Catch up for days 5 - 7 the Next Grand Adventure

Haven't updated the blog in a couple of days. I was having technical troubles, or maybe it was the technician. Any way, we are having a great time here in Virginia.

As I posted earlier, we drove the Skyline Drive on Sunday. It was a beautiful ride and the weather was really nice.

Monday started out really overcast and we did have a quick rain before we were ready to head out but  cleared up pretty much by 9:30 so off we when. We were headed to Fincastle, Va.  To a quilt shop that I had found in my Quilters Travel  companion. We decided to take the back roads and it was really a back road. Narrow country road without even a center strip. Nice and curvy so John had fun driving them. We found the quilt store and while I shopped John sat on their front porch with a cup of coffee (  courtesy of the lovely lady from the store ) and enjoyed the view. I did find a couple of things I wanted an thankfully they shipped.

After the quilt store we headed for the old downtown area to see some of the old building and visit their local historical museum. It was very interesting to see all their exhibits. After the museum we decided to try a local place for lunch. We ended up at The Tea Tavern. Had a really nice lunch with fresh baked bread. Yummy.

From there we headed to Wythesville for another quilt store. It was a little farther than we thought but we made it. And again the ladies from the store gave John a cup of coffee to drink and a front porch to sit on. Another wonderful shop that also ships. I will have two presents to myself waiting when I get home.

After stopping for dinner we arrived back at camp about 7:30. All in all I would say it was a great day. I have the best husband in the world that would take a whole day of vacation to take me quilt store shopping and was happy to do it for me.

I don't know if I mentioned that the nights have been really cool here or should I say cold to these thin blooded Texans. We actually had to borrow a heater from the nice folk here at the KOA.  It was definitely appreciated Monday night because it was in the low 40's. and that is really cold when you are in a tent. But we are hackers so we just snuggled closer.

Tuesday we decided to get something to eat on our way to Waynesboro, so we stopped at this neat place near the campground called the Pink Cadillac Grill. Now if you are an Elvis fan this is the place for you, it was done up with all these pictures and memorabilia of Elvis including a motorcycle he rode in one of his movies. It was fun and the food and service were great.

After breakfast we headed up to Waynesboro to the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But first we had to stop at the Honda dealer to replace the headset in my helmet. Apparently a wire was broke and all though I could hear John he could hear me. And I know most of you guys would say so what's the problem but we actually like to talk to each other while we ride.

 We then drove over to the Parkway and headed down. We only travel about 50 miles but we stopped at a lot of overlooks. We had lunch at the Royal Oaks Resort in Love, Virginia. It was really cool. We had sandwiches on the patio. We had a great day and even thought the clouds came and went we never saw the rain. Sunshine most of the way. We stopped in Lexington on the way back and bought a couple of steaks, borrowed a grill from the KOA folks and had a wonderful dinner with home fried potatoes and a salad.

Today we took our time having breakfast. Sausage and biscuits cooked in our camp oven. After cleaning up we headed to The Natural Bridge. We had been there years ago with the girls but a lot has changed. The bridge is still a marvel to look at but it is now a private enterprise so you paid to get  in and they had mor tourist things to do. We hiked all the way to the falls beyond the bridge and back.
Took lots of pictures and had a good time. Back at the bike we had peanut butter and blueberry jam sandwiches for lunch. Thank you Kathy Morgan for the wonderful jam.

Then we went over to The Caverns at the Natural Bridge. Took the tour. It is amazing what wonders nature creates over the course of time. Of course there were a lot of stairs involved and since we had already hiked two miles at the bridge this just about did us both in, so we headed back to camp and had a cup of coffee with our feet up.

Since we are headed down to Cherokee, North Carolina in the morning we started trying to reorganize all our stuff to fit back in the camper. Now we have had dinner and are enjoying a quite evening. Be sure to check out our pictures on Facebook. Until next time. Goodnight.

Day Four....Skyline Drive

Well,to say it was chilly last night would be an understatement. It was down right cold. Good thing I brought along a quilt and a couple of blankets  and that we like to cuddle. We did sleep well and woke up early to another beautiful day. We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Nothing like the smell of bacon cooking in the morning.
After breakfast we made ready and mounted up to head for Skyline drive. A two hour ride up I 81 brought us to Front Royal where we had a wonderful lunch at The Mill Store. Then down the Skyline Drive we headed.  If you have never made this drive it is well worth the time. You have to plan plenty of time because the speed limit is 35 most of the way and even drops to 25 a couple of times. And you want to have time for the many overlooks ( there are 75 alone the 105 mile trip ). We didn't stop at them all but we stopped at several, including the one at Mary's Tunnel and of course the Skyline overlook where the have the chocolatist chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. It was almost too rich to eat but we forced ourselves.
Along the drive we saw several deer and even a couple of wild turkey. All in all I think it was a very good day capped off with dinner at Red Lobster. Now for a shower and some down time before bed..
I still haven't figured out how to post pictures from the iPad to this blog so check them out on Facebook.
Tomorrow more adventures await the Grand We Two so check back in then.
Good night for now.

Day three of the next grand adventure

Well we made it to the KOA Campground at the Natural Bridge in Virginia. It was an awesome day riding with the temperature starting out this morning at 53 and reaching a high of  82. Sun was shining and not a cloud in the sky. We put 500 miles on the bike and enjoyed every mile of it even though we were on a major highway all the way.
Had a good nights rest last night near Nashvile and a quick breakfast this morning and were on the road by 8 am. Took off on I 40 headed east and picked up I 81 just east of  Knoxville. Lunched at a neat place called Davy Crockett Travel Center. Really just a truck stop with a resturant attached but the food was good and the service was friendly.
Arrive at the campsite about 6:15.  Got the tent set up (which we are getting better at) checked out the camp store, had a sandwich for dinner and now we are updating you  on the grand adventure.
Planning to ride the Skyline Drive tomorrow and hopefully I can figure out how to get pictures on this blog instead of posting them all on Facebook.
Think I will read awhile and then turn. You all have a good night and I will hopefully post again tomorrow evening.

Day one next Grand Adventure

September 12,2013 Nana's birthday and the start of our next Grand adventure.
We had most of the camper packed last night so this morning was spent rearranging and packing the cooler. It still surprises me how much stuff we got in.

Finally about noon we pulled out of the driveway and with Brendan taking a picture and a few last minute instructions to him we were on our way.


Today was our get out of town and on the way day so we headed straight for US 59 and made a beeline for Texarkana. We stopped for gas three time and for just getting off the bike a couple.
We were very please with how well the camper pulled. Of course the Gold Wing is an amazing machine and had no problem pulling the extra weight.

We arrive at the KOA in Texarkana around 6:30, got everything set up, had dinner, showers and now just enjoying the evening. It is rather warm here but once we make it to Tennessee tomorrow it should be cooler.

All in all I say it has been a really nice birthday. Sleep well and we will post again tomorrow.

The Next Grand Adventures September 2013

Well the next great adventure for Nana and Dandy is about to start. We have the camper and the bike all packed and are ready to head out as soon as we eat lunch. First stop Texarkana. Will post tonight and maybe have some pictures to share. Join us for this Grand time with the Grand We Two.

We Did It!!

    On Thursday we left Wellington, Co. and made our way to Colorado Springs and on over to Green Mountian Falls to the Lone Duck Campground. Got all set up decided to stay put even though it was only 3:30. Had a good evening, even met another biking couple across from our site.

  

Ca

Our site at Lone Duck Campground

    This morning after a quick breakfast we mounted up and head for the quest. The mighty Pike's Peak lay ahead of us. It was quite a ride and a lot of switchbacks but it was great and we made it all the way to the top. 14,110 feet above sea level. What a view!  After a look around and a cup of coffee and a donut we headed back down. So We Did It, We really, really dit it! And once is quite enough but I'm glad that we were able to do it. And no Bob there was no snow.

The Quest

Victory

    After a quick lunch of barbque we decided to see the Garden of the Gods. This was interesting but it was starting to get hot so we just did a quick drive through with a stop at the Trading Post and the Visitor center.

The Garden of the Gods Trading Post

    Tomorrow we plan to ride over to Cripple Creek and maybe to Royal Gorge. Hopefully it won't be so hot.

Sturgis, Rushmore, Crazy Horse and some Wild Roads.

   Since our last post we have seen quite alot. On Sunday August 22, we left Sherdian, Wy and headed across the plains toward South Dakato. Our first stop was the visitors center where we got all kinds of information on things to do from two very talkative rangers. While there we incountered another Wing rider with the coolest trailer.

Made from an old whiskey barrel and no it was not filled with any liquid refreshments.

   Next stop was in Sturgis where all the action was the weekend before. Kind of quite when we were there. We bought tee shirts, had lunch, took some pictures and headed out. Now we can say that we have been there, done that.

John's happy. He has his tee shirt and he has been fed.

Welcome to Sturgis 2010

   From Sturgis we headed south through Deadwood (without stopping) and on into Keystone to our camp site. After setting up camp we headed into town to have a look around then back to camp for a good night's sleep.

Downtown Keystone, South Dakota

   Monday broke bright and clear but alot cooler, thank you very much. (Sunday was the hottest day there in over three years. 100 degrees) We had a hardy breakfast and then headed out for Mount Rushmore. It is really impressive and we enjoyed walking around seeing it from all the different angles.

Mount Rushmore. Just like the postcard.

   Then we made our way over to the Crazy Horse Monument. It is big, I can say that much and I am sure it will be quite impressive when it is finished. I do admire the man who started it and the vision he and the Lakota Indinas have for it.

The Vision and the way it looks now.

    Next it was time for some fun roads. First we did the Needles Hwy. with all its twists and turns and six one lane tunnels. These are small and narrow and no way can a camper or mobile home go through them. We saw some beautiful country and even some wild life. Most of the roads were really narrow and if passing another vehicle on a curve a tad hairy.

The first and biggest of the one lane tunnels.

This was the tightest one. We had to wait for about six cars to come from the other way.

Then it we took the Wildlife Loop through Custer State Park.The roads weren't quite a curvy but we did see a lot of open grasslands and more wildlife.

These Donkeys came right up to the cars.

   Next and the most fun of all was the Iron Mountian Hwy. More of the single lane tunnels but these lead to what they called pigtail bridges where you went across the bridge and the a tight loop back under it. There were at least 4 or maybe 5 of these and plenty of switchbacks. We even saw some fool in a mobile RV trying to go through one of these tunnels. Don't know if he made it or not. Some people think they know better than the people who put up the signs. 

One of the Pigtail bridges.

    We headed back to camp and a quick supper and then we went back up to Rushmore to see the lighting ceremony. This is really nice the way it is done and at the end they honor all the veterans and active duty and the fanilies of those who have lost some one in combat.

    Tuesday we finally found a quilt store for me to visit. Think I will be able to make if awhile now without going into complete withdrawal.

Quilt Corral at Mistletoe Ranch. Carolyn's happy.

    From there we head toward The Badlands National Park but first a stop at the "World's Oldest Drug Store" the famous Wall Drug Store. This is quite a place. You can find just about every kind of goofy thing there. We had lunch there and a quick look around before heading for the Badlands.

The famous Wall Drug Store. Free Ice Water and 5cent Coffee.

    It is hard to describe the Badlands. Maybe what one would image the moon to look like. Some one told us it was like an upside down volcano. Here are a couple of pictures but I think this is something you have to experience for yourself to appreciate.

The Badlands National Park

    We made our way back to Keystone and camp after that where we started trying to get things ready so we could leave this morning. Although I don't think a person should have to do laundry on vacation, we had to do laundry or wear dirty clothes the rest of the trip. Then a quite evening of just enjoying being together and listening to the night sounds of the mountians.

Packed up and ready to Go.

    That brings us to today. We left camp around nine and made our way south back into Wyoming and then into Colorado. We had planned to stop in Cheyennne Wy but there were no rooms available so we made it to Wellington, Co.  Tomorrow we head into Colorado Springs to tackle the mighty Pikes Peak. I will post from there. So until then, goodnight.

       

Grand Adventure continues

We left Yellowstone this morning and after a really nice ride to the northeast entrance of the park we headed out across Wyoming with a short loop into Montana so that we could add to our state count. Encounter some really great roads. The first was Cheif Joseph's scenic Highway, quite a few switchbacks with a couple that were right together. John loved them but a couple gave me a little scare. Here is a picture from the top of that mountian.

Looking back the way we came. Cheif Joseph's Scenic Hwy.

Made it to Cody Wy, where we stopped for gas and I found a Quilt store on the way through town. Didn't spent long there because we still had a long way to go.
Our next fun road was Alt. 14. Now that was a trip, first across a long and windy plain then up a big mountian and across another really windy plain to another mountian with some more really curvey (and I mean curvey roads) and we ended our day in Sheridan, Wy.
Tomorrow we head to Sturgis SD and then down to Keystone to see Mt Rushmore. I hope to post more picture later but for now I am going to bed.

Grand Adventure Catch up

My how the days have flown since our last post.
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were spent getting all the grandchildern time that we could. What cute kids they all are and we are sure missing them so much. We were even able to get them all awake to kiss and hug on some more before we left on Wednesday morning.

Then off we went heading north into Idaho and then into Wyoming. Our first stop of the day was in Jackson Hole at the visitors center. From there we headed up to the Grand Tetons which are just breathtaking. Didn't stop longer than to take some pictures that we will post later. Then we made our way into Yellowstone National Park. It was really a thrill to finally be here, it's a place that I have heard of all my life and still can hardly beleive that we are here.

Took us quite awhile to get to our camp site because people were stopped all over ther road to look at the

bison. We finally made it to the camp site and got all set up and had dinner. Then we went over and saw the ranger presentation about the big fire here in 1988. Very interesting. By the timer we got back top camp it was time to turn in. Slept pretting good although it was cold.

On Thursday we just rode for most of the day. We went by Norris Geyser Park then on up to Mamouth Park at the northwest corner (sort of) where we had lunch. From there it was off to Roosevelt Corral where we went on a horseback ride out to our Old West Cookout. Now that was fun, and man was the food great. Then it was back on horseback to the corral where we mounted our iron steed and headed back to camp. On the way we saw a beautiful sunset. Another good nights sleep and today we headed out to see Old

Faithful. That was worth the trip. Still more picture to follow. I haven't downloaded them to the computer yet. Our travels today also took us by the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the upper and lower falls.

We are now back at the Canyon Visitors Center using their power to chare phones and computer and its the only spot we can get an internet signal. We will be heading back to the camp site shortly to start trying to get things ready to leave tomorrow for South Dakota. We will be staying somewhere half way tomorrow night so w should be able to post more pictures then.

Having a wonderful time and the weather has been perfect.

Rocky Mountians to Grandchildren

The Grand Adventure continues. After our visit to Estes park on Tuesday we returned to our camp site and while preparing dinner we had a couple visitors that just wondered through. I guess they were use to people

 

being around because they walked around and through all the camp site for quite awhile. At least it wasn't bears .

On Wednesday August 11 we packed up the trailer for our trip acrosss the 

Rockies. We headed up the Trail Ridge Road and it was a beautiful ride. The crazy part was that they were doing road construction and there were parts where it was one lane going up.                                                                                                                                                   

But we did make it to the top.

After a warming cup of coffee we headed down the other side. This was truely a great ride with lots of switchbacks and curves. A little on the scary side for me in the back seat a couple of times but I did enjoy it.

Then it was across western Colorado and into Utah. We did have to stop and put on rain gear again, but it was never really hard rain. Thought for awhile that we would miss it but then the roadcurved again and we ran through it for awhile.

We ended our day in Naples, Utah.

On Thursday August 12, we headed north up through more mountian and by the Red Canyon,

and into Wyoming, west to Evanston Wy where we headed north again and back into Utah. After one more climb into the mountians to Bear Lake we head down by the Bear River into the Cache Valley  

and into Smithfield where we were greeted by our sweet daughter and five beautiful grandchildren. And there we have been for the last two days getting as many hugs or what ever as is possibly.and there we have been for the past three days. On

Friday we just hung out and enjoyed the kids

That hot dog is as big as Tara

and then on Saturday we went to the county fair, which was a real treat with all the little ones and the bigger ones also. Yeah for fair food!! Funnel cake and ribbon fries, yum!  Today has been a really good day. Church where the younger three girls were dedicated and then home for a nice nap.

We are really having fun and the weather here is great. High eighties in the day time with no humidity. Two more days here then we head to Yellowstone.  I will try to do better with the updates so they won't be so long. See you next time.

Rocky Mountian Wild

Well, the Grand Adventure is well underway. We left Pearland Saturday August 7 around 8am, a little later than we had intended but oh well. One thing I can say for riding the bike in Texas in August is that it is HOT!! But we survied and made it to Abilene about 4:30.



After a good night's sleep we headed out to Palo Duro Canyon. Another hot day in Texas but we saw some great scenery. Arrived at the canyon and checked in to our cabin and cooled off , Did a quick tour of the Canyon and the to the theatre for the play "Texas".

Cow Camp Cabin Palo Duro Canyon

The play wasn't over until about eleven so that meant that we had to sleep quick because we were up at six the next morning and on the road by 7 :15. after a quick stop for breakfast in Amarillo we headed north on US287 into Ok and on into Colorado. Long roads with nothing but corn feilds and ranch land to look at for 400 miles, but it was cooler. We did run into a lot of rain Denver but we had wisely decided to put on rain gear when we saw the clouds ahead. Finally made it to the Rocky Mountians Park about 6:30CT and got checked in, got the tent set up and had a quick dinner of canned stew and crackers.Our first night in the tent wasn't too bad. It was cold but we stayed warm snuggled together. We woke to a beautiful morning with the sun coming up over the mountians. Took our time getting up and going but what are vacations for.

We spent most of the day Tuesday touring the beautiful town of Estes Park, even had lunch a a lovely place on the river.

In other words folks we are having a great time, so back to it. Will update when we reach Utah.

The reservations are all made, the route is all mapped out, the bike has been serviced and we have started packing the trailer. Just seven day until the grand adventure begins

Ronald McDonald House

February 7, 2009

Mid Life Cycles Ride

Ronald McDonald House

Saturday, February 8, 2009 the Nana and I met up with our Motorcycle Gang, known as the Mid Life Cycles, about 2:30 PM at our organizer's (Spongebob) house to ride as a group to the Ronald McDonald House in Houston. For those of you that don't know about this great place, just know this is for children who have very serious medical condition that need treatment in outpatient setting, and don't live in the Houston area. Located right in middle of the greatest medical facilities in the USA (maybe world) the patient and their family member can stay in a nice and loving environment with out cost to them. The house is funded by private donations and many of the meals are provided by volunteer organizations. You can learn more about this great facility by going to their website - http://www.ronaldmcdonaldhousehouston.org/home.htm.

Saturday night was our night so we went as a group, carrying all the hamburgers, hot dogs and fixings necessary along with a trailer load of paper goods all donated by members! We had great time, but wanted to provide you an opportunity to see the pictures we took --- as they say, one picture is worth a 1000 words! Here are a couple, but to see all go to http://community.webshots.com/user/Dandy1945

Blessings!!! They just keep coming!

Our very first Flat tire on a motorcycle....

Since we have owned a motorcycle Carolyn and I have taken a long drive on New Years Day! We just can't think of a better way to start the year off than "saddling up 'n riding out" into the wide open spaces with no particular route or destination! Usually at least 300 miles....

2009 was a little different in that we decide to leave Pearland early afternoon on New Years Eve and drive to San Antonio to visit with Brendan and his Dad and Step Mom. We arrived mid afternoon and after short visit we drove on into New Braunfels where we had nice supper and went to bed early! After breakfast the next morning we had pick a tentative route that would lead us north east and then east and up around Lake Livingston and south back to Pearland. However, it was getting chilly with overcast skies and after a couple of hours we decided to get up on Texas Highway 290 and take straight shot on into Houston and then to Pearland. We were about 20 miles west of Brenham (home of Blue Bell Ice Cream) when I started noticing a wobble from the bike that I have never experienced before, so I got off the road and onto the shoulder immediately where I had my fears confirmed...back tire was flatter than a pancake!

Hwy 290 by this time was very busy and even though we were on long straight away and off the road we felt somewhat vulnerable with those cars and trucks whizzing by at high rates of speed. Cell phone reception was not too good, but got through to Roadside Assistance, but best they could do (on a holiday) was have someone pick us up and take us to a Honda dealer and "drop us off"! Of course, the dealers were all closed so we would have had to leave the bike outside the dealership and get ourselves home best way possible! While talking to them, Jim & Diane H. each riding a bike pulled up to check on us (bikers are like that....always looking out for each other....just an attitude that comes with two wheels...but I digress...) and they offered to call another biker friend who had a trailer and would probable help us out! Eric agreed to come after us but he was almost an hour away and to sit tight. Jim and Diane stayed with us and kept us company until Eric showed up with his trailer and an air compressor which did not help at all as the air would go out as fast as we could put it in. Eric has done this many times and he immediately took charge and in matter of minutes we got the Wing on the trailer and tied down. We said good bye to our new friends and got in the truck with Eric. He informed us that he had called the local dealers and could not get ahold of anyone to open up the service department so he was just going to take us home....a two and half hour trip, one way! We could not believe how lucky we were! Eric was a real blessing...as was Jim and Diane! Eric helped me get it off the trailer and in my garage and then as we were saying good bye I offered to reimburse him for his gas and he would not even consider taking a nickle! He was serious when he said that all he wanted me to do was....."pay it forward"!!

Our new friends, Jim & Diane!!

Bikes are made "to ride" not ride....

You have to admit....it's a good looking bike...ain't it?
(but..we are saving on gas......)

We got the bike (and us) home Thursday evening and next morning I got up and drove half way to San Antonio, met Dave and Brendan and brought him back for a week end visit....here is a couple of recent pictures of him!

He's giving Nana a few pointers....

Visiting with his Mom and sisters via web-cam...ain't this modern technology grand......?

He's a good looking boy! We love having him close by!