We had a great two weeks with our "besties"
Small World.......ran into Lynn on a Sunset Cruise. (NAU WayBackJacks)
We hope to make this trip and annual visit!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Zihautanejo Mexico 2014
We had a great two weeks with our "besties"
Small World.......ran into Lynn on a Sunset Cruise. (NAU WayBackJacks)
We hope to make this trip and annual visit!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The "Young" Girls to Kansas 2014
Mom, Kim and I go to Kansas.
Leaving from Sky Harbor....
Next Stop..... Josh, Kara, Sasha and Lily!
Sis and Sisters
Cousins, too!
We're back honey..........
We had such a great trip......fun with family!
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Summer Trip to the Gorge 2014
DAY 8 - July 30thFinishing the back log of the blog.......Sorry about the late postings....
Here is a shot from this AM....at the cove.
DAY 7 - July 29th
Sort of a Lazy day so far.....drinking coffee in front of the RV.
We eventually went into Stevenson to our favorite coffee shop Bruce got an Americano and then we walked the town of Stevenson. On our way back toward home we stopped at the "Cabin Coffe Shop and got a Blackberry shake and a Kite surfer Whirlwind. YUMMMMMM! We got to see Dennis sail today, finally got some 20MPH winds.....Bruce got some great photos that will most likely show up on his FaceBook Page. When we came back we had a great dinner at Den and Jill's......Everyone has crashed and I'm about to, trying to catch up on this blog with only limited time on the WiFi here in the laundry room at the RV park.
DAY 6 - July 28th
We got up bright and early to go check out some HGTV home sites along the coast of Washington at Long Beach and on out to Leadbetter point. It was literally freezing on the coast as you see in the photos. It was foggy and rain drops under the trees with a pretty heavy wind.....then a couple of blocks to the East.....sunny and about 74 degrees. NUTS!
DAY 5 - July 27th
Got up in the morning and continued working in the trailer then started the attempt the set-up of the satellite dish. Four hours later and with Dennis' help we figured out the multiple connection possibilities from the dish to inside the trailer. Crazy.....Got the TV going just in time to watch Jeff Gordon's victory at the Brickyard. All of Hendricks Motorsports were kissing the bricks. After the race we went to town for some supplies and on the way back home stopped at our favorite little espresso shop called "The Cabin". Had a great time looking at some of Dennis' slides that he had uncovered during their move/sale from their San Diego condo. He had shots dating back to his fishing expeditions at about the age of 14, his tour in Vietnam, family and their start in San Diego. We ended the day with a walk down by the river in the Skamania coves.
DAY 4 - July 26th
We got up with the sun and began to re-organize, starting with pulling everything out from the back of the truck and putting only the things we needed back in to the truck. Then moved on to work inside the trailer doing the same reorganizing. Ben (one of Bruce's classmates from Crawford) and Lisa came down to visit before she left for LA. After they left, we went up to see Denny and Jill. Dennis made reservations in Hood River for dinner at a great organic pizza venue, "Solstice". We had great food and then went to hear Dennis' friend Ted and his current band play at the golf course country club in Hood River. We did a little visiting and dancing. Ted lives the baby boomer dream as a lead guitar player going to great spots such as Hawaii, recording studios, Hood River and the whole Oregon music scene. When we got back home, continue to organize until about midnight. Whew!
DAY 3 - July 25th
In the morning we left for Dennis Dillon to make the swap. We left Boise at about 2 o'clock in hopes of making it to Stevenson before nightfall a 391 mile trek. We made it just before nightfall to Stevenson Washington in our new 2385. After pulling into our spot, We were able to spend some time with Dennis and Jill before hitting the sack. "It's still light here at 10 o'clock".....;-)
DAY 2 - July 24th
Left Beaver Utah on our way to Boise. We left under the cover of darkness without a scrape. We had intentions of stopping short of Boise at Mountain Home, Idaho. We looked online for a Lance trailer with a more open floor plan. We had seen and were intrigued by the 2385 on paper, but had never actually gone into one. After a year of traveling and camping in the 2295 we were not has happy with it as we thought we would be. Of course, as most of you know, a year ago our old Laredo fifth-wheel gave way during our vacation. Totally crippled in Boise we needed a way to continue our vacation and get home. So we made the trade to the 2295 Lance travel trailer, a "bumper-pull". So, one year later almost to the day we stopped into Dennis Dillon RV and got to walk through the 2385 and made the trade, but won't finish the deal and the SWAP until tomorrow. We spent our last night in our 2295 at Boise Riverside RV park.
DAY 1 - On the Road Again! YEAH! - July 23rd
On the road from Payson we stopped in Flagstaff to check on Miss Macchi before uncle Petie comes to visit. We watered the plants one more time before we left. Of course, we had to stop at the "Village Baker before we left Flagstaff. Then hit the road for Jacobs lake. Then had some of those great homemade cookies. We started thinking about our trip through Boise last year and the tragic demise of the Laredo (5tyh wheel) and possibly re-visiting Dennis Dillon RV (not so pleased with our 2295 - 2014 Lance...... more to come. We arrived in Beaver, Utah......got gas and went right into Beaver Camperland.
Here is a shot from this AM....at the cove.
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| WOW! So gorgeous! |
DAY 7 - July 29th
Sort of a Lazy day so far.....drinking coffee in front of the RV.
We eventually went into Stevenson to our favorite coffee shop Bruce got an Americano and then we walked the town of Stevenson. On our way back toward home we stopped at the "Cabin Coffe Shop and got a Blackberry shake and a Kite surfer Whirlwind. YUMMMMMM! We got to see Dennis sail today, finally got some 20MPH winds.....Bruce got some great photos that will most likely show up on his FaceBook Page. When we came back we had a great dinner at Den and Jill's......Everyone has crashed and I'm about to, trying to catch up on this blog with only limited time on the WiFi here in the laundry room at the RV park.
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| Early AM coffee |
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| Watching Denny Sail.......Great Wind! |
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| After our great dinner.....we are stuffed again! |
DAY 6 - July 28th
We got up bright and early to go check out some HGTV home sites along the coast of Washington at Long Beach and on out to Leadbetter point. It was literally freezing on the coast as you see in the photos. It was foggy and rain drops under the trees with a pretty heavy wind.....then a couple of blocks to the East.....sunny and about 74 degrees. NUTS!
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| Historic buildings at the state park. |
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| Walking to the first lighthouse. |
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| First Lighthouse on the hike. |
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| Does this look cold? HUMMMN! It was freezing! |
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| Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment |
DAY 5 - July 27th
Got up in the morning and continued working in the trailer then started the attempt the set-up of the satellite dish. Four hours later and with Dennis' help we figured out the multiple connection possibilities from the dish to inside the trailer. Crazy.....Got the TV going just in time to watch Jeff Gordon's victory at the Brickyard. All of Hendricks Motorsports were kissing the bricks. After the race we went to town for some supplies and on the way back home stopped at our favorite little espresso shop called "The Cabin". Had a great time looking at some of Dennis' slides that he had uncovered during their move/sale from their San Diego condo. He had shots dating back to his fishing expeditions at about the age of 14, his tour in Vietnam, family and their start in San Diego. We ended the day with a walk down by the river in the Skamania coves.
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| Psyching up to set-up the dish with the new "unmarked" wires. |
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| Not only coffee, but CUSTARD......so yummy! |
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| B and J-Dog down at the Cove! |
DAY 4 - July 26th
We got up with the sun and began to re-organize, starting with pulling everything out from the back of the truck and putting only the things we needed back in to the truck. Then moved on to work inside the trailer doing the same reorganizing. Ben (one of Bruce's classmates from Crawford) and Lisa came down to visit before she left for LA. After they left, we went up to see Denny and Jill. Dennis made reservations in Hood River for dinner at a great organic pizza venue, "Solstice". We had great food and then went to hear Dennis' friend Ted and his current band play at the golf course country club in Hood River. We did a little visiting and dancing. Ted lives the baby boomer dream as a lead guitar player going to great spots such as Hawaii, recording studios, Hood River and the whole Oregon music scene. When we got back home, continue to organize until about midnight. Whew!
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| Lance 2385 in space #10 at Skamania Cove RV |
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| Cousin Ginger came to visit, before re-organizing was completed. |
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| Great venue for great food! |
DAY 3 - July 25th
In the morning we left for Dennis Dillon to make the swap. We left Boise at about 2 o'clock in hopes of making it to Stevenson before nightfall a 391 mile trek. We made it just before nightfall to Stevenson Washington in our new 2385. After pulling into our spot, We were able to spend some time with Dennis and Jill before hitting the sack. "It's still light here at 10 o'clock".....;-)
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| On the road to the Gorge 314 miles to go at 3:14 PM. |
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| First Barge spotted on the Columbia. |
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| First Dam that we passed going to Stevenson. |
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| Bruce and Jaxson's first night in "PUPHUT 2385" |
DAY 2 - July 24th
Left Beaver Utah on our way to Boise. We left under the cover of darkness without a scrape. We had intentions of stopping short of Boise at Mountain Home, Idaho. We looked online for a Lance trailer with a more open floor plan. We had seen and were intrigued by the 2385 on paper, but had never actually gone into one. After a year of traveling and camping in the 2295 we were not has happy with it as we thought we would be. Of course, as most of you know, a year ago our old Laredo fifth-wheel gave way during our vacation. Totally crippled in Boise we needed a way to continue our vacation and get home. So we made the trade to the 2295 Lance travel trailer, a "bumper-pull". So, one year later almost to the day we stopped into Dennis Dillon RV and got to walk through the 2385 and made the trade, but won't finish the deal and the SWAP until tomorrow. We spent our last night in our 2295 at Boise Riverside RV park.
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| Jaxson at the Riverside RV in Boise |
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| Derek at Dennis Dillon helping us get hooking up our Lance 2385 |
DAY 1 - On the Road Again! YEAH! - July 23rd
On the road from Payson we stopped in Flagstaff to check on Miss Macchi before uncle Petie comes to visit. We watered the plants one more time before we left. Of course, we had to stop at the "Village Baker before we left Flagstaff. Then hit the road for Jacobs lake. Then had some of those great homemade cookies. We started thinking about our trip through Boise last year and the tragic demise of the Laredo (5tyh wheel) and possibly re-visiting Dennis Dillon RV (not so pleased with our 2295 - 2014 Lance...... more to come. We arrived in Beaver, Utah......got gas and went right into Beaver Camperland.
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| Our last stop in Flagstaff at the Village Baker to get cinnamon rolls for the road....YUMMMM! |
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| Looking for the cookies. |
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| We found the cookies! |
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| Jaxson enjoying Beaver Camperland! |
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Our First Trip to the Caribbean
Day 9 – Excursion/Flight Sunday March 23rd
Still some mix ups with ticketing our bags and where we need to be for the disembarking from the ship. 9:15ish we finally got to go to the baggage and then through customs. We boarded our excursion bus for the Everglades. The airboat was fun and we did get to see a couple of what Bruce says, were trained alligators...HUMMMN! Got to see Chris of the Alligator Boys. After the Everglade excursion it was back to the bus and then to the airport....we got to see the Motts and the Espositos in the Southwest Concourse. It will be about a 4 hour wait for our flight, then 5:20 in the air, then 90 miles to Payson. It will be great to be home, but we had such a great time......
Day 8 – Cruising Saturday March 22st
Started the day with Stretch and Ab Class.....last one before we are off the ship. Last time at the pool with Shan and Steve before we all went to Johnny Rockets again....this time for milkshakes. They are so good. Yucky time.......We had to start packing. I took a break and went to my last Pilates class...She did a bit more Pilates than the previous girl. A nice workout none-the-less. Off to dinner at the MacBeth Dining hall. I had escargot, scallops and steak for my proteins. Bruce had one of his favorites, salmon. Caught a snag in our Valet luggage deal, so we have to take the luggage onto our excursion bus then to the airport. We will see how that all works out. Bags are out in the hall and it is time to get some shut eye for a very long Sunday!
Still some mix ups with ticketing our bags and where we need to be for the disembarking from the ship. 9:15ish we finally got to go to the baggage and then through customs. We boarded our excursion bus for the Everglades. The airboat was fun and we did get to see a couple of what Bruce says, were trained alligators...HUMMMN! Got to see Chris of the Alligator Boys. After the Everglade excursion it was back to the bus and then to the airport....we got to see the Motts and the Espositos in the Southwest Concourse. It will be about a 4 hour wait for our flight, then 5:20 in the air, then 90 miles to Payson. It will be great to be home, but we had such a great time......
Day 8 – Cruising Saturday March 22st
Started the day with Stretch and Ab Class.....last one before we are off the ship. Last time at the pool with Shan and Steve before we all went to Johnny Rockets again....this time for milkshakes. They are so good. Yucky time.......We had to start packing. I took a break and went to my last Pilates class...She did a bit more Pilates than the previous girl. A nice workout none-the-less. Off to dinner at the MacBeth Dining hall. I had escargot, scallops and steak for my proteins. Bruce had one of his favorites, salmon. Caught a snag in our Valet luggage deal, so we have to take the luggage onto our excursion bus then to the airport. We will see how that all works out. Bags are out in the hall and it is time to get some shut eye for a very long Sunday!
Day 7 – Landed in Labadee, Haiti Friday March 21st
Bruce went down and got us coffee to start our morning. After breakfast we got ready for our Zipline excursion on the "Dragon's Breath Flightline", a 1/2 mile run over the ocean. Hope my first big "Go Pro" experience worked.....
Time to go back to the ship for some pool time and listen to "Hot Spice" again. Tonight we went to the Chops restaurant on the ship.....OH MY! An awesome meal from beginning to end.....as you can
see!
Day 6 – Landed in San Juan Puerto Rico Thursday March 20th
When we returned to the ship Bruce took a dip in the cantilevered whirlpool. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of our departure out of port for the many views of the forts and the entire city scape. The crew was still working on the small hole in the ship, so we left to sail a bit late again.
Formal dinner night came with a lobster feast.....I think Chris had 7....WOW! After Dinner we went to the show, Headliner Showtime featuring the acappella group, Blue Jupiter. They were sensational!
Now back, again to the Bolero. Everyone was pretty beat, so off to our cabins to get ready tfo Labadee, Haiti, Royal Caribbean's own private island.
Day 5 – Landed in St. Kitts Wednesday March
19th
After Breakfast we got ready for our Catamaran/Snorkeling trip. The catamaran had a crew of 5 fun and helpful guys. On our way, I got to dance with Sterling at the front of the boat. I should have asked for their playlist of music, loved it! Only after the snorkel were passengers served with alcoholic beverages. Back in the aft area we had a great time dancing on a very rough surface. Our feet got truly exfoliated.
After leaving the Catamaran, our crew had some disagreement with each other, not sure, but it was most like that someone over stepped their bounds in the pecking order. HUMMMMN? We shopped a little bit then left for the ship. It was very windy so we did a search for a cozy spot to get some relaxation and sun. We found it on the uppermost deck.
The crew of the ship found a 5 centimeter hole somewhere in the fuel area, so we were late leaving port by about 2 hours.
Steve relinquished his ice show to me so Shan and I went together. The show was really great. They were trowing triples and even a quad in a very small space to get up enough speed. LOVED IT! Of course, back to the Bolero.
Day 4 – Landed in St. Maarten Tuesday March
18th After leaving the Catamaran, our crew had some disagreement with each other, not sure, but it was most like that someone over stepped their bounds in the pecking order. HUMMMMN? We shopped a little bit then left for the ship. It was very windy so we did a search for a cozy spot to get some relaxation and sun. We found it on the uppermost deck.
The crew of the ship found a 5 centimeter hole somewhere in the fuel area, so we were late leaving port by about 2 hours.
Steve relinquished his ice show to me so Shan and I went together. The show was really great. They were trowing triples and even a quad in a very small space to get up enough speed. LOVED IT! Of course, back to the Bolero.
After breakfast we hired a taxi
that would fit 14 of us plus the driver. We all actually fit into the driver's van and took off for Maho Beach. 2 more folks thought they could fit in the 15 passenger van....didn't happen. WOW what a place! the whole idea was to watch the planes land and take off. We were literally right below each plane, while on the beach. Two highlights: First, watching a take off that literally pushed people and all of their stuff into the water from the jet blast from the 727. Second, we got great pics of the KLM airlines' 747 that landed just above our heads. AWESOME SIGHT!
When we got back from the beach, we shopped a little in the St. Maarten pier. Then went to the Windjammer for lunch.
A great rock and roll band "Rock the Boat" was playing. We listened and caught some sun.
After our tropical dinner night we went to our favorite lounge "Bolero" and listened to "Hot Spice".
When we got back to our room, Udi made us a monkey out of towels, so CUTE!!! We seem to always end up at the Bolero Bar with "Caetano" as our server.
After our tropical dinner night we went to our favorite lounge "Bolero" and listened to "Hot Spice".
When we got back to our room, Udi made us a monkey out of towels, so CUTE!!! We seem to always end up at the Bolero Bar with "Caetano" as our server.
Today was Berta’s
Birthday
Day 3 Second full sail day Monday March 17th St Patty’s Day
Lots of “GREEN”
on the ship.
Started with
Stretching and abs workout…..7AM
Of course, another great breakfast buffet.
We wanted to try Johnny Rockets, so we waited for them to open for lunch.....YUMMMN!
We got to the 8th deck to sign up for the internet.
Took a Hip Hop Class – it was tons of fun, but the instructor was very short and being in the back….it was very hard to catch all the great MOVES. LOL!
Found the Rock and Roll band in the Pyramid Lounge......they were really good!
By invitation, all Gold members and above attended the "Loyalty Party" held in the Alhambra Theatre….all was free, everything plus great entertainment.
We got to the 8th deck to sign up for the internet.
Took a Hip Hop Class – it was tons of fun, but the instructor was very short and being in the back….it was very hard to catch all the great MOVES. LOL!
Found the Rock and Roll band in the Pyramid Lounge......they were really good!
By invitation, all Gold members and above attended the "Loyalty Party" held in the Alhambra Theatre….all was free, everything plus great entertainment.
Went to our
dinner table dressed in smart casual attire. We are in the middle dining room, "Macbeth".
After dinner, we went to see the Ventriloquist. He was truly amazing. We laughed so hard our ABS were getting a great workout. Udi our cabin mate mad us towels shaped like a puppy.
After dinner, we went to see the Ventriloquist. He was truly amazing. We laughed so hard our ABS were getting a great workout. Udi our cabin mate mad us towels shaped like a puppy.
Day 2- First full sail day Sunday March
16th
Starting my
days with both Stretching and Ab workouts…..7AM. It feels much like home LOL!
Spent most
of the day discovering the ship/floating city. WOW what a masterpiece!
Bruce and I
had breakfast with “the Motts.” At
about 10AM all of us went to the “Meet and Mingle” which then took us to a slot
pull. We each entered with 15 dollars and left with 7 dollars in return, not a
great win, but we did get some other prizes for our effort. At 4 PM I took a
pilates class meet a couple of new friends, since there were only 3 of us
together…..It was a good workout, but I was waiting to do some Pilates
exercises…..HUMMMMN! It didn’t happen. I’m signed up again on our last day for
a Pilates class….we will see!
Attended the first formal night
dinner.
We topped off the first day by dancing in
the Olive or Twist Bar with the Caribbean Sounds and Flavours with Hot Spices…..we had a blast.
Had a great
breakfast with the gang to ready ourselves for our embarking onto the
Independence of the Seas. We got to go into the Gold line to check in. The whole process
seemed very efficient for getting all 3600 passengers onto the ship. Our bags
were delivered pretty fast to our stateroom, but Dan’s didn’t arrive to his
room until after 9PM. (Of course that was a bit worrisome) We ate at the Windjammer for lunch and
the dining room for a casual dinner.
Our waiter and bus helper are very nice, but it is hard to understand
their English……All 16 of us are eating together each evening. Met some great
new people……
At 4:30 everything shut down for our Assembly Drill. All passengers must report to their proper stations. In case of an emergency, we need to know how to evacuate the ship.
First big Parade on the Promenade went right along with having pizza as we watched.
First big Parade on the Promenade went right along with having pizza as we watched.
Steve’s
Birthday Party with cake and more fun!
Day 0 – Flight to Fort Lauderdale Friday March 14th
Well to get
this all started, we left Payson at 6AM for our 10:25 Flight. We got to the
airport at about 7:30, got to ride on the new train setup to terminal 4. OOOOPS ! I needed to go back to
the car because I left our laptop in the back seat. Got a great hike back to
the car and another ride on the train. Left the gate to the end of the runway……pilot, then the pulled over and
said, “well we have been put into the penalty box.” Hummmmn? As it turned out, we would not have been able to
land in Fort Lauderdale because of a shortage of available runways….Crazy, so
we taxied back to the gate to refuel in the event that we may have to keep
circling over the Fort Lauderdale air port. Eventually we were given the green light after about an hour
delay. The flight was fine, we met
another Phoenix area educator/coach and had a great visit. Free drinks were given
to all in exchange for our delay in the flight. We also, had a great flight attendant, she made it fun for
all of us.Shan, Steve, Helen, Dan, Brian and Berta we all there waiting for us at
the Sheridan. Had a great evening with them all.
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