10/11 to 10/15/20    Hello Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. It’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditional Plaza. 
 

Hooray Beer!

Our home for the next 5 days 

Desert Dry

Thanks Mom & Tim for sending us off with a great bottle of wine - YUM

Day drive along the Rio Grand to Taos

Such pretty colors along the water...

Twilight Zone....................

Did you know this is the tenth highest bridge in the United States?

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, locally known as the "Gorge Bridge" or the "High Bridge", is a steel deck arch bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge 10 miles northwest of Taos, New Mexico. Roughly 600 ft above the Rio Grande. 

It's WAY down there!

The  Mighty Rio Grande

San Francisco de Asís Mission Church is a historic and architecturally significant building on the main plaza of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. Originally the center of a small Mexican and Indian 18th Century agricultural community. Built between 1772 and 1816 

Would have loved to have seen the inside.....Thank you, Covid...

Carson National Forest

A day in downtown Santa Fe ~ though most things were closed, it was fun walking around.

Love the Adobe look

Santa Fe is a meca for local artists

Santa Fe = A shoppers Paradise - I have a lot of friends that would love to shop around here..

Cathedral Basilica St. Francis of  Assisi

The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, is a former Roman Catholic church that is now used as a museum and a wedding chapel. It is known for its unusual helix-shaped spiral staircase.

Loretta Chapel and it's most unique Choir Loft staircase

According to the version of events passed down by the Sisters of Loretto, multiple builders were consulted but were not able to find a workable solution due to the confined quarters. In response, the nuns prayed for nine straight days to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the last day of the novena, a mysterious stranger appeared and offered to build the staircase. He worked alone using only a few simple hand tools and disappeared afterwards without collecting his pay or the Sisters learning his identity!

A beautiful chapel to get married in.

Neither Scott or I are master carpenter's but to think back around 1877 & 1881 and only using wooden pegs and glue rather than nails or other hardware; then making 2 full turns all without the support of a center pole. Scott said this is some tricky mathematics!  A beautiful sight to behold
 

Love the Adobe style architecture 

A little fun artwork

Distribution across America

Rock formation amazement

Fall Colors

Welcome to Cerrillos

Let's get some rocks to make jewelry

The 3 types of rocks we purchased - hopefully we will be able to show the end product of handmade jewelry - stay tuned for our Yuma adventure! 

"I see dead people...." (Sixth Sense viewers)

Cerrillos was a quaint little town

Hey Scott, let's go to New Mexico to attend the Ballon Fiesta in 2020!

Since this was the reason for heading to New Mexico ( It was cancelled due to this thing called Covid) Let's find somewhere else to visit....  How about the colorful little town of Madrid?

Where they filmed some of the Wild Hogs movie...

Great Movie......

At least we got to view a few  balloons while departing New Mexico...  LoL

So, now it's on to Casa Grande, AZ for a few months!

Agricultural has long been Bayfield’s main economy, with the town serving as a hub for the local farms. Recently, Durango’s growth and high-cost have led some to Bayfield for cheaper real estate.

Bayfield is situated 18 miles east of Durango in Southwest Colorado.

Beware of the 'WOLF'

Wolf Creek Pass – South Fork-Pagosa Springs

Deep within the San Juan Mountains, Wolf Creek Pass is a steep and beautiful mountain pass in Southwest Colorado. The pass falls right along the Great Continental Divide. and can be traversed via US 160 between the towns of South Fork and Pagosa Springs.

                                        "Scott, what's that smell??"   Yup, brakes.  With an elevation of 10,857 ft

and grades of 7%; going down was a bit sketchy especially when the brakes felt like they were giving out. Yikes - no worries though - Scott pulled over at a beautiful vista.

Time to move on - can you say we visited Colorado at the right time??  All this beautiful yellow - I couldn't get enough of it..

Now on our way to Bayfield Riverside RV Park to surprise Roger & Celeste Schaefer!

October 6th to the 11th of 2020 - my oh my - the flowers!

Say Hello Roger, Celeste & Swayze-Mae Schaefer

They had no idea we were coming.  We met Roger & Celeste in 2018 up in Fountain Hills, Arizona.  We were all staying at Eagle View RV Park.  We couldn't be this close and not come & give them hugs!

                                                                       Very Pet Friendly

Below is our site....  Nice little bridge 

                                              relaxing grounds

Now for some touring of the area - We spotted Durango from the hillside.  A booming area.

Then drove some more taking in the sights of Silverton & Ouray

Route 550

Coalbank Pass

Million Dollar Highway

Look closely, that is a long way down & no guard rails
Why is it called the 'Million Dollar Highway'?  Many stories ranging from the expense to build it to, it's so dangerous that you couldn't pay me a million dollars to drive it.....   You drive it & see what you think....

Below is the town of Ouray & this is how to pronounce >  yur·ei

No pictures of downtown - but trust us, a very quaint place & good food.

Back on the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton

Silverton is a recreational paradise in Winter for snowmobiling, skiing (downhill, extreme, heli, snowcat, cross country), sledding, ice skating, ice climbing, and ice fishing, and in Summer for rafting, backcountry touring, Jeeping (Jeep rentals and Jeep tours are available), ATV riding, fishing, hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding, hunting, and camping.

The Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride from Durango to Silverton makes this a hopping spot!

Great day with Roger & Celeste showing us the sites.  We decided to leave them alone the next day & venture out on our own.  Smh~

Say What?????

Fine - we will find something....

Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States.  But guess what?   All the cliff dwellings were closed due to Covid......  Was fun to drive around the park though.

Who wants to go 'Off-Roading"?

Where are we? Pagoda Springs - western slope of the Continental Divide in southwestern Colorado.  Is this cool or what?

Our best little rider (Swayze-Mae) needed a break

Below was our terrain

A most incredible day!

We thought we were surprising Roger & Celeste but low & behold, they totally surprised us with their incredible hospitality!  May our paths cross again soon.

Bye Bye Colorado - it's been fun.

Clocking in at a magnificent 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is one of the 53 mountains in Colorado that achieves a height of 14,000 feet+, offering it further bragging rights as one of the top 100 mountains in the United States. Talk about altitude!

Screenshot

The picture below is from downtown Colorado Springs - see the brown mountain in the distance?  That is Pikes Peak.

Pikes Peak, which is proudly listed as a national historic landmark, was once home to the Ute Indians and — even earlier — to the Clovis Culture. (According to the official Pike Peak website, the Clovis Culture consisted of early peoples who made their way onto the continent during the last ice age.) Back in the time of the region’s first peoples, the mountain was referred to in many different ways, including Sun Mountain, Sun Mountain Sitting Big and Long Mountain (which was the name given by the Arapaho, who came to Colorado in the 1800s). The Spanish explorers who came to the region referred to the mountain as El Capitan.

Today, Pikes Peak can be ascended via the Pikes Peak Highway or Barr Trail. As Scott & I easily took the highway... The Cog railway was not operational while we were there but assured all visitors that it will return.  The mountain is home to a recreation area with three lakes, hiking trails, mountain biking trails.  We shall stick to the truck! LoL

Let's Begin

Salt, Anyone????

Ho Ho HoSanta's Workshop is an amusement park that opened on June 16, 1956 in Cascade, Colorado, located on U.S. Route 24 just west of Colorado Springs at the entrance to the Pikes Peak Highway Early BirdsSee how early we were???

           Enjoy the Green - it's about ready to disappear  

                                                                             Sick Yet????

Where are all the trees?

So happy to have made it to the top but our view was construction...  Place will be beautiful once complete.

                                       Did someone say Doughnuts?  Where - -

  Video Below

Now for our decent
 

Salvador Dalí Look

                                                                                                Oxygen would be necessary if hiking!!!

Thanks for enjoying our day at Pikes Peak with us.... 
 

10/3/20 

We are heading to Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs, at an elevation of 6,035 ft. A city in Colorado at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. It lies near glacier-carved Pikes Peak, a landmark in Pike National Forest with hiking trails and a cog railway leading to its 14,114-ft. summit. The city's Garden of the Gods park features iconic red-sandstone formations and mountain views.

                Below - entrance to Garden of the Gods RV Resort - oh boy!

Tight Spots

Our room with a view - teehee

                       No need to hang around the park so lets go do what we do best > Go Exploring!   We found 'Old Stage Road',  the only link to the Gold Camp Road and then into Cripple Creek mining district from Colorado Springs.

 The route began as a simple trail called the Cheyenne Mountain Trail - traveling to the west flank of Pikes Peak.
 

 The trail grew into a lumber road before gold was discovered in Cripple Creek

Sheared rocks

Oh my gosh - - who's coming around the corner??

I love driving these narrow trails in the mountains! The beauty is overwhelming and the stories of their construction is just amazing...what these men did to create them...WOW!!

The Beauty just kept coming on every turn...

Just look at this spectacle of God's creation!

Old Stage Rd. was a toll road in the 1800's

Like viewing the clouds ~ do you see the bear below?

 Old Stage Road is best as a driving exploration.  Hiking and biking are discouraged due to the steep grade and the traffic you may encounter on this dirt road.

Welcome to Victor -

The City of Gold Mines - is located at nearly 10,000' elevation on the southwest side of Pikes Peak

The cute children of Victor......

Say Hi to Ed.....   He had us laughing so hard I couldn't hold the camera still!

Excited about my new Merrells - just admiring while sipping on a beer

And Scott was busy placing a square peg in a round hole..    Hahahaha

And, see Hershel Greene from the Walking Dead on the bar!

Peaceful & Colorful Town

Tires for the equipment used at the Gold Mines.

5 casinos in this little town of Cripple Creek - a wee bit crowded for us so we traveled on

Featuring canyon walls and twisty turns lying on top of what was once a powerhouse railroad (the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad) connecting the lucrative 1800s mining districts.

Beautiful Fall Colors

Look close & you will spot climbers
                                            

From 1894 to 1912 - imagine the hiss & whistle of a steam locomotive passing these spots carrying rich gold ore out of the mining districts.

Our road ~

Jackpot spot.......

The fall colors on the Aspens were simply amazing!

 Joan not being able to get enough of these fabulous Aspen's

Incredible beauty in the Colorado Aspens

I mean, really???!!!

A Pig Farm With a View

In 1892 Shelf Road opened transforming an untraveled wilderness into a major route for stagecoaches & freight wagons

Twists & Turns

Passersby with a friendly wave ~

Day 2 - yup, a lot of exploring on day 1 but today will be short.  Let's check out the Air Force Academy

Love this shot!

The Garden of the Gods' red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago.   The Garden of the Gods Park is popular for hiking, technical rock climbing, road and mountain biking and horseback riding. It attracts more than two million visitors a year, making it the city's most visited park. 

Do you see the fish?

So, where to next?????   

9/27/20 staying in Golden, Co - will we meet up with Travis McArthur????

Golden is a city and former gold rush town at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in Colorado. Clear Creek Trail is a network of paths running along a waterway. It passes Clear Creek White Water Park, a kayaking course. The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum has exhibits on earth science and mining history. Northeast is the Colorado Railroad Museum, with vintage trains and an 1800s-style railroad depot.

Our site at Dakota Ridge RV Park turned out to be very pretty.  It is a small park nicely positioned near Golden.  We were fortunate to get a site at the rear of the park backing up to the mountain and a beautiful walking trail that leads to the "summit" (not very high, but steep enough to get you winded for sure).  Sites are tight, so it was nice when we didn't have neighbors :)

Our trip into Golden for exploration was nice, but less than climatic.  With COVID restrictions in place, the streets were empty, most stores were closed, and we experienced mask requirements in the streets for the first time.  So, we just shot some photos and moved on... 

Murals of the Good Ole Days Murals of the Good Ole Days

We couldn't come all the way to Golden without seeing friends from the past, so it was BREWERY TIME!  Met up with the Chandlers at a great local brewery and had a fantastic night of conversation, food, and beer.

On to our site seeing adventures (thank you Laura for the recommendation)!

Screenshot

The colors were simply amazing...

The sites were around every turn... Can't you just picture a beautiful homestead nestled down in this valley?

                                        Welcome to Georgetown, Colorado

What a great little town in the mountains of Colorado... The main street was blocked off for foot traffic and was very inviting! Many more stores and art galleries open to explore.

Georgetown Trading Post Look, no mask required! Unless you enter a store, of course. The original firehouse... beautiful structure, quite unique!

YES, we did get to meet up with Travis McArthur!

Scott's nephew lives and works for the U.S. Navy in Denver.  We were lucky enough to catch him with a few hours off in the morning to meet for brunch.  While we awaited his arrival, we found another couple of photo ops!

Tried to figure out how we could take this with us.... If you squint, you can see the sign of where we ate... Denver Biscuit Company! Mmmmm....

About 2 miles from Dakota Ridge RV Park, is the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.  Natural rock formations created the setting for an amazing feet of architecture that maximizes the natural acoustics of the area.  The park was open for us to drive through and get photos, but of course, the amphitheater was closed...par of your trip.  :( 

The geology of Red Rocks Park continues to fascinate both casual fans and geologists. For scientists every layer of rock is a page of geologic history, starting with the Pennsylvanian Period about 300 million years ago. At that time Colorado was not landlocked as it is today, but rather a landmass surrounded by ancient seas. Those seas, rising and falling over millions of years, left sandy beaches that became sandstone formations. Some of the rock formations in Red Rocks slope as much as 90 degrees, while others tilt backwards. The southern monolith, that bears resemblance to a ship, is named “Ship Rock.” On the opposite side of the amphitheater stands “Creation Rock.” Both monoliths are taller than Niagara Falls. Red Rocks Amphitheatre was once listed as among the Seven Wonders of the World.

How pretty this setting would be for an evening concert...

Weathering decomposes the rock, releasing minerals such as iron, which oxidizes to give rock a reddish-pink color. During burial and compaction of the Fountain Formation, iron-rich groundwater percolated through the rock leaving behind great rust-colored swirls.

The wildlife was still present as well made our way through the small park... Red Rocks Amphitheater Nestled between two rocks jutting out. Not only music.......A drive in movie lot

That was about all for the Golden, CO area.... On to Colorado Springs!

Kansas is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States.  On January 29, 1861, Kansas is admitted to the Union as free state. It was the 34th state to join the Union.

The 1st Infantry Division is a combined arms division of the United States Army, and is the oldest continuously serving in the Regular Army.^[5] It has seen continuous service since its organization in 1917 during World War I.^[6] It was officially nicknamed "The Big Red One"

We didn't visit.....maybe next time...

Home for a few nights.....

Pretty colors during sunrise out our living room window....

While driving west on I-70 we ran across a point of interest sign that sent us to visit...

The "Cathedral of the Plains" is Saint Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria, Kansas. It has seating for 1,100 people, which, at the time of it's dedication in 1911, made it the largest church west of the Mississippi River. The church is 220 feet long, 110 feet wide at the transepts and 75 feet at the nave. Its ceiling is 44 feet above the ground and the towers are 141 feet tall.

Since St. Fidelis Catholic Church is not the seat for a bishop, it is not a Cathedral. It received its nickname from William Jennings Bryan when he visited St. Fidelis in 1912.

After several years of petition, St. Fidelis Church was declared a minor basilica  as of February 21, 2014. The Cathedral of the Plains is the first basilica in Kansas and the 78th in the United States. The church now displays a tintinnabulum (bell) and an ombrellino (umbrella) in the sanctuary as symbols of the basilica's link to the pope. The official name is now The Basilica of St. Fidelis, but most people continue to call it the Cathedral of the Plains.

A recognition of the predominantly German immigrant community in the town's center. Just a good picture opportunity along the road... it was abandoned.

Harvest season... Pumpjackat the edge of the crop field. Diversity in farming at it best! On our way to Monument Rocks in the middle of NOWHERE! No clean cars in this part of the state! Simply amazing formations.... Literally in the middle of nowhere.

Love visiting these sites!
 

Even birds love what these rock formations have to offer!

See....middle of nowhere and BOOM....rock formations! Grasshoppers everywhere!!!

It was pretty hot that day!But, it's a dry heat....;)
See what we mean...???

Just a cool picture driving down the gravel road.... She came out onto the road to visit us.... Street art...I guess they had nowhere else to go with the tire after they changed it out....???? Just driving down the road during our return to Russell and we stumbled upon this herd of 12-15 Pronghorn....just before opening day.

Things just seem to be abandoned out west....

We made a quick swing through Hays on our way back to the coach....

A cute town, so we stopped for some late lunch on the way home. Just so happens that this establishment is owned by the town mayor...and he came over to speak with us while we were dining. Very nice man, Shaun Musil, who spoke with us of his trials and tribulations during this time of COVID. A great visit overall!

Our final day, we visited the town in which we stayed...the hometown of U.S. Senators Bob Dole and Arlen Specter.

Post Rock Country...Lacking wood for fence posts on a treeless prairie, early settlers in north-central Kansas quarried limestone posts, stuck them along the edges of their fields, and strung newly invented barbed wire from post to post to mark their property. Because of this common use in the area, the layer of rock the posts were made of became known as Fence-post limestone.

And then we move on to Colorado....

Missouri ~ The Show Me State A speech by Congressman Willard Vandiver in 1899, who declared that "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton, cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I'm from Missouri, and you have got to show me." A Bright FutureMissouri has a great agricultural tradition. This state is home to nearly 95,000 farmers. Missouri's top commodities include soybeans, corn, cattle, hogs & turkeys.

LOVE the signs in Missouri!

Ain't it the truth We are Loving the signs throughout Missouri

PrayingWhat you never want to see while on the road. God Bless our Truckers.
Home for the next 3 nights.

 Wait - I thought we were in Missouri.....  LoL

Staying in Odessa, Mo puts us that close to Kansas so off we go to see what we can see. YesWe found a vineyard that was open.

Father & Daughter growing power.The vineyard is planted with Native American and French Hybrid varieties. Founded by Les & Michelle Meyer (father & daughter), the first vines were planted in 1986 and have grown to include over 12,000 vines Had a great visit with Dawn who poured us some delicious wines of Holy-Field. We came home with a nice Seyval to enjoy somewhere along our journey.

NascarWhy not - since we come from Nascar country, we thought it fitting to drive by the Speedway in Kansas. This place is huge. Kansas Speedway We weren't getting any closer - Thanks Covid

We found a place that is more our style....

We were recommended to visit this little historic town & so glad we ventured this way. No WayTurn the corner to go into the town & this is the first place we see.... Benner B&BWish we had booked a room to spend the night.

Funny Scott

JailThe original jail building from 1880

Just a little fun

Can you imagine the Mayor standing up on the balcony talking to the town

Fall Time OscailteI will admit, I wanted to go in to see the beautiful clothes from Ireland but what a surprise we got when we went inside.

Oh my!  What did we find in the back of the store...

Our happy place!

A Snug Pub ~ Say it ain't soAre you familiar with this room? Let me explain: The “snug”, is typically a small, very private room with access to the bar that has a frosted glass external window, set above head height. You used to pay a higher price for your beer in the Snug, but nobody could look in and see you. It was not only the well off visitors who would use these rooms. The snug was for patrons who preferred not to be seen in the public bar. Ladies would often enjoy a private drink in the snug in a time when it was frowned upon for ladies to be in a pub. The local garda would nip in for a quiet pint, the parish priest for his evening whiskey, and lovers would use the snug for their clandestine visits..

Oh so YummyAn Irish Mule for Scottyb & A Black Walnut Old Fashioned for JP

So at home

Great Irish music playing So goodWe decided to purchase the walnut & orange bitters for our future Old Fashions ~ Yea

Love the Old feel Weston's Watch Dog......

EntranceLove the new entrance bumped out in front of the old building.

As one of the locals said to me - Weston can be magical ~

Interesting I believe this is the way to go.......

Is that Scott getting into the truckSaying a prayer for safe travels. So wish this was open - well, maybe not.O'Malley's doesn't open till 5 - see we should have got a room at the Benner House! What - right next door to O'Malley'sTrouble - only if we didn't have to drive.

Who's laughing????

Thought that we would stop by and say a quick prayer, but....

Turns out this is a winery!This renovated church is a former Lutheran Evangelical Church that was built by German immigrants in 1867.

Bummer this establishment wasn't open.Thanks Covid Holladay Distillerywould have been beautiful to sit outside and enjoy the grounds. A Fantastic ConceptEmbracing, Enhancing, and Supporting the Lives of Youth and Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Artiststhe kids that work here paint there own fence stick.....

A fun day exploring a fun town ~ i'm sure there is many more in Missouri but we gotta go onto Kansas!

We had to blow through Kentucky to get to our next stop.  We will be back Kentucky ~ another beautiful state.

First stop, E. St. Louis, Illinois -Illinois becomes the 21st state on December 3, 1818. Illinois is a midwestern state bordering Indiana in the east and the Mississippi River in the west. Nicknamed "the Prairie State," it's marked by farmland, forests, rolling hills and wetlands.

Our Next Stay - 9-18 to 9-21Casino Queen RV park Nothing but a parking lot but it wasn't that bad. We were able to walk to the Malcolm Martin Memorial Park where you get the best view of the Gateway Arch

No WayThat red arrow is pointing at the Cargill plant - why should we be excited; this is the company our daughter works for... Oh & yes, the Arch is to the right of it.....

Ahhhh Happy HourAfter a long days drive, this little appetizer plate hit the spot.

Sunset behind the Gateway ArchOur first night in E.St.Louis & a beautiful sunset.

 Up & at 'em early to drive over the Mississippi River and into downtown St. Louis, MO - I know, so confusing...   

St. Louis Arch This view is while we were driving over the bridge into downtown St. Louis

  Would love to see a Baseball game...

St.Louis Cardinals 2020 & no fans allowed - felt like a ghost town

Below is the Missouri side 

Mississippi River ToursDepot for traditional Mississippi paddleboat tours past the iconic 63-storey Gateway Arch

This is the Illinois side.....

Working America

King of Beers since 1876Not a Bud drinker but sure do love their logo UmmmI know - this didn't come out like I thought but dang, this is the largest gas station sign I have ever seen.... LoL

630 foot high steel structureGateway Arch, monument in St. Louis, Missouri, that sits along the west bank of the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch, one of the most iconic monuments in the U.S., takes its name from the city's role as the “Gateway to the West” during the westward expansion of the United States in the 19th century. A bit more than graffiti The next few photos are wall art painted on the wall next to the arch Riverboats I Said 'NO PARKING'.......LoL Mural MileGrafitti Missouri talks about the Mural Mile for a place to view wall art. A bit disappointed simply because your work could be covered up with someone else's graffiti - after a 1/2 mile, it just looked messy... Bummer Under The Bridge Best looking Containers

Who's up for seeing some animals???

Forest Park area of Saint Louis, MissouriThis area is incredible - who would have thought that an area like this could be tucked away in a city...... Forest Park area of Saint Louis, MissouriThis area is incredible - who would have thought that an area like this could be tucked away in a city...... Get this, the zoo is FREE

 
 
Of course the Ibis & Rhino go together

Red River HogDoes this remind you of a character from a movie?????

Hippopotamus Would you look at those teeth! Hippopotamus Laughing.....

Spotted Hyena

CheetahThis animal is so beautiful & sleek CheetahThis animal is so beautiful & sleek CheetahThis animal is so beautiful & sleek ElephantsA little Food    So CuteTrying to drink

GUEREZA COLOBUS MONKEYThese 2 boys were so much fun to watch as they watched these Monkeys carry on.

God's Creation An amazing pattern

Puma

Can you get any prettier

Oh My GoshI want one. Oh wait it's a Leapord Mike Mike MikeIt just automatically comes out.... LoL Addaxknown as the white antelope From the Sahara Desert. GiraffeThe worlds tallest mammals Feather-pluckingThought it was funny watching this Ostrich plucking at it's feathers but I read now that it's not... this can cause damage to the feathers and occasionally the skin. Stress related Sprawled OutPolar Bear lays like dogs.... Galapagos penguinSo much fun to watch

Please be very quietGrizzly bear, a grizzly bear sleeping

“Oh, don’t get all grizzly with me!”Beautiful ~ YES

In HonorFlag flying 1/2 mast in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Gateway ArchMalcolm W. Martin Memorial Park on the Illinois side, this park has an incredible view of the Arch & the city of St. Louis, Mo Feed ElevatorCargill's elevator to move product onto the barges. Capital BuildingWhat a gorgeous Capital Building in St.Louis, Mo America Moves ViewMalcolm W. Martin Memorial Park is a passive public space situated directly across from the Gateway Arch. The park is home to the Gateway Geyser (the tallest water fountain in the U.S.) Which we missed up close but could see it from far away. (a viewing tower that offers unprecedented views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis). Cargill More than 155 years, Cargill has helped farmers grow more, connecting them to broader markets. Cargill is continuously developing products that give consumers just what they’re seeking, advancing nutrition, food safety and sustainability. . Benner's Waving bye as we move onto our next State.

  Here we come Missouri >>>>>The "Show Me State"

What a year - right???  None of us will ever forget 2020.  Scott & I arrived back in North Carolina 2-26-20 & while walking to the mailbox, I had a collision with 2 dogs - wham - popped up with a fractured elbow.  No time to rest - Scott & I drove up to Ft. Eustis, VA to move our son Keenan down to Southern Pines so he may start his next chapter at Ft. Bragg & getting hitched on 3-21-20 to beautiful Cassidy Hahn.

But wait - the illustrious Corona Virus lashed out across the world.. YUK - what to do?? Plunge forward - the Hahn's, Benner's & the Siff's decided to carry on with the wedding.  We know - not what the kids dreamt of but we have to say; it was a most spectacular wedding.

(As always, hover over the pictures for some "extra" story)

Our Happy Couple    

Back to Concord, NC to stay boarded up for the summer - our hearts breaking for so many people.  As the country slowly opens - here we go (leaving sad dogs at home) driving the amazing roads of America & discovering  the land of the FREE.

Koda & Diesel ~ Melissa's dogs... Gizmo & Misty ~ Melissa giving us our send off.....

First stop will be Hermitage,TN (just outside Nashville) for 5 nights; lets see what trouble we can get into.
Tennessee is a landlocked state in the U.S. South. Its capital, centrally located Nashville, is the heart of the country-music scene, with the long-running Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and a legendary stretch of honky-tonks and dance halls. Memphis, in the far southwest, is the home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland, rock-and-roll pioneering Sun Studio and the blues clubs of Beale Street.   Tennessee was admitted to the Union as the 16th state on June 1, 1796.

Nashville Shores, our home for the next 5 nights.  The water park was actually closed due to heavy rains - we weren't complaining since this way we had the place almost to ourselves....

Up & at 'em... taking a ride to downtown Nashville.  Neither of us had ever visited Nashville. Below is the at&t building - maybe the tallest structure downtown - so if you get turned around, just look for this building.

Awesome Architecture downtown & look, the streets were so quiet - Covid, I guess.

SMASHVILLEThe Predators - Ice hockey team.

Country Music Hall of Fame

SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTERNamed in honor of the late Maestro Kenneth Schermerhorn, who led the GRAMMY Award-winning Nashville Symphony for 22 years, Schermerhorn Symphony Center is home of the Nashville Symphony. Located in downtown Nashville's SoBro neighborhood, across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the building hosts a wide range of musical events, including classical, pops, jazz, and world music. One of Scott's favorite bands

Just Love how Nashville preserved so many old buildings - gave this town so much character.. 

Football Anyone???  Oh wait, you can't go in....

First Avenue & the Flood of 2010The torrential rains and catastrophic flooding of May 1-3, 2010, will be remembered for many years.A flood event that sets a new record crest is something rarely seen, especially when records date back 50 to 100 years. The Cumberland River at Nashville caused tremendous damage when it rose to almost 52 feet. While walking the streets, it was incredible to think how many buildings were filled with the Cumberland River!

f 

What is a GooGoo???

GooGoo?????chocolate-covered clusters are filled with caramel, marshmallow and nuts : peanuts,pecans or peanut butter. Goo Goos are "mmm, mmm, good!" You just gotta try some today! (Of course, "GOO" could stand for "Grand Ole Opry!") Okay Dad - what did you know??? A glimpse of Broadway...And, look how quiet it was! Of course, it is about 11:00am on a Tuesday. Sheet MusicLaid in the streets - so cool Old surrounded by New Capital StepsYup, Scott running them all - Hi Hoe SilverNope, Hi Hoe Sam Patch.... Beautiful statue of Andrew Jackson - the USA's 7th President.

Beautiful Capital Building

Treasury Building

As most cities across America, they are filled with amazing art work - you just have to be adventurous to find them. 

WoolworthI always find it funny that this sign is kept throughout this country.The first Woolworth store was opened by Frank Winfield Woolworth on February 22, 1879, as Woolworth's Great Five Cent Store" in Utica, New York. The RymanThe brainchild of a prominent Nashville businessman, Thomas G. Ryman, the Ryman Auditorium was originally constructed in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle to provide a place for evangelist Reverend Sam Jones. It was Ryman’s dream to build a venue for Jones to project his voice and message to everyone and this Victorian Gothic Revival structure went on to do just that. In 1904, after Thomas Ryman passed away, it became known as the Ryman Auditorium. Since the road in front of the Ryman was under construction, we couldn't get a wide shot of the building. Couldn't go in due to Covid - Thanks a lot....

  See anyone you recognize???

First StopTootsies - we went straight to the roof top for a nice cold one and get off our feet!

Straight upstairs for a Cold one. First beer in a long time - due to carb watching.

ElvisEven though Elvis is from Memphis, you can find reminders of him all over Nashville. You can teach an old dog new tricksSo wild - all you have to do is take a picture of the QR codes with your phone and the menus will pop up. Our young waitress got a nice giggle out of us learning this. Moonshine Anyone....Must say, very tasty. Believe Scott's favorite is the Salted Carmel - after he finishes the Sweet Tea... LoL Aaron WalkerWhat a voice....If there was a sound that captures the words Outlaw, Hey Y'all, and Yee Haw this side of the Nolichucky, there would be no other group that comes to mind clearer than Aaron Walker and the band that backs him. Aaron Walker Band delivers a very energetic feel on stage with passion and a burning for what some may say is missing in certain realms of country music today. They are a group of guys all born and raised in the hills of East Tennessee and have been bringing their own style and sound to the country music scene. I mean ....... COME ON Military BOGOSo needless to say we stayed for a few.. This by far was our favorite bar.

  Great Bar....

Chris VitaAwesome musician & Singer From Anderson, SC Cody AtkinsAn awesome Singer & musician From Blacksburg, VA way Cody Atkins & Chris VitaTogether, these 2 were so much fun.... Jazz you sayIt's not all country music in Nashville.. This young man in the picture was the drummer & dang he was good....

George Jones' name was lit up on the street.

Whoa Wait - - - Keep Going, We Haven't Left Nashville - YET

The ParthenonDid you know???? The Parthenon in Centennial Park, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. It was designed by Confederate veteran William Crawford Smith and built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece.

  ANDREW JACKSON'S HERMITAGE

   Experience the historic mansion and tranquil beauty

Hermitage GroundsAbsolutely Gorgeous The HermitageAndrew Jackson's Mansion (back yard)

Alfred Jackson's CabinAlfred, known as Uncle Alfred, was Andrew Jackson's faithful servant. Alfred : Personal Man Servant Alfred, was born at the Hermitage and he lived on the plantation longer than anyone on record. He was responsible for maintaining the wagons and farm equipment, and he tended the horses. Alfred also served as Andrew Jackson’s personal man servant. First HomeThis is where Andrew Jackson first lived when he bought the Hermitage with his wife Rachel. First Mansion of the Hermitage This home use to have 2 levels Back Door of the Mansion Welcome in......Oh wait, you need a ticket.... LoL Hermitage GardenA beautiful garden Andrew Jackson created for his beloved wife Rachel Jackson. Look who we foundCould this be a Peter Rabbit descendant ?? So cute So Curious A. Jackson's TombJackson died on June 8, 1845 and was laid to rest two days later in the tomb. The inscription on his reads simply, “General Andrew Jackson, March 15, 1767 – June 8, 1845.” The Jackson family cemetary where the last to be buried here was in 1971 at the age of 100! Uncle Alfred is also laid to rest next to Andrew and Rachel's tomb. Part General, Part EverymanJackson astounded the country with his sharp strategy in battle and go-getter attitude since he was a “common man” with no formal military training. This, along with winning New Orleans, put Jackson on the map politically for his road to the White House. One Smart ManThis grave site is Alfred Jackson's - Andrew Jackson's man servant. He was so smart that he traded his worldly possessions to the Hermitage with one request and the request was that he be buried near President Jackson and his wife, Rachel. Here is Alfred’s grave in the garden, just to the side of the Jackson shrine. Alfred died at the age of 99.

Scott standing by an Umbrella Magnolia tree

Umbrella Magnolia TreeScott standing in front of this majestic tree.

Front of the Mansion

The Hermitage original entrance Original Entrance to the Hermitage

Andrew Jackson sitting on his companion - Sam Patch

That's all we have for our short stay in Tennessee.  Hope you enjoyed!  Follow along on a visit to Illinois...

We decided to venture out to visit the ancient Cliff Dwellings in Gila (Hee-lah) National Forest since the temperature was supposed reach 68 degrees, the sun was coming out unabated, and we wanted to discover the beauty of the state.  A 3+ hour ride to the Dwellings, we decided to visit City of Rocks while on the way....what an amazing national phenomenon!
 

Our view as we approach...The rocks stand completely alone in this open, relatively flat range.
 

Getting closer... A great little find!

City of Rocks gets its name from the incredible volcanic rock formations found here. The park encompasses a one square mile area in the scenic Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 5,200 feet.

(http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/cityofrocksstatepark.html)

One thumbs-up to this place!The first rock formation we encountered as we drove up to the visitors center.

The “city” is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. These rocks were formed about 34.9 million years ago when a very large volcano erupted. Then, erosion over millions of years slowly formed the sculptured columns seen today, creating a stunning, otherworldly landscape.  

Who ever thought you could be fascinated by rocks?! These things are huge!
Who say's you can't move mountains? LOL

I Spy Scott..... Did you ever see Galaxy Quest? Amazing!This huge bolder teeters on this one lone small rock balancing on only one other point of contact on the left side...just daring a hare to crawl under it and bump the small rock. Afternoon nap...The natural indentation formed in this rock from rain over millennia was a perfect nesting spot. And look...There were "His" and "Hers" napping spots created...God is Great! It was like a huge wave in the ocean
Old, Baked & NeedyThese rocks just calling out for you to explore

Boomerang

For a day of touring & a night of complete silence & stars, City of Rocks would be great.  Nice sites, and very clean bathrooms and only $14 a night.

Shade Ramada'sA nice touch & look, all sites have fire pits...

3.3 million acres of forested hills, majestic mountains & range land.

This area is best known for it's wilderness areas - in particular,  the Gila wilderness -

the first wilderness of the United States.

Geronimo (1829-1909)Early Apache Warriors and Chiefs along with Geronimo there is: Mangas Coloradas (1797-1862) Victorio (around 1825-1880) Lozen (late1840s-1886)

Gila Cliff DwellingsOur walk to past begins.

Barred Owl ?My "eagle eye" guide picked this little fella out right away. I was excited to see this owl in its natural habitat. DwellingPeople of the Mogollon Culture constructed and inhabited the cliff dwellings between the late 1270s and 1300. ... Archeologists estimate that 40-60 Mogollons constructed the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Mogollon"s built their dwellings in five caves and each dwelling had approximately 40 rooms Long way down!from the inside of one of the dwellings The black ceiling is from the Mogollon fires over the years. So many rooms

So many rooms Do you see it????Cave Paintings More cave paintings LaddersExactly how the Mogollon's entered into their dwellings All they do is pull the ladder up if intruders arrive.... To think these dwellings were built back in the 1200's - amazing. Spike Desert Color

Silver City, NMBoasting historical ties with Billy the Kid, the Gila Cliff Dwellings, and Geronimo, as well as the third largest open pit copper mine in the world, Silver City shines in its artistic, culinary, and historical offerings.
See ya in Arizona ~Thanks for following......
 

Saw this sign A LOT during this trip!

Traveling companions....A good sign that the economy is doing well...

Trains....Long freight trains can be seen for miles in west Texas. The Wall...So, this is the existing wall along the Texas / Mexico border as we passed through El Paso. It was quite obvious (just before this picture was taken) which side was El Paso, TX and which was Juarez, MX....let's just say that Juarez is a little rough and poverty stricken. We made it!As we crossed the border into NM, I-10 seemed to improve a bit (less bumpy).


 

Hacienda RV Resort

(https://www.haciendarv.com)

Hacienda is a nice park immediately off of I-10 and conveniently located within walking distance of a great small historic town, Mesilla, where the Gadsden Purchase was signed making New Mexico a part of the United States in 1854.  Hacienda has paved roads, gravel lots and a beautiful clubhouse with a hot tub.  Unfortunately, they do not have coordinated activities which utilize the clubhouse, so it goes mostly unused and it was too cold for us to hit the hot tub.

Our site...In this picture, the trailer directly to our front was occupied by a very nice, young "traveling nurse" and her dog from Minnesota. We met her at the local coffee shop where she educated us on the national shortage of nurses and the program which enables them to travel the country and contract for 3-6 months helping fill the short-term needs of hospitals across the nation. She thoroughly enjoys it and loves to see different parts of the country...what a great concept and occupation!
The sites are shared with your neighbor facing the opposite direction so you can each hook up on the left and face out the right which has a nice wooden privacy fence and foliage.
 

Our site partners rotated in and out....most heading for AZ for the winter.

A beautiful Provost....The graphics on this coach really caught our eye! We both thought that this coach must belong to a traveling rock band...our understanding from the front desk is that it actually belongs to a guy in his 70's...haha!! The graphics are amazing and simply striking. We so wanted to meet the man who would own such a coach, but unfortunately, we were told he was swimming with the sharks in Mexico somewhere...bummer.

Joan swore it must belong to Evanescence!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdhqVtpR2ts
NM sunset...This photo was taken from inside the resort....stunning colors in this south-western sky!

 

After a day of rest and relaxation (trying to catch up on blog posts), we ventured out to the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park which is a state park of New Mexico that is preserving a riverside forest along the Rio Grande.  It was a bit disappointing as it is very small and there was very little water in the Rio Grande, but it made for a nice start to our local day of adventure.  

Pecan tree farm...A native North American nut indigenous to the Mississippi River Valley, East Texas, and northern Mexico, pecans were brought to the Mesilla Valley by settlers in the late 1800s. The trees were valued as much for shade in a hot climate as for the nutmeats that had sustained many Native peoples for centuries. Plain-Jane pecans are the number-one commercial food crop in the state, and when it comes to nationwide production, NM is second only to Georgia. The Rio Grande....Not as impressive as we expected... :( But still pretty!

So, we ventured back into the historic town of Mesilla...

Back in TimeIt was easy to set your mind back in time while strolling through parts of Mesilla. Horses hitched to a post would have made this picture right!

Mesilla hosts a market of local vendors & artists in the town square twice a week.  In and out of the town shops, weaving our way through the market...what a lovely day!  

Peppers anyone? Beautiful artwork through out the town of Mesilla A little Giggle Vintage WineThe official tasting room of Cowbelle Wines. Though we didn't try the Cowbelle Wines, we did enjoy the Local brew.

Local BrewPecan Beer - had to try it and must say, it was very good.
Relax, Taste, Enjoy! Vintage Wine: We relaxed in the historic ambiance provided by Old Mesilla - a great afternoon stop.

Billy The Kid gift store, which was the former Mesilla Jail. This jail housed Billy The Kid before his extradition to Lincoln, NM, only to have him escape and elude capture for some time thereafter.
ImagineBilly the Kid behind these bars
 

He was never hung here...Escape was all he could think about. Basilica of San Albinocurrent structure was built in 1906, and is one of the oldest churches in the region. Daily masses are held in both Spanish and English.

Mesilla, NMknown for its cultural and political ties to Mexico

Fun place with delicious Mexican food...we met our new friends, Barbara & Brian Block (remember them from Fort Stockton RV Resort?) for dinner here! They arrived in Las Cruces a few days after us and we linked up again, traded some more stories....what a grand time!! La Posta de Mesilla, restaurant and stop on the Butterfield Trail. Was once a bunkhouse and stable for travelers, having been frequented by the likes of Billy The Kid, Pat Garrett, Pancho Villa

A wonderful day complete...

What to do tomorrow....hmmmm...

I know, let's go to a national park and see some native American cliff dwellings!  

(Stay tuned....)
 

Welcome to San Antonio, TX!

We stayed at Travelers World RV Resort (https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/southwest/texas/travelers-world/) which is located just 3 miles south of the Alamo and the commercial River Walk area.  One of our favorite features of San Antonio is that the River Walk boasts over 15 linear miles of continuous trail along the river through the center of the city from Breckenridge Park to Mission Espada.  All of this is concrete trail, beautiful landscape, multiple parks at street entrances, and lovely bridges spanning the river...very well done, I must say!  Travelers World sits directly on the Roosevelt Avenue entrance, so Scott & I walked the trails every morning.    

Our site....#90 pull through...The resort has paved roads, large gravel stone lots, cement picnic pads with tables, and nice grass in between.

Pull-through....Nice large lot, so we could pull the Toad all the way in with us and park behind without ever unhooking.

Roosevelt Avenue....Our entrance to the River Walk from our resort

First stop....gotta see a blast from the past...Tom Romanello!  Tom was one of Joan's first roommates when she lived in Charlotte, NC.  We were treated to the company of his wife, Miho, who is just perfect!  A solo immigrant to this country at age 17 from Japan, she was so excited because she was becoming a citizen in the following weeks (13 Dec).  We are so proud of all the effort she has put into learning English on her own, excelling in the corporate world, and studying day-in and day-out to become a citizen.  Great job, Miho!  

And, Tom has done very well for himself too....  Love ya, Tom!

Dinner at La Gloria....Great food, yummy drinks, and wonderful company! Día de los Muertos ....Quick shaky selfie outside La Gloria with the Dead Guy on the bench....

After a beautiful evening with the Romanello's, we ventured to downtown San Antonio!

We took the bus....Just out front of Travelers World, there is a bus stop....very convenient...only $2.75 each for all day riding. Just remember to have exact change!

Our sights were set on heading straight to the Alamo (Joan had never been there before), so we marched on...

wait...I have to get this picture...

Not just North Carolina!!!!! Fire escapes are so cool....

Scott, stand there for a picture....

Nice way to see the city...by trolley....

Wait......I thought Halloween was over.....?
 

Finally, its in sight....

The story of the Alamo begins with the establishment of the Mission San Francisco de Solano near the Rio Grande River in 1700. There, Spanish missionary Father Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares worked to convert many of the Coahuiltecan bands to Catholicism. After Olivares traveled to Texas with an expedition in 1709, he was struck by the San Antonio area and later recommended it to the Spanish viceroy, Marques de Valero, as a site for a mission waypoint on the road to Spanish settlements in East Texas. The mission that we know today as the Alamo was born as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718.  (http://www.thealamo.org)

We did the self-guided audio tour...

DECLINE OF SPANISH RULE: 1794-1821

In response to increased French and American threats from nearby Louisiana, Spain mobilized its military into the Texas frontier after the turn of the century. Though it started as a mission, San Antonio de Valero was now secularized, and the Spanish military occupied the old mission compound and converted it into a frontier outpost and military garrison.

MEXICAN TEXAS: 1822-1835

When Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the Alamo remained a military outpost. The soldiers of the Alamo Company, named for their hometown Alamo de Parras south of the Rio Grande, shifted their allegiance to the newly formed independent nation of Mexico.

Transformation over the years....From the facade of the chapel, you can see how it has morphed throughout the hundreds of years to serve multiple purposes...a place of worship & education to spread Christianity, a Quartermaster depot, and a mercantile.

TEXAS REVOLUTION: 1835-1836

San Antonio de Béxar was now key military point, a crossroads and center of commerce in colonial Texas. With the outbreak of revolt in Coahuila y Tejas, San Antonio resumed its old role as Texas' capital. The Alamo, now a fortress under the command of 26-year-old William Barret Travis, came under siege by dictator Santa Anna. He ordered the pre-dawn attack on March 6, 1836 in which 186 Texians, Tejanos, Americans and Europeans sacrificed themselves to stop a tyrant.

UNDER THE REPUBLIC: 1837-1845

Texas won its independence from Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. But the fighting did not end there. Mexico refused to give up its claim to Texas as well as the additional territory claimed by the new Republic, and launched military attacks on Texas several times in the ensuing years. The Alamo remained a vital military garrison protecting San Antonio and supplying border forts from Mexican incursion and Indian attacks.

THE ARMY MOVES IN: 1846-1877

Texas joined the United States on December 29, 1845. San Antonio de Béxar and the Alamo greatly benefitted from annexation and statehood. Centrally located and vital to Texas, San Antonio was already seen as an important civic and military asset. The Alamo became a U.S. Army outpost and depot. It was during this period that the Army added the Alamo's famous bell-shaped top.

WAREHOUSE TO SHRINE: 1878 -1905

The U.S. Army departed the Alamo and established Fort Sam Houston to replace it in 1876. The remaining grounds of the Alamo compound were divided and sold for various uses. The Catholic Church claimed ownership of the remaining mission buildings, while the city maintained ownership of the roads that passed through the mission grounds in front of the old church. The Galera, or Low Barrack, served as the “gate” to the Alamo until the Church sold it to the city in 1871 so it could be demolished to make way for a grand new public plaza. The mission compound lost its southern border and a vital part of its identity. The Alamo was even used as a commercial warehouse until the State of Texas purchased it in the 1880s.

THE MODERN ERA: 1906 TO PRESENT

The Alamo today stands at the heart of San Antonio and the heart of what it means to be a Texan. It is managed by the Texas General Land Office on behalf of the people of Texas. People visit from all over the world to see and learn about the mission and fort's vital role in defending freedom. Battlefield tours, living history, a one-of-a-kind movie, summer camps, unique exhibits and more are available year-round on the Alamo grounds.

A monument to the fallen....Colonels James Bowie (Co-commander of the garrison; Kentucky), David Crockett (Tennessee) and LTC William B. Travis (Co-commander of the garrison; South Carolina). to name a few....

The Emily Morgan San Antonio (Hotel)Adjacent to The Alamo

The Alamo visit complete, it was time to walk the town and The River Walk....

See, aren't fire escapes cool works of art? Another way to see the town...Rent and ride with your phone app

What a stunning day...
 

GlühweinSo, it was nearing lunch time and we wondered upon one of our favorites that we experienced in Germany...we had to have some!

Did I mention it was nearing lunch time!

Christmas preparations on the Riverwalk The Aztec Hidden History Gems as you walk along the River walk SeeAnother history hidden gem... Beautiful landscape throughout the River Walk Beautiful Mosaic Tile Just a cool building that was engulfed by newer buildings. Mariachi serenade

La Antorcha de la Amistad (Spanish for "The Torch of Friendship") is a monumental abstract sculpture by Mexican sculptor Sebastián, installed in Downtown San Antonio, in the U.S. state of Texas. The work was commissioned by a group of Mexican businessmen living in the United States and friends of Mexico, and presented as a gift from the Mexican government to the City of San Antonio in 2002. River WalkAlway's look up :) A little break while Joan shoots some ducks.

Ha, didn't I say that fire escapes are cool.....Check this one out. This one's coolGreat place for Senior pictures

Bear County Courthouse of San Antonio -Completed in 1897Many of the older courthouses, such as in San Antonio, retain the flavor of the last century in their majestic, temple-like architecture popular at the turn of the century. During their peak of construction, county courthouses were looked on by citizens as symbols of liberty and independence, purveyors of justice in the land of the free. Courthouses were also viewed as staunch hometown symbols of the people's faith in their ability to govern themselves, and sometimes, too, of the determination of one county to outshine the adjacent area. In this context, a building representing a sacred object such as justice, required monumental dignity, and just as jewels need a fine setting to display their beauty, courthouse sites were selected with utmost care. San Fernando Cathedralestablished in 1731 by Canary Islanders, San Antonio’s first civilian colonists. San Fernando Cathedralhouses the remains of Alamo defenders James Bowie, David Crockett, and William Travis

Love itEvery town has a clock Aztec theater opened June 4, 1926

August F. Staacke (1825–1909) was an immigrant from Hanover, Germany, who developed a successful mercantile business in San Antonio. He carried Studebaker wagons, and imported commercial prairie schooner wagons that were built to withstand the rugged terrain of westward expansion.^[3] The carriage trade portion of his business was sold to his sons August, Rudolph and Herman, officially being known as the Staacke Brothers in 1889.

St. Joseph's Church - Home of the San Antonio Liederkranz (German singing society)The Gothic style building was without a steeple until 1898 when the now existing spire was erected to crown and complete the structure as it is today Geez, this guy was creeping on us - he'd just pop up Whose Thirsty?

Prost !
 

Joan will talk with anyone! Scott wanted a ride!

Happy 2018 Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving 2018Our first Thanksgiving away from home.

  Our River Walk after our Thanksgiving meal ~

River WalkThat's right, it's not only downtown - the River Walk expands 15 miles Hawks on the River Walk Cormorant Bird of the River walk The Bird of Scott on the River Walk - lol An amazing job they have done on this River Walk - whether you walk, bike or canoe - it's fabulous...

So, our San Antonio visit complete, it was time to move on towards New Mexico!

Art Work...Just a mile from the Resort are some amazing works. These are found as you exit Roosevelt Avenue heading to I-10. Gotta Love Texas......I-10 in the middle of nowhere...of course, we kept the coach at 70 to save on diesel a bit :)

BUT, wow is it a long drive....so, we stopped half way at a lonely, tumbleweed laden place...

One Night Layover Gotta admit....The western Texas skies are amazing!

While shooting these marvelous colors we met the Block's ~

The Block'sWe met Brian & Barbara at Fort Stockton RV park while trying to capture the sunset. Turns out that the Block's lived in Bethlehem, Pa and purchased their motor coach in Souderton, Pa - what a small world. A wonderful couple who have encouraged us to be avid bloggers, enjoy the RV lifestyle, and embrace all life has to offer! Can't wait till our paths cross again....

Stand by....there is more to this story...New Mexico, here we come!

Note the guy taking a selfie!

Canyon Lake, TX made our list of stopping points for one reason...Scott HAD to see his "Battle Buddy" from Iraq, his wife and their two beautiful children, who are lifelong friends that we cherish!  Since we were going to spend most of our time with them, we decided to try Joint Base San Antonio Recreation Park (a military park; https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/texas/randolph-canyon-lake-recreation-park) for our stay.  

Very nice choice!  

We were greated every morning and evening by our four-legged friends below.  The park has paved roads and concrete pads with full hook-ups.  Each site has a grill, fireplace ring and a very nice concrete pad with awning.  The park is directly on Canyon Lake and has boat access with a small marina, as well.  The most we did was walk along-side the lake and I never had my camera with me....dang it!  All in all, a very nice park.  

Lousy picture!Took this through our very dirty coach window as we were driving into the park. Reflections all over, but you get the point....right?
Nice RACK!Scott had heart palpitations every time he saw the big boy!

Neighbors yard...A family of six wondered over in the afternoon to graze, so we decided to go out and take some photos. All of 10 feet separated us from them...very comfortable in THIER park!



Just love shooting wildlife!

 

The day after arriving, we met with Ocho (Ron) and Mikaela...what a stunning job they have done in constructing their forever home!   After an amazing career culminating as a Commander in the Navy, Ocho retired and began a new career that he would have to kill us if told us about it...don't know what he does, but its important.  He and Mikaela have built a beautiful home in a community in Canyon Lake with sweeping views and wonderful breezes.  

Mikaela  owns her own company (and Ocho), Imagine Gurus, LLC, which provides home staging, professional organizing, redesign, and remodel & project management services in/around Canyon Lake...so, their home is extraordinary, inside and out!!!  

If you are ever in need of her services, please, reach out to her...she is amazing!!!

  (https://www.imaginegurus.com)

Back of the home...According to Ocho, the backyard is a work in progress as their vision for landscaping and expansion evolve.
 

Pondering....Ocho would like to have a woodworking shop in the hill behind him with an In-law casita above...our future residence!
 

In all of Ocho's spare time, he wanted to build a treehouse for his two children.  So, the project began with a vision, some drawings, and then a LOT of hard work.  I must say, the end result is amazing...more of a "guesthouse" then a "treehouse" and from what we understand, Mikaela loves to have Wine-n-Dine outings there for the ladies!  

So, down the hill we go...He built the staircase, as well!

The design...Scott and Ocho discuss some of the challenges he faced while constructing the treehouse. Look at the amazing beauty of this tiny house...mind you, Ocho has no construction experience! The rock....Ocho built the front porch around this amazing rock which turned into a piece of artwork. You can see, Mikaela put her magical touches in & out to decorate this place.

 

And now, let's go inside this "treehouse".....

So roomy...solid wood, heat & air, wired for internet and cable...unreal...
LOVE the retro frig and microwave!
And, look up...a second floor!!!The second story that Ocho built into the design is equipped to function as a bedroom with walk-in closet. He utilized cable as the railing for safety, but also provides limited viewing obstacles to watch TV which will be mounted on the opposing wall...always thinking!

So, with tours complete....let's go see the area around Canyon Lake.

First stop...The Ben Milam Whiskey Distillery!

(http://benmilamwhiskey.com)

An intimate and friendly gathering spot for tasting or just to drop by and have a few cocktails.
Cheers!Here we are with Ocho & Mikaela trying the Bourbon....I think. Thank you selfie stick...you are amazing!

These are the Single Barrel Bourbon and Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskeys... We also had a Tequila and a small batch Rye Whiskey (that Scott really liked).

On to the WINERY(s)!!!

First stop...Ab Astris WineryA family-owned, boutique winery in Stonewall, Texas, dedicated to producing handcrafted vintages in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. (https://www.abastriswinery.com)
HOORAY WINE!!love this picture...don't they look so happy? Thats our table on the right....
Lovely seating areas throughout the winery yard...
Our view while enjoying the yummy white wine...a beauty!

Tervitused! That is Estonian for "Cheers!" Mikaela and Ocho spent three years in Tallinn, Estonia while Ocho was assigned there working with the U.S. Embassy. Lunch...Mikaela packed this lunch for us to enjoy on the road (wherever we might end up)...it was fabulous and paired well with the 2017 Solis Muscat/Roussanne Blend....mmmmm And again, everyone looks sooooo happy, don't we? Wine makes everything better!!

After lunch and the bottle, we move on to the next wonderful spot....

Kluhman Cellars

"At Kuhlman Cellars, we celebrate the bounty of each year’s harvest through our uncompromising wine quality.  We produce handcrafted wines of unparalleled character and complexity from hand-tended vineyards and well balanced fruit.  Each vintage is a celebration of our handiwork and the unique Terroir that is Texas.

At Kuhlman Cellars, it is All About the Wine".

http://www.kuhlmancellars.com

Thank you, again, Mr. Selfie Stick!Both Joan & Scott can be in pictures...Love you!! And, guess what....Mikaela is a club member of this winery so we had an appointment as the sign states...yippee!! This is very nice wine!The tasting room is lovely and quite busy. We were hosted by a sweet young lady who made us feel right at home and paired the wines with nice delicious bites. Out into the vineyard to look for the Rios vine... Oh, what a great day with friends! I love my selfie stick and tilted photos!

HOW ABOUT A BEER!

Ever heard the song "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" by Waylon Jennings featuring Willie Nelson?

Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)
https://play.google.com/music/preview/Tsqeqdo7jdbxpof6xjuokzwolga?play=1

Listen along as we explore!

How Luckenbach Got Its Name...Luckenbach was established in 1849. One of the first settlers in the area was Jacob Luckenbach (1817-1911). A group of German nobility, the Adelsverein, hoped for great riches by establishing a colony in the New World. In 1845 Jacob signed up and sailed with his family on the Johann Dethardt to Indianola in December. Jacob's family was one of the first settlers to arrive in Fredericksburg. He was allocated a town lot and a 10-acre lot southwest of town, where he first settled his family. In 1852, he sold both properties and moved 12 miles southeast of the site that was later known as Luckenbach. He was instrumental in the creation of Gillespie County and served as county commissioner and school super-visor. Even though he opposed secession, he served in Captain Englebert Rrauskopf's Home Guard during the Civil War. His youngest brother, August, joined a group of Union sympathizers and died at the hands of Confederate forces in 1862. Although Jacob Luckenbach and his family were early settlers, they are not credited with founding the town of Luckenbach. That honor goes to the Rev. and Mrs. August Engel. Rev. Engel was a circuit-riding Methodist preacher and was often away from home. Mrs. Engel, having time on her hands, established a small country store near their home in 1860. When August Engel Jr. applied for a post office, his sister, Minna Engel, agreed to work as his clerk. While they were filling out the postal application, Minna selected the name of her fiancé, Carl Albert Luckenbach, who was the son of Jacob. In the end, the name simply stuck. http://www.luckenbachtexas.com

How to "git" to Luckenbach....

• You get on I-10, go to 87, get off on 290, you know... where that dead deer 
  is in the ditch. 

• Then you take a right on that farm-to-market road. You know, where that cattle guard is? And that mawkin' bird nest? 

• Then take a left, go through a bump gate, two wooden gates, and a wire gap. 

• Then you'll find Luckenbach in the canyon. No, well, it's more like a rut." 

• On second thought...you better just print out the map!

Just look at the character in this town! And no, I don't mean Scott....This tiny hill country hamlet where “Everybody’s Somebody” was established as a Trading Post in 1849 making it one of the oldest settlements in Gillespie County. The Post Office/ General Store/ Beer Joint, was first opened in 1886 by August Engel, an itinerant preacher from Germany, who’s daughter Minna chose the name Luckenbach in honor of her fiancé, Albert Luckenbach. (Herr Luckenbach, a prolific fellow, also founded another little town called—what else?—Albert, not far away).
Groupie!See how handy the selfie stick is...???? Mikaela bewitched ~ Preach on, preach on...! Altstadt Kolsch...If you’re drinking to forget, please pay in advance. ~Posted Behind the Bar
 

In 1970—Luckenbach, which remained in the hands of the Engel family the whole time, fell into eclipse. Benno Engel retired as postmaster and placed an ad in the local paper: “TOWN FOR SALE” —lock, stock and dancehall.

At this point, Luckenbach’s second life began. Luckenbach was purchased by a collection of only-in-Texas characters—Hondo Crouch and his cohorts, Guich Koock and Kathy Morgan, who had what might charitably be described as over-active imaginations. Hondo imagined it was an old west fairy-tale-like principality and gave everybody titles. He formed a make-believe town and proclaimed himself Mayor. He made Marge the Sheriff and appointed ambassadors to foreign countries. The trio began to use the nearly-abandoned buildings as a backdrop for anything that smacked of mirth and diversion: “Hug-Ins”, a Luckenbach World’s Fair, Ladies State Chili Bust, the Mud Dauber Festival — and daily sessions of song-picking, domino playing and beer drinking beneath the 500-year-old oak trees. Today, over thirty years later, these events are still celebrated and the pickers are still pickin’ out under the big oak trees.

Hondo became the “Clown Prince” of Luckenbach, authoring poems celebrating Luckenbach’s big full moon, holding court at various “offishul” festivities and generally giving grown-ups permission to get in touch with the child within. Hondo’s business cards read “Imagineer,” and people began to fall under the magical spell of Luckenbach. Hondo Crouch, “Imagineer“, a "mirthquake," a "legend in his own mind," put the backwoods Camelot on the Texas map simply by being himself. White hair and beard, battered cowboy hat, faded jeans stuffed into his boots and red bandana loosely circling his neck, Hondo philosophized, whittled, told stories, and sang Mexican and cowboy songs. He'd accompany himself on his old guitar, always somewhere within reach. With that and not much more than an elfin smile and a mischievious twinkle in his eye, his magical personality attracted thousands to Luckenbach.

In the Nineties, Luckenbach has become something of a cottage industry, a trademark-registered slice of old-time Texas. After some $75,000 in new wiring, septic system and long-overdue improvements, the old dancehall and general store are ready to two-step into the 21st century. Willie Nelson returns to Luckenbach annually for his 4th of July Picnic with thousands of his closest friends...and that’s just the list of performers. Walker came back in 1993, on the 20th anniversary of the Viva Terlingua recordings to record a follow-up, Viva Luckenbach. He married his wife Susan in the bar in 1974 (Hondo was the best man). In 1973, Texas country-rocker, Jerry Jeff Walker came to Luckenbach to record an album. Walker wanted a laid-back Texas locale for a backdrop and Luckenbach was laid-back with a vengeance. Jerry Jeff and his Lost Gonzo Band took over the old dancehall, stacked hay bales for sound baffles and sat around the ancient saloon writing songs during the day. At night, they recorded in the dancehall— fast and loose. The album, Viva Terlingua, went “gold”, pretty much defined what Austin singer/songwriter Steve Fromholz refers to as “the Great Progressive Country Music Scare of the Mid-1970’s”, and made Luckenbach a destination point for everyone who heard it. It produced such Texas classics as: Gary P. Nunn’s, “London Homesick Blues” (Home With The Armadillo); Ray Wylie Hubbard’s “Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother”; Guy Clark’s, “Desperadoes Waiting for A Train” and “Sangria Wine”.
I don't always visit Luckenbach, TX, but when I do, I drink Alstadt!
Four years later, Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman – penned an idyllic ode to the burg—“Luckenbach Texas (Back to the Basics)”—which became a massive hit for Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson, bringing Luckenbach to its ultimate worldwide fame. Tour buses and tourists from around the world began to make Luckenbach a regular stop when visiting Fredericksburg area attractions, such as: The Admiral Nimitz Museum, Enchanted Rock State Park and the L.B.J. Ranch in Stonewall.

"Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach"Even the chickens....just don't pick them up! Penn State Fans in TX!Ocho & Mikaela's daughter attends Penn State (Main Campus) and loves it! Go Lions!! HONDOHondo passed away in 1976, the year before “Luckenbach Texas” became a hit, but his spirit is carried on by a collection of descendants. Hondo’s memory is also perpetuated via an eight-page monthly newspaper, The Luckenbach MOON, which is dedicated to “Peter Cedarstacker,” Hondo’s nom de plume when he wrote a column for the Comfort newspaper.

So, now it is time to head home for the evening....

And, look what we find!

Scott paid for $20 worth!I owe him $19.95 in change... R.I.P Mr. & Mrs. Krieger...As we left the parking lot, the old graveyard stood out as a memory of the German families who settled here and made this town possible. Schumann Cemetery Overview - The cemetery is located on private property near the hamlet of Luckenbach, just off RR 1376. The tiny family burial ground is situated on a gentle rise near the town loop and consists of four stones. Henrietta and Wilhelm Schumann are encircled by the decorative iron fence. The deceased are German immigrant pioneers of early Republic of Texas.

And, another glass or two before we leave ... sure!
 

The next day was a day of rest so, Mikaela and Ocho hosted us for a day of relaxation around the house and a spectacular surf & turf dinner!

The wines of choice to accompany dinner...
Love me some fried shrimp!

A meal fit for a king!Thank you so much Mikaela & Ocho!! Dinner was fabulous and we adore your friendship. We hope to see you again soon...maybe May in WA with the Von Benken's ???

The next morning before departure, Mikaela had made us some scones ... WOW, so good!  

We departed the park and went south a short distant to San Antonio...

So, we blew through Mississippi this trip...

And, moved straight on through to the Bayou State to experience the VooDoo that you do so well!!

Welcome to Ponchartrain Landing!

(http://www.pontchartrainlanding.com)

This park is lakeside on Ponchartrain.  It offered an onsite restaurant and bar, which was nice for the first evening that we arrived...rainy and cold (photos are from day 2 :) .  Unfortunately, we just had the coach washed & waxed and here we are....SAND!!!  Ugh.....

Through the entry gate... Around the corner after checking in...
Straight into a lakeside pull-in site...Nice....

City of New Orleans RiverboatThis was sitting just across the water from our site (a little to the left).... And, this was to the right of our site.

Then it was on to dinner at The Lighthouse Bar! 

An evening at Ponchartrain Landing...

This riverboat was being renovated and had an estimated completion date/ opening for summer 2018... we guess they were running a bit late because it wasn't running yet.