05/23/2103
On Monday we drove up to Reno and met up with Joyce's mother, brother and sister-in-law at the
Atlantis Casino Resort.
On Tuesday Frank and I toured the
National Automobile Museum. The majority of the automobiles were once owned by Bill Harrah, the founder of Harrah's Hotels and Casinos.
Just a small sampling of the automobiles in the museum's collection.
05/26/2013
After leaving Reno, we decided to drive over the mountains to Lake Tahoe instead of doing the very boring I-80 route. It was a beautiful day and of course Lake Tahoe was beautiful as always.
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place!
We had planned to to eat lunch in one of the casinos in South Lake but all but one was closed during the week. So we punted and discovered
The Beach Hut Deli. Joyce and I both thought that our sandwiches we some of the best we have ever had.
After returning to Travis, we did laundry and generally relaxed. Joyce did visit with Don Rickett who was her boss when she worked at Ramp Services.
On Friday we hooked up and headed north to Oregon with a stop for one night in Redding, CA. Traffic in I-5 was very heavy with numerous weekend warriors heading out for the Memorial Day holiday.
We made it into Oakridge, OR and to Jim and Jeanne Glaspey's home about 3 PM yesterday. The drive up through Lake Shasta was beautiful and the traffic wasn't nearly as bad. We'll be here until we go over to Smith Rock State Park on Friday.
05/27/2013
Yesterday we all pilled into the Glaspey's car and drove up to Portland to look at toy haulers. Jim and Jeanne are contemplating getting a new rig so they wanted to check out the 2014 Voltages. Man, the manufacturer's have really upgraded toy haulers over the past few years. Most of the higher-end rigs come with six-point auto leveling systems, at least 2 TV's, stereo surround sound and even Blue Ray players. A couple we looked at had 14 cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator's and many other amenities.
Another one we looked at was the Heartland Cyclone 4000. This guy is a very high-end rig with just about everything you would want in a 5th-wheel. This model even has a bath tub!
05/28/2013
On Monday Gary and Marsha Stevenson invited us along with Chuck and Susan Svendsen to their home for dinner. Marsha made a delicious Italian meal, the wine was fantastic and the conversation was lively. What an night!
06/01/2013
Our visit in Oakridge came to end way to soon yesterday when we had to pack up and move to our first hosting gig here at
Smith Rock State Park. Joyce decided to ride her scooter the 120 miles which is the most she has ridden it in a long time.
So, here are the stats of this trip from St. Augustine, FL to Smith Rock:
Miles Driven: 7216
Fuel Used: 565
Average MPG: 12.7
Average Price: $3.96
Total Cost For Fuel: $2237.40
It is really good to be back in Central Oregon and at this beautiful park. We're hosting with Jerry & Marylyn Howlett from Grass Valley, CA and Bill & Carol Smith who call Bend, OR home but are actually full-timer's like us. We have a great crew and we can't wait to get started.
Yes, that is a lot of money but we both agree that the trip back to Florida was totally worth it. We were able to see some amazing things and places, do a couple of cruises and spend time with Harold, Michelle, Abigail and Skyler. There is no way you can put a price one that!
I told y'all that I would report on the performance of
Wilson Electronics Sleek Cell Signal Booster that we purchased from
3G Store a few months ago. In addition to the basic unit, we also bought the Home/Office accessory kit and a charging adaptor for our Verizon Jetpack.
During the short time we have had the Sleek, our cell tower signals have been boosted at least two or three bars. Here at Smith Rock we have a weak 4G signal at one or two bars but with the Sleek connected the Jetpack is at a full five bars with very fast internet. Ya gotta love this guy!
06/03/2013
Yesterday we moved into our parking site in the bivouac area where we will spend the next two months. Our "regular" rock hippies aren't here this year but have been replaced with a whole new bunch.
The grand opening for the new Smith Rock Visitor Center was held on Saturday the 1st.
Golden Eagle. This beautiful gal is 17 years old.
Steve, our resident "Snake Man".
06/07/2013
Yesterday I turned a new page in my life and found out I am not 65 years old. Where did all that time go anyway?
Tuesday I had two medical appointments in Bend; one with my Optometrist and to have a bone density test. Both went well. However, when I checked in with the young lady in Dr. Mathews office, she said in a very bubbly voice, "Oh. I see you are on Medicare now." I probably shouldn't say what I thought about that!
Last year I when I had my eyes checked I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket except for a small co-pay. Now that I am on Medicare and Tricare For Life, I had to pay $40 for a part of my exam. So, so far this month I have had to pay $105 for Medicare Part B plus the forty bucks! What the hay? The gal that took my credit card said, "Welcome to the new Medicare". I'm thinking I wish I could stay on Tricare Standard.
More later!
