October 5, 2018

September 22, 2018

 We left Challis about 10:30, jumped on Hwy 93 and made the run down to the Buffalo Meadows Campground (Fort Hall Casino) near Fort Hall, ID.  Joyce has a player’s card there so she called about any goodies she might have.  How ‘bout a free room!  Since we wouldn’t use the room they exchanged that for a free RV site.

 When we started to level the RV the front jack would not work.  I checked the fluid level (added a little) and anything else I could think of that would get us going.  So, I called Jim Glaspey my “go-to guy“  who usually gets me out of trouble.  He asked if I had tapped on the control Valve solenoid.  I told him no and that I would when we get to our next stop.

 This morning we left Fort Hall, got back on 93 south then picked up I-15 to Hill AFB, UT. where we will be spending two nights.  We’ve been here several times during our travels and always enjoy the base and area.

 Before setting up in our parking site, I tapped the jack control valve solenoid and wha-la, it worked.  I owe you another beer Jimmy.

September 23, 2018

 Yesterday we met Ron and Katie Cutler at the Goodwood Barbecue in Riverdale, UT for lunch.  Ron and Katie live in Payson which is south of here.  Joyce and I were scheduled to go down to visit them but due to a fire in the area where we usually park, we cancelled that part of our trip.  It was great to see them again.  By the way, if you are even in this area of the country be sure to have a meal at Goodwood’s.

 We left Hill AFB about 10:30, and went to the the Exchange Gas Station to fill up with diesel fuel. We paid $3.35 a gallon with our Exchange Star Card discount and took on 47 gallons.  After that we left the base,  got on I-84 then picked up I-80 eastbound and arrived at the Sweetwater Fairgrounds RV Park in Rock Springs, WY about 3:00 PM.  We fought a right quartering wind all the way up.

 After getting set up in the park we drove into town to pick up a few things and then stopped at  Marty’s Gastro Pub for a cold one and have some supper.  They have fifty-eight beers on tap so I had the bartender pick me out one.  I told her I like Lager’s so she selected the Jenny Lake from the Snake River Brewing in Jackson Hole.  It was delicious.  The food was excellent as well.

September 25, 2018

 We left Rock Springs early trying to beat the forecasted high winds on I-80 but apparently we didn’t leave early enough.  After about thirty minutes of driving the crosswinds picked up and got really strong.  We made it to the Western Hills Campground in Rawlins, WY about 11:30 am, pulled into a site (the office was closed) and got set up.  The winds were very bad so I checked how it was in Casper which was better.  So, we hooked up and headed up that way after stopping for fuel.

 While after driving a short time Joyce called the RV park in Casper and was told there was no room at the inn so we turned around and headed back to Rawlins.  When we parked we decided not to deploy our slides since the winds were gusting to about 40 mph.

By this time we were ready for an adult beverage so we headed to Buck’s Sports Grill, a combination of a sports bar and a dive.  We had a great time getting to know some of the locals and some really great food.

 This morning we got on the road at 9:30 and headed up to Casper getting into the Fort Casper Campground around 12:00.

 I did talk to an RV mechanic here about looking at our Rv’s leveling jack problem but we aren’t sure about having him do anything.  He’s said it was unlikely that he could get any parts in the time we are going to be here so I think we’ll just press on and get the thing fixed later.  We can always level the front end the old fashioned way with blocks.

September 29, 2018

 We had a good visit with Joyce’s sister and her family in Casper.  We all went out for dinner on the Tuesday. Joyce made pulled-pork one night on Wednesday night.

Ariella

 We left Casper about 12:30 am yesterday and headed south on I-25 arriving at the Terry Bison Ranch RV Park around 3:00.  It drizzled most of the way down and it was darned cold when we arrived here.

 After getting set up we drove out to F.E. Warren AFB to do a little shopping at the Commissary then we started looking for something to eat.  We found a place called T-Joe’s Steakhouse and Saloon, which both of us thought was really a Tahoe Joe’s.  Joyce’s phone GPS said that it was an 11 mile drive to get there so off we went.

 Well, T-Joe’s is not Tahoe Joe’s but we are really glad we found this place.  I ordered the rib-eye steak which was outstanding but the highlight for the evening was their special all you can eat b-b-q beef ribs.  They were delicious.  If you are ever passing though Cheyenne make sure to make the drive east on I-80 about 11 miles for supper.

September 30, 2018

 Yesterday we made the “hard” 50 mile drive to Lake Boyd State Park in Loveland, CO.  After getting setup in our site we drove to the Loveland Outlet Mall to check out the Workwear store.

 I love Carhartt t-shirts and since some of mine needed replacing I bought several.  We also took a drive down to Thornton to check out the Deluth Trading Company, but got out of there without buying anything.

 This morning we met Julie Harris and her boyfriend Matt at the Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop for breakfast.  Joyce and I have known Julie for many years going back to our Travis AFB days.  We had a delicious breakfast and a very nice visit.

 The main reason we came to Loveland was that Joyce could meet up with here 1st cousin Deb Romero who she had not seen in about 30 years.  Deb and Joyce had a good time reminiscing about their time together when they were children and bring each other up-to-date on there lives.

October 2, 2018

 We left Boyd Lake State Park about 10 am.  After a stop on the way down for fuel ($3.09 a gallon) we arrived at the Colorado Springs Elks Lodge about 12:30.  After pulling into the parking lot we discovered our right rear outside tire was flat.

 I called our roadside assistance service and again they would not send someone out to fix the tire at the Elks Lodge but they would tow us.  Well, I can’t even guess how long that would take so we went to Plan B.  About a mile from our turnoff to the Lodge I though I had heard a loud “pop” but wasn’t sure and at that time I didn’t feel anything funny.

 Joyce found the Goodyear Commercial Tire Center very near us so we decided to drive there. We were met by Michael and he quickly got the tire off and found the problem.  Some where we had run over a portion of a Kershaw knife blade.  After checking the tire out he told us that it could not be repaired.  Fortunately they had a tire in stock.  After all was said and done we paid $583 for a Goodyear tire.  I guess it could have been worse.  It could have blown and caused more damage.

This is what killed the tire.

 After getting back to the Elks and getting settled in our parking site we got in touch with Brandy Haskins who we have known since we worked at Sunflower RV Resort in Surprise, AZ a few years ago.  She came over to the Lodge and then we met her daughter’s where we at Senior Manuel’s for dinner.  By-the-way, if you are ever in the C-Springs area Joyce and I highly recommend the restaurant.

 Brandy works for the Broadmoor’s Soaring Adventure as a zip line tour guide and during dinner she asked if we wanted to do the tour the next day.  We talked about the two tours they offer and after much discussion we selected the most difficult Fins course.

 After the van ride up the mountain and a short hike down to the beginning, Brandy and our other guide Matt briefed us on safety and then got us hooked up in our harnesses.  Next we did a little practicing on a short line before hiking to the first platform.

 Neither Joyce or I were ready for this, even though the first zip was fairly short and not too high off the ground.  Well, that was nothing compared to what came after that.

 I can’t even begin to tell you what a exhilarating experience this was.  But, you can get an idea of the tours by watching the video’s here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FmzzGOZHug&feature=youtu.be
Here’s some done when we were zipping: https://www.facebook.com/joyce.crocker.92

More later.

Barry & Joyce

September 22, 2018

September 12, 2018

 We are now at the famcamp at Gowen Field, Boise, ID.

 Last Sunday we went out for some exploring.  Our first stop was south west of Grangeville at Tolo Lake which is part of the Nez Perce National Historical Park.  This small lake was a gathering place of several bands of the Nez Perce and played a significant roll in their flight of 1877.  Back in September 1984 there was a huge Colombian Mammoth bone found in the lake.

 Our next stop was at the White Bird Battlefield, the first battlefield of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877.

 Next we took a drive down to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.  After stopping at the visitor’s center in Riggins, ID, which is actually closed, we made a drive up over a gravel road to Cow Creek Saddle.  The Saddle is beautiful and we can just imagine how even more beautiful it would be in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

 Monday morning we left Grangeville on US 95 for the drive to Boise.  Almost all of the highway is two-lane so we had to pullover several times to let folks pass us.

 After clearing the gate and checking in at the Billeting Office we finally got settled in at the famcamp.  This park is really just back-in parking on cement pads right on the road but has good 50 amp power and great water pressure.

 Yesterday we took a drive over to Mountain Home AFB to check out their famcamp, the Exchange and  Commissary.  Joyce was able to get a vitamin supplement that she wanted and did some shopping for groceries.

September 16, 2018

 On Friday morning Joyce was having a lot of problems breathing. Joyce was able to make an appointment with a allergy clinic in Boise.  We parked the RV in a Walmart parking lot while we had lunch and went to the appointment.

 We finally got on the road about 3:30 and made the 120 mile drive in good time.  We got backed in one of the parking spots with 50 amp electric and then went into the lodge for a drink.  It just so happens they were having a ribeye steak supper which made a long day much better.

 The allergist recommended a chest x-ray so we got up Saturday morning and went to the hospital in Twin Falls to get that done.  After some hassles she got it done and everything was good.

 This morning we headed up highway US 93 to Challis, ID., making the 190 mile drive in good time despite the strong headwinds most of the way.  We did make a stop in Arco for fuel which was $3.38 a gallon.

 We pulled into the Round Valley RV Park about 2:30, got setup in a huge site and then went to get some groceries.  We’ll be here for four days and do some day trips for sight seeing.

September 19, 2018

 Joyce and I have been very busy sightseeing in the Sawtooth Mountains.

 On Monday we started off with a trip up to Salmon, ID.  Our first stop was at a local eatery, The Savage Grill.  Joyce had a chicken sandwich and I had one of their burgers.  All-in-all the joint is pretty good although I thought my burger was a little overdone.

 Our next stop was at the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center that is just a few miles north of where she was born.  The Center is dedicated to Sacajawea and her people, the Agaidika Shoshone-Bannock and her role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  If you are ever in the area this is a must stop.


 Next, we drove down Hwy 28, the Sacajawea Scenic Byway to the cutoff to the Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway.  This is a 39 mile drive on a gravel road that was a little rough in places but well worth the effort.  You will see a lot of amazing country some of which will take your breath away.

 

 After returning to Challis we had supper at the The Village Inn Motel and Restaurant.  Noting fancy here but the food was darned good.

 On Tuesday morning we had breakfast at the Tea Cup Cafe & Bakery here in Challis.  This place is a “must do” if you are traveling through the area.

 Next we made the 58 mile drive over to Stanley, ID located in the heart of the Sawtooth’s.  With twenty-twenty hindsight, we should have booked RV parking somewhere here instead of Challis.  This area is truly the essence of Idaho.

 Salmon River on the way to Stanley

On the way to Stanley

 After stopping at the visitor center to pick up some information (the center was closed but they thoughtfully leave brochures in a cabinet), we decided to go see Stanley Lake.  This beautiful lake is at 6,500 feet so the sky views are spectacular.  There are several campgrounds (one of which is reservable) in the area, one of which is being updated and more sites are being added.

 Our next stop was at Redfish Lake and is about the same elevation as Stanley Lake.  This area is much more developed that at Stanley Lake.  There is the large Forest Service campground Glacier View Campground plus two other’s that are a bit smaller.  Also there is the full-service Redfish Lake Lodge that has cabins, a dining room and a small store.  They also have a marina with watercraft rentals.  Large RV’s or trailers probably should use this area rather than the Stanley Lake campgrounds at least until they get the new sites finished there.

 There are some RV parks in the area as well.  Check these out:
    Mountain Village Resort
    Valley Creek Motel and RV Park
    Elk Mountain RV Resort

 Today we drove back over toward Stanley to the land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area.  This beautiful area of the Sawtooth’s was, for many years anyway, about gold.

 The Custer Motorway is a 46-mile follows the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River and turned out to be one the highlights of our trip to the Sawtooth’s.  Most of the Motorway is on a gravel road that is a little narrow in some places but the scenery is worth the slow going.  We would absolutely recommend doing this drive in the fall.

More later.

Barry & Joyce

September 9, 2018

August 15, 2018

 We have had some really smokey skies here at Smith Rock for the past few days.  The weather folks are telling us that it’s all coming from fires down in California and Idaho.

 On Monday we found out that Glacier National Park has closed the west entrance due to a major fire.  This is especially bad new for us since that was our destination in September.  As you may recall this same thing happened to us last year so we are very disappointed.  We’ll keep an eye on the situation in Glacier and hope the fire fighter’s get everything under control.

August 22, 2018

 Still very smokey in Central Oregon and there appears no relief in sight in the near future.  It’s really getting hard to catch your breath and our eyes are burning a lot.

 On Monday we drove over to Oakridge to spend some time with the Glaspey’s.  Jim and I loaded up his new toy, a Polaris Razor and headed up the hill to Huckleberry Flats to do some riding.  We had a great time driving around the roads and I have to say that thing is cool!

 

 We only have nine days left here at Smith Rock then we will start our travels to Texas.  The west side of Glacier National Park is closed for a major fire as of today so we’re not sure if we can make it up there.  We are still planning on getting up to Rick and Patty Stills’ home in Rathdrum, ID on September 10th for right now but as always our plan’s are written Jello.

August 27, 2018

 Things had pretty quite around Smith Rock for the past few days but that all changed yesterday afternoon.  There was a young man free-climbing near Phoenix Buttress and Southern Tip climbing area, an area that is not normally climbed.  He fell off the rock and fell over 150 feet, sustaining life-threatening injuries.  The life flight helicopter flew him to St. Charles hospital and then to Portland where he is in critical condition.  Not a good day.  https://www.ktvz.com/news/man-badly-hurt-in-smith-rock-fall-rescue-underway/786696654

August 29, 2018

 Moving day.  This morning we hooked up the CRV and after going into Redmond for propane, we headed up US 97 north to begin our fall migration to Texas.  The drive up to I-84 wasn’t too bad even though it is the beginning of a 3-day weekend.  Traffic really picked up when we turned west on I-84 but we made pretty good time and arrived at Memaloose State Park on the Columbia River Gorge.  We’re only spending two days then up to Hermiston for a couple of days.

September 3, 2018

 Had a very nice stay at Mamaloose.  Yesterday we took a drive up into the hills to Trout Lake, WA.  This little town is known for it’s Huckleberry picking opportunities when they are in season.  However, the “lake” was completely dry this time of the year.

 We did stop in town and checked out the local flea market then had lunch at The Station Cafe which we found to be just OK.  The joint was packed and there was only one person cooking.  To say she was slow is an under statement since she was cooking one….order….at….a….time.  We waited forty minutes for our sandwiches.

Mount Adams, Washingtom

 We left Memaloose about 10 AM and after a stop at Fred Myers in The Dalles for some fuel, we headed east on _84 then a short distance up I-82 to the Pioneer RV Park in Hermiston, OR.   We have been to this park several times and since it’s Passport America affiliated we only had to pay $20.  We plan to be here just one night then head on up to Rathdrum, ID.

September 5, 2018

 Yesterday we left Hermiston and headed up to Rick and Patty’s B&B and RV Park in Rathdrum, ID.  We started running into smoke in the Tri-Cities area and it progressively got worse the closer we got to Spokane.  It started getting a tad better as we got into Idaho but the air quality is still in the moderate range.

September 8, 2018

 Thursday I took Joyce to an urgent care clinic where they gave her a nebulizer treatment that really helped her breathing.  The doctor wrote a prescription for a home nebulizer along with the medication.  We were able to get that filled at Fred Myers but had to pay for the machine which we will submit to Tricare and try to get reimbursed

 Thursday evening we all went out to celebrate Patty’s birthday.  She had picked out a new club in downtown Coeur d’Alene that was having a grand opening and had a “dueling pianos” show.  The food was alright but the entertainment was outstanding.

 Yesterday morning we decided to get out of Dodge and try to get Joyce out of some of the very bad smoke in the Rathdrum area.  After a stop for some fuel and to dump our holding tanks, we headed south on US 95 headed to the Hillview RV Park in Clarkston, WA.  The drive down wasn’t too bad but we did run into a lot of road construction.  Today we are going further south to Grangeville, ID where the air quality is forecasted to be much better.

 We left Clarkston about 11:00 Am this morning, got on US 95 south and arrived at the Bear Den RV Park in Grangeville, ID about 1:30 PM.  God, these under a 100 mile days are killing us.

 The smoke is in this area but not as bad as it was up north.  However, Joyce is still staying in the RV as much as possible and we’re hoping when we get to Boise the air quality will be better. 

Barry & Joyce

August 15, 2018

July 22, 2018

 Things are rolling right along here at Smith Rock.  It has been very hot most days but yesterday we got a little bit of a reprieve with a high of only 87 degrees.  This next week it looks like we will be back into the 90s.

 On Friday evening we had all of our fellow hosts down to our place for supper.  Joyce made her killer pulled pork and of course we all ate too much.  We hope to have another cookout before we part ways for another year.

July 23, 2018

 Last evening a guy came down from the Bivi area and tells me there is a rattlesnake in the cooking circle. I didn’t think it would be a rattler in that area, maybe a garter or bull snake.  I jumped in the Gator, went down there and sure enough there was a it was a rattler curled up in the rocks very near some folks cooking their supper. Our Ranger came down and we decided to call Steve Lay. our Interpretive Host and local snake wrangler. When Steve got there with his equipment he was able to grab the snake who was about three feet long with eight buttons. That is the first time I have seen a rattler in that area in the 11 years hosting here.

 This morning Steve came by and asked if I wanted to go with him to release the snake he caught last evening.  During the drive over to the area when he wanted to let the snake loose, he rattled all the way over.  I can tell you he was pretty darned pissed when Steve let him out of the bucket.  We spent a few minutes taking pictures and then left him alone to go about his business.

 

July 25, 2018

 Yesterday we drove over to Oakridge to help celebrate Jim Glaspey’s 70th birthday.  We had a good visit and then had supper at Big Mountain Pizza with more friends.

 August 9, 2018

 Been quite a while since I last wrote so let me bring you up-to-date.

 We have been having some problems with our living room slide coming in without assistance by me pushing on the outside while Joyce operates the switch.  In fact this has been going on since 2015 and replacing the batteries fixed the problem not once but twice.

 This time the batteries that I put in the coach in Arizona this past winter fixed the issue until we left Tumalo State Park when the problem happened again.  I had to get a couple of folks to give me a hand pushing to get it to retract.

 I called Tom from Advantage RV in Bend who has done some work for us in the past.  He immediately said that the motor is probably worn out so we ordered one from Amazon.  When it came in Tom came out and installed it but when we operated the slide it still failed to retract.  After more troubleshooting we found out the voltage drop when the slide was trying to come in was dramatic so Tom thought the batteries were just not strong enough.

 Joyce and I took the batteries down to Napa Auto Supply, they checked them and actually found one bad and another one very weak.  They replaced the batteries under the warranty, but we paid for the upgrade to better ones.

 We brought the batteries back, installed them and guess what?  Yep, the slide still didn’t retract properly.  Now what Ke-mo-sabe? 

 Tom came back out and did some more checking and found that the inverter/charger was only only charging the batteries at 13.6 volts.  He said he had one at home and when he checked his it was charging at 14.58 volts, a significant difference.  He brought that one out, installed it and it worked.  The slide retracted as it should and actually a tad faster that it ever did.

 So, we actually had multiple problems which made it difficult to find the actual problem, that being the inverter/charger.  But it’s fixed now so we are very thankful for that.

 While all that was going on we had some visitors come to Smith Rock.  Jim and Jeanne Glaspey drove over from Oakridge to spend a day.  Then Bret Sherlock, an old flying buddy from my days in the 7th Airlift Squadron stopped by.  And on Tuesday we had lunch with Stan and Linda Peters who we have hosted with here at Smith Rock.

 Joyce has been having some problems with her ears for a while now and was tested this past spring by a doctor she saw in Medford.  She was diagnosed with tinnitus so when we got to Bend she filed a claim with the Veterans Administration.  The VA sent her for an evaluation by another doctor in Bend.

 This morning Joyce found out that the VA has awarded her 10% for tinnitus making her total disabilities 30%.

August 14, 2018

 As y’all probably know we have been planning a trip up to Glacier National Park in September.  Yesterday we found out that the west entrance to the park is closed due to a fire that is burning near Lake McDonald. 

 Joyce and I have been planing to go up to Rick and Patty Stills’ home in Rathdrum, ID. then we are all going up to Glacier together.  This exact thing to happened to us last year.

 Right now are plans haven’t changed but since our travel plans are always written in Jello, we’ll adapt.

More next time.

Barry & Joyce

July 19, 2018

June 30, 2018

 Last Sunday Jim and Jeanne Glaspey came over to the park for a visit.  Also joining us was  Ben and Caroline Reed who are staying at the Expo Center RV Park in Redmond.  We all had a great time solving all the RV issues we have had and some of the worlds problems over adult beverages and some really great barbecue chicken.

 On Tuesday Ben flew back to Tucson for his induction in to the Elks Lodge.  As a retired mechanic Ben and Caroline can fly standby but when they got to the airport Caroline wasn’t able to get a seat.

 On Wednesday Caroline and Joyce went for a hike at Sparks Lake and then had lunch at the Elk Lake Lodge.

 On Thursday we went up to Redmond to see Ben and Caroline again.  After touring their Pace Arrow motor coach we drove up to Terrebonne and had supper at the Pump House.  We then took them on a tour of Smith Rock State Park.

 Today is our last day at Tumalo State Park so we’ll be packing up the RV and getting ready for our move to Smith Rock.  Having been here for two months and putting things away for convince rather than for traveling we have some packing to do.

July 3, 2018

 On Sunday morning we pulled out of Tumalo and headed up to Smith Rock State Park.  Can you believe this time will mark our eleventh year hosting here?  Amazing how fast time goes by.

Our Home for July and August

 

 Yesterday we went to Bend to do some shopping making of our stops at Costco.  Our old vacuum cleaner wasn’t doing a very good job so we took advantage of the Dyson sale and pick us up a V8 cordless stick vacuum.  We tried it out and let me tell you this thing is powerful.  After running it in the living room I had to go out and check the basement to make sure everything in there was still in place.

July 11, 2018

 On Saturday we drove over to Oakridge to visit with Jim and Jeanne Glaspey.  Jim and I just hung out at the house in the afternoon while Joyce and Jeanne got in a round of golf.  Later we all went down to the Big Mountain Pizza for supper.

 Yesterday Jeanne and Joyce played another round of golf in the morning then we drove into Eugene so that Joyce could have Dr. Stockstad look at her right contact.  Dr. Stockstad has developed a special 3D tool that allowing him to customize contacts like the ones Joyce has.  After that we joined Jim and Jeanne at the Olive Garden for supper.

July 13, 2018

Things have really slowed down here at Smith Rock.  Last night we only had seven cars in the Bivi and very few day use visitors.  Tomorrow there is a bike race going on so we will be a tad busier but even with that the heat is keeping a lot of folks away.  Suits us just fine.

July 15, 2018

 It’s been really hot in Central Oregon, getting up in the low to mid 90s everyday.  We get a small reprieve today as it’s only going to make it to 89 but tomorrow is forecasted to be 95.  But, it dry heat don’t forget.

July 18, 2018

 Had my annual checkup with Dr. Russell, my primary physician this morning.  All seems to be well but my heart rate is still low.  Went up to talk to my cardiologist but he is on vacation right now.  I did discuss all this with his nurse and she is going to discuss all of this with another doctor.  Stay tuned for more.

Sunset through Astrick Pass.

Visitors for lunch.

The twins have gotta eat too.

This guy was one the Canyon Trail one day last week.  At Smith Rock watch where you walk.  He was not happy having his picture taken.

This guy didn't care.

Later.

Barry & Joyce