Travel Home

We had planned on three days to get home but it was SO hot. We passed dead forests...all red and brown and black, dry river beds, and ruined crops. Our destination was Dodge City, Kansas but when we got there, we traded drivers and drive a bit more...and then some more, and before we knew it we were home again. What a wonderful trip. Hope you enjoy our photos. G & V

Too Hot

Red Rocks Canyon, Oklahoma

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

We descended into this lovely red canyon and it was 101 degrees when we arrived. There was a swimming pool not far from our camp site and we eagerly set out for a swim. As we approached, we could see water jets flying into the air. The pool was closed. Locked tight. The next day, the temperature was projected to be 107. We headed out but took a few photos of the canyon first. Photos.

Lost Rapids

Lost Rapids State Park, Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Monday, July 25, 2011

The Ranger told us we were experiencing the worst heat wave in 26 years. The rapids were truly lost...dry as a bone. The lake was shallow and low. Some brave fishermen lasted about an hour. Photos.

Big Easy

Pontchartrain Landing, New Orleans, Lousiana

Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24, 2011

New Orleans is the same but not the same. We enjoyed the food, music and sights and also took a tour of the 9th ward and saw some of the effects of Katrina. There were times when we might not have been safe, but we weren't sure. Photos.

Sad Fish

Gulf State Park, Alabama

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

White beaches, blue skys, green water and sad fish. We tasted the first of the summer heat wave and a bit of disappointment. Photos.

Gator Holes

O'Leno State Park, Florida

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

During our hike, we saw just how the drought has effected Florida and we followed a river that disappeared. It had aligators too. Photos.

Special Island

Little Talbot Island State Park, Florida

Monday, July 18, 2011

This island has it all, marshes, beaches, and crabby crabs. Photos.

Set A Spell

Colleton State Park, South Carolina

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Our neighbors in this park invited us to come "set a spell" but not in the usual way. Photos.

Rub A Duck

Selma, North Carolina

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Selma offers an "American Review" in the town theater. We went. The performers, all from the area, were pretty good. Singing, dancing and a comedy act. Gretchen also got to rub a duck. Video

"Duck"

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Friday, July 8 - Friday, July 15, 2011

We've been traveling to the Outer Banks in the summer for most of our married life. Our grown children join us when they can. A few images of this year's wonderful week. Vince rides a fish.

Good Eatin'

Sherando Lake, Virginia

Thursday, July 7, 2011

A hidden park in the Blue Ridge mountains. Some of these trails were built in the 1930's as part of the WPA program.

Maybe Unicorns

Kanawha State Forest, Charleston, West Virginia

Tuesday, July 5 and Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Great trails, mosses, ferns, streams and large mushrooms. Photos

Cincinnati

Winton Woods Campground, Cincinnati, Ohio

Friday, July 1 - Monday, July 4, 2011

Three and a half days in Cincinnati were packed full of adventures. We saw family, friends and places all holding our memories and pieces of our hearts. Photos.

Change in Plans

Camp Lakewood Campground, Effingham, Illinois

Thursday, June 30, 2011

We had planned to stay at Carlyle Lake State Park near High Springs Illinois, but a Park Ranger phoned to tell us that Carlyle Lake is flooded and the campground is closed. So we chose the northern route into Cincinnati and stayed at the Camp Lakewood Campground in Effingham. We were glad we made a reservation, because the small park was completely full.

Lake of Oz

Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri

Wedneday, June 29, 2011

We definitely weren't in Kansas any more and had a great hike along the lake before supper. Lots of humidity, our clothes were drenched! Our little air-conditioned trailer was welcome...for sure. The water sparkled and there was grass and moss and ground covers everywhere. We sat under a tree in the evening and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and the peace of the place. Photos

Mysterious Pod

Clinton Lake State Park, Kansas

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

We really liked Clinton Lake. The site was comfortable and lovely, and hiking was really fun. We chose a trail that promised an Arch along the way, and there was, indeed, an arch as you can see! A good long hike followed by showers, an exellent camp supper cooked tableside, and fireflies in the evening accompanied by some quiet rock and roll on Vince's very small radio. Photos

Simon Says

Monday, June 27, 2011

Cedar Bluff is about 3 1/2 hours from Marshall Ash Village where we stayed last night.We camped on the north side of the reservoir. Actually, we drove over to the South side, thinking the hikiing and views would be better but the crushed chalk and gravel roads spooked us. Photos

Magical Horses

Marshall Ash Village, Stratton, CO

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Marshall Ash Village was just as described in the travel guides. A small RV park just off I70. Registration was in the Conoco gas station. We drove up the road to see the carousel at Burlington. Photos

Leaving Home

Lots of Details for a 5-week trip

Since we left on a Sunday, we packed up and drove our Casita to our early church service. Fr. Max invited everyone to join in the traveler's prayer and then, after the service, he came out to our trailer followed by our friends, he invited everyone to touch the trailer as he blessed it inside and out, and then we drove away as they all waved us off.

Our 2011 Travels

Rolling Miles