edge of Old Town. Was a great spot for local color and good, reasonably priced New Mexico style food. Jan had carne adovada, which is pork chunks slow cooked in red chiles.....very good, but alittle on the spicy side. Ted had beef brisket tacos, which he could add his own spice level to.

Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded here in 1706. Today, historic Old Town Albuquerque is the city's cultural center, with seven museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants.The settlers organized their new town in the traditional Spanish colonial way, with a central plaza anchored by a church. When the original adobe church collapsed after the long, rainy summer of 1792, they rebuilt, and in 1793 San Felipe de Neri church was completed. Today, this adobe church with walls five feet thick is the oldest in Albuquerque and its white towers mark Old Town from a distance.

Jan, one of many "turistas" in one of the many shops!

The day we were in the Old Town Square there was a Chile tasting competition taking place. Albuquerque is home to the famous red and green chiles! The question you need to be able to answer ...do you want RED or GREEN??

Jan is front of "sitio para turista" (tourist trap)

Teresa's Tamales, Cleveland, NM

2011-09-19T16:24:00.001-05:00

We arrived at closing time, but Teresa and Alicia fixed us up with delicious carryout....homemade pork and chicken Tamales, green chile sauce and excellent BBQ. We also bought a dozen frozen Tamales for later. If you are in Cleveland, NM Teresa's is a stop you want to make... just be aware they close a 5PM

Pendaries CG & GC, Rociada, NM

2011-09-19T14:24:00.002-05:00

Pendaries RV Resort is located in Rociada, NM about 30 mins west of Las Vegas, NM. Pendaries Village Resort is located across the street. The RV Park and Village are located at 7500 ft among Ponderosa, Fir and Aspen with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The RV Resort is divided into two areas.....one part is a campground and the 2nd part is RV lots for sale.

The draw for us to this quite area of NM is the golf course. Unfortunately the recent drought has effected the fairways, so the golfing wasn't as good as Ted had hoped.

We have seen lots of deer and antelope in the area.

Raton Pass, NM to Rociada, NM

2011-09-19T13:50:00.001-05:00

Cedar Rail Campground is located right at the top of Raton Pass about 10 mins north of Raton, NM.

The day we arrived at Cedar Rail CG the whole area was in fog, but the next morning the fog had cleared out and we could see for miles from the CG.

Heading toward Las Vegas, NM on I25. We saw several herds of antelope as we traveled through this high plains area.

Welcome ! Luna

2011-09-17T12:53:00.002-05:00

When we arrived in Denver our youngest daughter, Kari, had just decided to become a "Foster Mother" for the Colorado Basenji Rescue . Kari picked up Jenny on a Saturday afternoon and by Monday was saying this was the dog for her. Jenny, a Basenji mix, now has a new name "Luna" or as one of Kari's friends calls her "Moon Dog". Luna is a great addition to Kari's household and as you can see has settled right in.

Peregrine Pines CG & USAFA Golf Course

2011-09-14T20:19:00.001-05:00

We were camped in a pine forest at the Air Force Academy's Famcamp. The Famcamp is within walking distance of the Academy's Stadium.

Ted had two great rounds on the Silver Course of the Eisenhower Golf Complex. The Colorado PGA was having a tournament on the Blue Course, so Ted could only take a few photos of Blue Course.

Scenes around Peregrine Pines,USAFA, Colorado

2011-09-14T19:30:00.002-05:00

The Cadets training in a Glider at Air Force Academy.

Jan and Ted dine out at Famous Dave's in Colorado Springs.

Family Pic at Wheat Ridge, CO Campground

2011-09-07T14:49:00.001-05:00

After dinner at our campsite, we posed for a family photo outside the camper at our picnic table.

Grand Teton National Park

2011-08-27T14:44:00.001-05:00

A couple final photos as we headed south on 191 toward Jackson, WY. Ted and Jan both agreed that they had seen some of the prettiest landscapes of their trip so far in the Tetons.

Here are a couple of local color photos taken in Driggs, ID as we finish up our day of sightseeing and head back to our RV park in Tetonia, ID.

Jenny & Jackson Lakes in GrandTeton National Park

2011-08-27T14:13:00.007-05:00

Jenny Lake, formed by melting glaciers about 60,000 years ago, is a beautiful blue mountain lake set in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, at the base of Teewinot Mountain. On the west side, the lake touches the Teton Mountain Range. The lake is about 260 feet deep at the deepest point.

The largest lake in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake covers 25,540 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 438 feet. Photos were taken near Signal Mountain Lodge.

The Snake River emerges from the dam and flows about 800 miles through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to its mouth on the Columbia River in eastern Washington. The chief purpose of the dam is to provide water storage for irrigation in the Snake River basin in the state of Idaho as part of the Minidoka Project. Jackson Lake is a natural lake but its depth was increased by the dam to provide water storage

Granite Entrance Teton NP

2011-08-27T13:43:00.001-05:00

Entering the park through the Granite Entrance is limited to cars...no trailers or RVs. The road is narrow and dirt part way, but this is the most scenic entrance.

Stream along the Moose-Wilson Road in the unpaved area.

Few landscapes are as striking and memorable as that of the Grand Teton Mountain Range rising abruptly from the valley floor.

From Moose or Taggart Lake Trailhead there is a new multi-use pathway that can be used for walking, biking, skateboarding or rollerblading.

Photo taken from Cascade Canyon pull out. The canyon is know for its great hiking trails.

Jan, Scout and Patches take a stroll along a sagebrush meadow. The dogs are getting alot of good smelling. Imagine they are hoping to spot an American Pika, which is a small rabbit like mammal that lives on the park's rocky slopes.

Towards Jackson Hole, WY

2011-08-27T13:28:00.001-05:00

Jan and Ted at the summit of Teton Pass 8431ft elevation on hwy 22 at the edge of Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Jackson & Jackson Hole, WY in the distance from Teton Pass

Heading toward the Granite entrance to Teton NP on the Moose-Wilson Road. Teton Village is located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain and is the most popular ski area in Wyoming.

Island Park, ID to Tetonia, ID

2011-08-27T12:51:00.002-05:00

Had a very scenic two hour drive south from West Yellowstone area to the Tetons

This is what we see when we look out of our rig at Teton Mountain View Lodge and RV Park located in Tetonia, ID. This is a great RV park in a small town, which is a good jumping off point for seeing Teton NP and for Ted to get in a round of golf at the local course.

RV Weigh

2011-08-27T12:35:00.001-05:00

Paul and Doris Cunningham weighed our Winnebago Tour before be pulled out of our campground outside Yellowstone NP.

It was money well spent...found that we were fine on the front axle, but off balance right rear. Will have to do some moving around in our back closet. Luckily the rig is are not over weight, so won't have to throw any of our treasures away.

Philip Kircus, Master Wood Carver

2011-08-25T18:36:00.002-05:00

Philip was our across the street neighbor at Valley View RV Park during our stay in Island Park, ID.He would work daily on his basswood buffalo carving.

Philip and his wife, Mary Ann are from Surprise, AZ, but spend their summer in cooler area's like ID or SD.

A museum in SD has offered to buy Philip's Merlin Falcon.

Yellowstone NP-Old Faithful to West Thumb & back

2011-08-24T11:35:00.003-05:00

One of the ways to get around Yellowstone is to take a Yellow Bus Tour. 2007 was the year that the Old Yellow Bus returned to Yellowstone. These buses are historic touring vehicles that where a popular tour bus starting in the early l900's.

This three-tiered cascade drops over 50 feet as the Firehole River flows North. The Kepler Cascades were actually named in 1881 for the 12 year old son of Wyoming's territorial governor, Kepler Hoyt, who toured the park with his father, Governor John Hoyt

Photo taken from hill overlooking Yellowstone Lake. The lake is the largest body of water in Yellowstone NP and at 7,732 ft above sea level it is the largest fresh water lake above 7,000 ft in North America. The lake freezes over by late November and stays frozen until late May or early June.

We were lucky to see several groups of Elk during our Yellowstone visit, tho of the wildlife in the park Elk are the most abundant large animal.

Old Faithful area Yellowstone NP

2011-08-23T16:49:00.003-05:00

Old Faithful was named by the first official expedition to Yellowstone, the Washburn Expedition of 1870. They were impressed by its size and frequency. Old Faithful erupts every 35 to 120 minutes for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes. Its maximum height ranges from 90 to 184 feet.

The amount of water expelled per eruption is 3,700-8,400 gallons depending on the length of the eruption.

Old Faithful's "sister", Castle Geyser, is located within an easy walk & view of Old Faithful. Both geysers were going off at the same time the day we were there.

Historic Old Faithful Inn was opened in 1904 and built by the Yellowstone Company which was affiliated with the Great Northern Railway.

Lower Geyser Basin Yellowstone NP

2011-08-23T16:34:00.001-05:00

Fountain Paint Pot area has four types of hydrothermal features: geysers, hot springs fumaroles and mudpots....

Biscuit Basin area along Firehole River

Yellowstone National Park

2011-08-23T16:09:00.001-05:00

West entrance to Yellowstone NP

Our first day in the Park and we saw a bald eagle along the Madison River about 5 miles from the West Yellowstone entrance.

Scenes along the Madison River....

Herd of Elk at a distance....now we know why we have a good camera.

West Yellowstone, MT

2011-08-23T14:35:00.002-05:00

If your looking for a place to eat in West Yellowstone give the "Mexican bus" a try.....some of the best Mexican food we've had is found on Canyon Street. The "bus" had over 40 selections & the prices were right.

Just a couple of examples of the painted buffies that you see as you walk the streets of West Yellowstone.

West Yellowstone's history closely mirrors the history of Yellowstone National Park. When the park was first formed, early guides would have lead their clients into the park by following the course of the Madison River through the area that would one day become West Yellowstone

In 1908, the first train loaded with tourists arrived on the Oregon Shortline railway extension. Over the course of several years, the track was constructed up from Ashton, Idaho through Island Park, Idaho, over Targhee Pass and into West Yellowstone, harkening the founding of the little town at the end of the line

West Yellowstone was the terminus of Union Pacific train line that in the early history of Yellowstone NP was the main way that folks came to visit the park.

Sawtell Peak, Island Park, ID

2011-08-23T14:08:00.003-05:00

Sawtelle Peak is just under 10,000 feet in height, a full 4500 feet above the valley floor, and it stands out very clearly on a clear day. The FAA long-Range radar dome is just visible in the middle top of the mountain

Sawtell Peak is named for Gilman Sawtell, one of the original guides into what is now Yellowstone NP.

The view, is worth everything. How about 140 mile visibility?

From Sawtell Peak you can see our campground in the distance....Valley View RV Park, which is part of the Island Park, ID Recreation Area.

10,000 feet above sea level, looking around at three states(MT, WY, & ID), as well as Yellowstone National Park and the Teton Range. All that, and FAA facility and a new FM station facility too!

Cameron MT - the Idaho state line/Yellowstone Area

2011-08-21T13:34:00.001-05:00

Our trip to Yellowstone NP took us along rt 287 through Ennis and Cameron, MT. Rt 287 follows the Madison River for along ways. The Madison River was always one of Jan's Dad's favorite rivers for fishing. As a kid Jan spent several family vacations in Ennis. Ennis has changed since the 1950s, but still a summer center for fishing and outdoor activities.

Polson to Ennis MT & roadside scenes

2011-08-21T13:31:00.001-05:00

Views of Flathead Lake along Highway 35 heading into Polson.

On the road to West Yellowstone we passed through one of Jan's childhood hangouts...Ennis, MT. Jan's Family rented a cabin in Ennis several summers so her Dad could fish the Madison River.

Butte/Anaconda MT & Fairmont Golf

2011-08-21T10:05:00.002-05:00

Historic mine shaft at the edge of old town Butte, Mt. Butte in the late 1800's and early 1900's was a notorious copper boomtown...home to many saloons and a famous red light district.

Our home for a couple nights near Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Anaconda, MT. has it all...hotel, RV park, hot springs, water park and of course, Golf! The hot springs were originally developed by the Gregson Brothers, who acquired the land in 1869 and the area has a rich and colorful history linked to the growth of Butte and the copper mines.

Ted enjoying a round.....

Hungry Horse Dam, MT

2011-08-14T17:09:00.001-05:00

Hungry Horse Reservoir captures spring runoff to reduce flooding along the Flathead and Columbia River systems in Montana, Idaho, Washington & Oregon. The reservoir remains high during the summer for recreation, then the dam releases water during the fall and winter to produce electricity.

The dam was completed in 1953 and created a reservoir that stores about 3.5 million acre feet of water for later release to produce hydroelectric power. The Hungry Horse Dam generates up to 428,000 kilowatts of electricity.

A single drop of Hungry Horse water travels more than 1,100 miles from the Montana mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, this water produces electricity at many more dams downstream.

Out and About along the Flathead River, MT

2011-08-14T16:56:00.001-05:00

Interesting mural on store in Columbia Falls, MT

If your in Columbia Falls, stop here for great western grown meats of all kinds. We picked up a couple Flat Iron Steaks and local bacon.

We had a great meal at Los Caporales in Columbia Falls. Stopped for lunch, but it was our last meal of the day, as you can see from the size portions.

Going-to-the-Sun Road east side of Glacier NP

2011-08-14T16:30:00.001-05:00

Entrance east side of Glacier National Park near St. Mary, MT

Heading down the east side of Logan Pass on Going-to-the-Sun Road...

East tunnel was one of the most difficult challenges during the building of the Road. The 408 ft tunnel comes directly out of Piegan Mtn, with waterfalls cascading down the portal.

Photo taken from Jackson Glacier Overlook on east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Trail rides offered near St. Mary Visitor Center

Heading back towards US 2 and West Glacier following one of the Glacier NP tour cars...

Back on US 2 passed through Browning, MT and the Blackfoot Reservation....

Going to the Sun Road- Glacier NP

2011-08-14T15:35:00.001-05:00

One of the most amazing highlights of Glacier National Park is a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This engineering marvel spans 50 miles through the park's wild interior, winding around mountainsides and treating visitors to some of the best sights in northwest Montana.

On the shore of Lake McDonald, the lodge is reminiscent of a Swiss chalet.

Rapids on upper McDonald Creek

Bird Woman Falls cascades 492 ft from the slopes of Mt. Oberlin.

The western side of Glacier NP is affected by weather from the Pacific coast, so it is generally warmer and moister making the wildflower displays exceptional..

Sightseeing motor-cars made by Ford and power by propane....

Glacier National Park-western entrance

2011-08-14T14:09:00.001-05:00

Entrance off of US2 at West Glacier, MT

Apgar Village is located on crystal clear Lake McDonald. Ted and Jan enjoyed a great day seeing the sights.

Apgar Village is the location of the Glacier NP Welcome Center at the western entrance. Below is the view from the Welcome center down the main street of the village, which is mainly gift shops, lodging and eateries..

Road to Polebridge, MT

2011-08-14T13:49:00.001-05:00

Polebridge is an isolated community named for the log bridge that connects the North Fork Road in Glacier National Park to Highway 486, over the Flathead River. This resort community primarily consists of the Polebridge Mercantile and Northern Lights Saloon

Still evidence of the Red Bench Fire, which swept through this area in 1988.

Ted waiting his turn.......

The Polebridge Mercantile is know for it's bakery and "Sticky Buns"!!!!

These deer were the only wildlife we saw during our day trip.

Havre to Coram, MT along US Hwy 2

2011-08-10T12:56:00.001-05:00

The highway follows the railway all across Montana. The railroad is what built the small towns along the High-Line in the late 1800s and early 1900s

Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park at a distance near Browning, MT

There was lots of road work, so slow going between East and West Glacier.....

The turquoise colored Flathead River along Highway 2 just east of West Glacier.

Coram, MT just south of Glacier NP is our home for the next week with lots to see and do.

Malta, MT

2011-08-10T12:21:00.001-05:00

As part of our journey west on US Highway 2, we passed through Malta, MT, which was the birth place and home through their growing up years of Jan's parent Harry and Nell Moser Whitcomb.

Road leading into Malta heading west on US 2

Of course, just driving thro you don't see much of the town, but did pass the old train station, which Jan remembers arriving and departing from several times in the 1950s. Since it has been 45-50 years since Jan has been back to this part of Montana not much looked familiar, but she does remember her Dad's stories about the "Kid" Curry Gang, who were part of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, and the big train robbery in the early 1900s near Malta. The "Wild Bunch" made the Little Rocky Mountains their headquarter just south of Malta. The Little Rocky Mountains also, happened to be the location of a gold mine worked by the Whitcomb Family.

Fort Peck Dam and Lake, Montana

2011-08-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

The Fort Peck area was first charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804 and recognized for its pristine natural views. The old Fort Peck Trading Post, for which the project was named, was built in 1867 as a landing for steamboats traveling upstream.

The construction of Fort Peck Dam was begun in 1933 and was one of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal projects during the Great Depression. During the Dam's construction more than 40,000 people flooded to the area looking for work, creating 18 boom towns.

The dam was completed in seven years and it's original purposes were flood control and navigation. The dams present day purposes are flood control, navigation, hydroelectric power, fish & wildlife, recreation, irrigation, public water, and water quality. Fort Peck Dam is the largest hydraulically-filled dam in the world.

Some of the local color........

The Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum

2011-08-10T11:49:00.001-05:00

The Fort Peck Interpretive Center is where you can find an overview of the Dams construction, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and story of the prehistoric dinosaurs found in the Hell Creek Geological Formation,

Examples of animals protected in the Charles Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

Ted and Jan might have been a taste treat for Wankel T.rex!!!!!!!!

Entering Mountain on US 2

2011-08-10T11:24:00.001-05:00

We traveled through Montana from Williston, ND to Glacier Park, Mt on US Route 2, which is called the Hi-line area of Montana. The highway travels pretty much straight across Montana parallel to the Canadian Border.

Turned south on rt 117 at Nashua, so we could spend the night at a COE park located at Fort Peck Dam. Of course, we had to cross the railway tracks to go south & since our timing was bad....we spent about 30mins waiting at the railroad crossing in Nashua. Had to allow for time for two trains to pass each other.

Had a great RV site at the Downstream Recreation area right below the Fort Peck Dam.

This was the view a short walk from our campsite.

Missouri- Yellowstone Confluence Area

2011-08-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

The Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers come together here. Lewis and Clark camped two nights in this area as they moved up the Missouri.......

Indian Pow Wow Fort Union

2011-08-07T09:48:00.001-05:00

Dancers from the Three Affiliated Tribes(Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara) preformed at the Trading Post

Fancy Shawl Dancers

Jingle Dress Dance

Fort Union Trading Post

2011-08-07T09:20:00.001-05:00

The Trading Post was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri River for almost 40 years from 1828 to 1867. Fort Union was part of John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company.

Fort Union Trading Post is on the North Dakota/Montana border. The Fort is in the central time zone(ND) but the parking lot is in the mountain time zone(MT).

Front gate facing the Missouri River......

The Indian Trade House included reception and trade rooms. Traders and indians conducted business in the large reception room and the smaller room held trade items.

The Bourgeois House was home of the field agent and chief clerk.

Williston, ND area

2011-08-07T08:47:00.001-05:00

Oil boom town and area......

Trucks and traffic eveywhere!!!!!

Temporary housing is spring up everywhere.....

Flooding of the Missouri River just outside Williston....

Theodore Roosevelt National Park-North Unit

2011-08-06T19:07:00.001-05:00

The North Dakota badlands provide the backdrop to Theodore Roosevelt NP, which memorializes our 26th President for his contributions to the conservation of our nation's resources. Roosevelt owned Elkhorn Ranch in the badlands in the 1880s.

The Little Missouri River has shaped the land which is home to bighorn sheep, bison & longhorn steer.

One of the highlights of our trip through the park was the reintroduced buffalo herd.

The Park's 14-mile scenic drive climbs up from the Little Missouri River Valley, through silver sagebrush flats,past slopes, buttes and canyons to rolling grasslands.

Garrison Dam and Powerhouse, Riverdale, ND

2011-08-01T13:52:00.002-05:00

The Garrison Project was began in 1947 & completed in 1954 at a cost of $300 million. Garrison Dam is the fifth largest earthen dam in the U.S.

The Garrison Dam created Lake Sakakawea the 3rd largest reservoir in the U.S. The lake is 178 miles long and has 1530 miles of shoreline.

Garrison Dam is a multi purpose project providing hydroelectric power, irrigation, flood control, water supply, and recreaton.

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

2011-08-01T13:20:00.001-05:00

The Knife River Indian Villages are the site of the Mandan and Hidatsa villages that welcomed Lewis & Clark during the winter of 1804. These villages were the home of Sakakawea, the Indian woman who helped guide the Lewis & Clark Expedition westward.

The many uses of the buffalo......

Example of the summer earthlodge built by the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes.

Inside of earthlodge.....

We happened to visit the Knife River Indian Villages, located in Stanton, ND, during the Northern Great Plains Culture Fest, so there were lots of different presentations of Indian life on the grounds of the Historical Site.

Traditional Pottery demo by Wade Haakenson

Flint Knapping demo by Dave Swetmon. The flint mines in this area of ND is what gave the Knife River it's name. There were also ongoing presentations of bead work, rope making and storytelling through out the day.

Fort Mandan-Lewis & Clark's Wintering Post

2011-08-01T13:00:00.001-05:00

The Corps of Discovery spent the winter of 1804-05 near Mandan and Hidatsa Indian Villages along the Missouri River in central North Dakota. The winter months at Fort Mandan were very busy with adding of fresh supplies. The Corps traded for food items grown by the village Indians. In April 1805 Lewis and Clark continued their exploration west toward the Pacific. The Fort was abandoned and left behind. What you see in the photo is a reproduction built by the Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation a non profit organization.

View of the Missouri River from visitors area. Fort Mandan and the grounds are closed because of the flooding on the Missouri. The visitors center as well as the Fort is sand bagged to protect from flood waters.

North Dakota Lews and Clark Interpretive Center

2011-08-01T12:43:00.002-05:00

The Interpretive Center provides an overview of the Lewis and Clark Expeditions' story and background on the fur trading era, which came after, along this part of the Missouri River

Photos taken on the grounds of the Interpretive Center located in Wahburn, ND about 40 miles north of Bismarck.

Example of the 25 print collection by George Catlin printed in 1844 on display at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Fleischkuechie

2011-08-01T12:14:00.001-05:00

Fleischkuechie is a local North Dakota favorite made with a spiced meat patty smothered in a fried dough wrapping. Jan tried this local favorite at Sue's Cafe in Hazen, ND. The photos show the traditional way of serving, but since it is deep fried and load with "fat" Jan has had her one and only Fleischkuechie! To bad, since the Fleischkuechie was delicious.......

Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, ND

2011-07-29T10:52:00.001-05:00

Roger played youth ball with local Fargo teams.....

Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth's home run record in 1961 with 61 home runs, while playing with the NY Yankees.

Lindenwood Park Fargo, ND

2011-07-29T10:34:00.001-05:00

We stayed in Lindenwood City Park Campground while in Fargo, which is located right on the Red River. Section B of the campground, where we originally were suppose to camp, is still closed because of flooding.

The banks of the Red River as seen from the Fargo side, with Moorhead, MN across the river. The walking bridge, half of which has been sweep away by the flood waters, is one of many projects the park has to get things back to normal. .

Entering North Dakota

2011-07-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

As we entered ND, Jan was driving our new RV. Jan took driving lessons at the Winnebago GNR, but this was her first time behind the wheel on an Interstate......As you can see she was taking it very seriously.

Watertown, SD

2011-07-29T09:57:00.001-05:00

Traveled from Granite Falls, MN to Watertown, SD on highway 212. There was 100% improvement in the roads between MN and SD. Found that in general the highways in MN are terrible and had items moving all over the place in the RV.

The City Band of Watertown plays concerts every Tuesday evening during the summer at the Stokes-Thomas Park, where we happened to be staying in the campground.....made for a very pleasant evenings activity.

The city park is right on the shore of Lake Kampeska, which has experienced alot of flooding this Spring and Summer. You can see some of the floor waters in the foreground, which actually had 1/2 the campground closed.

We heard the City Band for a second time here at the Monastary.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Walnut Grove, MN

2011-07-24T19:42:00.002-05:00

The Ingalls family first arrived in Walnut Grove in 1874 when Laura was 7 years old. Their first home was a dugout along the banks of plum Creek. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote the series of books titled "The Little House On the Prairie". These books were made into a very popular TV series of the same name.

Interior of dugout....

This is representative of a one room country school, which Laura would have attended and later taught in one similar in the Dakota Territory.

Local justice....

Prairies Edge Casino Resort

2011-07-24T19:33:00.001-05:00

We spent several days at this great campground, which is part of Prairies Edge Casino Resort in Granite Falls, MN. Was nice to have a full hookup site in order to clean the RV and get laundry done after the Winnebago GNR in IA.

Granite Falls, MN

2011-07-24T19:20:00.002-05:00

The Minnesota River is still high after spring flooding in downtown Granite Falls and some houses along the river are being relocated.

View from the walkway over the Minnesota River in downtown Granite Falls....

Colby and Joe's new home

2011-07-23T18:10:00.001-05:00

Congratulations! Joe and Colby are now the proud owners of this house in Knoxville....a great place to create lots of nice memories****

2011 Winnebago GNR Golfing & Eating

2011-07-23T15:02:00.001-05:00

Ted's 2nd place trophy from the WIT Duffers Scramble during GNR.

Mitchell's in Leland, IA....fall off the bone "All You Can Eat" Ribs!

Part of the TN group enjoying ribs and chicken...

Winnebago GNR 2011, Entertainment & Friends

2011-07-23T14:36:00.002-05:00

Acres and acres of RVs.....

LIVE! IN CONCERT! THE DIAMONDS! Remember "Little Darlin' " and "Silhouettes"???
The Diamonds did a great 50s & 60s classic rock and roll concert Wednesday night of GNR.

The last night of GNR we were entertained by country music star Joe Diffie playing his latest bluegrass and country ballads.

Meet our Canadian neighbors...Richard, Phyllis and Bill enjoying the sights and sounds during the Joe Diffie concert.

Winnebago Grand National Rally 2011

2011-07-17T09:29:00.001-05:00

Main entrance to the Winnebago Grand National Rally at the Winnebago Rally Grounds in Forest City, IA

We are parked in section E, which has 50AMP service and fresh water source for the rig's holding tanks.

This is a view of section E on Saturday before the rally started on Sunday. There are several different sections for rig and car parking and this year they are expecting round 1200 rigs at the GNR.

The rally grounds are quite wide spread, so decided to rent a golf cart. Also, the temperatures are in the mid 90s with high humidity, so thought riding in a golf cart would keep us going longer.

Wisconsin, Minnesota & Iowa pics

2011-07-15T18:57:00.002-05:00

View from our campsite in Chetek, WI

Mayo Clinic is big business in Rochester, MN

The rally entrance roadway ended up being our first night campsite at the Winnebago Grand National Rally. Because of all the heavy rains no one was allowed to parked their rigs on Thursday. We got park in our site Friday AM before additional rains that evening .

Wisconsin Wanderings

2011-07-08T11:34:00.002-05:00

Benoit Cheese just west of Ashland offers fresh Wisconsin Cheese. Benoit cheese is a nonprofit operated to promote quality Wisconsin produced goods.

We were educated by Jan in the quality and many varieties of local cheeses. Also, purchased local honey and maple syrup.

And we found the strawberry fields. As you can see the strawberries were first rate!!!!!

It was Ted's "LUCKY DAY"

Ashland, WI Sights

2011-07-08T11:29:00.003-05:00

Soo Line Depot, historic landmark in Ashland.....

The 950 locomotive was built in 1900. At the time, it was the largest locomotive in the world and the only Decopad(10-wheel drive) ever built.

Ashland Oredock was originally constructed in 1916. The Oredock was the largest concrete structure of its kind in the world(1800 ft). At one time there were five oredocks on Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior.