Our new home for 3 whole days was Honeyman State Park Campground, which borders on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area just south of Florence, OR, and maintains approximately 400 campsites! With three days, there was a little down time to do mundane tasks like laundry, shopping and to spend afternoons painting rocks to leave on the hiking trails;-)

The big draw in this area is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – one of the largest expanses of coastal sand dunes in the world. A place where dunes, forests and the ocean come into close proximity of one another. Recognizing the unique qualities of the land, Congress designated this 31,500 acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest as a National Recreation Area. Yea for us!! And today we were off to experience ‘the Dunes’ – –

Scaring ourselves silly was not enough enough excitement for one day – so off to the Sea Lion cave and the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Sea Lion Caves is a connected system of sea caves and caverns open to the Pacific Ocean where Steller sea lions and cubs take shelter each year. Today there were LOTS of sea lions playing in the surf or just sunning themselves.

While at the Sea Lion Caves, one has a great view of the Heceta Head Lighthouse, perched atop 1,000′ high Heceta Head. The light in the 56′ tower was first illuminated in 1894. It can be seen 21 miles from land and is rated as the strongest light on the Oregon coast. Perhaps we should go check it out – –

Well, as long as you go this far north might as well go a few miles farther to Yachats – a funky little town with a couple of good restaurants. And, it was dinner time. So after a quick stroll around town and a stop a the rock shop, we were off to dinner.

Honeyman SP also had a couple of lakes within walking distance of the campground. So, one needs to take a walk and investigate because you never know what you might see – –

Another great stay and a National Recreation Area. But, as always, this too had to come to an end as Astoria was calling. Besides, we were all still brushing sand out of our ears and hair;-(!!!!

E & G – still having fun;-)

Travel days are meant to be short – that is fewer miles – so there can be many stops along the way. As one never knows what might be found in the journey?!?

This particular day the drive was 114 miles from Redcrest to Klamath, CA. Maybe 2.5 hours – UNLESS one gets sidetracked. Like at Big Lagoon County Park – about lunch time. This is a great day-use area with an excellent view while eating lunch and a great beach for agate hunting. Take advantage of it all;-)

The 114 miles were finally covered and one of our favorite RV parks – Klamath River RV Park – had welcomed us and provided our spots right on the river. A perfect home base for the next three days;-)

The Redwood NP and State Parks represent a rare cooperative management effort of the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation that includes Redwood NP and 3 Redwood State Parks. Together these parks are a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve that protect cherished resources. These parks, just as those a little to the south, house the world’s tallest living tree and a living link to the Age of the Dinosaurs. It is amazing that these ‘beings’ grow to ages of 2,000 years, weighing up to 500 tons, standing taller than the Statue of Liberty – and all from a seed the size of a tomato seed.

A favorite (and must do) drive is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which is an eight-mile stretch of the original Redwood Highway. It provides one of the parks’ most scenic drives through old-growth redwood forest and Elk Prairie. While the parks house an abundant diversity of wildlife, the Roosevelt elk is a dominate sight especially at – Elk Prairie. They are the parks largest land mammal, sometimes exceeding 1,000 pounds. This morning they provided great entertainment.

Since our RV Park was on the Klamath River just where it met the ocean, we found that a short walk took us to the beach and a feeding ground for the seals. This afternoon it was just about dinner time (after a nap) – –

Many fantastic hikes can be had in this area. The Tall Trees Hike is a favorite, but now one must get a reservation to enjoy this area (this can be done online). Unfortunately, this was news to us – so an alternative had to be found. A perfect suggestion was provided by the friendly rangers at the Visitor Center at Elk Prairie – the Prairie Creek Trail to the Cathedral Trees Trail. This trail was fabulous and is now our No. 1 fav! See for yourself – –

The Trees of Mystery were more up the girls’ alley than the grandparents hikes, at this point. So – off to some fun and adventure. Paul Bunyan and Babe greet you and entice you to walk into this grove of redwoods, across hanging bridges and up to the top of the mountain in a tram for far-reaching views. Even those a little faint of heart at heights braved the trek;-)

Another three days and another NP for the granddaughters;-) Sadly, it is time to leave the mighty Redwoods and all their majesty – but, sand dunes are calling.

E & G – onward and northward

The Avenue of the Giants is a must drive when in the northern California area just south of Eureka. The Giants are the Redwoods, which are majestic and have a magical aura about them. We were fortunate enough to be in a quaint little RV park in the middle of “The Avenue” in Redcrest – Redcrest RV Park. And, the best part is that we were the only ones in the park. So we had it all to ourselves;-)

From this fantastic base, we discovered the area beginning with one of our favorite little towns – Ferndale, CA. This little Victorian town has great shopping, pizza parlors, ice cream and the most beautiful cemetery. All wonderful for wandering.

Our conclusion – It’s a Grandparents duty to be sure the grandchildren experience all our wonderful National Parks (NP) have to offer. So, each summer we set out with the Shoe Crew (daughter Heather, son-in-law Christian and the three granddaughters – Haley, Kira and Olivia) to ‘hit’ as many NP’s as possible in the area to be traveled. All done in our two RV’s. The summer of 2019 was a wonderful experience in the Grand Tetons NP and Yellowstone NP, 2020 was lost – but, we are back at it June of 2021. Here we go – – –

The first stop is Lassen Volcanic NP – but first a planning session at the Shoe house (In case you are wondering – their last name is Schusler. Try saying and writing that all the time!) – –

The stay was short. But, the girls had one more NP under their belt and another Junior Ranger badge. (They did complete all the activities required and Gramma gave them the oath and the badge.) And, we had the pleasure of showing them one more national treasure.

Off to the coast and the Redwoods State & NP.

E & G – loving nature

Weather was heating up in Scottsdale – which means time to hook up the Magic Carpet (MC), hop into Mini Magic (MM) and head to a higher elevation. This year Williams, AZ was the first stop. We know – not a long drive, but staying along Route 66 is a favorite. The Grand Canyon RR RV Park served as the ‘base’ the last couple of stays. This is great as it is easy access to Route 66 and the Daily Queen;-) But, this year something new was in the offing – Railside RV Ranch. It is a little farther out, but still a perfect walk into town and all the restaurants. Also, it is on the Grand Canyon RR route – so every day at 7AM and 5PM everyone waves at the train passengers as they pass by on their way to and from the Canyon. Still makes me smile to think about it. And – we had a great spot for the ‘train viewing’ as well as a perfect arrangement for MM and MC;-)

There was even a perfect sky for the viewing of one of those ‘Super Moons’ – –

Another gem was discovered in this little town of Williams – Elephant Rock Golf Course! A very nice course and a delightful local couple to play with. Even got a good dinner recommendation – Western Steak House! Right up my alley. There was also a side trip to Flagstaff to meet up with friends – the Stinson’s – for a round of golf at Continental and to see their new townhouse.

Our attempt to find a good hike around Williams, yielded the Keyhole Sink Trail. This proved to be a very easy 2 mile roundtrip pathway through the ponderosa pines to a box canyon. Here, roughly 1,000 years ago, the residents of the area left petroglyphs detailing their daily life. One of the petroglyphs is a dramatic depiction of a deer herd entering the canyon – definitely a hunting area for these ancients.

After a great few days in Williams, it was time to move on. Clio, CA would be home for the next week. Had never heard of this area before some friends (the Sampson’s) recommended it – and when discussed with other friends (the Clarke’s), they alerted us to 4-5 golf courses in the area! What a treat. MM and MC found another nice home at Clio’s Rivers Edge RV Park in the pines. (Our particular space was a bit small – but, have a better spot picked out for the next visit!)

After getting settled in, we were off to investigate – especially all those golf courses we were told about. First up was Graeagle Meadows – nice course, but a little long. On the back nine G moved up to E’s tees and E moved up to the Jr. tees!!! All was good as the views were terrific.

Graeagle came with all the necessities – –

They also had a wonderful deck for lunch where a bluejay feeding her young in the nest provided our mealtime entertainment;-) Next course was Whitehawk, which was just as beautiful and a bit more friendly on length. Of the two, it was our favorite. Next time we will tackle Plumas Pines and the Grizzly Courses. Too many courses and not enough time.

The area had some stunning scenery, especially the road to Gold and Snag Lakes.

Driving a BIG loop road took one past the alpine lakes, the gorgeous ‘Alps’ and into Truckee, one of our favorites. There is one of the best ACE hardware stores, a cute little main street with lots of good shops (including a kitchen shop we love) and a favorite Italian restaurant – Pinetta’s. All in all – a very nice day;-)

Another day – another drive. This particular day it was decided to head over and take a look at the Grizzly golf course (which looked fabulous). Another course was discovered on the way – The Dragon course at the Nakoma Resort. Sometimes one just discovers gems by accident. The drive into the course was most interesting, as was the Lodge with an iconic roofline. Turns out this building in the middle of the forrest 75 miles from the closest bigger town is an original Frank Lloyd Wright design! It was beautiful. Definitely a place to consider for a future escape – –

So happy to have such wonderful friends who share their knowledge of places to visit, parks to stay in and golf courses to play. A BIG thank you to the Sampson’s and the Clarke’s for telling us about Clio and its many attractions! (Forgot to mention one more place to eat – The Iron Door in Johnsonville.)

Now it was time for the ‘Main Event’ before heading to Park City in a few weeks – meeting up with the Shoe Crew and our three granddaughters;-) Wait ’till you read about these adventures!

So grateful for friends who share – E & G on our way

Life was now back at full swing, so it was time for a couple more trial runs with MM and the Airstream (Magic Carpet). Since several friends were in the Indio/La Quinta area – and that was a good distance for a drive – we were off in that direction. Our first visit was with the Giss’s and a very interesting day with lots of new experiences;-) Our drive out to Borrego Springs in search of desert sculptures led us by Font’s Point – a 4-wheel diversion off the main road. Twenty miles wide by fifteen miles long, Borrego Badlands stretch across a potion of the enormous Anza-Borrego State Park. This parched landscape was shaped by water documented by the fossilized seashells found in the region. And, Font’s Point gives the best view of the area.

Back on the main road and headed in the direction of Anza Borrego again, we encounter the Galleta Meadows Sculptures! These massive metal sculptures overrun the bleak desert landscape with fun and fantasy. There are over 130 and they just seem to pop out at you as you drive through this desert property, free of charge! Off the beaten path of Palm Springs, etc., and so much fun. Even found a little cafe – Kendall’s Cafe – with very good Mexican food. Don’t miss either;-)

Our next two days were spent with the Bolton’s at their new ‘digs’ in Indio at Desert Shores. It is a shame that we have NO pictures of these two days, as the grounds around this facility are gorgeous!! Besides lounging on their patio, there was a round of golf, several meals and an introduction for them to Quiddler;-)

We are again grateful to have such wonderful friends to open their homes and spend time entertaining us with new and exciting adventures. THANK YOU!

Next trial run was an AZ State Park – Lyman Lake. Even after all the years living in Arizona, E had never heard of this lake or state park. But, it was at a higher elevation and thought to be a good escape as the valley weather was heating up. Did not expect snow and hail, though. But, didn’t let that damper our plans – and all that actually proved to be a very good trial for MM and the MC. The park was wonderful with full hookups (meaning we had electric and sewer – yeah), a ramada at every site, a nice lake and a great hike in the rocks with petroglyphs. How much more could be asked for?!?!

In researching the area, a prehistoric ceremonial site that has been made a National Historic Landmark – Casa Malpais – was about 30 minutes from the campground. Springerville (the closet town to the Casa and our campground) has a museum explaining the site and that also provides tours daily at 9AM and 1PM. We were fortunate to fit a tour in between the snow storms of this prehistoric Mogollon community occupied between AD1240 and AD1350. The site encompasses over 16 acres and rests atop five volcanic terraces which overlook the Little Colorado River. The Great Kiva is the centerpiece of the site – –

We love investigating these Old Puebloan cities and wondering what life was back in the 1100’s – 1300’s here in our deserts?!?! Especially when America wasn’t discovered until 1492 – really, we still teach this?????

The next day it was snowing, so a drive was in order – perhaps to Fort Apache. Unfortunately, the museum was closed but there were extensive signs around the grounds to inform. In the early 1900’s the Fort was turned into one of those wonderful (sarcasm) schools for the Indians. In a better vain, it remains that today.

Another interesting day on the road. And, as always, we spend a good bit of time looking up to see what there is to see in the trees or atop buildings. And, finally, the saguaro are in bloom;-)

Mini Magic and the Magic Carpet both performed well on their trial runs – or at least we were able to determine any items that needed attention and tend to them. So – we are ready to pack up and head out of the Valley in about 2 weeks.

It has been an emotional, interesting, challenging, healing and still exciting 4 months so far in 2021. Family and friends are great support and we are grateful for that.

On to the next chapter – E & G

March was ‘ruled’ by cataract surgery for G. While the results are awesome – the getting there was nerve racking, to say the least. A new implant lens (introduced last June) was the chosen product (for both eyes), which entailed procedures much different from the ‘up ’til now’ norms. This included 2 weeks of limited activity (walking but NO golf) and an additional 2 weeks of ultraviolet adjustments to the implants – all of which required the wearing of industrial looking safety glasses;-( During most of this time we continued our normal neighborhood walks, Vi hikes and dinners – all interspersed with MANY eye doctor visits. The good news after all of this (as said before) – G is really happy with the results!! (He would be happy to discuss all the details with anyone interested!)

Thank goodness for the Malones – as they came for a visit just as E was about to go crazy with all of the above. By this time, G was cleared to play golf, so we had 2 days back on the course along with a great hike around Granite Mountain and several nice dinners;-)

Just that quick, it was April and G’s birthday. He was whisked away for a week of fun and visits. First stop was Rancho De Los Caballeros in Wickenburg – a real oasis in the middle of the desert. It provided a nice round of golf on a beautiful course, superb massages at their spa, good meals AND a hayride to a chuckwagon dinner;-) What more could a 70+ year old kid ask for??

After a fun, relaxing three days Mini Magic took us to St. George, UT where we met up with lots of ‘old’ friends. Our route took us through the colorful Valley of Fire just west of Las Vegas (much better than driving through LV on I15), where we stopped for an afternoon snack;-)

Once in St. George our hosts were Rheta and Tom at a spacious Marriott condo at The Ledges. First up was a round of golf with them at The Ledges course right out our front door. While they played in a golf tournament the next two days, we hiked with the Budd’s in the red cliffs of Ivins, which are right out their back door. It is awesome to have such wonderful friends that share so much with us – a BIG thank you to all!!

Not to let any grass grow, MM was moving again. This time back to Las Vegas to friends – the Raney’s – to visit with them in their new home. Another new sight was waiting for us here – the Historic Railroad Trail overlooking Lake Mead leading to Hoover Dam. This was originally the railroad bed, built in the early 1930’s, utilized to haul the materials and equipment used in the construction of the dam and includes 5 tunnels. At the height of construction, trains ran 24-hours a day. The last trip was in 1961. Never knew this trail existed – so another new adventure added to our list of all new adventures on this trip;-)

It was a great week and much needed diversion after the month of ‘eye care’. Hard to believe so much was packed into it! A BIG thank you, again, to all our friends who shared their homes and time so freely with us;-)

AND – thank goodness for all our Vi friends, who kept us busy through the month with hikes in the beautiful, ‘blooming’ desert, neighborhood walks and dinners.

It was time for March to march on. While a quiet month – there was activity and good friends saw us through.

OH – forgot to mention that we became fully vaccinated during this time!! YEAH!! As this gave us a great sense of relief and freedom. Why wouldn’t anyone get these shots?!?!?!?

Happy to be free – E & G

January 18th, Mom (Dorthy) took a few deep breaths and went to meet her husband, parents, brother, sister and many friends who were waiting to greet her at those pearly gates.  It was a fairly quick 5 days – but COVID did complicate things, as it did for many this last year.  We will miss her quick wit, that smirky little smile of hers and her love.

 

 

February 27th would have been Mom’s 89th birthday.  On that day, our little family celebrated by doing what she requested.  Dorthy and Kenneth’s ashes were spread together in the desert where they could view the McDowell Mountains and the fabulous Arizona sunsets.  We had a little toast to them using some Vodka Mom had kept for almost 60 years!!  (She and Kenneth bought it down in Nogales very early in their lives together and she would never get rid of it even though neither of them drank Vodka!!).  It was a beautiful, clear day appropriate for a glorious send-off.

 

Barb and I thought her picture in the Sierra Pointe calendar 5 years ago was so “Her”!  It’s the way we like to remember her – and hope you do the same;-)

 

 

God Bless you Mom.  We love you and will miss you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINALLY – a little good news in 2021!!  It’s been almost a year and a half since a search was started for a new “Mini Magic” that would be the ideal van for our travels (as they are today).  Last August the new Mercedes ‘bare bones chassis’ was delivered to us.  The previous 3 months had been spent with Off Highway Vans (OHV) – a van up-fitter in Salt Lake City – planning the layout of the interior, as well as determining all the materials that would be used.  The first of October, the van was delivered to OHV for them to build out and implement all the planning.  January 5th a rental car delivered us to SLC to pick up the new, and improved, Mini Magic;-)  We loved it from first sight!!  Kudos to OHV.

 

 

It was sooooo exciting to have our new ride, it HAD to be put through some paces.  So – our adventure home was through Valley of Fire State Park in NV.

The BIG question everyone asked was – “Where will you sleep?”  MM does NOT have a bed, as it is meant to get us from VRBO/hotel to VRBO/hotel and for day trips.  However, we have missed camping and would like to be able to have such a trip to the National Parks, etc.  So – a ‘Magic Carpet’ was acquired for the ‘here and there’ camping trips – –

Not being able to sit still for even a minute, we were off to Willcox, AZ to test out MM and to see the migrating Sandhill Cranes.  Every winter (October – March), more than 20,000 Sandhills flock to the Willcox Playa – an ancient lake bed formed from sedimentary deposits of gravel, sand and silt.  We spent hours (even cooked dinner in MM!!) at Cochise Lake watching these migratory birds.

 

 

Of course, we can’t be on the road every week – so the desert hikes (and golf) were back on the agenda.  For about three weeks, several of us from our “Sr. Community” prepared for a hike to Tom’s Thumb and the ‘Lookout’ just beyond it.  When the day finally arrived for our trek, there were 6 hardy souls (ages 84, 82, 80, 79 – and us at 73 and 69 (the youngsters)) that made the 6.5 mile round trip with a 1500′ assent!!  The day was absolutely beautiful and it couldn’t have been more fun;-)

It was time for us to tackle some new areas on our weekly hikes.  With our Vi crew it was off to Scorpion Point – a hike just written up in the Arizona Republic.  The trail provided very interesting rock formations, an Ocotillo forest and even some mule deer – –

 

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area provided a fabulous hike with friend, Silvia.  Starting on the Metate Trail (named for the remnants of metates – a ground stone tool used for processing grain and seeds) to Spur Cross and finishing on Dragonfly, another beautiful morning was had by all.

It was about time for Magic Carpet to be tried out.  Cave Creek Regional Park was an ideal spot, especially since we could meet up with friends Linda and Chuck;-)  The spaces were very nice and wide, which allowed the two vehicles to be parked side by side creating a great shaded area for our chairs and table.  Everything was checked out to be sure it worked.  What fun!!

The desert hikes provide LOTS of Harris Hawk sightings (which we love!) AND – we have two resident owls just out our balcony door that have a HOOTING GOOD time every evening;-)

 

The past two months have provided some very good times, which we hope get even better now that we have had our two vaccinations.

Stay well and safe – E & G in sunny AZ

 

Barb and Demi (our two allowed visitors!) joined us in our apartment for a simple Christmas dinner followed by a walk to the local park for a “friendly” game of frisbee;-)