Leaving Yosemite after horseback riding for two hours

Yee-haw....we just got back to the RV, had a cowboy dinner of beans and hot dogs (I fixed em') and are now headed to visit with Susan Riddle Reed (one of my oldest and dearest friends from Ft. Knox). She lives just outside of San Francisco - San Ramon. Can't wait to see her and her beautiful daughters, Catherine and Erika.

We did it - we rode horses (well Ken rode Henrietta the mule - I'm not kidding) for two hours through the beautiful Yosemite park and even saw some deer along the way. We saw a brown bear at the water falls yesterday - but he was far enough away that it wasn't a threat. He was just thirsty. I am now a huge fan of Yosemite....maybe my overall favorite - thus far (but I keep saying that with each park). I can tell you this as a statement of FACT...two hours on a horse is too long for ANYONE who isn't used to riding. Even the little kids who were riding behind us were whining, "My butt hurts, when do we get back to the barn." Hey, they have soft groin bones (I'm sure there is an official name for those bones)...and my 53 year old butt-bones are definitely not soft~. When I got off the horse, I could barely stand up. My knees took the brunt of the pain. The riding part came slowly back to me (when Dad was in Nam...my aunt taught me how to ride...but I didn't have a horse after that so I didn't keep up with it). Today, I pulled my horse back a bit so that I could urge him on to trot every now and again during the trail ride. All the kids wanted to be behind my horse so they could "go fast." LOL If one horse took off trotting, those following did the same. Ken and Henrietta were in the back of the pack - moving pretty slow...he just told me that his horse (ummmm, mule) was over 20 years old - but very sweet, and she was very partial to the mule in front of her, Laverne. He said Laverne had a gas problem, which made his two hour trip very interesting. I'm still laughing at how he told of his adventure on Henrietta following very closely, nudged up to Laverne's behind the entire ride through the park. We had to stop for Advil and Excedrin before driving back to the RV. Ken took most of the photos. I have yet to see them...but will post them now.
We will hang out with Susan all day tomorrow and tomorrow night and then head to register for the games. Susan mentioned driving down to wine country - which made Ken smile. I think he will like this much better than the mule ride. We saw the registrant's names for the Senior Games/Olympics - and we are so going to get slaughtered in these games....but we knew that coming in. We will most likely be the only participants who are relatively new to the game. Still, when I think of where we were two years ago when we first walked out on to the courts in Louisville...I know it was worth the challenge.
I just ordered the Lucille Ball movie, The Long Long Trailer...and had it delivered to a friend's home along our route (Bruce Kuehnl in Portland, Oregon - he is going to share his beach house with us for a couple of days). One of our Southern Indiana Extra Milers, Cathy Guthrie, suggested watching this movie...I vaguely recall watching it in my younger years - I'm sure it will mean more after this trip. I can tell you this about RV living...I have lost nearly every fingernail (I lost the 8th one today)...I have a cut on my head from a cabinet that I left open, bruises all over my body from bumping into things in the small space (and this is a large RV)...my makeup routine has been shortened significantly to no more than 2-3 minutes and I'm outa' the RV and on the road. The hair is a ponytail or pigtails...or some other low maintenance do. I'm learning to cook in a confection/microwave oven combo, which is interesting. Ken has become quite proficient in hooking and unhooking everything from the auto to the sewer thingee - which hasn't been as bad as he thought it would be - but we only stay where there are full utility (otherwise know as hook-ups). RV living has come a long way - but it is still cozy.
Okay, nuff already...we are almost at San Ramon. Nite~ Carol and Ken

Unbelievable day riding through Yosemite National Park

Today we spent the entire day riding bikes through Yosemite...and are now exhausted and chilling out in the RV. We were able to see all the hot spots of the park - and bike about 12-14 miles.

This day was amazing. As we drive through the park, the trees before us part and our eyes dart in and around the sky above, just as the tree covered mountains peek out to amaze and mystify. When the wind rushes through the forest it provides a calm lullaby of white sound. Yosemite is a tapestry of many colors, sounds, and grand views. If Yosemite isn't on your bucket list, add it today...then set a date to make this national park a must-see for you and your loved ones (yes, Jeff, that would be you and your someday family).

Since we didn't get to go horseback riding outside of Vegas...we scheduled a trip through Yosemite tomorrow. Talk to you then.
Nite~ Carol and Ken

AWESOME YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Oh my goodness...we keep moving to the next national park and thinking we will be let down - since each one previously has been so awesome. However, each time, we are shocked in awed by the continued beauty of this country of ours. Today we drove the 38 miles into Yosemite (which we initially did not have in our sites as a stopover). Yosemite is huge...and as you will see by the photos...it is possibly my favorite national park (Ken is still hung up on the Grand Canyon - he claims when he walked out on one of the ledges, he could see beyond the horizon). There is one photo you will see and probably recongize as being a popular site in Yosemite. When we went through the tunnel and I saw this spectular scene before me there were tears in my eyes. It was most likely from being overwhelmed...and as we both stood there just shaking our heads and repeating "huh" over and over, it was difficult to walk away. Unfortunately a bus came up and there was a quick crowd, ruining the emotion. Now, I will have to say that the very long drive through the park, at the too fast speed Ken was comfortable driving the CRV, made my toes curl so tight in my hiking boots that I think I was tickling my own butt a couple of times (and we didn't even make it the 40 miles around twisting escalating and descending tight roads through the park this day). We saw a beautiful water fall, relatively up close and spectacular mountains and scenes of nature's beauty. It was a great day...can't wait for tomorrow.
Nite~
Carol and Ken

An Extra Miler - in Vegas

Hello,

Found an extra miler in Vegas. All in all, our experience in Vegas was not as expected. With the economy as bad as it is...and casinos marketing heavily to get folks to make the trip to Vegas, I fully expected employees and staff to be polite and friendly; however, that absolutely was not the case. Maybe it is because of the economy, that we encountered a lot of angry workers in Vegas. Although the "Rat Pack Returns" was a wonderful show, their support staff were very unfriendly and rude...all the way to the manager...which explains why the staff act they way they do. Two bright spots...the Italian Restaurant, Lombardi's in the Plaza Hotel and Casino had a staff full of extra milers - happy, working well together, attentive, and even singing and dancing to the music while we were there...and there was Lisa Armijo, who is the Publisher/CFO of TODAY IN LAS VEGAS MAGAZINE. I sent her an email describing the trouble we had (since we found the ad for the show was in her magazine). The magazine information was correct...but even so, Ms. Armijo was polite, helpful and apologetic for the experience we had in Vegas...and even offered to make it up to us if we were to visit again sometime soon. All sincerely appreciated...especially the extra miler style attitude. Thanks Lisa!

We are finally leaving Bakersfield, California. Ran into some trouble with the CR-V...the brakes were catching and it was trying to brake when the RV wasn't breaking. Not a good thing...so we stopped here overnight and Ken spent the morning in the shop getting four new tires. They were shot, but it turns out they were not the problem with the braking. This was one of those, "if this bad thing didn't happen - something worse could have occurred," incidents. The braking issue turned out to be something that Ken could repair; however, a blow-out in the pull behind could have been real trouble. We are merrily running down the highway now - headed toward Yosemite for a couple of days...then on to San Francisco to begin practice for the National Games!
Oh yes, we were asked to represent the state of Indiana in the Celebration of Athletes...Ken and I will march behind the Indiana flag (and I guess we will give everyone the Princess wave...oh wait, Ken said, "No way...he will not be giving anyone a Princess wave!" Okay...so I will give the Princess wave. Pat Nunn...any tips? We were told to wear our state uniform/warm ups. LOL...looks like we need to go shopping in San Francisco (or we could wear a straw farm hat, flannel shirt and jeans).
More after we get to Yosemite...plus more photos. Thanks for following our trip to the Senior Olympic Games.
Carol and Ken

Survived the night at Ghost Town

We had dinner in the Ghost Town...that wasn't too frightening. We saw no ghosts...but then had to return to the park. That frightening ranger-guy came by as we were walking through the empty town during dusk (we are such dare-devils!!!) and asked if we were okay. I initially thought maybe he was just setting us up by being nice, but turns out, he was just nice. I had a little fright during the middle of the night...but turns out it was nothing - probably our ranger driving through the campsite to be sure there were no ghosts bothering us. So, we saw no ghosts and enjoyed the little ghost town on the border of Nevada and California - Calico Ghost Town. Worth a few miles off the interstate to see. We stopped in for awhile today to see inside several of the stores (they were locked up after 5 o'clock)...the history of this little silver mining town was very interesting.
I am sitting in the RV while Ken is getting gas (the RV type) and watching these two men giving water to the six beautiful horses they are transporting. They have been dragging water buckets back and forth from the watering hose to the horses now for 15-20 minutes...they seem to be taking such good care of these animals. They have gone back to each horse with the water at least three times each...probably extra milers and animal-lovers. I liked watching the way they are caring for God's creatures.
We are now headed to Yosemite National Park in California. More later....thanks for following our adventure.
Carol and Ken

Creepy Ghost Town

Hi,
I want to get on here to tell everyone...if you don't hear from us in three days...send the troops. We pulled into this little town of Calico...an old mining town that is now a "ghost town" and wandered through the county camping park - couldn't find anything that looked like an RV hookup (we planned to stay here). Everything is dead - looks like water never finds its way to this community. Dry - dry - dry - and very hot - well over 100 degrees...the tallest thermometer (which we saw from the interstate on the way here) said it was 110 degrees). We believe it. Anyway, these two guys show up in a county vehicle (or so it appears) and said, "Hey, you staying here tonight...do you have a reservation?" There is only one other vehicle in this entire park - which looks like it could take in another 80 campers. "Ummm...no sir, but we were told we didn't need reservations. Is this a problem?" Guy in the truck, "No, but you need to pay and get registered." Me: "We didn't see anywhere to do that when we drove in...who do we pay." Guy in the truck: "Me." He was wearing a uniform...so we paid him. This place seems to be one of those horror movie type of locations - for real. I think we will get out the trusty S&W and have it handy just in case Jason or Frankenstein come knocking on our door in the middle of the night. We will not answer any knocks after dark! There is one restaurant in the "town." The town is nothing more than the ghost town buildings, as far as we can see. We are getting ready to walk up this small mountain to find the restaurant - and are possibly taking our lives in our hands. Pray for us.
Nite~
Carol and Ken

Las Vegas and what day is it?

Hi,
What day is it? How quickly we acclimate ourselves into the life of RV traveling retirees - I could live like this...okay, it might get old after a while (after 35-40years, maybe?).

We go from Eureka Springs, Arkansas Christian environment to Sin City Vegas...of course, whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But I've never been one to not tell-all...so, today included a trip to the Vegas outlet mall so I could get some hiking boots and Ken could get some tennis shoes...then we had dinner at the Italian restaurant in the Plaza Hotel - and on to a show, "The Rat Pack." The Dean Martin impersonator looked much like the real Dean and they all sounded surprisingly like the originals...Sammy Davis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop. Nice and affordable show in Vegas.
Tomorrow, before we leave the area, we hope to go horseback riding into the Red Rock Canyon.
Nite~
Carol and Ken

Grand Canyon/Rafting down the Glen Canyon/Touring Zion National Park/Arriving Las Vegas

Hi,
Sorry for the technical difficulties...when we are in smaller towns or in canyons, we have very slow connections and downloading photos are often impossible.

Last time we connected, Ken and I had just arrived in Grand Canyon National Park. I cannot begin to tell you how magistic this canyon is when you step close to the rim and look out. I'll try...my knees went weak and I had to turn away for a few minutes. The beauty surrounded me and the experience of walking around the rim was similar to a spiritual experience, as I felt the adrenalin rush from my head to my toes and my heart was pounding. It started to rain, but no matter - except I worried even more about people who get right on the edge of the cliffs. If you have not experienced the GRAND...you really must give it some of your time...and treat yourself to at least a couple of days - one day you should take one of the hikes (we didn't give ourselves enough time to do this, but will the next time we visit). Instead, we took a raft ride down the Glen River (called a smooth raft ride - down the Colorado River). The trip ended at the beginning of the Grand Canyon. It was a calm and magestic trip - also highly recommended...all ages can take this ride.
We stayed at Powell Lake and decided to stay an extra day to catch up with some work and home obligations and to catch our breath. Jeff sent us our mail from home and work - it sure piles up fast. We continue to feel an urgency to do as much and see as much as possible - and are having too much fun along the way.
The new RV is treating us well...a photo of the outside of Comanche (Ken's choice for a name) going through the Zion canyons. We cannot tell you how happy and safe we feel to not have the Tom Stinnett RV and all the problems we experienced with it.
Left Powell Lake today and drove to Zion National Park...yet another different type of mountains and canyons making up this calm environment full of great hiking trails - of all lengths. Wish we had planned an extra day on the trails. We drove on to Vegas and arrived tonight. Vegas is well...Vegas. Hope to catch a play and win a fortune. :-) We will be here for a full day and two nights ... then we head into California...and introduce you to yet more of our country.
A shout-out to Emma Roesner...who is following this blog and learning where she wants to talk her father and sisters into visiting on their next vacation.
It is late ... Nite~
Carol and Ken

Arrived just outside the Grand Canyon

Just wanted to jump on here and let you know that we don't have service in the RV - and probably will not for the next couple of days. So, please check back with us on Tuesday. If we can get service, we will check in with everyone.

We took a jeep ride up a mountain in Sedona...on a primative road...and I mean primative. It was the old stagecoach road up and across the mountain. I cannot explain the peace I felt when we reached the top (not only was I glad stop the extreme bumping around for a few minutes, but to stand there and look out over all the red rock mountain tops and the city below and feel the energy of our earth. It was truly a "must do" if you get out west. On the way up the mountain, a PT Cruiser was coming down the mountain (yes, on the primative road!)...it was a couple and they stopped us and asked (in broken English), "Is this the right road to Sedona?" Our guide answered yes. The man then asked, "Is this the ONLY road to Sedona?!?!" He looked petrified and the road ahead. Our guide calmly stated, "No, but right now it is your only option - you can't turn around now." The man then held up his GPS tracker system and threw up his arms in frustration. Poor guy...he made it down, since we didn't have to pick them up on our way down.

Our guide turned out to be an extra miler! Kelly Brower kept stopping the vehicle and walked over to the edge of the mountain to pick up trash left behind us...he did this multiple times (sad to say). He also pointed out every kind of plantlife and tree we saw. He knew much about each of them and how they impact the environment. A wonderful guide and a wonderful person...a true extra miler.

Better go - Ken is hungry and I'm cooking tonight.
Nite~
Carol and Ken

An evening in mystical Sedona

We drove down the mountain (well, one of them) and into Sedona. Here we go again, "OH, LOOK AT THIS...AND THAT!" Bright red mountains circled around us and a warm feeling engulfed both of us (despite the earlier cooling drizzle of rain). I can see why people come to this area to rest and de-stress. Too bad we can't hang out for several days. Two months is just not enough time to see and do all there is to see and do. We will stay an extra night in order to do a few "cool" things before we leave. More tomorrow.
Nite~
Carol and Ken

Petrified Forest National Park was incredible!

Hello Friends, With the slow process of a traveling computer and internet access, it is a long procedure to post daily. I believe the photos speak for our journey the best. Yesterday, we set off on a 26 mile trip through the Petrified Forest and immediately we stopped our vehicle and were overwhelmed with the beauty all around us. We were looking at the Painted Desert and both agreed that no photo could truly capture this beauty. Check out the web site for the Petrified Forest when you have time and add this to your next trip out west. I'm going to try to add a short video I shot with my camera. Hope it comes through. We left today for Sedona - it is 107 degrees, but just started to rain. It seems within 100 miles, we are again in a different country...lots of trees and big mountains (large beautiful mountains are the theme of Arizona and New Mexico). Ken was so happy to have a safe vehicle to travel in through these mountains. Barbie Long Harkins told us the new RV is a great souvenir of our trip through New Mexico...and you know, she is right. What a nice souvenir we now have in this RV. I will get a photo after the rain and post it. It is still our plan to sell it after the trip...if Ken doesn't become too terribly attached. You know how I like to name things (like kidney stones) so this one has the name Comanche (great warrior). This RV park in Sadona is very nice, just at the base of a small mountain. We will head into town as soon as I get off this post...so, later friends. We are headed into the mystical town of Sadona to bring back all of our good charma and ju-ju...we must have misplaced somewhere along the way and I understand it is found in beautiful Sadona, Arizona. This is the attempt to video the Petrified Forest: Talk to you later! Carol and Ken

We hope to find the Petrified Forest tonight

Well, we did it! Our continued fears that our RV would not take us safely through the mountains led us to trade in the 2001 for a new rig. It is really nice. Of course, consistent with our luck...all seemed to go well until this morning when we took possession. There were several problems that we hope have been remedied with the new vehicle. It is considerably nicer than the first purchase and with the full bumper to bumper warranty - if our luck (or lack thereof) continues, we will at least have coverage. Ken is telling me that it drives considerably better...so that is good. Wish us luck and please include a prayer.

With the exception of the last day, we enjoyed our stay in Albuquerque - there is much to see and do and we didn't even scratch the surface. We are passing exit after exit on I 40 with places of interest (Linda, even a wolf sanctuary - Ken decided not to stop because it was pretty far off I 40). We would like to one day just focus on this portion of the country (and be sure to call Tim and Kay in advance that we are coming). :-)

I will drop in more of the Mountain photos tomorrow or later tonight and I'm sure I will have a ton of shots to mull through after the Forest visit. BTW...we stopped in a small restaurant tonight for dinner and ... have you ever seen one of those movies where the family stop in a small town for gas and something to eat and they are never seen again? Well, that is how I felt as I walked in - while Ken was getting gas for the RV (something we do often) and stood at the counter. There were two people eating in a booth...two at the counter with a sign stating "ORDER HERE." This was an old hotel that has closed and the restaurant remained open. The gas station has no attendant - you pay with credit card only. Nobody came for my order for quite a while. Pretty creepy...but turned out to be very good food and we topped it off by sharing a delicious piece of homemade apple pie.

I thought the day was a goner re: meeting an extra miler until the end of our meal. A lady was ordering for her and her mother and we started chatting while we waited for refills. They are Ann and Jenny from Miami- they drove across country to San Diego to scatter a dead relative's ashes (much better than scattering a live relative's ...). They just left the Petrified Forest and are on their way home and gave us considerable advise on what to do and not do on the remainder of the southwestern leg of our trip. The daughter even left her food to run to her car to bring us back a park newsletter filled with information for the adventure tomorrow.

Can't wait to get some sleep and start through the Petrified Forest.
Nite ~ Carol and Ken

NEW RV? and THE MOUNTAIN IN ALBUQUERQUE

We really like New Mexico! There are extra milers everywhere we turn. People going out of their way to make us feel welcome to this city and state. There is a cajun word I learned from some of the flood victims of New Orleans...lagniappe, pronounced lan-yap. This is a creole word meaning something special a little something extra or an unexpected surprise.

Update: Tomorrow we decide if we will ditch this RV and all the trouble that has come along with it ... and purchase a new one. Ken is worried this one will not make it through the mountains. That means I would be able to, of course, drop a considerable amount of my passenger side driving assistance. I know Ken doesn't fully appreciate my assistance and guidance (whoaaa...are you really going to keep drifting this close to the white line on MY side?), but I feel it continues to be my duty. Possibly with some additional horse power and the relief of knowing we have a good engine, brakes, etc., we will enjoy this journey even more than we already have, (despite the multiple RV problems). Can we spell, "lemon?" We continue to deal with the Indiana dealership (Tom Stinnett RV Sales, Clarksville), who sold the RV to us and did not follow through with promises made by his salesman - hopefully they will come through and do the right thing. It is all so tiresome. I'll keep you informed...tomorrow morning is decision time. UPDATE: Tom Stinnett decided not to fulfill his dealership's promises - but agreed to pay half of the bills acquired. Ken decided he didn't want this hanging over our heads throughout the trip, as we have had enough grief already; therefore we agreed. We will also lose considerable money in the trade, which we have decided to do. This is a sad part of life and we will move on and enjoy the remainder of the trip...continuing our search for Extra Milers.

Today we did something truly fantastic! The fun keeps on coming...as we boarded the WORLD'S LONGEST AERIAL TRAMWAY, headed to the top of Sandia Peak, New Mexico! Hey, Mike and Judy...it is even longer than the tram to Guntown Mountain in Cave City! This one is 2.7 miles and takes you to the top of this beautiful mountain. I have so many photos that I will have difficulty selecting those to share with you. Ken and I had lunch in the High Finance Restaurant at the top - then headed up the trail to a small shelter (used to protect hikers from the elements if they should get stuck on the mountain after dark). One of the guides referred to the shelter protecting hikers from "teddy bears and kitty cats" found on the mountain...not to mention the various types of snakes; however, it has no doors or windows, so I'm not so sure it would do more than block some of the gusty winds. We only saw two squirrels played tag on our 2.8 mile trail up the mountain to the highest peak. This is a popular trail...exhausting (especially in the altitude), but the views are spectacular.

During the first 1/2 mile, I was doing what I always do...chatting away...mostly about how I would love to bring my grandkids here one day and hike up this mountain with them (there seemed to be a lot of grand-families on the mountain today so it was in my mind). After the 3/4 mile marker, I had nearly consumed all of the 1/2 bottle of water that I casually grabbed before the hike, and was thinking those grandkids better be born soon, or I wouldn't be able to escort them up this mountain. By the 1 mile marker, I was no longer going to ever take my grandkids up this mountain (Jeff would have to hike up with them) and by the top, I wasn't sure I would be alive to ever meet future grandkids. I have just enough vertigo that I slowly (VERY slowly) inch closer and closer to the edge, but never get right on the edge to look over. Ken does that for me...so several of the shots were taken by Ken. I will stand as close as 2-3 feet, but that is close enough.

Enjoy these photos, knowing they cannot possibly do justice to this absolutely spectacular view in New Mexico. If you ever get the opportunity...make this part of your trip out west. And TIM GIFFORD, you need to get to the top of this mountain - soon!
Nite ~ Carol and Ken

WHOA....WHO lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico!?!!?

Deenise Bryant, Ken and I owe you one! We arrived in the beautiful (and I mean beautiful) city of Albuquerque, New Mexico yesterday afternoon. We immediately set up and went to a Verizon store to obtain a better method to reach the internet while on the road. Had dinner at an Italian restaurant (I know, I know...why in the world would we eat Italian in New Mexico!!?!)...it was late and the only thing we could find open and nearby.

Ken has been threatening to look at newer RVs and trade in our current joy-rider while on the road. I originally did the "Uh-huh, sure we are," response until we saw several new RVs today while at a camping store. We spent several hours looking and pricing newer RVs. Ken fears our current RV will continue to fail us and quite frankly, we fear the worst during the second leg of the trip through the mountains of Arizona, California, Oregon, etc. Not sure what we will do at this point. However, a wonderful surprise came to us wrapped in a cell phone call that began, "Carol, where are you right now?" I stalled initially, not knowing who was on the other line. "This is Tim Gifford...where are you?" came the now familiar voice. Then it hit me, Tim and Kay live in one of those mountain, western states...could we be in their back yard right now? "Tim, where do you and Kay live?" "We live in Albuquerque...where are you?" "Ummm, we are also in Albuquerque...and I'm in so much trouble, aren't I?" Tim and Kay were gracious enough to forgive me - especially when they heard how we were tumbling through the southern states ... trying to survive the RV pitfalls of this exciting journey. I have heard about Tim and Kay being gracious hosts, but they are so much more. They brought us to their home, showed us around (including an introduction to Tim's studio where he creates his awesome sculptures)and then took us to dinner at a traditional mexican restaurant, El Pinto. At the restaurant, we joined by their tall friend, Monica Rodriguez, who I would have sworn is a military brat - she has many of our best qualities ... she doesn't know a stranger and she can carry on an easy conversation with anyone, including our fun waiter. After a fabulous dinner, we headed back to Tim and Kay's home to catch up on our lives. Their home could be featured in a decorator's magazine - bright colors with warm compliments throughout. For those of you who do not know Tim and Kay - they are both military brats who I knew in Ankara, Turkey (in the early 1970s). They made a love connection several years ago and made life happen together in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As I said earlier, Deenise, we owe you, for reading the blog and letting Tim and Kay know we were in town. I would have kicked myself indefinitely had we not connected with them while we were just down the street.
Thanks Tim and Kay for the dinner and the calming evening. Feeling the loving arms of friends was more timely than you can know.
Nite ~ Ken and Carol

To view the Extra Milers Web site for Indiana (and beyond), click on this link

Driving into Albuquerque, New Mexico

We are nearly in Albuquerque, New Mexico - will be here for the night and most likely tomorrow night. Not sure about the sights - but we already know this place is absolutely beautiful...maybe catch a rising sun (nahhhh...just kidding, we are not getting up that early)...a setting sun would be more like it. Here are some new photos and I'll try to include a video this time. While in Amarillo, Texas, we went to an outdoor theater. Truly, I didn't expect too much - and fully expected to be scratching all night from resulting bug bites (they love me and my Bath and Body Works lotion). Ken and I were blown away with this huge production simply called, "TEXAS." We drove down into the 2nd largest canyon in the United States (guess the first?)...it was beautiful and the stage backdrop (used wisely throughout the production) was one of the canyon walls. You know, from an Arkansas gal who is a strong Democrat, I should not have enjoyed myself nearly as much as I did in Texas. The people were warm and friendly and there is much to see and do.

On the way out of Amarillo, we came across a small cafe in Adrian, Texas (saw an ad on this in one of the referrals from the Chamber in Amarillo). They serve "ugly crust" pie. This cafe was featured in the Disney movie, "Cars." The diner, the owner and two of the waitresses were featured in the cartoon (in cartoon format, of course). The burger was even better than the Cafe in Amarillo...and ummmmm-ummmm, the "ugly crust" pie was just plain yummy. I had their signature pie - which was much like our Derby pie, with ice cream and home made hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry on top! Am I making you hungry? Ken had the cream pie (we agreed to split each pie and share). After one bite of my pie, Ken had to give me a dirty look in order to get half of mine. Did I say we were going to come home in better shape than we left? I was just kidding. Really...the ads in this area (along Route 66) tell you to loosen your pants and just go for it. This cannot be good. We found extra milers at this little diner. Flo and her crew just seem to go with the...well, flow. She purchased a red pick up truck and had it sitting outside of her cafe for a few years. She used it for transportation until one day a couple of young men came by and they were upset that they didn't get to add grafetti (sp) to the Cadillac farm vehicles (you can spray paint anything you wish)...so Flo handed them a marker and said go out and write on my red truck. They did and many have followed suit through the years to the point that there is not one space that doesn't have signatures, comments, or drawings. She no longer drives it, since the windshield and windows are also covered. Flo, the previous owner (who stopped by while we were there), the waitresses, the chef/baker (of the ugly crust pies), and anyone you wish, will autograph anything you offer up - including free brochures. They didn't push the items in their store - they are just happy you stopped by. Everyone in the cafe was genuinely pleased that we had enjoyed our stay in Texas (sorry, Bruce/Cathy). I believe these folks are good ole' Texas style Extra Milers. If you are ever on Route 66...get your kicks on route 66 at the Mid Point Cafe! Today, no RV trouble...but I hesitate to even bring it up for fear of "what's next?" coming back into our daily discussions.

Better go...Ken just said our exit is in a mile. Who-hooooo...I'm ready to stretch. I miss my yoga - need to make time. Later, Ken and Carol

Oklahoma City and the Memorial

You do not want to miss this emotional experience.

We thought we would spend only a couple of hours at this memorial and museum; however, we quickly saw this would become a full day experience.

This is a quote from the web site:
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.

We walked through the memorial and found it truly to be one of the most peaceful and moving monuments we have ever experienced. However, the impact was yet to be truly felt...until we spent the bulk of our time in the museum - viewing a baby shoe of a child in the daycare who died as a result of this tragic act - viewing the photographs of the victims who died in the bombing and the special artifacts left by their family members (three women who were killed were pregnant and their unborn children's names were included on the chairs in the memorial). We both cried as we heard the survivors stories and watched the television coverage of that tragic day...everyone around us were also in tears. We learned of heroes in the community and beyond. We learned of the aftermath and we learned the lessons of evil and violence. After several hours walking through the very detailed and fascinating exhibits and videos, we left feeling devastated and somewhat numb with sadness. We now understood the symbols throughout the memorial grounds - and yearned for additional time to walk the grounds in silence. We needed this time to gain our composure before leaving. As we left the memorial, a young man in front of me was whistling, "Amazing Grace." Amazing Grace indeed.

Moving to Claremore, Oklahoma (Will Rogers Museum)

Sorry for the technical difficulties. Well, that certainly sounds better than saying we have been too fascinated with our country to stop and blog. That is somewhat true, but it is also true that a laptop computer being tethered to my cell phone (held together with rubber bands so the plug doesn’t wiggle out) is VERY slow. I will make a more concerted effort to get online at least once a day.

Tonight (Wednesday night), I cannot get a signal on my Verizon network. Can you hear me now? Ummmmm….nope. Therefore I am writing this in word and will drop it in when I have access to the internet. We continue to experience considerable problems with the RV and are thinking this may not have been the best mode of transportation. We are dealing with it the best we can and hope to soon have our problems fixed.

Tuesday (July 7) was our day to learn more about Mr. Will Rogers. We visited an amazing museum of his life…no, not just his life, but everything this amazingly talented man stood for during his life. He genuinely was one of “us.” He provided a voice for the common man/woman.

I thought I knew a considerable amount of history relating to the philosopher and philanthropist, Will Rogers; however, this beautiful and well maintained museum proved I had much to learn. After meeting the Museum's Director, Steve Gragert and his staff, Ken and I were welcomed and introduced to the museum. We began wandering the many exhibits. We watched a film of Rogers' life, saw movies where he was the star (both silent and talkie movies...I think that is what they initially called them), read his many famous quotes (there were many), viewed beautiful paintings and sculptures, walked the grounds, and enjoyed a peaceful day learning...well, how to just slow down.

Will Rogers was an athlete, a natural and spontaneous comedian, a talented cowboy, a humanitarian/philanthropist, an aviator, an actor, a writer/columnist, a philosopher, and an intellect with the influence and resulting power to change politics and the point of view of an entire country.

Many materialistic or power-hungry people would have used this influence to benefit themselves; however, that wasn’t the case with Will Rogers. His strength came from a need to pass along the gift of knowledge. With that knowledge he believed people would make better decisions – those people predominately being our politicians. People trusted Will Rogers – knowing he wasn’t swayed by political ambition or self promotion.

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is located on a beautiful rolling piece of Oklahoma land in Claremore. The land was owned by Will Rogers and thought to be marked to become his retirement home one day. That day never came during his lifetime. Will Rogers died a young man. He was just 55 years old when he was killed in a plane accident in Alaska. Reading how our country mourned his loss revealed much about the respect and admiration our nation had for him.

We spent several hours within the walls of the museum and could have stayed longer if our schedule had permitted. The museum is not only a tribute to Will Rogers, but to people throughout the world for having the common sense to recognize, respect, and acknowledge this natural born leader. Plus, he never met a man (or woman) he didn't like.

If you are going through Oklahoma, be sure to stop by and see this museum.

Through Oklahoma and now into Texas

Hello Friends,
We have had several technical and mechanical difficulties during the past couple of days and I have been writing the blogs into word documents. I will drop them in tonight - I promise. Despite the continued mechanical issues, we have been able to hobble the RV to some wonderfully inspirational places. I will share tonight. I apologize for the tardiness...it was not intentional. I also have some photos to share.
Peace, C and K

Made it to Oklahoma

Today was a travel day. We got our generator fixed in Arkansas and then started toward Tulsa. We made it to Muskogee, Oklahoma. Tomorrow will include a visit touring a couple of special places in this area. More on that tomorrow night.

I have been reliving our church service in the little glass chapel. I realize God is all around us no matter where we find ourselves physically; however, there was something very special about that little chapel in the woods. As we walked through the doors, my heart felt light and there was no doubt that Ken and I were blessed to be in that place - soaking up the beauty and the grace. I will give you the history of the chapel in a blog within the next day or two. We have an Extra Miler in the story. Nite~ Carol and Ken

Eureka Springs, Arkansas and the Glass Church

Today was the last day in Eureka Springs, Arkansas...and it was a great day. It started out having church in a small Christian church made of glass. See the photos and details in photo section of the blog. It was a very nice service - pastor spoke about all people being equal. Hmmmm...how did he know...? He was very good and the music was wonderful. The environment was beyond belief.

We then drove to a wild cat sanctuary (Turpentine Creek Wildlife Reserve) and viewed over 100 large cats (and a few other animals they have saved). Each big cat had a sad story of abuse - with a happy ending at the reserve. See photos.

Later, we had lunch at the Road Kill Cafe (not so good, but then again, it was road kill).

I've learned a few things about RV living...
*Do not let Ken pop microwave popcorn in the RV. He burned a small bag and the entire RV filled with smoke (hanging out the door flapping the smoke out must have been an interesting sight for our neighbors).
*You do not need fingernails for RV living. I broke two (deeply)...and then cut the rest as short as they were when I used to bite them in high school.
*Most people who RV are retired, very friendly...and chatty (and own small dogs). I'm sure this list will grow daily.
Nite~ Carol and Ken

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

This was supposed to just be a one day side trip on the way to Oklahoma; however, this has turned out to be so much more. This area is a hidden treasure. Eureka Springs was built in approx. 1836 - folks thought the water from the springs had medicinal value. There are lots of interesting stories about the history of this part of Arkansas...beautiful old buildings...quaint Swiss architecture with homes and stores built into the mountains.

Today, we walked through the park (a little exercise)...then took a trolley through the city and had lunch at the Crescent Hotel (a beautiful old hotel that used to be a "con" Cancer Cure Hospital run by a man who called himself Dr. Baker (he was no doctor and no relation to my Baker family). We then stopped to shop for a couple of hours in the quaint little shops and art studios of Eureka Springs' Historic District.

Later, we drove up to the Passion Play area to view the area museums, including a huge Bible collection that includes the oldest known complete bible / some of the bibles date back to 1530, an art studio, and the breathtaking up close view of the Christ of the Ozarks statue.

After dinner, we drove back to the Crescent Hotel for a ghost tour. Neither of us had been on a "ghost tour," and with the interesting history and age of the hotel, it sounded fun. It wasn't. The only thing about Eureka Springs we would not recommend. Tomorrow morning, we will worshop in a glass church (and hopefully bring you photos), go to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Reserve (with over 100 big cats - Pam and Linda, you would love this place!)...then head back to Harrison in hopes of staying over to have the RV generator fixed before we move on to Oklahoma.
Nite~ C~ and K~

Arrived Eureka Springs, Arkansas

We spent a couple of days in Batesville, Arkansas with Mom Baker and our niece, Shelly...who will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall. We also met Shelly's perfect other (Roger), and cheered him on as he played softball one evening. It was a short visit, but we wanted to spend some time with Mom since this was her 80th birthday.

We were able to get the RV air conditioner fixed (now dealing with the generator going out)...and set off for a new destination - Eureka Springs, Arkansas (far north, very near Missouri). This is a side trip on the way to Oklohoma and we are anxious to find out more about this area. The drive was absolutely beautiful.

Can't wait to introduce you to Eureka Springs and the unique glass church! More tomorrow. Enjoy the Batesville photos.

Cheers, Carol and Ken