The trip from Smith Rock State Park, Oregon to Hidden Valley RV Park was interesting to say the least. We had to do some changing of the route due to fires in Idaho and Utah. Also, Joyce’s asthma problems, which are not under control, have intensified dramatically. We did get to see some amazing country, visit some family and friends along the way. Joyce was able to reconnect with a first cousin she had not seen in many years. The trip was 3556 miles long and we used 403 gallons of diesel fuel. We averaged 8.2 MPG with prices ranging from $3.55 a gallon in Rawlins, WY to $2.95 in Pleasanton, TX.
On November 1st Mark and Teri, the managers of Hidden Valley hosted a campfire get to together. It was nice to meet some of our neighbor “Winter Texans”.
On Friday Joyce had an appointment with a Veterans Administration Audiologist where she had yet another evaluation of her hearing. This time the doctor didn’t think she will need hearing aids but wants to get an MRI done just to be sure there is no tumor affecting the nerves. We hope that can be scheduled soon.
After getting that done we made a Costco run to get some needed things and while there we picked up some really nice prime sirloin steaks that were on sale for $7.49 a pound.
After getting back to the park we invited Mark and Teri over for supper. We fixed some of those steaks we got at Costco which were delicious.
November 9, 2018
I am writing today from the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Crestview, FL.
Joyce and I picked up our rental car in San Antonio on Wednesday and started our drive to St. Augustine, FL fro visit our Michelle and her family. We spent the first night at a Holiday Inn and Suites in Lafayette, LA and now last night here in Crestview. So far the trip is going pretty good but we are driving a lot more that we like.
November 10, 2018
We left Crestview around 9 AM, jumped back on I-10 and made the trip to St. Augustine arriving about 3:30. That part of the drive was a tad stressful since we had to get through the traffic in Jacksonville. That place is a zoo!
Today we took Skyler shopping for his birthday which is actually the 17th but we aren’t positive we will be stopping back here after our Bahamas cruise. He picked out a stuffed pillow and decided to save the rest of his money to put toward a hoover-board, whatever the heck that is.
November 19, 2018
We left St. Augustine on Friday the 9th and made our way down I-95 then out to Port Canaveral for our five day cruise out to the Bahamas. Enchantment of the Seas is an older Royal Caribbean ship but she has all the amenities that we like.
Our first night was at sea and we arrived at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Cococay. Joyce and I decided to stay on the ship here enjoying the peace and quiet.
Our next stop was at Nassau, Bahamas. Joyce had booked us on a Land and Sea excursion so at 10:30 we met our tour guide on the pier. They put us on a boat and cruised the shoreline checking out all of the “rich folks” homes and some of the yachts along the way. Next we boarded a bus for a tour of Nassau.
Symphony of the Seas being welcomed to Nassau for the first time. She is the larges cruise ship in the world.
On of the many private yachts parked in the harbor.
There were some really impressive private homes on the harbor as well. This one was once owned by Elvis Presley
The Atlantis Resort is amazing. We had been there before a few years back and Joyce one a few hundred dollars. Not so lucky this time.
Jim Glaspey, you need a pair of these. Only $800 a pair.
Victoria Athena Crocker
November 13, 2018
7 lbs, 19 in.
Big brother Travis meets Victoria for the first time.
Justin, Adrian, Travis and Victoria.
We spent a day at sea arriving back at Port Canaveral on Friday. This cruise was short but we did enjoy the tour of Nassau and meeting some really nice folks.
On most days while we are on the ship I usually got up early and head to the Windjammer Cafe’ for some coffee and “me time”. On the 14th I did the usual thing and when I turned on my computer I had a huge surprise waiting for me. Justin had sent a text with a picture of our new grand baby, Victoria Athena Crocker who was born on the 13th and was actually a couple of weeks early. Joyce and I have a trip planned in February to go to North Carolina and see her.
November 21, 2018
We finally got back to San Antonio yesterday after spending four days on the road with stops in Perry, FL, Gulfport, MS and Port Arthur, TX. It was a long drive all the way to Port Canaveral and back and we drove many more miles a day than we like but getting to see our daughter and her family was all worth it.
More next time
Barry & Joyce
