We gathered at Country Place RV Park in Cut N Shoot. We had 25 rigs in attendance. We got there about 3 PM Friday. Set up and visited with those that were there and others as they arrived. Mike and Amber had spent the day making 2 large pots of taco soup. Everyone else brought things to go with it and we had a feast Friday evening. As usual, Don had a campfire going and we closed the evening around 10 PM.
Rained some during the night. Got up Saturday morning and walked the dogs. Ellen put the campers breakfast I had made into the oven to heat. We joined the others for breakfast at 9. Wow, what a lot of great food. Ate too much and drank a lot of coffee. Spent the day talking, sitting by the fire, had a sandwich for lunch and took a nap. What a day.
Dinner was again pot luck. And again, lots of great food. We had a great time visiting with friends and sitting around the fire. Slept good Saturday night. Sunday morning, walked the dogs around, saying good byes to friends getting ready to head home. We finally readied ourselves and left around 11. Got home, unloaded and took trailer back to shop. Came home and Ellen fixed a late lunch. I settled in to watch the NASCAR race from Phoenix and Ellen quilted.
We had a great week while Ellen was home. It was sure hard to have her leave on Monday morning.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Saturday October 30
Got up early and had a light breakfast. Temp was in the upper 40's, so I put on a long sleeve shirt and my heavy coat and got the Road Star out of the garage. Headed off to Luby's on Mason Road to meet up with the Christian Motorcycle Assoc. whose meeting was being held at Luby's @ 8:30 AM. Not much more than 2 miles there, but I did not have enough layers on. COLD. Walked in and was made to feel very welcome. Filled out visitors form and then went up to line to get a cup of coffee. I had a dollar out and the checker told me it was $1.94/cup. WOW!
This meeting happened to be their annual election of officers, so I met lots of people. They also discussed there help center that they were setting up in Galveston this weekend for the Lone Star Bike Rally. Meeting ajourned around 10. We gathered on the parking lot with the bikes for a group picture. There had been a large group at the meeting.
About 20 - 22 bikes rode to Magnolia and had lunch at Rancho Grande. Great food. Great fellowship. After lunch, the group was going on to Brenham for ice cream. I had to head back home as I was going to a cookout for a good friends birthday.
Saturday night we had grilled hamburgers and fixings. A good time visiting with friends. All in all a great day.
Looking forward to next month's gathering and ride with the CMA.
This meeting happened to be their annual election of officers, so I met lots of people. They also discussed there help center that they were setting up in Galveston this weekend for the Lone Star Bike Rally. Meeting ajourned around 10. We gathered on the parking lot with the bikes for a group picture. There had been a large group at the meeting.
About 20 - 22 bikes rode to Magnolia and had lunch at Rancho Grande. Great food. Great fellowship. After lunch, the group was going on to Brenham for ice cream. I had to head back home as I was going to a cookout for a good friends birthday.
Saturday night we had grilled hamburgers and fixings. A good time visiting with friends. All in all a great day.
Looking forward to next month's gathering and ride with the CMA.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
New bike
I have put a couple of hundred miles on it now and sure feels good to be riding again.
Now I know why dogs ride with their head out of the window!
Now I know why dogs ride with their head out of the window!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
New Toy
Well as you may remember, I bought a little Yamaha VStar 250 to carry on the front of the Excursion when we go camping. It will be great for that, but it is not a road bike. I have taken it out for a couple of rides on FM roads around Katy, but it is just so light and not geared for running the 50-55 mph you need to travel to stay out of the way.
Well while in Boerne and looking at Harleys, Raymond and I were talking about what we would like to have. I was telling Raymond about a 1998 Valkrie that was on CraigsList that had real low miles on it. These were super bikes that Honda only made a few years. Ellen told me if I thought it was a good buy, to go buy it. She likes to ride as much as I do. We quit riding years ago with kids around.
I had been looking around for a while and thought I wanted a VStar 1100 to play around with. She and I had been to Yamaha and I had sat on one as well as some of their larger bikes. Seems like all the 1100's on CraigsList were either high milage or priced too high. Yamaha shop had no used 1100's. And, Yamaha has dropped production of the 1100.
I and then Michael and I had made several trips to the Yamaha shop and asked questions and sat on bikes. We looked at several used bikes and I looked at a used RoadStar and really liked the way it felt and sat. But, it had a fairing with radio and hard bags on rear. I really thought I wanted just a plain bike. I then found a 2007 Red RoadStar with 4500 miles on it that had windshield and nothing else. I made an offer and he turned me down. So I kept looking. Michael and I went to the Yamaha shop again. They had a used 2006 Midnight RoadStar Silverado S there on consignment. I did not think I wanted a black bike, but this bike was one good looking bike. I made a low offer.
Offer was countered half way in between asking and my offer. Sales guy told me the bike although it was a 2006 had not been sold by the dealer until March 2009 and the buyer had purchased the 4 year extended factory warranty on top on the normal 1 year and that it was transferable, good until March 2014. I still walked away and went to look at other bikes.
Yesterday I called and talked with Ellen and told her what I found. The red 2007 base RoadStar and the loaded 2006 RoadStar with warranty. Even though more money, the 2006 was a better buy as it would cost a fortune to add the assessories to the 2007 to equal to 2006, and the 06 had the warrantee. I went in and made the deal on the 06 and came home and cancelled appointments that I had to look a couple other bikes.
Picked up yesterday afternoon and only put 30 miles on it. Road 90 miles on it today and hopefully if no rain tomorrow, go for another ride. It is great to be on the road again, 2 wheeling!
Well while in Boerne and looking at Harleys, Raymond and I were talking about what we would like to have. I was telling Raymond about a 1998 Valkrie that was on CraigsList that had real low miles on it. These were super bikes that Honda only made a few years. Ellen told me if I thought it was a good buy, to go buy it. She likes to ride as much as I do. We quit riding years ago with kids around.
I had been looking around for a while and thought I wanted a VStar 1100 to play around with. She and I had been to Yamaha and I had sat on one as well as some of their larger bikes. Seems like all the 1100's on CraigsList were either high milage or priced too high. Yamaha shop had no used 1100's. And, Yamaha has dropped production of the 1100.
I and then Michael and I had made several trips to the Yamaha shop and asked questions and sat on bikes. We looked at several used bikes and I looked at a used RoadStar and really liked the way it felt and sat. But, it had a fairing with radio and hard bags on rear. I really thought I wanted just a plain bike. I then found a 2007 Red RoadStar with 4500 miles on it that had windshield and nothing else. I made an offer and he turned me down. So I kept looking. Michael and I went to the Yamaha shop again. They had a used 2006 Midnight RoadStar Silverado S there on consignment. I did not think I wanted a black bike, but this bike was one good looking bike. I made a low offer.
Offer was countered half way in between asking and my offer. Sales guy told me the bike although it was a 2006 had not been sold by the dealer until March 2009 and the buyer had purchased the 4 year extended factory warranty on top on the normal 1 year and that it was transferable, good until March 2014. I still walked away and went to look at other bikes.
Yesterday I called and talked with Ellen and told her what I found. The red 2007 base RoadStar and the loaded 2006 RoadStar with warranty. Even though more money, the 2006 was a better buy as it would cost a fortune to add the assessories to the 2007 to equal to 2006, and the 06 had the warrantee. I went in and made the deal on the 06 and came home and cancelled appointments that I had to look a couple other bikes.
Picked up yesterday afternoon and only put 30 miles on it. Road 90 miles on it today and hopefully if no rain tomorrow, go for another ride. It is great to be on the road again, 2 wheeling!
On the road again, don't to wait to get on the road again, going 2 wheeling with my friends!
Labor Day Weekend
We drove out to Boerne, Texas for the weekend. The Texas Boomers were having their annual Labor Day Rally and their 10th anniversity party. Last I heard, we had 68 rigs show up. Got there Friday afternoon and we shortly thereafter started eating. Friday night pot luck finger food, snacks and sandwiches.
Saturday morning we had pot luck breakfast. Never have I seen soo much food. Eggs, egg casseroles, grits casserole, bacon, sausage, biscuites, toast, donuts, etc. You sure did have to leave hungry. There is no telling how many gallons of coffee and orange juice were drank.
Afterwards, Raymond & Annette and Ellen & I ventured down to the Harley shop. Ray and I both have to bug for a road bike. Got there and they were celebrating also. Had a live band and tons of folks looking at new bikes and some taking test rides. They sure had some great looking bikes, but you really have to pay for that Harley name. Saturday afternoon Annette and Ellen went to the pool and I walked around the campground and talked, and took a nap. Saturday night we had "catered" BBQ dinner. It was OK, but not great food. Afterwards, we had live music. This group at this campout was really good.
Sunday morning we had zippy bag omlets. More coffee and orange juice. More chatting with friends and making new friends. Afterwards, Raymond & Annette and Ellen and I went out to the "Cave with no Name".
Saturday morning we had pot luck breakfast. Never have I seen soo much food. Eggs, egg casseroles, grits casserole, bacon, sausage, biscuites, toast, donuts, etc. You sure did have to leave hungry. There is no telling how many gallons of coffee and orange juice were drank.
Afterwards, Raymond & Annette and Ellen & I ventured down to the Harley shop. Ray and I both have to bug for a road bike. Got there and they were celebrating also. Had a live band and tons of folks looking at new bikes and some taking test rides. They sure had some great looking bikes, but you really have to pay for that Harley name. Saturday afternoon Annette and Ellen went to the pool and I walked around the campground and talked, and took a nap. Saturday night we had "catered" BBQ dinner. It was OK, but not great food. Afterwards, we had live music. This group at this campout was really good.
Sunday morning we had zippy bag omlets. More coffee and orange juice. More chatting with friends and making new friends. Afterwards, Raymond & Annette and Ellen and I went out to the "Cave with no Name".
I took more pictures, but they just did not come out. This is a live cave. 66 degrees year around. Interesting tour and history of the cave.
Sunday evening, put luck dinner and tons of food again. Last night at campground. Sat around and talked and visited with everyone. Monday morning dawned foggy and threating rain. Everyone started getting ready to go early and then just pulled on out. We visited in between getting trailer ready to tow. We left around 10 and headed home. Ran in heavy rain and traffic got heavier the closer we got to Houston. Made it home to a heavy rain. It finally let up and we got unloaded and I took the trailer back out to the shop.
We had a great time. But reality was upon us, Ellen had to head back to Robinson early Monday morning.
Trip to Illinois
Got some catching up to do here, so lets get to it.
I flew out of Houston on August 25 and Ellen picked me up at the Indianapolis airport that evening. We drove back to Robinson, IL, ate a light dinner and got to bed. We got up early on Thursday morning and drove to Chicago. Never been there before and was impressed at how clean the city looked. We arrived at the Navy Pier and finally found parking 5 or 6 blocks away. We have pre-purchased tickets on-line ahead of time, so all we had to do was stop and exchange our printout for wrist bands and we were good to go.
The "tours" of the tall ships turned out to be stand in line, board, walk to bow on 1 side, to the stern on the other side then back up the first side to to ramp and exit the ship. Not what we expected when we bought tickets to tour the vessels. Some of the hatches were open and you could look down into the ships, but could not see much. Heavy crowd on Thursday, but we were told it would be wall to wall people Fri.-Sun.
We walked the pier and looked at the Tall Ships, boarded a few and people watched. We purchased tickets on the SeaDog and took a tour up through the locks down the river into Chicago. The guide pointed out historical buildings and other things along the way.
At 6PM we lined up to board the Tall Ship "Lynx". We had bought tickets for a 90 minute evening sail aboard her. Crew was great explaining everything they were doing. We sailed around to the other side of Navy Pier where the HMS Bounty (from the movie) was tied up and gave her a broad side with 3 of our cannons. We then sailed out of the harbor and south a little ways before heading back. On the way back I sat and talked with the Captain. Lots of interesting stories and facts about the ship. He noticed the "Pride of Baltimore" heading our way and her crew making ready to broadside us. He hastened our crew to reload 2 cannons and we returned fire. Later as we were docking, the "Pride of Baltimore" passed by us on her way to her tie up and gave us another broadside.
Here are some pictures.
"HMS Bounty" surrounded by people waiting to board
We stopped and ate a late lunch on the way to the airport. I caught my plane and got home Sunday evening.
I flew out of Houston on August 25 and Ellen picked me up at the Indianapolis airport that evening. We drove back to Robinson, IL, ate a light dinner and got to bed. We got up early on Thursday morning and drove to Chicago. Never been there before and was impressed at how clean the city looked. We arrived at the Navy Pier and finally found parking 5 or 6 blocks away. We have pre-purchased tickets on-line ahead of time, so all we had to do was stop and exchange our printout for wrist bands and we were good to go.
The "tours" of the tall ships turned out to be stand in line, board, walk to bow on 1 side, to the stern on the other side then back up the first side to to ramp and exit the ship. Not what we expected when we bought tickets to tour the vessels. Some of the hatches were open and you could look down into the ships, but could not see much. Heavy crowd on Thursday, but we were told it would be wall to wall people Fri.-Sun.
We walked the pier and looked at the Tall Ships, boarded a few and people watched. We purchased tickets on the SeaDog and took a tour up through the locks down the river into Chicago. The guide pointed out historical buildings and other things along the way.
At 6PM we lined up to board the Tall Ship "Lynx". We had bought tickets for a 90 minute evening sail aboard her. Crew was great explaining everything they were doing. We sailed around to the other side of Navy Pier where the HMS Bounty (from the movie) was tied up and gave her a broad side with 3 of our cannons. We then sailed out of the harbor and south a little ways before heading back. On the way back I sat and talked with the Captain. Lots of interesting stories and facts about the ship. He noticed the "Pride of Baltimore" heading our way and her crew making ready to broadside us. He hastened our crew to reload 2 cannons and we returned fire. Later as we were docking, the "Pride of Baltimore" passed by us on her way to her tie up and gave us another broadside.
Here are some pictures.
Pride of Baltimore
Ellen on the bow of the Pride
the SeaDog
Chicago
This is the"Roseway" the only ship there that was not a replicate
?
The "Lynx" dockside
The smaller ship is the "Red Witch" other unknown
The "Lynx" coming in from an afternoon sail
"Lynx"
"Red Witch"
the "Lynx" at sea with us on board
Good bye Navy Pier - It had been a great day.
Friday and Saturday Ellen and I cruised some antique shops, walked the park and watched some movies. Just spending great time together.
Sunday we left Robinson early heading back to Indianolopis. Ellen had seen signs regarding a covered bridge and we went to take a look.
Upper falls
lower falls
Bridge was pretty, creek running slowly, but it was hot there so we did not stay too long.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Weekend with Mom
I left home Friday morning and drove to Texarkana for a weekend with my Mom. Non eventful drive up and got there without any phone calls from Mom or Michael. Mom always calls while I am on the road wanting to know when I will be there and Michaels, well he just calls several times a day. I walk in and Mom said she had tried to call me. I told her the phone had not rang and reached for the phone to check the call log, and ... it was not there. I had put it on charge Thursday night and left it lying on the dresser on charge. I felt lost the rest of the weekend without it.
My sister invited us out for dinner Friday night. We went and caught up with with was going on and had a good meal. I always love going out to their farm as it was my Grandparents home place when I was a kid. Lots of great memories out there.
Saturday my other sister came for lunch as well as the sister and her family we had had dinner with the night before. More great sharing and catching up on things. Mom and I had some great time before and after lunch. Just alone time, which was good.
Got up Sunday and had breakfast and put together a shoe rack for Mom. Bonnie and Jess were ready to head home and ran out to the truck and loaded up. We got home around 3:30 PM. It was a great weekend.
My sister invited us out for dinner Friday night. We went and caught up with with was going on and had a good meal. I always love going out to their farm as it was my Grandparents home place when I was a kid. Lots of great memories out there.
Saturday my other sister came for lunch as well as the sister and her family we had had dinner with the night before. More great sharing and catching up on things. Mom and I had some great time before and after lunch. Just alone time, which was good.
Got up Sunday and had breakfast and put together a shoe rack for Mom. Bonnie and Jess were ready to head home and ran out to the truck and loaded up. We got home around 3:30 PM. It was a great weekend.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday
Ellen's brother and his wife (Gray & Cindy) have been at Galveston Island State Park all week on vacation. Ellen and I went down to visit. We got there around lunch time and cooked hamburgers on the grill, but ate inside due to the heat. It had been a while since we had been together, so we had a lot of catching up to do.
We drove down the seawall to the ferry landing and parked. We walked on and rode over and back on the ferry. The dolphins were very active and it was fun watching them play. There was quite a bit of ship traffic in the channel and a number at anchor.
We drove around town and checked out a lot of the carvings that they made from the live oak tree stumps. They were interesting and very detailed. Broadway sure looks different without the large over hanging live oak trees.
We went back to the park. We went to the beach and walked for a while. The beach is sure wide now. The campground used to have 150 RV sites and 3 bathhouses. There were day use areas and showers that are now gone. The park is now 36 RV campsites (only the campsites on the back row farest from the beach still exist) and 2 bathhouses. Where you could used to go around the circle so you could just back into a site, now you have back all the way down the street to your site as the circle is no more. They have put in all new electrical and water lines, which is good.
We drove down the seawall to the ferry landing and parked. We walked on and rode over and back on the ferry. The dolphins were very active and it was fun watching them play. There was quite a bit of ship traffic in the channel and a number at anchor.
We drove around town and checked out a lot of the carvings that they made from the live oak tree stumps. They were interesting and very detailed. Broadway sure looks different without the large over hanging live oak trees.
We went back to the park. We went to the beach and walked for a while. The beach is sure wide now. The campground used to have 150 RV sites and 3 bathhouses. There were day use areas and showers that are now gone. The park is now 36 RV campsites (only the campsites on the back row farest from the beach still exist) and 2 bathhouses. Where you could used to go around the circle so you could just back into a site, now you have back all the way down the street to your site as the circle is no more. They have put in all new electrical and water lines, which is good.
Tuesday
We had talked about getting a scooter to take with us when camping. We used to ride a lot and thought we would enjoy playing around on a scooter when out away from our high traffic area. Carrying one was the problem. Saw a MotoTote carrier for a 2" receiver on CraigsList and the idea hit me. If I put a front hitch on the Excursion, I could carry it on front. Called the ad and made a deal for the carrier.
After looking at several scooters, Ellen told me she liked the looks of a motorcycle better. I to like the look of a motorcycle better, so we changed gears. Went to Honday and checked out a Rebel 250. Did not sit good and handlebars hit my knees when turning. Went to Yamaha and checked out a V Star 250. Felt good and Ellen could sit on it and put both feet on the ground when stopped.
Kept watching CraigsList. Checked out a Suzuki SM 650, nice but 50 pounds heavier than a 250 and it was a single cylinder engine. Found a 2005 Suzuki GS 250 with 79 miles on it. Bad battery, had to jump start and it was powder blue metalic. Rode great and would be a good choice, but I thought too much money. Test rode a 2005 Yamaha Virago 250 (same as V Star, they just changed the name) with 2000 miles on it, but a little high for a 2005.
Finally I called on V Star 250 that was on CraigsList that I had not considered because I thought it was too high. Talked to the owner and was told it was a 2009 with 1415 miles. They needed money and offered to sell now at about 1/2 the cost of a new one. I hooked up my trailer, got cash from the bank and off I went. Bike is brand new, purchased in Oct. last year. Took it for a test ride and just like new. Exchanged paperwork and money. I loaded up and brought it home.
After looking at several scooters, Ellen told me she liked the looks of a motorcycle better. I to like the look of a motorcycle better, so we changed gears. Went to Honday and checked out a Rebel 250. Did not sit good and handlebars hit my knees when turning. Went to Yamaha and checked out a V Star 250. Felt good and Ellen could sit on it and put both feet on the ground when stopped.
Kept watching CraigsList. Checked out a Suzuki SM 650, nice but 50 pounds heavier than a 250 and it was a single cylinder engine. Found a 2005 Suzuki GS 250 with 79 miles on it. Bad battery, had to jump start and it was powder blue metalic. Rode great and would be a good choice, but I thought too much money. Test rode a 2005 Yamaha Virago 250 (same as V Star, they just changed the name) with 2000 miles on it, but a little high for a 2005.
Finally I called on V Star 250 that was on CraigsList that I had not considered because I thought it was too high. Talked to the owner and was told it was a 2009 with 1415 miles. They needed money and offered to sell now at about 1/2 the cost of a new one. I hooked up my trailer, got cash from the bank and off I went. Bike is brand new, purchased in Oct. last year. Took it for a test ride and just like new. Exchanged paperwork and money. I loaded up and brought it home.
Now I need to buy and install the front hitch. Then Ellen and I can relive our dating days when we played on a Yamaha 180 that I had then. We are both going to go to Basic Motorcycle training school and get our TX motorcycle driver license. Dummy me had one for years and gave it up because I was tired of paying for it at each renewal, thinking we most likely would never have a bike again. Of well, I can use the refresher.
Monday - Day 17 Vacation
Thankfully, an uneventful day. Left Abilene and caught Hwy 36 toward home. Needed a pit stop, so we stopped in Comanche for fuel and restrooms. Seems like once you get this close to home, all you want to do is make good time on the road and get home. By around 2, we were hungry, so when we got to Brenham, we stopped at Whataburger and got burgers, restroom stop and loaded back up and hit the road. We ate on the road headed for home.
Got home and unloaded most of the stuff that had to come off the trailer. Then the rain hit heavy. Of well, will finish Tuesday morning before taking trailer back to shop.
Got home and unloaded most of the stuff that had to come off the trailer. Then the rain hit heavy. Of well, will finish Tuesday morning before taking trailer back to shop.
Sunday - Day 16 Vacation
Not much to do to get ready to travel this day. We got hooked up and headed out. Made the long pull on the east side of Albuquerque with no problem. Ran in a light rain for a while. When we turned of I-40 south on Hwy 84, we made a pit stop. As it was raining, I had the headlights on. I noticed as I walked back out to the rig that the lights on the trailer were not on even though the truck lights were. Checked plug - OK. I checked brake/turn signal lights and they worked as did my brakes. I checked fuses and found all OK. We hit the road and were glad to run out of the rains soon after.
We stopped for fuel in Lubbock and got back on the road. We made it as far as Abilene where we stayed at the KOA. Most expensive night of the whole trip. They closed the office, pool, playground, everything at 8PM sharp. Overall a nice place, but over priced and sure would have liked a swim.
We stopped for fuel in Lubbock and got back on the road. We made it as far as Abilene where we stayed at the KOA. Most expensive night of the whole trip. They closed the office, pool, playground, everything at 8PM sharp. Overall a nice place, but over priced and sure would have liked a swim.
Saturday - Day 15 Vacation
Well, today is the day. Not quite ready for it to come to an end, but somewhat ready to be home too. Normal things to do to get ready to pull out. Dump tanks, raise jacks, unhook TV cable, water & electric. Put up chairs.
After our trip yesterday, I needed fuel. Went into town to a place Pat had told me had fuel at a lower price. It was $3.59 out on the interstate. The sign said $3.11, same as station across street. I pulled in and discovered the pumps were so old they did not have CC readers. I was having second thoughts, but Pat had recommended this station, so I took my card inside and went back out to fill up. When finished, I went back inside and the attendant handed me a form on a clip board to sign. He tells me that the stations is participating in a fuel tax program that AZ has for diesel vehicles. Net affect, they rebate $0.08/gallon tax, so I ended up paying only $3.03/gallon. Neat deal. Only station we encountered that gave us the discount.
Pulled out and headed to Albuquerque. Ran into an extremely heavy rain storm in Gallup, NM. Raining so hard that even some 18 wheelers were pulling to the side and parking. We made it back into Albuquerque and stopped again at American RV Park where we had stayed on our way out. Set up the trailer, snacked, and went down to Flying J and filled up with fuel. We then went to Walmart and picked up milk and a few other things, then back to the park. We suited up and went to the hot tub for a while.
Afterwards, I showered and crashed for the evening.
After our trip yesterday, I needed fuel. Went into town to a place Pat had told me had fuel at a lower price. It was $3.59 out on the interstate. The sign said $3.11, same as station across street. I pulled in and discovered the pumps were so old they did not have CC readers. I was having second thoughts, but Pat had recommended this station, so I took my card inside and went back out to fill up. When finished, I went back inside and the attendant handed me a form on a clip board to sign. He tells me that the stations is participating in a fuel tax program that AZ has for diesel vehicles. Net affect, they rebate $0.08/gallon tax, so I ended up paying only $3.03/gallon. Neat deal. Only station we encountered that gave us the discount.
Pulled out and headed to Albuquerque. Ran into an extremely heavy rain storm in Gallup, NM. Raining so hard that even some 18 wheelers were pulling to the side and parking. We made it back into Albuquerque and stopped again at American RV Park where we had stayed on our way out. Set up the trailer, snacked, and went down to Flying J and filled up with fuel. We then went to Walmart and picked up milk and a few other things, then back to the park. We suited up and went to the hot tub for a while.
Afterwards, I showered and crashed for the evening.
Friday - Day 14 Vacation
I had asked Tamara to suggest a day trip for us to take on our final day of the rally which was a free day. We left around 9AM with Joe & Jeannie from VA with us and headed out. We drove to North of Flagstaff to the Sunset Crater Nat'l Park. This is a site of an old volcano. We chose not the hike to the top of this one as it was steep and the sides were covered with lava sand, hard to walk in. We did do the 2 mile hike through & over the lava flows. Really interesting how the lava flowed and set up.
We then traveled on around through the park and entered into Wupatki Indian Ruins Nat'l Park. These 2 parks are adjacent to each other. These are Hopi Indian ruins. I was amazed at the amount of building they had done to build these large communal homes.
We then headed on North to Cameron, AZ. On the way we had to stop at some roadside places the Indians were selling beaded jewerly. We stopped at the Cameron Trading Post. Tamara told us we had to stop here and have lunch. She insisted we order a Navajo taco and told us to split one. Since we were 3, Ellen and Michael ordered one to split and I got a whole one. Mine hung off the sides of the platter it was served on. They are server open. It consists of Navajo fry bread, taco meat, beans, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. On the side is a small cup of "HOT" sauce. A little went a long way and boy was this a great meal. Ellen ate her 1/2 and I ate a little over 1/2 of mine. Michael did not make much of a dent in his. The trading post was on the Little Colorado River, which was dry and was the upper part of the Little Canyon.
We then cut across and back into the Grand Canyon Nat' Park. We stopped and took pictures at various places.
We stopped at a tower on the rim of the canyon built by the Hopi Indians. It now houses a gift shop. You can go up in the tower for great views of the canyon. There is Indian art on the inside walls of the tower.
We drove on throught the park, stopping at several overlooks to look in awe. Once outside the South side of the park, we stopped and went to the National Geographic IMAX theater and watch the movie. You got a flight through the canyon and a river raft trip through. There was also a lot of history of the canyon and it's exploration. Great film.
Closing events for the rally started at 6PM. We managed to make it back to the campground by 6:15. We were all so full from our Navajo tacos, we only sampled the catered dinner. The mayor from the city of Williams came out and thanked us of choosing Willaims for our event. Live band again and they were quite good. Lots of talk about long drives home or where they were going from here. Hard to get ready to leave friends. Already looking forward to next year.
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