Coach 1 year checkup

Sat.16, 2010

We are in Red Bay Alabama. We are going to have a few things checked before the 1 year warranty runs out. It looks like, we will be here for 3-4 weeks, from what people are saying. Monday, we will see Norris with our list and he will give us a better estimate.

I got out of Jury Duty, in Illinois, I showed them I filed Federal Taxes in Florida. That helpes us get here faster.

We stopped at Daughters in Illinois for a few days and then hurried here.

We hope to be in Fl. in Nov. but not sure .

We met up with Ed and his friend Peggy at Cracker Barrel in Tupalo Ms. We were there looking at CRV'S. We had a great visit and hope to get with them before we leave area.

All has been great with us and we hope all is well with you.

Send a note sometime to let us know how you are doing. rvb550 @aol.com

Make memories , Love & hugs Rosemary and Al

Trip Home to Maine

Friday , August 20, 2010

When we left Medora ND, We traveled through MN, WI, IL . We thought we would save mileage and time , we went the toll road. It lead us right into Chicago. That was a long inch by inch experience. We will never to that again. When you haven't been to an area and don't know the roads you don't know the traffic, it's hard to make the right travel plans. Just make notes so you don't do it again.

Our driver's side level Jack stared to give us problems. We couldn't find an RV service place that was available, all were two or more weeks behind. The jack company said you are coming right by so stop in. We went to Elkhart, IN. The company looked at what was needed, got the part and got a mechanic . We left the Coach and went to the RV Hall of Fame

This is a tub.

This was an exciting place to see how the RVs, from tent trailers up have improved.

Another place for you to visit. Check, Face book, I can put more pictures there.

After Having the Jack fixed we spent the night in Pa and NH, arriving home, Sunday around Noon.

Al got busy and washed the Coach and the van. I emptied the Coach, started the laundry and defrosted the refrigerator.

Then, I had to tackle, the mail. Three months of credit cards and bank statement among others. That's the only big job about traveling, is the mail when I get home. I hate mail.

Al's daughter had a big crop of peaches, I never knew peaches would grow in Maine. So we made two batches of peach jam. One batch a day.

I haven't done this for many years. SOOOO good.

I'm still trying to catch up with things.

We will start on the coach, Cleaning it and restocking it and get it ready for the trip to Florida.

I guess I'm up to date with you all.

I will try to write weekly if I have any exciting things to tell you about.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and remember , MAKE YOUR OUR MEMORIES.

Love & Hugs A & R

Yellowstone, Little Big Horn, Devel's Tower

I can not believe we have been so many places and seen so many beautiful things.

We sure live in a beautiful country.

WE went in the north side of Yellowstone, went down the west side, stopping to see things at every stop.

The hot springs, Old faithful, we waited for her for 1 1/2 hours, it was worth it.

We went out the South end to the Grand Teton's, down to Jackson hole and returned to Yellowstone coming up the East side.

The East side had more waterfalls and the colors, of the mountains, around the falls were beautiful.

If you haven't been to Yellowstone and done this tour , You need too.

We stopped at Little Big Horn, What and interesting place.

Today we stopped at Devil's Tower. Great Indian legends. Indian Maiden running from The Big Bear, ran to a rock askin gto be saved. The rock listened and raised high in the air. The bear clawed the side to get to them, The maidens became a constelation and the Bear one also.

Fun and interesting.

Tonight we are in Medora ND and we are going to an outdoor theater that is suppose to be fantastic. IT was a western History of Dakota,musical.

Today we head for Maine.

Hugs to all A & R

Alaska to Glacier National Park

Friday, Aug. 6, 2010

We have been so busy and so I will try to catch up with some of the things we have done.

We left Alaska, after a wonderful , busy, fun and educational time.
We were not able to come through British Columbia as we planed. There was a forest fire and we didn't want to wait around until road opened up. Friend who followed the next day couldn't get through and said the smoke was real bad.

Going through Alberta again was a treat. It was fun seeing the change in land and products they produce. The have oil and gas also so I think they must be a rich Provence.

WE went through Glacier National Park and it was fantastic. Al has been there before and wanted me to see it. I guess I expected to see more Glaciers after being in Alaska , but there were a few. The mountains were fantastic and the waterfalls were great.

I'm so fascinated by the different looks of the mountains. It's like they have their own personality.

WE traveled 8 hours today and we are at a campground near the entrance of Yellowstone in a town called Gardiner, Montana. We will go in tomorrow. We hope to go through to the other in and go to Jackson Hole in the Grant Teton's . WE are doing a lot in a day.

We have seen animals along the way.

Hugs until I can get time and get on again.

Safe and fun time for you all, Hugs R & A

Denali National park and Fairbanks AK

Friday July 30, 2010

Wow! a real busy week.
We hiked about 5 miles into falls and Salmon ladder. Big pools of Salmon resting before climbing the ladder up the river.a Beautiful sight.

We went to the Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. It was so interesting. We walked the grounds and at different stations or communities we were instructed on the life style. These are such proud people and respect and honor the Elders. They "KNOW WHERE THEY COME FROM ". WE saw dance and their games. I know none of us could do their games. The games take Concentration, strength and power. It was a four hour tour.

We went through Wasilla and a little town "Willow" remember this town because some of the Alaskans want to change their Capital from Juneau to Willow. It was defeated because of the cost.

We went on a Denali National Park 8 hour tour. WE saw Golden eagles, Dall sheep, bear, Moose, caribou and most important Mt. McKinley. What a thrill. That night we went for a delicious Salmon bake.

In Fairbanks, we took the Alaska Train 4 hour back to Denali Park and spent the night at Princess Lodge and a dinner theater experience. The pride in song and acting the life of the people living and working here. Another wonderful adventure.

We went to the U of A to the museum. We had lunch and a dollar scoop of ice cream on campus, went to the animal preserve and ended the day on the Discovery 111 tour.
WE started down the river when a small plane pilot came up the river toward us, did a few tricks and came back and talked to us.

Iditarod farm " Susan Butcher's ", 4 times winner . She passed away in 2006 but her husband and daughter carry in the business. He put on a demonstration, very exciting to watch. Later we cruised to Fish camp and this life style was explained to us. On the way back from the ride we stopped at a little village (Tour) were we were split into three groups. We were taken around the little village and again told about hunting, fishing and the duties of the members of the family.

WE went out to the Pipeline. There was a man there that worked on the line and explained a lot ot us. Very interesting.

I think I will be watching more of the History channel after this trip.

It has been a very exciting week.

We are at a campground today for R & R

Tomorrow we will start east. Hugs to all A & R

Russian River to Cooper Landing

Wed. July 21, 2010

Hi, We spent to night in a great primitive campground, Plenty of room. We both camped on the same lot.

The river was in back of us. It was a good walk on the walkway and the stairs getting back were great exercise. The boys went fishing yesterday and Al got a rainbow trout and Don through his back.

Rained all night. Nice sleeping with the sound of rain on the roof.

This morning we decided to go for a walk as far as the walkway would take us, about 1 1/2 miles. The end the Russian River meets the Kenai River ( Beautiful , clear water meeting up with turquoise water). The color is from the glacier runoff.

The salmon are starting to get up to this area. A Lot of fisherman are at this point. On the way back, we talked with a volunteer and he gave the boys some advice , where to go to get rainbow and about a water fall , we should hike to.

As we were walking back some fishermen, in the river, told us a bear was just ahead in the river. Lots of bear in the area. Some people carry guns, rifles and bear spray.

As we turned the bend, I saw this big brown fluffy bear walking toward us. Those behind me said "Bear" and we turned and walked very fast back. When we got to the fisherman , the bear had gotten back in the water and he was hunting for fish. It was fun watching him. Becky got some great pictures. I will get them and post them. It probably won't happen for a while unless we stay here another day.
Don said He wanted to sacrifice me to the bear. I don't think the bear would like me.

We come up to the lodge to do our wireless, nothing available at the campground.

Not sure if we will move on to Anchorage tomorrow or go back a few mile dto do the hike up the falls. Weather will help us decide.


Hugs to all, until I get on again. A & R

Tok to Homer AK

Sat, July 17,2010

Hi, I finally have wireless, experiences as a tourist and things to tell you.
We left Whitehorse about 3 PM and Al wanted to get to Alaska so he pushed it. The road was very rough and we couldn't travel very fast, but you know a determined man, when he has a goal, he will do it. We arrived in Tok AK at 11:30, but we lost and hour so in Tok it was 10:30.

We called his nephew, Don, and wouldn't you know he was parked in the row in front of us. Sunday, it rained so, we decided to stay right there. We went out for a late lunch, the visitor center and entertainment at the campground.

The man,entertainment,sang and told stories about the area.

Monday Tok to Anchorage. We made plans to have maintenance on vehicles.

Tuesday, Rain so, great day to get the work done on vehicles, window chip on van and Coach. New back passenger's window installed. Moved Coach to NE Cummings for maintenance on the Coach generator and Coach oil and filters, 10,000 mile .We Went to Walmart for groceries. A full day.

Wednesday, Anchorage to Cooper landing. We saw beautiful Ice Glacier along the way and the scenery was breathtaking. We parked at Princess Lodge & RV Park. Beautiful green river and more mountains. We drove to Seward, visited my niece and made plans for a boat tour.

Thursday, We went back to Seward for the tour and Lunch, all you can eat Salmon, Prime rib and deserts. We saw eagles, Puffin, Mountain goats, sea loins, Ocra whales and a humpback whale. Another great day.

Friday, Coopers Landing to Soldotna. We stopped along the way to a chain saw carving competition. We spent a couple of hours looking around, it was like a small fair, with concessions. We are parked at a Best western RV park. We wanted to stay here and take the truck or van to run around and see things.

WE got settled then drove around. The fishing was wild. Only The Alaskans can net the salmon. They were standing on the river banks and netting them, about 5ft diameter. It was interesting to see the families and talk with them. They are getting their winter supply of fish. In the park they leave early and come back late almost 12 hours. They have freezers buy their trailers for the catch.
Al got his fishing licence so he's ready to go.

Saturday, To Homer and sightseeing along the way. The view to the Spit is so beautiful. Many little speciality shops, all sizes and colors were very interesting.
We had lunch at the "Today's Catch" and followed it with a waffle ice cream cone.

Tiring from all the shopping, we went to the wine tasting, tried some different fruit wines , bought a couple and headed home.

The boys finally made fishing guide contact and made plans for next week.

Another great week . How blessed we are to be able to do this.

SORRY, I noticed the underline words, Becky is trying to find out what this is and why it's happening. Always another challenge LOL.

I hope you are traveling with me and enjoy it a little.
Love & Hugs R