It may not have been far but today we made it to Cleveland. We have a spot reserved in an RV resort for tomorrow and a few days beyond that but for tonight we're visiting one of Sam's RV parks (Wal-Mart parking lot). It was a bit late when we arrived and the park was closed so we're here for the night and checking into the resort tomorrow and planning to stay 2 or 3 days. We'll most likely visit places around the area on day trips like the Rock n' Roll hall of fame, Canton, Cooperstown, Lake Erie shores and who knows what else.
We traveled a good portion of the day on I-80/I-90 Toll way through Indiana and Ohio and the roads really sucked, like riding over wash-board roads in the desert. Anyway in order to travel on these fantastic roads we had to pay a toll, through Indiana $9.25 and through Ohio $21.25, we're considered 4 axles beings we're towing the Jeep..........what a freaking rip-off. We're not in any hurry so probably no more toll roads, but can't say never I guess.
We can't wait to get set-up in the RV Park tomorrow, get out the awning, flags, lights, and all that RV'ers junk and then just relax for a bit. Yep, Cleveland will be home for a few days.........here's hoping "Cleveland Rocks".
We did spend a few hours in Elkhart, Indiana visiting the RV/Motor home hall of fame. Very extensive and enjoyable looking at some of the first and oldest RV's, motor homes and travel trailers ever made. Honestly some of the old and I mean old ones were pretty well set-up and very unique in many ways. We enjoyed the visit and would recommend it to anyone who is in the Elkhart, Indiana area.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
New Buffalo, Michigan
Don't ask me how I ended up in New Buffalo, Michigan but here we are and we're going to spend the night here and head for Cleveland in the morning. Yep, we decided to head towards Cleveland, Ohio and maybe stay in a nice RV park and spend a few days there and take some day trips from that location.
We left Amboy, Ill. not knowing for sure how far we'd get today and as it turns out not too far. I believe at this time without checking for sure we made about 150 miles or so. It took forever to get through Joliet and it's not because of Jake or Elwood Blues................a lot of road construction and we ran into a Harrah's Casino of which we are Diamond member's so we had to stop in. The Diamond lounge had some great food waiting for us, BBQ ribs, salad, corn bread, bean dish, mixed greens and plenty of deserts (those are killing our diet program) and drinks. Diamond status sure has some fantastic privileges in Harrah's anymore, but why not we pay for them in the long run I guess.............but it feels good to be pampered.
Do you realize Chicago actually runs from Iowa, Wisconsin to Indiana and Michigan, what I mean is we're traveling on I-80 East or secondaries paralleling I-80 and even though your going through places like Rockford, Joliet, Gary etc. your basically traveling through "south Chicago" the entire time. Even if we hadn't spent a few hours at Harrah's taking that route during the time of day we did, 150 to 200 miles wasn't a bad day.
We're about 5 hours out of Cleveland and hope to find a great RV park in or around the city, will let you know tomorrow.
This New Buffalo place is really nice, a full service resort for all kinds of travelers and it's right on Lake Michigan..........we'll be on Lake Erie tomorrow!
We left Amboy, Ill. not knowing for sure how far we'd get today and as it turns out not too far. I believe at this time without checking for sure we made about 150 miles or so. It took forever to get through Joliet and it's not because of Jake or Elwood Blues................a lot of road construction and we ran into a Harrah's Casino of which we are Diamond member's so we had to stop in. The Diamond lounge had some great food waiting for us, BBQ ribs, salad, corn bread, bean dish, mixed greens and plenty of deserts (those are killing our diet program) and drinks. Diamond status sure has some fantastic privileges in Harrah's anymore, but why not we pay for them in the long run I guess.............but it feels good to be pampered.
Do you realize Chicago actually runs from Iowa, Wisconsin to Indiana and Michigan, what I mean is we're traveling on I-80 East or secondaries paralleling I-80 and even though your going through places like Rockford, Joliet, Gary etc. your basically traveling through "south Chicago" the entire time. Even if we hadn't spent a few hours at Harrah's taking that route during the time of day we did, 150 to 200 miles wasn't a bad day.
We're about 5 hours out of Cleveland and hope to find a great RV park in or around the city, will let you know tomorrow.
This New Buffalo place is really nice, a full service resort for all kinds of travelers and it's right on Lake Michigan..........we'll be on Lake Erie tomorrow!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mendota Hills Campground, Amboy, Illinois
We left Bagley, Wi. right at 9:00 am and made it to Madison and the Camping World just outside of Madison in Deforest, Wi. The folks at Camping World got us in without having an appointment at around 1:00 pm and we were out of there at 3:30 pm with the oil changed and filter. These guys were very nice and squeezed us in when they had a full day scheduled and we were very greatful, thanks to the crew at Madison Camping World.
I want to again thank Mike and Patty for being the most gracious host and for all the good meals while we were in Bagley, and our time together was so much fun we can't wait to see them again! We will make it a point to look them up whenever we're within a few hundred miles from them in any direction, wonderful old friends and we want to see them more often now.
While waiting for the coach to have the oil and filter changed Bev and I made our way into down town Madison, a nice down and capital area and combination college town. Bev had been there a few times before attending company annual meetings, the home office of Fairway Independent Mortgage is based in Madison. Bev was excited about showing me around a bit and we had a nice walk and lunch while visiting the capital area. I left the camera in the coach so no picture but they would have been great pictures of a quaint capital surroundings, sure looked nice in the summer but couldn't help but picture those streets packed with snow come November and on....
We're going to sit down tonight and at least figure out a destination for tomorrows travels, can't wait to see where we end up.
Mendota Hills Campground is way out of the way and a bit off the beaten path, but a nice little campground non the less. There are plenty of permanent campers here and a series of 4 little lakes, three of which are for fishing and one for swimming............catch and release on the bass but the rest are for the taking! I would come back or stay longer most anytime. Oh by the way today was a great weather day, sunny all day and temps from the 70's to the 80's, now that's more like it.
I want to again thank Mike and Patty for being the most gracious host and for all the good meals while we were in Bagley, and our time together was so much fun we can't wait to see them again! We will make it a point to look them up whenever we're within a few hundred miles from them in any direction, wonderful old friends and we want to see them more often now.
While waiting for the coach to have the oil and filter changed Bev and I made our way into down town Madison, a nice down and capital area and combination college town. Bev had been there a few times before attending company annual meetings, the home office of Fairway Independent Mortgage is based in Madison. Bev was excited about showing me around a bit and we had a nice walk and lunch while visiting the capital area. I left the camera in the coach so no picture but they would have been great pictures of a quaint capital surroundings, sure looked nice in the summer but couldn't help but picture those streets packed with snow come November and on....
We're going to sit down tonight and at least figure out a destination for tomorrows travels, can't wait to see where we end up.
Mendota Hills Campground is way out of the way and a bit off the beaten path, but a nice little campground non the less. There are plenty of permanent campers here and a series of 4 little lakes, three of which are for fishing and one for swimming............catch and release on the bass but the rest are for the taking! I would come back or stay longer most anytime. Oh by the way today was a great weather day, sunny all day and temps from the 70's to the 80's, now that's more like it.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Bagley, Wisconsin
Well we're still in Bagley and having a great time! We had planned on leaving this morning but Bev decided we should stay another day so we'll hit the road tomorrow morning and head to Madison, Wi. then onto..................yep we don't really know for sure at this point. We'll be going to Madison and make a stop at Camping World and hope to get an oil change on the coach and pick up some supplies for the motor home.
Mike and Patty Thornton have been very gracious host and have showed us a great time here in Bagley, Prairie de Chien area of Wisconsin, very nice area of small towns and beautiful scenery. Yes, we have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the land of cheese heads! There has been many, many laughs during our chats about those years of working together for Trausch Baking co., and remembering all the good times with those friends. I'm joining Mike in a few minutes for our walk and we'll be stopping in to pay another retired ex-bread man, Kenny Warren for a cup of coffee. Kenny is another guy from the days of peddling bread that I haven't seen for many, many years.
We visited the Prairie de Chien river boat last night for a couple of hours, it reminded up of the old Rock Island river boat casino...........very quaint comfortable but these Midwest boats are some tight son-of-a-guns! Didn't stay long or lose but a few bucks and enjoyed our visit on board the "Lady Luck"........Lady Luck, what a joke!
Some major thunder storms last night, big booms and cracks of thunder and yes plenty of rain, but all while in bed and during sleeping time. I think Bev had a bit of a problem getting to sleep but I was out and back to sleep after each thunder boomer!
I'm watching out the window for Mike who was supposed to be here at 7:30 for our walk to Kenny's but still don't see him now at 7:35 am. Bev's still sleeping and I'll let here stay there to hopefully get some sleep this morning that she missed last night. Time for a cup of coffee and Mike just showed up!
Mike and Patty Thornton have been very gracious host and have showed us a great time here in Bagley, Prairie de Chien area of Wisconsin, very nice area of small towns and beautiful scenery. Yes, we have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the land of cheese heads! There has been many, many laughs during our chats about those years of working together for Trausch Baking co., and remembering all the good times with those friends. I'm joining Mike in a few minutes for our walk and we'll be stopping in to pay another retired ex-bread man, Kenny Warren for a cup of coffee. Kenny is another guy from the days of peddling bread that I haven't seen for many, many years.
We visited the Prairie de Chien river boat last night for a couple of hours, it reminded up of the old Rock Island river boat casino...........very quaint comfortable but these Midwest boats are some tight son-of-a-guns! Didn't stay long or lose but a few bucks and enjoyed our visit on board the "Lady Luck"........Lady Luck, what a joke!
Some major thunder storms last night, big booms and cracks of thunder and yes plenty of rain, but all while in bed and during sleeping time. I think Bev had a bit of a problem getting to sleep but I was out and back to sleep after each thunder boomer!
I'm watching out the window for Mike who was supposed to be here at 7:30 for our walk to Kenny's but still don't see him now at 7:35 am. Bev's still sleeping and I'll let here stay there to hopefully get some sleep this morning that she missed last night. Time for a cup of coffee and Mike just showed up!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, June 21st............
Woke up this morning at 5:00 am to a light rain coming down on the motor home roof, made some coffee, had a cup and decided I couldn't start packing and shutting things out side the coach so why not go back to bed for a while. The light rain isn't bad when it's all quiet and you still a bit sleepy, so I dozed off for about an hour. Woke again at about 6:15 or so laid there for a bit then got up and had my breakfast and by this time the rain had quit and I was able to start getting ready to head out towards Bagley, Wi.
Bev woke a short time later and started getting the inside closed up and helped me finish the outside and we ended up rolling out of West Lake about 10:00 am to a very overcast sky but the rain seemed over with. Sam (Samantha, my GPS girl) took us out hwy 61 towards DeWitt, Maquoketa and onto Dubuque and into Wisconsin, nice roads for the most part put they had their moments of rough and tough sections. Stopped for gas in Maquoketa and became instant celebrities at this little gas station, 5 or 6 people from inside ran out before I even got out of the coach and then ran right back inside. When I went in they all started laughing and I asked where I was from............I said Phoenix, Arizona and the in unison they all said "we were close", "we ran out and looked at your license plate when you pulled in. We all had another laugh and I filled the tank...............on my honor, small town folk said I didn't pay first just pump come back in......guess they thought they could catch me if I drove off.
Arrived in Bagley about 1:00 got set up at the camp ground and spent until 10;30 or so eating dinner and chewing the rag with Mike and Patty and even play a few hands of euchre. A lot of talking about the old times in the bread business and catching up with children and grandchildren. Very nice evening and can't wait until tomorrow.......................truly good friends!
Bev woke a short time later and started getting the inside closed up and helped me finish the outside and we ended up rolling out of West Lake about 10:00 am to a very overcast sky but the rain seemed over with. Sam (Samantha, my GPS girl) took us out hwy 61 towards DeWitt, Maquoketa and onto Dubuque and into Wisconsin, nice roads for the most part put they had their moments of rough and tough sections. Stopped for gas in Maquoketa and became instant celebrities at this little gas station, 5 or 6 people from inside ran out before I even got out of the coach and then ran right back inside. When I went in they all started laughing and I asked where I was from............I said Phoenix, Arizona and the in unison they all said "we were close", "we ran out and looked at your license plate when you pulled in. We all had another laugh and I filled the tank...............on my honor, small town folk said I didn't pay first just pump come back in......guess they thought they could catch me if I drove off.
Arrived in Bagley about 1:00 got set up at the camp ground and spent until 10;30 or so eating dinner and chewing the rag with Mike and Patty and even play a few hands of euchre. A lot of talking about the old times in the bread business and catching up with children and grandchildren. Very nice evening and can't wait until tomorrow.......................truly good friends!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day
I can't help but think about the fact that this will be my first Father's Day away from my children and grandchildren, and I already miss them and can't wait to talk to them later in the day. We're just one of those families that are very close and do a lot of things together and for each other through the entire year, and it just seems strange not to be home or going to church this morning with the kids. Our church back home will be having a big day today for Father's Day and the whole family, I left money on the counter and the information for the kids to go and participate in the fun day planned by our church. A family outing with games and water slides etc. for the kids and good lunch for the entire family which I seem to remember was Mexican fiesta fare which they all love. Here's hoping you all go and have a wonderful time today!
Bev and I will be attending our old church here in Davenport again this Sunday, we'll be meeting Mom there and maybe get some breakfast afterwords. It might be a tad more emotional this morning attending the church I attended so many times with my Dad whose be gone from us for 18 years now, and I still miss him. Dad's birthday was the 17th and we took Mom out to dinner and toasted Dad with our glasses of wine, we had a good visit.
We'll be rapping up our weeks visit here in Davenport today, thanks to the reunions early on we got to see a lot of our friends and relatives and we're thankful for that. We missed a few I know and regret that but must move on Monday morning, still not 100% sure on the route or exactly were we're headed except we'll start out going to Bagley, Wisconsin to visit and old friend Dave Naab and I met and started working at the bread company with some 37 years ago. Mike Thornton, Dave Naab and myself were all hired the same day and remained friends for a long time, even after Bev and I moved to Arizona in 1984 we remained close via phone, internet, e-mail and visits with Dave and Marilyn and hope to do the same with Mike after this visit. Maybe he'll be able to show me how to catch a "big bass" up on the rich waters of Wisconsin!
Seems the rain has stopped for now, sure hope the sun comes out soon and the day turns into a thing of beauty for the fathers and families of the Quad Cities. This afternoon will consist of getting things put away and packed up in the basement for the next leg of our journey, not really too much to do other that "batten down the hatches" as they say! We had asked Dave and Marilyn to join us for a day or two on the trip up to Bagley, but they declined...........I just think that would have been a hoot getting the three of us back together for a day or two, they both would have kept me in stitches I know!
Well Bev just woke up and it's now about 6:20 am but it sounds like she jumped back into the sack, church is at 9:30 so I'll let her sleep for a bit longer I guess. Did I mention the casino's in the Quads suck! Tight, tight, and even tighter at times........................................good riddance!
The Blame Game
I'm listening this morning to news reports of the outrage of some in the south that are being effected by the oil disaster taking place in the Gulf, outrage aimed at CEO Tony Hayward of BP taking a day off to be with his son on Fathers Day weekend. Even "little nickie" the gangster (Rahm Emanuel) threw his two cents in about BP's CEO taking a day off while his boss (Obama) played yet one more round of golf this week after attending a baseball game yesterday. Let this be clear, I don't believe that our president or the CEO of BP are to blame for this unfortunate disaster and I don't believe their taking a day off hurt the progress of what's being done to end this thing.
Oh sure as far as a PR blunder, yes this could be considered bad PR but if so it should be bad PR on the part of both persons. Tony Hayward as of Friday is no longer in charge of the oil cleanup in the Gulf, whether it be his decision or not he now can as he put it "get his life back" and I know the folks in the Gulf coast region want their lives back and their livelihoods.
This is not the time to blame someone who obviously had nothing to do with the disaster and I'm sure did and is doing all he can in his position to remedy the mess..................why must someone always be to blame? And this certainly isn't the time to play tough guy and threaten countries, persons, and companies that too wish this never would have happen and are doing all they can to fix the problem. They will fix it and they will pay for the clean-up and probably pay a lot more if our countries attorneys have anything to say about it and that's too bad also! Our president is not to blame and he makes himself out to be a jerk trying to be "the heavy" when he surely doesn't look or act the part at all.
Happy Father's Day to our president and Mr. Hayward, enjoy your children today and get back to work tomorrow!
I pray this mess is cleaned up soon and folks in the Gulf region get their lives back soon, the good Lord obviously put this into his plan sometime back and it will all work out in the end.
Oh sure as far as a PR blunder, yes this could be considered bad PR but if so it should be bad PR on the part of both persons. Tony Hayward as of Friday is no longer in charge of the oil cleanup in the Gulf, whether it be his decision or not he now can as he put it "get his life back" and I know the folks in the Gulf coast region want their lives back and their livelihoods.
This is not the time to blame someone who obviously had nothing to do with the disaster and I'm sure did and is doing all he can in his position to remedy the mess..................why must someone always be to blame? And this certainly isn't the time to play tough guy and threaten countries, persons, and companies that too wish this never would have happen and are doing all they can to fix the problem. They will fix it and they will pay for the clean-up and probably pay a lot more if our countries attorneys have anything to say about it and that's too bad also! Our president is not to blame and he makes himself out to be a jerk trying to be "the heavy" when he surely doesn't look or act the part at all.
Happy Father's Day to our president and Mr. Hayward, enjoy your children today and get back to work tomorrow!
I pray this mess is cleaned up soon and folks in the Gulf region get their lives back soon, the good Lord obviously put this into his plan sometime back and it will all work out in the end.
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