June 30, 2012 - Havre, MT

Well my trip has been pleasant and uneventful, but you always have one day that you wish you could do over and that day was yesterday. After getting up, having breakfast and putting everything away and disconnecting, I drove over to the service station next door to the self serve RV park because they had cheap fuel. I drove up to the truck pumps (they have larger high capacity nozzles) and started fueling up. Went into the coach to check on a few things and then went out to the pump after about 5 minutes and the pump had only put about 6 gal into the tank - 1 GALLON PER MINUTE!!!!! I needed about 50 gal and did not want to wait an hour for the fill up. I called the attendent to kick on another pump and he told me to try another location which I did. Not better luck - after 15-20 minutes of screwing around, I had about 20 gal in the tank so I told him I was leaving and going somewhere else to finish filling up. Drove to the next town and the fuel was about 5 cents cheaper. I was able to fill up the rest in about 5 minutes. I wondered what else might be in store for me during the day.

As I drove thru most of North Dakota, saw nothing but drilling rigs, oil & gas services, a lot of temporary buildings, lots of construction going on, lots of pipeline construction - I think there is an oil boom here !!!!! Say many Enbridge buildings and facilities. I was heading to Wiliston to stay at the Lewis & Clark State Park  on lake Sakakawea. With all the oil & gas activity, most of the roads are dirt and gravel since they have just been built in the last year. Well Tom Tom had me turn off of good ole route 2 onto one of these dusty gravel washboard roads. He said that I had about 15 miles to go on this road and it would take me right into the park. As I started down the road I remembered a similar adventure last year with Barb where we lost about 2 hours doing the same thing. On this road I could only drive about 10-15 mph because the road was so bad. After about  10 minutes I could no longer see out of the rear camera due to it being covered by dirt. After about 3 miles of this I came to a drilling rig location so I turned into it and was able to make a U-turn and head back to the paved highway. Once I got back to route 2 (after wasting about 45 minutes) I pulled into a truck stop and pulled up google earth on my computer. I saw a single paved highway that connected to route 2 and went in the direction of the park so I backtracked about 20 miles to the highway and turned onto it. Tom Tom promptly told me to turn around but I turned off his annoying voice. Eventually he showed that by taking this route, the distance would be about 30 miles which was fine with me. Problem was even this paved road had 50-100 foot sections of it missing and replaced with gravel and pot holes - had to really keep my eyes open for these sections so I didnt hit them at 60 mph.

FINALLY made it to the park after an additional 2 hours of driving time, so much for Tom Tom.

This is a really nice park just like the wooded state parks in Texas. After my gravel road adventure the car looked gray from the dirt instead of blue, and the back of the coach had about 1/2" of dirt on it. I broke out the hose and cleaned most everything off.

Paved level sites with 50 amp and water. Problem was - no cell service so no phone or internet for the evening. Lots of families came in during the evening and played and ate dinner up to about 10:30-11:00. It did not get dark until about 11:00!!! Well today I discovered that I missed a couple time zones so my watch was off by 2 hours - I was thinking that North Dakota was always light like Alaska.

I have a weather service that I set up on the computer everytime I set up at a campground. I go to the web site and put in my new location, then if any severe weather comes thru, I get a phone call and an email. Well wouldnt you know it, without any warning, about 3:00 in the morning a very bad storm came thru, lots of hard rain, rocking the RV and then to top it off about 10 minutes of BIG hail. I laid int the bed just waiting for the plastic skylight over the shower to shatter or the plastic domes over the 2 air vents to crack, but we made it thru the night just fine. This is the same storm that knocked power out in Indiana and Ohio. Checked everything the next day and did not even have dings in the car or RV. I am really glad that day is over and behind me.

I left this morning and headed to Havre, Montana to my next campground. Town does not sound like BRETT FAVRE but pronounced, HAVER - go figure. On my way here again saw a lot of oil & gas activity and lots of new construction including roads - even route 2. I came to a 10 mile section of 2 that was being repaved but they had removed all the pavement and replaced it with.........DUSTY GRAVEL!!!!!! So when I arrived at my campground, Evergreen campground (Good Sam), I had to do ANOTHER wash job.

This is a nice peaceful campground with lots of trees. All grassy sites that are fairly level with 50 amp, water and sewer. I am drinking my 5:00 toddy to chill out after a couple adventurous days. I saw a Guadalajara Mexican restarant as I came thru town so since I have not had a mexican fix in a couple weeks, I think I will head over there for fajitas and margaritas!

Will be crossing the border tomorrow, so see ya later.

June 28, 2012 - Leeds, ND

Long drive today, covered over 300 miles. Pulled into Jan's RV Park which sits right next to route 2. I was driving into a stiff head wind all day so I am guessing my mileage will be about 5.5 mpg when I fill up tomorrow morning. So far I have been averaging about 7.5 for the whole trip.

Jan's is a bare bones park, kinda like a Walmart parking lot. They have about 12 self serve sites. Put your 20 bucks into an envelope and put it into the metal box. Not bad though for sewer, water and 30 amp. Someone probably comes by about once per week to collect the money.

I was the only one here until about 10 minutes ago when someone in a trailer pulled in, so I will have company tonight. All grass sites with a slope. I didnt bother putting out blocks under my jacks, I will just hold on to the side of the bed when I go to sleep tonight so that I dont slide off.

June 27, 2012 - Grand Rapids, Mn

Drove right through Wisconsin today and into Minnesota. Staying at a really nice little RV park near Grand Rapids, Sugar Bay Campground and Resort. Gravel sites and a lot of grassy sites. Full hookups and plenty of room between sites. I hated to leave Wisconsin - gas and diesel prices were almost the same, diesel for 2.45 and gas for 2.51. Now I am back to the 2.70 diesel price again.

Here is my site at Sugar Bay. Campground is on Lake Pokegama.

Unfortunately the lake gobbled up some of the sites. They have had a lot of rain up here and the lake is higher than normal.

Nice peaceful setting and really quiet.

June 26, 2012 - Iron River, Mi

Staying at Iron River RV Park in Iron City, just before the Wisconsin border on Route 2. This highway is very scenic and I saw a lot of good sites and pulled over at a few scenic overlooks. I am taking this highway west all the way to Montana where I will then turn north and head into Canada. This is mostly a 2 lane highway with a Michigan speed limit of 55 (I go 62 along with everyone else and have passed police with no problem).

The sites are blacktop and fairly level. Some of the sites are right next to the Iron River. Not much amenities like pool or store. Just 30 amp, water and sewer. 30 amp is fine since I dont have my AC on anyway.

Crossed over the 5 mile Mackinac bridge that crosses from upper Michigan to the Upper Peninsula between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. I had the windows open and the temperature in the coach dropped about 6 degrees when I was over the water.

June 25, 2012 - Indian River, Mi

Left my Mother's house this morning and started my journey to Calgary Canada and Banf National Park. I decided to head up thru the Michigan upper peninsula since it has been a long time since I have seen this part of the country. It was a nice drive, lots of trees and temps of 72-73, a real change from the 95+ in Texas. I think I will start sleeping with my windows open at night now and maybe put an extra blanket on if I need it. Pulled into my site about 4:00 today at Indian River RV Resort (Near Cheboygan). Got all set up and then had my 5:00 toddy and Skyped Sheri and the twins for about a half hour. Fixed some hamburger helper and then headed down to the heated swimming pool for a while. This place would be a great place to stay for about a week especially if you have kids. Will travel to Iron City Mi. tomorrow, about 265 miles. Time to watch some "24" with Jack Bauer saving the world again.

Nice level gravel sites with LOTS of trees.

Swings and playground down by the swimming pool.

June 24, 2012 - Toledo, Oh

Went to my 45th HS reunion last night at the Hilton. Saw a lot of old friends that I have not seen in about a half century. I could recognize most of them but could not remember names. Barb had signed us up to work the registration table long ago, so I decided to do it without her anyhow. Had an open bar most of the evening, lots of momentos and displays from our days in high school and then had a really great dinner with more visiting and laughing. Debbie (Ryan) who lives in Florida started the ball rolling for this reunion 3 years ago and everything came off to perfection. Now I cant wait until the next one.

Registration table where I checked people in.

Classmates that we know about that we have lost.

As it turns out, Louise Kirk was right next to Barb on the memory board and she was one of Barb's best friends growing up.

Classmates still living in Ohio.

Classmates from other states and countries.

We had an open bar and this snack table when we arrived.

Hanging around outside waiting to have class pictures taken. We had one picture taken of all of us and then a picture taken of each junior high school and then a picture taken of individual elementary schools. I think there were a little over 100 clasmates attending in a class of about 700.

June 22, 2012 - Toledo, Oh

Just got back from a meet and greet for my HS 45th reunion. Saw a lot of old friends that I had forgotten about over the years. Most of them were really sorry about losing Barb and quite a few of my old band mates told me that she was one of the people that they were most exited about seeing again. She touched a lot of lives even in high school so we know that she was a very special person. Once again I am so blessed to have had her in my life for over 47 years. Had a really great time reminiscing about high school days. We first met at the school and some of the students took us on tours thru the building. Most of the school had been remodeled after 50 years but some of it looked the same as when I went there. Then we all met at a local sports bar that was owned by one of our classmates and had drinks and food and lots of laughs.

June 21, 2012 - Toledo, Oh

Spent yesterday with Barb's cousin Evelyn and her husband, Butch Lieb, in Clyde Ohio. We had a great time together reminiscing and telling stories of the fun the 4 of us had in years past. Evelyn cooked some fantastic baked chicken and we then went out to a really great pub for some adult beverages. I tried a couple micro brew beers  - one tasted pretty good but the other was NASTY. I stayed the night with them and then came back home this morning.

This evening my brother Chuck and his wife Bev had me over for dinner. I got to meet my nephew's fiance, Kate - a really beautiful girl that is a perfect fit for him. She will be a good addition to the family. All of us played a few card games and then after cherry pie and ice cream, I came waddling home.

Tomorrow night and Saturday night I have class reunion functions so I will check back in after those.

June 18, 2012 - Toledo, Oh

Went to my brothers church yesterday with my Mom. Then went to a local BBQ place for fathers day; surprisingly good BBQ. Then came home and played some farkle. Did a little S-con work this morning and then took mom to a clinic to get her ears cleaned out. Not much wax in either one, seems she may have lost her hearing in one ear due to old age. This evening I met some college friends of Barb at her favorite Mexican restaurant in Toledo. We talked and laughed and drank margaritas as we toasted Barb. Had a really great time and brought back a lot of good memories.

June 16, 2012 - Toledo, Oh

Got to my Mother's house yesterday afternoon. Pulled the coach into the driveway and some of the tall bushes on one side put some pretty good scratches in my paint job. I will have to see if I can rub them out. We sat around and visited, ate pizza and told old stories. Today I am just relaxing, doing laundry and other misc stuff. Will be here visiting with family and friends until Monday the 25th when I leave for my Canadian Rockies tour.

June 14, 2012 - Rising Sun, In

Staying at the Little Farm on the River campground which is just outside of Cincinnati. The campground is right along the Ohio river but with the trees along the bank you can hardly see the river. I am in the second row from the river but you wouldnt know there is a river there. The sites are not very spectacular as you can see below. Just had dinner and will fix a toddy and go outside and read a little bit. I am only staying here one night. Will arrive at my Mom's house tomorrow.

This is my site - nice level gravel site but no trees or shade anywhere.

June 13, 2012 - Nashville, Tn

Took a shuttle bus downtown early this morning for a city tour. The tour bus driver was really informative and new a lot about the history of Nashville. It was well worth the 3 hour trip. Started out at the Ryman Auditorium which was the original Grand Ole Opery (1943-1974). Then the Opery moved to a newer more modern and larger building. The Ryman was refurbished and still has a lot of shows and entertainment.

Ryman was built to be a church for revivals and large worship services therefore all the seats are hard wood pews.

Saw a lot of other sites around town and ended up at the Country Music Hall of Fame. This was a really neat place with a lot of history - well worth the tour.

All the inductees have their gold or platinum albums hung on a wall - must be about 500-600 records.

Each inductee to the Hall of Fame also has a plaque made and hung on a wall in a rotunda.

June 12, 2012 - Nashville, Tn

Arrived here at Nashville Country RV Park about 3:30 this afternoon. Temperature is really nice, about 82 and no humidity. After setting up went for a swim in the pool and then sat around the pool for a while and read my book. About 5:00 came back and fixed my before dinner toddy. After dinner I went to Wally world for a few groceries and a new water hose. My hose developed a pin hole leak that was spraying all over the side of the coach. When I filled up with fuel this morning, I calculated my usage and came up with 8.4 mpg!!!! When I fill up I always top off the tank until it spurts out at least 3 times, that way I know that the tank has about the same amount of fuel in it every time. I average 6.5-7.0 so 8.4 is outstanding - lets see what I calculate when I leave here and fill up. Sat outside for a while this evening and watched the sun set and say a bunch of lighting bugs. Dont see these in Texas but I saw a bunch here tonight. I signed up for a city tour tomorrow morning so I will post some of the pictures.
Bye until later.

This is my site at the campground.

June 11, 2012 - Memphis, Tn

Drove in to Memphis today and took a 3 hour city tour. Saw some pretty good sites:

Cant go anywhere without seeing statues of the King.

Spent a lot of time walking up and down Beale street - kind of like Bourbon street. Checked out a lot of gift shops and drank a lot of local beers.

 This is Sun studio where Elvis made his records.

I ate lunch here at BB Kings club. Had a great pulled pork sandwich and a really good Blues beer.

This is where Martin Luther King was shot. Hotel has been preserved but does not rent out rooms anymore.

June 10, 2012 - Memphis, Tn

Staying at Tom Sawyer's RV Park right on the Mississippi river. I have a site right next to the river and can sit outside and watch the barges working on the river. The river is kind of low right now so there is no threat of flooding the campground which is possible if the river comes up. Decided to grill a burger tonight and heat up a can of pork and beans, yummy?????  Found out there was not any pork in the can, only pieces of pork FAT. Dont know if I will break out the grill again because it is a real PAIN to cook anything for one person. Had to get the grill out, get it hot, cook one burger and now I have a dirty grill to clean and put everything away. It really sucks cooking for one!!!!!!

I will be here tomorrow as well - am thinking of doing some tours downtown and seeing some of the Memphis sites.

Here is my campsite - nice concrete site with plenty of room between rigs.

This is the view out the front of my coach looking on the river. The sun comes up over there so it should be really pretty tomorrow when I do my devotionals outside.

June 9, 2012 - Texarkana, Tx

Pretty much just chilled out today. Actually slept until about 7:00 this morning before waking up. Got up and made my cup of coffee, sat outside and listened to the birds, did my devotionals, talked to Barb for a little bit and then went for about a 1.5 mile walk. Came back and had breakfast and then did a few little jobs like airing up the tires, adding water to the batteries, sweeping the little carpet that I have, etc. Watched a little TV and then made a run to Wally world for a few groceries and some PJs - I cant believe that I forgot to bring PJs with me. Worked a little for S-con this afternoon and then went for a swim in the lake. I just got done with dinner - left over sloppy joes, tater tots and some veggies. I wanted to make a burger on the George Forman but realized that I did not have it in the coach. I could swear that Barb put it in here when we went on our trip last year but I could not find it. Anyhow, I am getting ready to watch a movie with a nice toddy in my hand.

This is a picture of my campsite. Really nice with gravel pad and asphalt drive.

Picture of the sand beach where you can swim. It is a gradual drop off to about 6 feet out to the floating marker.

June 8, 2012 - Texarkana, Tx

Got started later than I wanted to this morning, about 9:30. I wanted to be on the road no later than 9:00 but had to finish loading up the coach with food from the house and the rest of my clothes. Pulled into the campground about 3:30 so I made pretty good time even stopping for 30 minutes for lunch. Staying at Rocky Point Campground on Wright Patman Lake. This is a REALLY nice corps of engineers lake - it kind of reminds me of Lake Livingston State Park. Lots of trees, asphalt roads and sites, water and 30 amp with a dump station. Cost is only $9 per night (with the Golden Age Passport). I would definitely stay here again. I will be here tomorrow also and then leave on Sunday.