tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24254770703410410392024-03-13T08:51:13.324-07:00FOSJRV, Workamper, Oregon, Motorcycle, fosjSteve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-48351905669958829792019-06-11T15:09:00.000-07:002019-06-11T19:43:30.080-07:00Which Came First? The Fish or The Eggs?Entiat, Washington<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entiat National Fish Hatchery</td></tr>
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Happy anniversary! Well, almost anniversary. June 27 is the actual date. Anniversary of what you may ask? It's the anniversary of my last post. I hope this post is worth the wait. I've been inspired to write after reading posts from Jim and Barb (<a href="http://jimandbarbsrvadventure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">JimandBarb'sRVAdventure</span></b></a>) and Dino and Lisa (<a href="http://mndrifters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">MNdrifters</span></b></a>). Building houses in the middle of a South Dakota summer snow storm! Going undercover, changing your name, buying a 2nd RV and then leaving the country! These guys are nuts. My kind of nuts. I like 'em! And I bet you will too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in the Cascades</td></tr>
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We had a great time at Sullys Hill National Wildlife Preserve last summer. We left there September 1 headed to Middlebury, Indiana to attend Entegra University. Since University didn't start until October 8 we had some spare time, so we decided to stop in Michigan and visit with Jim & Debbie Britt, our friends from Florida who were in their 3rd year of full-timing. After Michigan we drove on to Rochester, New York to visit with Joan's childhood friend Susan and her husband Don. After a few days visiting, sightseeing and playing golf I asked permission to fly to Vegas and play in the Senior Softball Worlds Tournament, to which Joan graciously agreed. I flew, I played, I had a great time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbia River south of Chelan</td></tr>
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Upon my return to NY we headed to University where we spent 4 days learning all about our Entegra motorhome. You would think that after living in our Monaco motorhome for 6 years and the Entegra for 10 months we would know 'what we needed to know' about the new-to-us Entegra. Well not so my friends. There are numerous tasks required of someone when using a motorhome that have an impact on the long term health and viability of the coach itself. Thanks to the information shared during University we learned several methods and procedures that would prevent damage to our coach and its systems as well as improve our experience living and traveling in our coach. And we made some new friends to boot! There were 7 couples in our class and we have stayed in touch with 2 of them; Mike & Robin who we plan on working with in Reno this fall and Lake Mead next January; and Bill & Heidi who we've already met up with once since University and who we'll be seeing in a few days here in Entiat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just One of our Jeep Adventures</td></tr>
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We 'reserved' this workamping job at Entiat Fish Hatchery in 2017. Our friends Ginny & Don were the 1st volunteer workampers here several years ago and based on their description of the area and volunteer opportunity we knew we wanted to try it ourselves. And so far we have not been disappointed. It's our 1st time workamping in Washington state and 1st time at a fish hatchery. We are just 6 miles up the Entiat River from the Columbia River. Wenatchee, 16 miles south of Entiat is considered the Apple Capital of the World. Besides apples they also grow peaches, cherries, pears and nectarines.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim & Deb - Mad River Rd to Leavenworth</td></tr>
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We've already taken a couple of scenic motorcycle rides along the Columbia River and taken the jeep out for several back woods rides through the nearby national forests and mountains as well as a couple of scenic loops between here and the Pacific coast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvg7mImpe-Gr_9014CTUevTksKayDbzgdA7I6fuf15nFX55vaAm858UWhWm0apGVIBjdZbC4S06mYs7qHTrWbP5VyCW_f3cxm2s3OKsZIo2t6aGSe553YJuaSn_IXO2mBwakw4NqJUpI/s1600/20190423_133216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvg7mImpe-Gr_9014CTUevTksKayDbzgdA7I6fuf15nFX55vaAm858UWhWm0apGVIBjdZbC4S06mYs7qHTrWbP5VyCW_f3cxm2s3OKsZIo2t6aGSe553YJuaSn_IXO2mBwakw4NqJUpI/s320/20190423_133216.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We've driven the Cascade Loop and visited Fort Casey and the Tulip Festival on the Washington coast. Lots of stuff to do in this area, I hope we have time for it all!<br />
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Joan and I are working maintenance at the hatchery. We work 3 days a week, Friday-Sunday. We've done some landscaping, pressure washing and painting as well as assisting with some community events such as Entiat National Hatchery's Outdoor Skills (4th - 7th graders fishing, archery and wetland activities) and Winthrop National Hatchery's Kid's Fishing Day. One of our primary job responsibilities is the weekend care of the 420,000 summer Chinook salmon that are spawned, raised and released onsite here at the hatchery each year.<br />
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And that brings us to the Question of the Day! Which came first, The fish or the egg?<br />
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The Entiat hatchery was established and began operations in 1941. Fish raised in the hatchery are released each April into the Entiat River. From there the salmon enter the Columbia River and begin a 500 mile trip to the Pacific ocean. Along the way they have to navigate through 8 dams. Once to the Pacific they remain there on average 4-6 years before returning to their spawning grounds. Of the 420,000 salmon released approximately 4,000 or 1% successfully return. Salmon begin arriving at the hatchery as early as June and July. Returning salmon return to the hatchery up the Columbia, over the dams, into the Entiat and enter a fish ladder directly into a holding raceway at the hatchery. They are kept in the raceways until October when the fish are ready to spawn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nursery tray with<br />
@4000 salmon eggs</td></tr>
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Each female salmon lays between 4000-4500 eggs. The eggs from 1 female are fertilized with milt (sperm) from 2 male salmon. This is done manually to increase chances for a successful fertilization.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMP8vAF5NBkgzzpA5AEH7W-Ixl6vKuzHtCHtYOHeKlwMXVYYB0-1jgJmB7P0e8I8jjzJ4ZcdxmKH7e7F1sAEIdKnoN7uplGJp8QXzmUktEUfFw_51H01yd2GYHDdg1aubGmy1ix2yIbA/s1600/20190515_074534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMP8vAF5NBkgzzpA5AEH7W-Ixl6vKuzHtCHtYOHeKlwMXVYYB0-1jgJmB7P0e8I8jjzJ4ZcdxmKH7e7F1sAEIdKnoN7uplGJp8QXzmUktEUfFw_51H01yd2GYHDdg1aubGmy1ix2yIbA/s200/20190515_074534.jpg" width="96" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nursery Trays</td></tr>
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All of the eggs from a single female are then placed into an individual nursery tray; and then into racks where they are immersed in flowing 40 degree water. About 3 months after they are fertilized the eggs hatch and the resulting fry (small fish) begin to feed off (absorb) their egg sack. It's not until 6 months after fertilization before the egg sack is completely absorbed and the fry's digestive track is developed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 months old</td></tr>
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At this point the fry need to be fed daily, so they are moved outdoors into the raceways where they will mature for another 11 months. A special pump with an attachment much like a giant vacuum cleaner is brought in...<br />
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...and the fry are moved out of their trays into a small indoor raceway...<br />
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and then pumped into 6 larger outdoor raceways. Initially each raceway holds 70,000 fish.<br />
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And this is where we come in......As fry the fish are fed 7-8 times a day. They get @ 2% of their body weight in food each day. On weekends we are the wait staff! Each morning we weight the food and then begin a schedule of feedings, each feeding at least an hour apart. Usually around mid day we delay a feeding so we can clean each raceway. Yep, all that food turns into you know what. Ever had a pool? Ever had to clean it? We have what very much looks like a pool vacuum that we use to clean each raceway....every day......all 6 of them (for now).....in July as the fish grow they are moved into 18 raceways! And then later they're moved into 30! And 'Oh Yeah' go very slow.......because baby fish are really stupid......don't suck them up with the vacuum. And 'Oh Yeah'...all this feeding and cleaning takes place on a narrow walkway between each raceway....don't fall in!<br />
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The fish remain in the outdoor raceways for about 10-11 months when they'll be large enough to survive on their own. About 18 months after fertilization the salmon will be released back into the Entiat River. The special pump is brought in and the fish are pumped from the raceways into the river where they will travel to the Pacific, hopefully returning to Entiat in 4-5 years.<br />
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Shout out to my grandson Greyson who just turned 3!<br />
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That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-37482423790288371062018-06-27T10:56:00.001-07:002018-06-27T10:56:53.311-07:00Time Flies When You're Having Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sullys Hill National Game Preserve<br />
St Michael, ND<br />
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Wow! June is almost done. We've been here at Sullys Hill for 4 weeks now and time is flying by. We are having a blast! We'll be here thru the end of August, then headed towards Middlebury, Indiana where we'll be attending Entegra University, a 4-day in-depth training class on our Anthem motorhome. We'll also be meeting up with Jim & Deb in Michigan where they are workamping this summer; and were hoping to change out our couch and dining table while we're in Indiana.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FPvMa0orx6Q9xMeLv9g-wlm_D84KM8vtIAsY5IYhJJq_-lRk9cUk7joUJd-zoacjKcEeblb7JWiRGeLaSbWAUzpMn2_Ps0A4FqFO8JijojUC4gxq2KBDmkASpbBpYamoM9UtlInO2tA/s1600/20180610_164551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FPvMa0orx6Q9xMeLv9g-wlm_D84KM8vtIAsY5IYhJJq_-lRk9cUk7joUJd-zoacjKcEeblb7JWiRGeLaSbWAUzpMn2_Ps0A4FqFO8JijojUC4gxq2KBDmkASpbBpYamoM9UtlInO2tA/s200/20180610_164551.jpg" width="96" /></a></td></tr>
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We're getting lots of sunshine and outdoor work this summer.....<br />
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Staining the exterior of the visitor center......<br />
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.....lots of mowing, weed wacking and landscaping.....</div>
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....and repainting signs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedJb3YDFzlENpF1KjcRl2xyvlMPPFXawP-NIeuolrEPxCauxzIkgZ8TKBU-9EJ5sVIX2C0SsS-7dVYdQMFFXIAHGnOeK0bAzQpmYUbsEwXHShDN9D8V6hLD2yseL3CkZGH0SBXuY5Jls/s1600/20180226_114058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedJb3YDFzlENpF1KjcRl2xyvlMPPFXawP-NIeuolrEPxCauxzIkgZ8TKBU-9EJ5sVIX2C0SsS-7dVYdQMFFXIAHGnOeK0bAzQpmYUbsEwXHShDN9D8V6hLD2yseL3CkZGH0SBXuY5Jls/s200/20180226_114058.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We got our ATV/UTV certifications in February.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI6JBm-8Y0A9KJ_ikIYR7XqV4ONEmAI0zW1kLwFw4g-TFQsQccSzOJ7HCLSZ0TSm3MYGMoEWKbXo_K7y0LBcvx2QaxckYf8UQZhkVuB2gvi_syn2rZiWn-LpGMAYreblyML4s30b9whQ/s1600/VideoCapture_20180621-125534+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="667" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI6JBm-8Y0A9KJ_ikIYR7XqV4ONEmAI0zW1kLwFw4g-TFQsQccSzOJ7HCLSZ0TSm3MYGMoEWKbXo_K7y0LBcvx2QaxckYf8UQZhkVuB2gvi_syn2rZiWn-LpGMAYreblyML4s30b9whQ/s200/VideoCapture_20180621-125534+%25282%2529.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
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.....then added Ag Tractor......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3jM0qjPPz71TCsOmRc5onoaL67i8Vvo5V2KzSdzqu5IAC2mAt74OwsjebqYMCiiqnFxajszx27zs0W-DLppZRwBRFnSJpqw4xvrPNikFApm5rC0rEtqTnDkiZJk2WhI0iZXkeiAvkFU/s1600/Joan+SkidSteer.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3jM0qjPPz71TCsOmRc5onoaL67i8Vvo5V2KzSdzqu5IAC2mAt74OwsjebqYMCiiqnFxajszx27zs0W-DLppZRwBRFnSJpqw4xvrPNikFApm5rC0rEtqTnDkiZJk2WhI0iZXkeiAvkFU/s400/Joan+SkidSteer.mp4" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the video</td></tr>
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...and Skid Steer last week!<br />
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The wildlife and scenery here is spectacular...<br />
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We visited a couple of local Points of Interest.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndm1LHXfsRZ2twNMKqGJxiI8-TlDNGwmX9ANFvQTNH0VixqkLMKChlKja6kMJ-faGXn6Ltua_tWpbBsf1MPzOSoJV8Rn1C_ynFQc_Ahn2HPbDrg_lcRU7r-HecOYAsx97Sk3lWrreW6c/s1600/20180531_151501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndm1LHXfsRZ2twNMKqGJxiI8-TlDNGwmX9ANFvQTNH0VixqkLMKChlKja6kMJ-faGXn6Ltua_tWpbBsf1MPzOSoJV8Rn1C_ynFQc_Ahn2HPbDrg_lcRU7r-HecOYAsx97Sk3lWrreW6c/s320/20180531_151501.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle Mountain Reservation<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Rugby, ND. The geographic<br />
center of North America</td></tr>
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While driving into town we spotted an unusual boat approaching one of the numerous boat ramps on Devils Lake.....<br />
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It's an M30 Bridge Builder.being tested after delivery to the Arny Engineering Regiment near Camp Grafton at Devils Lake. The M30 is repacing the MK11 which has been in use by the Army for nearly 30 years.</div>
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Here's a link about the M30 if your interested....<br />
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<a href="https://www.army.mil/article/204099/end_of_an_era_for_the_mkii_beb_50th_mrbc_first_unit_to_receive_m30" target="_blank">M30 Bridge Builder</a><br />
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Here's what happens when the wind and weather conditions line up on Devils Lake......<br />
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These folks were catching white bass as fast as they could throw out a line. Shoulder to shoulder, catching on consecutive casts. Almost everyone of these folks caught 3-4 fish in the 5 minutes we pulled over to watch.<br />
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Shout out to Joan's Dad, Tommy....just turned 86 on Sunday....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0VMh7USWFhzuEdx_Rhxpsoa0qEzbp2JhY4NS1E74G83jouw4xA7VYzfmiHSWlYvTRbDyaLwaJiJApxHgbjqvpbuNF9IUNJKjlF04ufNsfFz7jSyGv9w7nNC4f4Hbo8TuB9WC-O73zA4/s1600/36175899_10209352826417290_7624835408861331456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0VMh7USWFhzuEdx_Rhxpsoa0qEzbp2JhY4NS1E74G83jouw4xA7VYzfmiHSWlYvTRbDyaLwaJiJApxHgbjqvpbuNF9IUNJKjlF04ufNsfFz7jSyGv9w7nNC4f4Hbo8TuB9WC-O73zA4/s320/36175899_10209352826417290_7624835408861331456_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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....the same day Joan and I celebrated our wedding anniversary.<br />
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Well, that's about it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.</div>
Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-25533174306743951432018-05-28T14:45:00.001-07:002018-05-28T18:00:32.381-07:00Elk and Bison and Deer.....Oh My!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QAemdqtEc3WUCPbneOhUcY4YQp7b7384j0xBlOTWDYndhzTmj9otR7ksVQ6yZvj4_N70K_PpIG9neoQ8hyphenhyphen-Q90Q5tGf4DEo8mRvuFhEDxEJchdRS1ej5mfWn-blw4MCAMFQWkylX28A/s1600/20180525_082849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QAemdqtEc3WUCPbneOhUcY4YQp7b7384j0xBlOTWDYndhzTmj9otR7ksVQ6yZvj4_N70K_PpIG9neoQ8hyphenhyphen-Q90Q5tGf4DEo8mRvuFhEDxEJchdRS1ej5mfWn-blw4MCAMFQWkylX28A/s320/20180525_082849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sullys Hill National Wildlife Preserve<br />
Devils Lake, ND<br />
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Memorial Day finds us at our summer volunteer location, a bison and elk preserve managed by Fish & Wildlife. Sullys Hill started as a National Park in 1904 and was later transferred to USFWS. Today the preserve maintains a small herd of about 20 bison (currently there are an additional 4 red dogs/babies) and just over a dozen elk. Sullys Hill is 1 of only 4 national bison preserves. There is also a prairie dog 'town' and a few white tail deer.<br />
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Our campsite is inside the preserve in the maintenance area. We're asked to work 3 days a week performing some mowing and landscaping, visitor center, trash pickup and infrastructure maintenance such as sign painting, etc. There is an 'auto tour' route through the preserve so visitors can get up close to the bison from the comfort and safety of their cars. Joan and I have access to a UTV and have been driving the auto route and/or fence-line every day (including our days off) checking the fence and picking up litter. Really cool when your just just 20 - 30 yards from the bison as they move throughout the preserve.<br />
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The UTV allows us to get close to the elk as well...<br />
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We'll be here through the end of August, so if you find yourself traveling through North Dakota, be sure to stop by!<br />
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We've been in our new-to-us coach since December and we're really happy with our decision to upgrade. And even though the coach is 9 years newer than our previous coach there are still items that need a little TLC. While in Lake Mead we had the Aqua Hot system repaired as we had 2 bad pumps and a bad thermostat. We also had a chip in the windshield repaired.....<i>small tirade here...40 years driving in Florida and the southeastern US = '0' chipped or cracked windshields. 6 years full-timing out west = 4 RV windshield chips & 9 jeep windshield chips/cracks!...tirade over...</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket Door on the floor</td></tr>
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We left Lake Mead the end of April with 3 weeks to travel before we needed to report to Sully Hill. At our 1st stop near St George, Utah I noticed our pocket door sagging a little. The culprit was a missing screw in one of the hanging brackets so I pulled the door to replace the screw.<br />
Also replaced a 12V water pump that went bad. I had changed out the Direct TV rooftop antennae to a Dish antennae but just couldn't seem to get all the channels I was supposed to. Finally after working with Dish and Entegra tech support we figured out the Direct TV inline power module and coax splitter were still connected and disrupting the Dish signal. I removed both of these items and Bingo...everything works as promised.<br />
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Our Entegra coach is quite a step up technologically from the Monaco we owned for 7 years. So Joan and I signed up for Entegra University in October. We'll be traveling to Middlebury, Indiana to attend a 4-day class along with 6 other couples where we'll be educated on all the various systems and maintenance of our personal motorhomes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L_R Joan, Vicky, Harry, Jim, Brenda & me</td></tr>
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We made stops in several areas on our way to Devils Lake to meet up with friends and family. In Ft Collins, CO we met up with my cousin Tim for a quick reunion and dinner.... in Custer, SD we met up with Vicky and Harry who are workamping at a winery.....got to meet new friends Jim & Brenda and Larry & Sue...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPQzPlYuuuSJWCUw3Kg3sbu2eUATk0NqOnGaDQ9gJddoiurc2Drp11ZEr8Rtk5iAayX2nL2WOvqbTONsfwDp6YWjowXX9qCcXRoEAhcSefsOpiIVCDHxFC93e9dgWngIdTeJCrNpWtPM/s1600/20180518_104903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPQzPlYuuuSJWCUw3Kg3sbu2eUATk0NqOnGaDQ9gJddoiurc2Drp11ZEr8Rtk5iAayX2nL2WOvqbTONsfwDp6YWjowXX9qCcXRoEAhcSefsOpiIVCDHxFC93e9dgWngIdTeJCrNpWtPM/s200/20180518_104903.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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.....went golfing with Phil, Jim & Harry.....and even got in a little motorcycling with Phil & Rudee.<br />
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Joan's cousin Robert and his wife Michelle stopped in as well and once he saw the elk in Custer State Park we couldn't keep him in the car!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Boy!</td></tr>
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Shout out to my youngest son Chris and Lindsey.....who have informed us we are to be grandparents for the 3rd time (their 1st) near the end of August-first of September.<br />
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Well that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-77629934558383165272018-03-21T18:06:00.001-07:002018-03-21T18:13:07.445-07:00Goodbye Sharky<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwIiDMT1wwHISCUFN7085XMvyEDVsdXXLuDVMNyAD76NSBC7-9LAWsLMuoFpwJ3qHGGPBOH1aMLDdXeH0kEE__S0j7KNN1denPZenyONX1dmnZ9Tx0EbLZYcg13lEvbA-YzlTTl1Bx9w/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwIiDMT1wwHISCUFN7085XMvyEDVsdXXLuDVMNyAD76NSBC7-9LAWsLMuoFpwJ3qHGGPBOH1aMLDdXeH0kEE__S0j7KNN1denPZenyONX1dmnZ9Tx0EbLZYcg13lEvbA-YzlTTl1Bx9w/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a>Jimmy Dale Crowe, a healthy baby boy was born on or about October 21, 1933 near Sikeston, Missouri to RW (Reuben) & Lois Crowe. There is some doubt about that date as all births and deaths were recorded whenever the traveling magistrate happened to pass through town. It seemed unusual that records reflected all local births and deaths appeared to have occurred the same day of that particular week. Oh yeah......another irregularity......the birth certificate indicated that Jimmy Dale Crowe was female. Jim always argued that point, but his family still enjoyed teasing him about that.<br />
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He grew up in Missouri with a younger brother Jerry and even younger sister Janice. Summers saw him riding with his father, a long distance truck driver. They made wagers as to how long it would take them to drive to their destinations; the winner choosing what they would eat for their next meal.....his father was good at this game and as a result Jim learned to love scrambled eggs with ketchup. The family moved to central Florida when Jim was a senior in high school. His brother hated Florida and ended up returning to Missouri as soon as he graduated high school. Jim kinda' liked Florida. He met and married a young lady named Wyonda Sue George....and soon after Charles Stephen Crowe arrived on the scene....followed 18 months later by Vickie Allyn Crowe.<br />
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Jim was athletic.....he had played football and baseball in high school and even tried out for the St Louis Cardinals as a pitcher. I've seen numerous pictures of Jim doing handstands and walking on his hands. He had hurt his knee playing football and eventually it hurt him so bad he had to have surgery to repair the damage years of 'living with it' had caused. After the surgery the discomfort was better, but the flexibility in his knee was restricted. He still enjoyed outdoor activities....fishing, shooting, golf. He was always fishing; offshore, coastal, freshwater; it didn't matter to him. I remember going shooting with him; he had an old lever action .22 rifle and he could throw a bottle cap in the air and shoot it before it hit the ground.<br />
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For years after his knee surgery he continued to enjoy bowling; and he was good at it. He had worked at a bowling alley, gave lessons and even bowled 2 perfect 300 games, bowling 12 strikes in a row in league play on 2 different occasions. Eventually his knees got so bad he had to give up bowling. And 40 years later his knees forced him to give up golf as well, but not before he scored 2 Hole in One's! He absolutely loved golf. He golfed every Wednesday....going into work several hours early so he could get off to play golf in the afternoon. And if he could talk Sue into it, he would golf every weekend at least once, maybe twice; both Saturday and Sunday. He loved going on trips to the mountains with some of his buddies for golf marathons, 2 or 3 rounds a day for several days in a row. He even played an entire round of golf without a knee. An infection following knee replacement surgery resulted in having to remove the infected prosthesis and leave him without a knee joint for several weeks while treating the remaining infection in his body. He decided that with his knee securely wrapped he could probably hit a golf ball. And he was right. He played 18 holes. My golfing buddies called him 'Sharky'. 20 years older than most of us, bad knees, both hips replaced, tri-focal glasses, he was still hard to beat on the golf course. Everybody wanted him on their team when a bet or bragging rights were on the line. Jim would tell them he had never lost a golfing bet....."If I lost the game, I just refused to pay" he would joke. He was fearless on the putting green. He would crush putts that would have rolled 30' past the hole if he missed.....but they always seemed to hit the center of the cup.<br />
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Over the years Jim worked at Holler Chevrolet in Orlando, FL, Glenn Joiner and Sons in Winter Garden and Winter Garden Lanes before he began working at the Post Office. He delivered mail, worked behind the counter and eventually was promoted to Assistant Post Master, Winter Garden. After that he was chosen as Officer in Charge in Ocoee, FL before being selected as Postmaster in Winter Garden where he continued to work until he retired after 30+ years with the postal system.<br />
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When he was 45 he and Sue bought 2 acres on a lake and acting as his own General Contractor proceeded to build a house with views of the lake from every room. Once the slab was poured and block walls were up, he along with family and friends installed the rafters, roof decking, shingles and windows; he framed the walls, hung drywall and paneling; did all the masonry to install Florida field stone on the interior and exterior of the fire place; before painting the house inside and out. This was his home for the next 38 years.<br />
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A few years before he retired, while on vacation in North Carolina he and Sue bought several lots on a mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway as an investment or possibly a future vacation home. When he got home the realtor called to inform him that 1 of the 6 lots was already sold and offered to refund his money for the 1 lot or trade him another lot in the same area. He took the trade. The next trip there he discovered the replacement lot sat just above a natural crevice in the mountain giving him a dramatic view into the valley below and sunrises every morning. He decided this was the lot for a vacation cabin. The next year on another vacation trip he started talking to contractors about building a cabin, showing them sketches of a cabin he had drawn from pictures he'd seen. About 6 months later the contractor called telling Jim that he needed a 'draw' in order to continue work. "Continue work on what?" Jim asked. The contractor told him they'd already dynamited the excess stone to make room for a basement, built the foundation and constructed exterior walls and roof rafters....they had about 1/2 the cabin completed.....all with no contract, formal plans or approvals from Jim. The contractor had assumed Jim's sketches and preliminary discussions about future construction were enough to proceed with building the cabin. The cabin turned out great, even if it was unexpected. Once he retired he and Sue started spending 6 months on the lake in Florida and 6 months at the cabin in the mountains.<br />
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Jim's other interests including painting and woodworking before moving into stained glass. Jim started making stained glass pieces of art; lampshades, window inserts, bowls, sun catchers and many others. First it was for fun, then people started requesting special custom pieces. He would create these pieces for the cost of the materials, no labor; he would even barter stained glass pieces for such things as tree removal and jobs too big for him to do personally.<br />
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Easter 2014 Jim was sitting at home watching TV when he suffered a stroke. The stroke left him without the use of his right arm or leg; a vocabulary of about 14 words; and the inability to effectively communicate. On Monday, March 18, 2018 Jim Crowe passed away in his sleep. Married for 65 years to his high school sweetheart, Sue; 2 children, Steve and Vickie; 2 grandchildren, Doug and Chris; and 2 great grandchildren, Tristyn and Greyson, and a 3rd great grandchild on the way.<br />
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These are just a few of the things I remember about Jim. He was my 'Go To' guy when I needed help. Someone I could go to lunch with when I was having a bad day and just needed a little pick me up. A sounding board to discuss ideas. The person I trusted when I needed advice. I will miss Sharky.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW1p1NbffgtTIeL9KtL4Zet31jiBFkninXzCNayUelud5HPYnfnaQx1iybT1Oud5lP2r6vQ8PAyG_ymL0lcH4vMaBYMl5G-6bi4QOrc9s4kDw9ZZCeDRjouXTUcwA670pZC-JhelGEyg/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW1p1NbffgtTIeL9KtL4Zet31jiBFkninXzCNayUelud5HPYnfnaQx1iybT1Oud5lP2r6vQ8PAyG_ymL0lcH4vMaBYMl5G-6bi4QOrc9s4kDw9ZZCeDRjouXTUcwA670pZC-JhelGEyg/s320/DSC_0071.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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My friends called him Sharky. I called him Dad.<br />
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<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-34077962315377392812017-12-25T13:34:00.001-08:002017-12-25T13:34:43.728-08:00The 7 Year HitchLake Mead National Recreation Area<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0JbLM8PW473LbxoCcFhvah4Y6aeRRjSbWNEsWPJHZVHz6z7gBvXps9zF1YOfpWGm_Kpc8ul-Ng7IUMcO-rCl_DI4Pbo2WlK2gmcnUYhBAoxCTGCLDc_SGILUqQRQFQoqB3vJTFCYLy0/s1600/20171213_153551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0JbLM8PW473LbxoCcFhvah4Y6aeRRjSbWNEsWPJHZVHz6z7gBvXps9zF1YOfpWGm_Kpc8ul-Ng7IUMcO-rCl_DI4Pbo2WlK2gmcnUYhBAoxCTGCLDc_SGILUqQRQFQoqB3vJTFCYLy0/s200/20171213_153551.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your Christmas is fun, relaxing and safe. And that your New Year is healthy and happy.<br />
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Joan and I find ourselves back in Boulder City, NV this holiday season, volunteering at Lake Mead NRA until March 2018. We have volunteered here 5 times; the 1st time in 2013 doing maintenance at Echo Bay marina and the other 4 as Road Monitors out of Boulder Beach. If you haven't figured it out by now, we kinda' like it here in the winter. The volunteer campground has 19 sites; this year with 8 returning couples. It's kind of like 'coming home' and seeing our family when we're here. Every once in a while, a couple misses a season (like we did last year), but there is a core group that has been coming as long as we have; Liz and Bob - originally from this area with family here and in new England; Barb and Bill - from Wisconsin wintering here in between family in Montana and California; Daryl and Barb - staying warm waiting for the snow to melt in Colorado; Ginny and Don - our role models, well into their social security years physically but still teenagers at heart, in their 11th RV over the years, planning a 25 day Mediterranean cruise in 2018 and Alaska in 2019. Energizer Rabbits, both of them; Leslie and Chris - with 2 RV's, 5th wheel for living, truck camper for short trips. New couples Bob & Dawn, Malcolm & Sheree and Glen & Gina just finding out what winters in Lake Mead are all about; Temps range between the 30's and low 70's, sunshine and no clouds for weeks at a time; and a great location to explore Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Vegas.<br />
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The 7 year Hitch.......yes, we're now into our 7th year living full time in our RV. We moved full-time into our 2005 Monaco Knight in October of 2011, and after 6 months we left Florida in March of 2012 headed to our 1st workamping gig in Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon. Since then we've worked in Colorado, South Dakota, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada and New Hampshire. We've visited dozens of National Parks, Monuments, Recreation areas and State Parks. We've met hundreds of new people, many of which that have become close friends. We continue to be amazed about the 'connections' and coincidences encountered as we travel; example - fellow full-timer friends that called to tell us about meeting a couple at an overlook in California and while visiting with them at their campsite later that night and sharing stories about the RV lifestyle discovered that their daughters had worked with us mapping BLM roads the summer of 2015....small world!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUaAUBG7VTSdr-OHQGLUhLnI-FOOk1WSbpOHnog6m_DqT3Noflq0t0pfqxRApe99YBGvIYADGsBY5TgI9uaqiwmiklgitT-EY1nk0PydzDl3dz-0e2v_wiaBfUAs2Oi0qLydTkqBSOmo/s1600/.facebook_1514234482821+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="940" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUaAUBG7VTSdr-OHQGLUhLnI-FOOk1WSbpOHnog6m_DqT3Noflq0t0pfqxRApe99YBGvIYADGsBY5TgI9uaqiwmiklgitT-EY1nk0PydzDl3dz-0e2v_wiaBfUAs2Oi0qLydTkqBSOmo/s400/.facebook_1514234482821+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 'Train' as Joan likes to call it</td></tr>
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Things are changing for us in Year 7. We sold our 2005 Monaco and bought a 2014 Entergra Anthem 42DEQ; Joan is no longer following me in the car while I pull a 12' motorcycle trailer with the RV; rather she's riding up front with me (and driving at times) while we pull a 24' trailer carrying our jeep and motorcycle; we're also volunteering year-round giving us more flexibility in where we work and how long we work at each location. In 2018 we will be working at Sullys Hill National Game Preserve near Devils Lake, North Dakota; our first time volunteering with the Fish & Wildlife service. We're working on our plans for 2019 with a tentative nod to work at a fish hatchery in Washington or possibly a National Forest in Idaho. We spoke to a Forest ranger about working in Coconino National Forest in Arizona in future years and we've still got thousands of locations in the midwest and north central US to consider in the future.<br />
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Joan and I had no idea what this lifestyle would be like when we started in 2012. Some things worked like we thought; others, not so much. We have been continually surprised and excited about the things we see and do; the people and friends we meet and share our life with; and the adventures we find ourselves engaged in unexpectedly. People have asked us where or when we'll settle down. We don't know. Neither of us can imagine a life where we are static; in one place. We intend to travel more, explore more and to learn more. We intend to seek out more adventure and new friends. And to share our life via the blog more often.<br />
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We enjoy unexpected surprises, phone calls and knocks on our door. We encourage phone calls from family, friends and acquaintances to catch up on what's going on; emails or calls from folks curious about a place we've visited or a job opportunity we've experienced. And we enjoy sharing our adventures with friends. Don't hesitate to call or stop by anytime. Or 'Friend' us on Facebook and enjoy the 100's of photos Joan has posted. Enjoy the New Year.<br />
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That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-26874590733415763952017-09-15T13:22:00.000-07:002017-09-15T13:22:10.619-07:00Color, Sox, Football, Chief, Secretary and Moose.....What's Next?Kancamagus Highway, NH<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaINiprs1jOg9YB5pFt_LmZPBYum21EB4GoR62bndV8JUrox9d1IZfpiqjZHWhONiccv4VVyJRr4frc3aLKkfwBZfJLVYCjHxva6uPiSYwLDQI7b5hh-YsmcaMbmZRbdI7UcZfDsa7iRA/s1600/21740412_10207799076174505_3388889354999178154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaINiprs1jOg9YB5pFt_LmZPBYum21EB4GoR62bndV8JUrox9d1IZfpiqjZHWhONiccv4VVyJRr4frc3aLKkfwBZfJLVYCjHxva6uPiSYwLDQI7b5hh-YsmcaMbmZRbdI7UcZfDsa7iRA/s200/21740412_10207799076174505_3388889354999178154_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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The color is really starting to show as we make our way through the White Mountain National Forest here in New Hampshire. The locals are telling us the color appears to be early this year, maybe peaking within the next 7-10 days. Joan posted that the color was becoming a job hazard as she was having a hard time focusing on the job at hand; rather she was looking around and snapping pictures as if there was no tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUT642mjK7zQgT2CGcT_vLXarJofKcSHSUq9xZMFaJR73f6JwPHYxrna8zDIhR7-57Utw3Z4ALi7hKR9gzT6y0wXK5hzJWTqhPPV5JRdXpqp0Xl-NONXQO1fJZ6GL1Oo_Fp8lkuJg5Bg/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUT642mjK7zQgT2CGcT_vLXarJofKcSHSUq9xZMFaJR73f6JwPHYxrna8zDIhR7-57Utw3Z4ALi7hKR9gzT6y0wXK5hzJWTqhPPV5JRdXpqp0Xl-NONXQO1fJZ6GL1Oo_Fp8lkuJg5Bg/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a>With only a few weeks left in our volunteer position we're trying to take in as many sites as possible. 2 weeks ago we drove east into Maine and spent the day driving along the coast. Lots of small inlets and bays; checked out LL Bean (Joan picked up some hiking boots); and a colorful sunset.<br />
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On the way home the next day I told Joan I was taking her somewhere she had always wanted to go.......Norway!<br />
Along the same route we visited......<br />
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...Poland...<br />
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.....and Paris!<br />
I even managed to take her through Russia! An international trip right here in the good ole' USA. Might get Hubby of the Year points for this trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEySj1nGRdMvPfEJcRry_pMxHfwr5fisO4sgN7wMDJrSXR5L6hNEBTiSX1QvOABKywZHAnGoQK7d_TrL3Rew78IQZ3gDU5W8y8QOTaQiWNVWXiuZuTb5OmWWBij7yGh_U9AZSqSJTno84/s1600/0906171757a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="514" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEySj1nGRdMvPfEJcRry_pMxHfwr5fisO4sgN7wMDJrSXR5L6hNEBTiSX1QvOABKywZHAnGoQK7d_TrL3Rew78IQZ3gDU5W8y8QOTaQiWNVWXiuZuTb5OmWWBij7yGh_U9AZSqSJTno84/s200/0906171757a_HDR.jpg" width="197" /></a><br />
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Last week was really busy with a trip into Boston. We managed to swing tickets for a Red Sox game...<br />
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The 'Sox' won 6-1 over the Blue Jays<br />
. Wahoo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRh6mdjbh2teMW6Gz-p3zo9g2D_V05HDzpf13v6AHdrMeYnlHLRuRWvkMSYkdNFEL8SSwCWFjjg0xR0Tyi_nXQVMrrzADoqNnfQL0aVOmh0zJEYyBIbKQnCbOXZZ75nuZp0uI1MYYY7o/s1600/20170907_113855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRh6mdjbh2teMW6Gz-p3zo9g2D_V05HDzpf13v6AHdrMeYnlHLRuRWvkMSYkdNFEL8SSwCWFjjg0xR0Tyi_nXQVMrrzADoqNnfQL0aVOmh0zJEYyBIbKQnCbOXZZ75nuZp0uI1MYYY7o/s320/20170907_113855.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The next day we took a trolley and harbor tour of the city.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPpvF0KqykdKCrj5UTHLh7lElQfSU12T_pqFUjikzBZV1U5iZo1oS0nJ1oWOppRbB-u6yjgvUujIeczTvIGpHBeJzQl1E4j1uXlkjnR8_Y9_IwF9ofLwCLaP75Fx48biWgINwgs7AmUE/s1600/0907171406_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPpvF0KqykdKCrj5UTHLh7lElQfSU12T_pqFUjikzBZV1U5iZo1oS0nJ1oWOppRbB-u6yjgvUujIeczTvIGpHBeJzQl1E4j1uXlkjnR8_Y9_IwF9ofLwCLaP75Fx48biWgINwgs7AmUE/s320/0907171406_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...including a walk thru of Old Ironsides, the USS Constitution.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ7v0Dic0oDHGE3tR-nl-l0t7qzEMA_UpYLUOxqt8iH0Pk0C7ajhUREkAMHhNFItzay2wxEW7M3bkVCGQmc6VAvh-W4FlT1rkNfcPX2Hzw5Wp4di881FEta8inaPyioo-k3lTTsc8jq4/s1600/DSC_0052+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ7v0Dic0oDHGE3tR-nl-l0t7qzEMA_UpYLUOxqt8iH0Pk0C7ajhUREkAMHhNFItzay2wxEW7M3bkVCGQmc6VAvh-W4FlT1rkNfcPX2Hzw5Wp4di881FEta8inaPyioo-k3lTTsc8jq4/s320/DSC_0052+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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After a quick 2 days in Boston we headed west (yes, west) to New York. Joan's nephew Colby plays football for the University of Richmond Spiders. They were playing Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWW7yfB0JEUcn43P5Vm-c_EkIcqoplwtWWXOJcsgEaVEO2VGqaVq7q-su48SnUif941k2MQFX-8Ii024ujoy81NEpnLzMZKgnnHlyyMVDp0aOcEuiaxX2OtpfCvX2sYSY8YPg7OGuifKM/s1600/DSC_0158+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1506" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWW7yfB0JEUcn43P5Vm-c_EkIcqoplwtWWXOJcsgEaVEO2VGqaVq7q-su48SnUif941k2MQFX-8Ii024ujoy81NEpnLzMZKgnnHlyyMVDp0aOcEuiaxX2OtpfCvX2sYSY8YPg7OGuifKM/s200/DSC_0158+%25282%2529.JPG" width="188" /></a></div>
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#92, Colby normally plays Tackle, but for this game they changed things up and had him as Defensive Center. He played Tackle the previous week in Houston and won 'Defensive Player of Game', so this week Golgate usually had him double-teamed. He played almost every defensive play and the Spiders ended up winning 20-17.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViEjOixCWDBG2ScR-uKgDl63SY8P1odPNDvVfrZSw_hnHCdyulOq2aab8icI6QV7BPpAOBEE9VSiAlMqwom4suzx3fxgOthmJiyVq-b6JawGWeJv3THmdZXunOHcThtKtbl5jZWsg7e8/s1600/0901171701_HDR+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViEjOixCWDBG2ScR-uKgDl63SY8P1odPNDvVfrZSw_hnHCdyulOq2aab8icI6QV7BPpAOBEE9VSiAlMqwom4suzx3fxgOthmJiyVq-b6JawGWeJv3THmdZXunOHcThtKtbl5jZWsg7e8/s200/0901171701_HDR+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="120" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest Chief Tooke <br />and Smokey</td></tr>
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I've said it before, and it's still true....you just never know who or what you're going to run into in this lifestyle. A few years ago in Wyoming, while mapping roads for BLM we were asked by one of the local ranch owners to show him where we would be crossing his land to complete some GPS points. We met him for coffee and after a little show and tell, he gave us permission to cross his ranch. As we were leaving the coffee shop we noticed how popular he seemed to be with our waitress, so we asked why he was so popular. "Mark is the State Treasurer for Wyoming" was the answer we got. Well it happened again. The Forest Supervisor for White Mountain NF retired this summer. We were invited to attend the Induction Ceremony for the new Supervisor (or so we thought). We show up for the event only to realize it wasn't the Supervisor who was being inducted, rather it was the Chief of Forest, Tony Tooke who is responsible for all the National Forests.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr951SeWDiHXcy_q4LsRXwWmgQLpOe09RGIZAeIltGUdqI_YghR-1CdbyK6k2WEFnmGOROND6hEGcR7tZAxgREO4mzZ3QVUKH2vONzEJlBTBDfnZhdNgmvXj6jQJuXINDFsIU7YHxxySg/s1600/0901171710_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr951SeWDiHXcy_q4LsRXwWmgQLpOe09RGIZAeIltGUdqI_YghR-1CdbyK6k2WEFnmGOROND6hEGcR7tZAxgREO4mzZ3QVUKH2vONzEJlBTBDfnZhdNgmvXj6jQJuXINDFsIU7YHxxySg/s200/0901171710_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Then to top it off, we met the Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue who was in attendance to swear him into office. I guess my mom was right when she said to always wear clean underwear and be on your best manners! Joan's BFF Terri who lives in Seattle once worked for Sonny, so we took a pic and sent it on to her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98Y7OjghGNWcCzTNqGDiYuuIuz79iFgYe6au-jj6uSNWi9QVdIuaJhLGw15GGgVunsmm_nUD10XHL1PoWmZafVqgLI67NeZwCqlcprd8vg0m2_8PwT2K-xbG9nX-QKrqdstDveuTTAaY/s1600/DSC_0015+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98Y7OjghGNWcCzTNqGDiYuuIuz79iFgYe6au-jj6uSNWi9QVdIuaJhLGw15GGgVunsmm_nUD10XHL1PoWmZafVqgLI67NeZwCqlcprd8vg0m2_8PwT2K-xbG9nX-QKrqdstDveuTTAaY/s320/DSC_0015+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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And then there's the wildlife......we managed to snap this shot as we were working one day.<br />
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Well that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-45151979497674507092017-08-28T12:24:00.000-07:002017-08-28T12:24:14.425-07:00How the H#%* Do We Get Up There?Lincoln, NH<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OsVMp5kAjZboAceWOxJ1ACJhyphenhyphenE79q878hbSSKdyQGUbGydAwA6z_sgWupbQNFllsqK0-39b-NZ_Z_p-KWHrHhBjG4Y4yMM400wKxJ5R9xdzbOwXh13fz-OMw69yV0AMv8S32LtCfBOE/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OsVMp5kAjZboAceWOxJ1ACJhyphenhyphenE79q878hbSSKdyQGUbGydAwA6z_sgWupbQNFllsqK0-39b-NZ_Z_p-KWHrHhBjG4Y4yMM400wKxJ5R9xdzbOwXh13fz-OMw69yV0AMv8S32LtCfBOE/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Joan, Don, Steve, Ginny, Deb B, Jim, Deb D and Dale</td></tr>
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Things are really starting to pick up in this area as the pleasant summer months are winding down. Lots of folks from all over New England are visiting to hike, camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery offered in and around Lincoln. To the left is a pic of our volunteer team of Roving Caretakers. Only 6 more weeks and we'll complete the season here in White Mountain National Forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljZX6mynYTDD_8qa0fbP5geEkwqyQkoB8Fsmd1lsOSavS72wD8p-KnUejIaTeHq5oYT7YmksAY4mzhDhJ1r1LaBV-e9a6rUqahVe9k5IxCISi0zYxHOKjFEU1FZq0V7D4EBrQ318QAMA/s1600/0809151432a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljZX6mynYTDD_8qa0fbP5geEkwqyQkoB8Fsmd1lsOSavS72wD8p-KnUejIaTeHq5oYT7YmksAY4mzhDhJ1r1LaBV-e9a6rUqahVe9k5IxCISi0zYxHOKjFEU1FZq0V7D4EBrQ318QAMA/s320/0809151432a-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The daughters Daniel & Jessica</td></tr>
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You just never know who you're going to meet in this lifestyle. A few weeks ago we received a call from fellow RVer's Pat & Diana Brown. We met them in South Dakota 3 years ago. They called to share a little 'small world' story. The were traveling through California and stopped at a scenic overlook near the campground where they were staying. While enjoying the vista, they struck up a conversation with another couple nearby. They discovered they were staying in the same campground and made a plan to stop by their site later on to discuss their RV experiences. Later that evening while sharing stories the other couple told them about their daughters who were spending the summer living in a small RV while working for a company that was mapping and inventorying BLM roads. When they described their daughter's job of driving their 4x4 jeep throughout the back country roads of Idaho and Utah while GPSing the roads, Diana commented that it sounded a lot like the job their friends Steve & Joan (yes, that's us) had the year before. As soon as they mentioned our names the other couple knew exactly who we were as their daughters had worked with us in 2015. Yup, it's a small world!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIWQYT_ZuiNxRJxSZaIquAzDQ6Y5Yqcam5Qyu9vjf3XDE_fArq0wenRBuOy7VaBQD-7jqkJeoaS2jsIlfrGUp1muC-qAgFAiAzLA3f19O37z4VTAt77wOkUe-_XdIlPEmnBoJeGlRPno/s1600/20953882_10207665440553698_211979725947152827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIWQYT_ZuiNxRJxSZaIquAzDQ6Y5Yqcam5Qyu9vjf3XDE_fArq0wenRBuOy7VaBQD-7jqkJeoaS2jsIlfrGUp1muC-qAgFAiAzLA3f19O37z4VTAt77wOkUe-_XdIlPEmnBoJeGlRPno/s320/20953882_10207665440553698_211979725947152827_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Diana also mentioned that her nephew Michael was hiking the Appalachian Trail and would be in our area in a few days. Joan got all the pertinent information and we made a plan to meet him. Sure enough, a few days later we got a call from Michael telling us he would be camping overnight just a few miles from where we're camped. At the appointed date & time we drove to the trail crossing on Hwy 302 near Crawford Notch and met up with him. We drove to a nearby diner and spent a couple of hours listening to some of Michael's stories about his trek. He's been hiking for a little over 4 months so far and has about 3 1/2 weeks left to complete the entire 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail in mid September. Quite an accomplishment as only a little over 12,000 hikers (only 10-15% who make the attempt) have completed the entire trail since it was built in 1937.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o5ijhH-JQYdW3qR775KV7UdTLyBkIcok-0P5uszM52SdYn4UTmXvl4c6UyIyZCdhh8AEVAaWtHsiYGe8E3k8Gt-vDyU8oWo7ZfwVGzMFn8SPiS40VTezbQ71fhCEVYQDZdESH0vqb0o/s1600/0806171857_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o5ijhH-JQYdW3qR775KV7UdTLyBkIcok-0P5uszM52SdYn4UTmXvl4c6UyIyZCdhh8AEVAaWtHsiYGe8E3k8Gt-vDyU8oWo7ZfwVGzMFn8SPiS40VTezbQ71fhCEVYQDZdESH0vqb0o/s200/0806171857_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Champlain Ferry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkYA2yaE_zDUVomiO2oOA6qr7u9MIP23lINd-GQZ2jiHd3_Qx7S07tutfUOfnbkHRG9MoWsgRDj41cMQnYO_5aRzxgWyFpFS0ETmqnR721cwlDsNqncfICptr1xR-QS_2zTbKxtGvylA/s1600/20170807_111331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkYA2yaE_zDUVomiO2oOA6qr7u9MIP23lINd-GQZ2jiHd3_Qx7S07tutfUOfnbkHRG9MoWsgRDj41cMQnYO_5aRzxgWyFpFS0ETmqnR721cwlDsNqncfICptr1xR-QS_2zTbKxtGvylA/s200/20170807_111331.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Ticonderoga Ferry</td></tr>
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Over the last few weeks we've also spent some time being tourists. We drove west through NH andVermont into New York to see the Adirondack Mountains. That trip included 2 ferry crossings of Lake Champlain; 1 of those on the oldest cable ferry in operation in the US, the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry established in 1759.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJZv4vBWeTtkXeWsDir3xJc7YFnmvhqn-mZyASdAaYGrMRCjJryPIws0_odVrVG6PkBOBDI-gLGZ8snzedlsgkM_ramEyJqrox9-UFyZgtlg1pW9nClqcXIeRIrMg_d7NxsvH-eZOTOs/s1600/20170824_193935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJZv4vBWeTtkXeWsDir3xJc7YFnmvhqn-mZyASdAaYGrMRCjJryPIws0_odVrVG6PkBOBDI-gLGZ8snzedlsgkM_ramEyJqrox9-UFyZgtlg1pW9nClqcXIeRIrMg_d7NxsvH-eZOTOs/s200/20170824_193935.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Johnny, Denise, Jim, Deb, Joan & I</td></tr>
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We drove over to Portland, ME with Jim & Deb to visit with long time friend Johnny North and his bride Denise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtjFjdNspOGz2Nqfu1Imkft2Cqi0NukYc7M2guExiw48HINWtAf3GYDrJjYagzH6xCvhkB16jDpL1HhiLDd1ntb-5bX5Bd23qsaawSwsOZLitGUIu6MrN8RUurC4tDYBHf8_eoaLBFOo/s1600/20170817_150013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtjFjdNspOGz2Nqfu1Imkft2Cqi0NukYc7M2guExiw48HINWtAf3GYDrJjYagzH6xCvhkB16jDpL1HhiLDd1ntb-5bX5Bd23qsaawSwsOZLitGUIu6MrN8RUurC4tDYBHf8_eoaLBFOo/s200/20170817_150013.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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We made a trip into the Boston area to see Joan's oldest friend, Florence, who turned 95 in July. She's still living on her own and drinks 1 beer a day, which she claims is the secret to her longevity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsq1R1huV-bLeCJ7Xz16L0uk12lsoiR0FEyXthydOxizhez8TO1Ha2J8wHL85Su0qvU5wevIqrwgyDeexzxesfbTlbPKS7qSXBVq5JPD_aSUR4IEmSwu1sdrFTWcSQ6XL7nef737qqBY/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsq1R1huV-bLeCJ7Xz16L0uk12lsoiR0FEyXthydOxizhez8TO1Ha2J8wHL85Su0qvU5wevIqrwgyDeexzxesfbTlbPKS7qSXBVq5JPD_aSUR4IEmSwu1sdrFTWcSQ6XL7nef737qqBY/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a>Last week Joan & I hosted the <b>First Ever Russell Pond Volunteer Putt Putt Challenge</b>. Almost every Tuesday evening since June, our volunteer group has gotten together to go out and eat. We changed that up a little and set up a putt putt outing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDudWO1Ls813cnb3HPDcKJV9s1vHI26ajonXtta9WwAE4TNIq86ym65JYSD0MeO6DTkOUsYh-7fku_AWYEiX4fmP53zOQ8b0WwMkMrG4SxCI3EOyH4XELzmDNvcKDH60pFF8QtRdITb5E/s1600/0822171633_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDudWO1Ls813cnb3HPDcKJV9s1vHI26ajonXtta9WwAE4TNIq86ym65JYSD0MeO6DTkOUsYh-7fku_AWYEiX4fmP53zOQ8b0WwMkMrG4SxCI3EOyH4XELzmDNvcKDH60pFF8QtRdITb5E/s200/0822171633_HDR.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />
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Awards were handed out for 1st Place.......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX_ulsSPnCjKSkjsVmzWQAzBChSh2g67NeSdQrgk7z6Zvk67A9FJQlVzFsm82gQ32qJ8Xq_-FJIu0rv0lAMOz8QXkWQeLvWPTQbfF5fqBsIHKsnDbfBS7bI2mplwZtpn_02QqeeQIvTI/s1600/0822171632_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX_ulsSPnCjKSkjsVmzWQAzBChSh2g67NeSdQrgk7z6Zvk67A9FJQlVzFsm82gQ32qJ8Xq_-FJIu0rv0lAMOz8QXkWQeLvWPTQbfF5fqBsIHKsnDbfBS7bI2mplwZtpn_02QqeeQIvTI/s200/0822171632_HDR.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />
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1st Hole in One.........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxRj79alA5nJPJGTku5PJnKi1gZh9BCjClJ4cgB1i9HL0u0z0OdvSuLUocVfLMGct6QkAr5cjU7hH4U_rr0J-iWOEH7qdpCrarTw9hf9zLt99S36PbwZcryZAAgoR__27hpeuXzWRn9o/s1600/0822171631_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxRj79alA5nJPJGTku5PJnKi1gZh9BCjClJ4cgB1i9HL0u0z0OdvSuLUocVfLMGct6QkAr5cjU7hH4U_rr0J-iWOEH7qdpCrarTw9hf9zLt99S36PbwZcryZAAgoR__27hpeuXzWRn9o/s320/0822171631_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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and Highest SPD (strokes per dollar....or in other words, Last Place). Everyone had a blast and we're thinking we might do it again before our season ends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pFDnEL-s3HL2TUgQjYPVCbVCTuFC9RsODWLf6kyqyrLdTBYE0pNy3QbeCELBrg3NI3vACeK3mhY3DWGret2hrnTzmmRx8HAwguHR9FsJWslyNOP5E7EhF7fJGWhHwsciyYi4_jxsnEk/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pFDnEL-s3HL2TUgQjYPVCbVCTuFC9RsODWLf6kyqyrLdTBYE0pNy3QbeCELBrg3NI3vACeK3mhY3DWGret2hrnTzmmRx8HAwguHR9FsJWslyNOP5E7EhF7fJGWhHwsciyYi4_jxsnEk/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The abandoned radar tower</td></tr>
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The other day Joan & I took a ride about 40 miles north towards Concord, Vermont. We were exploring some of the forest roads through Victory National Forest when we pulled over to check out a structure set back into the treeline. About that time a truck pulled up beside us to make sure we weren't broken down. Once they knew we were OK, they asked if we were "going up". Not knowing what "going up" meant, they went on to explain they were headed up on top of East Mountain to an abandoned military radar installation. They stated that the sunset views from that vantage point were 'Wicked'. So we followed them up Radar Rd until we saw this........and how the heck do we get up there?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i88yXqe4rosOTnS3OVurhn3ig0ET-tNUp6Aj-DZE1ARELSzSyMYYeaKVXbWwBsT6x5_4dwS0maQQ15M8ouq_EWtCRfS1UFV-nGXyVDD48iQPoaFSI1PVZLhVRT986a9r75a2zl25O20/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i88yXqe4rosOTnS3OVurhn3ig0ET-tNUp6Aj-DZE1ARELSzSyMYYeaKVXbWwBsT6x5_4dwS0maQQ15M8ouq_EWtCRfS1UFV-nGXyVDD48iQPoaFSI1PVZLhVRT986a9r75a2zl25O20/s200/DSC_0068.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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We climb up the ladders......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD8X8nJ6WQ1fLOrkp5qgHwnGXBFYkMyWWKDTIGyMrtzMwQb8Ddze51e2ubOjwg7BGiPYfXxruJ-fVDqnR0_UaAAk5LfDp4ApkeAam-TXAfwwqfLBp8RdQu9SQBYS-__wxR9uWuhStijw/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD8X8nJ6WQ1fLOrkp5qgHwnGXBFYkMyWWKDTIGyMrtzMwQb8Ddze51e2ubOjwg7BGiPYfXxruJ-fVDqnR0_UaAAk5LfDp4ApkeAam-TXAfwwqfLBp8RdQu9SQBYS-__wxR9uWuhStijw/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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A little scary...but well worth the effort. The views were absolutely wicked.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our radar adventure guides Jake, Lindsay & Ethan<br />
Thanks guys. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0PI7aa0XuC1QoGbSyoRlTSCMci21XH-kHMWcX6Ev8o0KHB01CimRN5SdMWX-TgfoTUvnKs4LcxTf8ax9fICHKMLcv6OOF6XDuCIpOrzyn5EkpotPeyvqrIgNtpM6MpRIg_r-mxWiy7w/s1600/20604494_10107013873523082_5529911979474374944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0PI7aa0XuC1QoGbSyoRlTSCMci21XH-kHMWcX6Ev8o0KHB01CimRN5SdMWX-TgfoTUvnKs4LcxTf8ax9fICHKMLcv6OOF6XDuCIpOrzyn5EkpotPeyvqrIgNtpM6MpRIg_r-mxWiy7w/s320/20604494_10107013873523082_5529911979474374944_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Shout out to my oldest son, Happy Birthday Doug!<br />
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
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<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-2259588669935738502017-08-02T10:51:00.004-07:002017-08-03T12:28:33.461-07:00Nova Scotia - New Brunswick Russell Pond Campground - Volunteer Village - North Woodstock, NH<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZam9j3V-DN7i5I71J2k3qONEQqSg5VsqLwoYT7uk9gdousBIqY09smaITYJ4Jtov8O-dLCteQVQ59HRjDuy6RQIlEVXHP3X7aewnn3u1NSzBeGUTLXNfH-9AnJcEaHTLTfzlhkIPkXg/s1600/0730171704_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZam9j3V-DN7i5I71J2k3qONEQqSg5VsqLwoYT7uk9gdousBIqY09smaITYJ4Jtov8O-dLCteQVQ59HRjDuy6RQIlEVXHP3X7aewnn3u1NSzBeGUTLXNfH-9AnJcEaHTLTfzlhkIPkXg/s320/0730171704_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve, Ginny, Joan & Don</td></tr>
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Just arrived from a volunteer position in Kentucky, Ginny & Don Pair. 1 of the other 3 couples volunteering with us in the White Mountains had to leave and head back to Florida for knee surgery following a stumble out of their motorhome. We've known Ginny and Don for several years from working with them at Lake Mead. We had spoken with them earlier this year when they stated their intentions of stopping by the White Mountains for a visit later in August. With an open volunteer position here, we called them up and asked if they would be interested in coming earlier and finishing out the season with us. Their answer was an excited "YES!" and 2 weeks later here they are. We're so excited to spend more time with them!<br />
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While waiting for them to arrive we found ourselves scheduled with 7 days off in a row. So we decided to make a trip to Nova Scotia. Jim and Deb decided to join us so off we went. Over the next 6 days we traveled just under 2500 miles visiting Nova Scotia as well as New Brunswick. Check out the pics below......<br />
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lots of churches....<br />
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a few covered bridges......<br />
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lighthouses...of course....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkPHdjrTXMii7qn8lR3T6kF2vEEU-rETBru0ok9l6i5CaHRYrnbNTqk5XPp5DTjOq1lDcw_v7KzvOgRs4nyX0DhX2g4nY_biFz2Cq6Gw-g1WwnC6R_CU2Lll-C9Wjs7emS1Hzaz_0ufc/s1600/Nova+Scotia+2+%2528243%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkPHdjrTXMii7qn8lR3T6kF2vEEU-rETBru0ok9l6i5CaHRYrnbNTqk5XPp5DTjOq1lDcw_v7KzvOgRs4nyX0DhX2g4nY_biFz2Cq6Gw-g1WwnC6R_CU2Lll-C9Wjs7emS1Hzaz_0ufc/s320/Nova+Scotia+2+%2528243%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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....someone is making a fortune during the season at this location as the inside of the working lighthouse is actually an ice cream parlor...a sweet treat with a view!<br />
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beautiful houses.....</div>
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fishing villages......<br />
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In the last few pictures you'll notice the boats are "out of the water". These were taken in areas near the Bay of Fundy; an area between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that has the highest tides in the world. In various areas of the bay, depending on the moon, tides can rise and fall between 36'-48'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-72gBZe5ppeE1NAmKO47PEP9c-rj3B6hg2IEYYUxy9uW-p6KWNq46Y_y5mt7L-XpwE32KuNmXRzL3gjatL1Vou51iU00GR25KMEujNkxBG9LKcF63rkbbNtIVbtaTX5iipqPCCXHV-TY/s1600/Nova+Scotia+2+%2528155%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-72gBZe5ppeE1NAmKO47PEP9c-rj3B6hg2IEYYUxy9uW-p6KWNq46Y_y5mt7L-XpwE32KuNmXRzL3gjatL1Vou51iU00GR25KMEujNkxBG9LKcF63rkbbNtIVbtaTX5iipqPCCXHV-TY/s320/Nova+Scotia+2+%2528155%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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These 2 pictures were taken at Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy. The area where the people are walking is 36' underwater at high tide.<br />
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We also visited a small restored 1860-1940's community called Sherbrooke Village in Nova Scotia. There are 16 rescued and restored buildings which include a school house, church, printer, grocery, boat maker and Masonic Lodge. There are guides in period correct clothing demonstrating and/or informing visitors about the lifestyle and work of that time period.<br />
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Shout out to Emily and Ryan, both celebrating birthdays!<br />
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Joan and I have also been updating and/or changing things around the motorhome....new LED vanity light in bathroom, LED upgrades in the primary lights of the coach, replacing a damaged counter-top range cover, new vent fan motors, etc. We're thinking we may try to upgrade ourselves into a slightly newer motorhome over the next 6-12 months; something with a little more towing capacity, a king size bed and some newer amenities. To that end we're getting our Monaco Knight ready to sell or trade. So if you know anyone interested in a great coach, send them our way!<br />
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-39703761078618567772017-07-08T10:14:00.003-07:002017-07-08T10:14:59.626-07:00New Hampshire...Where the R's are in the Wrong Place!Lincoln, NH<br />
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It's been a busy couple of months here in New Hampshire. We're really enjoying our volunteer job working for the White Mountain National Forest. We're working 3 days a week in return for a full hookup campsite at Russell Pond Campground. There are 3 other couples working with us performing the Roving Caretaker responsibilities. 2 couples work Sun - Tues; the other 2 work Thur - Sat. Two routes have been developed through the National Forest; each one approximately 120 miles long with about 2 dozen stops along each route. The stops are a combination of designated individual campsites; overlooks and hiking trailheads. About half of the overlooks and trailheads have restrooms. Our jobs are to check each stop, picking up litter, emptying trash cans and cleaning/restocking restrooms. It usually takes somewhere between 6 - 8 hours to complete each route.<br />
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The north route includes about 20 miles of the Kancamagus Hwy, one of the premiere scenic drives in New England. As great as the views are now, we can hardly wait until the autumn color arrives. Our days off include lots of driving throughout the area to check things out. Our wildlife sightings include:<br />
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- 3 moose (no pics as they don't stick around for us to get out the cameras)<br />
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- 2 fox<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMt_kQrDqjQ1ArjT6bZXEzdoLsxJov6ozimRIAeHu5uKSLEgIV6rm4UBywJtLXGc_m5JezQMGYuWJISS73uAxImcVlF9SqPxIsPlbUAqtjV93Mnt54PKfHdiP4mAsGboPiS2kfK0Fuuo/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMt_kQrDqjQ1ArjT6bZXEzdoLsxJov6ozimRIAeHu5uKSLEgIV6rm4UBywJtLXGc_m5JezQMGYuWJISS73uAxImcVlF9SqPxIsPlbUAqtjV93Mnt54PKfHdiP4mAsGboPiS2kfK0Fuuo/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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- 1 porcupine (he didn't <b><i>stick</i> </b>around for pics either )<br />
- 1 rabbit (two days ago about 20 minutes after Joan made the comment she hadn't seen any rabbits!)<br />
- numerous deer<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhgBn3KEA5C0WF5b6vSDIowWbnXA_6TGrE0GTa_L1grMQaiMfo9Sa2hbfmb-q-bhSpZje54Gm_G6nR6ngZK5KaiB8G8S4VuuMio2djpND7AuI6MmO4nIHuPk9ZS9dk-37e70AGaghEzc/s1600/0609170649_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhgBn3KEA5C0WF5b6vSDIowWbnXA_6TGrE0GTa_L1grMQaiMfo9Sa2hbfmb-q-bhSpZje54Gm_G6nR6ngZK5KaiB8G8S4VuuMio2djpND7AuI6MmO4nIHuPk9ZS9dk-37e70AGaghEzc/s200/0609170649_HDR.jpg" width="112" /></a>- several skunks<br />
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- 2 snakes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTFvCf5YsVrBntttqISklCIRxc4SNBcA02vp-ajXgVu0hM_-gNuC6eyr-X7EFFTAtciJpAz-7eDSSNDS7jtPqWxJaW_-uHUfAeQNA6z54bIrT5U7yMjLTbWW_x6_SP1G1usOTj4Dku5g/s1600/0623171624c_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTFvCf5YsVrBntttqISklCIRxc4SNBcA02vp-ajXgVu0hM_-gNuC6eyr-X7EFFTAtciJpAz-7eDSSNDS7jtPqWxJaW_-uHUfAeQNA6z54bIrT5U7yMjLTbWW_x6_SP1G1usOTj4Dku5g/s200/0623171624c_HDR.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />
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- 1 crazy guy on a zip line (yeah that's me)<br />
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Joan has been taking lots of pics of churches. Many of them are quite spectacular<br />
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We've been checking out many of the covered bridges.....<br />
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We ventured across Hurricane Hill into Maine ( you don't see this every day)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A motley crew if I've ever seen one!</td></tr>
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7 volunteer campsites, including ours are located in a secluded area near the forest campground. The 4 Roving Caretaker couples and some volunteer trail stewards are all located here. We have started getting together weekly as a group for Happy Hour; sometimes at one of our campsites and other times we meet at a local establishment for supper and drinks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMJastyNTecMtgwKnuXatN1jDujfQUVDmk9MfdU3JjnIs7DXZ4YRamzIaMnBlzVe-F24Jl9DhrW8last_0k5TSQtLple5UVmQyBByMsK4HJEucy4CpjYPv6CGWf2kOPeGzWMB7F36coY/s1600/0528171851_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMJastyNTecMtgwKnuXatN1jDujfQUVDmk9MfdU3JjnIs7DXZ4YRamzIaMnBlzVe-F24Jl9DhrW8last_0k5TSQtLple5UVmQyBByMsK4HJEucy4CpjYPv6CGWf2kOPeGzWMB7F36coY/s320/0528171851_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Joan and I had our first ever lobster boil! As you can see Dinner #1 is ready while Dinner #2 is preparing in the pot.</div>
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And you just never know what you may see as you travel throughout the area. The signage includes......."Local Grown, Gluten Free" and "No articficial growth hormones"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N7gqpKddPmdR03s3OSl0k2fzheWPRhx-SviZHzsJet4MgYoH2U05Nxq7dAnYCxQw8hP2YXHSi7QS8TcVfRJiQBHfESsuEGw2n08TTDR3YeOuAsEdSfHLz94TZ3Y5oUkgU1PfvcTTCdM/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N7gqpKddPmdR03s3OSl0k2fzheWPRhx-SviZHzsJet4MgYoH2U05Nxq7dAnYCxQw8hP2YXHSi7QS8TcVfRJiQBHfESsuEGw2n08TTDR3YeOuAsEdSfHLz94TZ3Y5oUkgU1PfvcTTCdM/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a><div>
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Tractor Henge?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aaP5G2lJ4KgRhLHmy42-Kt4XU-jiZjfklF-EteKmwth4h3wonEefP9TMqC2ARdchMfgl0Gw010ICZbs2gXOetTBwlbzvHqEsZc9IS3ViDZCSdR2fsi_KGRQ73IzcVBuiajHSaKc-BNw/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aaP5G2lJ4KgRhLHmy42-Kt4XU-jiZjfklF-EteKmwth4h3wonEefP9TMqC2ARdchMfgl0Gw010ICZbs2gXOetTBwlbzvHqEsZc9IS3ViDZCSdR2fsi_KGRQ73IzcVBuiajHSaKc-BNw/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Think about it..........</div>
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We took an overnight trip north to Pittsburg, NH......hoping to see moose and take a little drive into Canada. Didn't see any moose here but had a great time and found a really nice place to stop over....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj463MT_fLaSQgz178TRm6CSZTTG0bs0eFkJ2qzRS7HhMSXMdMk9eAKSai-gWJgK_5DwXi4p81eRJ7BGgNVN-kkjXqCEagwZMf6zZtowOwtrrKmYv8AofLsGH7iq_Y2sQyf2mWVfwlwcic/s1600/20170705_164650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj463MT_fLaSQgz178TRm6CSZTTG0bs0eFkJ2qzRS7HhMSXMdMk9eAKSai-gWJgK_5DwXi4p81eRJ7BGgNVN-kkjXqCEagwZMf6zZtowOwtrrKmYv8AofLsGH7iq_Y2sQyf2mWVfwlwcic/s320/20170705_164650.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from our room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2spzs3NA4WJR8mWNMzuKIFtI3nSj5gtezgtojciZqanLtQtljgoAxSZ8oqP2kgrUUmYGFv4_Iah_XNmwSqRooQ9p_75BJAmfHoxxJ73zHmIGuieZbn4veE5bEBPw4cCZjXlEzeC8UPb0/s1600/20170706_070616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2spzs3NA4WJR8mWNMzuKIFtI3nSj5gtezgtojciZqanLtQtljgoAxSZ8oqP2kgrUUmYGFv4_Iah_XNmwSqRooQ9p_75BJAmfHoxxJ73zHmIGuieZbn4veE5bEBPw4cCZjXlEzeC8UPb0/s320/20170706_070616.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Glen at Bear Tree</td></tr>
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We took a hike to Arethusa Falls....only 3 miles round trip, but it was straight up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj346KSvEFD_6recVaBUZdguyy7uBej3T1Im0zONNP0_fsciYR8iMC48j19eR_bWxvz84nLHoNUruF7mxkwid47txAxyrGMNXLxLTuXmuAQJmmbTprILot9Tto5NzHTUzqEcVMHNjHZK4s/s1600/0628170926a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj346KSvEFD_6recVaBUZdguyy7uBej3T1Im0zONNP0_fsciYR8iMC48j19eR_bWxvz84nLHoNUruF7mxkwid47txAxyrGMNXLxLTuXmuAQJmmbTprILot9Tto5NzHTUzqEcVMHNjHZK4s/s320/0628170926a_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq2iUnSyWXznVcLJHNYMkIFC7MwJ5m3IUEiJC_nHGu6yqx9ybrQkjLIbISHbIWnYQRa9nuoJ0Ff0Lr8bKC4fceb3Nv-2weDkNdNhbdvnLaEHthFtU5icFWAuDkdpTULl3lExjXD8Od1U/s1600/0628171145a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq2iUnSyWXznVcLJHNYMkIFC7MwJ5m3IUEiJC_nHGu6yqx9ybrQkjLIbISHbIWnYQRa9nuoJ0Ff0Lr8bKC4fceb3Nv-2weDkNdNhbdvnLaEHthFtU5icFWAuDkdpTULl3lExjXD8Od1U/s320/0628171145a_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwctgMJbFld1YYLeh2t9V78d2KtPddUBHphMzmkQAtJFmaLz5iwUs46SGtmeeU11VMglzAp25vBnxEXC_-4LOnA4SQZd5mI3HIRn7vjoyABsQHFmZrxyBgdsgpfFpA_TsD_Iko8efjngk/s1600/20170607_121612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwctgMJbFld1YYLeh2t9V78d2KtPddUBHphMzmkQAtJFmaLz5iwUs46SGtmeeU11VMglzAp25vBnxEXC_-4LOnA4SQZd5mI3HIRn7vjoyABsQHFmZrxyBgdsgpfFpA_TsD_Iko8efjngk/s320/20170607_121612.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joan and I celebrated our Wedding Anniversary 6/24</span></td></tr>
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Overheard almost everywhere......."Lobstah" and "New Hampshah" The R's are definitely missing in action! Don't hate us if we sound different next time we see you.<br />
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All in All we're having a great time.<br />
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Well That's it for Now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!<br />
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Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-23561638864585632612017-05-19T04:55:00.000-07:002017-05-20T09:19:18.757-07:00It's All His Fault (part deux)Woodstock, NH<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkVGPLyW27pcQzkbB3-csArGij-Sb34qRxy-ayML6mdbcLxkP4acG_fGhwZHGCT580-Wbds7VjcrgIOY-IvUokSjMDKsnjc4sC6NGal5BHnMau_dpmvJEvJ7S9XbfbbkwtU1NKtKeUKM/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkVGPLyW27pcQzkbB3-csArGij-Sb34qRxy-ayML6mdbcLxkP4acG_fGhwZHGCT580-Wbds7VjcrgIOY-IvUokSjMDKsnjc4sC6NGal5BHnMau_dpmvJEvJ7S9XbfbbkwtU1NKtKeUKM/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Washington Resort</td></tr>
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Well here we are in our summer campsite. It's been an interesting week and a half. 3 days of training; lots of sightseeing and exploring the area; and lots of adventure so far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbnOIfAdOg0ITYkGClFVklbZvgQF8mvLF11fDAwtz0IBv0rBjA7xd2hRmqusXp2YqJbyTWxyblRlf3Vxi6HPIjwjcq7vW3Xs-zZ8LUhCCjDQ0aMH5j3IRIt7yeq1C729eXKwk-bvfYH8/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbnOIfAdOg0ITYkGClFVklbZvgQF8mvLF11fDAwtz0IBv0rBjA7xd2hRmqusXp2YqJbyTWxyblRlf3Vxi6HPIjwjcq7vW3Xs-zZ8LUhCCjDQ0aMH5j3IRIt7yeq1C729eXKwk-bvfYH8/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuesday, 5/9</td></tr>
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We're staying in Volunteer Village; a few campsites for volunteers only located in a maintenance area that is a part of White Mountain National Forests' Russell Pond Campground just outside of Woodstock, NH. No, not that Woodstock. One of the most surprising things so far is just how fast the leaves are greening out. It's like they're exploding out of the trees. Check out the difference in just 9 days......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eHxYZ2uty62r8K3EMuPukgZO6yM5AeyFWUGfjGZrR9PRZruYi1fsBAubJw5yW3tRL6OqQBAXCpG0VNk_Y__re3yM8trruWjsmgelJSZipPAKNGsqehqyj9266HCyPN66w67fnmfUiqU/s1600/0518171530_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eHxYZ2uty62r8K3EMuPukgZO6yM5AeyFWUGfjGZrR9PRZruYi1fsBAubJw5yW3tRL6OqQBAXCpG0VNk_Y__re3yM8trruWjsmgelJSZipPAKNGsqehqyj9266HCyPN66w67fnmfUiqU/s320/0518171530_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday, 5/18</td></tr>
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We had snow 2 non-consecutive nights last week (just enough to dust the ground and then it was gone in 15 minutes); and this week we tied record high temps of 86 and 89 in 2 of the small towns nearby. It's 71 as I type this with a forecast low in the mid 30's tomorrow night.<br />
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Even with the temperature changes, the entire area is blooming.<br />
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We spotted some of the local wildlife on one of our drives........just a small cub along side the road with no momma bear anywhere in site.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lgYgaK5H0ZTTt0GrsLQlXVyp5bYhyphenhyphenOlPUMHMk4k4mRKoyPTpH2LUm8a0-ccDyf2JHkBXD9EslJ9osjqcdqntNC3F64ubRhRjECvl0SqFO0QdAXUVkPdiUtkw9Ry6-BKA7Pa9VfksXdU/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lgYgaK5H0ZTTt0GrsLQlXVyp5bYhyphenhyphenOlPUMHMk4k4mRKoyPTpH2LUm8a0-ccDyf2JHkBXD9EslJ9osjqcdqntNC3F64ubRhRjECvl0SqFO0QdAXUVkPdiUtkw9Ry6-BKA7Pa9VfksXdU/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="211" /></a><br />
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I mentioned earlier we had a little adventure upon our arrival. One of our volunteers got distracted as he drove the 2 mile uphill drive to the campground....with some almost disastrous results!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GG1JEaJH1Xa_tFJoOwFgdHM1gBpXdfYI_PEZIyUnCMQA6bXrj6kJ8DvPcZUUKUej27NKP1n2xY3F2OVFO0X2ej1gINIb7l1Yx6CYcaikvzUW8gypC6CBCHuUr0Sw-9pgGgzgNN-zF4/s1600/DSC_0010_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GG1JEaJH1Xa_tFJoOwFgdHM1gBpXdfYI_PEZIyUnCMQA6bXrj6kJ8DvPcZUUKUej27NKP1n2xY3F2OVFO0X2ej1gINIb7l1Yx6CYcaikvzUW8gypC6CBCHuUr0Sw-9pgGgzgNN-zF4/s320/DSC_0010_LI.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
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When we were talking about what had happened, his comment was something about "a bird with a broken wing" being chased across the road in front of him by a moose.........?????<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YXeMB82RC_mIdSvnvkZRiJis4nAqhfUxOavWHS2sIayrhpzw3wI8nRtFBxQeUcfkiHpEClnpB59QtqElvcrz4f2yZj-vMSJQIRTBiPs-Ta2l5HB72e13FYwcyXtMKVbDfRIaEdYCkqM/s1600/P1010707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YXeMB82RC_mIdSvnvkZRiJis4nAqhfUxOavWHS2sIayrhpzw3wI8nRtFBxQeUcfkiHpEClnpB59QtqElvcrz4f2yZj-vMSJQIRTBiPs-Ta2l5HB72e13FYwcyXtMKVbDfRIaEdYCkqM/s320/P1010707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The name has been changed to protect the guilty!</td></tr>
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Personally I believe it to be the fault of someone who has crossed my path before....someone who spreads mischief and mayhem in his wake. If you've read this blog from the beginning you may remember .....Erni.....uhm, no, no it's Bert....yeah Bert....that's him! If you don't remember my first encounter with 'Bert' you can check out my post from March 2012, <b><a href="http://fosj-steve.blogspot.com/2012/03/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">It's All His Fault</span></a>.</b><br />
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Joan and I escaped the original encounter with only a 3 day delay and some out of pocket costs for time spent having the motorhome checked out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCJ2SugUdAhyVtUsfpPmss89-vQlkv5HsRf7Nidfhb8q2L1s7A65xiJzCVpVLLQ6kTSXmdYbqr9nCQU1hUF3_7aSjpUAysdyLbUSL1_VNdp5zLt7MNFiOWp4y5_Q6D7aKD3P5WpIDLx8/s1600/0508171832_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCJ2SugUdAhyVtUsfpPmss89-vQlkv5HsRf7Nidfhb8q2L1s7A65xiJzCVpVLLQ6kTSXmdYbqr9nCQU1hUF3_7aSjpUAysdyLbUSL1_VNdp5zLt7MNFiOWp4y5_Q6D7aKD3P5WpIDLx8/s320/0508171832_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a>This time no one was hurt, even though a few more feet forward or further off the road and I'm certain the RV would have tipped over on its side. There was some cosmetic damage, but that can be repaired. The bill to get the RV back on the road was hefty....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkfdIIXFc0SuyU9XhrXXcp-IsHt3cEywbHZT72NRhkKF9BM4xPXBVFHQLWFNm9YOzgoVVtgh8Z1unOIHSXVpbALopRdyBCnrGrdvQmA3i4cNQSmNDldkLf8MIdIzXBocdDn9ydHcgPEw/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkfdIIXFc0SuyU9XhrXXcp-IsHt3cEywbHZT72NRhkKF9BM4xPXBVFHQLWFNm9YOzgoVVtgh8Z1unOIHSXVpbALopRdyBCnrGrdvQmA3i4cNQSmNDldkLf8MIdIzXBocdDn9ydHcgPEw/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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.....but the crew with the wreckers knew their craft and the happy camper was on the road again in a few hours!<br />
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I've been tracking my fuel usage since we first purchased our motorhome. We bought the rig with 22,006 miles on the odometer; and over the last 5 1/2 years we had driven 26,890 miles towing our 12' trailer containing our 2 motorcycles. We'd burned 3,839 gallons of fuel for an average of 7.0 mpg. All this time, Joan had been driving our car everywhere we traveled. This year we sold her bike and replaced the 12' trailer with a 24' trailer in which we haul my bike and the jeep. We've gone from towing approximately 4,000 lbs to towing just over 10,000 lbs on our trip from Florida to New Hampshire. During this trip we drove 2,977 miles using 450.6 gallons for an average of 6.6 mpg. Not too bad considering that it only cost us .4 mpg in the RV, but saves us an average of 19.9 mpg that we no longer use driving the jeep between destinations. Plus it's fun having Joan in the RV with me as we travel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSgAzJ7K0F8Lo-Se7lXZgiWQnTKVHstAbbpAfoYzqHN8ojCdtqKiS4b-M5QeWtZuws_IJHQJDkTwEAB9eom-4trvB6aLq3lxQDocQxHUt90C6j3t5vOhUtw2z10wKb2_kCQ4pNFjAW40/s1600/18581564_10106600265960952_5180725927216534071_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSgAzJ7K0F8Lo-Se7lXZgiWQnTKVHstAbbpAfoYzqHN8ojCdtqKiS4b-M5QeWtZuws_IJHQJDkTwEAB9eom-4trvB6aLq3lxQDocQxHUt90C6j3t5vOhUtw2z10wKb2_kCQ4pNFjAW40/s320/18581564_10106600265960952_5180725927216534071_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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Shout out to my grandson Greyson who just celebrated his 1st birthday on Tuesday.<br />
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Well that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-61642598992452169082017-05-07T13:34:00.000-07:002017-05-07T15:18:31.918-07:00Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Brattleboro, VT</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Turn and face the strange</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Ch-ch-changes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Don't want to be a richer man</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Turn and face the strange</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Ch-ch-changes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">There's gonna have to be a different man</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Time may change me</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">But I can't trace time</span><br />
That's right friends and readers....the times they are a changing. We've been preparing for our summer job volunteering in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. After 5 months in Florida we're on the road again. We've arrived in Vermont at our last stop before we report to work in Lincoln, NH next week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW2A-YlOTwWpqJqP1HV-uo-RBuT1el-4V77oJfBy4vl3ieJNUdXyK0x1_kG5F2qX1shP77yqMfBv0FfPZ_Eni7g-YWHgqcJhB8Aic2auaMs2oy_InHivvKZZxPiYwQ0yu6sfm-eAEX6I/s1600/Utah+373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW2A-YlOTwWpqJqP1HV-uo-RBuT1el-4V77oJfBy4vl3ieJNUdXyK0x1_kG5F2qX1shP77yqMfBv0FfPZ_Eni7g-YWHgqcJhB8Aic2auaMs2oy_InHivvKZZxPiYwQ0yu6sfm-eAEX6I/s200/Utah+373.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out With the Old.....</td></tr>
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We've made some changes to how we roll! Joan decided it was time to Let it Go and sold her 2005 Harley deluxe. She had the bike for 10 years and put 35K miles on it. Lots of memories on that bike that she'll hold on to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePkR9aPgtVErKI41tA5Vf3AlgVZa_XaQ7Kb0fY9NU5gi7cLiI53NXBwV1JbOV-lc0n-NbMg5ndSUI40UqnDzdAD9v-I8w6uvv6ROyM1Es9vMIAoCJnzM07VPrSQqIy0qRGkvWYyarOjM/s1600/0225171256d_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePkR9aPgtVErKI41tA5Vf3AlgVZa_XaQ7Kb0fY9NU5gi7cLiI53NXBwV1JbOV-lc0n-NbMg5ndSUI40UqnDzdAD9v-I8w6uvv6ROyM1Es9vMIAoCJnzM07VPrSQqIy0qRGkvWYyarOjM/s320/0225171256d_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....In With the New</td></tr>
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And we decided to try something else a little different....Joan is actually going to ride 'in' the motorhome for a change. For the last 5 years she's had the pleasure of following or leading me while driving our car. I've always towed a 7'x12' trailer containing our motorcycles with the motorhome. But we sold that trailer and purchased a new Pace 8.5'x24' trailer that will carry our car and '08 Streetglide motorcycle. We're both a little bit anxious about the length and size of our rig, but we think it will be OK. And Joan gets to relax and enjoy the view while we travel (at least she will once she gets used to the tractor trailers being so close to her window)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf6CzXmjU6dlPWHwaZXGwBiybfVs4jYsH2RvcfOtnGkyetG_uQ_FcwSjfNSO5VBqbb04ovI3ZOy2eC08oPPm_I9Ylv0c879BX-xCuRTRCvX8I1XT-bMsZ0rCkq3msbM9qAwhpWx4CrBQ/s1600/0225171256a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf6CzXmjU6dlPWHwaZXGwBiybfVs4jYsH2RvcfOtnGkyetG_uQ_FcwSjfNSO5VBqbb04ovI3ZOy2eC08oPPm_I9Ylv0c879BX-xCuRTRCvX8I1XT-bMsZ0rCkq3msbM9qAwhpWx4CrBQ/s320/0225171256a_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a>We've spent quite a bit of time getting the trailer ready......<br />
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.....The trailer was ordered with a 48" front ramp for the bike and full-size dove-tail rear ramp for the jeep. We also had to add 6" of height for the jeep to clear the rear entrance......<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBsb7plGiGH3SRPBRlvMtRgK4M6NUFuaFjLUYQR7wHLQaauN75QgYeG8yjzXWLyj5uPhWz4YjY8CmuhECXfvPnsZBZsiy1lgQ6Icm1Aoo32a65WPXl5cZO7mNEmDy2NR0NozBhNGN4jM/s1600/0225171254d_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBsb7plGiGH3SRPBRlvMtRgK4M6NUFuaFjLUYQR7wHLQaauN75QgYeG8yjzXWLyj5uPhWz4YjY8CmuhECXfvPnsZBZsiy1lgQ6Icm1Aoo32a65WPXl5cZO7mNEmDy2NR0NozBhNGN4jM/s200/0225171254d_HDR.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="112" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vfs9aggqTEZ7Xb306zkFcanvHdiJLUdrm3VCKV-lk3yI_DLsyG8Bcwg4CU51pRyRZWF4WP8CjTaCwU0yfCcqFwZiZ23UjXNcm4z8R5krGE5HVKH1tc3rLNnVgnStB-j0hkQUsAqH6-8/s1600/0225171254_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vfs9aggqTEZ7Xb306zkFcanvHdiJLUdrm3VCKV-lk3yI_DLsyG8Bcwg4CU51pRyRZWF4WP8CjTaCwU0yfCcqFwZiZ23UjXNcm4z8R5krGE5HVKH1tc3rLNnVgnStB-j0hkQUsAqH6-8/s320/0225171254_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We added shelves for storage.......and made sure everything we are carrying is secured.....<br />
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...and I installed a 'wired' camera on the rear of the trailer so I could see what was behind me...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF8ESMGnjn_Bnfyqyz3LGvI-pnq9q2JHqDBMpnKEGS7y0Hmprs0D_VIWhO4F-ZYWtzYBVQfYhRXorCegEp7vcgBxgs7V2xfWRdHLH0q4pQlnfKaB0XFWvhezgjg__h8-2LSvrVQld3nI/s1600/0331171046a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF8ESMGnjn_Bnfyqyz3LGvI-pnq9q2JHqDBMpnKEGS7y0Hmprs0D_VIWhO4F-ZYWtzYBVQfYhRXorCegEp7vcgBxgs7V2xfWRdHLH0q4pQlnfKaB0XFWvhezgjg__h8-2LSvrVQld3nI/s320/0331171046a_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We hit the road the beginning of April, allowing 5 weeks to travel to New Hampshire. Lots of stops along the way to visit with family and friends. Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio to see family. Golf with friends in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. My mom traveled with us to Alabama and Georgia and we were able to take her to Talladega to tour the track and museum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiancszVZT2WxvwfM8RSbX-d_b-GHBA-jDUYLsIG_mkzcB65j9s8XHtgUcVpyFgOf2v_qY-YkZ0WzxIAmfsDHfbAAakgawMcLzC3vWCn5Z9FoScd1tFSwuLTwDt2T62TAm9soU_S5XL1Yc/s1600/0413171830_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiancszVZT2WxvwfM8RSbX-d_b-GHBA-jDUYLsIG_mkzcB65j9s8XHtgUcVpyFgOf2v_qY-YkZ0WzxIAmfsDHfbAAakgawMcLzC3vWCn5Z9FoScd1tFSwuLTwDt2T62TAm9soU_S5XL1Yc/s320/0413171830_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We've seen the Brewers beat the Reds in Cincinnati.......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6JeOzjOlW6cMsOR7ZbmW2K-9pa7sHDO4xofVLmnl1fPGwNPHU5roC2jNzJZMOi8oZ0C5uZg6dv6O794bePb0KaN9cM4uvhYg8eGDB_polefRnSKQPknrSb1b59WGVTaBs-54ovZPgc8/s1600/0415171919a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6JeOzjOlW6cMsOR7ZbmW2K-9pa7sHDO4xofVLmnl1fPGwNPHU5roC2jNzJZMOi8oZ0C5uZg6dv6O794bePb0KaN9cM4uvhYg8eGDB_polefRnSKQPknrSb1b59WGVTaBs-54ovZPgc8/s320/0415171919a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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....the Indians beat the Tigers in Cleveland.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIJyMDlAk0W8xy35oL8LEw37x08tiO5f_5kip9SKmV5lJIb8MpjovIFWgxGRgAufXbcJ7X7-7bHMoUoeXdeeEwP5Y-c4hdF5LmdCSaqDlzDm0CRKy1Ogi2Z3guoPUvIm8FGrGQPa3Rq4/s1600/0421171905_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIJyMDlAk0W8xy35oL8LEw37x08tiO5f_5kip9SKmV5lJIb8MpjovIFWgxGRgAufXbcJ7X7-7bHMoUoeXdeeEwP5Y-c4hdF5LmdCSaqDlzDm0CRKy1Ogi2Z3guoPUvIm8FGrGQPa3Rq4/s320/0421171905_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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.....and watched the Pirates win over the Yankees in Pittsburgh .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4fZKuczpApT7VfHpCFjRhE-BIdphuazgBP99rtucc5lrVhiNTdlgHOZrDvEHv5R6qfYubl49bn8pghwrjPWtmsvJzcUpN-a7paCbVwHhJnGu3vHOguQI8urNA3V4qZhfMKHS3FpxUZU/s1600/0429171328_Pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4fZKuczpApT7VfHpCFjRhE-BIdphuazgBP99rtucc5lrVhiNTdlgHOZrDvEHv5R6qfYubl49bn8pghwrjPWtmsvJzcUpN-a7paCbVwHhJnGu3vHOguQI8urNA3V4qZhfMKHS3FpxUZU/s320/0429171328_Pano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frontier Feild, Rochester, NY</td></tr>
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We also stopped in Rochester, NY and watched the Twins Redwings AAA team play the Reds Lousiville Bats AAA team.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9R3CZyAn8jBNxzK8IAZPTyf1iqADCGofK583bEJvSmwDmm5BnlEvhR1nxvHoJs3iVCkaEqDjRwwa6YrDSeEHQRGX_n6LAEoES9WgxlrUYwN6ldm1TXcbE3u6wFrtVon9KAcAnE2aTt4/s1600/0410171924d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9R3CZyAn8jBNxzK8IAZPTyf1iqADCGofK583bEJvSmwDmm5BnlEvhR1nxvHoJs3iVCkaEqDjRwwa6YrDSeEHQRGX_n6LAEoES9WgxlrUYwN6ldm1TXcbE3u6wFrtVon9KAcAnE2aTt4/s200/0410171924d.jpg" width="200" /></a>We camped at the Kentucky Horse Park and visited with Joyce and Jack, fellow workampers we met in Colorado 4 years ago who volunteered at Horse park this summer. We bet on some horse races during the opening day of nearby Keeneland Race Track...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WkLMLuh3NAH4WaOWmY-0AYwCHytnRlVVivWCXLeelnxgdf5vzy7uoeOO62sORPswl6s-eYefPK2TH52jsDiRg6tvULl08_ySqnXb8TWKh-FhNYHBPcjUYdWaMEbkS5wjeWNwfHpWLUM/s1600/0412171412b_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WkLMLuh3NAH4WaOWmY-0AYwCHytnRlVVivWCXLeelnxgdf5vzy7uoeOO62sORPswl6s-eYefPK2TH52jsDiRg6tvULl08_ySqnXb8TWKh-FhNYHBPcjUYdWaMEbkS5wjeWNwfHpWLUM/s320/0412171412b_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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...no longshot winners, but we had a great time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii41kUMVrNVxvzNBPDcCD70iyN6_RqcGzVFoDwa2AHeD1UNisO5CQ9yHeV20T3rQomM-JTIDx4zXDip0f3DndkTxQvWlWbfotWcq7mSVNi91B14P1VjQ_75jP43CrHO1xmvvftjVoK6zk/s1600/0415171253_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii41kUMVrNVxvzNBPDcCD70iyN6_RqcGzVFoDwa2AHeD1UNisO5CQ9yHeV20T3rQomM-JTIDx4zXDip0f3DndkTxQvWlWbfotWcq7mSVNi91B14P1VjQ_75jP43CrHO1xmvvftjVoK6zk/s200/0415171253_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
While in Cleveland we visited the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCKzTyYJvgK8k1exHjK9e9ZtGN4qFY23NxWFskOe9KH8pYrvkSaAfgpQeF369DrCrKBpyEl6HjfbOAf07-0AIDmSrZVsL7Nz_Qbcr17OV_iMAGHaw-8zqUlTAkngNKdd9YGqRcCNbgpM/s1600/20170430_000835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCKzTyYJvgK8k1exHjK9e9ZtGN4qFY23NxWFskOe9KH8pYrvkSaAfgpQeF369DrCrKBpyEl6HjfbOAf07-0AIDmSrZVsL7Nz_Qbcr17OV_iMAGHaw-8zqUlTAkngNKdd9YGqRcCNbgpM/s320/20170430_000835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Susan, Sherry & Joan</td></tr>
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We stopped in New York and Joan caught up with her childhood friends and neighbors Susan and her sister Sherry. Susan and her husband Don were great hosts and we spent lots of time with them; shopping, sightseeing, golfing and teaching each other new card and board games. They'll be visiting us in NH in June and we'll be looking forward to it.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9Dm_EgJPUKun5xqPRxZu1JLQz_6MiBbEXeqod4PR4HHj3VzlqrNav8zneD-vkZB4lhAUu7N8yX9xEj585orVskiuB_KeUH4lbIJNNEOEfdqoY4c3FYDkrdmOGnZ54SF9Crd1MF_p9K8/s1600/20170423_134307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9Dm_EgJPUKun5xqPRxZu1JLQz_6MiBbEXeqod4PR4HHj3VzlqrNav8zneD-vkZB4lhAUu7N8yX9xEj585orVskiuB_KeUH4lbIJNNEOEfdqoY4c3FYDkrdmOGnZ54SF9Crd1MF_p9K8/s320/20170423_134307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lots of driving around and sight seeing on the back roads. Joan and Deb ran across several covered bridges on one such drive.......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p7s5vtsiXx6fjDVF9Mc0h-fg9avOOyi1CX0B526vJwmfE3Q02Ls3ynC0muKLQoxmje8a3LjgQlEtQvgGMS09Q3ex3xyLBIk_0ABnt4k8aArnaawY1NT5XZvhI6mYnpSqbZu8MhtiHBE/s1600/4-26+%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p7s5vtsiXx6fjDVF9Mc0h-fg9avOOyi1CX0B526vJwmfE3Q02Ls3ynC0muKLQoxmje8a3LjgQlEtQvgGMS09Q3ex3xyLBIk_0ABnt4k8aArnaawY1NT5XZvhI6mYnpSqbZu8MhtiHBE/s320/4-26+%252812%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
There were lots of Amish along the back roads as well.......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX5BXprwq2xuspK3WyuAPP1WrVjJFjz4wabaVrj4bJh0YgIkRbpAN716w5UVs2aLJm4rB9l9TMEbo6DKi6twdoOX-9bfU_T6oHqIzCoP9D3WVD1Fz6aI7TamnnCIXFu9D6-tJv-8oF58/s1600/4-26+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX5BXprwq2xuspK3WyuAPP1WrVjJFjz4wabaVrj4bJh0YgIkRbpAN716w5UVs2aLJm4rB9l9TMEbo6DKi6twdoOX-9bfU_T6oHqIzCoP9D3WVD1Fz6aI7TamnnCIXFu9D6-tJv-8oF58/s320/4-26+%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIB2WO4BXkPqG0pf0GiyqL2TZrpY4_zHKZfQEpXrZEyE0JB42zoS55EPUyptBNUqjLyfY9lwkPYyuC7qmBwAmRz3vPKkcpNziOmqtdpCoK8OJHFh_c_8WJJ1_chtXWcjQ6GYVkmLZvKY/s1600/4-26+%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIB2WO4BXkPqG0pf0GiyqL2TZrpY4_zHKZfQEpXrZEyE0JB42zoS55EPUyptBNUqjLyfY9lwkPYyuC7qmBwAmRz3vPKkcpNziOmqtdpCoK8OJHFh_c_8WJJ1_chtXWcjQ6GYVkmLZvKY/s320/4-26+%252822%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Joan really enjoyed the farm houses with the laundry on the line...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_p-eD602Xemotr4VNbrjBXsI-Bsz07s63-d31j3AVHeZoLzQbSKSF_YC8HTgWIGiEYcCm_LkIsa_2hX1EpDZtxffYwLUEVP9IaoFs32n3XAseCtSrqrvjRHFYcWfGFmZCcYbi8jm3Ks/s1600/0503171530_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_p-eD602Xemotr4VNbrjBXsI-Bsz07s63-d31j3AVHeZoLzQbSKSF_YC8HTgWIGiEYcCm_LkIsa_2hX1EpDZtxffYwLUEVP9IaoFs32n3XAseCtSrqrvjRHFYcWfGFmZCcYbi8jm3Ks/s320/0503171530_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a>While we were in NY we stopped over near Cooperstown and visited the Baseball Hall of Fame. While checking out recent inductees I noticed a few of my Braves....Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux and Bobby Cox...altogether in the 2014-2016 alcove along with Joe Torre who coached the Braves in 82-84.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiabAVuxKWDr9LK8TM9ZcRYqCAxgIPI0SIAPn-5CFm5r6rWa3JNPzul3JnFgbx9N1pKwJSph56GT20KsZ5ojYJEsTT2mE-_qzV-4iJq6yeob0VdUqY47q2DBf6x1yNvxSpWlFwrYJpIU/s1600/0503171328_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiabAVuxKWDr9LK8TM9ZcRYqCAxgIPI0SIAPn-5CFm5r6rWa3JNPzul3JnFgbx9N1pKwJSph56GT20KsZ5ojYJEsTT2mE-_qzV-4iJq6yeob0VdUqY47q2DBf6x1yNvxSpWlFwrYJpIU/s320/0503171328_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A little further in I noticed all of them but Torre have their numbers retired.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPbOHiAaoX3RY02jkn2f-kQgpPdOynetDNtlmWs4OBo1wa-ddV0Uk6V-k14q-m7ApoVxzrGYGNw2N44rReDp5DF19Qjhe9Anl5f00ls-DzbgqKGAvg6Y5GB3sFkls73Jn-ct7ErXMWwA/s1600/4-25+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPbOHiAaoX3RY02jkn2f-kQgpPdOynetDNtlmWs4OBo1wa-ddV0Uk6V-k14q-m7ApoVxzrGYGNw2N44rReDp5DF19Qjhe9Anl5f00ls-DzbgqKGAvg6Y5GB3sFkls73Jn-ct7ErXMWwA/s320/4-25+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>We stopped at the GM Corvette factory in Bowling Green, KY and took the factory tour. Very interesting! We also stopped in Hershey, PA and checked out the Hershey Chocolate tour and trolley ride through town. The trolley ride was excellent and well worth the cost. The conductors did a great job of entertaining and informing the trolley riders about the history of the town and Hershey family during the hour long ride..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF-roRkpm3wxDUy2ZQjIo06eB7XXNX6FNaqnfU78wMkQDAhHK0ZnEn0nKvm5vc3BSKLNJW-7O4ZNCr9T2WmJis9QYFPnaYXhbJxJXxU9dpxDxPS-ZY6zqqq3upMRmHyf4kgAJ0sN8Xik/s1600/0403171653_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF-roRkpm3wxDUy2ZQjIo06eB7XXNX6FNaqnfU78wMkQDAhHK0ZnEn0nKvm5vc3BSKLNJW-7O4ZNCr9T2WmJis9QYFPnaYXhbJxJXxU9dpxDxPS-ZY6zqqq3upMRmHyf4kgAJ0sN8Xik/s320/0403171653_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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In Atlanta we drove past a KFC that was remodeling.....wonder who came up with the new mascot?????? I mean really? Is a 3 story chicken really necessary?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMSf8iajcy42643HqXpSIQYTD_8FY5j8rqAKChyphenhyphenRPJbZAbls_D_-yY_bhFFG3fKHT8M3dnSeN8L7lfu_d8OmUrGUcVj4lmlG3PYuMUQBvkgC9hklGPvn4WPLeuM7sFmGTJv9_D7mYXpw/s1600/20170501_151543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMSf8iajcy42643HqXpSIQYTD_8FY5j8rqAKChyphenhyphenRPJbZAbls_D_-yY_bhFFG3fKHT8M3dnSeN8L7lfu_d8OmUrGUcVj4lmlG3PYuMUQBvkgC9hklGPvn4WPLeuM7sFmGTJv9_D7mYXpw/s320/20170501_151543.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We drove to Niagra Falls and visited on the Canadian side....it was raining really hard and we resisted getting out of the car. But Deb decided she just had to get a closer look.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqnbNUopp1qQVW6QrIa4VIvGXDuoJIfs3d3Pu0w-7rhxm09dvytueSyYfqOSZENeYjJo_nATPisdsuA9Fqs7ECVgiXdNTSAnnbzMfb6O-PJYkuHvxSqwkf_NbkUbBgEkLU9dIe6P7lF0/s1600/20170503_114315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqnbNUopp1qQVW6QrIa4VIvGXDuoJIfs3d3Pu0w-7rhxm09dvytueSyYfqOSZENeYjJo_nATPisdsuA9Fqs7ECVgiXdNTSAnnbzMfb6O-PJYkuHvxSqwkf_NbkUbBgEkLU9dIe6P7lF0/s320/20170503_114315.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A little adventure at one of our stops....the only time I had to disconnect the trailer during our entire trip.....new owners of the campground had added some improved and longer sites over the winter. We were the first to use the sites. Due to the heavy rains and tight curving driveway into the site the RV and trailer tires slipped off the edge of the gravel into the mud. It looked worse than it was....I disconnected the trailer and the RV pulled out of the soft ground easily and we moved to another site (the new power service was not working at the remodeled site). Then used the jeep to pull the trailer out. All's well that ends well..<br />
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We'll be moving to Lincoln, NH tomorrow to park for the summer. The weather forecast is for rain and snow over the next couple of days, so we'll see what we'll see.<br />
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That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-57411053114352430922016-12-06T09:33:00.000-08:002016-12-06T09:36:31.649-08:00You Can't Go Home Again......Or Can You?Winter Garden, FL<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzPOgqlVvTXp4BbNTQ9vr2yvv2ATVnJzrreLWtwTmEfZw3A0gtP5pHF8f2W8cwhVSeyxBpUDIfpJdAP0GztGjwD6QbDk0wODBjcb_dUB_3X9Ppvn4vWi__GLoIZwv_-wL2QqY_eJuLbc/s1600/WG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzPOgqlVvTXp4BbNTQ9vr2yvv2ATVnJzrreLWtwTmEfZw3A0gtP5pHF8f2W8cwhVSeyxBpUDIfpJdAP0GztGjwD6QbDk0wODBjcb_dUB_3X9Ppvn4vWi__GLoIZwv_-wL2QqY_eJuLbc/s320/WG.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">downtown Winter Garden</td></tr>
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Back in Florida we are; and here we'll stay for a couple of months. "But how did you get there?" you ask! The long way I reply. You may remember from the last blog that my mom, Sue flew to South Dakota in September to join us for a cross country trip in the motorhome......and what a trip it was. Joan, mom and I spent 6 weeks meandering through 13 states, visiting over a dozen different national & state parks, national monuments, grasslands and scenic highways on our way to Florida. In addition to that we got to stop and visit with family in 5 different states. Check out some of our pictures....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMp21WETIWfYL4y0eV3K9E2udnHDKDSHUWw3Y9Mp2bPR0fSrdbRXzsMxQwj6-yEbsuTTMPyC9OOJvD0DsT6j3JlCtZA_MOlZT_gUgOSQHCVgOeobgaQiCEg53fAQb8sj1loITzi4-Png/s1600/20160905_134455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMp21WETIWfYL4y0eV3K9E2udnHDKDSHUWw3Y9Mp2bPR0fSrdbRXzsMxQwj6-yEbsuTTMPyC9OOJvD0DsT6j3JlCtZA_MOlZT_gUgOSQHCVgOeobgaQiCEg53fAQb8sj1loITzi4-Png/s320/20160905_134455.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devils Tower National Park, Wyoming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggd_uLYdCbTU8iY0Nr7oWHGniiQYNYBjtZbIHQ230JuPc_wCX_od3gr7_aTNxjIASO50oyUPMFInQn4swhsG0Y_XLa5YkxTsBkE34l9gky0ghU5PG2tBq8NxusD16wuPwdvKBk0YychI/s1600/20160912_120455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggd_uLYdCbTU8iY0Nr7oWHGniiQYNYBjtZbIHQ230JuPc_wCX_od3gr7_aTNxjIASO50oyUPMFInQn4swhsG0Y_XLa5YkxTsBkE34l9gky0ghU5PG2tBq8NxusD16wuPwdvKBk0YychI/s320/20160912_120455.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jammer (future workamping job) at Glacier NP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3UOC0kjtl9-yExN4jqwwmbkoUalltxfmi-AL3Zf0adZyTc53mzX58NitamjPdeTsTrdeeoZ_lpq3Ud6A0CHEfr-To9Qazd1nkoXeB7wzyE1_B5vsjIHz0h24kZuXX905jj4byS85_cA/s1600/Rocky+Mt+Natl+Park+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3UOC0kjtl9-yExN4jqwwmbkoUalltxfmi-AL3Zf0adZyTc53mzX58NitamjPdeTsTrdeeoZ_lpq3Ud6A0CHEfr-To9Qazd1nkoXeB7wzyE1_B5vsjIHz0h24kZuXX905jj4byS85_cA/s320/Rocky+Mt+Natl+Park+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan, Tim & Mom Rocky Mountain NP Colorado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLRltfWTcQIbUEDeNqFnFNdLYBhaMxvRZP6vb-WGPIknd6MDfhDiT-OIip7hxS3WXi0jhWPKQu0Lcd1LhlNZfNAkzD0nRKA07w9bdPyvg0A_v9ZLkzyaTRNE_o6V_26oKJ5RdU1wPF34/s1600/0920161513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLRltfWTcQIbUEDeNqFnFNdLYBhaMxvRZP6vb-WGPIknd6MDfhDiT-OIip7hxS3WXi0jhWPKQu0Lcd1LhlNZfNAkzD0nRKA07w9bdPyvg0A_v9ZLkzyaTRNE_o6V_26oKJ5RdU1wPF34/s320/0920161513.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celestial Tea Factory Tour<br />
Boulder, CO</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8cqTLUh7CXxl0HGOYns-RiTh5Ws6_pPeaJnBbVy7zesXDI1qaOTdOolY1NY1mOSSrz0ZjUlm1Qgm0v8qKoFfJ6IiZ_-JnRL_tkjCNOmnna8OwdQq6hRuMl9bLIjYJQrjv9qAWo952Ko/s1600/20160921_124000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8cqTLUh7CXxl0HGOYns-RiTh5Ws6_pPeaJnBbVy7zesXDI1qaOTdOolY1NY1mOSSrz0ZjUlm1Qgm0v8qKoFfJ6IiZ_-JnRL_tkjCNOmnna8OwdQq6hRuMl9bLIjYJQrjv9qAWo952Ko/s320/20160921_124000.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockies-Cardinals NLB<br />
Denver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5yBzSHmfXjjw3lQ93mh5mKp5sH0qZRhJ1B5OQ5ahhKOEp8GrZXfaYxVigV-dbmJHRbTaGQ0HdG3Azg7TOoSm1zN-j7zsvYyX3f1E1lGj718fWXJf_JLZqiT0B3YTc0GOT7ELiz0luWo/s1600/20160929_155022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5yBzSHmfXjjw3lQ93mh5mKp5sH0qZRhJ1B5OQ5ahhKOEp8GrZXfaYxVigV-dbmJHRbTaGQ0HdG3Azg7TOoSm1zN-j7zsvYyX3f1E1lGj718fWXJf_JLZqiT0B3YTc0GOT7ELiz0luWo/s320/20160929_155022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1O_b70M7ihbLFABwu4UxTUetnMqkTOZTnpr8JuVgE3Ylleg9pC61IudiTnWxtu1R2aYPCoHaPhUKhlKbCxMbwpRjxEYpzFGp0GVNRJ8OwjkYHRSmE03IazOtNlP73IRr_xELIFeC2bI/s1600/20160930_151905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1O_b70M7ihbLFABwu4UxTUetnMqkTOZTnpr8JuVgE3Ylleg9pC61IudiTnWxtu1R2aYPCoHaPhUKhlKbCxMbwpRjxEYpzFGp0GVNRJ8OwjkYHRSmE03IazOtNlP73IRr_xELIFeC2bI/s320/20160930_151905.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's visit to the dark side!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeynkWKGXeDM6aXB7fNTUBZVYOJLlWmTtYh5D_zBIadZY4so_EG1NI04CNLy0erckZeeES45PKIy7WVeESUoCw-PBHSUjezcMwdoU86PjZSp_C6cTk5m5mk6dhaSRIoQmcKni_dOEewE/s1600/Ouray+after+the+snow+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeynkWKGXeDM6aXB7fNTUBZVYOJLlWmTtYh5D_zBIadZY4so_EG1NI04CNLy0erckZeeES45PKIy7WVeESUoCw-PBHSUjezcMwdoU86PjZSp_C6cTk5m5mk6dhaSRIoQmcKni_dOEewE/s320/Ouray+after+the+snow+%252817%2529.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX2fsq8H6il6po0dV1wbz19_XCQbPKTnhnjzQBsRvMQjtEz82y7YBnzvvRW8L_Q87BLF72mzFvOE-ov6RNEQSZ-X3QoG12ZTycxZYEbeuc7yFninK0_ptHakK0v67jdbah_KJK5Ew91Q/s1600/Ouray+after+the+snow+%252832%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX2fsq8H6il6po0dV1wbz19_XCQbPKTnhnjzQBsRvMQjtEz82y7YBnzvvRW8L_Q87BLF72mzFvOE-ov6RNEQSZ-X3QoG12ZTycxZYEbeuc7yFninK0_ptHakK0v67jdbah_KJK5Ew91Q/s320/Ouray+after+the+snow+%252832%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wOXQGRSRVq84RRywrv1IKPaFWLHYMM22C-JzzsFa8O-sQi9Z47z0t9a6nq_aXkrQAE8K_KsK2wE1dHVWEhIjCG7Vo7ltEWG8xgpqO1HZF8AwQNb5P-zsZ2dudjMV1671HxCAciOnDBA/s1600/Ouray+after+the+snow+%252846%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wOXQGRSRVq84RRywrv1IKPaFWLHYMM22C-JzzsFa8O-sQi9Z47z0t9a6nq_aXkrQAE8K_KsK2wE1dHVWEhIjCG7Vo7ltEWG8xgpqO1HZF8AwQNb5P-zsZ2dudjMV1671HxCAciOnDBA/s320/Ouray+after+the+snow+%252846%2529.JPG" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFjotE6Mebtc7NHf39NJesS9h0QKRdyjITLApBhlN4pikdJRaPh7UUr_r6O539Ip_LqQ_6cvqCu-Rm3aruqJVm_cBFz8veb1WdtWZyWcC1gB1m9k2fEhTRnhyT_EQePwLcUfTU48t16M/s1600/Ouray+Telluride+Sept+25+%252889%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFjotE6Mebtc7NHf39NJesS9h0QKRdyjITLApBhlN4pikdJRaPh7UUr_r6O539Ip_LqQ_6cvqCu-Rm3aruqJVm_cBFz8veb1WdtWZyWcC1gB1m9k2fEhTRnhyT_EQePwLcUfTU48t16M/s320/Ouray+Telluride+Sept+25+%252889%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouray<br />
We will be going back here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJZ6pPoCLTq_Bl4uV1mB6bHRHT0TPUimiN7m1vvlvNrpBOYe4lsMEGDzpF9soRdU39dd4SKrl85O2lhfNqr9RE_NETyjNFcpRgKd72h6HoKZL4ftBnjLESwzYu8kwushFIrtIHo15glQ/s1600/Great+Sand+Dunes+9-28+Camera+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJZ6pPoCLTq_Bl4uV1mB6bHRHT0TPUimiN7m1vvlvNrpBOYe4lsMEGDzpF9soRdU39dd4SKrl85O2lhfNqr9RE_NETyjNFcpRgKd72h6HoKZL4ftBnjLESwzYu8kwushFIrtIHo15glQ/s320/Great+Sand+Dunes+9-28+Camera+%252810%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa, CO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JfW7bNAhf09dgKzNSrszP5Q2JE3-8D3c3uArFHmy7MdNHlf5Vk4IjRI_WydVzXgC5IQCNYB_hdZVpIz9U1jCAlPJaGadp1uPjByyolLjHbOOcWmZX4I_siGOWEsotzldyn-c1qzI2i8/s1600/1475517965941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JfW7bNAhf09dgKzNSrszP5Q2JE3-8D3c3uArFHmy7MdNHlf5Vk4IjRI_WydVzXgC5IQCNYB_hdZVpIz9U1jCAlPJaGadp1uPjByyolLjHbOOcWmZX4I_siGOWEsotzldyn-c1qzI2i8/s320/1475517965941.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gateway Arch, St Louis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T9-Li9eEw1uO-VbElizQ2JItvCLc6vjprBxCt1vGoLrwSkEXA7nfYKiMJr_bbSF81G-6ahq_21337vflBKA_DCmk3gPH5BIsaV-xAuglIKwHZxDQCwAjTzAVhdYpCgBx05ouJikAX84/s1600/20161009_191822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T9-Li9eEw1uO-VbElizQ2JItvCLc6vjprBxCt1vGoLrwSkEXA7nfYKiMJr_bbSF81G-6ahq_21337vflBKA_DCmk3gPH5BIsaV-xAuglIKwHZxDQCwAjTzAVhdYpCgBx05ouJikAX84/s320/20161009_191822.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a week on the Coosa River, AL</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVJyEEWKDv90bG8xAD4segorRfW6pt_phLrToHpKJPL-3R0W7Ew9fm3h3s26pVxQD9b1WVm5YUXtlalOaU19IAL3E_yi0E4pJZGyzp2m24wZ4cjp4yxvp9lyJZSmZv8jhwi_dv-tJDKc/s1600/20161122_142607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVJyEEWKDv90bG8xAD4segorRfW6pt_phLrToHpKJPL-3R0W7Ew9fm3h3s26pVxQD9b1WVm5YUXtlalOaU19IAL3E_yi0E4pJZGyzp2m24wZ4cjp4yxvp9lyJZSmZv8jhwi_dv-tJDKc/s320/20161122_142607.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a week with the Greyson & Tristyn in Atlanta</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiMfMl0qM9qQsxE24lcukijLpzjVwBp26Vxr99c5DHW3pszmcDoATyhIGXCGOE_YS8oKSXob058L9gJyAOO8TU3gXxJJjuPtmuXWCMQ69i-nzmWnPjUeifEunBcpDXRHdQrm0p-xRJ-U/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiMfMl0qM9qQsxE24lcukijLpzjVwBp26Vxr99c5DHW3pszmcDoATyhIGXCGOE_YS8oKSXob058L9gJyAOO8TU3gXxJJjuPtmuXWCMQ69i-nzmWnPjUeifEunBcpDXRHdQrm0p-xRJ-U/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">exploring the color in NC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUwxeqvZA7I1nPIHRfHUOaqt2eiZJwoJhXIvi96_v5snKkGlRbV5GbzV8nUYPmstzOzsBEk-ChHpQ0xEAr36vT4wIYDXTGTNBy2qCRf7G9qB5bdr42W5JD1tX_jcgesBextRZ_FPwjGI/s1600/DSC_0031+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUwxeqvZA7I1nPIHRfHUOaqt2eiZJwoJhXIvi96_v5snKkGlRbV5GbzV8nUYPmstzOzsBEk-ChHpQ0xEAr36vT4wIYDXTGTNBy2qCRf7G9qB5bdr42W5JD1tX_jcgesBextRZ_FPwjGI/s320/DSC_0031+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night in Fitzgerald, GA<br />
before entering FL</td></tr>
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So now we're in Florida, probably until the end of March at which time we're headed north. We have secured our summer job for 2017. Along with Jim & Deb, Joan and I will be headed for New Hampshire where we will all be volunteering in the White Mountains near Lincold, NH. We are expecting a great summer with lots of side trips to visit friends and places throughout the northeastern portion of the US & Canada.<br />
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That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-6810911119623888572016-09-24T19:31:00.000-07:002016-09-24T19:50:54.186-07:00Summer Update - The Black Hills Are in Our Rear WindowBlack Hills, Custer, SD<br />
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Our summer in the Black Hills is done. We have started another adventure that I will be blogging about next time, but for this post I just wanted to update about our summer. From our previous posts you may remember that our trip to South Dakota was more of a 'fall back' trip as our intended summer job mapping BLM roads cancelled at the last minute.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim & Deb</td></tr>
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We had been in South Dakota in 2014 and really enjoyed our adventure there; because of our previous experience and the fact that our friends Jim & Deb were working at Crazy Horse this summer we decided to spend another summer there. We were so fortunate that positions at Crazy Horse came available and we had jobs at Crazy Horse 2 weeks after we arrived.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Joan & I at his chin<br />
Good opportunity to understand the scale<br />
of the work being done</td></tr>
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We quickly settled into a routine of working again. Crazy Horse is open 365 days/yr; in the summer from 7am until as late as 11pm depending on what time the nightly laser light show finishes. Joan and I had the same work days and similar work schedules (at least at first). As the season progressed Joan was asked to work the ticket booth, which kinda' messed up our similar schedules.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes working at Crazy Horse<br />
can be a hair raising experience!</td></tr>
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And as fate would have it, between Joan & I, Jim & Deb, and Phil & Rudee the schedules were so different that Joan & I only had 1 day off together with Phil & Rudi. Bummer! We've realized over the last few years full-timing that the friends you make and get to spend time with are as important as the places you go and the things you do!<br />
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On our days off we continued to spend time driving the back roads throughout the Black Hills. We saw lots of wildlife.....<br />
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Between last year's work mapping BLM roads and the traffic throughout the Lake Mead area Joan had not ridden her motorcycle very often. Just before we left Lake Mead to head north, she decided to list her motorcycle for sale. When we took her bike out of the trailer to clean it up and take pictures, we noticed one of the front forks was leaking. By the time we had this repaired it was too late to sale the bike. Just after arriving at Custer we broke out the bikes and took a ride. It didn't take long before we encountered excitement....(check out this video)...<br />
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As soon as we got home, Joan commented "I forgot how much I enjoyed riding here! I'm glad I didn't sell the bike."<br />
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We got to take in a local play "Nunsense" with Phil & Rudee.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George, Laurel, Pam, John, Joan, me, Bev & JC</td></tr>
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......we were able to take a group of friends to the top of Crazy Horse.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim (barkeep), Pam, JC, Bev, John & me</td></tr>
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We made a new friend at Heritage Village, Jim. Jim was employed to clean up and open a long-closed tavern called Heritage Village. We think he did a great job.<br />
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We celebrated my birthday while we were here and Joan got me a fantastic gift....a helicopter ride flying over Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. It was great.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look close and you'll see the helicopter<br />
just out to the right of his hand</td></tr>
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All in all Joan & I are very proud to have worked at Crazy Horse. We were especially grateful we were offered the opportunity to work mid-season. We finished up the year with a little melancholy as our experience this summer was not as positive or fulfilling as our first time around. Some of the 'shiney' was off the penny this year as it was kind of a 'been there done that' season. Our intention from the beginning was to try and do something different each season as there is so much for us to see in this great country. We'll have to keep that in mind as we choose future work opportunities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5hSnsBBwnHiGtRIz5Yy57eUNiT07y0XlfDACphe4F2LKhRbw8oJc6fZQ32Jm5gmYzG9p4F9WwbZKtj117vkNg5lkfJYWZXY3kkknP6u2DTf6uYr_HQ9AoqW26UtCPq7AJ11qdxKsVKA/s1600/0907161246_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5hSnsBBwnHiGtRIz5Yy57eUNiT07y0XlfDACphe4F2LKhRbw8oJc6fZQ32Jm5gmYzG9p4F9WwbZKtj117vkNg5lkfJYWZXY3kkknP6u2DTf6uYr_HQ9AoqW26UtCPq7AJ11qdxKsVKA/s200/0907161246_HDR.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motorcycle Momma!<br />
Her 2nd ever ride at age 79</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY1xhTecbAjaKGe1eFWz7rthxberQwLlPHRiEI_5BKMEhV-BL8B0Og4CVC6Ddl5BQuSV1pWW82EATmI9Qil2rZcr2_jTIdEbzHvY5qIYsiWe-BdDzyZJ818y7-qZwQaotrOPJptUIf0I/s1600/0712160817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY1xhTecbAjaKGe1eFWz7rthxberQwLlPHRiEI_5BKMEhV-BL8B0Og4CVC6Ddl5BQuSV1pWW82EATmI9Qil2rZcr2_jTIdEbzHvY5qIYsiWe-BdDzyZJ818y7-qZwQaotrOPJptUIf0I/s200/0712160817.jpg" width="112" /></a>Joan and I decided that it was time to spend a little more time with family and friends in Florida, so we made plans to take the motorhome and travel back to Florida, intending to stay for several months this winter. We also decided to invite my mom to join us and travel cross-country with us as we made our way back to Florida. She accepted and flew into Rapid City the Friday before we left Custer. We got to spend a little time showing her the sites in South Dakota before we headed out to start our next adventure. "What is that adventure?" you may ask.....well you'll just have to check out our next blog!<br />
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!<br />
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<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-29005098485228356162016-05-28T13:40:00.000-07:002016-05-28T13:53:38.025-07:00Golly Gee Whiz Batman....Crazy Horse, Custer, SD<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDOhtaVimDd5mkG9G5A0QA-lc6j25GOZedlYQCQJwP9rp9k6QhhjoOVLDVwNU1nZWZykB2TdVVeidbkDPPStY6MU62XGbfIuBGb6VTKCkkzTlxCv9O0JJRGz1uFAve-qW_bGwBfMrno4/s1600/Crazy+Hose+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDOhtaVimDd5mkG9G5A0QA-lc6j25GOZedlYQCQJwP9rp9k6QhhjoOVLDVwNU1nZWZykB2TdVVeidbkDPPStY6MU62XGbfIuBGb6VTKCkkzTlxCv9O0JJRGz1uFAve-qW_bGwBfMrno4/s320/Crazy+Hose+%25284%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Yeah, we're here....and we're here to stay the summer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjAeXHrdpIojv7GD2rBlpgi8KD8tmXe4CtL3aK2RU0X5XO-0cjlW007eEOncTT7AII-40IJFkv_4YNxXGO1SApILpig_PkzUrN4-eyzGW1snMN1mxJQSq6bgAXRlWAJX0mUiXg_3sb0Y/s1600/tumblr_loe0o65Zbz1qcgza1o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjAeXHrdpIojv7GD2rBlpgi8KD8tmXe4CtL3aK2RU0X5XO-0cjlW007eEOncTT7AII-40IJFkv_4YNxXGO1SApILpig_PkzUrN4-eyzGW1snMN1mxJQSq6bgAXRlWAJX0mUiXg_3sb0Y/s320/tumblr_loe0o65Zbz1qcgza1o1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you recall our last bat-blog we were in South Dakota without gainful employment for this summer. Our scheduled job mapping BLM roads was stopped before we could start do to BLM retracting a significant percentage of the miles scheduled for inventory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTqwQo7CtxrMZkniigSx69pp5hzN9Hth8C4S3CL_9Md34xMaHnH5HkTutvgQo7lIdUV2XQBDiKp_Z-Mx1nAdeXALF_VfQALVzK5aLUHTvM3VH4OgpVGIYf3c64FovEG3XSjKN7_Tgm40/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTqwQo7CtxrMZkniigSx69pp5hzN9Hth8C4S3CL_9Md34xMaHnH5HkTutvgQo7lIdUV2XQBDiKp_Z-Mx1nAdeXALF_VfQALVzK5aLUHTvM3VH4OgpVGIYf3c64FovEG3XSjKN7_Tgm40/s1600/images.jpg" /></a><br />
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We started researching potentials jobs in the Black Hills while acclimating to the cooler temps and higher elevations. We stayed in touch with our former co-workers at Crazy Horse and exploring some of our old haunts from 2014.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD_PXAS0EAT6-2eNLFjzms2-dXDsnV4moELj9AYr2x6bnoCnWiZGOaizutMWNNrHhAL3dNKZ2uw38ASnJbwAsW2JQddv0670HKjTdgjetKJjemS96w81dHfPmIcSOm1rT84vE7WIMuBI/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD_PXAS0EAT6-2eNLFjzms2-dXDsnV4moELj9AYr2x6bnoCnWiZGOaizutMWNNrHhAL3dNKZ2uw38ASnJbwAsW2JQddv0670HKjTdgjetKJjemS96w81dHfPmIcSOm1rT84vE7WIMuBI/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
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Our 2nd week here one of our friends called and left us a voicemail......"Don't leave. Stay put, something is in the works!" The next day we got a visitor late in the afternoon......"Call Crazy Horse today. I think they need you to work tomorrow". Rather than call I drove over and spoke with the director "Can you work tomorrow?" "Absolutely" I replied. One Down (I had a job), One to Go (Joan).<br />
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My new job was in Visitor Services working in the Welcome Center; greeting guests, manning the information counter directing guests and answering questions; stepping on arriving tour buses and narrating the drive to the base of the mountain; and one of my favorite jobs......guiding guests to the top of Crazy Horse mountain and out onto the arm of the carving. I worked Friday and Saturday, took Sunday-Monday off and then we got .....The Call! For Joan....."We would like for you to start work on Tuesday!" Yahoo! Success.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGK6wEd-rN1-GqluXGuCK0eokzxx-FCw-J8pXIEPi3KSjwofVtWYVOw8d8F7ivyy71xYJshHjBiu8XeNPGTXg_Yp0dCLGZOYqktDYdqgNOror7kwdAJKJZZqPooPhmFH9MWLpRL1NLJQ/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGK6wEd-rN1-GqluXGuCK0eokzxx-FCw-J8pXIEPi3KSjwofVtWYVOw8d8F7ivyy71xYJshHjBiu8XeNPGTXg_Yp0dCLGZOYqktDYdqgNOror7kwdAJKJZZqPooPhmFH9MWLpRL1NLJQ/s1600/s.jpg" /></a><br />
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Success is not always easy to achieve. Life takes you on unusual and challenging twists and turns. You just need to be able to roll with the punches and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.<br />
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So Joan and I are working together again, both of us in Visitor Services. I've been taking guests to the top of the mountain, sometimes 4 trips a day. Joan has been learning the ropes, shadowing the tour bus step-ons, and she's ready for her 1st step-on any day now. We got our first pay checks yesterday and our check book is extremely happy! As are we! What Fun!<br />
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And for those of you that don't know, I'm now a grandpa times 2. Greyson Cade was born 5/16/16.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRQO9hB2qmf1IOEBRRs4nxImGpfeTvWDznQ-mtBDCMFk45XwaiUxCtRc5gzoLv0thODT5tO2bwSulMRe5tpJpfOAnzZ17awDCI_4C3tfdAFUptHRwYS5oYqpO6OGrQKtjQYMbYhyhTQA/s1600/IMG954567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRQO9hB2qmf1IOEBRRs4nxImGpfeTvWDznQ-mtBDCMFk45XwaiUxCtRc5gzoLv0thODT5tO2bwSulMRe5tpJpfOAnzZ17awDCI_4C3tfdAFUptHRwYS5oYqpO6OGrQKtjQYMbYhyhTQA/s320/IMG954567.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristyn and her brother Greyson</td></tr>
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
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<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-82639334623374097072016-05-07T12:32:00.000-07:002016-05-07T12:32:48.747-07:00Holy Guacamole Batman! What Next?Custer, SD<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xf5Bz8fwXBZSzLBPB-VL1yNsCufP2f8vmXCihyh3ALMaKn04NGPRIc72rFC4V0VaJKJOT8Oe27lljAZfAzt9Plszs6pYYVF9Fk1lcAAhQoLzA4Qlor4xHP9-ID3B7Nu8WM6fZQvmwbk/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xf5Bz8fwXBZSzLBPB-VL1yNsCufP2f8vmXCihyh3ALMaKn04NGPRIc72rFC4V0VaJKJOT8Oe27lljAZfAzt9Plszs6pYYVF9Fk1lcAAhQoLzA4Qlor4xHP9-ID3B7Nu8WM6fZQvmwbk/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Rushmore</td></tr>
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Yes that's right sports fans, Joan & I are in Custer, SD!<br />
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"What is going on?" you might be thinking. "You guys are supposed to be starting your summer job driving the back country BLM roads!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q0PYvGT5i7se5KkzmK0KHwLtMYuHuMnu1hzgakLwrzQPKCwzk9nUMJj7KT3benaf40cq5r_DQYinhZE55sk9EmxO3AYqIDv_ayWEjSKMZ7g7FVvMmJiwGMtxdB3q0UFAigqJWHO55cg/s1600/batman+and+robin+read+my+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q0PYvGT5i7se5KkzmK0KHwLtMYuHuMnu1hzgakLwrzQPKCwzk9nUMJj7KT3benaf40cq5r_DQYinhZE55sk9EmxO3AYqIDv_ayWEjSKMZ7g7FVvMmJiwGMtxdB3q0UFAigqJWHO55cg/s400/batman+and+robin+read+my+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieicnvXfhqa2QK883eWuGf6Hl3tdajfpn8tN2yev2Mx6lI4RKj3Vicsf-c0bh3hyphenhyphenCkrrv3ICsd6lqBhmVKNZ5UaaxlXA9hHfqF5Jlx9jFWUdIfFjnj5qPaATOozet4v11n6BR73-FK8TE/s1600/unseen+force.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieicnvXfhqa2QK883eWuGf6Hl3tdajfpn8tN2yev2Mx6lI4RKj3Vicsf-c0bh3hyphenhyphenCkrrv3ICsd6lqBhmVKNZ5UaaxlXA9hHfqF5Jlx9jFWUdIfFjnj5qPaATOozet4v11n6BR73-FK8TE/s1600/unseen+force.jpg" /></a><br />
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Well if you recall the last episode of our blog you'll remember that Joan and I were delayed starting our summer job due some unexpected doctor appointments that we needed to return to Las Vegas to take care of. The appointments and follow ups went fine, everything is OK.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJI7vLU_9j3hcSxgkXXKwlbcRqCFjrR_kPuv3aPBefHeabqNUhNUGVCv6zvYkc6Zc31oBxOsUPN_HQ_6LeOw5ade6qQ20bl2DLEc0edxhSGlywAjtc0-KfT0GHBkLRg1dOHP-YjQysFi4/s1600/holy+bank+balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJI7vLU_9j3hcSxgkXXKwlbcRqCFjrR_kPuv3aPBefHeabqNUhNUGVCv6zvYkc6Zc31oBxOsUPN_HQ_6LeOw5ade6qQ20bl2DLEc0edxhSGlywAjtc0-KfT0GHBkLRg1dOHP-YjQysFi4/s1600/holy+bank+balance.jpg" /></a>So now we're ready to work. We are not ready for full retirement mode just yet and still need to earn a little somethin' somethin' each year to make ends meet. After a very good summer last year we had several large expenditures such as extended warranties for the motorhome and jeep; and we remodeled and bought some new furniture. With all that our checkbook is also ready for us to go to work!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcDtVY0C7jtzq41lj64AbfoQMy7lPzLZsUYEhzgq1-CSZczny5o0CsJz3tcAc73aOGZfmoL0AlJeDl03ad_jz1C9_FZlDzu62860TDIpuru9jgxv6LO_tCCveUGq87pcumjkYbCxK-30/s1600/holy+smokes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcDtVY0C7jtzq41lj64AbfoQMy7lPzLZsUYEhzgq1-CSZczny5o0CsJz3tcAc73aOGZfmoL0AlJeDl03ad_jz1C9_FZlDzu62860TDIpuru9jgxv6LO_tCCveUGq87pcumjkYbCxK-30/s1600/holy+smokes.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strike One!</td></tr>
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We called our employer to update them on our availability and determine when & where we would be starting. But wait....all is not well in Gotham City! It seems as though BLM decided to withhold/delay a lot of the miles that the company was scheduled to inventory this summer. And with the fewer miles to be driven, another team (that would be Joan & I) would not be needed to complete the work scheduled. Well that certainly burst our bubble!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xxFMyrqqZtXURBlvzgmNsbYlMT-Y3g-7abDdVKb-BXZiFhsZ7WtTXF7YoijsLPoFrZpiQ_060XqlGt83-7Nu-soQipd9tTx3QDHHV3voECQKyEdZQhdnjaZAT36_faGJyzS7oDz8DnM/s1600/in+a+jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xxFMyrqqZtXURBlvzgmNsbYlMT-Y3g-7abDdVKb-BXZiFhsZ7WtTXF7YoijsLPoFrZpiQ_060XqlGt83-7Nu-soQipd9tTx3QDHHV3voECQKyEdZQhdnjaZAT36_faGJyzS7oDz8DnM/s1600/in+a+jam.jpg" /></a><br />
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So now what do we do? We really hadn't made any other plans for this summer. And it's already May! All the preferred jobs are already filled. We're drifters without direction. No home base, no job! Oh woe is me! What will become of us? What shall we do?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB2YZJSoXD-HfzakdxKMr-vVlLuvH9CeGWucBbgQjxoeCW7s3IRqh6aYdxmAoysIA5JJouhMPl7w61VYL9jRHPAYJGmyAE_zF4JXrJWXsjxgBre6ljVE86rkUolZF7c37MqyK7Wyem2w/s1600/defines+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB2YZJSoXD-HfzakdxKMr-vVlLuvH9CeGWucBbgQjxoeCW7s3IRqh6aYdxmAoysIA5JJouhMPl7w61VYL9jRHPAYJGmyAE_zF4JXrJWXsjxgBre6ljVE86rkUolZF7c37MqyK7Wyem2w/s1600/defines+us.jpg" /></a>Wait just a minute. No need to worry. Just come up with a plan. We're mobile! We're smart! We're strong! We're capable! We can do it! What would we really like to do on short notice? Hell, let's go back to the Black Hills and see if we can find something there! We enjoyed our summer at Crazy Horse; great place to work; great area for motorcycling and off-roading; lots of friends there including Jim & Deb. We could spend a great summer there. So we packed up and headed north.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y9D9OLYAcicYcMgi9n0tooQRBuVDS5eWIIEQ5w7spM3dF4RSThz9tyDQkUlvCWr6o5AFzSgO6oOpmCfskclv6xeUMw8WQZeLQVGcWv4pGbp1bjdjVUTAsL_EG05Gjt7UaNJyO3ozXV4/s1600/kapow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y9D9OLYAcicYcMgi9n0tooQRBuVDS5eWIIEQ5w7spM3dF4RSThz9tyDQkUlvCWr6o5AFzSgO6oOpmCfskclv6xeUMw8WQZeLQVGcWv4pGbp1bjdjVUTAsL_EG05Gjt7UaNJyO3ozXV4/s1600/kapow.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strike Two!</td></tr>
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We called Crazy Horse and spoke with the HR recruiter. "We find ourselves without a summer job and wanted to see if there might be an opportunity at Crazy Horse" we say. "That would be great" he says, " Give me a day or two to see where we're at with our current work group and I'll get back to you." So we set up and start calling friends to catch up. The HR recruiter calls us back a day later "Sorry guys, but we have a full compliment right now. But I've got you at the top of the list if an opening comes up."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHWF3Okx-X0UTDRZbN8pYStfTIlpdZoaEwKVY1MTwVVN8-cbu7BkIL_0sB8kejUtRjOecQYOcNxvOFVEWJx-EBGvCLCRXMtY0d9Uj3cszuO-GmOtH2baXBKqRzysXBsSnyImqo4ka-oo/s1600/comfort+zone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHWF3Okx-X0UTDRZbN8pYStfTIlpdZoaEwKVY1MTwVVN8-cbu7BkIL_0sB8kejUtRjOecQYOcNxvOFVEWJx-EBGvCLCRXMtY0d9Uj3cszuO-GmOtH2baXBKqRzysXBsSnyImqo4ka-oo/s400/comfort+zone.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
So now we're in a holding pattern. Looking at options and opportunities. We're going to give it a couple of weeks here in the Black Hills. After that? Who Knows!<br />
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But Tune in Next Week. Same Bat Time. Same Bat Station....er...Same Bat Blog!<br />
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That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!<br />
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Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-59529009525726020512016-04-10T19:54:00.000-07:002016-04-10T19:54:23.344-07:00Debbie! What Did You Say?Boulder City, NV (again?, still?)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv_VcnX-VugVgBR9crpMsaLe756YKONnbNsMuYrlyCPt9r8cLmDu2jP134M_3tpjGNRNLfcfgF7D9YU95ncKFJ1rDM0gYAM7iVpKFZx1CaBlNAoJeXMACYoKzf5E-C75L6OF8kLKT5sE/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv_VcnX-VugVgBR9crpMsaLe756YKONnbNsMuYrlyCPt9r8cLmDu2jP134M_3tpjGNRNLfcfgF7D9YU95ncKFJ1rDM0gYAM7iVpKFZx1CaBlNAoJeXMACYoKzf5E-C75L6OF8kLKT5sE/s400/DSC_0251.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capital Reef NP, Utah</td></tr>
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Joan and I wrapped up our volunteer jobs at Lake Mead the 1st week in March, just as our friends Jim & Deb arrived from Florida. Jim & Deb have been our best friends for many years. We've taken many motorcycle vacations together; several of them with our RV. They've followed our blog since we began full-timing in 2012 and we've stayed with them during our holiday trips back to Florida every year. All that changed last year when they sold their house and moved into their 2007 Country Coach to prepare to begin their full-timing life style. They both retired in January of this year and hit the road headed west in March.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIbUB7PD0ny6wjuuQEyJfDe1DEFE2LQtg5Q3TLFNaiU_xPpqlg1m4CZcGMjdxKvgKX7IRNWNmi5QnFuYqL8uD23Q-gTd1X162DHbsgX06bMV8Eg9bNl36mlS7miDRO_zz6Hj_6cRjzCo/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIbUB7PD0ny6wjuuQEyJfDe1DEFE2LQtg5Q3TLFNaiU_xPpqlg1m4CZcGMjdxKvgKX7IRNWNmi5QnFuYqL8uD23Q-gTd1X162DHbsgX06bMV8Eg9bNl36mlS7miDRO_zz6Hj_6cRjzCo/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim & Deb<br />
Kolob Reservoir Road & their Jeep's 1st taste of snow</td></tr>
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While they had hoped to join us this summer mapping BLM roads, that plan hadn't come to fruition, So they accepted a position working at Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota which they start in early May. Since our BLM job wasn't to start until late April, we decided to show them around Utah for a few weeks; helping them get acclimated to the lifestyle and gaining some off-road experience in their jeep.<br />
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Over the next 3 weeks we visited:<br />
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4 national parks<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpT7OSBIMfTbkHiX00_j3_A_iZRXgq2s1NmLZ9uhWgD5xWd9X1BKC4vQs7G6ul4XEXlXLVc1iwJQHKM67Fpax68neolrWsO_f9lWCw-MRl8favnp-CsJXrZ8XSnSdhUzcD60969xiLgo/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpT7OSBIMfTbkHiX00_j3_A_iZRXgq2s1NmLZ9uhWgD5xWd9X1BKC4vQs7G6ul4XEXlXLVc1iwJQHKM67Fpax68neolrWsO_f9lWCw-MRl8favnp-CsJXrZ8XSnSdhUzcD60969xiLgo/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y4IXfVMGvTe1FDdTg3A2wsL-QhaOihvxv6yOQMlpRlSHx30a4OTjU27fkbw5vKdz84OeEUv-StATvyV2FYmyLoHTrm3SX4a2VKtLATrX3HFXL2mQcig-Mu11Jj9483dr1tpQPEc8edQ/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y4IXfVMGvTe1FDdTg3A2wsL-QhaOihvxv6yOQMlpRlSHx30a4OTjU27fkbw5vKdz84OeEUv-StATvyV2FYmyLoHTrm3SX4a2VKtLATrX3HFXL2mQcig-Mu11Jj9483dr1tpQPEc8edQ/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="276" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG4m6kRqd25pJm4BrKw8-3giMuKbdFF-UhayO7gmHClVeLjSz4I7JA5BwHuGnljeFyFl1kuFRUA4sitiUEHl0APzv2SH4pEVFfuDA56g4LeYfkSjY4QyUMNTrjmA9SGmNu4fdoYDbI-0/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG4m6kRqd25pJm4BrKw8-3giMuKbdFF-UhayO7gmHClVeLjSz4I7JA5BwHuGnljeFyFl1kuFRUA4sitiUEHl0APzv2SH4pEVFfuDA56g4LeYfkSjY4QyUMNTrjmA9SGmNu4fdoYDbI-0/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKv4TowtPTIfrngWUZU23GxqObuu3VqHAkCR9bXHB5PmR_ymH_gVDWpYW6CWB1G5E5slWJnl96qUlpCawiCmyC7_zwPbSJ-yEIc27Tb0FQADWJgNEqLl6BQgiduI_Q36l4cnoaVqyUIU/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKv4TowtPTIfrngWUZU23GxqObuu3VqHAkCR9bXHB5PmR_ymH_gVDWpYW6CWB1G5E5slWJnl96qUlpCawiCmyC7_zwPbSJ-yEIc27Tb0FQADWJgNEqLl6BQgiduI_Q36l4cnoaVqyUIU/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower Arch, Arches NP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC1v3SyDu38n6_JxFLqmB-_FnEvxlgB_BHAM9m0csNPLNmtRqDMWicmzVQJ6NIoFpdjhIJ7TMvjndeWTgj344jWZ9E4GPvwoETm7JtflYFWBREZt28etmjt6DQTQN8HZVUALPpZZcDp4/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC1v3SyDu38n6_JxFLqmB-_FnEvxlgB_BHAM9m0csNPLNmtRqDMWicmzVQJ6NIoFpdjhIJ7TMvjndeWTgj344jWZ9E4GPvwoETm7JtflYFWBREZt28etmjt6DQTQN8HZVUALPpZZcDp4/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion Creek, Capital Reef NP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5_BXMjSAwn3OcP1upzrehwgZ9U8_QNUAgv6HKPO1cROVpHybK1NsNvIu3BZKBT9dk60aCNaC7ug-dfdXcBs7TOyI18f-unF2OlQumP_0rCjaMfpwuIFCILAFVH3o_WI0L4vcKq_FvJ8/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5_BXMjSAwn3OcP1upzrehwgZ9U8_QNUAgv6HKPO1cROVpHybK1NsNvIu3BZKBT9dk60aCNaC7ug-dfdXcBs7TOyI18f-unF2OlQumP_0rCjaMfpwuIFCILAFVH3o_WI0L4vcKq_FvJ8/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleasant Creek, Capital Reef NP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGaYAbQzIb39dJwYIaj2XNlO594cVEla14rp95nuhgkYoL5bPwHTepuc6Pbik5Vwl-MJcfIqgR9Eq430sgepQUbkPjXs29iMqvf4GfyJq7TbiyPhTYKMO5-kZo-oDgTFdVXs4g05AZj0/s1600/P1090221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGaYAbQzIb39dJwYIaj2XNlO594cVEla14rp95nuhgkYoL5bPwHTepuc6Pbik5Vwl-MJcfIqgR9Eq430sgepQUbkPjXs29iMqvf4GfyJq7TbiyPhTYKMO5-kZo-oDgTFdVXs4g05AZj0/s320/P1090221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 1st Rescue<br />
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While we were driving Kolob Reservoir Rd just east of Zion, we climbed in elevation into some winter snow that hadn't yet thawed. We drove a short distance further up the mountain until we reached a point where someone was working with a small front end loader attempting to clear the roadway. We decided to turn around and head back when a tourist came walking up the road asking if he could drive further up. We recommended he turn back as the snow was too deep for his small car. He returned to his car and during his attempt to turn around, he managed to get stuck. We tried to push him out a couple of times to no avail. So Jim pulled out a chain; I hooked to his undercarriage and proceeded to pull him to pavement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLXmFPQkbz8P0tJWR4mYajVUFxzmhZILaYNoUndiCe2WyzXcOk5pfrHkG0_J9sGxYgwpzoh1KFIG9cH4IiKZm22htOCKYIdWxqVuYmVabyJdIjZnKmqz5UkTQ75GuZOpIq9HQG1U9hcI/s1600/snow+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLXmFPQkbz8P0tJWR4mYajVUFxzmhZILaYNoUndiCe2WyzXcOk5pfrHkG0_J9sGxYgwpzoh1KFIG9cH4IiKZm22htOCKYIdWxqVuYmVabyJdIjZnKmqz5UkTQ75GuZOpIq9HQG1U9hcI/s320/snow+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion Creek, Capital Reef NP</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1dlQtNqjaYcbgVRwyS3czDhFKJfAvwQQiwsaZ0cO04BDbqpein8GRcMSUR0eeNlD4oO2al7a4CpEmyae5OoneraCLx9gzD5dkngCix906SZPCmXP24FyeijKV1XbEG7le1ekuTGpyjM/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1dlQtNqjaYcbgVRwyS3czDhFKJfAvwQQiwsaZ0cO04BDbqpein8GRcMSUR0eeNlD4oO2al7a4CpEmyae5OoneraCLx9gzD5dkngCix906SZPCmXP24FyeijKV1XbEG7le1ekuTGpyjM/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the switchbacks into Canyonlands NP</td></tr>
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4 national monuments - Hovenweep, Escalante-Grand Staircase, Cedar Breaks, Canyon of the Ancients<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJm5O1KG5u8B6Mm6w3nScEgsFMVIy7BxxZYiYERYZHarn9-_QhzGbK7ltBzQYYd4QYhsqdAlK2Lj1m4FLFzqBUhw7EA5RMLz6Xv_8A487N1TrumVAhd-lFFjHX9qIuCD8hk0wZ4qrfxc/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJm5O1KG5u8B6Mm6w3nScEgsFMVIy7BxxZYiYERYZHarn9-_QhzGbK7ltBzQYYd4QYhsqdAlK2Lj1m4FLFzqBUhw7EA5RMLz6Xv_8A487N1TrumVAhd-lFFjHX9qIuCD8hk0wZ4qrfxc/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puebloan Buildings (circa 1200AD)<br />
Hovenweep NM</td></tr>
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1 national recreation areas - Lake Mead<br />
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2 national forests - Dixie, Manti La-Sal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VEY5ybIHVD-IAG1RWKLxjELbyuhGkjjWDwdri4w1rvpil0cBkPhFiiZbYBeaWC5JoUeLnsGAgBUDoQmBtS_cE7f-DZ-F0ftbzVXDjncS1IaZQG8YABNDyJbgbR_2GkQC4R0zmjasZ-c/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VEY5ybIHVD-IAG1RWKLxjELbyuhGkjjWDwdri4w1rvpil0cBkPhFiiZbYBeaWC5JoUeLnsGAgBUDoQmBtS_cE7f-DZ-F0ftbzVXDjncS1IaZQG8YABNDyJbgbR_2GkQC4R0zmjasZ-c/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuwR0DAOpFXNBbY7gcwala-80PLHDTGd5f18Jh9-rZtNWeJRdYCYzCTXqf3VDUHGhJwoaLAa6LRIEx4E9YwaE0aZkDWUIXYthVeHO9ctZPgKMyBBMoS-xsoo9IstTwW0knBVKGne5N8k/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuwR0DAOpFXNBbY7gcwala-80PLHDTGd5f18Jh9-rZtNWeJRdYCYzCTXqf3VDUHGhJwoaLAa6LRIEx4E9YwaE0aZkDWUIXYthVeHO9ctZPgKMyBBMoS-xsoo9IstTwW0knBVKGne5N8k/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dixie NF</td></tr>
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3 state parks - Valley of Fire, Dead Horse Point, Sand Hollow,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnbn4HEYjmnVpY2GaedDvnduPNAX_JOovkf__H-5pfwbOR3Qs9xP5pFZXiUJAt16P45ZCQupB-mLRxJlVHxJ_igsYU3I1h5B13s7saQX9z8Pj8nwJtnFw2753Yk2qGOiB_dTwV2FjhUM/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnbn4HEYjmnVpY2GaedDvnduPNAX_JOovkf__H-5pfwbOR3Qs9xP5pFZXiUJAt16P45ZCQupB-mLRxJlVHxJ_igsYU3I1h5B13s7saQX9z8Pj8nwJtnFw2753Yk2qGOiB_dTwV2FjhUM/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3t9MTumzgibYkYNgedYL5jhsfcHjlWt2qX6fdHC3a3fRWH2Cv-XpKNNBVZ0ct2-qTwAaqWpnTp_IpBX_TNBWZElT9avez3f_Js9oGiudO1VJFH_bsaxdCR8n84zhYk6TkqSumIxRJdg/s1600/0313161735b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3t9MTumzgibYkYNgedYL5jhsfcHjlWt2qX6fdHC3a3fRWH2Cv-XpKNNBVZ0ct2-qTwAaqWpnTp_IpBX_TNBWZElT9avez3f_Js9oGiudO1VJFH_bsaxdCR8n84zhYk6TkqSumIxRJdg/s320/0313161735b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley of Fire</td></tr>
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and places such as Monument Valley and Moab.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ezqJZkzDgG6um_S9ATSKFLe1nYJbTJrSijO6ATBpTvJGypmc2rvwxSGzOXwNP9BXQODGqB5xhH85g71_MGtg2n-QQrIQyBZGySFH-PeTDTMpH6zshzCZf4O5SMLlG9neP4AxEdBjnN0/s1600/DSC_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ezqJZkzDgG6um_S9ATSKFLe1nYJbTJrSijO6ATBpTvJGypmc2rvwxSGzOXwNP9BXQODGqB5xhH85g71_MGtg2n-QQrIQyBZGySFH-PeTDTMpH6zshzCZf4O5SMLlG9neP4AxEdBjnN0/s320/DSC_0104.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took a little while for Jim to get the idea that<br />
keeping all 4 wheels on the ground was<br />
a 'good' thing!</td></tr>
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Deb has had a challenging time getting used to driving off-road. She's not fond of heights with sharp drop offs. And there are lots of those out west. She's doing great (even though we've had to edit some of her language from our videos!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvCN57ZKcY3E06MPYnwzWc2P34d__aU7L20S0AhLkiSs3a8XWQANBsPf-xFWKYq0xWMQlN9AJoPgKlS7ixS9bBhB09gnjvEoVu5r7QWcwGGhIyiprs1q9Zu-cNjEH7Ju6fkj4XR5R4Cg/s1600/0331160956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvCN57ZKcY3E06MPYnwzWc2P34d__aU7L20S0AhLkiSs3a8XWQANBsPf-xFWKYq0xWMQlN9AJoPgKlS7ixS9bBhB09gnjvEoVu5r7QWcwGGhIyiprs1q9Zu-cNjEH7Ju6fkj4XR5R4Cg/s320/0331160956.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not often you drive under rather than over the rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu3JpQIpF6AFiqnfRDn96zDOni9orz0ANB0DCX9beCM1UTbw9QuVhrZ_LcDPouK60reyZsq_XbeIIl9HTwOw4clicd_Y3ZBZTca7WOsRrifj4_S-EdW0DXfBAl8_D84RE_SPBi6x09mo/s1600/0408161055%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu3JpQIpF6AFiqnfRDn96zDOni9orz0ANB0DCX9beCM1UTbw9QuVhrZ_LcDPouK60reyZsq_XbeIIl9HTwOw4clicd_Y3ZBZTca7WOsRrifj4_S-EdW0DXfBAl8_D84RE_SPBi6x09mo/s640/0408161055%257E2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan's slightly edited pic of Monument Valley<br />
(from the spot where Forest Gump stopped running)</td></tr>
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According to the National Park website, there are 410 'units' in the national system; only 58 are National Parks. Others are considered National Monuments, National Recreation Areas, National Lakeshores, National Memorials, etc. So many things to do and such a short amount of time. Guess that means we'll just have to keep on trying to visit them all.<br />
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Over the last few weeks Jim & I have tinkered with his RV. The trip west was their 1st road trip and a couple of small issues made themselves noticeable. We have temporarily repaired their living room slide. All 4 mounting bolts broke out of the slide motor housing, tearing the electrical connections loose and preventing the slide from operating correctly. We used some 1/4" stranded cable wire and a hose clamp to secure the motor to its mounting bracket. That should allow them to operate their slide until they're set up in South Dakota and can get some warranty work done. We also finished replacing their slide toppers ( a job we started in Florida last November, but had to stop as one awning cover had a bolt we were unable to remove). This time we resolved that by using a sawz-all to cut the bolt and remove the cover. We secured a door awning that began extending itself while they were driving with Gorilla Tape (more warranty work). And a few other odds and ends....just normal full time stuff!<br />
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But, all good things must come to an end. Wednesday Jim & Deb headed north towards South Dakota with stops planned at Mesa Verde NP, Denver, Rocky Mountain NP and other places along their route.<br />
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Joan & I? Well we headed back towards Vegas. It seems a couple of doctor's appointments await us there before we can begin our summer job. We'll be here at Lake Mead for most of April. Not all bad though.......called a couple of my softball buddies and it seems as though there are a couple of opportunities to play some more softball, including the LVSSA-SSUSA Southwest Championship Tournaments here in Vegas in 2 weeks! Wahoo!<br />
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!<br />
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Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-23034230338004583992016-02-20T19:21:00.000-08:002016-02-20T22:29:58.584-08:00There's No Day Like Snow DayBoulder City, NV<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyfl6_KZwTSIPrJ7jl77WraCCcYewc9lz7kIgjfk1NVnEL0wXzjON6gz2poYLLfT4HRgxCHtM-6NP8wKwD_V8U94l7-FQRQHQmaQwV_EYNZrmM23AJ67N2VK1Tq8xY6nm2J2uCccmsHE/s1600/Death+Valley+%252832%2529a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyfl6_KZwTSIPrJ7jl77WraCCcYewc9lz7kIgjfk1NVnEL0wXzjON6gz2poYLLfT4HRgxCHtM-6NP8wKwD_V8U94l7-FQRQHQmaQwV_EYNZrmM23AJ67N2VK1Tq8xY6nm2J2uCccmsHE/s320/Death+Valley+%252832%2529a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Valley, CA - Badwater Super Bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we've been in the Vegas area these last few months Joan & I joined a group called Desert Wranglers; a jeep club we found on the Meet Up website. Late last year we joined a group of 30 jeeps taking a drive into Death Valley. Last weekend we met up with a much smaller group of 10 jeeps to tackle Wheeler Pass. Wheeler Pass is just west of Las Vegas in the same range of mountains as Mt Charleston.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xHJxLDn5oyz3G394HMPQNocfHyBZh7c2bkdEDsWs16vG_rRsNOEAg2rT5TI42H34tcONn2cgak3kuOXZKeJ6iR_SIBEKbNk2310YwVvA3J4eVAV80NVStqpzCNFFBnHSLF9qLMH5gE8/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xHJxLDn5oyz3G394HMPQNocfHyBZh7c2bkdEDsWs16vG_rRsNOEAg2rT5TI42H34tcONn2cgak3kuOXZKeJ6iR_SIBEKbNk2310YwVvA3J4eVAV80NVStqpzCNFFBnHSLF9qLMH5gE8/s320/DSC_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a>There is a road/trail from Indian Springs across the mountains into Pahrump. We met on Friday morning around 9am and headed off road into a BLM managed area. Almost as soon as we were off road we started to see patches of snow along the trail side. We stopped a couple of miles in to 'air down' and the entire area had a shallow coating of snow left over from a storm that had crossed the range about 10 days earlier. Once aired down we starting climbing towards the pass and the snow started getting deeper. The temps were dropping out of the low 50's on the highway into the 40's as we climbed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhHDU08xtvxr-eyafkQRulUGtNyqcpJvGtJ9Gc3sf3L8gjQIUtamzBZpMyudD8DnugPlJqhAT7Frdj-crLnhJb3GP3VbDYw1IeRMOYdxrmaXui9iOsSiLTvMFGmVPgcalJ1tRImDckQE/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhHDU08xtvxr-eyafkQRulUGtNyqcpJvGtJ9Gc3sf3L8gjQIUtamzBZpMyudD8DnugPlJqhAT7Frdj-crLnhJb3GP3VbDYw1IeRMOYdxrmaXui9iOsSiLTvMFGmVPgcalJ1tRImDckQE/s320/DSC_0072.JPG" width="320" /></a>A couple of the jeeps were having a difficult time with some of the deeper snow along the trail. At a couple of spots the snow was at least a foot and a half deep. We were 2nd in line behind the trail master and at one point he had to back up to assist another jeep through a challenging slippery climb. Once the group completed this climb Joan and I had the lead for a mile or two until a location presented itself for him to pass everyone. The snow kept getting deeper and the temps kept dropping until we were in the 30's about 200 yards short of the crest. The lead jeep made the initial climb towards the top of the pass only to find drifts 4'-5' deep at the top. Because of the difficulty of the climb and the fact that several jeeps were stock, the trail master determined that the group would not attempt to drive any further. Even though we were disappointed when we had to turn around, we still had a great trip and really enjoyed our 1st jeep foray in the snow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VZQOGpcDbWpya0tDZJqQCKDdrHFRjGk95gy3Skafw-mLKsVOhTDDPTNqe1_SvxYgU1Q8R5RqbyLBMXo1oHKA3zOF-2vxEVF3VfaA7lwqjyo2xsXp6FTJ0-RQgNwZtFLeyk2Tc0HAeLc/s1600/12742351_10204237683861923_8007177001382789811_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VZQOGpcDbWpya0tDZJqQCKDdrHFRjGk95gy3Skafw-mLKsVOhTDDPTNqe1_SvxYgU1Q8R5RqbyLBMXo1oHKA3zOF-2vxEVF3VfaA7lwqjyo2xsXp6FTJ0-RQgNwZtFLeyk2Tc0HAeLc/s320/12742351_10204237683861923_8007177001382789811_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A couple of days later Joan celebrated her 3rd anniversary. That's right, the 3rd anniversary of her 20th birthday! And to celebrate she flew to Seattle for a weekend with one of her best friends Terri.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCocofZD8f_7niSHEW1NZUFFZjScU6u0dsGBX2FvM63rRtHDLd55Jhd_HFkHrDUUjq2uBP-Gerej8wNl-Vdm8iGwdafmI4Wtvwg2B-gZ3d1fT-z70ug-cSHnMM1MKXjNrivH-OHvTAA5c/s1600/12744324_10204236607475014_3233185293679561951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCocofZD8f_7niSHEW1NZUFFZjScU6u0dsGBX2FvM63rRtHDLd55Jhd_HFkHrDUUjq2uBP-Gerej8wNl-Vdm8iGwdafmI4Wtvwg2B-gZ3d1fT-z70ug-cSHnMM1MKXjNrivH-OHvTAA5c/s320/12744324_10204236607475014_3233185293679561951_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See any similarities?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Terri's birthday is the day before Joan's and for years they have been getting together for a joint birthday celebration. When I hear about all of the adventures the 2 of them have had celebrating birthdays over the years, this is what I think of.....<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJYQBsAesubTGYeXqnThD1MglJ-aLbASdJ9pUhrSludChiiQ6RsvLVWjbGoy9-Op2bQN6EJ4YHquswEKWCMuhq3MY-awW6jl0hc4j0q08v9jvUUeXk5bmvsxRt9uHw_8bNUiFBb4_RpI/s1600/12742699_10204228683396917_2177180721084877706_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJYQBsAesubTGYeXqnThD1MglJ-aLbASdJ9pUhrSludChiiQ6RsvLVWjbGoy9-Op2bQN6EJ4YHquswEKWCMuhq3MY-awW6jl0hc4j0q08v9jvUUeXk5bmvsxRt9uHw_8bNUiFBb4_RpI/s320/12742699_10204228683396917_2177180721084877706_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right....candlelight, cake and Scrabble!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This year they stayed overnight at a B&B in Washington; checked out a Fish Hatchery as a potential volunteer opportunity for our future travels; ate out at a winery and a sushi bar; and what get-together would be complete without a Scrabble marathon between the two of them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKW_xl5_wZyziPAGo0zO6Y-ZCMZcNXl2aywaDZDd85KgxrRFNBUXIlHjPtqaJ4vOyf6TmUbVHNtQ-IxMtT9RyZchl2cQLHhV4X2zlulZEQGU97-ltsKByshXiFYO9zOhnlGE6wgE_IMs/s1600/0217160758-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKW_xl5_wZyziPAGo0zO6Y-ZCMZcNXl2aywaDZDd85KgxrRFNBUXIlHjPtqaJ4vOyf6TmUbVHNtQ-IxMtT9RyZchl2cQLHhV4X2zlulZEQGU97-ltsKByshXiFYO9zOhnlGE6wgE_IMs/s200/0217160758-1.jpg" width="122" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1n_Uz-_8D3PIRwC08cML_rQ_WLO08lhaWbyq45N-H0lh9ygrm9CIct-3ALxDLUC-qJTeXkG1yC9oHkC9W2cw4_gG1Mmno14iMSMyrvIuD7owhTLDzzT-0ocy-qZlcDKFvEAx5FjdsOY/s1600/0216161206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1n_Uz-_8D3PIRwC08cML_rQ_WLO08lhaWbyq45N-H0lh9ygrm9CIct-3ALxDLUC-qJTeXkG1yC9oHkC9W2cw4_gG1Mmno14iMSMyrvIuD7owhTLDzzT-0ocy-qZlcDKFvEAx5FjdsOY/s200/0216161206.jpg" width="112" /></a>A couple of days ago at Lake Mead we were called upon to do a little repair work to some park barricades. In a couple of locations barricades had been either torn down or washed out in some narrow washes.<br />
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We utilized a portable generator and impact drill to replace eye bolts mounted in the stone to hold the barrier cables. The scenery was nice, the weather comfortable and this work was a little bit of a change; something new.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ClTcK6eiwovGAD1Om1qsGxali9Sp5R7M4dNpAeZBX_EmOH3H5TAMkYehx42R8j-TpHwmgNsEkV7meiUoqPVxSQa8Vbi6fS2xnnmCb2TY9fMvPx8n3Rg4qD_GEXUVD0fC0iyS1Kh1J4Y/s1600/0209161902a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ClTcK6eiwovGAD1Om1qsGxali9Sp5R7M4dNpAeZBX_EmOH3H5TAMkYehx42R8j-TpHwmgNsEkV7meiUoqPVxSQa8Vbi6fS2xnnmCb2TY9fMvPx8n3Rg4qD_GEXUVD0fC0iyS1Kh1J4Y/s200/0209161902a.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan with her tools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We also volunteered to assist in collection of fish 'larvae' for the hatchery. This time of year the razorback sucker fish are spawning and each week baby razorbacks are caught for study and for maturing in the hatchery. We left Boulder City about an hour before sundown to drive south to Lake Mojave. We loaded up on one of the park boats just before dark and took a short ride to a nearby cove.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9NyG_L1a3jyp95wU2vm9Un_v3IFXzWk6iVvlIMu9M7tJkX_4YqIkNAm-sTwzy5FxuKZdmAoNRHADrKz8rOEOJdTvGMVVDLroOYHEC3EGeAu6ms0I2pKgqFfPO5KxRwJFcUXTILxPKSo/s1600/0209161904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9NyG_L1a3jyp95wU2vm9Un_v3IFXzWk6iVvlIMu9M7tJkX_4YqIkNAm-sTwzy5FxuKZdmAoNRHADrKz8rOEOJdTvGMVVDLroOYHEC3EGeAu6ms0I2pKgqFfPO5KxRwJFcUXTILxPKSo/s200/0209161904.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me 'reeling' in a big one!</td></tr>
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Once it was dark, we dropped small lights into the water and within seconds dozens of the small fish were swimming towards the light. The fish are so small (less than 1/2 inch) we had to use aquarium nets to catch them. We caught a total of 450 in a little over an hour. Another nifty job, seeing another aspect of the work done in the park....and the stars were something really special to behold out on the lake!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC_q6357eQrk3jLA_BAvM4zlM0T2l2pi81k1tTV5wsOgk49ZYxV1qKOUELAcZmFiOZ7MsT3JwG0zhGLef_cLS3DkT2z34ltFae4B3xxU9NfclwH1Qn6SPkA1Qht3IsxPJOG2dkOnl3ak/s1600/0217161028b-1%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC_q6357eQrk3jLA_BAvM4zlM0T2l2pi81k1tTV5wsOgk49ZYxV1qKOUELAcZmFiOZ7MsT3JwG0zhGLef_cLS3DkT2z34ltFae4B3xxU9NfclwH1Qn6SPkA1Qht3IsxPJOG2dkOnl3ak/s320/0217161028b-1%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last week while driving through the park we spotted the small herd of wild horses that frequents the area around Red Stone at mile marker 25 in Lake Mead.<br />
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Yesterday we took a drive to Death Valley to see the 'super bloom' that occurs some years when conditions are right. Once we got to Furnace Creek we drove about 40 miles south into the park before taking a 15 mile drive up into Warm Springs Canyon. We turned around at an old mining sight before making several stops to take pictures of the bloom.<br />
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In honor of her 'anniversary' Joan is working to meet 60 new people this year. Shout out to Kelly and Adam, #'s 1 & 2. And we have plans to meet 3 & 4 Sunday, and 5 & 6 Wednesday night; new couples that RV that we've not met in person as yet. So if you're a reader of our blog...and we've yet to meet in person, please don't hesitate to look us up if you're in our area this year!<br />
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-38580762744991815212016-01-30T15:24:00.001-08:002016-01-30T15:24:25.050-08:00We Had It Right In Our Hands and Let It Slip Away!Boulder City, NV<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many members of our volunteer campground gang<br />L-R Bill, Barb, me Liz. Ginny, Joan, Liz<br />Bob, Don, Leslie and Chris</td></tr>
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Joan and I have been devastated by not collecting on our winnings in the $1 Billion Powerball lottery. Because Nevada does not support the lottery (they want your pocket change spent in the casinos) we made 2 special trips into Arizona to purchase tickets for ourselves and some of our co-workers. 1 trip on Saturday when the lottery was a measly $400 million and another on Wednesday for the Big One! Collecting our winnings you ask?...Yes that's right, we actually had a winning ticket. We hit the Powerball on one of our tickets, which we later determined would have been worth $4 if we hadn't thrown it away! Alas, looks as though we'll have to continue to live the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed.<br />
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So after the heart-wrenching lottery loss, 2 weeks of grueling volunteer work and knowing that we would need to have the motorhome serviced for us to continue to full time, we scheduled some work on the MH and planned a trip to Quartzite and points south. Woohoo! We dropped off the MH on Monday and headed to Quartzite; about 4 hours away. We arrived a little after lunch and went straight into the big tent to see Rudy & Phil (<a href="http://workinrvers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">Workin' RVers</span></b></a>). Last year Rudy & Phil both took full time positions at Crazy Horse Memorial just outside of Custer, SD. They were at Quartzite recruiting workampers and promoting Crazy Horse as a vacation destination. After chatting awhile, we meandered in and around the big tent checking out all the other vendors and products. We stopped to purchase a couple of new outdoor folding chairs before heading to our hotel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9GXgOcMzLuKvVy0jg1MC1o7Lz2vLkTbsOIWu0a-vV7kSIa3bRv_Y3v9J4cOMyPSMK7IxTtwqweVA1zzP3KgLPw4U_-JqJaBN7rosxqQWo2wJ_U287GDw3vc-s8JhyZlYO9QlaZHfFow/s1600/0119161707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9GXgOcMzLuKvVy0jg1MC1o7Lz2vLkTbsOIWu0a-vV7kSIa3bRv_Y3v9J4cOMyPSMK7IxTtwqweVA1zzP3KgLPw4U_-JqJaBN7rosxqQWo2wJ_U287GDw3vc-s8JhyZlYO9QlaZHfFow/s320/0119161707.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Tuesday we met up with Jim & Barb (<a href="http://jimandbarbsrvadventure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">JimandBarbsRVAdventure</span></b></a>) to check out some new & used RVs before heading out to their boondocking site just outside of Quartzite.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3ezEbToMTQ4y1F89A2_yVyqKXozr7zDRJMmijG8LVyaKjPfQGzydsZgtBEf-6oER3WsuzQBz89FFoTl4X-Tnjd9ST6fm7BvG9f-Jk4MmjcrahCLo3cqoTyVU-IQdfFwM0X60y58HhQY/s1600/0119161708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3ezEbToMTQ4y1F89A2_yVyqKXozr7zDRJMmijG8LVyaKjPfQGzydsZgtBEf-6oER3WsuzQBz89FFoTl4X-Tnjd9ST6fm7BvG9f-Jk4MmjcrahCLo3cqoTyVU-IQdfFwM0X60y58HhQY/s320/0119161708.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Later that afternoon we joined Jim & Barb attending a social/cocktail hour/fish fry with several other RV Dreamer boondockers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghERajLQDK-D8fswy0KD2_ry3rXIfhgx-lwonrAV_ob91q-9z-QjhYaLN3W4hKkgmP66ec3q7DswfdEWYQR-shj7zoS5gNu_4b8aG2U6slvbKTqyozVPNrw0Prn8Q2r3FQMnQlNPx6JMA/s1600/0120161341a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghERajLQDK-D8fswy0KD2_ry3rXIfhgx-lwonrAV_ob91q-9z-QjhYaLN3W4hKkgmP66ec3q7DswfdEWYQR-shj7zoS5gNu_4b8aG2U6slvbKTqyozVPNrw0Prn8Q2r3FQMnQlNPx6JMA/s320/0120161341a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Wednesday we headed about 90 miles west for an Agricultural Tour sponsored by University of California. Our friends from Lake Mead, Don & Ginny joined us as did Jim & Barb. The tour took place at a 255-acre research farm in Holtville, CA.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginny picked from the crowd for a demonstration</td></tr>
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The cost was $20 each; and for our donation we got 1) a 9:30am-2:30pm interactive tour of the farm; 2) lunch made with farm fresh veggies; 3) informative narrated video about the facility;<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6ItbPyBLqLf12sq1KNcJfXDlbirFBy3Qvnv-GzS_yFtQyI2zup6Yzk6nB37IYWpEyK7gN5Uzm0PoGg95k2tgUdGv87bhW-Dr7EG6JVFPtVJzCECBGU_ps6ixs0pYk491VBmvCD6glgc/s1600/0120161258+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6ItbPyBLqLf12sq1KNcJfXDlbirFBy3Qvnv-GzS_yFtQyI2zup6Yzk6nB37IYWpEyK7gN5Uzm0PoGg95k2tgUdGv87bhW-Dr7EG6JVFPtVJzCECBGU_ps6ixs0pYk491VBmvCD6glgc/s320/0120161258+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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4) 'hayride' in and around the farm;<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp16vOeQUujYvNgw75IzRZ20U6uPDQAkceUpzRLqijCFFbC4JNZlVr1viZUB4XXhZKWX3qMPYJDgoY8JRP3PIHq8UE2xxmBC4ShuTT9dtZCyb4DvQo2Zi0QK7G9GiW0BxHo8kikRPP3A/s1600/0120161325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp16vOeQUujYvNgw75IzRZ20U6uPDQAkceUpzRLqijCFFbC4JNZlVr1viZUB4XXhZKWX3qMPYJDgoY8JRP3PIHq8UE2xxmBC4ShuTT9dtZCyb4DvQo2Zi0QK7G9GiW0BxHo8kikRPP3A/s320/0120161325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are folks from the tour picking in the u-pick feilds</td></tr>
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5) a U-Pick opportunity to take home fresh vegetables such as radishes, beets, broccoli, turnips, and lettuce; 6) door prizes; 7) Ice Cream! The experience was informative and fun. And we scoped out the farm as a potential volunteer opportunity sometime in the future.<br />
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Thursday we were in Yuma to spend some time with our friends Don & Donna. We met Don & Donna while we were in Oregon on our 1st workamping job. They were experienced workampers and taught us some of the ropes that season. Not only did we get to catch up with them, but we got to play lots of cards and board games!<br />
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And before we left Yuma we met up with Kevin and Evelyn (<a href="http://rvkhroniclesofkevelyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><b>RV Kronicles of Kevelyn</b></span></a>). Joan & I have followed their blog for some time now and we just couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet them in person. Based on their plans for the future, it's very likely we'll get to see them again during our travels.<br />
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While we were in Quartzite we had received a call from the repair shop where the motorhome is being serviced. They identified 2 important issues that needed to be addressed; 1) a cracked and leaking exhaust manifold and 2) a bad injector in cylinder #1, both of which we approved to be repaired. Friday morning we left Yuma planning to be in Vegas by 2pm to pick up the MH and get set up back in the volunteer campground before dark. We arrived at the repair shop on time only to find out that a replacement injector had to be ordered out of Reno and would not arrive until Monday. Now we were homeless for the weekend. A quick call to Joan's cousin Theresa and we were invited to spend the weekend with them in North Las Vegas. It was a fun weekend with a movie (Dirty Grandpa) Friday night; a trip into 'Chinatown' for massages Saturday; and a short road trip to MT Charleston and Red Rock Canyon Sunday. Monday we picked up the MH and returned to our campground in Lake Mead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original layout</td></tr>
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One of the things that we did accomplish this week was the finalization of our living room remodel. When we bought our MH in 2010 it came with a small 'futon' style couch in the driver's side slide facing the TV/entertainment center wall. The remaining space in the driver's side slide was taken up with a 10" deep 'buffet' style cabinet, barely deep enough to store anything other than small packages of kitchen utensils; and it held a fixed dining room table top that projected into the room 24"-36" inches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNbX44VIRtR4fVltmA006N3UUUXPX4fzIpbWgtm-V0GJhvBRl4IX-IzxB4ylR6xRnpOUp5IS5_e299ja5b6t4o804BC8igklIHJ7gwmtSmHjl53dXaio2tKAgZ78Q4y5da0gOP7qjTXQ/s1600/1+living+room+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNbX44VIRtR4fVltmA006N3UUUXPX4fzIpbWgtm-V0GJhvBRl4IX-IzxB4ylR6xRnpOUp5IS5_e299ja5b6t4o804BC8igklIHJ7gwmtSmHjl53dXaio2tKAgZ78Q4y5da0gOP7qjTXQ/s320/1+living+room+before.jpg" width="320" /></a>Before we went full-time in 2012 we removed the table top in favor of a portable double-wing folding table from IKEA and replaced the uncomfortable couch with IKEA pong chairs. 1 year later we upgraded our chairs with Lazy Boy recliners.<br />
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This year we were thinking it was time for something new so we got rid of the recliners and buffet style cabinet to install a couch and larger cabinet (not quite as wide as the original, but much deeper). Boy! What a difference that made. The new power reclining couch is a 'wall-hugger' model with a footprint that fits entirely within the depth of the slide. Neither of the recliners would fit within the slide as they had to sit off the wall so they could recline; and when reclined they extended 1'-2' into the room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tadaa! New couch, new cabinet and the<br />wing-table against the mirrored wall</td></tr>
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With the new couch, the entire width of the living room floor is open; many of our neighbors have described it as a dance hall! And the new 24"deep x 36" wide cabinet has 3 slide out drawers with tons of room for whatever Joan desires.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out with old; In with the new!</td></tr>
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If you remember our last blog we mentioned the oven removal and cabinet redesign in its place. Like the oven/cabinet project I removed the old buffet cabinet and installed the new cabinet using a few hand tools. The estimate to have both of these projects done by an RV remodeling company was $4700.00. I was able to do both myself for just under $1500.00. Yahoo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaZ86oG-TVrjv5vBayYYVeRq2M0PZjOTV1P0R8xR8ErMRye_QlkJliVBFYSsBYV3NiKj51mMhUWvsl_Br0aMRlIeQUD-yM7mDx6gG2Qj2tPAT4oBdWK_7iSwlR26_H5Ne9SuzNmPWGdA/s1600/0129161123c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaZ86oG-TVrjv5vBayYYVeRq2M0PZjOTV1P0R8xR8ErMRye_QlkJliVBFYSsBYV3NiKj51mMhUWvsl_Br0aMRlIeQUD-yM7mDx6gG2Qj2tPAT4oBdWK_7iSwlR26_H5Ne9SuzNmPWGdA/s320/0129161123c.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yesterday our gang got together and we all went bowling. Many of the large casinos in Vegas have bowling centers. The Sunset Casino has 72 lanes; it is very well decorated, clean and comfortable within. And on Friday mornings we can bowl for $1 a game...hard to beat that.<br />
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!<br />
<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-26848597336992493702016-01-07T13:04:00.002-08:002016-01-07T13:04:22.362-08:00Ringing in the New YearBoulder City, NV<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethel M's Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden<br />
with Joan, Ginny, myself & Don</td></tr>
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Hello everyone and Happy New Year! Joan and I have had a great start to the new year; enjoying time with friends and family; completing some mods and repairs on the RV; and planning for 2016.<br />
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One of the things we like to do each Christmas season is visit the Botanical Cactus Gardens in Henderson. Ethel M's is the largest in Nevada and one of the largest collections of its kind in the world; it covers 4 acres and contains over 300 varieties of cacti and succulents from around the world. If you want to see the cactus, you need to visit during daylight hours. But if you're interested in Christmas lights, it's best to visit at night. For the last 22 years, workers have decorated the cactus garden with over half a million Christmas lights. I'm not sure how much the decorators get paid, but it's not a job I would want as the lights are placed directly on the cactus. I hope they're wearing some sort of chain mesh gloves because there are lots of spikes and thorns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pS-mfBwxFRU7DkSuxYScgWnrxGjBb4ozWj90p3GUJEnuFW1yDbA9E_GvUjWfyMwTrTXIvtyTe72AI4yzLWYrxW5Yn73-b0wwV9atTI_yc0AAclELTYdCucR_R81821hKrHnpjTv1D0M/s1600/1219151852a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pS-mfBwxFRU7DkSuxYScgWnrxGjBb4ozWj90p3GUJEnuFW1yDbA9E_GvUjWfyMwTrTXIvtyTe72AI4yzLWYrxW5Yn73-b0wwV9atTI_yc0AAclELTYdCucR_R81821hKrHnpjTv1D0M/s200/1219151852a_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
We had a visit from Jim & Barb of <a href="http://jimandbarbsrvadventure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><b>JimandBarbsRVAdventure</b></span></a>. They were exiting cold weather in Salt Lake headed for Quartzite. They had never visited The Strip so we took them down to Freemont St. What a hoot! It was only Wednesday, but many of the characters were out in full form.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYgspKprVCc4_FfA2PgC2En-0nIJmsUmR_14pdLCmsaYFIxv0WdHrAH8uxqygpQsiE7hkd-MWOu0oljNhKbYLRQQxNNQNkJ8CEdfvSvT15pLdJn26RF6Bw-Q4jXnikiNGGPXes26c5aU/s1600/10524357_1126904737327546_3483326264037555714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYgspKprVCc4_FfA2PgC2En-0nIJmsUmR_14pdLCmsaYFIxv0WdHrAH8uxqygpQsiE7hkd-MWOu0oljNhKbYLRQQxNNQNkJ8CEdfvSvT15pLdJn26RF6Bw-Q4jXnikiNGGPXes26c5aU/s320/10524357_1126904737327546_3483326264037555714_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Joan's long time girlfriend from Seattle, Terry came into town over Christmas and stayed a few night with us. I'm telling you she's a bad influence on Joan! The first night in town she and Joan cruised Las Vegas Blvd and the Strip until 3am! And then Terry introduced Joan to Pai Gow poker. Joan's been suggesting we stop in one of the casinos and play almost every other day! And this from my wife who had bragged that we did not drop a quarter into a slot the first 2 years we were in Vegas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWaGNVaO7FgVv9vK_KN9XgEh4_WGRcuz5jR7lZy2NlsqnOxdIb8un_FAB4ETitbpbzuxSqhoyAo9cD8lwtO5hUYATWJ4JcotVmVxCSAjSy-PNVNWk409aPXrA_Q6bvVtewWXei6hX4Jw/s1600/1915292_10204024431010735_988401063942897128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWaGNVaO7FgVv9vK_KN9XgEh4_WGRcuz5jR7lZy2NlsqnOxdIb8un_FAB4ETitbpbzuxSqhoyAo9cD8lwtO5hUYATWJ4JcotVmVxCSAjSy-PNVNWk409aPXrA_Q6bvVtewWXei6hX4Jw/s320/1915292_10204024431010735_988401063942897128_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The weekend after Christmas Joan & Terry drove north into Utah to visit Zion and Bryce National Parks. The temps got as low as -9 overnight while they were there. BBBRRRRRRR!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oven before........</td></tr>
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While they were gone off to play, it was all work for me. Our MH came equipped with both a gas oven and convection/microwave oven. After several attempts to use the gas oven, neither of us was impressed as it was awkward to light and poor to cook with. In fact we stopped using it altogether in favor of the convection oven. For the last 3 years it was a storage bin for a couple of frying pans. After looking at how the gas oven and gas burners were designed, I was fairly confident I could remove the oven and keep the stove top burners. So I turned off the gas into the MH before completely removing the oven and attached stove top. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oven gone<br />stove top remounted</td></tr>
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I separated the stove top burners from the oven, then built a platform to support the burners in their original position. I remounted the stove top burners, sealed off the oven pilot light, gas and thermo-coupling lines before reconnecting the gas line to the burners. I tested the burners and everything worked as it should. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sliding racks installed</td></tr>
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This left us with a 2' wide x 20" tall opening in our kitchen cabinets. A quick visit to Lowes and we picked up a 2-tier sliding drawer rack that would fit into the opening. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Product</td></tr>
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I retrieved a cabinet door left over from a previous cabinet mod we had done and determined we could modify it to fit the cabinet opening. I trimmed the opening in the cabinet and mounted the trimmed cabinet door with left over hinges and hardware.</div>
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Joan was thrilled with the additional storage space and I was happy with the finished look and cost savings. When we originally considered this change, we had an estimate done to remove the oven and replace the cabinet. That estimate came in at $1700.00. I managed to do this work for less than $125.00, sliding rack included. And I did it with an electric drill, jig saw and hand tools. I don't consider this a difficult mod to do. Even if I couldn't have reused the original burners, a new stove top can be purchased for less than $200. We're working on another major mod in the MH and I hope to be able and share that one with you in the next blog update.</div>
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Shout Out to Jim & Deb back in Florida. Both of them have retired and moved into their MH full-time. Their plan is to be on the road by the end of January and joining us for the summer. Wahoo!</div>
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.</div>
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Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-39275703466758913722015-11-29T09:31:00.000-08:002015-11-29T09:31:31.552-08:00We Can Go Home Toto....At Least for a VisitBoulder City, NV<br />
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No, this is not Boulder City. Rather this is the view from my mom's living room in Florida. Joan and I have just returned from our Thanksgiving tour of the southeastern United States. Technically we were gone 3 weeks and 3 days leaving Vegas at 12:20am on 11/3 and returning at 11:30pm on Black Friday 11/27.During our trip we flew across 9 states; drove through 3 states; stayed at 5 different locations; attended 1 wedding; visited a new house (my step daughter's); found out I'm going to be a grandpa again (my son & his wife, a boy this time); installed 2 jeep bumpers, 1 winch and 2 slide toppers; saw numerous family members and friends; and ate out about a gazillion times (yes that's a real number!). We had so much fun and as much fun as it was, we are so glad to be back at home sleeping in our own bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiBSLZ5b3QddThMVcGAtlV3Rvt2C8bKnq3_LvDOPH1wqNKno-o73NczV8PqVXBS80MiL7hMbKdhCBj4hxX_cNs7gApAgKZNhJjiVnGu0KBfHgzaBiX6Qpjrwxy0bB9Eq4_jX-6y6FVNY/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiBSLZ5b3QddThMVcGAtlV3Rvt2C8bKnq3_LvDOPH1wqNKno-o73NczV8PqVXBS80MiL7hMbKdhCBj4hxX_cNs7gApAgKZNhJjiVnGu0KBfHgzaBiX6Qpjrwxy0bB9Eq4_jX-6y6FVNY/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logan, Cody, Sydney, Mary, Katie, Katie & Jacob, <br />Matt, Shelby, Carson & Staci (might as well be a niece)</td></tr>
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Jacob and Katie; In year's past Joan & I have been planning trips back to Florida around Christmas. This year Joan's nephew Jacob was getting married the first week of November so we decided to travel back for Thanksgiving. Jacob is only the 2nd of Joan's parent's grandchildren to get married (Joan's son Sean is the other). But there are a slew of grandchildren (Joan is the oldest of 7 siblings) ranging from mid teens to early 30's. I suspect we'll start to see more wedding announcements soon.<br />
All but 2 of Joan's nieces and nephews were in attendance and Joan had a great time catching up with them.<br />
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Originally we flew into Atlanta and stayed a day or 2 visiting with my sister and oldest son. We borrowed my son's truck and headed out to Alabama for the wedding. From the wedding we headed south to Florida to spend time with my mom and dad. Over the next 2 weeks we visited numerous family and friends.........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbHFM3ECGNzEcIrSju-UozCa4JTIPo8sioZ28qhz8HwUYNRX8fSPwE-gwLMv2uJ3JABf7iUOvItZaICqmudVsBnhcT3ZCxsxx6Iz4DT3qd3S5fZPEXHnGYZoC8q8L09VQieQtu1BGgFU/s1600/12247134_10208302043487769_881037156380005395_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbHFM3ECGNzEcIrSju-UozCa4JTIPo8sioZ28qhz8HwUYNRX8fSPwE-gwLMv2uJ3JABf7iUOvItZaICqmudVsBnhcT3ZCxsxx6Iz4DT3qd3S5fZPEXHnGYZoC8q8L09VQieQtu1BGgFU/s320/12247134_10208302043487769_881037156380005395_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest son Chris and his family<br />Landen, Lindsey, Chris, Jaelyn & Tiana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0mawCcRtciA2OloNtBMWPqUL59brxP9qBlA8Ma90eDLbgUzonXdx5SvyEqUxQKfnK9m8uEMpBQMKy2d_VoKXha7fLB-bOdnt4brj8FG_th54tcTOG8xjbcOdcsm8b7G-PNbdNwV4Z30/s1600/1114151134%257E21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0mawCcRtciA2OloNtBMWPqUL59brxP9qBlA8Ma90eDLbgUzonXdx5SvyEqUxQKfnK9m8uEMpBQMKy2d_VoKXha7fLB-bOdnt4brj8FG_th54tcTOG8xjbcOdcsm8b7G-PNbdNwV4Z30/s320/1114151134%257E21.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan's dad Tommy<br />Grandsons Ryan & Bradley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishzI4StW7HUO5bRkwOUcY_Yc6wlMnV6ei7XSfyaSsh1L8pce5vSYGjArOj6LWK_v1tkbGKPcMG2g2ygI4Q5Z7-64guDiEng-JEw91brb5kOoR6C3lsBriq1iPmIymZNREN9xvOCg1rcI/s1600/1119151254-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishzI4StW7HUO5bRkwOUcY_Yc6wlMnV6ei7XSfyaSsh1L8pce5vSYGjArOj6LWK_v1tkbGKPcMG2g2ygI4Q5Z7-64guDiEng-JEw91brb5kOoR6C3lsBriq1iPmIymZNREN9xvOCg1rcI/s320/1119151254-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan, my dad Jim, me & my mom Sue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgFGZ6j8fJ-W_ox3MFlYRVPvCdzHdHLAfjHpignvQgzOpXHdgALb-btLVN9xtoDZQI41rCBT-884wt5Qb4B7-dE5dg7bvTWIDv78u2UXLK5Q_QoAJ85sQiJsniERY7D-PMmZ9x7SU-E4/s1600/1120152051a-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgFGZ6j8fJ-W_ox3MFlYRVPvCdzHdHLAfjHpignvQgzOpXHdgALb-btLVN9xtoDZQI41rCBT-884wt5Qb4B7-dE5dg7bvTWIDv78u2UXLK5Q_QoAJ85sQiJsniERY7D-PMmZ9x7SU-E4/s320/1120152051a-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April, Sean & Joan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAamUn8qBFPYY8SXNxYAfBari2z8RYvUeWrnRFQZS2__-jxrTl4hPott8LZautLaS9_cSwvzBN1tY4f8WK3dWiOqIIWeQvqjcEXEfOOcIXoUlXqmB4RPz55mFAv5HjEIxfg4WpPEY5iPQ/s1600/1117151643-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAamUn8qBFPYY8SXNxYAfBari2z8RYvUeWrnRFQZS2__-jxrTl4hPott8LZautLaS9_cSwvzBN1tY4f8WK3dWiOqIIWeQvqjcEXEfOOcIXoUlXqmB4RPz55mFAv5HjEIxfg4WpPEY5iPQ/s320/1117151643-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judy, Lisa, Joan, Judy's husband RV & Susan</td></tr>
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Joan got the chance to take several of her girlfriends to lunch. They laughed and had so much fun they missed their exit off the expressway to drop off one of the girls. When they did exit, they got back on the expressway going the wrong direction ending up 20 miles further down the road. So they made the best of a bad situation and drove around visiting other friends near the exit where they finally got off the expressway.<br />
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Our friends Jim & Deb are just weeks away from retiring and starting their full time RV adventure. Since we saw them last Christmas they have sold their house; bought and moved into their 40' 2007 Country Coach motorhome, traded their pickup for a 2015 Jeep Rubicon and started prepping their families for their departure. If all goes to plan, they will leave Florida in February headed west to join us for a quick vacation in March. We plan on giving their new jeep a baptism of rock & trail climbing, while at the same time getting both of them used to some of the things they may encounter if they're able to work with us inventorying BLM roads during the summer. We helped them with some of that prep by adding bumbers and a winch to their jeep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvZyOFlJtyTn-XhCy8bHU1Z5xGoeNLRx4VBTFl-ZTnpdQoRQ1jNgSnG5bnd5XDQjm0emf0izaSN5wMlG1mwwpQ3Yr93uWpmefIzXhSl5HFGjn-9BGGr1IL5NTzX-Yl18E0xPVY5MfGQk/s1600/Thanksgiving+%25288%25291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvZyOFlJtyTn-XhCy8bHU1Z5xGoeNLRx4VBTFl-ZTnpdQoRQ1jNgSnG5bnd5XDQjm0emf0izaSN5wMlG1mwwpQ3Yr93uWpmefIzXhSl5HFGjn-9BGGr1IL5NTzX-Yl18E0xPVY5MfGQk/s320/Thanksgiving+%25288%25291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Generations<br />me, my mom, oldest son Doug &<br />grand daughter Trstyn</td></tr>
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After 2 weeks in Florida it was time to head back towards Atlanta for Thanksgiving. Joan, my mom and I left on Monday and avoided most of the 'crazy' holiday traffic. We stayed a couple of nights with my sister before celebrating at my sister's house on Thursday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E6xj9b3orBSR99NLWfcbUuXsBE2JMFGlk0NYpL4BjsJFfiGp56M25qYm2X1D6QVeVUJhd5sr7gQkneKmxpGkLiS0yATLjrn2CVGqon3IJwHo7ZPJJ7DwFHSM7CbcsRTMoxqHia5Bt9w/s1600/Thanksgiving+%252845%25291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E6xj9b3orBSR99NLWfcbUuXsBE2JMFGlk0NYpL4BjsJFfiGp56M25qYm2X1D6QVeVUJhd5sr7gQkneKmxpGkLiS0yATLjrn2CVGqon3IJwHo7ZPJJ7DwFHSM7CbcsRTMoxqHia5Bt9w/s320/Thanksgiving+%252845%25291.JPG" width="279" /></a><br />
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Thursday night we stayed with my son and his wife; enjoyed an early hike Friday morning and spent the rest of the day just enjoying our time with Tristyn.<br />
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Friday evening Doug dropped us at the airport and we arrived home at Lake Mead around 3 am Saturday morning.<br />
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Joan and I return to work tomorrow and I got picked up to play in a softball tournament this coming weekend in Mesquite. We'll be spending Christmas at Lake Mead this year. Several friends have stated they plan to visit Vegas around Christmas so we'll see how it goes; This will be our first Christmas away from family, but we've got lots of friends here with us at Lake Mead, so I'm sure it will be great.<br />
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That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-76180855306706685432015-10-25T11:59:00.001-07:002015-10-25T11:59:54.072-07:00Jeep.....Just Empty Every Pocket!Lake Mead NRA, Boulder City, NV<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59MtLRSoNFjrvqA6rXZbFgdfmm3-lfN2Cgs2_fOascDC667KQo2P4IeMgQq-21kCdJkieA16adEzbjM8NITzbIxuyB0gbiy9CJ4bBmALxKR2NjgLxDGaJSRTOzGBmXkbH9XrT8rc-5oo/s1600/1010151425_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59MtLRSoNFjrvqA6rXZbFgdfmm3-lfN2Cgs2_fOascDC667KQo2P4IeMgQq-21kCdJkieA16adEzbjM8NITzbIxuyB0gbiy9CJ4bBmALxKR2NjgLxDGaJSRTOzGBmXkbH9XrT8rc-5oo/s400/1010151425_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So we've been in Lake Mead for 2 weeks, and finished our 1st week of volunteering. We've returned to the same job we've had the last 2 years as Road Monitors. We're only required to work a total of 32 hours a week combined, and for that we're provided a FHU site in a small volunteer campground near Boulder Beach. We use one of the parks 4x4 trucks to drive the 500+ miles of back country roads throughout the park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo8e3RDhzhvitdlJQcELFirAamo5S2ypMykBzmC5EkzvCEpOfXfHk1gn3y8EEDIlVaZ4iMW8peAdysHNQHTs933PtmgHvfHD6Kp7IYthY94zShbt3OMykMylB62ZIP0AcfSFc1fB1sAM/s1600/1021151212_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo8e3RDhzhvitdlJQcELFirAamo5S2ypMykBzmC5EkzvCEpOfXfHk1gn3y8EEDIlVaZ4iMW8peAdysHNQHTs933PtmgHvfHD6Kp7IYthY94zShbt3OMykMylB62ZIP0AcfSFc1fB1sAM/s320/1021151212_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We record road conditions such as washouts or hazards, disturbances such as missing or damaged signs; signs of travel off the designated approved roads into or across the desert; we perform light maintenance of signs, roads and removal of disturbance tracks and some litter. And though we don't have to, we enjoy the work so much we usually work at least 3 days a week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgVebUmlOcAzL5YFFBjs7kfJT7TwQ_Ese30J19HZG71fBSHZrTiVlOprPQkAm8AxaiERY3b99KkhWxFyKCjBf5C3x5st0IIdHG-bwYLp4ghc0yZQS8hoNeYT9lVmLCJKT71s8cXsVsMc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgVebUmlOcAzL5YFFBjs7kfJT7TwQ_Ese30J19HZG71fBSHZrTiVlOprPQkAm8AxaiERY3b99KkhWxFyKCjBf5C3x5st0IIdHG-bwYLp4ghc0yZQS8hoNeYT9lVmLCJKT71s8cXsVsMc/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a>A couple of weeks ago Joan's cousin Theresa called us and told us about a trail ride through Death Valley being held by a local jeep club. Their jeep was unavailable so they decided to ride with us. We left early Saturday morning and drove about 90 miles to Indian Springs just northwest of Vegas to meet up with the club. There were 35 jeeps in all divided into 2 groups.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8aES9OYoj1aoxOjsCwQK3kdTPFM9n4LJOr8gQcL97GzSkYm0jrV9fdEBewgSAYuyzfzVp-r1WEi_ANc_EO-GUFkRxxgtYYHYZQ6mDOXmqT6udwBTslERGAiXykDiApi-81cpucbCHjc/s1600/2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8aES9OYoj1aoxOjsCwQK3kdTPFM9n4LJOr8gQcL97GzSkYm0jrV9fdEBewgSAYuyzfzVp-r1WEi_ANc_EO-GUFkRxxgtYYHYZQ6mDOXmqT6udwBTslERGAiXykDiApi-81cpucbCHjc/s320/2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And even though it was raining (and I mean the heaviest rain we've seen in the Vegas area in the last 3 years) everyone was still eager to go. We drove a 160 mile loop into and out of Death Valley where the rain relented, leaving the temps very comfortable and the dust level very low. The route was mainly desert trail but there were a couple of cool spots; including this one requiring some technical driving as we descended an 8'-10' dry waterfall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ouwXkqyvUwnTLAZAa0z8jf8hvc7C7SlM-y6aMINIHAihQ1s4nuQtnA7xUWOxRTHX5RnOgcW-Z6ooVJKJ5S_-mVDenxp86xHF4TqnKYniAwG65WbTWT4nTKJCiS5z0fdwnojFedHyrhA/s1600/1017151432_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ouwXkqyvUwnTLAZAa0z8jf8hvc7C7SlM-y6aMINIHAihQ1s4nuQtnA7xUWOxRTHX5RnOgcW-Z6ooVJKJ5S_-mVDenxp86xHF4TqnKYniAwG65WbTWT4nTKJCiS5z0fdwnojFedHyrhA/s320/1017151432_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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And we rounded one corner to see this unusual sight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3BmvjeNCvQaOGOUMCvg8OfSFOljiUqsDc-M-rbn4Px_SffJLRg7CLDZDXzlKyfwe40ZwOiimYHHLtnDGLowwsze0FYxS-Jpba8NGthrlzb3MN_GxUF7KMxCkvYC2bRDnFvsU12dkFSs/s1600/1018150715_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3BmvjeNCvQaOGOUMCvg8OfSFOljiUqsDc-M-rbn4Px_SffJLRg7CLDZDXzlKyfwe40ZwOiimYHHLtnDGLowwsze0FYxS-Jpba8NGthrlzb3MN_GxUF7KMxCkvYC2bRDnFvsU12dkFSs/s320/1018150715_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a>The route home after the trail ride was about 90 miles, and Joan's cousin suggested we take a short cut across country. About 5 miles into the short cut we realized the rain had left more of an impression along this road and ended up slogging our way through numerous gigantic mud puddles. I think it looks as though we had too much fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BPwnQNWZoAMpFLxspyBCxEsk3ANQyltML8E2xznaD-AgAXUQU2JR2k4TMzWZuMK5XS-EzP7wuuVVF4tBgveKcZO83gv-COM-UFhlv24BpGTdjdPjtv58IYC4e7higQ5nlEdOs-gp0k4/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BPwnQNWZoAMpFLxspyBCxEsk3ANQyltML8E2xznaD-AgAXUQU2JR2k4TMzWZuMK5XS-EzP7wuuVVF4tBgveKcZO83gv-COM-UFhlv24BpGTdjdPjtv58IYC4e7higQ5nlEdOs-gp0k4/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Theresa, Brian, Joan & I<br />
Recuperating from our long day off-raoding</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6xZz23C5c4-elDHaQuYeNsSzOnW7oRZplewkDbNp5uoa59bZqrlbq_6Mg3KLs9xJFmRc4vOV5dNHMZnxRSIB6yGK9qKFbc5pO9XogNwMJlrxKaTElDfps-US6gXKiWONM7tKU2HX5l8/s1600/1020151534a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6xZz23C5c4-elDHaQuYeNsSzOnW7oRZplewkDbNp5uoa59bZqrlbq_6Mg3KLs9xJFmRc4vOV5dNHMZnxRSIB6yGK9qKFbc5pO9XogNwMJlrxKaTElDfps-US6gXKiWONM7tKU2HX5l8/s320/1020151534a-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Driving around Boulder City we see lots of neat sights, including this one......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0hxx5WeRIS4QyhoOj43LboYpEyAKt6NaRTgr5-aQzBNlOCP_GAtUlUaz3EdyBlTk12YgLYOPA7zJsjjM-Vy9-Z4wuMlaKjllyAcdgGlw9COh98TsWLemuxfPgiXM1xt67IwNq1HQkCg/s1600/1011151252_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0hxx5WeRIS4QyhoOj43LboYpEyAKt6NaRTgr5-aQzBNlOCP_GAtUlUaz3EdyBlTk12YgLYOPA7zJsjjM-Vy9-Z4wuMlaKjllyAcdgGlw9COh98TsWLemuxfPgiXM1xt67IwNq1HQkCg/s200/1011151252_HDR.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! Just look at that style.<br />
It's got to be a strike!</td></tr>
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And Joan & I got in a little bowling practice before the remainder of our fellow volunteers show up....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouhwx2J_kBd-fQPhV04qqI0Ha7fAsrbaxMMA8X-wgQcN-hpBKdagS6JsKOAmXwMQWz4Rd0wfXxttONcCpyDeMTu1VH5RzHzVxDrK-SxcguxfQbGN7CApi5nFf31ThQEcrNAlGI6Lt8OY/s1600/1020151725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouhwx2J_kBd-fQPhV04qqI0Ha7fAsrbaxMMA8X-wgQcN-hpBKdagS6JsKOAmXwMQWz4Rd0wfXxttONcCpyDeMTu1VH5RzHzVxDrK-SxcguxfQbGN7CApi5nFf31ThQEcrNAlGI6Lt8OY/s200/1020151725.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Over the last 2 weeks we've made some modifications to the jeep; including adding front and rear bumpers, a winch, CB radio and relocating the license tag and 3rd brake light.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kguj4st49zNZxpmjoK1MEzYp_WNWTULWB1khTSAmQQAX18Pn6dgS_iz0RLjepoY7YVWiDNQvqU-NW_LmMdPQFKfOS4tN-L6CgoOuJpca5xcu7iRLcX6gB3tVtabeKrEi9e5ocCtZmPQ/s1600/1021150714_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kguj4st49zNZxpmjoK1MEzYp_WNWTULWB1khTSAmQQAX18Pn6dgS_iz0RLjepoY7YVWiDNQvqU-NW_LmMdPQFKfOS4tN-L6CgoOuJpca5xcu7iRLcX6gB3tVtabeKrEi9e5ocCtZmPQ/s200/1021150714_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I've done these mods myself, and I must say I've really enjoyed being able to do that. Besides the monetary savings, it gives me a real sense of accomplishment while I'm getting an education about the jeep itself. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6a8n5ARi2ljp2FyXn81Uu0uM_fw2EjWdU1yBM7BIF8Zk0ffWHIbUTSk509kTrbIADu7Uiv2Qt5c1Uk7F0GX9TxwGiBmLHTqsh9szCZrdO1MctdTSvo6Cu0MuQgUNy9NkRPA-w8MPvGw/s1600/1016151749_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6a8n5ARi2ljp2FyXn81Uu0uM_fw2EjWdU1yBM7BIF8Zk0ffWHIbUTSk509kTrbIADu7Uiv2Qt5c1Uk7F0GX9TxwGiBmLHTqsh9szCZrdO1MctdTSvo6Cu0MuQgUNy9NkRPA-w8MPvGw/s200/1016151749_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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So forgive me if I brag a little with these pictures.....<br />
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Well that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-14959499162387732782015-10-10T14:58:00.002-07:002015-10-10T14:58:56.333-07:00Swinging For the FenceBoulder City, NV<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNNn-35gWWjPOfqsTIJxfxTkD5COp2Tt9bWNYWJ3K8JQGOvt6YrSl-wzmOZ4mOQ6oiSoFGXUMzejyfuOOvyP17VSYTBA9IeN2K7Ts3TlC17xFT-miFqjZem4CI9Jf2-0spoerr1888RY/s1600/1010151425_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNNn-35gWWjPOfqsTIJxfxTkD5COp2Tt9bWNYWJ3K8JQGOvt6YrSl-wzmOZ4mOQ6oiSoFGXUMzejyfuOOvyP17VSYTBA9IeN2K7Ts3TlC17xFT-miFqjZem4CI9Jf2-0spoerr1888RY/s320/1010151425_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Mead</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKt5kkjLvYvULHmjWGDWa6eHDbBqI3YPQt_DcR_8VudanDvYykT9sEoSh8pbaM9VwllBrolsdR57QZNhTrO-uitBaglQSc8lgzpu5xq9qfh87cGu9JWE3y5qBkOVMrXPJjsmuS6pn75w/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
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Joan and I arrived at Lake Mead Friday, a couple days ahead of schedule. September seemed to fly by so fast as we were wrapping up our summer job driving and inventorying BLM roads in Nephi, UT, about 50 miles south of where we started in Tooele, UT. Between April 13 when we started and October 9 when we returned to Lake Mead we drove almost 21,000 miles; worked in 4 states including Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana; and saw some spectacular scenery that 95% of the population has never seen.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpHbaOCKpDbBJID0jVZqEUIi3aS0g9lpNrmHY-WvOhPGFnrJyTLlLdJE5VJj6yPrefivcS5ofoINnkeNjampLdb5HQiYCkFl56BaIQ7M2x-krr37C13pdNIn7LeLQET9kh0i6BNK401Q/s1600/DSC_0008-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpHbaOCKpDbBJID0jVZqEUIi3aS0g9lpNrmHY-WvOhPGFnrJyTLlLdJE5VJj6yPrefivcS5ofoINnkeNjampLdb5HQiYCkFl56BaIQ7M2x-krr37C13pdNIn7LeLQET9kh0i6BNK401Q/s320/DSC_0008-001.JPG" width="255" /></a><br />
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This summer we were a little warmer than usual as we have been working summers at elevations between 5K'-8K'. This year we were working in the lower deserts. In Montana during August we had a couple of 100 degree days. And while we thoroughly enjoyed our summer job, there were days when we didn't see eye to eye on how to get it done. We got upset with one another as co-workers often do; but those disagreements and conflicts were soon forgotten as we enjoyed the scenery around us and the camaraderie of our other co-workers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYjhyphenhyphenc1i8RP54JZWH5SPeC3LaksChpZN8yKXmUcbp1Fgok7tQiCZcjuCjBr5SsRoaB18iID5yI2eH3T0NWzLK2qXz4ugSk3R0Q451OS1b7E9Sgv2VYk0mIFUKk4CdpZ1s2hKl9A27yCw/s1600/Last+card+game+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYjhyphenhyphenc1i8RP54JZWH5SPeC3LaksChpZN8yKXmUcbp1Fgok7tQiCZcjuCjBr5SsRoaB18iID5yI2eH3T0NWzLK2qXz4ugSk3R0Q451OS1b7E9Sgv2VYk0mIFUKk4CdpZ1s2hKl9A27yCw/s320/Last+card+game+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We had a final game night with our other teams before we left. L-R...Joan, Jessica, Daniel, Maxine, Dave, Chuck, Claudia and me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU6RhSUnp7y9JgYR_gUxNcu8zV9XVr5Yq4WVG3tMzRE_xAoZL3dXh9mNOMtxqh-wB0CZIBFvJriBhuZ3sA4QNY04tPjOFlH5ZZqtFk9uOr80ww9IYEYStpwCuR9cmcGqpSFG-jhL1KK4/s1600/Onion+Creek+Thompson+Valley+%252854%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU6RhSUnp7y9JgYR_gUxNcu8zV9XVr5Yq4WVG3tMzRE_xAoZL3dXh9mNOMtxqh-wB0CZIBFvJriBhuZ3sA4QNY04tPjOFlH5ZZqtFk9uOr80ww9IYEYStpwCuR9cmcGqpSFG-jhL1KK4/s320/Onion+Creek+Thompson+Valley+%252854%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We headed to Moab to meet up with Gay & Joe (<a href="http://good-times-rollin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Good Times Rollin</span>'</a>) and do a little 4 wheeling.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe & Gay in Pearl showing us the way</td></tr>
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We drove Onion Creek-Thompson Valley our first day there.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving down Dragon's Tail</td></tr>
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and followed up a day later on Hell's Revenge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wheel wells look a little fuller with the 35" tires</td></tr>
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After a few days in Moab we headed towards St George where I would be meeting my old Florida softball team to play in the Huntsman Games and where our jeep would be getting a little work done...if you know what I mean. Joan and I decided we would like a little more clearance for rocks and things while we're off-roading so we had a Tereflex 2.5" lift and BFG 35" KO2 tires installed. This netted us a total lift of 3.5" measured at the bottom of the drivers door (from 18" to 21.5" of clearance). We're also planning to add different bumpers and a winch while we're staying in Lake Mead this winter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4se76AMT3zyVYqMdAODH1ryren4UyfOomkHBpA3r36dbj6eRXbymRAA01Z0W9oj7Rb6bY-SAY5wBzAchY3CW8c7OT2JwQ4YJtDJuT2x2YwYK5NfZfV4dGEnCHgxnmUgx42zYq1hSyHdQ/s1600/1004151722a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4se76AMT3zyVYqMdAODH1ryren4UyfOomkHBpA3r36dbj6eRXbymRAA01Z0W9oj7Rb6bY-SAY5wBzAchY3CW8c7OT2JwQ4YJtDJuT2x2YwYK5NfZfV4dGEnCHgxnmUgx42zYq1hSyHdQ/s320/1004151722a_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cardiac Kids - 2015 Mesquite</td></tr>
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Last Saturday I met up with my old team, The Cardiac Kids just before the first game of a weekend warm up tournament in Mesquite. One of the first things my coach ask was when was the last time I'd played. My answer was "March". Yeppers, a 6 month layoff. I guess he and I were neither one sure what to expect once we were playing. But I think I impressed him during my first at bat when I hit a 3 run home run on my first swing. Yes, it was truly an ESPN moment. We played 7 games in 2 days and won the 2015 Mesquite Can-Am Tournament.<span id="goog_942180777"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodJ2re9fPGMzP8rwRljrriKPkh0rBx2t5LRNjt4xjnD0KS6ovqh-88E8YXZ45LvigKHzGoFog4Ui-R6xQZC6p4qBmaghYkYB35guRDT5uQg6NEKo1QPxJerkeS3bfckskgzQxwnzKVTw/s1600/Oct+6+%2528154%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodJ2re9fPGMzP8rwRljrriKPkh0rBx2t5LRNjt4xjnD0KS6ovqh-88E8YXZ45LvigKHzGoFog4Ui-R6xQZC6p4qBmaghYkYB35guRDT5uQg6NEKo1QPxJerkeS3bfckskgzQxwnzKVTw/s320/Oct+6+%2528154%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some times we play...and some times we play!<br />
L-R Gary, Buster, Gary, Frank, Kenny, Stan, <br />
Tommy, me, Steve, Ray, Kooch, Dave & Bobby</td></tr>
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On Monday were started the Huntsman seeding games. We went 3-0 in seeding, and were quickly 'bumped' from A to Top Seed in the AAA bracket. Wednesday we started bracket play and came out cold. We lost 2 games and that was the end of our Huntsman Games. All in all we played 12 games in 5 days. And my 6 month layoff is reminding me how out of shape I was every chance it gets. Everything hurts....even typing!<br />
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Well, that's about it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!<br />
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<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-91069385541393868002015-09-15T12:16:00.000-07:002015-09-15T12:16:09.400-07:00Sand Dunes and Scenic DrivesNephi, Utah<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJnMCqrvTxjkFkcoWKdaPadugz69Tjtr6HTR23VOm0KnblFe-02W3w-TSZr8HjSGX0MXPYAFSVdkZnxdJqxuFQAaoPsHPcQaj1I_eQbTCZo_V8bNqwTLgpGEY5DfntH3l2nBoeVGgbcY/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJnMCqrvTxjkFkcoWKdaPadugz69Tjtr6HTR23VOm0KnblFe-02W3w-TSZr8HjSGX0MXPYAFSVdkZnxdJqxuFQAaoPsHPcQaj1I_eQbTCZo_V8bNqwTLgpGEY5DfntH3l2nBoeVGgbcY/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 1 of working the Little Sahara Recreation area is behind us and we have less than 2 weeks left before we finish our summer job. And it appears as though summer is ending and fall is in the air in this area of Utah.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdjBqDDBGReQb-yAL8jIfIC4wpjiVzblEe4a1BviATEk9qw7VyNuAvMxvP7j9Y4mQzblsl-IeZ3V2t7AjDsyjtd1jr0Rp6SK_jycB_GR3DvZuozldiCmAhhJA-jFzr6YSTZ-jcKjI1wQ/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdjBqDDBGReQb-yAL8jIfIC4wpjiVzblEe4a1BviATEk9qw7VyNuAvMxvP7j9Y4mQzblsl-IeZ3V2t7AjDsyjtd1jr0Rp6SK_jycB_GR3DvZuozldiCmAhhJA-jFzr6YSTZ-jcKjI1wQ/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a>Nephi is located just south of Provo along I-15. On a recent drive to a nearby Walmart we noticed a sign for Mt Nebo Scenic Loop. Last weekend we decided to check it out and drove the 38 mile route through the mountains between Nephi and Payson. Mt Nebo is the tallest mountain in the Wasatch Mountain Range at 11,928' and the scenic loop rises from the surrounding area almost 4000' to a just a little over 9000'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5y6Amb-QXJIVXY1A0mXDdJu8Je7FEXZgjWqT6H9AaLberKILj07-TMt5PeF4NRd-9BUAOZZcGHhmckdRYcJ6eFDw-ADdABA0llx2nNST4SqoOcqYPMHgB4npvLjuiJDvTLBNrLuE5As/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5y6Amb-QXJIVXY1A0mXDdJu8Je7FEXZgjWqT6H9AaLberKILj07-TMt5PeF4NRd-9BUAOZZcGHhmckdRYcJ6eFDw-ADdABA0llx2nNST4SqoOcqYPMHgB4npvLjuiJDvTLBNrLuE5As/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
There are overlooks into Utah Valley and the colors are really starting to show. There are numerous campgrounds and trail heads along the route, as well as lots of wildlife. The road is closed during the winter, so if you're thinking of taking a drive, you'll have to get here quick or wait till spring to visit.<br />
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The area we're working in is home to a huge recreational area for dirt bikes and ATV's. Many of the areas are concentrated use and a majority of the trails are not wide enough for most 4x4 vehicles, including jeeps. This has made our job challenging to say the least, but we're making progress finding ways to "get 'er done!" Joan and I are finding it hard to get depressed as we're short timers and will be finishing our tour next week. Funny how that works, huh!<br />
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When we leave we're hoping to spend a few days in Moab, before heading on to St George for the Huntsman Senior Olympics. If you've never heard of the Huntsman Games, check it out online. Last year there were over 11,000 senior athletes competing in over 28 different sports. I will be reuniting with The Cardiac Kids, my old softball team from Florida. We have 2 tournaments scheduled within 7 days, expecting to play somewhere between 8 and 15 games depending on the bracket structure and how well we play. Wish us luck.<br />
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Continuing to do some odds and ends around the RV; adding an extra shelf in Joan's closet; needed a storage location for the various pads and blocks used to level the RV, so I found some unused space above the LP tank in the side bay and built a shelf to hold the 8-10 blocks I use. Keeps the dirt out of the regular storage bays and gives me easy access to them when I need them; also I removed, cleaned and painted the windshield wipers before installing new wiper blades.<br />
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Several weeks ago we were needing some shade from the sun on the RV windshield. When we bought the RV 5 years ago there was a set of window covers for all the large windows, tires and wipers. Only problem was I could not figure out how to place the large windshield screen on the RV. No snaps or magnets on the RV or with the covers. No instructions either. Fortunately we had not had a problem with direct sunlight until now! And now we really needed shade. So I reached out to one of the smartest guys I knew (in Montana) Dave of the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://wanderingwingers.blogspot.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Wandering Wingers</span></a><b>. </b>And sure enough, within 10 minutes he had figured it out. One little bracket had fallen off the windshield screen and once we replaced it and attached a strap on the opposite side of the screen it all made sense. Now we have a nice screening shade cover for the large windshield. Thanks Dave! So even after 5 years of ownership and almost 4 years of full-timing I'm still learning about our rig. Let that be a lesson to you. There's always something new to learn.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-84884240816347812102015-09-01T11:40:00.000-07:002015-09-01T11:40:13.072-07:00A Few Miles More Before We LeaveMiles City, MT<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9SqTcHIFEYm60iKiUBT78tOmC9bJvRv_tUkyww9HJ4SntbHRnjT5GOZV4DyUcjsPm7jEVjxxWm3n-hS36vXlRkB79wVvxpc9P7gK_BZiQJIBE91l1RwWOGsiqAZ_sdIVBuB0CIN0g1E/s1600/0831151147a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9SqTcHIFEYm60iKiUBT78tOmC9bJvRv_tUkyww9HJ4SntbHRnjT5GOZV4DyUcjsPm7jEVjxxWm3n-hS36vXlRkB79wVvxpc9P7gK_BZiQJIBE91l1RwWOGsiqAZ_sdIVBuB0CIN0g1E/s320/0831151147a_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We are in our 4th and tentatively final week in Montana. This is a large work area spanning 75 miles northwest of our campground to an area 80 miles south. And because Montana has less than 6 residents per square mile (as opposed to the national average of 87) there are fewer roads; and many of those are unpaved in the areas we work. Last week we had 2 consecutive days where we drove a total of 200 miles each day and Monday we drove a total of 304 miles (120 paved miles to and from the work area; thank you). When we leave Montana this week, we'll be headed back to Utah where we expect to finish up the season near the end of September.<br />
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When we're out driving, we're never quite sure what we may encounter; for example....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNrmv5dJa6EatwFQkRyiiJAIrQ_xR-IJJeeP4CLKhMAu7WR_FWc7JOz5rYaRcngZAKZWxAZABI-MUl0L_njeEhSyFzbyinaOs1v-4bWy7Kei_LnC2X3_ARyvSvHgY87LF3sqpXXQCkRw/s1600/0821150920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNrmv5dJa6EatwFQkRyiiJAIrQ_xR-IJJeeP4CLKhMAu7WR_FWc7JOz5rYaRcngZAKZWxAZABI-MUl0L_njeEhSyFzbyinaOs1v-4bWy7Kei_LnC2X3_ARyvSvHgY87LF3sqpXXQCkRw/s320/0821150920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...fallen trees across tight mountain trails. We used the jeep to pull the tree 'along' the trail's path before trimming off a few branches so we could drive past....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn76FtHkOcfq2bU0cgKldl-wAUQ-0x6_K04gy2E5Rf1cPgJ_u4BvHK-gjKi5qAyOR5iURCe5HK9kr-6g2XxGxNLWvVBAXGulj3WeKez5ydufQ3F8gSquOodheTogZSoVwnxPvtGCug9hs/s1600/0821151050a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn76FtHkOcfq2bU0cgKldl-wAUQ-0x6_K04gy2E5Rf1cPgJ_u4BvHK-gjKi5qAyOR5iURCe5HK9kr-6g2XxGxNLWvVBAXGulj3WeKez5ydufQ3F8gSquOodheTogZSoVwnxPvtGCug9hs/s320/0821151050a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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...and sometimes the 'roads' haven't been driven in quite some time. Pair that with the road being located in a wash, and recent rainfall resulting in a foliage growth spurt and sometimes you're quite challenged to find the road, much less drive it!<br />
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We've seen coyote, fox, turkey, pheasant, grouse, deer, and lots of cattle & horses. The scenery is spectacular. And some of the locals' sense of humor is special too! I'm not quite sure what Scurrilous Activity he may be referring to....<br />
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I've done a couple of mods on the RV...<br />
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...taking a bedroom TV cabinet left empty by the replacement of a tube TV with a flat screen and adding shelves to give Joan some additional storage. The original owner changed out the TV...I'm not quite sure why it took me so long to consider doing this as it was quite simple.<br />
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...and updating the bathroom counter area...<br />
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...before...<br />
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...after. We found a neat peel & stick faux wall tile at the local hardware store. You can cut it with scissors to fit around receptacles. It has texture, so it feels like a glass tile.<br />
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Our job this summer has been exciting and interesting as well as one of the best paying gigs we've encountered. So we're fairly certain we'd like to try it again if we're offered the opportunity. And the compensation has been timely. Joan & I bought our MH 5 years ago and with the warranty expiring at the end of August we shopped around and decided to purchase a new warranty from National Warranty. The old warranty paid for itself and then some over the last few years, so we thought a new one would be cost effective. We've also decided to make some mods to the jeep this fall, and possibly a little remodeling in the MH. New tires for the MH are due as the current tires are 7 years old, and it's time for a tune up and thorough preventative inspection of the MH as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIZ8XEUNnfQm9wIw7Gga-8xz-A1xDSFMxb6p4SV0ED8F6OQMvUN9oRYuxrCG0zK23T-Rn0Rn3jtefX2wUcDOnvU4YvpKKbXajLsHzvO4riwEXgMUfT-YRWSAi24bR4B7IcubMuFj5Zck/s1600/0831151802a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIZ8XEUNnfQm9wIw7Gga-8xz-A1xDSFMxb6p4SV0ED8F6OQMvUN9oRYuxrCG0zK23T-Rn0Rn3jtefX2wUcDOnvU4YvpKKbXajLsHzvO4riwEXgMUfT-YRWSAi24bR4B7IcubMuFj5Zck/s320/0831151802a_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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Something I am looking for, and maybe some of you can help me find it, are some wall hooks. Here's a picture of one...<br />
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If anyone knows what these are called or who makes them, please let me know. We have several in the MH, but I'm not sure if they were added by the original owners or if they are OEM<br />
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Parting pic.....last year while in South Dakota our friends led us on a motorcycle ride and made sure to point out an unusual rock formation...almost phallic in nature and commonly referred to as d*ck rock. While out driving a few weeks ago we stumbled across this unusual formation...<br />
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...just so you know, SD got nothin' on Montana!<br />
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That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
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PS - Shout out to my oldest Doug...Happy 34th Birthday!<br />
<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425477070341041039.post-8255236891794698672015-08-18T11:25:00.003-07:002015-08-18T11:36:28.108-07:00Slide Toppers Ain't PrettyMiles City, MT<br />
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We're starting our 3rd week in Miles City and things are a little different here. The terrain is a little flatter and the weather has fluctuated quite a bit during our time here.<br />
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For example today the temps are in the mid 50's with a forecasted high of 71. But let me show you the temps that registered on our car last week while we were out in the field working.....<br />
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Mind you the indicated temp cooled down to a measly 104 when we got off the 2-track we were driving and got onto the the highway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN5aRd4vlYlAD0k9Mj3qEwk43bT922qjusadavuaT3RrKtLltpatba8fehPFD8fiaqHHGM8WopScGR7XXmmItPBX-NHK7ijP2HUXrsJS-lO7uKLl6nwaMJ0g-TuxyjcuHdxsFE0_ONvY/s1600/0814150709a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN5aRd4vlYlAD0k9Mj3qEwk43bT922qjusadavuaT3RrKtLltpatba8fehPFD8fiaqHHGM8WopScGR7XXmmItPBX-NHK7ijP2HUXrsJS-lO7uKLl6nwaMJ0g-TuxyjcuHdxsFE0_ONvY/s320/0814150709a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few days ago we drove up on a herd of longhorn cattle. This one in particular reminded me of the poster child for Mad Cow Disease.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9z9SC-axnbtoDobrMMb8PhBA7e1j856rqeGGiIq4IabbdOZbG6xuLpK5OZ-51LwUfnTuMt1Eiiuzn90MGUlZ9abPHYcYoQXMWRSKyrummZa1WNcobMWAX5tSpGOxfMbjd49Jdd4QfdA/s1600/0814150720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9z9SC-axnbtoDobrMMb8PhBA7e1j856rqeGGiIq4IabbdOZbG6xuLpK5OZ-51LwUfnTuMt1Eiiuzn90MGUlZ9abPHYcYoQXMWRSKyrummZa1WNcobMWAX5tSpGOxfMbjd49Jdd4QfdA/s320/0814150720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A large portion of the BLM land we're routing is used by cattlemen to graze their herds and our routes are crisscrossed with multiple fence lines. It's our responsibility to ensure that when we pass thru gates that we keep them closed or open as they were when we approached. Usually Joan will help me with gates, opening & closing them as needed. As we approached a gate the other morning, there was a large bull standing on the opposite side, with his head hung over the gate obviously wanting to cross into the pasture area we we attempting to exit. "No way am I opening that gate" stated Joan. So it was up to me to convince the bull he needed to leave the area and allow us to pass thru. I assumed my 'alpha' stance and started my best 'Crocodile Dundee' intimidation......and it worked. Off he went, far enough for me to open the gate and allow Joan to drive thru. That's right folks, Don't mess with the Zohan!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhE2AXMia-hajbY1ZgNMOqlPDc95As8S-v9M3VTdc2quYpN5H6UNEUSNOSKGknB5TiJsiqum3CbeKRqQ85ixD0megIMrtGJgnCrkTTS6JlXT7o319DUpPSdaWEh2yACvMqUS7Hp-0VIo/s1600/0815151123_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhE2AXMia-hajbY1ZgNMOqlPDc95As8S-v9M3VTdc2quYpN5H6UNEUSNOSKGknB5TiJsiqum3CbeKRqQ85ixD0megIMrtGJgnCrkTTS6JlXT7o319DUpPSdaWEh2yACvMqUS7Hp-0VIo/s320/0815151123_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
While we were in Wyoming I noticed one of the slide topper awnings on the RV was torn and starting to flap in the breeze. Earlier this year while we were in Lake Mead I had already had to take down the door awning and restitch the seams where the thread was deteriorating. Upon closer examination of the slide toppers I noticed several areas where the thread was starting to fall apart as well. So after a little research and internet price shopping I decided to order new awnings for all 4 slides. Instructional videos also prompted me to attempt to replace them myself...all I would need is a little help from a friend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9VPyF3YiYXzd3Mj4EIcp5TkpH26SuKlwcoT25S84ClFb4VLGZdx0AyBTQ2M5KhkVA7NN_ReuvCvMV2lhLineyG3_bn58KwgDUZGVH61iJ4kpBJMLcRpaoExxNSJ4S3kHq99VF61YQto/s1600/0816150857-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9VPyF3YiYXzd3Mj4EIcp5TkpH26SuKlwcoT25S84ClFb4VLGZdx0AyBTQ2M5KhkVA7NN_ReuvCvMV2lhLineyG3_bn58KwgDUZGVH61iJ4kpBJMLcRpaoExxNSJ4S3kHq99VF61YQto/s320/0816150857-1.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...at this point Dave was considering jumping<br />
but Max intervened and convinced him to<br />
wait until she could update their insurance!</td></tr>
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So I asked our friend and co-worker Dave (of the <a href="http://wanderingwingers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">Wandering Wingers</span></b></a> fame) if he would mind helping. He thought it was a great idea because he needed to replace some of the awnings on his RV as well. So we both ordered awnings from Tough Top Awnings. The awnings were shipped (free) and arrived a few days later. We even managed to save 5% on the cost by using a discount code provided by <a href="http://thervgeeks.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">TheRVgeeks</span></b></a>. RVgeeks really do rock! Saturday morning we started replacing the awnings on our RV. We were done in a little less than 4 hours replacing all 4...and that included several breaks to re-hydrate and cool down as the temps were climbing into the 90's. Sunday morning the temps were much cooler and we decided to tackle Dave's main awning. Things were a little more complicated as the slide toppers only required 2 seams to be slipped through channels; 1 on the RV and 1 on the awning bracket. While Dave's main awning had 5 seams; 2 on the awning bracket, 1 on the RV and 2 on the protective cover. We recruited a couple more assistants and completed the main awning in about 2 hours. Next weekend we'll finish Dave's RV by installing his 2 slide toppers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaT7rqFf3xGMNi1LvLHIyId-7kYxSe8C2fTVmQPb4ejQEdGXzjy4bIPLTyWIr72xjsV-NDu-H0tuouLqruA_n6sIq8vrybBSFoVc_jvJz2YiJh2LELkfILZdbtCweORSr6xRaza6aYUk/s1600/0816151050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaT7rqFf3xGMNi1LvLHIyId-7kYxSe8C2fTVmQPb4ejQEdGXzjy4bIPLTyWIr72xjsV-NDu-H0tuouLqruA_n6sIq8vrybBSFoVc_jvJz2YiJh2LELkfILZdbtCweORSr6xRaza6aYUk/s320/0816151050.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Dave turned his RV so our front doors and awnings face each other.<br />
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That creates a small 'patio' area between our RV's which we took advantage of when Maxine hosted a Taco party. We had 14 team members all show up and a great time was had by all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW5k73ABh5Sig4ZH_z06WJCVUPVHHDVBVHSrkT0NrOUTLYDUbjyuf4jm-RoPZMxAHaeSv1XagP5yxkyLqPLoENPf8yIVX7NmVvm06vveI71iesoH9A-KLAxv0o53c9UCJCK48tJ-4kQg/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW5k73ABh5Sig4ZH_z06WJCVUPVHHDVBVHSrkT0NrOUTLYDUbjyuf4jm-RoPZMxAHaeSv1XagP5yxkyLqPLoENPf8yIVX7NmVvm06vveI71iesoH9A-KLAxv0o53c9UCJCK48tJ-4kQg/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We even had time for a game of cards before the afternoon was over.<br />
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Sometimes when we're working we stumble across things that make us smile. We had occasion to speak to one of the local ranchers the other day in order to obtain permission to cross his private property. During the discussion he mentioned that he wasn't exceptionally happy with some of the government agencies in the area but that it would be OK for us to drive through his ranch. Once past his house we came to the Tongue River and a crossing bridge the rancher had installed at his own cost, even though several of the local government agencies had promised to help fund. Just before we crossed we noticed this sign...Kinda' speaks for itself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQGjndiPYmdujhYqCY78nbgYohuMon8MInZIT-24Z1816PoeiNf_uog1Ha_uZfDnUjsIKjEKZU2BhW3ZyjHQ2BVojKSTls-DoXelcoJQ9FVCli7kxOVu89ncbeH2jxrn7NP_mPO6QlLM/s1600/0812150930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQGjndiPYmdujhYqCY78nbgYohuMon8MInZIT-24Z1816PoeiNf_uog1Ha_uZfDnUjsIKjEKZU2BhW3ZyjHQ2BVojKSTls-DoXelcoJQ9FVCli7kxOVu89ncbeH2jxrn7NP_mPO6QlLM/s320/0812150930.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We crossed several other bridges on private property along the Tongue River, some a little more scary than others. This one wasn't one of Joan's favorites....<br />
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We expect a couple more weeks here and then we'll be moving along...not sure where.<br />
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Well, that's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.<br />
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<br />Steve and Joanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12927370922980855949noreply@blogger.com5