2017 Arizona

September 11, 2017

Last day in Prescott.  Ran to Costco, the grocery store, etc.   Still not feeling 100% so don't want to over do.  Was hoping to play golf one more time, but nope!!

Tomorrow we head home.   Should be there around 11, want to get in before the high temps hit...supposed to be 107



September 10, 2017

I was sick most of the day, so did very little.  I hate being sick!!!

September 9, 2017

It's raining so we decided to clean out our closets, it's amazing how much stuff I threw out!!!  Had to make room for all the new stuff I bought!!!  

Afterwards, we ran to Lowe's and a few other stores, looking for new patio furniture for home, sadly most of it is already gone.

September 8, 2017

Went and picked up our mail, what a hassle that was, apparently the post office here in Prescott Valley doesn't do general delivery, so we had to go to the post office in Prescott, they then sent us to another PO in Prescott, who finally tracked it for us!!!

We then drove over to Cottonwood, AZ.  Nice drive though the mountains toward Sedona.   Not much of a town, so we looked through the antique shops, had lunch and then drove back.

Bobby stated home later, while I went to Hobby Lobby and looked around.  Weather is nice, no rain and cooler temps, only 87 today.

September 7, 2017

Brandon left around 11 and we headed to Prescott Golf Course to play a round.  It was fun, as we caught up with two locals and we able to play with them.

September 6, 2017

Ran a bunch of errands and did a little shopping.  Brandon arrived around 3:30, just visited and caught up on his travels.

September 5, 2017

Arrived in Prescott Valley at the Fairgrounds RV park.   Nice park outside of town about 5 miles.  We got set up and noticed the hot water heater was not working, so ran into town to find an RV shop to get a new thermostat.  Bobby got it fixed, yeah!!!

It rained cats and dogs, welcome to the monsoon season in AZ.  We are here for a week, then heading home.

September 4, 2017

Drove from Monument Valley to Camp Verde, AZ.  We'll stay one night here and then head to Prescott Valley, AZ tomorrow, where we stay a week.

Traffic on I-17 was horrible, but it's just because everyone is in a hurry to get home from the long weekend.  Saw a horrible rollover of an airstream trailer....not a good way to end your holiday!!!

Because traffic is horrible, we'll just stay in this afternoon.   No use in getting caught up in that mess!!!!

Went for a swim, in pool 10 min when we heard thunder, out we got licking split!!!   Rained most of the evening, welcome back to AZ.

2017 Utah

September 3, 2017

Artist Point

John Ford's Point

Took a drive through Monument Valley.  The drive is a 17 mile loop on an extremely rough road, but the views are worth the bumps!!!  However, make sure you have a high clearance vehicle, as otherwise you may get into trouble.

Along the route are many pullouts, so we took advantage of those.  Think the entire trip took us 3 hours.    Thought about going back tonight for sunset, but doubt it.   Truck is dirty enough and our bodies ache from being bounced around. 

Highlight is stopping at the John Ford View Point, you can just imagine John Wayne and the many movies they filmed here!!!



September 2, 2017

While driving out to Goosenecks State Park , we drove fairly close to Mexican Hat Rock.  The town is named after this rock that looks just like a guy wearing a Mexican Hat.

Goosenecks is a state park that allows you to view the three goosenecks that the San Juan River has created.  Very cool!!!    

Our next destination was Valley of the Gods.   Here you see monuments that the Navajo's consider sacred.  It's very similar to Monument Valley but there is no fee.   You still aren't able to hike in this area, because it is sacred land. 

The 15 mile loop takes you past monuments like the battleship, resting hen, many mesa's, plus many others.   The road is dirt and bump but worth your time.

September 1, 2017

Our last day in Monticello so we decided to play golf with Bubba and Lynn, plus their friends Erin and Terry.  At least we know the course better than yesterday, so we played much better, especially Bobby.   The boys challenged the girls, girls RULED, we won total.   Yea girls!!! 

After lunch we drove to Natural Bridges National Monument.  Here we saw three natural bridges, one old, one mature and one young.  It's amazing to see the difference between them.   Wish it wasn't so hot, we would have hike to 5.8 mile hike to walk under them.   The oldest one, is the 2nd largest natural bridge in the world, the first in Rainbow bridge on Lake Powell. 

When we got home, Brandon caught up with us once again.  Spending the night, not sure if he'll continue with us or not.


August 31, 2017

Played golf with Bubba and Lynn who we met in the RV park.   Great couple from Grand Junction, CO.   Thankfully they knew course and sort of told us where to place the ball.   The course is extremely narrow with tons of trees and out of bounds.    It's also very hilly so walking would be tough.   Bobby played horrible, I did ok, shot a 98.  Not great but not bad considering I'm not a target shooter.


August 30, 2017

We took Brandon to Arches National Park today.  It was his first trip and our second, but 1st was 8-9 years ago.
The park is as stunning as I remembered, around every turn and bend it a stunning view that takes your breath away!

Balancing Ro

We drove the entire loop, except for the windows loop, as it was closed.  Took us about 4 hours, as we stopped at almost every turn out, hike to various arches, etc.  It was very hot, near 100, making it difficult at times, but we made it!!!

After touring the park, went into town, walked through a few shops, we all bought shirts at the Dirt Shirt factory.  It's an infamous store that uses the red dirt in this area to color the shirts.



August 29, 2017


Left Montrose around 7:30 and headed to Monticello, UT.  We arrived around noon, had to stop at the summit to let the engine cool, steep long climb up hwy 141.  However the views are breathtaking. 

Arrived at Westerner RV Park and got settled in.  Went into town for lunch, stopping afterwards at NAPA for antifreeze for engine.  Just want to be safe!!!  We then saw this huge red and green tractor at the visitors center so went to take a peek.

It was a Big 4 tractor.   Apparently it was brought here to plow fields in earlier 1900's and then had been sitting outside for 40+ years before being restored.  It was huge!!!!

Then we went through the museum and visitors center, there is so much to see in this area, sure we'll stay longer than 2 days I had planned.

Got back to coach, raining and hailing, so we'll spend afternoon catching up on blog, etc.   Branden (our nephew) should arrive around 6.

2017 Colorado

August 28, 2017

Black Canyon NP was our destination today.  It's has some of  the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.  At the narrowest point, it's only 40's wide but we couldn't see this from the south rim, need to be on the north rim.

At the visitor's we watched a video telling of the history and how Mr. Gunnison discovered the park and why it's named after him.  Very interesting.

On the way home, we stopped at the Museum of the Mountain West.   Had a two hour guided tour, of which we went through several buildings, of which they depict an era of our past.  They have buildings on the railroad, saloons, jail, Dr office, dentist, etc.   Great museum filled with tons of artifacts.

August 27, 2017

Played golf with Jerry and Glenda again.  This time at their home course of The Bridges, very challenging course with water on all but two holes!

August 26, 2017

Took a ride to Telluride, Co.   At an elevation of 13,000+ ft, you need oxygen...lol.   Walked around town, looked through the shops, found the Elks Lodge and then road the tram (it's free) from downtown to the village.   Great views of the valley and surrounding homes from the tram.

Had a late lunch and then came home.

August 25, 2017

Decided to play golf at the Devil's Thumb golf course.  Challenging little course, thankfully we played with two locals (Gerry & Glenda Weaver) you directed us to place our shots!!!  Like Havasu, the greens roll away from the thumb, making it difficult to read the greens.

After golf, we went to Gerry and Glenda's home and had a drink.  They live about 5 blocks from the Elks lodge.  We agreed that we'd play their home course with them on Sunday.  It's so much fun meeting new people and making friends!!!

August 24, 2017

Travel day, took us about 4 hours to get from Jensen, WY to Montrose, CO.  We'll stay here for 5 days, maybe more.

Got settled in at the Elks lodge and then cleaned the inside of the coach, it is so dirty from the gravel road we took earlier this week.

Spent the remaining of the day resting.  Have been going, going and the altitude here is catching up with us.  We are at 5,700'.

2017 Wyoming

August 23, 2017

Interesting day for us!  I had read that hwy 191 was filled with switchbacks and 10% grades, so decided to take hwy 430 out of Rock Springs to Jensen, WY.   Well, it was a great road until we got to Colorado border, where it turned to gravel.   For the next 26 miles, we traveled on gravel.  At least it was graded so not a bad ride.

When we got to pavement, Bobby noticed that the truck had a problem, apparently we lost some bolts and nuts (probably from the bouncing) on the hitch, so I had to drive the truck, while he drove the coach.  Drove to the town of Jensen, where we parked the coach and then drove to Vernal, WY to get parts.

While in Vernal had lunch at the brewery, great lunch.   Got back to the coach and continued to Dinosaur National Monument.  Here we learned about the huge collections of the dinosaur bones discovered in 1924.  Many of the dino's have been removed and are not on display at various museums through out the world.

Greatest thing about this place, you get to touch the actual dino bones that are still in the "wall".  It was very exciting for me!

August 22, 2017

Turtle fossil

Left Thayne around 9 after saying our goodbyes!  Will miss the gang!

First stop was Fossil National Monument.  Here we learned about all the fossils that are located in this part of the USA, of which we saw a scientist working on one.   It will take him about 30 hours to uncover the rock, sediment, etc. to expose the fossil.   Most of the fossils in this area are of fish, turtles, plants, etc.

JC Penny Home

Our next stop was the J. C. Penny 1st store and his home in Kemmerer, WY.  The history behind this store was very interesting.  It started as the Golden Rule Store but later he bought out his partners and changed it to J. C. Penny's.  To bad the store is failing and more than likely the house and original store will be lost to history.


We stopped for the night in Rock Springs, WY.  Since only here for one night, just parked in Walmart.

August 21, 2017

Jill, Wendy & Me showing off our eclipse outfits

Bobby, Branden, Wendy, Eric, Paul, Jill and me

Eclipse Day!!!  We saw about 99.5% of the totality.  Only thing we missed was the total darkness and the ring around the sun....obviously we need to go 66 miles north, but we didn't want to fight the traffic, which was a nightmare.

Our nephew Eric and his girlfriend Eileen are in Idaho Falls, so we agreed to meet for dinner in Swan Valley at the Snake River Restaurant, about 45 minutes from us.  It was so good to see them.  Eric took some amazing shots of the eclipse, yes, they were in totality.

Eric, Eileen, Branden, Bobby & Me

Traffic heading the opposite direction was horrible.   It went on for at least 25 miles!!!!!   Glad we weren't in it and after dinner, it was gone!









August 20,2017

Fixed poached eggs for the gang then Bobby and I played golf at Cedar Creek Golf Course, very challenging course for us.   Lost many balls!!!

Went next door to Nancy & Dan place (live next to Wendy & Eric), had a wonderful hamburger feast!!!  We have eaten way to much while stay here!!!!


August 19, 2017

We decided to take Branden to the intermittent springs in Afton, WY.   Because of the amount of rain they got this spring, the spring did not shut off.   However it was a beautiful hike plus Branden got to video it with his drone.

Had lunch in Afton, home of the world's largest Elk Antler Arch and then walked around the shops


August 18, 2017

Played Aspen Hills golf course.   We've played it before but still found it challenging.  Branden joined us at the turn, he just drove in from San Fran.   He'll spend next five days with us.


Had a lovely evening with gang, love their backyard and views of the Idaho mountains.


August 17, 2017

Drove to the Tetons In hopes of getting a spot in the campground.  However, no luck!!!  So we drove back to Thayne and have parked on our friends daughters driveway.   Wendy & Eric are very generous in allowing us to stay with them.

The only good thing about the drive up to the Tetons, while waiting to find out if we could get a spot, saw a cow moose.   Very cool!!!



August 16, 2017

Played golf with Shirl and Dino at Star Valley Ranch.  Had a wonderful time with them.

Bobby, Me, Shirl & Dino

Afterwards, we drove around the Star Valley neighborhood, think about purchasing a lot.

Later we went to Wendy & Eric's for dinner.   Hopefully this is our last night in Star Valley so we are saying goodbye.




August 15, 2017

Very quiet day, did a little grocery shopping and went to the farmers market.

August 14, 2017

Bobby & Dino

Bobby played golf with Dino while took a long walk and caught up with house work.

Went into town, looked around, bought some delicious ice cream at the local ice cream store.  I had licorice and Bobby had orange cream.




August 13, 2017

Thought about playing golf but skies don't look promising.   I need some Italian seasoning so we drove to Alpine (local store closed as it's owned by Mormon Family).  They didn't have any put did find some spaghetti sauce mix that will have to do for this time (we are making spaghetti sauce to freeze).

Did laundry while Bobby washed truck.   Around 4 decided to go for a walk, got caught in a downpour, no sopping wet!  Oh well, I'll dry!  But at least got the door and windows closed before to much rain came in.

August 12, 2017

Drove from Grand Teton (Gros Ventre Campground) to Star Valley RV Park.  We've stayed here a couple of time before, very nice park.   Best thing, it's located next to 27 hole golf course, yes, we are going to play!!!

Also we have 3 couples we know that live or are staying in this area, so we're catching up with Paul and Jill Ostrom tonight for dinner and cocktails.  They are staying at their daughters, which is about a mile from us.  

Later we'll see Dino and Sherrill Price and Jim and Nancy Hoover.

August 11, 2017

Went into Jackson and spent the day looking around the shops.  Bought a few groceries and then drove back to campground which is about 7 miles.   Spent afternoon resting and talking a walk around the campground.

August 10, 2017

We've decided that the Grand Tetons are the most stunning mountains that we have seen in all of our travels.  Yes, that includes the Canadian Rockies!  Which are beautiful but are not as gorgeous as the Tetons!

It rained last night so most of the smoke was gone, giving us a picturesque view of the Tetons.  When we left the park, we turned right towards the very small town of Kelly, heading to Mormon Row.  Here you view the old homesteads, dating back before the park became a National Park.

Visitor center at Moose was our next stop, here we watched a movie on the 100 yrs of the park.  Great show!   Looked around the visitors center and then drove home for lunch, while driving home, we saw cars stopped and went to investigate what they were looking at.  It was a cow moose, eating across the river.   Too far for the camera to capture, but at least we saw a MOOSE.  

After lunch, Bobby rested, while I took a walk down to F loop (there are 300 sites here) in hopes of seeing another moose, no such luck!!

Came back and then went to Jenny Lake to see if we could launch the paddleboard.  Found out we have to have a WY sticker (says that we have not critters on our boat) and then we can launch.  Might do this tomorrow.  Jenny Lake area was packed with people, they are everywhere....we were lucking enough to find a parking spot in main lot, otherwise it would have been a 1/4 - 1/2 mile walk.

On the way home saw a small herd of Antelope, they are beautiful.

August 9, 2017

Fossils from Dinosaur Muesum

Left Cody around 9 and headed to Thermopolis, I was hoping to see the petroglyphs on the Arapaho but they were about 30 miles behind us.  We never saw any signs, must not be well marked so we'll catch next time.

The drive between Thermopolis and Dubois, Wy is beautiful.  We pasted Boyson State Park, a massive reservoir that's 25 miles.  Once we reached Dubois, it was raining.  Saw the world's largest Jackalope and the Big Horn Sheep museum.  Then I called Gros Ventre Campground in Grand Teton NP and we decided to continue on as they have several spots still open.  

Big Horn Sheep Museum

We arrived around 3:30 and got one of the 2 spots left for a motorhome our size.  Whew!!!!   Got settled in and then went for a walk.   Thought about going for a drive but the smoke from Montana is hiding the Tetons plus we are expecting rain and lighting.   Not something I care for!

August 8, 2017

Road trip today on the Beartooth Hwy and Chief Joseph Hwy, which is a 200 mile loop.

First stop was Red Lodge, MT.  It's a small tourist town with a few shops/restaurants.  We have friends that live there, but they were in Billings, MT for the day...we'll see them in Havasu.

Took the Beartooth Hwy to Cooke City, MT.  This hwy was described by Charles Karualt as the most scenic hwy in America!!!!  It's filled with switch backs, incredible views, stunning lakes and a summit at 10,947'.  Thought we'd need oxygen...lol.

Once we reached Cooke City, we had lunch at the Beartooth Café.  Bobby had the best club sandwich ever!!!  Brought 1/2 back, it was huge and delicious!  While eating it started pouring, felt sorry for the bikers that are riding, miserable ride.  They are either on their way to or from Sturgis, SD.

We then back tracked to hwy 212 (Chief Joseph Hwy) and took it home.  Another very scenic drive!!!

August 7, 2017

Finished touring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.  Today we toured the Gun Museum.  What an amazing display of weapons!   You would not believe the amount of rifles, pistols, etc. that we saw today (we were told it's over 3.500, plus they have many more in storage).   It's unbelievable how many manufactures they have on display.  To name a few: Remington, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Browning, plus many that I've never heard of.   They date from the 1700's thru today.  Just impressive!!!

There is two floors, of which the main floor has the most impressive displays but the basement is impressive in it's own way.   They have these huge drawers that you pull out to view the rifles and pistols.  Great way to utilize space.

Next we walked around downtown, had lunch at the Irma Hotel, this was built by Buffalo Bill  to provide his guest a place to stay.  The bar is made of cherry wood and is beautiful.  After lunch we walked around town, looking at the stores.

The Dug out Museum is just down the street, so we walked to it.  It amazing how many old guns that have never been restored this guy has.

Our last stop for the day was the Cody Mural, which is located in the LDS  church.   Here you get an overview about the first 120 years of the LDS and how they came to settle in the Big Horn Basin.  The mural was painted by Edward Grigware, who was Catholic and knew nothing about the LDS.  He took a year to learn of their history and then created this masterpiece for them.  It truly is a masterpiece.

 August 6, 2017

Famous Gunfighters

Wild Bill with Arapaho's

Today we visited the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (www.centerofthewest.org).  I must say that I did not believe that we couldn't walk through this museum in one day (thanks goodness our ticket is good for two days) as we were there 6 hours and only saw 4 of the 5 buildings.  Plus I'm sure we missed stuff in those 4 buildings!!  We'll return tomorrow to view the 5th building (gun collection) and see what we missed.

Wild Bill

Color is made with text

Obviously they tell the history of Wild Bill Cody, which is very interesting.   You also learn about many animals, the Indians (this part was very interesting to me, especially since I'm part Arapaho).  One of the buildings is dedicated to Art, here I created a western pic on the computer and had it
 emailed to me, that was cool.

This museum is a MUST see for anyone that's interested in Western History!!!  It certainly is very interesting to us!




August 5, 2017

Got up late, had breakfast and then head to Cody, WY.   Took us about 2 hrs and we arrived around noon.  We are staying at the Cody Trout Ranch Camp (www.wyomingtroutranch.com), about 5 miles north of town.

Just relaxed as we have been going, going.  Tomorrow we'll head into town.

2017 Montana

August 4, 2017

Bair Museum

Left Helena around 8:30 and took the scenic route to our next destination of Billings, MT.   Matt told us about the Bair Museum in Martinsdale, MT, so we headed there.  So glad he told us about this museum, it tells you of the history of the Bair Family.  Charles Bair was a sheep rancher that also made money in the gold rush.

He and his wife Mary, had two daughters (Margariette and Alberta) who became antique and art collectors.  They knew that one day they'd have a museum, so collected art and antique pieces for it.  Today, their home in Martinsdale (they also lived in Portland, OR for a period of time, had a ranch there) is the museum. 

Some of the items date back to the 1700's and many in the 1800's.  Also they knew Charles Russell, so they have many of his pieces.  Our guide told us that they don't know the price of the art/antiques, but I bet each of their paintings by Sharp and Russell are worth over a million each.

Artist Charles Russell

They have a separate building that houses the original art pieces, in the house/museum are prints of the originals.

If you ever get to Martinsdale, this is worth you time.

We continued on to Billings, stopping at the Walmart to spend the night.  Great Walmart in that it is surrounded by stores and restaurants for us to send our time and money...lol.  Of which, I did!!!

August 3, 2017

Anita, Bobby & Matt on tour boat

Ran to Walmart to look for a new 50 AMP plug, didn't have one, so then we did a little grocery shopping and then headed back, as we are going to Gates of the Mountains with Matt and Anita.

Left around 11 for the trip to the Gates of the Mountains, which is a boat ride on the Missouri River.

Young Bald Eagle

Got on the boat around 12, ride took about 2 hours.  Our guide explained the history, pointed out wildlife (Mule Deer, White Pelicans, Baby Bald Eagles, Bald Eagles, ducks, Ospreys, etc.).  Also told us about the Mann Gulch Fire, worse smoke jumpers disaster in USA history.  This occurred in 1949.  From this fire, many improvements to fighting fires occurred, to bad 13 individuals had to die before they were discovered.   Greatest one being the back fire, it saved the captain, while 2 others scrambled to the top of the ridge with fire chasing them.

August 2, 2017

Me, Matt, Bobby & Anita

Arrived at Matt and Anita's in Helena, MT, got coach parked in their driveway, then went to their new shop.  They own Tizer Meats and have enlarged since we were here 4 yrs ago.  The new location is much bigger and the store provides twice as much product!

Once Matt got off work, they took us to Montana City (about 5 miles away) for dinner.  Had a wonderful meal.



August 1, 2017



Last day in Rollins!  Not sure what's on the agenda but sure a boat ride will be involved!  Stay tuned!

On their deck...notice the hats

Ok, arrived at Ron and Deb's to find Ron working on their water system.  Apparently they are losing pressure, Bobby and Ron worked on it for several hours with no luck finding the problem.

Guys pushed us in...we'll get even

I cleaned up the paddleboard and played in the lake.  Deb cleaned up and fixed lunch and then around 4 we took a drive to Mary Ronan Lodge but found it closed.  Stopped at a small bar on the way home, kids were starving, had chips. 

Headed home for dinner, had hamburgers and fresh fries.  They were delicious.

July 31, 2017


Everyone left today, so we decided to spend the morning resting and giving Ron and Deb a break from us!!!

Homer and Sharon Budd with us

Went into Kalispell and caught up with Homer and Sharon Budd, who are spending a few days there.  Had lunch at Finnigans, nothing spectacular but good.

Did a little shopping after lunch and then went to Ron and Deb's.   Spent the afternoon just relaxing.  Deb fixed leftovers (they have tons!) for dinner.  After dinner, went for a kayak ride around the bay and then home.



July 30, 2017

Ron, Deb, John, Linda. Ted, Larry, Kristy,

Ed, Bobby and Me

Part of the gang went to Glacier (Larry, Ed, John and Linda) while the rest of us played in the lake.

Once they returned, we spent the afternoon on the lake again, went to a new restaurant/bar called the Saddlehorn.  Great place over by the Raven on east side of the lake.

Water was very rough coming and going, so a very bumpy ride.   It's our last day on the lake with the entire gang!!!  Been a wonderful time with everyone!

July 29, 2017

Gang at Del's

Ed, Bobby, John & Ron

Boy's played golf at Buffalo Ridge in Kalispell, girls just spent day relaxing.   We got a surprise in that Ed Salvi had driven up to play golf with the boys and is going to spend two days with us!!

Later that evening, we went to Del's and had dinner.  Very relaxing day for us!





July 28, 2017

Took another ride on the lake, this time to Big Fork.  Lovely day
for a ride.

After the ride, came home to have steaks, etc.  Ron and Deb are the best hosts!!!!



July 27, 2017

Ron and Deb fixed breakfast for everyone, John and Linda arrived late yesterday, so no the entire gang is here.   Everyone is hurting from last night, so I took the paddleboard looking for our lost items.  I found the glass but it took Ted in his snorkel gear to locate my glasses.  Riley dove down and got them....Thanks Riley!  Paid the boys $10 just for retrieving them!!

You can buy this for $25 Million

I took the paddleboard around the bay that they live in, while Ted used one of Deb's daggers.  Great time.

Around 3, we went for a boat ride, Ron showed us some of the homes on the lake, very relaxing day.

Came back to have a ham dinner, it was delicious!!  Played on the paddleboard while the boys watched TV.

July 26, 2017

Left Waterton around 7:30 and arrived in Rollins around 1:30.  It took us about 3 1/2 hrs to get to the border and we had no problems crossing back into the USA.

We stopped in Kalispell for supplies and then arrived at Rollins RV Park (located about 2 miles from Ron & Deb's) and then went to their house to catch up with the gang.

Got to their place and immediately went for a boat ride with everyone (Ron, Deb, Ted, Kristy, Larry, Holden (friend of Riley's) and Riley (Ron and Deb's grandson). This is the crowd we hang out in Havasu with!  Had a great time on the lake!!!  While on the lake, we went to dinner at the Indian Casino, had a great meal!!!

Took the paddleboard out and played on it once we got back.  I certainly like it!  Deb and I tried to get the two of us on it, we were not successful.  Lost her beer glass and my sunglasses.  Think we drank to much so went home around 9:30...going to be a long week!!!!