January 24, 2021

 June 25, 2020

 As I said in the last installment of our Adventure’s Blog, we didn’t know how much longer that we would continue to publish this newsletter.  After much thought we have decided to bring the newsletter to an end.

 It’s been a good ride over the past twelve years.  Joyce and I have seen so many great places and done a lot of things that most people only dream about.  Here are just a few of the highlights of our travels:

1. All of our beautiful National Parks and Monuments all over the United States that we have visited. Joyce and I experienced over fifty of them, from Crater Lake NP in Central Oregon to Arcadia NP in Maine.  Probably the most memorable were the five in Utah; Arches, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion.  As one lady said to me, “The whole state of Utah should be a National Park”.  I have always said if you have never seen Crater Lake, you don’t know what the color blue really looks like.
2. Then there was Independence Rock and the Mormon Handcart Historic Sites near Casper, WY.  Joyce and I along with her sister Pat climbed to the top of the Rock and while there, we reflected on the real hardships that the folks traveling west went through.  If you visit the Handcart Museum, and you should, make sure you take a hankie with you.
3. Another “bucket list” for me was to visit our former president’s library’s.  We did get to a few including those for President’s Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, Reagan and George W. Bush.
4. Although we didn’t get to tour President Jimmy Carter’s library, we did visit his home in Plains, GA.  The highlight of that trip was to attend President Carter’s Sunday School Class at the Maranatha Baptist Church.  To be in the presence of a President is one thing but to have one teach you about the word of God takes that experience to a whole new level.
5. When folks ask us where we have been during our travel’s we always tell them about our visit to the Warm Springs Ranch in Booneville, MO, home of the Budweiser Clydesdale’s.  It’s an amazing place.
6. While staying at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL we made a day trip to Selma, AL.  The city is one of the places on the United States Civil Rights Trail and the center for the fight for African-American voting rights.  We met a lady (for the life of me I can’t remember her name), the sister of the youngest girl arrested and jailed during the march to Birmingham.  That was a very humbling experience to say the least.  Also while in the area we toured the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee, AL.
7. I am huge aviation fan and will never pass up an air museum anywhere I can find one.  Joyce and I have paid a couple of visits to the National Museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. We have also toured the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland, NE.  Another we really enjoyed was the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR., the home of the Spruce Goose, built and flown by Howard Hughes
8. Speaking of Washington, DC, we spent a week there several years ago touring as many of the sites and museums as we could.  Two of the highlights of that visit was Arlington National Cemetery and the National Archives.  Watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was amazing.  Then to stand in front of the original documents that formed our great nation was something we will never forget.  We also toured the White House along with the House of Representatives and Senate chambers.  The latter two tours were lead by a representative from Congressman Peter DeFazio’s (Oregon) office.
9. One day while we were in Washington Joyce and I split up at Union Station.  Joyce took a train to the U. S. Botanical Gardens and I headed off to tour the National Air and Space Museum.
10. Do y’all know that there is a national museum for quilts?  I didn’t either but Joyce found the International Quilt Museum, located on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln, NE.  They have quilts dating back to the 1700, all stored in climate controlled rooms and some so delicate that they are never displayed.  We learned more about quilts in one day than most folks learn in a lifetime.
11. If you have never been to the Precious Moments Museum in Carthage, MO we highly recommend you go. Just the tour of the chapel is amazing and another place your going to need a hankie.
12. When you are in Arizona make sure you visit Sedona and when there make sure you check out the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  Another thing to do is take a 4-wheel ride out on the rocks.  There are several companies in town from which to choose.
13. We spent several winters in Texas, usually staying at the Hidden Valley RV Park in Von Ormy that is just southwest of San Antonio. I wish I had the time to mention all of the places we visited in Texas but below are a few of our favorites.
14. “We’re goin’ to Luckenbach, Texas.  Willie and Waylon and the boys”.  Ya gotta visit there at least once in your lifetime.
15. Gruene, TX just outside of New Braunfels.  One of the sights there Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.  We went there several times, once to see Randy Travis a few months before he suffered a stroke in July 2013.
16. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of our favorite towns, Goliad, TX.  Located in the area of south Texas where the Texas Revolution began and we believe one of the friendliest towns anywhere.  We made some life-long friends in Goliad and hope to get back there soon.
17. When visiting Texas you have to see Bandera, “The Cowboy Capital of the World”.  One of the major attractions in Bandera is the 11th Street Cowboy Bar where you can get a cold Lone Star or my favorite, Shiner Bock and maybe do some boot scootin’ as well.  If you’re there on a Wednesday evening be sure to bring your own steak to cook.  If you need a new cowboy hat or maybe a new pair of Wrangler’s be sure to checkout Gunslinger’s.

All of you that are reading this know that Joyce and I spent every summer and a few winters volunteering in state parks.  Here is just a few of the highlights:

1. Although we camp hosted in several Oregon park’s and have over 4000 hours volunteering time, our favorite by far was Smith Rock State Park near Terrebonne, OR.  Our first gig there was in July 2008 and we went back there every year.  If you have never seen this unique and beautiful park put it on your bucket list.
2. I mentioned Goliad earlier and our main reason for being there was to host at the Goliad State Park and Historic Site.  We also camp hosted at Anatasia State Park in St. Augustine, FL.  That was a great gig and being close to family during that time was amazing.

 I wish I had the space here to mention all of the park ranger’s and manager’s we worked with over the years (I can’t remember all of they’re names anyway) but here are a few that stand out.    A very special thank you to Ranger Josie Barnum at Smith Rock.  From the very first time we met at Tumalo State Park to our last time at Smith you have be not only an associate but one of Joyce and my best friends.  We love you Josie!  Take care of our girl Dan Hayes.  Thanks also to Matt Davey, Manager at Smith.  Damn, we are sure glad we introduced you and Kacey.  Speaking of Kacey Davey, we enjoyed all of the times together and especially at your beautiful wedding.  Ranger Kelli Leiby at Tumalo gave us the leeway to do our thing and has become a great friend.  And we will never forget Ranger Eric Eisman at Smith who taught us more about Central Oregon that we will ever remember.  Another wonderful leader is Janie Lascano, now the Manager at Devil’s Lake State Park in Lincoln City, OR.  When we were hosting there she was the Ranger II and was always positive no matter what the challenge that came her way. 

Joyce and I think that the best part of full-time RVing was meeting new friends, some of which will be our friends for life.  I wish I could name everyone but that would be impossible.  But, here are a few:

1. Jerry and Marilyn Howlett were with us at the Host Rendezvous back in the spring of  2008 and we have been really close friends ever since.  Thank you all the happy- hours at Smith guys and when we get through Arizona we’ll be sure to stop in for another one.
2. Jerry and Suzan Wentzel were also at the Host Rendezvous but not as new hosts but were already seasoned volunteers. Again, let’s have another happy hour soon.
3. We met Jerry and Susan Howell at Devil’s Lake and have fond memories hosting with you.  Thanks so much for your friendship.
4. We met Brandy Haskins at the Sunflower RV Resort in Surprise, AZ who was the Manager of the deli.  Brandy is one of the warmest and fun people we know and we hope to visit with her more since she now lives in Destin, FL.  We will never forget that zip line day with you Brandy.
5. While at Sunflower we also met Ed and Cindy Kopic both who are retired from the U.S. Navy.  Joyce and I have visited with them several times over the years.  We love y’all and hope to see you agin in the near future.
6. One day a few years back Joyce and I were pulling into the Hidden Valley RV Park and getting ready to back into our site.  There was a couple of folks sitting out in front of their RV and enjoying a glass of wine.  The gal said, “It’s happy hour.  Want to join us?”  We have been friends with Dave and Jan Sasse ever since.  Can’t wait for your winter’s in Florida and more Fast Track games.  We love y’all dearly.
7. Thank you Dave and Patti Rose for all the great times at Tumalo.  We miss y’all. 
8. The first time we hosted at Goliad State Park we made a run into town looking for a cold one and stumbled across Ervie Jay’s Beer Garden.  Jay Harvey and his wife Stephanie owned the joint but the funny thing is, Jay was also the town Mayor.  Thanks for all the fun evenings y’all.  We had a ball!
9. The next time in Goliad we stopped in at the new (to us)  Commercial Street Bar, sat down at the bar and ordered drinks.  Shortly after that several ladies came in and sat down in the chairs in a circle.  Pretty soon one of the group came up to Joyce and said, “Honey, you don’t need to be sitting up here with all these boys.  Come on over as sit with us.”  We have been friends with another gal in the “Kacklin’ Hens”, Patricia Lumpkin ever since.
10. We met Mark and Terri Blaschke the first year we started full-time RVing when we stayed at Hidden Valley RV Park, where they are managers.  From the very first day we became friends and have remained so all of these years.  Love y’all.
11. We met Jim and Linda Holtz when were camping at Lockhart State Park in Lockhart, TX. They have become more than just friends to us and we love them so much.
12. We met Ron and Katie Cutler at the Sunflower RV Resort and have been very good friends over the years.  We get together as often as we can. Y’all are very special to us and can’t wait to see you again.

 Here is a special shout-out to folks that came to visit us and in a lot of cases making long drives.  Y’all warmed out hearts in a lot of ways.

 I could go on and on about all the friends we have made over the years but space prohibits that.  Just know that Joyce and I cherish all of you and we hope to see you in the future.

 Also, we are blessed to have Rick and Patty Stills as our good friends.  Thank you for all the times we stayed in your back yard and, well just being there for us.  

 We’ve been asked a couple of times if we would do the same thing again.  Absolutely, without question.  We would have probably change a couple of things but for the most part we would still do it.  

 Now we begin a new chapter of our lives with a new home here in Green Cove Springs, FL and being much closer to our family.  We can see Michelle, Abigail and Skyler much more and we’re just a few hours up to North Carolina and Washington, D.C. to see Justin, Adrian, Travis and Victoria.

 On a final note we want to thank Jim and Jeanne Glaspey for all of your support over the years.  You have given us a place to stay numerous times and a lot of encouragement, not to mention letting us stow our trailer on your property.  There is no way that we could have done what we did without you being there for us.  We love y’all.

August 27, 2020

 Joyce and I had decided to close out our newsletter back in April but we did make a trip to Randolph, MN to visit Dave and Jan Sasse.

 On Saturday the 15th we left home, did some back-road driving and finally go on I-10 west.  Next, we turned onto I-75 north and after getting through heavy traffic and some nasty weather we stopped at the Tru by Hilton in Kennesaw, GA.  Tru’s are “minimalist” hotels that offer the very basic amenities.  We won’t stay in one of those again.

 After checking we went out looking for some dinner and because it was just down the street we picked a Red Lobster.  In the past we have had some bad experiences with the Red lobster but this one exceeded out expectations.

 We got a so-so nights sleep then headed out for out next stop at the Riverview Bed and Breakfast in Metropolis, IL.  What is in Metropolis?  Well, this is the home of Superman that’s what.  So after checking in, William gave us directions to the Superman statue and the Superman Museum.

 After taking some pictures in front of Superman we then toured the museum.  If there is anything related to Superman and especially toys, they have them.  In fact, some of the toys are first editions and all are in their original boxes.

 The Riverview is just across the street from the Harrahs Casino so of course Joyce had to go over and make a donation.  Joyce said they had a lot of Covid-19 restrictions and we will tell your more about those later.

 We got a good nights sleep and after a great breakfast we headed out for our next stop at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, IL.  Joyce and I really like staying in Embassy’s even though they are a tad spendy.

 After a “bag breakfast” at the Embassy we headed up to Randolph and arrived at Dave & Jan’s home about 4:30.  They met us with open arms and a glass of wine to boot.  Later after a great dinner we got in a couple of games of Fast Track with Dave and I winning both.

 During the drive up through Iowa we passed through Cedar Rapids the heart of the devastation caused by the derecho that went through that area.  We saw several corn fields completely leveled, trees down on homes and a lot of other damage.  While having lunch in A Subway we talked to a lady that told us about her experience.  She actually choked up a couple of times when telling her story.

 On Wednesday we went out to get some shopping done and generally just goofed off.  We did play a couple of more games of Fast Track with the girls winning both of them. 

 On Thursday we haded out for a day of sight-seeing.  Our first stop was in Red Wing, MN, the home of Red Wing Shoes.  Since it was time for a snack we made a stop at the Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop for some of their “low cal” offerings.

 We then crossed over into Wisconsin, turned south on Highway 35 that follows the Mississippi River.  After meandering along for a while we arrived at the Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin, WI.  The first thing was to do a wine tasting.  Joyce and I are familiar with wines made from there Cabernet, Shiraz and Pino Noir grapes so this was a new experience for us.  They make their wines from the Foch, Marquette, St. Pepin, Prairie Star, LaCrescent, Frontenac Gris and Frontenac Blanc grapes.  All that we tasted were outstanding.  Next up was to have lunch in their restaurant.  We had some really great bread and delicious pizza’s accompanied by glasses of wine.

  Next we drove down to Buena Vista Park above town of Alma, WI.  The overlook there is high above the town and the Mississippi River and was spectacular.

 On Friday we went to the local outlet mall and had lunch at the local Panera Bread store.  In the evening neighbor’s Gary and Linda came over for happy hour and supper.

 Unfortunately all good things must come to an end.  On Saturday morning Joyce and I packed up, said our goodbye’s and headed south.  We stopped at the Embassy Suites in Peoria and then at the Hampton Inn and Suites outside Hopkinsville, KY.  Ron Phillips who lives in Clarksville, TN. Came over for a short visit.  Ron was Joyce’s boss at the 60th Airlift Wing Aerial Port Squadron at Travis.

 Our next stop was scheduled at the Home2 Suites in Macon GA. but our plans changes dramatically.  When Joyce went up to the room she had a full-blown asthma attack caused by the cleaning chemicals they used.  So, after checking out another hotel with the same results we just decided to just drive on home.

 After running into some nasty weather around Valdosta, GA and after turning onto I-10 we finally arrived home at 10:30 PM.  We were very tired but happy to be sleeping in our own bed.

 Here are some observations concerning traveling in the age of Covid-19:

1. Some folks are heeding the advice of medical experts about wearing a mask and some aren’t.  In fact, in Georgia most people act like they wasn’t a pandemic at all.
2. Hotels are “super” cleaning and are using some really harsh chemicals.  Expect that and adjust.
3. Most restaurants we used are doing the social distancing thing with spacing tables and limiting the amount of patrons.  All servers were wearing masks except one place in Kentucky.
4. Hotels that advertise free breakfasts are serving meals in a bag and no happy-hours.  Oh, and they didn’t lower their prices.

 It has been almost a year since I started writing this addition to our newsletters and a lot has happened this bast 10 months.  I’m not going to bother you with all the details but I can say it’s been a ride.  

Well, I think that about wraps it all up.  It has been fun writing this newsletter over the years and we hope y’all enjoyed it.  Take care of yourselves and each other.  God Bless!

 If you are ever in our neck of the woods please come for a visit.

Barry & Joyce