Still in Pocatello, Idaho!

Hello, All:

Yes, we're still in Pocatello, Idaho. Yes, it's a nice, kind of small town, but that's not why we're still here. We're here because of the 'stolen tire'. Wayne went to a tire store early this morning hoping they'd have one in stock. Not so, however, the store ordered it and the tire should be in about lunch-ish tomorrow (2 hours more/less) so we'll be here until Wednesday A.M.

Today, after the tire business, we had a Fun-Monday. First of all, we went north two exits on I-15 to 'Fort Hall' thinking it was the Fort 'replica', an area attraction. It WAS where the 'original Fort Hall' was located but because it was a 'trading fort on Indian land' Fort Hall could not be re-created where it was originally. (Indian land is 'federal' land.) So, we went to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum. Rosemary, the very knowledgeable hostess, is a member of the Shoshone Tribe. Since we were the only people in the museum, she had time to talk with us about her tribe and their history. We could have listened to her all day--she was so interesting! The museum was small but had great Native American paintings and exhibits, as you can see by the pictures of us above.

Next area attraction was 'Old Town' in downtown Pocatello. Old Town is a beautifully restored area (sort of like 'downtown Prattville' (AL). First thing, of course, was LUNCH! We found a Mexican fast-food place (Wayne conceded on Mexican) that was in an old hamburger place complete with drive-thru. I figured it would be so-so!!!!!!NOT SO, they had the best chile rellenos I HAVE EVER TASTED--I PROMISE!!! (Frances, I wished you were here to taste them!!) Of course, Wayne didn't like HIS (because he doesn't like any Mexican food except Tacos--and he didn't get Tacos) but he ate most of mine. My plate had two chile rellenos (about the size of my open hand), Rice, refried beans, lettuce/tomato/onion salad with guacamole, and sour cream with a rolled tortilla on another plate ($3.65)! Wayne ate one of my chile rellenos, most of my rice, all my beans--and liked MY food. After lunch, we rode around (and around--every other street was one-way) in Old Town.

Then we went to THE replica Fort Hall and Museum right here in Pocatello. Very interesting and enjoyable, especially the Museum. It had antiques of Fort Hall, doctor, dentist, fire department, railroad, and military stuff from the settling time of Fort Hall/Pocatello area. Lots of the stuff I remembered from my childhood i.e., glass syringe, cod liver oil, brown medicine bottles with a CORK stopper (I'm getting old!!!). After touring the museum and fort, we head back to the RV via the Tastee Treat (sort of like Dairy Queen)--the best part of the whole day. We had soft serve ice cream for supper. (Great supper).

Now back at the RV, it's laundry time---until next time, prayers and hugs to you-----

We're Back (from Hawaii) & are in Pocatello, Idaho

Well, Hello again:

Let me catch you up on our travels. We flew out of Salt Lake City and spent 2 weeks in Hawaii with Joscie and the Grands!!! and they are!!! We did a lot while there--a little shopping(yea--got to go to Fisher-Hawaii and Ben Frankin for craft stuff); to the theater to see the stage performance of "Elmo, etc;" to the movies to see "Toy Story 3" (both so good); to the Leggo and Disney Stores (for toys, of course) and out to eat at more places than I can remember (but I DO remember Island Burgers, Cinnamons for breakfast of Gava French Toast and cinnamon roll [yum])and Forrest Gump for fish/seafood. We also went to the Honolulu Library Book Sale--got lots of goodies! But, the most fun--just looking at Jalen and Jordan to store up memories until the next trip.

We arrived back in Salt Lake City via Las Vegas. BUT our luggage was lost! Finally found out it stayed in Las Vegas--guess it wanted to play the slots since we didn't have time to due to the long lines at security checks! Our bags had all our medicines and our laptop in them so we were concerned. When we arrived at the Red Lion Hotel our car was still in the parking lot(where we had parked it right at the front door) HOWEVER our spare tire normally on the back of the Jeep had been stolen. Hawaiian/Delta Airlines were very nice--they gave us a kit so at least we had a toothbrush and a T-Shirt to sleep in! We called AllState, and they told us what to do about our tire. We were all set so we went to Provo, Utah, to get the RV out of storage--felt so good to 'be home again'. Finally our luggage was found and delivered to us at the RV Park. We had missed only 3 doses of our much-needed medicines. We stayed in Provo until this morning.

We are now moving north and are in Pocatello, Idaho on I-15. Now, you're caught up!

Till next time--hugs and prayers to you-----

In Hawaii

Well, we arrived safely in Hawaii last Tuesday, and now it is already Saturday!!! Time is passing tttttooooo quickly. As you can tell--no time to blog! All our time is spent playing board games, playing (OK, watching--we don't even know how to turn on the cable TV!! [Jordan had to show us!]) video games, playing at the playground, going for breakfast at Cinamons (Yum!Yum!), going for Shaved Ice (if everyone did it like the Sweet Shop--triple Yum!)----well, you get the idea.

Joscie and boys are wonderful, and we're having a ball so I probably won't be back here until we arrive back at Salt Lake late on the 23th.

Until then--hugs and keep us in your prayers. You are definitely in ours----

Travel toward Salt Lake City, Utah

Today was a travel day to get us closer to Salt Lake City. We left Kanab this morning and travelled about an hour on Highway 89 that we were on yesterday going to Red Canyton and Bryce Canyon. It is a good state highway. Today, we turned onto Utah Highway 14 that would take us to Interstate 15 and on to Salt Lake City.

Utah Hwy 14 had a sign that said "Scenic Highway". Well, let me say to begin with, That sign and an RV doesn't mix very well. The road was up and down mountains which crooked and turned (almost back into itself). And, we thought we had seen snow up until now--but today was something else and at even higher elevations. There was snow everywhere. We thought the signs along the road that read 'icy roads' didn't apply this time of the year--but they could have easily! Thank Heaven Hwy 14 was only 42 miles long--but it took about 2 1/2 hours to drive it! I got several good pictures of the snow around Navajo Lake on Hwy 14--beautiful sceney.

ADDED:(OPPS!!!!!Sorry, I deleted all today's pictures in the camera before I looked at them in the computer---all I have left is the one you see at the top.)

We decided to stop at Provo which is about 15 miles south of Salt Lake City. We set up at Lakeside RV Camp. Let me tell you, the good Lord looks after fools and old folks (& we're both!). The people here are so nice--they told us of a storage vacility for the RV while we're gone to Hawaii--and right across the street from the RV park. We'll stay here until Monday morning; take the RV across the street; drive the car to an airport motel, stay there Monday night and leave the car at the motel. The hotel will shuttle us to the airport. After Hawaii, we'll spend the night at the motel; next day pick up the RV and off to Montana!----This will work out wonderfully!

We're supposed to go to see the Morman Tabernacle tomorrow or Monday. If we do, I'll do pictures and keep you up-to-date.

Until then, keep us in your prayers..hugs

Utah - All Day @Red Canyon & Bryce Canyon

Well, I thought we couldn't top yesterday with God's beautiful wonders; but I was wrong!!!

First, we went to Red Canyon. The road to Red Canyon went thru rock that formed tunnels.

Next, came Bryce Canyon. The National Park Service knew what they were doing in this park. There were lots of Views or Points along the Park road. We drove thru the Park to each one and the views got better and better at each stop.

We didn't see as much wildlife today as yesterday, but we did see deer, antelope and elk.

I don't know what to say about the beauty we saw today. So you decide for yourself in the pictures. I know I didn't have much to 'say' today, but I think the pictures tell the whole story a lot better than I ever could, so enjoy.

We're moving further up in Utah tomorrow (a travel day). It's about time to get closer to Salt Lake City for our flight to Hawaii. Think we'll enjoy that? (No, not Salt Lake City so much--duh!!! Joscie and the boys)

Until the next posting--hugs

TODAY: IN/OUT OF UTAH & ARIZONA + GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM

Today was another fun day for us! We left Bluff, Utah and travelled to Kanab, Utah, by way of Arizona. We went to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon--same thing--from Kanab, Utah, to the North Rim in Arizona. Of course, we did the reverse from the Grand Canyon to Kanab where we parked the RV. Confused yet?

Anyway, the trip over yet another range of mountains was beautiful, relatively easy travel, and so different in looks (top Picture) from the mountains we've already seen.

Around l p.m. we set up the RV, I had a (2 hour) nap while Wayne met (only) half the people in the park (Kanab RV Corral). Then we decided to do the 80-mile trip (one way) to the North Rim today. It was beautiful. (Have I said that before?)


After we got to the Grand Canyon North Rim National Park entrance, we still had about 15 miles of up/down mountains, hairpin-curvey roads to drive. We saw enough snow to have lots of snowball fights, and enough deer to feed all of Henry County and Slapout, too. We counted over 50 deer on our way into the Park, and stopped counting at 25 on our trip back. In the middle picture above are some of the deer and a little of the snow in the background--over 9,000 feet up! Was warm in the sunshine but VERY cool in the shade.

Getting to the actual North Rim of the Grand Canyon was so worth it. The North Rim is vastly different from the southern end of the Canyon that we saw on our trip several years ago. The bottom picture of the Grand Canyon can't do it justice, but I wanted you to get an idea of it anyway. We took this picture from the GC Lodge sitting in comfortable chairs on the back varanda.

After so much excitement--what could possibly top this? Wayne said, "just wait until tomorrow!" Guess I'll (and you, too) will have to.

So until then--love you; keep us in your prayers, please. You are in ours!

Today: Petroglyphs, Monument Valley, & Mexican Hat Rock in Utah & Arizona

Today I was totally surprised: Can you imagine Wayne eating vegan? Well, he did because: 1. It was the only 'cafe' in Bluff, Utah, where we are parked. 2. From the outside, there was no indication they didn't serve meat (bacon), and 3. it was too late to get breakfast anywhere else in route. But, after getting his 'organic' eggs and 9-whole-grain-toast with 2 slices of orange; he decided his breakfast 'wasn't so bad after all'! And my 'made-from-scratch' waffle was browned and crispy just the way I like!

Then, about 2 miles outside of Bluff on the way to Monument Valley, we got another surprise. When we see a side road, Wayne always says "wonder where this little road goes?". Today, we took 'the little road' and we found petroglyphs on the side of a cliff. Look closely at the picture and you can see some of them. It was wonderful!

Further on Utah Highway 163, we stopped off at a Navajo Market where I found some beautiful hand-made jewelry. While Wayne was resting in the market breezeway, we saw a sign "Indian Fry Bread" and just had to try it. A beautiful Indian lady hand-made it for us while we watched. She said it was served with salt sprinkled on top to go with a meal; have powdered sugar sprinkled on top as a dessert; use it for the bun on a hamburger; or as a shell for a taco. We had the powdered sugar (of course)and it was delicious!

Still on beautiful Utah Highway 163, our next stop was Monument Valley! Beauty beyond my imagination---but the 17 miles in the Valley was the most bumpy, dirt(make that rock)road I have ever been on. The posted speed limit was 15 MPH. Wayne was driving a top speed of 7 MPH and we were bouncing around in the car like jell-o! The Valley was totally worth every bump. It was some of the most beautiful sites that I've ever seen. In the middle picture I'm standing at 'John Ford's Point' (he's the director of several of John Wayne's movies which were filmed in Monument Valley).

Our last stop was Mexican Hat Rock. It was beautiful to me even though I couldn't quite make out the Mexican Hat! Can you? It's the bottom picture.

Tomorrow we're moving on to Kanab, Utah---well, that's our plans for today. So, until then--we love you------

Valley of the gods, Goosenecks State Park & Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah

Today, we left New Mexico and moved over to Bluff, Utah, so that we would be more centrally located to see the sites we wanted to see.

First, we went to Valley of the gods. It was a road leading back to even more rock formations. We turned around after about 5 miles of dirt road with bumps and more bumps! The whole trip through the Valley was 27 miles long and would have led us right to Goosenecks, oh well--travel and learn!

Next we went to Goosenecks States Park. As you can see Wayne standing at the edge. It was breath-taking looking down about 1,000 feet (or more). At the bottom was a river that wound around thru the rock formations.

From there, we went 45 miles across mountains on Utah Highway 261--mostly dirt and so high it was chilling looking back the way we'd had come (as you can see in the next picture).

Our final sight for today was Natural Bridges National Monument (picture 3--if you look closely you can see the 'bridge' formation in the center of the picture). This was more than just one Monument--it was a National Park which looped 9 miles and took about 3 hours to see all the sights and the 3 natural, rock formation bridges.

What a wonderful, tiring day; but still more laundry. Oh, well, at least we are blessed to have our own washer & dryer in our RV.

So, until next posting--we love ya'll--keep us in your prayers (you are in ours)---