Monthly Archives: September 2019

Knoxville, Tennessee

Exploring, Family, Friends

Tennessee is beautiful! The meandering Tennessee River is awesome. Smoky Mountains breathtaking!

Connie and Esther
Connie, Esther and Beverly

My childhood friend, Beverly, made sure a good time was experienced. We were teenagers the last time we connected. Bev’s mom Esther is the last living friend of my Moms – a big smile came to Esther whenever she was told (reminded) “Marilyn Crossmans daughter Connie”. I enjoyed being around this sweet family! A nearby fire was big news – bring on autumn allergies. Downtown Knoxville was fun and a trip to a nearby cemetery made my day. Joined a water aerobic class – lots of good exercise. I need to come back for a longer visit – so much to see in the area.

Lake Living in Kentucky

Nature, People, Travel

Living the good life on Herrington Lake in Danville, Kentucky. Much appreciation to Chuck & Lynn for sharing their community with me! Boat rides, good food, birthday parties, golf cart tours, meditations on the patio overlooking the beautiful Herrington Lake and the BEST company. Thank you Loelle for sharing your parents with me!

Update

Exploring, Travel

I spent several days in St Joseph, Missouri at the AOK RV Camp, owned by former Colorado residents. Dale and Sandy have been so very helpful in sharing their knowledge on RVing. Dale showed me how to manage my water- drinking, heating, filling, etc. Plus he showed me how to use the DREadED black & gray water systems. Also replaced an alarm sensor. Also more info on leveling – got apps on my phone now. I cut out window shields from shiny silver material that now keep light, cold and heat out or in. I left the camp because they were totally full and I did not have a reservation for the week end…  I am now in Bloomington, still trying to figure out the next leg of my trip – possibly Kentucky and Tennessee. Maybe Virginia to see my nephew and his family. I will be back in Colorado by October 2nd and will spend most of the month house sitting in Lakewood. Going to spend the morning making appointments for October….

Bloomington breakfast spot

Thoughts on Traveling

Travel

As I drive through the United States I am either enjoying the beauty of the land or I am heavy in thought. At times I am overwhelmed with the majestic scenery and I find myself talking out loud to myself because I want to share!
#The prairies in South Dakota have different type grasses than the prairies in Nebraska and the prairies in Kansas are different as well. Different nutrients for the grass grazing animals?
#South Dakota has many small well maintained farms. Missouri has many small farms but not as well maintained. Illinois has lots of big farms!
#In my van I do NOT do much passing – I am the vehicle being passed. I notice on two lane rural highways – many people do not know when to pass safely even though there are passing lines.
#Wind and high profile vans can be scary!
#Pelicans are everywhere throughout the Midwest!
#The Missouri river between St Joseph, Mo and South Dakota (on I-29) is still flooded. Storms happened in March/April – I drove this route the first week in July and saw the devastation of the flooding – farms under water, highway off/on ramps covered in smelly murky water. I drove the route last week and this area will NEVER be the same!
#I like being around people! I love being alone in nature! Life is interesting!

South Dakota

Camping, Friends

It is a lovely rainy day in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I camped in Farm Island Recreation Area outside of Pierre, SD- a beautiful LAKE campground- empty after the holiday week end……..
Currently, hanging in Sioux Falls with dear friends who have opened their hearts and home to me as they move into their new home. I feel blessed to be surrounded by people whose open hearts and minds are part of the journey.
I am leaving tomorrow to head down the road. The weather is leading the way! Either St Joseph, Mo or Rochester, Minnesota!

Power

Camping

While MollyG was in Thermopolis the refrigerator appeared to stop working. After driving through major canyons in high heat the frig was definitely dead when I was at Devils Tower. The frig has options to run with Electricity or propane- I used both with NO success. So I took the rig to the nearby CampingWorld, called the RV tech in Colorado, priced refrigerators in Sioux City and Kansas City, etc, etc, etc, Decided to get a cooler and use ice! Saturday afternoon, the frig randomly started working on electricity! After research on Dometic RV refrigerators- I think the altitude, the heat, not being parked level, and the curvy roads caused the frig issues. Here is to POWER! May we all have the power needed to run the cool of life!

Road to Devils Tower

Camping, Exploring, Travel

Powder River Pass, Wyoming

After leaving Thermopolis I headed towards the Big Horn Mountains. MollyG and I experienced our first mountain pass – Powder River Pass.

Powder River Pass, Wyoming

Trying to stay OFF interstates- MollyG cruises at 65 mph.

Devils Tower Campground

Last night we stayed at the base of Devils Tower and watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” at an outside campground.

Campsite at Devils Tower

Watching “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”

South Dakota – here we come.

Wyoming

Nature, Travel

1st day in Wyoming – around Cheyenne – Southern part was full of sunflower fields. 2nd day around Casper – checked out Fort Laramie. Lots of Hawks until I reached Hawk Springs – then there was none. Wyoming has huge vastness – sage fields, blue skies! The unexpected ravines, canyons, splits in the earth are frigging amazing. Checked out the Wind River Indian Reservation- near Riverton.

Bulls where I am staying on property near Thermopolis

Third day – Thermopolis – Had breakfast at the Black Bear Cafe and soaked at the Hellies Teepee pools. Tonight is a Sweat Lodge. Tomorrow (Monday morning) I am off to Buffalo Wyoming and Devils tower.