We decided to take the truck over to Henderson Sat. afternoon for an oil change - it was past due, even though we had had it done just before we left home.I googled athe Ford dealers and this is the one we chose. The exit from the freeway was to Auto Mall Drive - that tells you exactly what the area was like! I have never seen so many dealerships and so many vehicles! We hadn't made an appointment, but they took us right away (I really can't believe the great service offered in every industry here). There is a 50's type diner on site so we had a bite to eat while the truck was being serviced. The mechanic discovered a leak in the transfer case while he was doing the oil change - it's a 2011 vehicle !!!!! Anyway, had to be dealt with, so we made an appointment for Monday and came back home.
Saturday night I headed over to the casino to attend a Rob Garrett tribute to Neil Diamond. He looked like him and sounded like him. A wonderful performance. Just as entertaining, however, were the fans (of all ages) who were dancing close to the stage. One was a young (20's) girl who had obviously been "into the sauce" and was determined to join the performer on stage. Also a couple of older ladies who were not drunk, but just as determined to make themselves known to the entertainer. I sat with a couple from the area and we had quite a time being entertained by the two shows!
Sunday saw us again at the champagne brunch at the Cannery. Once again a wonderful meal. The rest of the day was quiet.
10Am appt. for the truck Monday. So we had breakfast at the diner while they did an initial look at the problem. Needed to stay there - so they arranged a rental (truck, thank goodness) and we did a bit of shopping in the area. There was a Costco there, so we did a tour around it.
The truck needed a part which was not to be found in Nevada, so we were using the rental until we heard from them. As time was running out for this area, we decided to go to Hoover Dam on Thursday. It is only a half hour drive, so we left just before noon and were back by 4. It is an enormous piece of work! We visited the museum where I picked up a book on the whole history (with photos) so that I can better understand it. I have posted some pictures on Facebook.
Still hadn't seen the Grand Canyon! Gary had seen it years ago, so he wasn't particularly interested. So I picked up some brochures at the Hacienda - another casino on the way back from Hoover Dam (we had lunch there) - and I made a reservation to go for an airplane tour on Friday. The truck would be ready, so Gary could pick it up while I was away.
Well, let me tell you, I am so incredibly glad that I decided to do that! I would never have had an experience like that from the ground. We were in the air for an hour and a half and saw Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the West Rim of the canyon. Breathtaking! Again, there are pics. on Facebook. As I was waiting for the plane, I spoke to some people who were obviously travelling together - waiting for the same plane. They were from Saskatchewan and just finishing a 5-day stay in the area. They had decided to purchase the ($60) personalised DVD of the trip - and offered to burn one for me when it arrived. So I will be anxious to get that in the mail! Turns out one of the (younger) couples had attended Gaspe CEGEP for a year in 1990. Small world!
We'll begin a slow process of getting organised here so that we are ready to pull out on Monday. Yuma - here we come!
We have continued to have all sunshine and mid-60's. The forecast says cooler next week, so good thing we're heading further south.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Las Vegas - Jan. 15 - 21
Well, we did venture onto the "strip" - actually just drove right through the city and saw all the major hotels and casinos. When we got to the south end, we stopped for coffe, then turned around and came back. We only needed to stay right on Las Vegas Boulevard to do that, so no chance of getting lost, but the Strip was busy. I decided that I would like to do the tour on foot, so made plans to do that later.
On Sun. we went to the Cannery - a new casino which is out this end of the city. They have - as most of the casinos do - an amazing selection of restaurants. We went to the buffet (champagne) brunch which had so much food, one could never sample everything. We ate there for $24 total and only had room for a piece of toast later in the evening.
On Monday I had Gary drive me to the north edge of the city and I headed out on foot to do the tour. I wanted to see all I could, but also wanted to check out tickets for some shows. It was a great afternoon - walked for about 5 hours and covered more than 6 miles. Played a couple of slot machines, bought tickets for the Cirque du Soleil's tribute to Elvis, watched the magnificent fountain display in front of the Bellagio and - all in all - had a wonderful afternoon. Took a cab home because it was getting dark and didn't want to take a chance on figuring out the bus system.
Tuesday was a shopping day. The girl in the trailer next door took her car and we went to the outlet mall. I was looking for a dress for Heidi's wedding and I found one - two actually. I will be going back there, however - need to just browse.
We went to dinner with this same couple from the next trailer on Wed. night. At the aforementioned Cannery, they have a steakhouse which offers a wonderful (apparently) prime rib. Three of four had that. I had macadamia crusted chicken - delicious!
The tickets for the Elvis show needed to be picked up Thurs. afternoon (the show was Thurs. night) so I went down to do that, while checking out parking at the same time. Stopped at a 2 cent machine on the way out and made $40 in 15 minutes.
The show was absolutely incredible. Elvis music combined with the costumes, sets and acrobatics which have made Cirque du Soleil famous ensured a captivating evening. So many things happening on the stage at one time - hardly knew where to look!
The sun has been out every day. Monday the temp. reached 76 degrees. But the average has been mid to high 60's - completely comfortable. Nights are still cool, but that's fine.
Can't believe it is almost 2 weeks since we arrived here. It is becoming more and more comfortable as each day passes. I have a notion that this will not be the last winter we spend in the south! It is a good life.
On Sun. we went to the Cannery - a new casino which is out this end of the city. They have - as most of the casinos do - an amazing selection of restaurants. We went to the buffet (champagne) brunch which had so much food, one could never sample everything. We ate there for $24 total and only had room for a piece of toast later in the evening.
On Monday I had Gary drive me to the north edge of the city and I headed out on foot to do the tour. I wanted to see all I could, but also wanted to check out tickets for some shows. It was a great afternoon - walked for about 5 hours and covered more than 6 miles. Played a couple of slot machines, bought tickets for the Cirque du Soleil's tribute to Elvis, watched the magnificent fountain display in front of the Bellagio and - all in all - had a wonderful afternoon. Took a cab home because it was getting dark and didn't want to take a chance on figuring out the bus system.
Tuesday was a shopping day. The girl in the trailer next door took her car and we went to the outlet mall. I was looking for a dress for Heidi's wedding and I found one - two actually. I will be going back there, however - need to just browse.
We went to dinner with this same couple from the next trailer on Wed. night. At the aforementioned Cannery, they have a steakhouse which offers a wonderful (apparently) prime rib. Three of four had that. I had macadamia crusted chicken - delicious!
The tickets for the Elvis show needed to be picked up Thurs. afternoon (the show was Thurs. night) so I went down to do that, while checking out parking at the same time. Stopped at a 2 cent machine on the way out and made $40 in 15 minutes.
The show was absolutely incredible. Elvis music combined with the costumes, sets and acrobatics which have made Cirque du Soleil famous ensured a captivating evening. So many things happening on the stage at one time - hardly knew where to look!
The sun has been out every day. Monday the temp. reached 76 degrees. But the average has been mid to high 60's - completely comfortable. Nights are still cool, but that's fine.
Can't believe it is almost 2 weeks since we arrived here. It is becoming more and more comfortable as each day passes. I have a notion that this will not be the last winter we spend in the south! It is a good life.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Las Vegas (partial) Jan. 10 - 14
As we descended from the mountains on Monday. the temperature rose and we saw less and less snow. Thank goodness! The drive was spectacular once again. Coming through the top northwest corner of Arizona we saw huge red cliffs - what I would have envisioned as the badlands. Obviously very dry, but breathtaking. I will post some pics. on Facebook since I have not yet figured out how to do it here.
The registration into our RV park - The Hitchin' Post RV Park - went "without a hitch". The park is different from what I had expected. It is not out in the country, so only a small tree beside each campsite. All the rest is gravel. But it is clean and secure. The only people who can come in are those with a key. There are about 150 sites and the majority are long-term. The bathrooms and laundry area are newly renovated and wonderful. Thank goodness, because our hot water heater had not been drained when the trailer was serviced, so it froze and broke. We have ordered another tank and it should be here next week. Just need to heat water for dishes - not too hard.
We ventured out the first night for a few groceries and supper. We didn't know if we would be able to stay in the trailer - if it would be warm enough. But we had had enough of motels and did stay - it was fine.
So we have been very lazy - venturing out for what we need, but sleeping late and enjoying the heat (though we need the furnace at night).
We are very close to Nellis Air Force Base and have had a lot of fighter planes taking off and landing. It is pretty noisy, but only during the day. Apparently there is an inspection there soon, so the activity level is a little higher than usual.
I took the truck out by myself today to get it cleaned inside and out - really needed it after our long trek. A 2 1/2 hour procedure - looks like it did when we brought it home!
We hope to head down into the city itself tomorrow (a 15 min. drive). We'll park the truck, check out a few shows and play some slot machines.
Next week we'll head out for some sightseeing - Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam etc.
The registration into our RV park - The Hitchin' Post RV Park - went "without a hitch". The park is different from what I had expected. It is not out in the country, so only a small tree beside each campsite. All the rest is gravel. But it is clean and secure. The only people who can come in are those with a key. There are about 150 sites and the majority are long-term. The bathrooms and laundry area are newly renovated and wonderful. Thank goodness, because our hot water heater had not been drained when the trailer was serviced, so it froze and broke. We have ordered another tank and it should be here next week. Just need to heat water for dishes - not too hard.
We ventured out the first night for a few groceries and supper. We didn't know if we would be able to stay in the trailer - if it would be warm enough. But we had had enough of motels and did stay - it was fine.
So we have been very lazy - venturing out for what we need, but sleeping late and enjoying the heat (though we need the furnace at night).
We are very close to Nellis Air Force Base and have had a lot of fighter planes taking off and landing. It is pretty noisy, but only during the day. Apparently there is an inspection there soon, so the activity level is a little higher than usual.
I took the truck out by myself today to get it cleaned inside and out - really needed it after our long trek. A 2 1/2 hour procedure - looks like it did when we brought it home!
We hope to head down into the city itself tomorrow (a 15 min. drive). We'll park the truck, check out a few shows and play some slot machines.
Next week we'll head out for some sightseeing - Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam etc.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
January 9,2011
Dillon, Montana to Nephi, Utah
I DON'T BELIEVE THIS !!! We travelled 437 miles directly south today and there is still snow and it is -8 degrees! Tomorrow had better be better!!!!!
Once again, a beautiful drive, however. It was -7 when we left the motel, but by the time we arrived at the Idaho border, we were at an altitude of 6400 feet and the temp. had dropped to -18. Within 70 miles we had descended to 4000 feet and were at -8. Needless to say, there was always snow.
We saw very large herds of cattle - black - so possibly black angus or hereford. Hundreds - In one spot, one of the cows had "escaped", the rest of the herd was not far behind, and the round-up crew was on horseback. Interesting -
Also a lot of horse farms and a US sheep inspection station.
Salt Lake City is HUGE !!! Gary was driving (thank goodness!). We paid up for not having any traffic the last couple of days. But we had decided to travel further than that point and kept going in spite of being tired. So we continued another hour and - here we are.
So tomorrow is Vegas. I have checked the weather and the forecast for the next week is sun and 50 - 60 degrees (between 10 and 15 approx., I believe). We have another 330 miles to go, so will likely just unhook the trailer on our site, put the slides out, set up the heater, and stay one more night in a motel. That will give us a fresh start on Tuesday to get settled.
I DON'T BELIEVE THIS !!! We travelled 437 miles directly south today and there is still snow and it is -8 degrees! Tomorrow had better be better!!!!!
Once again, a beautiful drive, however. It was -7 when we left the motel, but by the time we arrived at the Idaho border, we were at an altitude of 6400 feet and the temp. had dropped to -18. Within 70 miles we had descended to 4000 feet and were at -8. Needless to say, there was always snow.
We saw very large herds of cattle - black - so possibly black angus or hereford. Hundreds - In one spot, one of the cows had "escaped", the rest of the herd was not far behind, and the round-up crew was on horseback. Interesting -
Also a lot of horse farms and a US sheep inspection station.
Salt Lake City is HUGE !!! Gary was driving (thank goodness!). We paid up for not having any traffic the last couple of days. But we had decided to travel further than that point and kept going in spite of being tired. So we continued another hour and - here we are.
So tomorrow is Vegas. I have checked the weather and the forecast for the next week is sun and 50 - 60 degrees (between 10 and 15 approx., I believe). We have another 330 miles to go, so will likely just unhook the trailer on our site, put the slides out, set up the heater, and stay one more night in a motel. That will give us a fresh start on Tuesday to get settled.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday, January 8
Shelby,Montana to Dillon, Montana.
It was not a long day, but what a beautiful drive!
The morning (up to Great Falls) saw us in more flat territory as we had seen in the prairies. Miles of flat fields, long straight stretches of road and very little snow.
We had brunch in Great Falls and the scenery changed when we left there. Travelling through the Big Belt Mountains was amazing! Not huge like the Rockies, but big (as the name implies) with snow cover. The sun was shining and we passed over the Missouri River several times. This river seems to meander through an extensive valley. There were several beautiful homes situated on the side of the river with mountains, the highway, and a railway track all around. Looked like a very peaceful place to live. The drive was a bit strenuous, though. Wind!!! Gary was saying that the stretch of highway would be a trucker's nightmare - so many long, steep climbs. We had a very brief snow squall at 5700 feet altitude, but other than that the weather was great. Not warm yet, however.
Best Western Paradise Inn tonight. Darn - the hot tub broke this morning!
It was not a long day, but what a beautiful drive!
The morning (up to Great Falls) saw us in more flat territory as we had seen in the prairies. Miles of flat fields, long straight stretches of road and very little snow.
We had brunch in Great Falls and the scenery changed when we left there. Travelling through the Big Belt Mountains was amazing! Not huge like the Rockies, but big (as the name implies) with snow cover. The sun was shining and we passed over the Missouri River several times. This river seems to meander through an extensive valley. There were several beautiful homes situated on the side of the river with mountains, the highway, and a railway track all around. Looked like a very peaceful place to live. The drive was a bit strenuous, though. Wind!!! Gary was saying that the stretch of highway would be a trucker's nightmare - so many long, steep climbs. We had a very brief snow squall at 5700 feet altitude, but other than that the weather was great. Not warm yet, however.
Best Western Paradise Inn tonight. Darn - the hot tub broke this morning!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
We left Calgary at 10:30 this morning, after hooking up the trailer and (YES, Calgary friends!!!) getting both truck and trailer washed. We hardly recognized them.
It was so interesting for me to travel through new territory, but even more fun to hear from Gary how much everything has changed. He trucked that route years ago, but so much development has happened since then.
I took pictures of the old-type grain elevator and what is used now, but have not quite figured out how to post them. Patience!
The border crossing went smoothly. Guess we looked innocent - a camper in front of us and one behind were both pulled over!
We had intended to travel as far as Great Falls, Montana, but we reached Shelby after 4PM. and didn't feel like driving another hour and a half. So we very happily pulled into the parking lot at the Comfort Inn (which has a casino on site!), there were basically no cars in the parking lot, and I commented to Gary that the motel was obviously almost empty and we should have no trouble getting a rom. Imagine my surprise when the girl at the desk said they were full! Some sort of sports tournament. So we drove down the street to this Crossroads Inn. Clean, not fancy, free internet, continental breakfast - $54.00! And with the dollar at parity, it is a great deal! Even though I had to forego the slot machines!
It was so interesting for me to travel through new territory, but even more fun to hear from Gary how much everything has changed. He trucked that route years ago, but so much development has happened since then.
I took pictures of the old-type grain elevator and what is used now, but have not quite figured out how to post them. Patience!
The border crossing went smoothly. Guess we looked innocent - a camper in front of us and one behind were both pulled over!
We had intended to travel as far as Great Falls, Montana, but we reached Shelby after 4PM. and didn't feel like driving another hour and a half. So we very happily pulled into the parking lot at the Comfort Inn (which has a casino on site!), there were basically no cars in the parking lot, and I commented to Gary that the motel was obviously almost empty and we should have no trouble getting a rom. Imagine my surprise when the girl at the desk said they were full! Some sort of sports tournament. So we drove down the street to this Crossroads Inn. Clean, not fancy, free internet, continental breakfast - $54.00! And with the dollar at parity, it is a great deal! Even though I had to forego the slot machines!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Christmas and New Year's update
We arrived in Calgary Dec. 23rd and, after depositing the trailer in Airdrie, settled in at Deb and Terry's for a few days. We spent Christmas Day morning and early afternoon opening presents and chatting with family. Then over to Tamra and Karl's for a lovely turkey dinner. On Boxing Day we visited with Ann and Brian and had another lovely meal.
Dec. 27th was a special day - my 60th birthday. It was a pleasant surprise to have a lot of birthday cards at Deb's - Anne had arranged for people to send them there. Ann Turner arrived late afternoon with homemade red velvet cupcakes - delicious! Gary bought me a beautiful card which really made my day!
On the 30th we moved over to Ann and Brian's - actually just a couple of blocks away. We spent a quiet New Year's Eve with them - then finished the champagne with some orange juice at breakfast! On Sunday the 2nd we went to Heritage Park for brunch - what a beautiful place!
January 4 (yesterday) we picked up the trailer, deposited it closer to Tamra's, and moved our things to her place. So here we are - will get everything organized to leave on Friday.
Dec. 27th was a special day - my 60th birthday. It was a pleasant surprise to have a lot of birthday cards at Deb's - Anne had arranged for people to send them there. Ann Turner arrived late afternoon with homemade red velvet cupcakes - delicious! Gary bought me a beautiful card which really made my day!
On the 30th we moved over to Ann and Brian's - actually just a couple of blocks away. We spent a quiet New Year's Eve with them - then finished the champagne with some orange juice at breakfast! On Sunday the 2nd we went to Heritage Park for brunch - what a beautiful place!
January 4 (yesterday) we picked up the trailer, deposited it closer to Tamra's, and moved our things to her place. So here we are - will get everything organized to leave on Friday.
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