Shiloh Battlefield, Shiloh, Tennessee

June 30, Monday: Change of plans decided to head south to see the Shiloh Battlefield. It is credited as having the first field hospital of the Civil War. Also the bloodiest battle to date. It was fought on April 6 & 7,1862. It is also credited with the youngest drummer boy, however, that information is incorrect. Just had time to go thru the museum, bookstore, and listen to a talk on the importance of the drummer boy. They were the ones who relayed the commands from the Colonel of the regiment to the men via the different drum rolls. He demonstrated some of the different rolls to us. He also explained how perilous their jobs were because they were in front and the opposition wanted to take them out because it created chaos. The noise was so loud the only thing you could hear were the drums. Would have enjoyed touring the battlefield but wasn't sure the RV could make all the turns.




After the battlefield we headed towards Nashville by way of back roads. Larry found the postman very interesting. He or she was delivering the mail by way of a 4-wheel drive Jeep. He also is still not happy with the 65 mph speed limit with sudden signals entering towns. I guess the locals know where these are but us "out of towners" are ignorant.




We are staying in a town called Cornersville because we missed the first RV Park. The second one's phone was disconnected. Sometimes flying by the seat of your pants doesn't always work out. However, this is a very nice park. Lots of grass for the dogs.

Still having trouble labeling pictures. One on the right was view of the lake just to the right of our space. The second is the ranger who demonstrated the drumming at Shiloh.

Take care,

Larry and Jo

Natchez-Trace State Park

June 27-30 Friday thru Sunday: Had enough of Little Rock. Found a state park halfway between Memphis and Nashville. Called to see if they had space because you could not make reservations. No problem plenty of space and they were right. It is almost 12 miles into the campground from the park entrance. Larry figures it will take about 3 gallons of diesel to get in and out of the park. It is funny how the price of gas is the upper most in our minds. Our friends we met in Great Falls, Mt are now in Alaska and have finally hit the $5 mark for gasoline. I shudder to think what diesel is there.
It has been a great relaxing three days. I even managed to get caught up on our blog. Larry writes it in longhand then I type it on the computer. It seems to be working. Still having a few minor problems.
All the spots next to the lake were taken here but the other ones are just as nice. Larry was excited because we are able to put the rug and lounge chairs up. First time this trip. Great places to walk the dogs and enjoy the Tennessee beauty.
The weather is very warm but we are finally enjoying "breezes" instead of gales of wind.
Ate dinner at the lodge on Saturday night. A BBQ buffet with ribs, pulled pork, chicken and all the fixin's for $10.00. Loved listening to everyone's soft southern drawl.
Tomorrow we thought we would get a little closer to Nashville. Lorretta Lynne has a RV campground nest to her place. Nice thing about having no reservations we can pick up and go when we want.

Little Rock, Arkansas

June 26, Thursday: Headed South for Little Rock, Arkansas about 165 miles. Not too bad, we thought. It took us 5 hrs. When we left Branson we had a 4 lane hwy. Got into Arkansas the roads went to 2 lanes and got very narrow. Went though several towns with 4 lanes but they put a cement curb on the right edge with no gutter space & very narrow. Larry had to really drive today. He had to be careful because 4" to the right you would hit the curb; 4" to the left you were in the other lane with a semi-truck barrelling down and they were really flying. We would come up over a hill at 60mph and have a sign reading 40mph then in less than 100ft it would go to 25mph. It took both of us to keep track of the speed signs. Larry did not like the ones coming around a curve at 60mph and have a signal light. Not surprised there were alot of skid marks. If fact, some might have been ours. Speaking of signs....... Larry's favorites were 30mph then less than 50 yds a sign would read 45mph curve. Not sure what could take the curve at 45mph but it was not a 40ft motorhome towing!!!!!!!! It was a very long 165 miles. Larry and I decided someone from the state department must have relatives in the cement and sign business.
Finally reached Little Rock stayed at a KOA. Off to see the Capital Building which Larry enjoys because of the architect. We had forgot this is where they integrated the high school in 1957. On the grounds is a group of statues commemorating the Little Rock Nine. Forgot the camera(My daughters-in-law understand that one) so could not take pictures. We took a tour of the Capital building and walked the grounds where they must have 12 or more statuesand lots of different kinds of trees. Then off to take a ride to view 1 of 3 tours of Victorian homes. They must have more than 200 old homes. Only had time for 1 of the tours.
Headed down to their riverfront for a quiet dinner overlooking the river. There are no restaurants on the river. Can tell we were not in California. There would have been restaurants on the water. They do have a beautiful park which you can walk along. Did find a place to eat a couple of blocks up from the river. Where there is a will ; there is a way. As we were driving out of the area we saw the President Clinton Library from the outside. Good enough for us.

Not sure pictures are working. Maybe I should stop traveling and take a computer class.

Pond on college campus Larry overlooking river

building at entrance of college/ it has restaurant/r

Pond on campus of the Ozarks

Whoops hit the wrong button

June 24, Tuesday: Meant to finish up Branson and hit the wrong button. Have sort of figured out picture posting and will add more pictures later.
Cleaning, laundry, tried to do blog got too frustrated so went back to finish the Veteran's Museum. Decided to try a southern buffet for dinner after looking at two local ones (which we had coupons) we ended up going to Golden Corral. The Golden Corral was the restaurant we spend plenty of time in when we were in Tucson waiting for the Pace Arrow"s new transmission. In fact, that is where we ended up with the Camelot. THANKS again for your car Steven!!!!!!!!

June 25, Wednesday: Last day in Branson. Weather holding well. Our last show at 3pm is RED,HOT,&BLUE. Went through the years of music starting with the Roaring Twenties and ending with the 70's. Very good and again great talent.
We have had a restaurant right next door to the RV park but wasn't sure if it was really opened. Have seen some cars there but doesn't look real appealing. Last night decided to head over and have a drink. Pat Cole would have loved this place. We drank and ate with the locals. I was fun.
Larry is having a hard time with the grounds keepers here or should I say lack of? Not up to his standards( oh surprise!) Finally on Tuesday, mowed the front area and weed-eated a little. That afternoon when we walked the dogs we found the mower towards the back. It had broken down and was still there when we left two days later. Everybody very nice but not up to Larry's neatness. Hard to keep him from jumping in and doing it himself.

Last three days in Branson

June 23, Monday: We went to the Veteran' Memorial Museum this morning. Jo had been there with Larry's Aunt Bonnie and sister-in-law, Sharon, but barely got through the first section. Jo didn't handle that well. Seems with all the veterans in the group they would have allotted more time. Anyway, we went back and it still took us two days to finish. Very well done. The picture on the left is 50 actually men, who fought in World War II, representing each state which they came from. This museum goes from World War I to Desert Storm, which DB was involved.

This afternoon off to a Hank & Patsy show at the oldest theatre in Branson. It was very old but liked the atmosphere. Have to say not my favorite. Tourism is down in Branson 30%. No trouble getting into any of the shows.

Tonight when walking the dogs Jo got to see her first firefly. It was really cool. Larry used to see them when he went back to Nebraska to visit his Grandparents on the farm.

Temperature today was only 91* but humidity was 95%.

NO STORM tonight. Everyone got a goodnight sleep.

Another day in Branson

June 22, Sunday: Went for a drive out to the College of the Ozarks. Our waitress was right it is very pretty. Went through the Keeter building which is at the entrance of the college. Inside was an exhibit about the college through the years since it had started. It started in 1906. Since that time all students(the enrollment is 1400 this year)work on campus and off campus so many hours to pay for the tuition. They graduate debt free and so does their parents! Through out the years they have grown their own food, raised Jersey cows, and started their own canning company. They also have a culinary course and run a restaurant.
After the college we took a side road to the dam and the lake. Lots of hills, wonder how many brakes everyone here goes through in a year. Headed back to the RV park turned right followed road about 200yds and came to a 19% grade down hill. Thank goodness we were not in the motorhome. Don't think Jo would have made it.
Our show tonight is a Broadway show. Again alot of energy, talent, and very pariotic.
Okay!!!! Enough with the storms! About 12:30am it started. Horrific winds and dumping water like it had nothing else to do. Not much sleep for Sobaka or Jo. Larry and Lottie are weird nothing seems to bother them when they are sleeping.
There is only sooooo much adventure I can take.

Still in Branson

June 21, Saturday: Larry reminded me that where we pulled off to fix the windshield wiper they had a tournado touch down about 3:30pm. Approximately 2 hours after we left there. Today was an exploring day. Went down to Branson Landing which is an area they have redone by the river. This is the old Branson. Lots of shops and restaurants kind of like the Riverwalk in San Antonio. We had a great lunch on an old barge they have re done. Our waitress is in her third year at College of the Ozarks. The students work their way through. She said they have a museum and the campus is very pretty. Thought we would head out there tomorrow.
Did a little bit of shopping. Larry found a shop he decided was his favorite. It is a store where kids can go in and make their own cars, trucks, or emergency vehicles. There must have been over fifty different models with everthing that goes with it. No stores in California but they would be glad to help us open one. Don't think we could afford it with our grandkids.
Tonight we thought about going to a show but it is suppose to really storm. Not to sure Sobaka can take it alone.
Storm came in around 5pm. Fast and furious but it is over by 6:30 so off to see the Baldnobbers. It is the oldest running show in Branson. Variety with good singing and lots of laughter. In fact, Larry bought there joke books.

Branson, Mo

June 19, Thursday: Leisurely morning since we have only 112 miles to travel today. Clouds starting coming in shortly after we left. Yep, more rain on the way. We made it to Springfield, Mo. when Larry turned the windshield and his wiper broke into two pieces. This could not be good. Luckily we were able to pull off at the next exit and found a auto parts store. They let Larry use a ladder and he was able to replace it.
Reached Branson with no more problems. Set up the rig and relaxed.

June 20,Friday: We went to a timeshare presentation which they gave us $100.00 to say "No". Then went for a ride around the area. We went to see Shoji Tabushi. I have seen him twice before but it was Larry's first time. Again it was a great show.

No storm today!!!!!!!!

Larry and Jo

Carthage, Mo

June 18,Wednesday: What a night we had last night! A severe, I mean a severe storm, rolled in this morning at about 3pm. Got up to close all the windows because of wind and rain. We turned on the TV which announced that we were having 60 mph gusts. Boy, I tell you, we have seen enough lightning and heard enough thunder to last the rest of the trip. Guess we should be thankful we are not next to the Mississippi.
Decided to stay on I70 towards Kansas City instead of taking a scenic route since the storm is heading the same direction we are. Later in the afternoon the storm subsided so we headed south on some side roads. There is some gorgeous country out here.
Pulled into Joplin,Mo. to have dinner before we went to our campground. This country just keeps getting better! We found a Cracker Barrel. Nope! Jo did not have just vegetables. The special was chicken/broccoli dish with 2 sides. Larry had a southwest salad. AHHHHHH comfort food. We used our Passport America card and stayed in a very nice campground in Carthage. We walked the dogs, talked to very nice people, took showers and went to bed. No storm tonight. Yea!!

Denver,Co

June 16, Monday: Jo had her infusion today while Larry went to do his blood test. Nice to have a Kaiser facility here. Little problem at check in but all in all everything went smoothly. So we are good for 8 weeks. Went to Fantastic Sam's for hair-cuts. Then off to WalMart, Petsmart, and Costco. Larry listened to the last part of the golf tournament including the exciting play-off while Jo ran into the stores. He definitely deserved some down time. Came home took a nap then took dogs for a nice long walk by the lake.
Not sure I mentioned we stayed at the Chatfield State Park in Littleton just outside of Denver. Very nice and relaxing. NO WIND!!!!!!!!

June 17, Tuesday: Had a nice day traveling winds not too bad. Jo's turn to help out with the driving. She has never driven with the tow car. Drove about 76 miles from one rest stop to the next. All went well and even drove thru some construction. At least, it gave Larry a break.
Suddenly, we clicked our red shoes together and we were in the middle of Kansas( Dorothy and Toto have nothing over us ). In fact, we stayed in Russell, Kansas. It is the home town of Bob Dole, in case, any of you are fans. It truly is in the middle of nowhere. Kind of high desert.

Almost caught up to our daily travels,
Larry and Jo

Central City, Co

June 12, Thursday: Will this wind ever go away? The gust are 45 to 50 mph not awhole lot of fun when you are sitting on a bluff. Just took it easy today as yesterday wore us out. Beautiful out our front window. That is one good thing about the wind. Very quiet, there are only 2 other rigs up here.





June 13,Friday: Another rig pulled in right next to us today. They are from North Carolina and waiting to meet up with their daughter and her family at the Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park next week. We didn't talk long because wind is blowing too much so we both stayed inside our rigs.


Afternoon the wind settled down so we went site- seeing. Colorado has taken Central City and Blackhawk, the city right next door, and turned them into a casino area. They left the facades of the original buildings. Central City was a mining town with Blackhawk as the milling town. Great looking buildings. Enjoyed walking around and reading the plaques on all the buildings. Larry and I went to lunch, drove around for a little it, then headed home.


Surprise! Surprise! the wind has died down enough so we can sit and visit with our neighbors. Nice relaxing evening.





June 14, Saturday: Housecleaning(Jo) and laundry(Larry) day. Larry was finally able to pull the awing out and fix it. Of course, when that was finished the pocket door fell off. Bill, our neighbor was nice enough to help him. I tried but it became a Man/Woman thing.


We sat outside after our chores and had a nice evening.





June 15, Sunday : Moving day! Weather nice for a quick drive only about an hour. Of course, we have go up and down the 8% grades but we are not hooking the car up. I am driving it down the mountain.



Larry and Jo

What are we doing here?

June 10: Tuesday
Weather is not good so we decided to fill up with propane and diesel in case we don't make it all the way to Denver. Diesel was $4.98 a gal. We are finding that a lot of stations don't even post the price of diesel because it seems to change daily. Got on the road about 9:10am hoping to out run the winds and snow. NO SUCH LUCK!!!!!! We ran into the strongest winds to date. The awning over the door on Jo's side came loose. We found a pull out so Larry could see if he could fix it. The wind was blowing so hard it took the two of us to close the door. Maybe not so good because now Larry is outside with the strong winds and now it starts hailing. It is hitting his face and it was stinging REALLY BAD. He was able to put a bungie cord around the arm and hoped that it would hold. Then it was time for him to try and get back inside. Again it took both of us to open and close the door. All the time hail is coming inside. WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE??? Where is California when you need it? Bungie cord didn't hold but decided could not stop and fix it again. Now we are in a snow blizzard and going about 40mph. Could only see about 200 yds ahead. All the time the awning arm is slamming back and forth. Good thing Jo is cool and calm otherwise, it could have been bad. NOT!!! We finally dropped down in elevation and it stopped snowing but the wind was still howling. Went through Denver at 4:30pm but traffic not too bad. Took Hwy 70 west out of Denver about 15 miles and went up the mountain and down the mountain and then up the mountain to Central City. Central City is 8900 ft high. Not a great road after the day we had. We had to take a U-turn to get to the camp site. Very steep and the Camelot was not sure it wanted to go anymore. Can't say as I can blame it. The day finally ended at 6pm.
I have to say I am blessed with a husband who has patience and stamina to get us through that storm and into a campground safe and sound.

Decided after all that we were going to shut down for 4 days and recoup.

Thermopolis, Wy

June 8: Sunday
Just out of Rock Springs, we picked up stronger winds. I cannot not believe they could get stronger but they did. Arrived in Thermopolis, Wy. found a campground and the wind finally died down. Visited downtown. Not much to do. In fact, there was only one restaurant opened for dinner. Thank goodness it was mexican. Just up our alley and it was really good. We did visit the World's Largest Mineral Springs which was free to use. Back to campground and had a nice visit with a couple from Wisconsin. Would like to get an early start tomorrow so we can get to Rock Springs.

June 9: Monday
Arrived in Rock Springs in one piece but there were times the gust of winds were so strong not sure. Called Jo's cousin, Denny, and we were able to have dinner with him. Then we went to his house to see his Chevelle he has rebuilt. Larry and Denny took it for a ride and Jo stayed at Denny,s house where it was warm. Besides Jo got to play with Baily, his dog.
On Tuesday we had planned on driving to the Flaming Gorge, but the winds were very strong and it was suppose to rain. So did some errands and mailed packages to our Grandchildren. In the WalMart parking lot the CRV would not start. Larry called our roadside service and to make a long story short, there was something wrong with the VSA system. He took Jo back to the RV then went to Honda dealer. They could only disconnect it because it kept shorting out.
The evening turned out okay because Denny, his daughter, Megan, and her husband, Dereck came for a taco dinner. It was fun to see Megan again and meet her husband.

Moving on

June 3: Headed south on Hwy 90 to Ranchester, Wy. Yea! diesel fuel down to $4.51 a gal. best price since Ca. Then east on Hwy 14 which goes up the Bighorn Mtn. what a view from up on top loking back over the valley below. Not a good road for Jo but not much traffic so could go slow. It rained off & on all day. but nothing like last night's storm. We reached the summit which was 7700 ft. so saw plenty of snow and a lake which was just starting to thaw. Made it down the mountain, across some plains towards Wapiti which is the towards the East entrance of Yellowstone Park. Reached there about 5:30pm, just in time to have a drink in their bar and move on to dinner. Larry had ribs. Next day we loaded up the dogs and headed into Yellowstone about 30 miles but took us one hour. Beautiful red rock formations. We saw some big horn sheep and buffalo before we even entered the park. Followed the route around Yellowstone Lake which was still frozen around the edges. When we were there 3 years ago we did not make it to the eastern part of the park. When it was time to turn around the mile sign read 100 miles to Wapiti. We didn't get home until 7:30pm but had a great site seeing trip. As you know half the fun of Yellowstone Park is pulling over to view the animals. We pulled over to see a mother grizzly and her two cubs, moose with her baby, coyote,antelope,and even geese. The people at the campground had not seen a moose in 2 yrs so we feel very lucky. Weather wise we had sun, rain, wind, and snow.



June 5: Thursday morning moved back 30 miles to Cody,Wy. in hopes to escape the winds----NOT POSSIBLE. Found out the wind always blows in Cody. That night went downtown for the local gunfight between the bad guys and Buffalo Bill, Doc Holiday, and Wyatt Earp. Funcky but fun. Afterwards went into th Irma Hotel the Buffalo Bill built for the tourist trade back around 1900. The bar in the dining roonm was given to him by Queen Victoria after he had performed his Wild West Show in England. The following two days we spent walking through the Buffalo Bill's Historic Museum. They have five museums Natural History, Plains Indians, Gun,Buffalo Bill, and Western art. Larry and I figured two days for us was very good for 5 museums. Would recommend this to everyone.

Winds were really blowing. Getting a little tired of them.

Put pictures on here but can't find them. They must be in cyberspace. Still learning.

Another Day of Great Scenery

June 1: Today was a push day thru the middle of Montana Plains then south to Billings for our first stop at Cracker Barrel. Yes, Pat and Carolyn, Jo had her vegetables!!! After dinner we moved on to Garryowen, Mt. This is right next to Little Big Horn( Custer's Last Stand). Nice campground. It is on a ranch.


June 2: Went to the National Little Big Horn Park. Toured the visitor center then took a van ride around the battlefield. It was narrated by a Crow Indian girl who was very politically correct about the battle. After our ride we listened to a ranger who described the battle. She was fantastic. She used her hands and body to make it came alive. We were both happy we decided to take a detour to see it. However, how can you take a detour when you do not have a definite route. AHHHHHHHH the questions of life!!!

We went to lunch in the town which had a very interesting museum. Several buildings school house, several old houses, and the most interesting was a group of buildings which belonged to a wheat grower. Bunk house, bathhouse, dining room and kitchen were included from the camps.

He was the biggest producer of wheat and was very innovative.

Time to get back and walk the dogs(Sobaka is traveling better). After dinner, the camp host came by to tell us a severe thunderstorm was headed our way. Well, instead of one storm we had two storms collide. It then turned and headed our way. Oh, fun!!! It took about an hour to reach us but what a storm! Larry made us a drink and we sat in our front seats while we watched the lightning , listened to the thunder crack all around us, and it poured. We just do not get storms like that in California. Sobaka not too sure he liked that. He can still hear real low sounds so the thunder not his favorite. Lottie did raise her head to see what the commotion was all about. Pretty strenuous for her.

Catching up

May 24: Nice relaxing evening in Burns,Oregon. Now on to McCall,Idaho. What a beautiful place. We decided to shut down for 4 days. Let Sobaka and Jo calm down, do laundry, clean Rv(very therapeutic)and take some gorgeous rides in the country. Our campsite was right on the Payette River. Hopefully, I am able to include a picture.(Still learning) They had a late winter so spring is now showing its colors. We visited the Ponderosa State Park, which had to cancel all its Memorial week-end reservations because of snow and downed trees. It was quiet and nice for us to take a long walk. Of course, as we were leaving we found our first(hope only)lost dog. We left him with the Rangers who said they would track down the owner. Visited the Smoke Jumpers facilities and had a great tour since we were the only visitors.







May 28: Headed up Idaho on Hwy 12 and spent the night in Kamiah. Every night we have had thunderstorms and rain but nice during the day. Campsite was nice but very very muddy. I don't think we brought enough dog towels for clean-up. Hope the health department can't find us. The best part of this campground was the restaurant. Our dinner was Larry's favorite MEATLOAF. The cost of dinner for both was about $15.00 and we were able to get two meals off of it. LIFE IS ABOUT THE SIMPLE THINGS!!!!





May 29: Hwy 12 is a beautiful drive as it follows a river most of the time. We had a little rain but those spring flowers were still starting to peek through. One nice thing on back roads there is very little traffic so we were able to poke along and really enjoy the views.





May 30: After reaching Missoula,Montana, we picked up Hwy200, it is a scenic route to Great Falls. Cattle ranching and some farming country. Still raining most nights but nice during the day. Had a good visit with Jo's Mom and brother and his grandson. We also took Jo's Mom to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. She had never been there even though she has lived in Great Falls for years. Met a nice couple who were waiting for their friends who broke down in Billings, Montana. When they arrived they headed for Alaska. We were invited to join them but decided we couldn't do it. He helped me figure out my Wi-fi but I have not been able to get it since. Oh, what a learning trip! We have been staying in touch with them with their blog. He is the one who talked me into trying a blog.


On the Road Again,


Larry and Jo

Starting trip

We left home on May 14 to meet the Emrich's in Healdsburg. Stayed two days and had a nice visit. Sobaka not feeling good so when we reached Redding on May 15, we took him to the vet. She diagnoised him as having colitis which apparently is caused by nerves. Put him on some pills and recommended we give him Benadryl everytime we move. We were not sure at this time how far we would travel. We stayed two extra days in Redding with the temperature 110 each day.

May 18: Made it to Chiloquin, Oregon for a visit with Dave and Christie. Between our neutoric dog and waiting for papers on the house to sign, I am not sure the Crozier's needed our visit. Really enjoyed seeing their new house and property. They have done a wonderful job making it a home. Weather was cool after Redding but a nice relief.
Christie made us some wonderful meals. I would recommend this campground with 5 stars.
I am not sure we can ever repay them for their comforting hospitality.

May 23: After leaving Chiloquin, we headed towards Great Falls, Montana. Our first one night stand was in Burns, Oregon. Sobaka seems to be doing better but still taking it day by day. Jo, we are not so sure. Larry and Lottie would probably really enjoy this trip if Sobaka and Jo could RELAX!!!!!!!!!!!

So long for now,
Larry and Jo