Spring Trip 2015

SPRING TRIP 2015

Day 1 Saturday April 18, 2015

Our first dinner on the road

Me and rig in Boardman

We had a smoothie and a hard-boiled egg for breakfast.  After gathering up the last things to load, we went to the motor home.  We got Goldie hooked up and headed out.  The weather forecast was excellent, at least for the next few days.  So off we went down Pickering Rd, down State Route 3 to Shelton.  We got on Hwy 101 to I-5 South to I-205 around Portland and on to I-84 Eastbound.  The night was spent in Boardman RV and Marine park at pull through space 46.   This park is one of our favorites.  Beautiful red sunset over the Columbia River. Drove 314 miles today.  R

All of the above…We just stepped into sunshine, all day.  Spring is just begun to arrive here.  Dogwoods in bloom along the huge rolling river.  I am always happy to see this part of our country…Magnificent and a quick peek at Multnomah Falls.  It is just right to be on the road again.  Very tasty dinner, cooked in our nice new to us Motorhome.  You will be hearing from us as we go along.  When we post be sure to check any of the old blogs you are interested in.  We welcome your comments.  J

Day 2 Sunday April 19, 2015

Another sunny day.  We had a nice drive along I-84 from Boardman, Or into Idaho.  We spent the night on the East side of Boise at the Mt.  View RV park, site 24.  It was very crowded place.  Tenderloin steak with salad and beans for dinner.  Yummy.  Wine for me and Mike’s lemonade for Judy.    Drove 288 miles today. R

 Cooler today.  Just had to take an early morning picture of our “new” motor home and the ships captain. We decided to call her M T.   Easy day.  Richard driving, and me knitting stocking caps for a project of promise, for the children in our community to have a handmade cap for the winter.  The promise was made by the devoted ladies in our Church.  Its Sunday..  no church, buy good thoughts and prayer.  We did get the TV hooked up and were able to watch my favorite.  Call the Midwife.  Now for a good night sleep, and safe travel.  Looking forward to renewing friendships with our friends. J

Day 3 Monday April 20, 2015

We left Boise and it was nice and sunny.  Good drive heading East on I-84.  About 30 miles from Twin Falls, we stopped at a rest area.  We hear a funny sound coming from the engine area.  Engine was running well on the road.  We drove toward Twin Falls, planning to have someone check it out.  As we decelerated down the off ramp, a terrible racket came from the motor area.  Oh sh---t!!!  A Flying J truck stop was a mile away so we headed there.  A nice man checked us out and said it was our radiator fan was worn and hitting the surrounding shroud.  He directed us to a Freightliner/Cat shop.  They agreed what the problem was.  They will take out the part tonight and call us in the morning telling us the “good news” of when and how much it to get it fixed.  We spent the night at a near by Comfort Inn. R

When I opened the refrig this morning, my bouquet of lilacs were there, fresh and giving off their oh so familiar smell.  So on with breakfast preparations. We had an eventful day, but thanks to  Richards ability to take care of everything, we are safe and sound.  We had a great Mexican dinner, and a quick trip to TJ Maxx.  I did need a new Summer hat.  The sunset over the Snake River gorge was Spectacular. J

Day 4 Tuesday April 21

We got a hold of Freightliner and they said they found the parts.  Some will arrive Wednesday and some on Thursday and that they probably will get it done the same day.  I had a bout of atrial flutter during the night which auto-converted.  Freightliner moved our RV to a space that had power so we spent the night in motorhome on their lot.   After lunch we went to a thrift store so Judy could look for sweaters to take apart for yarn.  We went grocery shopping at Fred Meyer and got a cooked chicken for dinner. R

The joys of travel… I think Richard is bound to meet at least one nurse per trip.  This time the pretty lady just slipped a needle in his vein and he was all better.!  We will be laying low for a few days. J 

Day 5 Wednesday April 22

Snake River gorge down stream of the falls.

Judy at the Shoshone Falls overlook

We had a leisurely morning spent in the motorhome.  After lunch we went into Twin Falls and looked around at old town, which is mostly deserted now.  Look at a few antique stores and thrift stores.  We then went to Shoshone Falls, (“The Niagara of the West”). Since the water flow was low, the falls were not as spectacular this spring as normal, but still pretty.  In the same park were a few lakes, one Dieder Lake which was a picnic and swimming area.  Had left over chicken for dinner and another night in the Freightliner parking lot. R

Day 6 Thursday April 23

Well, another day in the Freightliner parking lot.  The part that was supposed to come in got delayed due to weather.  It is supposed to come in tomorrow by noon.  So we might be leaving Friday.   We went driving today and a little shopping.  We also watched base jumpers go off the bridge over the Snake River.

Base jumper, blue and white parachute just below far arch base

It is legal here and about 30,000 people do it here every year.  People come from all over the world.  We went to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. R

This base jumping we came upon was an accident.  While it is not our thing, I must admit it was a real spectacle.  We ended our day with another group of jumpers.  By the way, some of you may remember the EVIL KNEVIL character.  This was the place he ended his fearless career.  Jumping canyons with a motorcycle.  Since we have been here, the wildlife seen are marmots, mallard ducks at the lake and a plump domestic rabbit living next to our RV accommodations. Getting anxious to move on.  J

Day 7 Friday April 24

We got a call from Freightliner that our part was in an hour early so we cleaned up the motor home and put stuff away.  We were back on the road after noon.  We drove an hour and had lunch.  Where we were was also a truck stop so we weighed ourselves.  The front weighed 8800 pounds and the total was 23500 lbs not counting Goldie well within the limits of the tires.  We drove a little longer and got into Utah and spent the night a Lottie-Dell RV park in Snowville.   The same owner is here trying to sell the place.  When we were here before several years ago, his wife had recently died, and he had put the place up for sale.  He just turned 80. R

Beautiful grey clouds…several shades…slightly cold with a trace of showers.  We will be in more interesting places soon.  This is very rural and even pastoral.  J

Day 8 Saturday April 25

Left Snowville after filling up with diesel and continued on I-84 to I-15!!  Lots of construction and fast traffic through the Salt Lake City corridor.  Mess to drive.  After lunch we ran into thunderstorms and rain and strong winds for about 100 miles. Whew!!!  We spent the night in Beaver, UT at Camperland RV park space 24.  An appropriate place for our Beaver motorhome.   I am tired and so is Judy.  Even so she cooked a very nice dinner.   R

This day was just plain work… driving through Salt Lake traffic, and the downpour.  Richard gets a gold star for his steadfast driving.  Did some fun knitting to distract me.  J

Day 9 Sunday April 26

We left Beaver and spent most of the morning in rain and wind and even some snow in Cedar City.  We left I-15 near St. George, Utah and headed to Page, Arizona.   It got sunny after lunch but still windy.  As we crossed the Glen Canyon Dam we could see very little water in the reservoir.  It was good though to see the red rock country again, especially with the grass turning green.  In Page, we spent the night in the Wal-Mart parking lot along with about 14 other rigs. R

So happy to be in red rock country.  There is just nothing like it.  The reservoir Richard speaks of was known by most of us as Lake Powell.  It is no more.  I will always remember it and the beautiful turquoise color it was. J

Day 10, Monday April 27

Left Page early and headed South on US 89.  Stopped at the Cammeron Trading Post to look around.  It is a stopping spot for tour buses on their way to the Grand Canyon.  Heading towards Flagstaff I noticed that the engine was getting hot.  The last climb up to the pass before Flagstaff was too much.  We stopped once and let the motor cool down but a short time later we had to stop and call the tow truck.

Tow truck finally arrived after 4 hours.

We are at the Rush trucking repair in Flagstaff waiting until they can get a look at our problem tomorrow afternoon.  We had to wait 4 hours before a tow truck came to our rescue.  Bummer.  Went out to dinner at the Cracker Barrel. R

The Gallery @ Cameron was as always, great.  The items also were priced at a king’s ransom.  Did not buy a thing.  I did find a darling wrap at the Cracker Barrel, just perfect to wear to our summer wedding coming up in July.  This has been a rough start to our spring vacation.  Off to bed in yet another parking lot.  RV folks call this Boon docking.  J

Day 11 Tuesday April 28

Sunset Crater cinder cone

This was once three stories high

Us in the ruins

Part of same complex with ball court

After breakfast, went over to the office to check on when they would get to the motorhome.  In the afternoon sometime.  So, Judy and I went to Sunset Crater and Waputi National Monuments which are just north of Flagstaff.  Sunset Crater is a cinder cone and associated lava flows which took place around 1060 AD.  Very interesting to see. When the cone was erupting they believe it drove out a group of natives who were living just north of the cone.  We went to several of their structures, parts of which are still standing.  One was three stories.  We got back to the repair shop and Monte the motorhome was moved.  They checked the fan belt and water pump and found they are ok.  They believe the problem is in the thermostat as it appears it is always open.  Tomorrow morning they will check it out and clean out the radiator.  Another night in a parking lot. R

I have never been in Flagstaff, and I find it is all I expected.  Huge and beautiful mountains, with their share of red rocks, and Navaho flair.  We are in Volcano land too.  The evening temperature drop is chilling.  Snow on the mountain.  Out for Mexican dinner.  MMMMMM  J 

Day 12 Wednesday April 29

The service man came to the motor home about 8:30 to work on the radiator.  They replaced two thermostats which had stuck open, replaced the radiator cap which no longer controlled to the proper pressure, added coolant corrosive inhibitor, and blew out the radiator fins.  We got out of Flagstaff minus and arm and a leg about 12:30 and headed south on I-17.  Stopped for lunch and then at exit 289, spent the night at the Distant Drums RV Resort, space 58. Engine temperature stayed steady during the up and downs of the freeway.  After setting up we went to the Tuzigoot National Monument to see the ruins.

 Inside looking out at Judy

Us on the top

Very impressive place on a hill with a beautiful view.  Got back home and had a nice chicken salad for dinner.  Hot today for us.  More heat to come. R 

Temp up to 88.  We are such house plants.  We will work to toughen up and love the hot weather.  A beautiful drive, with   Arrived in this beautiful valley.  I was here with my parents 43 years ago for an r&r, and pg with my 4^th child.  I fell in love with this place, and always wished to return.  Tomorrow we plan to visit an unforgettable place.  Montezuma’s Castle.  Leave it to Richard to take me here.  Loved the hike to the ruin today.  J

Day 13 Thursday April 30

Montezuma Castle

We got up early and went to Montezuma’s Castle which is a well preserved early ruin high up in the cliffs..  Beautiful as ever, and the weather was cool and sunny.  Then we headed off to Montezuma’s Well, which is a cenote with a spring coming out.

Well with ruins on the back wall

Water coming the wall with dug irrigation ditch

The natives dug a channel in the rocks to bring the water to their fields where they raised their crops. Got back to the motorhome and headed south on I-17.  The drive through Phoenix was easy and the radiator in the motorhome did not heat up. We arrived at the Prince of Tucson RV park and got set up.  Then headed over to Craig and Wanda’s for dinner and a nice visit.  We were sure happy to see them again.  It was a hot day.   A very nice evening. R

The ancient people built their homes 7 ladders up.  They built this dwelling over a period of 150 and they say the foreman was the grandmother of the clan.   43 years ago, I got out of the car at this very place and came face to beak with a beautiful red Cardinal bird.  He just sat there and looked at me.  What a privilege it was.  No Cardinals today, but a lovely memory.  So, hopefully we are fixed, and ready to enjoy our time with friends, and a bit of warm sun.  J


Day 14 Friday May 1

We went to Craig and Wanda’s after breakfast.  Wanda went to volunteer at the presidio and Craig and us went to the old mission of Tubacacori south of Tucson about 45 miles from their house.  The mission is not in very good repair and is not used anymore.

Mission founded by Fr. Kino in Tubacacori

We then headed for the city of Tubac which is full of crafts and pottery.    Had lunch at a sandwich shop then head out looking in lots of shops.  If you are interested in pottery this is the place to go.  For dinner all of us went out to an Ethiopian restaurant.    We got the works, which was maybe 15

Judy shopping in Tubac

different dishes served on a large, maybe 20 inch diameter, pancake type bread made out of teff, wheat and barley.  The dinner was very, very good and we all ate too much.  Stopped by Albertsons and got some ice cream for dessert.  Very fun day. R

Day 15 Saturday May 2

We went to Craig and Wanda and headed off to the 30^th Annual Tucson Music Festival.   Four stage were set up in the downtown area.  After parking the car we walked towards the first stage and stopped in a pottery shop which Craig has taken some classes.

Coil pot lesson

We watched as a teacher showed how to make a coil style basket.  All the music was just great and included bluegrass, country western, folk and some alternative type music. 

Craig and Wanda watching a show

After the music we had dinner in the art museum café.  Fun and tiring day. R

Day 16 Sunday May 3

Judy and I took the day off from visiting.  We did the laundry and cleaned the motorhome.  Craig and Wanda came over for dinner.

Day 17 Monday May 4

Today was heading into Mexico day. First Judy and I took the motor home to a local Cat service center to have them look into a diesel smell which come in the motor home when we turn on the furnace, change the oil and fix the generator. We drove the 60 miles from Craig and Wanda’s house to Nogales.  Entering and leaving Mexico was very easy, nothing like airport security.  We walked around for a while looking into many shops.  All the stores had hawkers trying to get you into their store and they offer a discount on everything.  For lunch we went to La Roca which was fancy and had very good food.  We ended up buying a stoneware grouse bird and some paper flowers.  The motor home was done so we picked it up and drove it back to the Prince of Tucson RV park.  They found no leaking hoses, changed the oil, and found two terminals inside the generator were loose which caused the generator not to start under some circumstances. R

Ola!  I have been to Mexico by way of Nogales. Richard describes it well.  So many almost free deals, we had to be careful we did not take the whole place home.  Loved the restaurant we went to.  Found several items that needed to come home with us.  Boarder patrol and all, we had a great day, and our  friends are the best hosts. J

Day 18 Tuesday May 5  Happy Cinco de Mayo

Craig and Wanda came and picked us up and we went to the Tohono Chul botanical park.  It was a great day with temperature in the 80’s and a light breeze.  While most of the spring flowers were gone, the park was very fun and there were still lots of pretty flowers and plants to see.

Desert willow in bloom

Rattle snake under an agave

Judy with cactus fruit lemonade

There also were birds, lizards, butterflies and even one diamond back rattle snake.  We ate lunch there which was very good.  Afterwards we went to the DeGrazia studio.  They had a special showing of his St. Francis of Assisi paintings which were intended for a children’s book. 

Judy and Wanda in DeGrazia studio

Stopped at Trader Joe’s on the way home.  We had a very fun day.

Our time is getting short here in Tucson.  We have enjoyed the sun, the color and the comradery with Wanda and Craig.  One more day, and we will be on the way to St. Johns.  I added a nice silver and turquoise hair barrette to my collection.  J

Day 19 Wednesday May 6

Craig and Wanda picked us up at 7 am and took us to a small diner called Mother Hubbards.  It was rated by Mens Health Magazine as one of the top ten diners in the US.  The food was good and the menu was definitely out of the ordinary.  We said our good bye to them as they had things to do today and we were leaving early in the morning.  Judy and I headed up to 9100 ft Mt Lemmon stopping at all the roadside stops.  Spectacular views of the Tucson valley and the surrounding mountains.  Nice and comfortable up there with the temperature of 57 degrees (it was 88 on the valley floor).  We had lunch at a small shop in a little place near the top call Summerhaven.  We drove further up to the small ski area at the top of the mountain.  On the way down, stopped at Inspiration Rock picnic area as there were supposed to be some mica in the pegmatite rocks.  We sound some very  pretty rocks around and the mica was very tight in the granite and could not be removed without destroying it.  Fun day.  Sad to say good-bye.  R

Day 20 Thursday May 7

As we were about to leave the RV park, Craig showed up on his bicycle to say good bye.  We took Prince Rd to Oracle (highway 77) north to Catalina to where 79 split off.  Took hwy 79 to US 60.  As we were heading to Globe up some steep long hills, the motor home overheated again.  Darn.  We made it to Globe where we spent the night in a Walmart parking lot.  Short day.  It is supposed to be cooler tomorrow and we plan to take Goldie off the motor home to go up the Salt Creek canyon to avoid overheating.  Will see how it goes.

Day 21 Friday May 8

We got up early and took Goldie off the motorhome.  We headed east on US 60 towards Show Low.  We hoped that when we got to the Salt River canyon, which is a steep five miles down and 5 miles up, the motor home would not overheat since Goldie was not attached.   There was no overheating all the way to Show Low where we ate lunch.  I checked with the local Cat engine repair man about what else can be done about engine heating.  He had some ideas and said we should really not be having a problem and will see us on Tuesday to check a few things.  Afterwards we drove to St. Johns and Moon Meadows RV park and took space 97 which was the same one we had the last time we were here.  Drove out to the property and looked around.   Found some ATV tracks running around the property.  Went back home and had a nice dinner. R

Day 22 Saturday May 9

We had a leisurely morning in the motor home.  After lunch we went to the property.  I walked the fence line looking for places that may need fixing.  What I found is that someone cut the barbed wire fence, I believe, so their cattle can move through our property without going around.  When we got back home, I wrote a note to the local sheriff and BLM office. Not sure what they can do but wanted to let them know.  The fence line is between me and BLM land.  It was cool and windy today with threatening clouds all day. Took a bunch of pictures of the property for a picture spread later in the blog.  Nice dinner tonight. R

Day24 Sunday May 10  Happy Mother’s Day

After sleeping in and having breakfast, we headed off to the property to just be there and enjoy.  We built a fire and roasted hot dogs and ate lunch.  Judy read a book and I roamed around looking.  Judy and I headed over to the BLM land to our north and checked out the petrified wood there.  We found some with crystals and some logs with yellow and red colors.  We picked some up and brought it back to the car.  We stopped at the store on the way home and picked up a few things.  I took more pictures for a pictorial blog.  R

Day 25 Monday May 11

After breakfast we made some lunch and then headed out to the property.   There was a group garage sale going on so we stopped and I bought a shovel, rake and pick, all for $19 so I can do some road repair work.  I plan to leave them here when we leave so they will be ready for next time.  Judy did some reading and knitting stuff and I worked on the road a bit and read.  It is so enjoyable being there with no sound but the wind and birds.  Since we have been at the property we have seen cotton tail and jack rabbits, a coyote, one gopher snake and flocks of small unidentified birds. R

Day 26 Tuesday May 12

Today we went to Show Low to take the motor home to the Cat repair shop to see about why the motor home tends to overheat on long hills.  After a day, the conclusion was that the radiator is still not letting air through.  The steam cleaning we had done in Flagstaff apparently was not good enough.  Next Tuesday, they plan on taking the radiator and the air cooler out to clean them thoroughly.   While they were working, we got some fence posts and wire to fix the cut fence.  And bought other things too.R

                   Pictures of the River Spring Ranch property, St. Johns, AZ

Here are a bunch of pictures of our property which were taken over the last few days.  It is fun to be here and see all the pretty scenery.  We find it quiet with only the sound of the wind and birds.  There are pretty flowers, cacti, lizards, birds, coyote, deer, cotton tail and jack rabbits, juniper,  two areas of meadows, red and white ridges of sandstone, petrified wood, chalcedony,k and clean air.

Gate to our entrance to River Springs Ranch

Approaching our property from the south.

Opening the gate to our property

Lots of these pretty little yellow flowers around here

Gopher snake about 3 feet long we found on the road

Pretty red sandstone formation

More sandstone and juniper

Layered sandstone without lots of iron

View from our shelter. Notice the ridges of red sandstone. 

 The hills in the background contain the petrified wood.

More pretty flowers

One of the petrified logs we have found

Our own little arch?

Fun sandstone formation

Part of one meadow.  Property to the left is BLM land

There is petrified wood in them thar' hills.  Notice the purplish ash at the base of the hill.  Very pretty.

Large white sandstone blocks falling down the hill. 

Isn't this a great view!

 White sandstone blocks on an purple ash  pile

Judy admiring the view

We hope you liked the short tour of our little piece of Arizona.

Day 27 Wednesday May 13

We went to the property after breakfast with the intent to repair the fence that was cut.  We put a total of 10 metal fence posts along the whole fence line to support to aging juniper posts.  While there we got a phone call from the sheriff who wanted more information about the fence cutting.  We had lunch there then I did some road work.  Nice warm day but windy. R

Day 28 Thursday May 14

Today we went to the Wenima wildlife refuge which is about 20 miles south of St. Johns on hwy 180.

Wenima Refuge parking area.

Beaver dam on Little Colorado.

Little Colorada heading north to Lyman Lake

There is a two and one half mile walk along the Little Colorado River which was actually flowing into Lyman Lake. We did two miles and then headed back.  I remembered petroglyphs along the cliff wall and hiked up to see them again. As I was working my way among the boulders, a friendly rattle snake coiled up and shook his rattle at me from about 6 feet away.  I stepped back and he went under a rock.  No more petroglyph looking for me today. The petroglyphs are not as good a quality as some as the iron oxide coating is not very good here. We then drove the 4 miles into Springerville and went to Basha’s supermarket and bought a few items.  Becker Lake is just out of town so we went there to eat our lunch.  Saw some birds fighting against the strong wind. 

Bug eating buddies.

Then headed back home stopping along the road to get some colored dirt to make some “dirt shirts”.  Because of the strong wind we decided not to have dinner on the property but to eat at home. R
Much excitement today.  Richard was really moving across the field to get to the car.  I did very well on the hike, but opted to return to the car on flat ground.   So grateful there was no more encounter than there was.  J

Day 29 Friday May 15

We went into town today to the local IGA grocery/ACE hardware store to get some Simple Green, a hose nozzle, and a garden sprayer to use to clean the motorhome radiator.  This will be done Sunday when it will be warmer.  Got a few cheap buckets to make dirt shirts. Talked with trail crew friend Iner about the radiator problem.  He suggested too that washing the radiator before taking the motorhome to Show Low for repair would be a good idea. Nothing to lose trying and much time and money gained. Today was very cool and with very gusty winds.  Also, today was laundry day.  Judy make a crock pot dinner with ribs.  Yummy. R

Day 30 Saturday May 16

Today we went to the White Mountain rock club show in Hon Dah on the Apache Indian reservation.  To get there we drove south to Eagar then took 261 to the show.  They had predicted snow down to 6000 feet.  I am not sure of the elevation we drove but there was fresh snow on the ground and snow snifters in the air.

Spring in the White Mountains, Arizona

The show was fun with lots of pretty rocks, etc.  The highlight for us was meeting a family that is discovering new dinosaurs on the Zuni plateau.  They know a lot about the geology and fossils of the area and would be willing to come to the property to tell us about the different geological zone there. He said the purplish ash material is of the Chinle formation and that is where petrified wood is generally found.

The lady on the  left and then man in the middle are the paleontologists.

Stopped on the way home and got a few things at the store.  R

Day 31 Sunday May 17

Well today was a do nothing type day.  I felt a little under the weather and took a long nap.  Judy was busy with her yarn stuff. R 

Day 32 Monday May 18

Today I flushed out the outside of the motorhome radiator and CAC (air cooler).  I sprayed them first from inside the coach and then outside with Simple Green.  I started the motor to blow the cleaning solution through the radiators.  After about 15 minutes, I hosed them down from both sides.  Lots and lots of black oily stuff came out with sand.  Whew, no wonder the motor home was overheating.   After a good washing, I sprayed Simple Green again on both sides, let it set for a while

 then washed it out again.  More black crud.  Washed well again.  Repeated spraying cleaner and rinsing well.  Finally there was very little black coming out.  Needless to say I will not be bringing my motor home to the CAT dealer tomorrow to have then take out the radiators to clean them at a cost over a thousand dollars. I did go in to pay them for their work last Tuesday. The toilet valve was leaking and I could not fix it so while in town I bought a new one and put it in.  We had a nice chicken dish for dinner. R.

Always work to do, even on vacation.  We sure do enjoy this country, especially the red rocks.  J 

Day 33 Tuesday May 19

After breakfast we headed off to the property.  Today was sunny with temperature in the high 60’s and a breeze.  A few fluffy clouds too.  We spent the day playing around.  We did some rock hounding finding some nice pieces of petrified wood on BLM property.  I got out my metal detector and checked out different places finding lots of nails and other small pieces of metal like bullet casings and one US dime.  We ate lunch and dinner there building a fire to roast hot dogs for dinner.  Judy spent part of the time reading and ripping a sweater apart for the yarn.  We got home just about dark.  Fun day.   Judy has been trying to get a hold of a silver dealer in Gallup, New Mexico, with the help of friend Marcy.  Our schedules are not meshed so far.  We plan to go to Gallup tomorrow if we can get a hold of them. R

Day 34 Wednesday May 20

Judy searching for just the right pretty rock.

This morning we worked on a project for our younger grandchildren.  After lunch we went to the property.  Got in the mid-70 degrees with very little wind.  I worked on the drainages for the road.  The stuff I did several years ago has held up pretty well probably because of my experience on the Mt. Rose trail crew with drainage of water off the trails.  Judy went wandering about on the property looking for red jasper and other pretty rocks.  We and a nice chicken and rice dinner with veggies and a great spinach salad.  Clouding up tonight.  We are supposed to be getting some rain showers by Friday night. R

There is never a dull moment here.  I have enjoyed some reading lately, which is restful.  I wish everyone had the opportunity to see this beautiful country.  And all of the rocks…J

Day 35 Thursday May 21

Judy did not manage to get in touch with the jewelry dealers in Gallup, NM to set up a time to meet so we drove to Window Rock on the Navajo Indian reservation to a store which sells native made jewelry.   While they could not trade her items for something else, we did meet a man who was very pleasant and give Judy some good information of what she might do with her jewelry.  The Indian man had a last name of Luther, which is not a normal Indian last name.  Turns out his great-great-great grandfather was a German man who came to the area in the late 1700’s and married a Navajo woman.  The family has kept the name.  On the way up to I-40 on highway 191 from St. Johns, the fields were covered with lots of pretty white flowers which were so thick they looked like snow. Interesting day. R 

Day 35 Friday May 22

Today we went to the property to collect some petrified wood to bring home.  There are some logs on the neighboring BLM land that have petrified wood with smoky quartz crystals.  We collected some of these.  Also we gathered up some other rocks we had collected over the last few days.  I hid the shovel, rake and pick until next time we come.  They were purchased at a local swap place for $18 for all three.  We will not be back there this trip.  We started cleaning up and straightened up the motor home and Goldie. Nice day, warm in the high 60’s but getting windy latter in the day. R

Day 36 Saturday May 23  Happy Memorial Day Weekend

This morning we went to the annual meeting of the River Springs Ranch homeowners association in the local library. They mainly talked about what they have done to the roads, their main responsibility.  I found out that someone else had their fence cut also.  The association will not get involved unless there is a rash of events. The meeting lasted only one hour.  People reported seen lots of elk, mountain lions, and range cattle which they tolerate if their place is not completely fenced in like ours.  We have not heard back again from BLM or sheriff about what they found out about our incident.  After lunch, Judy wanted to hit some thrift shops to look for some more sweaters to recycle.  She found a few she liked.  For dinner we had fish in the sauce she made for an earlier dinner.   Yummm!! R

Day 37 Sunday May 24 

We left St. Johns and headed north on highway 180 to Holbrook on I-40.  This road is very bumpy even though it is the road to the Petrified Forest National park. We headed west on I-40 to Flagstaff then north on US 89.  We had a little bit of motorhome overheating but not serious. Once past Flagstaff it got very windy with gusts coming from the side.  We spent the night at Cameron Trading Post RV park.  Someone parked next to us and as they were getting out it look like they had an injured or old dog that needed help out but it turned out to be a potbellied pig.  Doesn’t that beat all.  After resting for a while we went to the trading post and looked around and then had dinner there.  We split a huge Navajo taco and had some chocolate mint ice cream too.  R

Day 38 Monday May 25

Since the traffic was bad on highway 89 yesterday and probably would be the same today, we decided to spend another day.  We are in no hurry and I was tired and out of sorts from yesterday drive.  Spent the day doing things around the motor home.  We had a nice steak dinner. R

Day 39 Tuesday May 26

View where we stopped waiting for the engine to cool down.

Well Judy and I investigated more carefully the radiator fan.  After reading the CAT manual for the motor and looking at the fan, we determined that either the people in Twin Falls, DID put in the wrong fan or put the new one in backwards.  So we got up early and drove to Page.  At the Walmart parking lot I called up the Freightliner place in Twin Falls and told them what we felt was the problem.  The man did not quite believe us but got us an appointment with the Freightliner place in Hurricane, UT.  We got there with the engine overheating red light coming on only once but had to be really careful as the temperature outside was getting over 80 degrees.  The place in Hurricane really did not quite believe us at first either but eventually determined that the fan part was the correct one but was put in backwards.  It did not take them long to turn it around and bolt it back in place.  I took the motor home for a test drive and the temperature gauge did not budge going up steep hills in 6^th gear with the temperature outside around 90 degrees.  Wow.  Fixed after all that time and money going to three different CAT repair shops and none of them figured out the problem.  We drove to the local Walmart and spent the night. R

Day 40 May 27 

We left Hurricane Walmart and headed north on I-15.  It was all uphill for quite a while and there was no overheating of the engine.  What a relief.  We drove to exit 174 and took US 50 to Delta and set up at Antelope Valley RV park.  After setting up, we went to The Bug House where the owner has a big claim at the Dugway geode beds.  We signed the accident waiver to be on his claim and he showed us around his rock cutting and polishing facility.  He was learning to make rock lights out of the geodes.  He was paying a lot of money for his power supply.  I told him how I was making my rock lights and sent him some information by email.  We stopped by another rock shop in town before heading home to a good stir fry dinner.  Rain storm appeared and left us a double rainbow and a pretty sky. R

Day 41 Thursday May 28

 Today we went to the Dugway geode beds.  We decided to go from Delta to Vernon and take the historic Pony Express Trail road to Dugway pass and then 4 miles further to the beds.  This was the long way around and because of the rain last night the shorter way may be too muddy.  It was 50 miles from Vernon to the beds, all along a gravel road with some bad spots due to the recent thunderstorms. Along the road there were pony express station monuments.

One of the Pony Express stations

The Pony Express national trail

View from Dugway Pass on the Pony Express trail

We got to the BLM Geode Bed sign and finally found the claim and started collecting specimens.  We got quite a few.  There were lots of people there over the Memorial Day weekend so pickings at the claim were a little lean. I did not go down into the deep pit as there was a potential of the wall collapsing.  The temperature was in the mid-60’s.  We took the shorter route back and the road was ok with a few wet spots.  When we got back, we went to the Bug House and talked to Dallin the grandson of the owner about directions to the zebra rock location.  He gave us a piece of the zebra rock and we gave him two pieces of petrified wood with crystals on it.  A fun and long day. R

Day 42 Friday May 29

Today we went to get some zebra stone following the directions from Dallin of the Bug House rock shop.  Well, we did not find any but had a fun trip. We drove 40 miles west on US 50 to the west side of Sevier dry lake which had water in it.

View of Sevier dry lake in the distance

  The directions say to go 3-4 miles and look for the stone.  Well nothing.  On the way back to Delta we stopped and looked at a crow’s nest we saw on the way out. We got back home and had lunch then went to the Cosmic Ray Center which is a research facility for three countries run by the U of Utah. They have 500 detectors spread about ¾ miles apart in the surrounding “desert”with three receiving centers.  Amazing that this is here.  We then went to the local historical museum which was very nicely done. We looked in some literature we got at the museum and it said the zebra stone was down the road we were on but at least 3 to 4 times the distance we were told.  Well, we will go next time we are here.  Judy did laundry and we made a taco salad for dinner.  R

Day 43 Saturday May 30

We spent a leisurely morning getting things ready to leave Delta.  We cleaned the floors which were dusty. Straightened things up and put loose things away.  We left after lunch and headed west on US 6 to Eureka and then the I-15 freeway.  We drove north to exit 260 and went to a Walmart to spend the evening.  Our plan is to get up early to drive through the 100 miles of Salt Lake City and surrounding cities before the traffic gets bad.  Warm today, temperature close to 90 degrees and no wind which is good for driving the motorhome.  No overheating problems with the engine. R

Day 44 Sunday May 31

We got up early, 5:45 am, and had a quick breakfast then headed out.  We wanted to get through the Salt Lake basin before the traffic got too bad.  All went well and we left I-15 onto I-84 and went to exit 216 near Burley.  We set up at the Village of Trees space E-5.  After lunch we went south on highway 77 to go to the City of Rock natural preserve.  On the way we drove up to the Pomerelle ski resort where the spring meadow flowers were supposed to be blooming.  We found some and they were pretty.  Many were not blooming yet.

Wild iris

Lupine

Bread and Butter?

Wild Geraniums

Indian Paint Brush

Arrow root

View from ski area down into the valley

Aahhh fresh flowing water and "real" trees

 

  Back down on highway 77 we headed to Castle Rocks park which had huge granite outcrops.  Pretty.

Castle Rocks state park

City of Rocks National Reserve

Just down the road was the City of Rocks national reserve.  This was a stopping point on the California trail.  Lots more pretty granite rock outcrops. Since it was getting late and dinner was in the crock pot we headed back home. R

Day 45 Monday June 1

 Today we kicked back a little after a busy day yesterday.  After breakfast we walked down to the Snake river which borders the RV park.   We went into town, Burley, and went to the grocery store to get a few items.   Steak for dinner. R

Day 46 Tuesday June 2

We left Village of the Trees RV park and headed west on I-84.  We stopped at the Warner Freightliner truck repair in Twin Falls to talk to them about their putting on our motor home fan on backwards and all the problems we had along the way.  Especially to thank them for helping us get the fan fixed in Hurricane, UT and to ask for some financial remuneration for the money we spent on trying to solve the problem they caused.  The meeting was very good and casual and they were sorry for all we had gone through and if we were satisfied as to the fix.  They also agreed to give us some money and the amount was acceptable to us and them.  We left and headed west again on I-84 to exit 356 in Oregon.  We spent the night next to the Snake river at the Cat Fish RV park space 5.  I guess it is called cat fish because that is what is mainly caught here in the river.  There was a big flock of white pelicans on the river along with some tag along cormorant. 

Approaching thunderstorm on the Snake R.

Thunder and lightning all around this evening, beautiful. R

Day 47 Wednesday June 3

We work up to sunshine and left the RV park along the Snake R. and headed west on I-84.  It was not long before the wind began.  It was gusting from the side making driving harder.  We decided to stop at Boardman, OR, one of our favorite places, and then get up early tomorrow and for head home. R