8/28/12 Since we got home...

Tuesday (8/21)after we got home we went to Enid and rode with my sister Pam to OKC to the airport to pick up my sister from New Jersey. Nancy met us for supper at On the Border - it was about 9:30 when we got back to Perry. Wednesday 8/22/12 - We stayed home. Thursday -8/23/12 We went to Enid and shopped at Dillard's for some new, fancier than jeans and TShirts clothes. These will be worn at the 50th anniversary shindig! Friday - Home???? Saturday 8/25/12- We went to PF Chang's in OKC and met Pam, Marsha and Nancy and Kristi, Austyn, and Logan to celebrate our birthdays (Pam & Mary Sue). Then we went to Target, Dillard's and Macy's!! Quail Springs Mall... We were there! Sunday - 8/26/12 My birthday: I got older!! A day of rest, recuperation and Laundry (it never stops!!). I had nice cards and phone calls!! Monday 8/27/12 - Went to Enid and picked up Marsha. Then we drove to Woodward to see Aunt Mary and some of our cousins - Karen, Steve and Jon. Had lunch at Big Dan's in Woodward. It was a great visit! Tuesday 8/28/12 - Steve and I went to Oklahoma City to the VA for his appointment. Got back to Perry at about 1:30 PM. Been hanging around the house. Also we went to La Macarena in Perry for Fajitas!!

8/20/12 Monday Homeward Bound

Left Hebron NE and drove almost to Salina, KS where we had lunch at a rest stop. Then we drove south some more and kept driving south, through Newton, Wichita and before we knew it we were back in Oklahoma and then Home -- about 6:30 PM.

8/19/12 Sunday Homeward Bound

Got in the RV and pointed it east on I-80 with the Ipod jammin out tunes. The semi-truck traffic is heavy on this interstate. Had lunch in the RV. We decided to turn south near York, NE and head down US Hiway 81--good four lane--less traffic. We at at the Iron Skillet at York and it was not great--not worth writing home about. Steve was in the groove with his driving so he stayed at it till almost dark-thirty. We found a city park at Hebron, NE (paid$5) for 30 amp electric and it had a dump site. It was a CCC camp-from 1934 to 1941 and then held German POW's from December 1943 to November 1945. Interesting! We were told by some RV'ers in Albuquerque that they like to stay in Nebraska because there are a lot of these city/county parks that don't charge much. So we tried this out. We were glad we did because there was only one or two other RVs there -- pretty much had the place to ourselves. It also had a nice bathroom and shower if we would have needed it.

8/1/12 - Saturday - Homeward Bound

Up about 8:30. Rolled out of the park about 10:00 AM. Got gas-not much traffic on I-25 in Northern Wyoming!! We saw lots of snow fence, pronghorns. Thinking we might stay at the Fam Camp in Cheyenne - but there is a low clearance so we will probably go elsewhere. Measured the RV and is is 11'2" - the clearance at the FamCamp in Cheyenne is 11'6". We might be OK but since we weren't sure we decided to turn east on I-80 and head east for a while. We stopped at Sidney, NE and stayed overnight at Cabela's RV park here -- FHU for $30/night. Ate at the restaurant (Buffalo Point)-next to the lake. The food was good but a little bit pricey!! Sidney Nebraska was a Pony Express stop -- they have a little memorial here and I took some pictures.

9/17/12 Friday - Exploration cancelled

Well we had a slow start today...We finally got around about 11:30. We went to town and had pizza at Pizza Hut then got ice and were ready to head out on a mountain/forest drive. We pulled a pretty good grade in the pick-up and smelled something weird. Steve checked it but couldn't really find anything. We decided to go back to the RV since we didn't know if the pickup was OK or if we would have cell service to get help if we had trouble on the mountain. We just hung out. Steve looked at the computer for what could possibly be wrong with the pickup - but he didn't come to any conclusions. We hooked the pick-up to the RV so we would be ready to go in the morning.

8/16/12 Thursday Heading South

Before we left Cabela's we used their free dump station. Then we were on the road. It was nice and cool this morning. We stopped at the Battle of the Little Bighorn and took a tour. A Crow native (lady) gave us the tour and tried to explain the battle - but it was confusing. I read the brochure and it was confusing. I guess all battles and wars are confusing. We had stopped one other trip, but couldn't find a place to park that time. This is also a national cemetery. The Crow Indian fair was going on but we didn't go back for it , since we are trying to head home. We got to Buffalo , WY and stayed at Deer Park campground about 3/4t to 1 mile east of I-25. This is a cute town and we wanted to explore the forest west of here so we decided to stay an extra night.

8/15/12 Wednesday And So It Begins (The trip home)

When we got up this morning it was pretty cool--maybe about 45 degrees and it had been raining quite a bit. Our chairs were soaked, so they went in the back of the pick-up. We did load some of the wet wood in the RV bin and hope it dries out on the trip home. Before we left we drove up to the forest office and I bought a sweatshirt with Lewis & Clark National Forest - Neihart Field Office embroidered on it. Next, we drove the RV and pick-up to King's Hill. It was a very cool, misty, magical morning. We got to I-90 and drove to Cabela's in Billings, MT, where we stayed overnight in their parking lot. We went in and looked around but didn't buy hardly anything.

8/14/12 - Tuesday Exploring

We got up about 9 today and decided to drive up to Sluice Boxes State Park. By the time we got there it was hot but we looked at Belt Creek and walked down the trail. When we got back to the water the dogs waded in and cooled off. Made a few phone calls while we were on the hill and had a signal Called about a piece of property - 5 acres with a little 2 room shack and Belt Creek in front of it. They wanted $120,000 for it. WOW! Steve said we could visit lots of places for that price! We stopped at the forest office and I inquired about camp host jobs--she told me who to contact. We also got a flyer about cabins that the forest rents--she said most have electricity. We had a burger at the cafe in Neihart (Bob's Bar, Hotel, and Restaurant and one gaming machine). We drove to Kings Hill to look at the cabin there but someone was staying there. So, we drove up a forest road to the top of the mountain. This road was pretty bad, steep, rutted and very narrow. Steve & I both were a little scared because we didn't know if we were going to find a place to turn around--luckily we did and back down we went, which was also a little scary. Then we came back to the RV and took a nap. When we got up we appropriated some firewood from King's Hill Campground, saw another deer, then came back and made a fire. We cooked chicken, potatoes and corn. Then we sat around the fire til almost 10:00 PM when the wind came up!! Decided we would go on in and get to bed. Great Day but a little scary on that forest road.

8/13/12 Monday - To the Forest

We did the usual morning routine plus straightening, unhooking from utilities, hooking up the pickup then headed south on 89 to the forest campground, Many Pines near Neihart, MT. We got to the campsite (#12) about 12:30 PM. We backed in the RV and had a sandwich for lunch. Then we walked down by Belt Creek and mosied along. After that we drove to King's Hill and went to the Fire Lookout. Some forest people were there working so we didn't tarry long. Then we saw a big deer on our way back to the highway. Next we went to Steve's old campsite (forest Road 267) and checked out 2 or 3 places and walked by the creeks there. It was so pretty. The water runs clear and sparkles in the sunlight and the trees are gorgeous! After that we returned to our campsite,made a fire and cooked steak and potatoes--yummy!! Later on we made S'mores for National S'mores Day. Great Day in the Forest!

8/12/12 Sunday -Nothing Special

We got up a little late and just goofed off--decided not to drive to Ft. Benton. We will save that for another trip. Went on base and got groceries at the commissary, washed our sheets and I read a book and caught up the blog. Tomorrow back to the forest for two days then start the trek home. Some other things we didn't do: Eat at the salad place again, eat at Prime Cut; failed to go back and feed the ducks, didn't make the Paris Gibson (founder of this city) Museum, and didn't check out the Charles Russel Museum for a second time. This will give us things to do next time we return!! Have a great day!

8/11/12 Saturday Westward Ho and Car Races

After we got around today we put cold drinks in the ice chest, gassed up the pick-up and washed it and headed to Augusta, MT. It is touted as a Trailhead to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We had hamburgers at Chubby's (in Augusta). As usual there are at least three bars (Saloons) in this small town. We think people in Montana might drink a lot!! Not sure - we haven't really seen any of them falling down or anything. We drove toward the Nilan reservoir and a few miles past it- got near the base of the mountains but not to the trees because it was about 2:30 PM and we wanted to come back to town to the car races. We saw 6 or 8 deer and some antelope on this drive. There are huge ranches and some irrigated farmland (hay) out here also. We saw one place where there wer3 8--10 huge John Deere tractors parked. Also saw a big Charolois Cattle ranch. We got back to town and went to the Car Races at Electric City Speedway. Steve loves the car races sine he had a race car and raced when he was stationed here. It was a great day!!

8/10/12 - Friday

Took it easy this morning because Steve had a headache. Did some routine chores and just piddled around. Always walk the dogs several times per day. Then in the late afternoon we did laundry and got that caught up again. Just really didn't do anything special. Sometimes that is nice.

8/8/12 Wednesday

Woo Hoo!!All of Steve's meds arrived!! I think we just stayed around the camp site til evening. The went to town for some souvenirs to take home. We did walk the trail from our campground to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River (dogs not allowed). It was steep going downhill and back up but we made it. Saw some rafters on the river. Good Day.

8/7/12 Tuesday - Glacier Wildlife

After doing chores (Steve cleaned air conditioner vents and cleaned out the pick-up) we left for Glacier National Park. We packed a light lunch and cold drinks to take along. National Park food is expensive and not always the best tasting. So we headed to Glacier. It was sunny and pretty warm til we got into the trees by Lake McDonald. After driving we finally found a pullout where we could eat lunch on the tail gate of the pick-up. We drove on taking lots of pictures of the falls and mountains. About the time we got to Two Dog Flats we saw a coyote, but didn't get a picture. Then we went out the St. Mary's entrance/exit and got ice cream. By then it was about 4:30 PM so we headed north to Babb, MT and Many Glacier. When we turned off the hiway toward Many Glacier we saw a young black bear cross the road. He was so hot, he was panting like a dog. Also NO picture - because we were too slow or he was too fast. Then there were free range cattle in on spot. After that there was BEAR jam. A momma Grizzly with a cub eating huckleberries. She put her head down and grazed on them like a cow would graze on grass. We sat quite awhile and Steve took pictures with his camera -- but my Iphone did not get a good close-up. I had been driving and we finally finished our tour of Many Glacier and drove back to St. Mary's entrance. Since I was driving the pickup got up to 70 MPH twice today!! LOL When we got to Logan's pass we saw the mountain goats. We took several pictures as they had babies that were cute. They did not mind the tourists taking pictures -- in fact it seemed as if they were posing for the best shot. I have pics of these I will have to add later. We got close to home and ate pizza at Glacier Grill and Pizze at Coram MT. Then home to the RV about 9:30. No closed gates. I was not dizzy today. Great Day!

8/6/12 Monday - Back to Missoula

We called the VA first thing this morning. Talked to someone who said all Steve's (oral) meds were sent to the RV Park at Missoula, MT. I had called the RV Park Saturday and they said there was nothing there for Steve. So I called them back today (Monday) and they said yes he had 2 packages there. After we shampooed the carpet in the RV we drove back about 140 miles one way to get them. Took us most of the day. At least the drive was pretty and on the way back we stopped at Museum of America near Polson. Steve really liked it and I did too. It would take about 3 - 4 days to see all the stuff they have there. It is quite a collection. When we got back to the RV we ate soup and Cheese & Crackers. The we watched our Yellowstone DVD and went to sleep. Also I was not dizzy today - Yea! I have quit taking Claritin every day to see if that helped and I believe it has.

8/5/12 Sunday - Driving North

Today we headed north to Hungry Horse MT. MOst of our drive was on the east side of Flathead Lake. The lake is awesome!! It is the biggest fresh water lake East of the Mississippi. We saw a lot of Flathead Cherry groves and fruit stands selling the cherries. They are $1.25/pound here. We got to Canyon RV and Campground (Escapee price - little less expensive) and unhooked to get into our site. They call Full Hook-ups 30 amp electric, sewer, water - does not include 50 amp or cable TV. In fact no cable to even pay extra for. The WIFI is good here. Lots of dog rules here. Staying 4 nights in order to get Steve's shots. Later we drove into town and found the chocolate -covered huckleberries and had supper. Then we drove to Hungry Horse Dam and reservoir. We got home about 9:30 PM and the gates were shut but not locked--Thankfully--as no one said anything about shutting gates when we checked in.

8/4/12 Saturday Easy does it - Blodgett Canyon

Today we took it easy for awhile -- Steve wasn't feeling too good. We even went back to bed. Later we went to town for a hamburger and then drove to Hamilton, MT (south of Lolo) and checked out Blodgett Canyon in the Bitterroot National Forest. It was a nice drive. There are interesting mountains there and Steve found a clear stream at the trailhead. Some of the photos of the mountain compare it to Half Dome in Yosemite. It is better to google it and look at their images as I did not get great pics. Then we went back to the RV, showered and worked on the blog. We move to Hungry Horse, MT tomorrow.

8/3/12 Friday - Sight seeing

We slept in til about 8:30 or 9:00 this morning and Steve's headache was better today than yesterday. I called for a place to stay up by Glacier and made reservations for Sunday - Wednesday (8/5/1/2- 8/8/12) so I could then call the VA at OKC and order Steve's shots. We will be at Canyon RV Campgrounds and cabins at Hungry Horse, MT - hope it is as nice as this place. Then I checked with the office here and got one more night -- so we will leave Lolo, MT on Sunday 8/5/12. Later, we went to town and ate a nice salad for lunch at the Hayloft Restaurant, saloon and casino--restaurant was separate from the other stuff. Next we stopped at Traveler's Rest National Historic Landmark. It has bee archeologically confirmed that Lewis & Clark camped here in 1805!! Rufus got in Lolo Creek and layed down on his stomach. He looked cute and I took his picture.

Back in the pickup to head west to Lolo Hot Springs and Lolo Pass. It was a beautiful drive with trees and clear running water. We stopped and checked out Lolo Creek forest campground, the visitor center between Montana and Idaho. I had a nice visit with a volunteer lady who is from Dallas and volunteers in August and September for the last three years and she gets a free forest cabin for 3 1/2 days per week of volunteering. Then we checked out the Powell Idaho Ranger Station and Forest campground. This campground has electricity at sites in one loop, asphalt roads and it looked like a shower at one bathroom. It would also be a nice place to be camphost. On our way back to Lolo MT and the campground we stopped at DeVoto Memorial Grove where there are beautiful majestic red cedars 400 - 500 years old. It is said they can live up to 2000 - 3000 years if conditions are right. Then we headed back to the RV and had some soup and cheese & crackers. Tomorrow more sight seeing! I have always been interested in the Nez Perce Tribe since we owned Appaloosa horses years ago and wanted to go on the trail ride they have every year. This is one of the history spots we stopped at today -- Ft. Fizzle. The Nez Perce basically got behind where the volunteer army had set up to stop them and escaped. It is interesting to me to read some of these postings.

8/2/12 Thursday Where Should We Go Now?

Well we got up and got dressed and ate breakfast. Kristi and Logan were not feeling too good this morning, Austyn seemed to be better, but they finished packing the car and started for home. It was sad when they left. Steve and I disconnected the utilities and hooked up the pick-up--We left the Butte KOA about 10:30 AM (Don't stay there if you don't have to -- it is very crowded). We drove to Missoula and were not sure where to stay -- but I had looked up a site called the Square Dance Center and Campground about 2 1/2 miles west of Lolo, MT. Lolo was about 8-10 miles south of Missoula -- so we called and they said they could accommodate us even though it was going to be a big square dance week-end. We just love this place--it has beautiful trees, friendly folks and not all crowded up. Our site is 30 amp Electric and Water (No sewer) but there is a dump we can use. The setting is awesome. We took the dogs for a walk to Lolo Creek as soon as we got set up. Then later we went south of Lolo and explored Bass Creek recreation and campground (forest service)--asphalt roads--could be a good place to spend a few nights without hook-ups if we want, or to be a camphost at. Then we walked the dogs on a nature trail at this same recreation place. This area is beautiful and the temperature is great for walking -- plus the elevation is about 3200-3500 feet. Then hamburgers for us and the dagos at McDonald's and home to bed. We did not need the air conditioner--just the fan for sleeping.

8/1/12 Wednesday - Car repair

Steve and Kristi got up early and took the car in for a check-up. Then they went to Wal-mart to pick up a few things. After they returned Kristi and I did laundry. I was still feeling somewhat dizzy at times. The car needed brake pads and rotors turned and w tires on the back. That was done in a timely fashion at the GMC dealership in Butte. We then took the car for a test drive to Anaconda MT -- and it seemed to be driving great. We ate supper at Chef's Garden - Italian food and had ice cream at Dairy Queen. Then we drove around Butte a little bit and looked at some of the mansions. When we got back to the RV Kristi and the kids packed their stuff for departure tomorrow -- kinda sad they are leaving.

7/31/12 Tuesday -Austyn's Birthday

We got up and around, ate breakfast, walked the dogs, cleaned up and fixed our hair. I was dizzy, but this morning we went to the Mineral Museum at Montana Tech in Butte, MT. It was very interesting and the guy answered a lot of questions. We got some pretty rocks for the kids and Kristi got some fossils for her classroom. This is a tree that has butterflies made out of gem stones.

Then they took me back to the RV to rest since I was dizzy. Kristi and the kids returned with Austyn's Birthday cake and Wilcoxin Ice Cream (Moosetracks)!! We ate that and Austyn opened her presents and we had a little birthday party for Austyn's 10th birthday.

Later we went to Sparky's Garage for supper, but Austyn got sick at her stomach, and I was still nauseous So Kristi and Steve tried to eat while the rest of us ate soup. Kristi had to leave early with Austyn because she was sick. Logan was so cute-- he said it is not good for the birthday girl to get sick!! We agreed!

7/30/12 Monday - Move to Butte

Well we left Helena this morning after loading and getting some propane. Then we were on the way to Butte, MT--South down I-15. This was a short, easy drive. This afternoon Logan, Steve and I went to Wal-mart while Kristi & Austyn took a nap. Then we took a nap while Logan, Austyn and Krisit went swimming. Then we ate at Fiesta Mexican-- great service and the food was pretty good. We got home and took a walk on the nature trail by the visitor center next to the campground. The dogs and us really enjoyed it.

7/29/12 Sunday - Game Room

Well nothing too exciting this morning. We did some checking and found a game room called a Ton of Fun. We all played some air hockey -- I think Steve won the most games. We played a few other games then we got ice cream somewhere and drove around Helena. We took the kids to a playground also and drove by the Capitol building.

We cooked out chicken and baked potatoes and sat outside the RV taking it easy except Steve who worked his tail off washing windows!

7/28/12 Saturday - Gates of the Mountain

After we all got up and showered and cleaned up and looking pretty, we went to the Gates of the Mountains. It is a two hour boat ride on the Missouri River. The tour guide was very informative and entertaining. We learned a lot about the area.

I would highly recommend this if you are near Helena, MT.

Steve and I went to Walmart for supplies, groceries and medicine. Later we cooked out on the grill and played with the dogs and kids this evening. This was a great day!

7/27/12 Friday - Leaving Great Falls

As usual we got up and around. We took the RV for gas then hooked up the pickup. We left for Helena, MT this morning. It was a short drive (70 miles) south on I-15.

Arrived at our destination -Lincoln Road RV Park. We got the utilities hooked up, this site is smaller, tighter but the grass is nice. Steve and I took the kids for a drive to York--found a nice playground where they played and we were going to look for a ghost town but went back to the RV instead. Besides Logan said there is no such thing as ghosts--very logical. For supper we ate Pizza at Bullman's Wood Fired Pizza and then had frozen yogurt at Frozen Moose Yogurt (like Orange Leaf in Stillwater).

7/26/12 Thursday - Shopping

After breakfast - we went to Scheel's sporting goods, Big Lots, and JC Penney's. Didn't buy much of anything. Then Steve, Logan and I went to lunch at McDonald's and home to take it easy. Austyn and Kristi did laundry. After supper the kids blew bubbles and later we went back to the Duck Pond-it was fun and relaxing.

7/25/12 - Wednesday - Ryan Dam

After getting around and having Breakfast and Lunch at the RV we went to Ryan Dam. It is about 12 miles NE of Great Falls on the Missouri River. There is a display of the modern day electric cook stove there because they produced a lot of electricity at this dam and wanted to show off the electric stove. They don't allow pets on the island so if it is hot -- leave your pooch at home. The bridge really sways... gives you a funny feeling. We took it easy the rest of the evening and made S'mores. Again we walked around at the Famcamp.

7/24/12 Tuesday Catch Up Day

We got up and around. I called two veterinarians and got Rufus an appointment on the second call. Steve & I took him to the vet for an exam and refill of his meds. Back to the RV. Then we did laundry--It was hot in the laundromat uptown and Steve about passed out on me. After that we cooked on the charcoal grill and then went to Gibson Park and fed the ducks and geese. We also took picture and looked at the flower garden, an old cabin and skate park. Great Evening.

7/23/12 - Monday -Sights

We got around and went to Giant Springs State Park and Roe River (shortest river)- it flows into the Missouri River, which is the longest River in the US. By the way I still do not know the difference between a river, creek, and stream.

Then the kids played in the park and got a free poster. After that we had lunch at Salad Creations. Later we went to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (Wonderful)and the kids earned Jr. Ranger badges. It is an amazing facility and Steve & I had been there previously - so glad the kids got to see it. We all got in free because of Steve's Access pass. It was very informative and I really enjoyed for the second time.

Then back to the RV--we are pooped but still need to do things. Steve & I went to Wal-mart for food supplies and Kristi did some more laundry. Then we cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on the charcoal grill outside. We walked the dogs and the kids ran around. Rufus is having trouble seeing again so we will try to get him into the vet tomorrow. The Famcamp here at Malmstrom Air Force Base is nice but no frills. Great restrooms, has a small laundry and plenty of space. Could use more trees and a fire pit would be nice. Also next time we need to get a site that puts the front of the RV facing west --maybe.