6/28/12 Thursday Eureka, CA (Weird)

Today we got up at 5:30 AM, dressed, walked the dogs, had breakfast, unhooked the RV from the utilities and then started on our way. We drove up highway 101--a nice 4-lane road with smooth curves and no big grades.

We got to the repair shop (Leon's Automotive) at 9 AM and a guy checked it and said to come in early tomorrow morning because they couldn't get it in today. So then we got an RV spot at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds RV Park. The place did not look too good but it is $20/night vs $38.50 -- OK we will stay here. We decided on a spot that didn't look too muddy and unhooked the pickup from the RV and hooked the RV up to utilities. We had a little snack--then went exploring. We went to a wildlife refuge--No Dogs Allowed-- so we turned around and left. It was for birds anyway--not seals and dolphins and good stuff....LOL Then we went to the beach!!

After that we came back to the RV for a well-deserved NAP since we got up so early!! Later we went to Applebee's for supper. We have seen huge numbers of people with backpacks, bikes, on corners begging, etc. This place may be a haven for homeless folks or others who are economically challenged. I think they also have a high population of druggies (tweekers, & potheads, etc) here after I checked that out on the internet. The town has some cute Victorian houses but we will be getting up the road as soon as the RV is fixed!

6/27/12 Wednesday Redwoods Sight Seeing

We decided to sight see today--did not get up early. We went to the Drive Through Tree first to check it out and bought a souvenir (wooden truck with log).

Then we went to Garberville, CA and had lunch at Woodrose Cafe. I had a beautiful salad -- almost too pretty to eat.

We also saw a Hemp House (medical marijuana) here and a few flaky looking people. Then we drove up the Avenue of Giants (Redwoods) admiring the redwoods which are magnificent. Steve got tired so I was allowed to drive (about once a week I drive the pickup). We stopped back in Garberville for groceries and called a muffler repair shop in Eureka CA to make arrangements for possible repair of exhaust leak and then back to the RV. Steve made a fire and we had grilled fresh corn on the cob, chicken and fresh strawberries--YUM! We went across the street and I took a picture of Steve and a carved wooden bear that also had overalls. I think Steve & the bear look really cute!! Then another campfire, hooked the pickup to the RV and early to bed.

Oh I almost forgot, We have been hunting for Bigfoot and may have found him!! LOL

6/26/12 Tuesday- Northward Bound

Well we decided not to get up too early because the temperature is cool. We drove from Vacaville, CA to an RV park (Passport America) just south of Richardson Grove CA. We stopped at Winters, CA at a Pilot/Flying J to gas up the RV-- I was not real happy because to fill up you have to let them hold your credit card. So Steve filled the RV and I stayed inside near my credit card. The RV was thirsty too!! That done we headed on up the highway. We did not have cell service because we were in tall Redwood trees!! We went north on 505 to I-5 and got off at Williams, CA then drove on Highway 20--a two lane road--curvy, with some grades and passes--not too bad but a little hairy. We passed a beautiful lake - Clear Lake and had a picnic lunch at Lucerne, CA. Most of this scenic drive was at 35 MPH. It was near here that the RV developed an exhaust leak (NOISE)!! We sounded like the Hell's Angels. We stopped at a parking lot in Leggett, CA and Steve tried to tighten the exhaust but it did not help much, so we got up the road almost to Piercy, CA and got a spot in a lovely campground. We had supper and a nice campfire then bed.

6/25/12 Monday - San Francisco

We got up early and late today--early for the dogs then went back to bed awhile. Anyway we left the Vinyard RV Park at Vacaville, CA about 11 AM and approached the Golden Gate Bridge from the north. We drove up Hiway 1--high on some hills and took pictures then drove across it. The Golden Gate Bridge is magnificent to drive across and it is also an engineering marvel!! We paid a toll of $6.00 for the pick-up. We drove through a very quiet neighborhood with very little traffic on our way to the beach. The beach allowed dogs so we all walked on the beach. Zoey and I walked in the Pacific Ocean today. Steve and Rufus took pics -- Rufus doesn't seem to want to get in the water like he did when he was younger. The water is very cold, but then when you walk back on the sand further back (on the way to the pickup) your feet almost burn up!! When you walk toward a wave and it is coming at you --you almost get dizzy and lose your balance.... I have no idea how people manage to surf. They are amazingly talented I guess. We started driving around--we went through the Golden Gate Park. Then we drove by Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero--This was BUSY!! All the tourists were here. Next we went up a street that made Steve say "This is fun"!! He said it made his tummy feel like a roller coaster.

Next we drove through the Nob Hill area and downtown, then we drove across the Bay Bridge (free) and started on I-80 to go back to the RV. We crossed another bridge (cost-$5.00). After we got into the suburbs--we finally stopped a nd ate about 4:00 P:M. Then home to the RV, rest, walk the dogs (2 times) and figure out where to go tomorrow.

6/24/12 Sunday-Driving to Vacaville CA

We got up about 7:15 this morning, got dressed--walked the dogs, unhooked the utilities and moved the RV to a spot near the office where we could hook up the pickup. We paid our site and electric fee about $59.00 for 3 nights, visited with the office staff then got on the road. I found out that the bushes with beautiful blooms we have been seeing are oleanders, some of the trees we noticed were manzanitas- they have smooth orange-red bark, and the birds were quail (with a top knot). We got gas in Merced CA and missed the turn on to 99 North, so we had to circle a few blocks to get back to the entrance ramp. We drove to Turlock and got off at a Walmart to buy supplies--also--Steve was having withdrawals because he hadn't been to Walmart. We got a special cushion for Steve to sit on while driving because his shoulders and neck have been bothering him. I am not sure but I guess the cushion will raise his butt and make less strain on his neck and shoulders??? There was quite a bit of traffic this morning and I wanted Steve to take a break. We had quite a time getting the RV parked and the security guy was watching us; then he came around and said it looked fine, stay an hour or so if wanted--OK. We got back on the road and all was good til about Stockton, CA then it was busy, but it got pretty jammed up where 99 meets I-80 at Sacramento. We both had to be on our toes to make it without problems. We got to Vineyard RV Park in Vacaville,CA about 4:00 PM and got a spot. We ordered pizza, walked the dogs, showered, etc. The cost is $49/night - we will probably stay another night then move north to see the Redwoods. We plan to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Nob Hill tomorrow. Will have to add pictures later - we are having trouble getting the computer to download the camera card.

6/23/12 Saturday Bass Lake

We got up a little late this morning and drove to Oakhurst to get dog food and ate Mexican food for lunch ($33.00 for lunch). The prices are higher out here and you do have to pay $.05 per can when you buy diet pop or bottled water. Then we drove to Bass Lake--which was gorgeous--turquoise color. There were tons of people there--nowhere to park and walk to the Lake-side. We did park and take the dogs for a walk in the forest which was great!! We drove around the lake and then headed back to the RV. We have been trying to figure out where to drive to Sunday and where to stay (our next destination). We will be going somewhere close to San Francisco so we can check out the Golden Gate Bridge and then head north to the Redwoods! This was another really nice day temperature wise.

6/22/12 Friday - Yosemite National Park

We got off to a somewhat slow start--but we packed our lunch and headed toward Yosemite NP. We got there about lunch time and saw more big Sequoia trees (Mariposa Grove), and toured a full parking lot. Then we went back toward the entrance and found a picnic spot where we had lunch. The air is cool today and the smells are nice. I wish I could bottle up the air and send it to everyone!! After our lunch we started on the drive to Yosemite valley. We went through the tunnel that opens onto the magnificent views of the granite Rocks --Half Dome and Bridal veil Falls--So Impressive. This park is Awesome! We stopped and took a lot of pictures. Next we drove into the valley and it was also beautiful with the Merced River running through it. Families were picnic-ing, biking, canoeing or kayaking and swimming. We walked our dogs and enjoyed the atmosphere. Parking is very tight with very few spaces--they recommend you take shuttles inside the park--hard to do with two dogs. Then we went in the store --but it was jam-packed with tourists, so we left. We saw the famous Ahwahnee Lodge but didn't get a very good look. Then we continued on out of the park. We had a very nice drive along the Merced River to Mariposa, then Oakhurst and back to the RV in Coarsegold. We saw a baby bear on the side of the road--he looked thin and was not one bit scared of cars. We also saw two bear traps in the park that were being used. We got home late and we were pooped so we went to bed. Who knew sightseeing could be so tiring???

6/21/12 Thursday Short Drive

We got up about 8 AM and walked the dogs--decided where to stay tonight and called them to say we are coming. We got on the road and drove North on Highway 99 through Fresno, then NE on 41 to the turn off for Park Sierra--Escapees RV Coop near Coarsegold, CA. this place is kind of like Branson--uphill both ways--except it is DRY here. We took it easy (code word: NAP) for awhile after we got here because it was very hot--it seems like the SUN is right on top of you! Then we did laundry, checked out the clubhouse and dog park. We also drove into town for ice cream. After all that we had a light supper, showers--watched the OKC Thunder lose the NBA finals and now ready for bed. Boy a hot shower sure feels good!! Tomorrow we are going to see Yosemite National Park!! Zoey loves the squirrels and birds (with topknots--maybe grouse????) that live here!!

6/20/12 - Wednesday BIG Trees

We stayed at Visalia KOA last night. After we got around we stopped at Walmart--Steve did not get to go in because it was too hot for the dogs to be in the pick-up alone. I went in and got snacks, sandwich stuff and a soft sided ice chest to take to the National Park. It took awhile.... Steve watched a guy with a sign work on people while he waited with the dogs. The panhandler asked for money from women, older folks and families. Be informed!! LOL. Then we gassed up the pickup and headed on our merry way!! On the drive to Sequoia NP & Kings Canyon NP you pass by a huge Lake( Lake Kaweah). Then we went through the small town of Three Rivers --after we got in the park we stopped at the visitor's center and had a picnic--then the drive started. We drove tons of curves, hairpin curves and climbed about 4,000- 6000 ft. When we got close to where the Giant Forest starts we had to stop for road construction. We got there at 2:06 PM--next batch of cars can't go through until 3:00 PM--we had to wait an hour. Oh yes, it was very hot unless you were in the shade. We walked around awhile then when it got closer to 3:00 PM we got in the pickup and tried to move it to the shade for cooling off.... Problem: Pickup didn't want to move forward. The park brake would not release. So Steve worked with it--still would not release-- he looked at the book--not sure what to do--then he got out and wiggled a cable by the rear tire and the park brake released. Whew!! Were we relieved. Then it was time to follow the pilot car. Finally we got to the Giant Forest-It was lovely--those huge trees are amazing. Everyone stands in awe of them!! Most people are quiet in their presence. We took a break here--got some T-shirts and post cards then drove on to Kings Canyon NP. Oh, also today we remembered to bring our National Park Passport book and stamped it! Then we drove a more straight road back to the RV. We got home late and I was too tired to read my Kindle. The lady from Williams AZ RV Park called this morning also - said Steve got a package from the VA!!--We told her to ship it back... must have been another box of shots... Very confusing.

6/19/12 Northbound

Another early start-- on the road by 9AM. We are trying to get North out of the desert! We left Edwards AFB and went west on 58 then north on 99. All were good 4 lane divided highways. I was worried about a pass (Tehachapi, CA), but it was fine! Then we got to Bakersfield, CA and we started seeing green stuff! We saw irrigated fields of oranges, grapes and other crops and beautiful bushes with flowers. The median and both sides of the highway had these beautiful flowering bushes. We saw Buck Owens Blvd and Merle Haggard Drive. It was so nice to see farmland again! We also saw some happy California Cows!! We stopped and bought some fresh oranges and cherries--they are good! We even saw a truckload of Lemons! We got to Visalia, CA about 1:00 PM and got a spot at KOA. We took the dogs to the dog park then guess what??? We took a NAP!! After we woke up we started driving to Sequoia National Park. We got there but it was a pretty hairy drive--beautiful lake and river on the drive--didn't make it to the big trees because it got late too quick. We watched some of the OKC Thunder basketball game -- we lost!! and caught up the blog! Now I am Going to bed! Again - the WIFI is too SLOW to upload any pics! Will try to add pics later. Check facebook for some pics! Have a great day all!

6/18/12 Monday Easy Day

We took it easy today-- I was tired. We did go to Rosemond and ate lunch at Crazy Otto's which has a reputation for large servings of food. As usual I saved half my burger for the dogs!! During the evening when it cooled down we took the RV over and gassed it up. Checked the tire pressure and then Steve cleaned the windows. We got to sleep so we could make an early start!

6/17/12 Sunday -- A Day at the Beach!!

We got up about6:15 or 6:30. Rufus had to go outside--sometimes you miss your fenced back yard when traveling in the RV!! LOL What a great day today--we drove to the beach in Santa Monica--left about 8:30 AM and got there around 10:30. It was foggy, but we were thrilled to see the Pacific Ocean. The sight, buildings, flowers, people and waves were exciting to these two Okies and their dogs!! We parked and got our stuff out of the pickup-paid $2.00 to park and walked to the beach with the dogs. We didn't know if it was OK to have the dogs on the beach or not. Steve asked two people who didn't know either. We saw a small Chihuahua with a girl by the volleyball nets --- sooo we thought it would be OK. Well low and behold we sat around and took pictures and people watched about an hour then.... a lifeguard in a yellow Nissan SUV pulled up by us and said it wasn't OK to have dogs on the beach. He was very nice though-in fact he was from Carnegie OK--so we packed our stuff and the dogs back to the pickup. Many people admired Zoey and she was on her good behavior today. We drove north on the Pacific Coast highway to Malibu and saw lots more interesting sights including beach front house with locked gates. Then we returned and we were on the Ventura Freeway, then the 405, to the 14. All these highways have 3 to 6 lanes each direction and a lot of traffic even on Sunday! We got back to the RV and took a short NAP (of course)!! Then we had another drive around the base and took the dogs for a nice walk. A good time was had by all!

6/16/12 Saturday - Supper with Claudette

We took it easy today--cleaned up--swept the floor, washed dishes. We got around and drove to Palmdale, CA to meet up with Claudette Parker, my friend for many years who used to buy puppies from us. We went to her place of work (Sit & Sleep) to meet with her. She has worked for this company for 12 years in various positions. She is currently a sales consultant for them. We went to the Outback Steakhouse and had a wonderful time visiting and catching up!! We got home about 9:30 PM -- What a great evening!

6/15/12 Friday - More Desert

We got up early again and headed west to California ( like the Beverly Hillbillies). We drove through more desert, and a few large hills--we got to Edwards AFB about 1:30 or 2:00 and it was blazing hot so we hooked up the utilities to cool off and then rested. Later we went to the BX and commissary. We drove around the base - exploring-saw a coyote. This base is HUGE!

6/14/12 Thursday - Left Arizona

We got up early this morning (6:30 AM), unhooked the utilities and headed west out of Arizona. We got on the road at 8 AM, Arizona time. We arrived at Kingman AZ and took a break--called Nellis AFB (Air Force Base)--they had plenty of spots and suggested we take I-40 to 95 to get to Vegas. By the time we got to Needles, CA it was 100 degrees at about 1:00 or 1:30 PM and we decided to quit driving for the day, besides the wind was blowing very hard. We re-evaluated and decided that due to the HOT temps we would skip Las Vegas and do that on another trip (early spring or winter). The Colorado River is beautiful to drive over and we are staying at Needles Marina RV Park. We walked the dogs and checked out the Palm trees. This place is too hot for us to visit in June. We want to get to the coast or the mountains or the trees!! OK I have tried and tried to upload pics tonight -- but no luck! Check me out on Facebook if you want to see photos-- at least until I can get a better WIFI connection.

6/13/12 - Wednesday Zippity Doo Da!!

We had breakfast, took showers then got the laundry around. Before we started the laundry the campground office called and said Steve's medicine had arrived-- Woo Hoo!! So we loaded up the laundry and went to the office to pick up the meds and do the laundry. After that we did some straightening and preparations to take off tomorrow. I also called the VA and told them the medicine had arrived and asked them to thank the girl who actually helped us yesterday. We had supper at the RV and got the pickup hooked up and ready to roll west tomorrow.

6/12/12 Tuesday Awake Early

OK today we got up early (6 AM here), so we could call the VA in OKC to try to find out where Steve's shots are. Finally got someone to call me back and found out they had never been shipped, the label had been made out but the meds were not shipped. They said we would get them Wednesday. So we went downtown to the Family Dollar & Safeway and picked up stuff - then we came home. We had lunch -- then what? A nap of course!! We had soft tacos & fresh strawberries for supper, then watched the OKC Thunder win game 1 of the NBA finals. Watched a little more TV and then bed.

6/11/12 Monday Long, Long Highway!!

Well we did the same morning routine today, pretty much. Although Steve and I both call the VA in OKC to try to find out when and where his shots are. To tell the truth--they don't know--and they said they would call us back-- but they haven't. The plan for tomorrow is to call them every hour I guess until we find out some kind of answer. Anyway, we loaded up the dogs and about 11:30 AM we started the drive to Jerome. WOW, that is a crazee drive--twists and hairpin turns, up and down. It is a cute town, lots of shops. It is like Branson, MO in that to get anywhere you have to walk uphill in every direction. Also it has tourist prices: $27.00 for 2 wraps, 2 pops, and chips!! The drive was so curvy it was almost like a roller coaster and at one time I thought I might toss my cookies, and I have ridden over a lot of mountain roads. Very steep drops off also!! I would upload more pictures, but the wifi here is very slow and has a poor signal. Makes it a very long process to put in pics. Next we drove to Sedona-- more twists and turns and the really pretty part was on the north side of Sedona, where there is water (a creek). Lovely rocks on both sides of the road. Steve decided to buy a board to put between the jump seats in back of the pickup. He wants Rufus to sit on this instead of sitting in the front seat. Rufus does crowd!! When we got almost to Flagstaff we found the Ft. Tuthill recreation area where the Luke Air Force Base Fam Camp is. We thought it looked like a good place to be in the spring with the RV. Got home about 6:30 or 7:00 PM AZ time. Ate sandwiches, yogurt, and fruit. Going to bed soon, we are tired!!! Hard to figure out how this sightseeing can make a person sooooo tired.

6/10/12 Sunday Downtown Williams, AZ

We got up and went to downtown Williams, AZ (where we are staying). Wait - let me back up. We decided to eat out for breakfast. We were going to eat at Denny's but took a wrong turn I guess and went to Cataract Lake (west side of town)--it was pretty and we took a few pictures. We ended up eating at Pine Country Restaurant and then walked through downtown. There are a lot of cute shops--we just browsed and didn't buy anything. Talked to Marsha & Pam -- Pam was still kind of sick at her stomach and she went to the urgent care (FL). Talked to them later and she was better -- a tummy virus I guess. For the afternoon we watched some TV and just chilled out.

6/9/12 Saturday Hanging around the RV

Well we got up and around. Rufus smelled dog food and he was hungry -- which was a good sign-- I put all his pills in dog food and he ate them--no problem. Today we just stayed here at the RV and piddled with stuff. I took Zoey for a walk on the rocky hill on the West side of the RV park. She loved it. Again naps--Wow there haven't been many days without a nap! We may take a drive tonight. Gonna fix supper in the RV. The mornings here are very cool and pleasant and then the wind usually picks up later in the day. Also Steve's shots have not shown up here yet--so I guess we will stay awhile. I found out my sister Pam who is visiting my sister in Florida was sick yesterday and better today--Woo Hoo! Just heard from my sister Nancy who bought a new car today--Good for her!

6/8/12 Friday Rufus to Vet

Poor Rufus - he was sick all night last night and we stayed up with him til about 3:30 AM. So this morning we got up and around quickly after our short night's sleep. I checked at the office to see if they knew of any vet in town - she told me two places to try. We couldn't find one and the other is just opening his practice and won't be open until July. So we went to the Pet Day Spa (boarding kennel) and they gave me a list of places they recommended - none of them were here in Williams, they were all in Flagstaff. I called 6 vet clinics before I found one that could get us in today-- so off we went to Flagstaff to the Vet. Sure glad we have the GPS so we can find these places. The vet gave him 2 shots and pills to start on Saturday. Then we went to Walgreen's to pick up one of the prescriptions. After that we went to the parts store for power steering fluid, Walmart for necessary items including a spot carpet cleaner and other stuff. We purchased gas in Flagstaff - $3.79/gal which is cheaper than in Williams. We got home -- had some soup and all of us slept to make up for the night before. After napping then we washed bedding and towels and used the carpet cleaner on spots-- then bed.

6/7/12 Thursday Grand Canyon

We woke up cold this morning. I put on my sweatshirt to walk the dogs. We drove to the Grand Canyon today -about 40 miles from here. It was a nice drive and we went to the visitors center and watched a short movie then walked to Mather's Point and took lots of pictures. It is very interesting being here because people from all over the world come here to see the Grand Canyon. I heard many languages being spoken. Steve recognized a Korean phrase-- Thank you. When we got back to the pick-up a park volunteer was by our vehicle-- I guess someone had called about our dogs being in the car. He said it s good we got there when we did because a Park Ranger was on the way. We might have got a ticket--Uh Oh. The dogs were fine-- not even thirsty, but after that we didn't leave them in the pick-up alone. Next we drove part of the desert view road (or Rim Road) and took more pictures. Then we checked out the campgrounds and drove home. Took a nap when we got home-- sightseeing is tiring!! After that we went to the grocery store-- prices seem high. Gas is $4.20 - $4.20/gal!! This is an expensive little tourist town. That's it for tonight.

6/6/12 Wednesday Tuba City to Williams AZ, Jackrabbits & Johnson Crater

Same drill this morning --Up and around, unhook utilities, get gas for RV. Left Tuba City AZ and headed west and south--had lunch in the RV after we checked in to the RV park. Got our utilities hooked up -- Steve napped and I showered. Then we went downtown-- Williams, AZ. Route 66 went through here years ago and they have a cute downtown with the Route 66 theme. We ate pizza at an Italian Bistro. After eating we drove west and north of Williams to Johnson Crater. We saw 7 jackrabbits and had a nice evening drive. Then we came back to the RV and bedded down for the night.