tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41583444969282710292024-03-13T07:18:10.281-04:00Karen & Collins' Great RV AdventuresAfter 5+ years of looking & planning, Jan 2010 we purchased a Class A motorhome & made plans to hit the road as full time RVers. On July 19th Collins & I said good bye to home, friends & family & headed to Louisville for the Good Sams Rally & the beginning of our new life on the road. Joins us as we experience new places & adventures along the way.Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-34677853882009324112021-02-21T09:11:00.000-05:002021-02-21T09:11:13.230-05:00Wow, Winter, Spring & Summer 2020. Winter 2021<div class="separator"><br /></div>What can we say about 2020 except WOW.<br />
<br />
This is going to be pretty short & sweet because it was a crazy year. We started Dec, happy & at "home" in our winter place, Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. Until the beginning of the year, there had only been a few of us here, but soon all our Canadian & US friends started to arrive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRcLTo9ofLI/XvQJr-tC3QI/AAAAAAAARB0/FFnpyFuufWoxp6KxSQSKQVdSOqeOTnM7ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200101_104512.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRcLTo9ofLI/XvQJr-tC3QI/AAAAAAAARB0/FFnpyFuufWoxp6KxSQSKQVdSOqeOTnM7ACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200101_104512.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">We have a beautiful view from our condo & the water was crystal clear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pk01nQ8mLY/XvQKt0eTk1I/AAAAAAAARCI/kUebB0FBlrUrQDICowDRoDcyWV-BktEJQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200107_181300.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pk01nQ8mLY/XvQKt0eTk1I/AAAAAAAARCI/kUebB0FBlrUrQDICowDRoDcyWV-BktEJQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200107_181300.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also had beautiful sunsets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Bhxl9TGIM/XvfciW8kFjI/AAAAAAAAREI/SIs6gVMpZ9cgNz4t9kZXxqxE3uzuqbqRwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200128_232937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Bhxl9TGIM/XvfciW8kFjI/AAAAAAAAREI/SIs6gVMpZ9cgNz4t9kZXxqxE3uzuqbqRwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200128_232937.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great views at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-Hgd64KgJk/XvQKXXjeYCI/AAAAAAAARCA/30uUiX-zDOUqaBoRmDzzwXYTzynj7vnVwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200106_195301.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-Hgd64KgJk/XvQKXXjeYCI/AAAAAAAARCA/30uUiX-zDOUqaBoRmDzzwXYTzynj7vnVwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200106_195301.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We celebrated Collins' Birthday Jan 6th with friends Cathy & Bob</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had dinner with 2 friends from our first year here, Ellen & Richard. Both have lost their spouses, but return to Marbella.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VQVPlfP3aU/XvQM5djXRrI/AAAAAAAARCk/PKze7ATqhG4BssgiswC_pomvX5yQHW1hgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200113_185848.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VQVPlfP3aU/XvQM5djXRrI/AAAAAAAARCk/PKze7ATqhG4BssgiswC_pomvX5yQHW1hgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200113_185848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By mid January most of the gang had arrived & were soaking up the warmth & the sunshine. Unfortunately, we had a tragedy strike our Marbella family. Katie & Stewart had arrived from England just a couple days earlier. Stewart collapsed early one morning & died from an apparent blood clot. The medical examiner seemed to think it was caused from him not moving around the plane during their long flight. Everyone offered support for Katie until her son & step daughter could arrive. It was such a sad time, but amazing to see how everyone came together for her. She, her son & her step daughter had a memorial dinner at one of their favorite restaurants. Lots of tears & good memories were shared that night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmfcntGx_IM/Xvfb-bKrMTI/AAAAAAAARD8/HJTxXSUHCRUZcHgcODMMLJ30amKaX6a0QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200119_220224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmfcntGx_IM/Xvfb-bKrMTI/AAAAAAAARD8/HJTxXSUHCRUZcHgcODMMLJ30amKaX6a0QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200119_220224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWzEgGCjQlk/XvfcGU5kb1I/AAAAAAAAREA/lbQwP30_kxoO9cXYgiC4pvZxWB7qyqc0QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200119_200147.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWzEgGCjQlk/XvfcGU5kb1I/AAAAAAAAREA/lbQwP30_kxoO9cXYgiC4pvZxWB7qyqc0QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200119_200147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuKztqm0kk0/X9QxDCKynHI/AAAAAAAAR5k/AqgHe7oHp5A-r23KPwq1em7AKXcKFWsdwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200205_171153.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuKztqm0kk0/X9QxDCKynHI/AAAAAAAAR5k/AqgHe7oHp5A-r23KPwq1em7AKXcKFWsdwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200205_171153.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles isn't too sure she likes having Velcro Visit for the day</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are several of us here with dogs. Collins & I have become the resident dog walkers when the others go out for the day. Snuggles won't go with anyone else & we don't usually leave for long periods of time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbxW7YpA6Hs/X9QznJSon8I/AAAAAAAAR6M/h14OmrD1AO4zl00VomCkbhsQF5QstbxRwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200211_140237.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbxW7YpA6Hs/X9QznJSon8I/AAAAAAAAR6M/h14OmrD1AO4zl00VomCkbhsQF5QstbxRwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200211_140237.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every year one of our Canadian friends plans what they call a "pub crawl". Pub is a very generous word for most of the places they go. It has never before worked out for us to go, but this year was the one for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oEkEm6OZug/X9QzzOus-LI/AAAAAAAAR6Q/t1m6XIemzh0IQwD0nbMmmGEUC9tLyxKCgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200211_140347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oEkEm6OZug/X9QzzOus-LI/AAAAAAAAR6Q/t1m6XIemzh0IQwD0nbMmmGEUC9tLyxKCgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200211_140347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were about 20 of us walking along the streets of Juan Dolio. Most of the places we stopped are mostly visited by the locals here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqTChqppoKM/X9Q0RBZ-qhI/AAAAAAAAR6Y/Q1YqPuKfwKspJoQhzubj66n8rRwzQlO2gCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200211_143602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqTChqppoKM/X9Q0RBZ-qhI/AAAAAAAAR6Y/Q1YqPuKfwKspJoQhzubj66n8rRwzQlO2gCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20200211_143602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUSUlOeh6LI/X9Q0RP66DwI/AAAAAAAAR6Y/fZHrD2HPj4Ebe0b9B5BQFdhVib1jbF52ACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200212_104001.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUSUlOeh6LI/X9Q0RP66DwI/AAAAAAAAR6Y/fZHrD2HPj4Ebe0b9B5BQFdhVib1jbF52ACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20200212_104001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETsEgfUIzcQ/X9Q01pGJX0I/AAAAAAAAR6k/tDTHPCL4Eu09p6IB9BrLuiTLX4Nnch0VQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200212_104125.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETsEgfUIzcQ/X9Q01pGJX0I/AAAAAAAAR6k/tDTHPCL4Eu09p6IB9BrLuiTLX4Nnch0VQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20200212_104125.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We started about 2pm & ended up at a little pizza place down the street. We literally took over the whole place. What I learned from a "veteran" before we started, was to have water at some of the places, rather than beer. That worked out great. No hangover for us the next day. Good thing we had our fun while we could. We had no idea what was around the corner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cz0N4gczojc/X9rCldS6u9I/AAAAAAAAR7o/sJBgApBAAQs2978AbKsZCnm39CVIleqmACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200317_201821.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cz0N4gczojc/X9rCldS6u9I/AAAAAAAAR7o/sJBgApBAAQs2978AbKsZCnm39CVIleqmACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20200317_201821.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to all our Canadian friends</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In early
March, the Canadian gov’t notified their international traveling citizens they had 10 days to return or they would lose their Health Coverage for Covid 19. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Regardless of the propaganda to the contrary,
if given the choice between losing their Health Insurance or first born, many
would not know which to choose.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For the
next 7 days, the DR airports were overflowing and we lost 25+ couples that we
interact with every year from our complex.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This gave us
a few days of indecision: go or stay? We
finally chose stay; The weather was definitely better than Illinois & virus far less of a concern. Hence our 3 ½ month stay turned into 7 months, and we never regretted it. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KyKnpO8o0M/X9rDVC4h7cI/AAAAAAAAR70/yhYO1cYLGqEZsLZOefAP8KbDSbeiyP-AgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/20200529_180538.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2186" data-original-width="3024" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KyKnpO8o0M/X9rDVC4h7cI/AAAAAAAAR70/yhYO1cYLGqEZsLZOefAP8KbDSbeiyP-AgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h289/20200529_180538.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Snuggles came to enjoy walks on the beach - even got her paws wet</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />As the
DR shut down travel between provinces, enacted strict 13 hour curfews and
closed bars & restaurants, except carry out, the complex became literally our
private domain. While the gym & pool
were closed, we were able to enjoy walking the otherwise empty beach, have
great meals, & incredible trays of brownies, delivered to us by the ladies from upstairs who owned one of our favorite restaurants & were doing takeout from a limited menu (including the brownies). Collins is a chocoholic. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfkxzSRSCu8/X9rFGryjB0I/AAAAAAAAR8I/peAJo_Ly-IsD3Qt0As_sbU4HANAhyxTrwCPcBGAsYHg/s2304/20200610_120208.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="2304" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfkxzSRSCu8/X9rFGryjB0I/AAAAAAAAR8I/peAJo_Ly-IsD3Qt0As_sbU4HANAhyxTrwCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h285/20200610_120208.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the beginning of June, we were so happy to see the girl who sold fruit on the street</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The weather
remained mild (upper 60’s nights, low to mid 80”s days, & a 24/7 cool
breeze off the ocean, which our 8<sup>th</sup> floor balcony faces) until the
last of June. During the first 5 ½
months, we didn’t run the air-conditioning for a cumulative 30 hrs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">On July 7<sup>th</sup>
we returned to Chicago & then drove to Elkhart, Indiana where we had left
the RV for major interior updating. I forgot to take pictures, so will have to post in the next blog. We returned to St. Charles, IL, where we went through our annual battery of
doctor visits. Having received an OK, or
repairs as needed, we again hit the road. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrV5g97ikoE/X9wtSJQgs2I/AAAAAAAAR_I/DZNRKOGmXiQ4SFRopZYUfqzu3EHucQAtwCPcBGAsYHg/s3385/20200921_175932.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2059" data-original-width="3385" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrV5g97ikoE/X9wtSJQgs2I/AAAAAAAAR_I/DZNRKOGmXiQ4SFRopZYUfqzu3EHucQAtwCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h244/20200921_175932.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">First was KY to see Karen’s 95 year old mother, who will clean your clock
in cards if given a chance. She lives in her own apartment in a Senior Living Facility, so life has been pretty boring for them the past few months. I'm really proud of the way, she's handled the whole lockdown experience. they've had to eat all their meals in their rooms & basically no social activities. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwMEkln3dbI/YDG96wBYrsI/AAAAAAAASn8/kTE0PzkkWIsh76w-ivjwXd0Oz6CKVIesQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200930_125708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwMEkln3dbI/YDG96wBYrsI/AAAAAAAASn8/kTE0PzkkWIsh76w-ivjwXd0Oz6CKVIesQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20200930_125708.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Then it was off to Virginia. We've stayed in parts of Virginia before, but never been on the Shenandoah skyline or the Virginia part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjXIZfVxCAQ/YDG-SGtEX-I/AAAAAAAASoE/rxNSuaEpjPUsFHR0r5Ikr8A5mKQuhEFIACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20200930_131708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjXIZfVxCAQ/YDG-SGtEX-I/AAAAAAAASoE/rxNSuaEpjPUsFHR0r5Ikr8A5mKQuhEFIACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20200930_131708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3_3dKyow5Q/YDG-SI-fLCI/AAAAAAAASoE/d-uk9pwQgb8tVwL4X-xzkVVZUDMd1sSNQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201009_155455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3_3dKyow5Q/YDG-SI-fLCI/AAAAAAAASoE/d-uk9pwQgb8tVwL4X-xzkVVZUDMd1sSNQCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/20201009_155455.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2dSXaW11xM/YDG-SJkLqNI/AAAAAAAASoE/sZcG_CAWIqMSOuSEC_jnn6oKJJde_gawgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201014_131806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2dSXaW11xM/YDG-SJkLqNI/AAAAAAAASoE/sZcG_CAWIqMSOuSEC_jnn6oKJJde_gawgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201014_131806.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dO3-_26f6qE/YDG-SEm_1mI/AAAAAAAASoE/W4Wxol1oQg4sqiUrJlseNZIsFG1nISgXgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201014_131826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dO3-_26f6qE/YDG-SEm_1mI/AAAAAAAASoE/W4Wxol1oQg4sqiUrJlseNZIsFG1nISgXgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201014_131826.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ7RtFYm1BM/YDG-SKOYWVI/AAAAAAAASoE/2HtkWNd4Vx8HkIibvckmcY2rNeB7vSt8ACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201014_132108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ7RtFYm1BM/YDG-SKOYWVI/AAAAAAAASoE/2HtkWNd4Vx8HkIibvckmcY2rNeB7vSt8ACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201014_132108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAGDUK7WfXU/YDG-SEtTiWI/AAAAAAAASoE/XuuCakQotXoGCUD78r73GtTU9YRK6AbTQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201014_132801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAGDUK7WfXU/YDG-SEtTiWI/AAAAAAAASoE/XuuCakQotXoGCUD78r73GtTU9YRK6AbTQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201014_132801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFrodykOZU8/YDG-SMEAFsI/AAAAAAAASoE/dLqULAS9BcYTBLBs6AGVZLWT5RDi6z9AwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201014_132822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFrodykOZU8/YDG-SMEAFsI/AAAAAAAASoE/dLqULAS9BcYTBLBs6AGVZLWT5RDi6z9AwCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201014_132822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbUCneNsjz0/YDG-SMKmT8I/AAAAAAAASoE/0GTJkX09Ktg1sUCxbIWv3nXNrBj6B2aLgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201021_122948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbUCneNsjz0/YDG-SMKmT8I/AAAAAAAASoE/0GTJkX09Ktg1sUCxbIWv3nXNrBj6B2aLgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201021_122948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSUwr00H7QY/YDG-SE7N8BI/AAAAAAAASoE/ulq-NPu9xwUs-eNaq0O_kyLFC-fc6s25QCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201021_125927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSUwr00H7QY/YDG-SE7N8BI/AAAAAAAASoE/ulq-NPu9xwUs-eNaq0O_kyLFC-fc6s25QCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201021_125927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJx22Mj0U5U/YDG-SLZPZhI/AAAAAAAASoE/vFAcemViEjAhfZXB9O9vGXsGttcrVT_tACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201022_111543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJx22Mj0U5U/YDG-SLZPZhI/AAAAAAAASoE/vFAcemViEjAhfZXB9O9vGXsGttcrVT_tACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201022_111543.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We were on our way to Florida so figured this would be a good year to do that. We were trying to chase the changing tree colors, so ended up staying longer in Virginia than we had originally planned, but did see some pretty colors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kXGN1nY4VKA/YDHBw0RSISI/AAAAAAAASow/gqs1ANfFtK0dZAHDnLDJeLMxpfrpe2JNACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kXGN1nY4VKA/YDHBw0RSISI/AAAAAAAASow/gqs1ANfFtK0dZAHDnLDJeLMxpfrpe2JNACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYpMbshjqXw/YDHCJT-3PtI/AAAAAAAASo4/A1j6WbOEI94Pu3bcGVNks2W_ok_qeFIVQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="210" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYpMbshjqXw/YDHCJT-3PtI/AAAAAAAASo4/A1j6WbOEI94Pu3bcGVNks2W_ok_qeFIVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h210/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One day we went to the Luray Caverns. It's pretty amazing to look at the stalactite & the stalagmite formations.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUbkeYx9FcI/YDHE9CnIebI/AAAAAAAASpM/FVJ4YXNUPQYmtKR3jeS67e0cSkJOtGB-ACPcBGAsYHg/s2664/20201117_161421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2664" data-original-width="1844" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUbkeYx9FcI/YDHE9CnIebI/AAAAAAAASpM/FVJ4YXNUPQYmtKR3jeS67e0cSkJOtGB-ACPcBGAsYHg/w278-h400/20201117_161421.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We finally made it to Florida about the middle of November. We started in Jacksonville for a couple weeks. They had Osprey in the park where we stayed. They're certainly large birds.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v-KszLWilw/YDHFV27mH4I/AAAAAAAASpU/xoSOOChtFEAZQwY-gJc_xbWpJrbfjE3DQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201115_192819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v-KszLWilw/YDHFV27mH4I/AAAAAAAASpU/xoSOOChtFEAZQwY-gJc_xbWpJrbfjE3DQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201115_192819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM7Yzw-TDZg/YDHFVwSXj7I/AAAAAAAASpU/anvbJkBbWhgZaWq3TKYzPBUXdQXfp9jVgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20201115_192852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM7Yzw-TDZg/YDHFVwSXj7I/AAAAAAAASpU/anvbJkBbWhgZaWq3TKYzPBUXdQXfp9jVgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201115_192852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We were also able to watch one of the night space launches from our campground. Yes, it was far away, but it was still an awesome site.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We went a little closer to Orlando as it got near Thanksgiving. Our daughter, Collina, her finance, & our granddaughters & great grandson are not too far from there. We hadn't seen our granddaughters & great grandson in several years, so we did an outdoor, social distanced Thanksgiving. When we got back to the RV that night, I realized none of us had taken any pictures. Guess we were too busy enjoying good food & great company.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After Thanksgiving we moved to our last Florida spot for the month of Dec. It was in a town named Tavares & turned out to be a great find. We'll probably return there.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">We mostly stayed around the campground, but there was a close by town, Mt. Dora, which had a beautiful Christmas light display. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7xdNqQqJTw/YDHECVFuNPI/AAAAAAAASpE/U5yMo_dIHMoSJi0cxPY1EgzZDbvdHK8KQCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201223_194451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7xdNqQqJTw/YDHECVFuNPI/AAAAAAAASpE/U5yMo_dIHMoSJi0cxPY1EgzZDbvdHK8KQCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/20201223_194451.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGDD2VxBzPw/YDHECXnFZsI/AAAAAAAASpE/nDROGP7TAdo9LM2o38m4HiWE0vcpKUo4QCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201223_195303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGDD2VxBzPw/YDHECXnFZsI/AAAAAAAASpE/nDROGP7TAdo9LM2o38m4HiWE0vcpKUo4QCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201223_195303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yklqNzW_90g/YDHECY5MSOI/AAAAAAAASpE/gxXt6n_SnPQwxdDFfB3x0Mx_IvnSpWRhQCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201223_195321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yklqNzW_90g/YDHECY5MSOI/AAAAAAAASpE/gxXt6n_SnPQwxdDFfB3x0Mx_IvnSpWRhQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201223_195321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V3Qn90p3JI/YDHECdPFOOI/AAAAAAAASpE/0lQ0M5RWTPEhroQicUQV7a_wVrQLMr_yACPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201223_195336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V3Qn90p3JI/YDHECdPFOOI/AAAAAAAASpE/0lQ0M5RWTPEhroQicUQV7a_wVrQLMr_yACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201223_195336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udzhtXAtN80/YDHECbiJ2WI/AAAAAAAASpE/s7D37Qo4qoMrt3h5a9lHb4LEW4hN-LeBQCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201223_195434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udzhtXAtN80/YDHECbiJ2WI/AAAAAAAASpE/s7D37Qo4qoMrt3h5a9lHb4LEW4hN-LeBQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201223_195434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">We celebrated an early Christmas with our daughter, Collina & her fiance Mike, granddaughters, Brittany & Lexi & our great grandson, Blake. It was a fun evening.</span></p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ke9QkWc5L_M/YDHGF_3hgGI/AAAAAAAASpg/m6D6mWhGyOA3PGSTIUWxmtu7ly-qv90sACPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201221_182510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ke9QkWc5L_M/YDHGF_3hgGI/AAAAAAAASpg/m6D6mWhGyOA3PGSTIUWxmtu7ly-qv90sACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201221_182510.jpg" width="400" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oiV02I_A4M/YDHGF6EXJZI/AAAAAAAASpg/-j9jZiVxVHA2XM3pTFsn5E8AcGjnLX9pQCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201221_182824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oiV02I_A4M/YDHGF6EXJZI/AAAAAAAASpg/-j9jZiVxVHA2XM3pTFsn5E8AcGjnLX9pQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201221_182824.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKc_53-o8GI/YDHGF_V-ZcI/AAAAAAAASpg/kpH2yaVMHcUskyoI0kNFL_f9_ZvhfgQnQCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201221_182859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKc_53-o8GI/YDHGF_V-ZcI/AAAAAAAASpg/kpH2yaVMHcUskyoI0kNFL_f9_ZvhfgQnQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201221_182859.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx10mGV-eLY/YDHGF6eSBgI/AAAAAAAASpg/r6Qu-P7SJlc_1ZPJMKOJWRN4qD4wT84dQCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20201221_182913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx10mGV-eLY/YDHGF6eSBgI/AAAAAAAASpg/r6Qu-P7SJlc_1ZPJMKOJWRN4qD4wT84dQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20201221_182913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Before we knew it, it was time to put the RV back in storage & head back to the Dominican Republic. That has become our winter home for 3 or 4 months. This year is pretty quiet. Most of our Canadian friends & several of our US friends did not return this year. You may think we're crazy to be in a foreign country with the pandemic going on. However, all of us here, actually feel safer here than in the US. During the week, there are very few people here, everyone wears a mask on the elevator, in the lobby & on the street. The weekends can get pretty crowded, so Collins & I decided before we came, we would just stay in our apartment on the weekends. Believe me, it's no hardship. We have a beautiful view & a great breeze blowing thru, so we're not missing out on much.</span></p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxTfUMdbAkY/YDHI6EY0tQI/AAAAAAAASps/VZnEvQ9wz5oWZXFSLB1zvr77bfivuuwgQCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20210107_182041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxTfUMdbAkY/YDHI6EY0tQI/AAAAAAAASps/VZnEvQ9wz5oWZXFSLB1zvr77bfivuuwgQCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/20210107_182041.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGBAzg2s-bo/YDHI6CjbU6I/AAAAAAAASps/sDAcY_A2_7EQ1FtxC2_CL0vOxOKbgrLjgCPcBGAsYHg/s4624/20210124_181941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGBAzg2s-bo/YDHI6CjbU6I/AAAAAAAASps/sDAcY_A2_7EQ1FtxC2_CL0vOxOKbgrLjgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20210124_181941.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We hope this finds all of you & your families in good health.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-47998014279348008952020-06-10T20:14:00.002-04:002020-06-12T20:39:39.011-04:002019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Well my friends, as you can see, I've gotten very lazy & not posted for more than a year. Things are well with us & we're still moving along in our RV. I'm sure many of you follow our facebook posts, so you have a pretty good idea of where we've been. I'm going to try to recap without going on forever.<br />
<br />
As usual, we started 2019 in the Dominican Republic. Anyone who follows this knows we consider that our winter home. We arrived Jan 2 & stayed until the end of March. Our usual collection of friends, mostly Canadian, were there also.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdRz8xMGNKM/XXm0GObsCgI/AAAAAAAAPA8/oWbdJY6o7c0iwzEdt9mkCpk0yt0x4KVpQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20180328_082335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdRz8xMGNKM/XXm0GObsCgI/AAAAAAAAPA8/oWbdJY6o7c0iwzEdt9mkCpk0yt0x4KVpQCKgBGAsYHg/s400/20180328_082335.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Collins & Snuggles started off right with a nap<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qz2irj-CnU/XXm0k4ci6DI/AAAAAAAAPBI/MTuT9rP--PQqoPS7OKdb81N9-MrrKKdOACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190103_093117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qz2irj-CnU/XXm0k4ci6DI/AAAAAAAAPBI/MTuT9rP--PQqoPS7OKdb81N9-MrrKKdOACKgBGAsYHg/s320/20190103_093117.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qz2irj-CnU/XXm0k4ci6DI/AAAAAAAAPBI/MTuT9rP--PQqoPS7OKdb81N9-MrrKKdOACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190103_093117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQiGy4IDr38/XXm03youc3I/AAAAAAAAPBU/qXBf_ae0H3Ab2eYWdK1WiZvw142-IWl-ACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190114_202933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQiGy4IDr38/XXm03youc3I/AAAAAAAAPBU/qXBf_ae0H3Ab2eYWdK1WiZvw142-IWl-ACKgBGAsYHg/s400/20190114_202933.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Met up with Friends Leigh Ann & Terry<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Son, Doug, came for about 10 days. He lucked out & came during the worse days of the Chicago winter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtbZtEzStMA/XXm2TI9lA_I/AAAAAAAAPBw/F3rxTkGwqGwlRpRDef9sbME7S-I6kvzggCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190127_175539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtbZtEzStMA/XXm2TI9lA_I/AAAAAAAAPBw/F3rxTkGwqGwlRpRDef9sbME7S-I6kvzggCKgBGAsYHg/s400/20190127_175539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLKJ9n426Q/XXm2eARXpzI/AAAAAAAAPB0/Z0IsMomY964uvfnO4yjNlqUOOS66RttkQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190202_095738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLKJ9n426Q/XXm2eARXpzI/AAAAAAAAPB0/Z0IsMomY964uvfnO4yjNlqUOOS66RttkQCKgBGAsYHg/s400/20190202_095738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0z9FdvCfIs/XXm2-n8PSmI/AAAAAAAAPCA/w04lQs9pnjYU0hD29WwPhKfwo_eQhGY8gCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190205_182106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0z9FdvCfIs/XXm2-n8PSmI/AAAAAAAAPCA/w04lQs9pnjYU0hD29WwPhKfwo_eQhGY8gCKgBGAsYHg/s400/20190205_182106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEqkBaHfKzI/XXm3E4IqYnI/AAAAAAAAPCE/wVdF8gCeZ9gmpVY2I_WJSH5IQ-Y-ubLkACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190207_182849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEqkBaHfKzI/XXm3E4IqYnI/AAAAAAAAPCE/wVdF8gCeZ9gmpVY2I_WJSH5IQ-Y-ubLkACKgBGAsYHg/s400/20190207_182849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After Doug left, our yearly visitor arrived. That would be my friend Sue. She stayed almost 3 weeks this year & we all had a great visit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ3uCWEyf84/XXm3QMyTLMI/AAAAAAAAPCI/Xypi0evEymE93lCsIvbuLhNgS10KcZLlACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190212_145506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ3uCWEyf84/XXm3QMyTLMI/AAAAAAAAPCI/Xypi0evEymE93lCsIvbuLhNgS10KcZLlACKgBGAsYHg/s400/20190212_145506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlobOlj7xR0/XXm3XrQ10pI/AAAAAAAAPCM/YJcJfwN1BqsxknKU1r_g177_DmleY4p7gCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190210_203400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlobOlj7xR0/XXm3XrQ10pI/AAAAAAAAPCM/YJcJfwN1BqsxknKU1r_g177_DmleY4p7gCKgBGAsYHg/s400/20190210_203400.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating her Valentine's Birthday at our favorite restaurant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBSju-qQq84/XtGsWBpS1hI/AAAAAAAAQnw/YuUQ1ikwBRs3ILoy_z5lm-69pstVMpAYgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190325_112451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBSju-qQq84/XtGsWBpS1hI/AAAAAAAAQnw/YuUQ1ikwBRs3ILoy_z5lm-69pstVMpAYgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190325_112451.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yevette, the girl I buy my fresh fruit from</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDzwalMkb_g/XtGsvPc_8-I/AAAAAAAAQn4/g_zd-GZabFQvzJrLRkYSKuH9qTHONyB2wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190312_103045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDzwalMkb_g/XtGsvPc_8-I/AAAAAAAAQn4/g_zd-GZabFQvzJrLRkYSKuH9qTHONyB2wCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190312_103045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We ended our stay in the Dominican Republic at the end of Mar & went back to IL. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Luckily, our son, Doug, was kind enough to let us stay with him for awhile. The campgrounds near by don't open until the beginning of May & we wanted to sell one of our rental properties. Once again, that meant painting & fixing & cleaning, etc. All our hard work paid off & we sold the property the first week we put it on the market. That left us with 3, hopefully to sell in 2020.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nwi5X6vq04/XtGubZkuiHI/AAAAAAAAQoE/CK5F0WJZs18xTKq4a5uVNtI-Z9cvNk9BwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190428_182102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nwi5X6vq04/XtGubZkuiHI/AAAAAAAAQoE/CK5F0WJZs18xTKq4a5uVNtI-Z9cvNk9BwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190428_182102.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Girl, Becca, in the center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During this time period, we were also able to celebrate our granddaughter, Becca's, 21st Birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also had, grandson Tyler's, high school graduation</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r39xAO3Hha4/XtGuzpZdZ1I/AAAAAAAAQoM/xJ6sFOp79oYeMI4343mUoM6Nma3E9YhiACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190529_204734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r39xAO3Hha4/XtGuzpZdZ1I/AAAAAAAAQoM/xJ6sFOp79oYeMI4343mUoM6Nma3E9YhiACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190529_204734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler & Ryan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-3DyFaSEFo/XtGvIfgScuI/AAAAAAAAQoU/-FHiwc-QBQIV-T235V-GTi262lAWjXWxgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190529_204632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-3DyFaSEFo/XtGvIfgScuI/AAAAAAAAQoU/-FHiwc-QBQIV-T235V-GTi262lAWjXWxgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190529_204632.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us with Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEd4R9cKfPY/XtGvW31WVaI/AAAAAAAAQoY/0tQQF2R01dADyVLtHN26xT36xp8qO-B_QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190529_204908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEd4R9cKfPY/XtGvW31WVaI/AAAAAAAAQoY/0tQQF2R01dADyVLtHN26xT36xp8qO-B_QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190529_204908.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen with Tyler & daughters, Paula & Pam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGf25RlD9kc/XtGvpIQfkLI/AAAAAAAAQog/t-TYbX-EQ9cRB3h6bgT37fKjre1-eprhQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190529_205640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGf25RlD9kc/XtGvpIQfkLI/AAAAAAAAQog/t-TYbX-EQ9cRB3h6bgT37fKjre1-eprhQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190529_205640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandkids, Ryan, Katie, Tyler, Becca & Danny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAeqWIUrP2I/XtGwGPlSlCI/AAAAAAAAQos/OZ2PBmegqkklDDV1ZUGRliBrn8sB3JbngCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190531_214935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAeqWIUrP2I/XtGwGPlSlCI/AAAAAAAAQos/OZ2PBmegqkklDDV1ZUGRliBrn8sB3JbngCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190531_214935.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for takeoff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATqhovbsPKY/XtGwShq3JjI/AAAAAAAAQow/eqlCUnO4CsICwTULSFnEVf8KoeOU744EgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190601_051506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATqhovbsPKY/XtGwShq3JjI/AAAAAAAAQow/eqlCUnO4CsICwTULSFnEVf8KoeOU744EgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190601_051506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how Snuggles traveled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, the first week of June, we were headed to Europe for another Great RV Caravan with our favorite wagonmaster, Thomas Grossman & his wonderful tailgunners Michael & Sabina. We were spending a month traveling from Hamburg, Germany To Denmark, Sweden , Norway & back to Hamburg. It's such a great way to see Europe. Since I've waited so long to post this, I'm going to mostly post pictures bc I can't remember every place we were.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
DENMARK</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWMRhy18qEA/XtGw5gC8t9I/AAAAAAAAQo4/rG2hQ21QLfYBsQaKDLOw-Wpwkzuvm3UKgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190604_190120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWMRhy18qEA/XtGw5gC8t9I/AAAAAAAAQo4/rG2hQ21QLfYBsQaKDLOw-Wpwkzuvm3UKgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190604_190120.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our traveling companions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0eMRt4XSuis/XtGzCZtVWlI/AAAAAAAAQpE/c8G7l5Tu98g3vMOdZ860xaiqN0yClToyACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190602_120549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0eMRt4XSuis/XtGzCZtVWlI/AAAAAAAAQpE/c8G7l5Tu98g3vMOdZ860xaiqN0yClToyACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190602_120549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDsMZh4xx9k/XtGzCSu8CzI/AAAAAAAAQpE/Q6Gn3II_h38C044_bkejMTYvW6JgdjumwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190602_121418.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDsMZh4xx9k/XtGzCSu8CzI/AAAAAAAAQpE/Q6Gn3II_h38C044_bkejMTYvW6JgdjumwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190602_121418.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ1ktXpJVIM/XtGzCcFgITI/AAAAAAAAQpE/-JieG3DFUSEZhTax2KkaoDK6MQolqhSMgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190602_125907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ1ktXpJVIM/XtGzCcFgITI/AAAAAAAAQpE/-JieG3DFUSEZhTax2KkaoDK6MQolqhSMgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190602_125907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKmiaYEv_Mw/XtGzCXccWNI/AAAAAAAAQpE/Jy0pk5aIAYojWT1x4V3_wSeLA0eYFy3iwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190603_112627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKmiaYEv_Mw/XtGzCXccWNI/AAAAAAAAQpE/Jy0pk5aIAYojWT1x4V3_wSeLA0eYFy3iwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190603_112627.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swans are plentiful in Europe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ehmFMl934Q/XtGzCe7BT5I/AAAAAAAAQpE/V6qCC-MUR_MODpe_U8JQQwuXgiczXSQ3ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190603_162412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ehmFMl934Q/XtGzCe7BT5I/AAAAAAAAQpE/V6qCC-MUR_MODpe_U8JQQwuXgiczXSQ3ACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190603_162412.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Ky06FYypw/XtGzCegfj7I/AAAAAAAAQpE/c-ZPG3-EW8E2KKGJSU_miLs0rxpNMHTzwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190603_170744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Ky06FYypw/XtGzCegfj7I/AAAAAAAAQpE/c-ZPG3-EW8E2KKGJSU_miLs0rxpNMHTzwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190603_170744.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Ice Bar, where everything is made of Ice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PE7_n4Na_Jk/XtGzCQ25xKI/AAAAAAAAQpE/qKuxzV0OGWolKeMCnAcNVVxWpgUv1RxbwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190603_170807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PE7_n4Na_Jk/XtGzCQ25xKI/AAAAAAAAQpE/qKuxzV0OGWolKeMCnAcNVVxWpgUv1RxbwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190603_170807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwzN-GFs12g/XtGzCa643XI/AAAAAAAAQpE/NMei8WU0okcvFOqh8emJYbrCO7PuCyUDQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190605_182742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwzN-GFs12g/XtGzCa643XI/AAAAAAAAQpE/NMei8WU0okcvFOqh8emJYbrCO7PuCyUDQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190605_182742.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw some unique campers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHOFJh2xWqU/XtGzCS8PG6I/AAAAAAAAQpE/KcHTDuvHs6Qq3ID0cM7orm8KG_fsiWRHwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190606_142057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHOFJh2xWqU/XtGzCS8PG6I/AAAAAAAAQpE/KcHTDuvHs6Qq3ID0cM7orm8KG_fsiWRHwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190606_142057.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqA9WXh5-mo/XtGzCW15IkI/AAAAAAAAQpE/jguar7uHYUMFlwaF95gpf_DqUiEPyqB7QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190606_144105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqA9WXh5-mo/XtGzCW15IkI/AAAAAAAAQpE/jguar7uHYUMFlwaF95gpf_DqUiEPyqB7QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190606_144105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5axqlUH4yE/XtGzCU-jLbI/AAAAAAAAQpE/OvmE7NmV5YgWEKFLxzgbtTiSj-x7hGypwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190606_151448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5axqlUH4yE/XtGzCU-jLbI/AAAAAAAAQpE/OvmE7NmV5YgWEKFLxzgbtTiSj-x7hGypwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190606_151448.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5hVz_AbLPI/XtGzCexJylI/AAAAAAAAQpE/hEWRGnHWqMMoEChVaM_QMBk0VPvYusjzQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190606_160400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5hVz_AbLPI/XtGzCexJylI/AAAAAAAAQpE/hEWRGnHWqMMoEChVaM_QMBk0VPvYusjzQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190606_160400.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to stop for a beer (or 3) after our sightseeing trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caus5zise2k/XtGzCcMhWJI/AAAAAAAAQpE/823H2Ah-fQkmcHb47eoZh_-1PegcEa7wACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190606_160412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caus5zise2k/XtGzCcMhWJI/AAAAAAAAQpE/823H2Ah-fQkmcHb47eoZh_-1PegcEa7wACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190606_160412.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins was "feeling " that high alcohol, dark beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30i0xybPX24/XtGzCaK-C7I/AAAAAAAAQpE/UJ4pBB2PzRsHNwSrOFc9deTx6Pyx7gFkACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190607_101853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30i0xybPX24/XtGzCaK-C7I/AAAAAAAAQpE/UJ4pBB2PzRsHNwSrOFc9deTx6Pyx7gFkACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190607_101853.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plants at this castle & museum were huge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGcxOTmMgQI/XtGzCVAmscI/AAAAAAAAQpE/6JDNoJjZNwAHPZG5-PouXzsdZfiqfgwLwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190607_101910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGcxOTmMgQI/XtGzCVAmscI/AAAAAAAAQpE/6JDNoJjZNwAHPZG5-PouXzsdZfiqfgwLwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190607_101910.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwDcM-_i_J0/XtGzCV39f-I/AAAAAAAAQpE/Vsq_FnVSr4gDV6K43NR2m2LpPIOhrbM0QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190607_102609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwDcM-_i_J0/XtGzCV39f-I/AAAAAAAAQpE/Vsq_FnVSr4gDV6K43NR2m2LpPIOhrbM0QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190607_102609.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've never seen such huge lilacs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fqb8TZuEOU/XtGzCYyWkjI/AAAAAAAAQpE/mliAF7CfYBQ7tc3R6iq3w9XNC-ezrQfwACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190607_105735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fqb8TZuEOU/XtGzCYyWkjI/AAAAAAAAQpE/mliAF7CfYBQ7tc3R6iq3w9XNC-ezrQfwACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190607_105735.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a unique RV at an old car museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_1OWojuIJQ/XtGzCU1gTDI/AAAAAAAAQpE/teBNG2y7o0k_7u-3hSruZ1kWfb1JW5LOACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190608_140243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_1OWojuIJQ/XtGzCU1gTDI/AAAAAAAAQpE/teBNG2y7o0k_7u-3hSruZ1kWfb1JW5LOACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190608_140243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-hKTyobMbA/XtGzCeh70_I/AAAAAAAAQpE/VE5aT8WGUssa43fb6O42Y-QeQdWbbQv5ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190609_094348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-hKTyobMbA/XtGzCeh70_I/AAAAAAAAQpE/VE5aT8WGUssa43fb6O42Y-QeQdWbbQv5ACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190609_094348.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This huge field was all red poppies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Glyd3Yiewyg/XtGzCfKVHLI/AAAAAAAAQpE/AB_q_V7aWB0skUfrt2ODthPDg-b1OkyqwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190609_154547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Glyd3Yiewyg/XtGzCfKVHLI/AAAAAAAAQpE/AB_q_V7aWB0skUfrt2ODthPDg-b1OkyqwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190609_154547.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqlmI7SM3YA/XtGzCQ5S94I/AAAAAAAAQpE/Bd0OlVt5DQMkv00uBqD7wDc6Z-4KG0ZpACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190609_160012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqlmI7SM3YA/XtGzCQ5S94I/AAAAAAAAQpE/Bd0OlVt5DQMkv00uBqD7wDc6Z-4KG0ZpACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190609_160012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing of the guard at the Copenhagen Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlTKSNTQpFo/XtGzCXWVJkI/AAAAAAAAQpE/1zWNul3T16UbiPde5c-2jxnyx2j0nExHwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190609_161328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlTKSNTQpFo/XtGzCXWVJkI/AAAAAAAAQpE/1zWNul3T16UbiPde5c-2jxnyx2j0nExHwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190609_161328.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDPBNXXVPDc/XtGzCcuB7NI/AAAAAAAAQpE/b5CWRggtUxsKShdyDYpQWU1bT7QDq26LwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190610_161549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDPBNXXVPDc/XtGzCcuB7NI/AAAAAAAAQpE/b5CWRggtUxsKShdyDYpQWU1bT7QDq26LwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190610_161549.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Tivoli Gardens with our "drinking" buddies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saPIPXPoXOE/XtGzCUEzetI/AAAAAAAAQpE/_0uIW1XkbUIKbLUU-muz1zJAslts8m5vACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190610_165617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saPIPXPoXOE/XtGzCUEzetI/AAAAAAAAQpE/_0uIW1XkbUIKbLUU-muz1zJAslts8m5vACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190610_165617.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SWEDEN</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L7e2tonQfw/XtG81sbw13I/AAAAAAAAQpY/GSPOKejV3c4V7XjswIu_CJJoHXyosJVNACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190612_085059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L7e2tonQfw/XtG81sbw13I/AAAAAAAAQpY/GSPOKejV3c4V7XjswIu_CJJoHXyosJVNACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190612_085059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalmar Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlvgemKRhR8/XtG81vlf9SI/AAAAAAAAQpY/1xB_jBkE40sUkNvD7W0_vZYnQ66bj3iBwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190612_091025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlvgemKRhR8/XtG81vlf9SI/AAAAAAAAQpY/1xB_jBkE40sUkNvD7W0_vZYnQ66bj3iBwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190612_091025.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalmar Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9Yr1ZZzKyM/XtG81l62iAI/AAAAAAAAQpY/f2O7vsDFUIQcBgHK2llIlm063K5vA_nHACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190612_091046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9Yr1ZZzKyM/XtG81l62iAI/AAAAAAAAQpY/f2O7vsDFUIQcBgHK2llIlm063K5vA_nHACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190612_091046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalmar Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LU6yE3y-Ibg/XtG81s8UQeI/AAAAAAAAQpY/E1UMdtITwGIV0pp_2mebfE_JQYnMWWkgQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190612_094933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LU6yE3y-Ibg/XtG81s8UQeI/AAAAAAAAQpY/E1UMdtITwGIV0pp_2mebfE_JQYnMWWkgQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190612_094933.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nS8n7xL_Iwk/XtG81lMiloI/AAAAAAAAQpY/GWyp7nxASjY-LTrGUYkp6qW1dTta0tiigCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190613_133822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nS8n7xL_Iwk/XtG81lMiloI/AAAAAAAAQpY/GWyp7nxASjY-LTrGUYkp6qW1dTta0tiigCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190613_133822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNZy2i3DUIE/XtG81mtMNhI/AAAAAAAAQpY/Yi4Eqwh0B7QyOZpcOiDLxhVFH3tdA7EVgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190614_143126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNZy2i3DUIE/XtG81mtMNhI/AAAAAAAAQpY/Yi4Eqwh0B7QyOZpcOiDLxhVFH3tdA7EVgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190614_143126.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockholm, Sweden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBKWMkdjuyk/XtG81jeLddI/AAAAAAAAQpY/isT4f_FvV8oI5p1aw7M9FR0RbywA9oYiwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190614_145630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBKWMkdjuyk/XtG81jeLddI/AAAAAAAAQpY/isT4f_FvV8oI5p1aw7M9FR0RbywA9oYiwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190614_145630.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xAFEy4d1w8/XtG81qdyGxI/AAAAAAAAQpY/hDGbBXmx9AcUtgOI_Zx8AFZgz_jPNoQRgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190614_145710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xAFEy4d1w8/XtG81qdyGxI/AAAAAAAAQpY/hDGbBXmx9AcUtgOI_Zx8AFZgz_jPNoQRgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190614_145710.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRdeGXJtTZQ/XtG81qmSi0I/AAAAAAAAQpY/YuKcFKQZw2oJjHGhKULG8gRVXR7a6cQUQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190614_145815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRdeGXJtTZQ/XtG81qmSi0I/AAAAAAAAQpY/YuKcFKQZw2oJjHGhKULG8gRVXR7a6cQUQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190614_145815.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mybECJfY8U/XtG81kly4iI/AAAAAAAAQpY/W9rXWHhbhPspX7WXihY_1MXB3hMgaddmQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190614_154020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mybECJfY8U/XtG81kly4iI/AAAAAAAAQpY/W9rXWHhbhPspX7WXihY_1MXB3hMgaddmQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190614_154020.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-CcREk5mw4/XtG81gKzX9I/AAAAAAAAQpY/NBdJv2S067QI99Cf95oTu2_QU27C2hKvQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190615_102601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-CcREk5mw4/XtG81gKzX9I/AAAAAAAAQpY/NBdJv2S067QI99Cf95oTu2_QU27C2hKvQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190615_102601.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for a train to take us to Stockholm from our campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqyyV7bxDb4/XtG81nwxZDI/AAAAAAAAQpY/jeSrFku6ByIRikR1Yt8USZ_r8a6ArSInQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190615_120938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqyyV7bxDb4/XtG81nwxZDI/AAAAAAAAQpY/jeSrFku6ByIRikR1Yt8USZ_r8a6ArSInQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190615_120938.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored Viking Ship at the Vasa Ship Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ej0b86AgOdw/XtG81v3IMSI/AAAAAAAAQpY/nRsOuBolC_E3-FKfKLv59I9u2qKNwdsegCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190615_123018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ej0b86AgOdw/XtG81v3IMSI/AAAAAAAAQpY/nRsOuBolC_E3-FKfKLv59I9u2qKNwdsegCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190615_123018.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viking Ship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLlgArvK2ag/XtG81gGr2TI/AAAAAAAAQpY/NwmZsLpLonERuVuWkxxg9AEwfJ6eJ1tSwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190615_123447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLlgArvK2ag/XtG81gGr2TI/AAAAAAAAQpY/NwmZsLpLonERuVuWkxxg9AEwfJ6eJ1tSwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190615_123447.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored Ship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTkotNPbC38/XtG81lrX_TI/AAAAAAAAQpY/bCCvBCi7JB8X29ITqWdLMaIMWFor02lUACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190615_123945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTkotNPbC38/XtG81lrX_TI/AAAAAAAAQpY/bCCvBCi7JB8X29ITqWdLMaIMWFor02lUACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190615_123945.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the ship looked like when built</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CiI_TgyjgU/XtG81tY3m0I/AAAAAAAAQpY/d590SYKiO5kgoc-62zF40WUT5Z-DUwZPACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190615_140634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CiI_TgyjgU/XtG81tY3m0I/AAAAAAAAQpY/d590SYKiO5kgoc-62zF40WUT5Z-DUwZPACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190615_140634.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeWbuJPnwF0/XtG81jpvWQI/AAAAAAAAQpY/zAt4Ci19ljEXsXyTGgesACViUZBtah4AgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190616_161805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeWbuJPnwF0/XtG81jpvWQI/AAAAAAAAQpY/zAt4Ci19ljEXsXyTGgesACViUZBtah4AgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190616_161805.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest stop & snuggle time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNMc346n1cU/XtG81vv9OnI/AAAAAAAAQpY/o-bGrT_YOfIOWobvMOvNTa6XerE5a91agCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190617_080237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNMc346n1cU/XtG81vv9OnI/AAAAAAAAQpY/o-bGrT_YOfIOWobvMOvNTa6XerE5a91agCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190617_080237.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dala Horse Shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StXgePNZAlE/XtG81nRNJqI/AAAAAAAAQpY/gmu1t4QusQcIhB4rpQ8gvDB8jQoWvWg3QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190617_080535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StXgePNZAlE/XtG81nRNJqI/AAAAAAAAQpY/gmu1t4QusQcIhB4rpQ8gvDB8jQoWvWg3QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190617_080535.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Dala Horses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCxZdJB1RIg/XtG81nOuLSI/AAAAAAAAQpY/BKzjLK99te4qSfqBQncoy-nH_9w3lQ-ugCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190617_082048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCxZdJB1RIg/XtG81nOuLSI/AAAAAAAAQpY/BKzjLK99te4qSfqBQncoy-nH_9w3lQ-ugCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190617_082048.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jf-vcCeovYY/XtG81v7tyFI/AAAAAAAAQpY/E7_KrZ478D4eOEnJFDRbdgZtVS4PU9EkgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190617_082348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jf-vcCeovYY/XtG81v7tyFI/AAAAAAAAQpY/E7_KrZ478D4eOEnJFDRbdgZtVS4PU9EkgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190617_082348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAspgZwHM-E/XtG81rscuWI/AAAAAAAAQpY/ut6lBfJgnegvnD5gBSbXTrNjx6ib-O7wgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190617_082606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAspgZwHM-E/XtG81rscuWI/AAAAAAAAQpY/ut6lBfJgnegvnD5gBSbXTrNjx6ib-O7wgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190617_082606.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dala Horses are handpainted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twg-WPUq4po/XtG81rpl4GI/AAAAAAAAQpY/MKZGS73IC9cO8EKfMaOre2Qqgu-hGOJ9QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190617_090746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twg-WPUq4po/XtG81rpl4GI/AAAAAAAAQpY/MKZGS73IC9cO8EKfMaOre2Qqgu-hGOJ9QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190617_090746.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupines grew wild along most of the roads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">NORWAY</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of all the countries we visited, we would have to say Norway was our favorite. It was by far, the most beautiful, with waterfalls everywhere you looked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of our first stops was the ski jump from the 1994 Winter Olympics. It's a long way up, whether looking from the bottom or the top down</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvgYw3aNDxM/XtRGTJ_JW9I/AAAAAAAAQqk/y42OVHSrwRcxiHz3gWSeTgdplhzW92x-ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_131114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvgYw3aNDxM/XtRGTJ_JW9I/AAAAAAAAQqk/y42OVHSrwRcxiHz3gWSeTgdplhzW92x-ACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_131114.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DvXcnguvUc/XtRGTD1AjpI/AAAAAAAAQqk/BxGjyAdH13YNLyFCPmM7nxOwSqWPVvORgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_131924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DvXcnguvUc/XtRGTD1AjpI/AAAAAAAAQqk/BxGjyAdH13YNLyFCPmM7nxOwSqWPVvORgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_131924.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FafcBmizoQ/XtRGTJyY-ZI/AAAAAAAAQqk/UP5_Uq4TLjgPMe9kyMlssWFGgc5OKw8HwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_134410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FafcBmizoQ/XtRGTJyY-ZI/AAAAAAAAQqk/UP5_Uq4TLjgPMe9kyMlssWFGgc5OKw8HwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_134410.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a long way down<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As we were driving there were sheep everywhere along (sometimes on) the highway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ov_gs1hqAqY/XtRL2ZO2c0I/AAAAAAAAQsA/gHo2FJ0fkagOIZwuxOQwnJxjH3mgnDK9gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_142600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ov_gs1hqAqY/XtRL2ZO2c0I/AAAAAAAAQsA/gHo2FJ0fkagOIZwuxOQwnJxjH3mgnDK9gCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_142600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2sV7P-VG9A/XtRL2TgFRfI/AAAAAAAAQsA/IIGiZDVpV0cIucNMTLCaurG3TrXfMdhDgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_144355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2sV7P-VG9A/XtRL2TgFRfI/AAAAAAAAQsA/IIGiZDVpV0cIucNMTLCaurG3TrXfMdhDgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_144355.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even when we parked, they came right up to the RVs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoxEacxoPP0/XtRL2VPYaLI/AAAAAAAAQsA/c0BQK9XvekMg8VMo2MOM1Dk_iH2grv7_gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_154254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoxEacxoPP0/XtRL2VPYaLI/AAAAAAAAQsA/c0BQK9XvekMg8VMo2MOM1Dk_iH2grv7_gCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_154254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ugp48s2PG0/XtRL2ffFRLI/AAAAAAAAQsA/Nw5PmgpuOrgqp84Wuta_Pcf1_16LeLTOACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_182538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ugp48s2PG0/XtRL2ffFRLI/AAAAAAAAQsA/Nw5PmgpuOrgqp84Wuta_Pcf1_16LeLTOACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_182538.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy hour along a river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDshAhNyGO4/XtRL2eGtXUI/AAAAAAAAQsA/tQJxg637Bvge1J1kg5DuTMEKlwZxoHIQQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190618_205123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDshAhNyGO4/XtRL2eGtXUI/AAAAAAAAQsA/tQJxg637Bvge1J1kg5DuTMEKlwZxoHIQQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190618_205123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7pmdYUZCDA/XtRL2YNg0rI/AAAAAAAAQsA/QqOHbzm8GZIauLQ-Ksqr4jjq0IpVckqjACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_113959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7pmdYUZCDA/XtRL2YNg0rI/AAAAAAAAQsA/QqOHbzm8GZIauLQ-Ksqr4jjq0IpVckqjACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_113959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjYFKVJRG7s/XtRL2V0i3dI/AAAAAAAAQsA/cHPDXrwOhnIWS5gAkijp9sjDP0N23g3NACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_114212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjYFKVJRG7s/XtRL2V0i3dI/AAAAAAAAQsA/cHPDXrwOhnIWS5gAkijp9sjDP0N23g3NACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190619_114212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest stop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgZamHRLxGs/XtRL2aVP6JI/AAAAAAAAQsA/5m6kj1sCa5s8rUstLwRkT8BMWwEAJt7-gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_120748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgZamHRLxGs/XtRL2aVP6JI/AAAAAAAAQsA/5m6kj1sCa5s8rUstLwRkT8BMWwEAJt7-gCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_120748.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road side souvenir shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ni4Dln0pcw/XtRL2RkR7aI/AAAAAAAAQsA/7XdvpOT8LIYRDJd4mJRyWuvZ3F3gR-QogCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_121053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ni4Dln0pcw/XtRL2RkR7aI/AAAAAAAAQsA/7XdvpOT8LIYRDJd4mJRyWuvZ3F3gR-QogCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_121053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas decided to buy a sheepskin & make it his pet dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Voringfossen Waterfall is the 83rd highest waterfall in Norway<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foJ_VPCebS8/XtRL2bQ7UVI/AAAAAAAAQsA/KZsZYlQ2JlYpw6w-Ml2IpJhIOFL_jmxBwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_134503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foJ_VPCebS8/XtRL2bQ7UVI/AAAAAAAAQsA/KZsZYlQ2JlYpw6w-Ml2IpJhIOFL_jmxBwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_134503.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsPfuruc0RM/XtRL2b2Nv9I/AAAAAAAAQsA/y6ymGdvBK_YeT4ieDTvD7G8F2Ff1VzKMQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_134742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsPfuruc0RM/XtRL2b2Nv9I/AAAAAAAAQsA/y6ymGdvBK_YeT4ieDTvD7G8F2Ff1VzKMQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_134742.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUbriwDnH-A/XtRL2bpR_OI/AAAAAAAAQsA/dw-ErEneXbwaVnNpNUpcI68MbMQnuhzbACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_134804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUbriwDnH-A/XtRL2bpR_OI/AAAAAAAAQsA/dw-ErEneXbwaVnNpNUpcI68MbMQnuhzbACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_134804.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuTVaaR8ZdY/XtRL2alT41I/AAAAAAAAQsA/MrG0EOjHPY4CHFBgylnM_jllLGn4K7NBwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_140314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuTVaaR8ZdY/XtRL2alT41I/AAAAAAAAQsA/MrG0EOjHPY4CHFBgylnM_jllLGn4K7NBwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_140314.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trolls are very popular in Norway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-UoICEs3LM/XtRXP8ZxgGI/AAAAAAAAQsM/N4pHcvPS76U_aHkAoU0r7FYj2jK3VM7OwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190619_195802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-UoICEs3LM/XtRXP8ZxgGI/AAAAAAAAQsM/N4pHcvPS76U_aHkAoU0r7FYj2jK3VM7OwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190619_195802.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hydrangas were huge. That is Collins' hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FcTQPOLLwA/XtRXP_sgyAI/AAAAAAAAQsM/xoqnSmh1FG8_WhW3rMuq0eWC2MyQ5WDeACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190620_105710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FcTQPOLLwA/XtRXP_sgyAI/AAAAAAAAQsM/xoqnSmh1FG8_WhW3rMuq0eWC2MyQ5WDeACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190620_105710.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge across Eidfjord</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WOuWEXy84Y/XtRXP1hvO4I/AAAAAAAAQsM/ns63N9l-aoIvojNduthxsahUK_AVRNbIACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190620_110231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WOuWEXy84Y/XtRXP1hvO4I/AAAAAAAAQsM/ns63N9l-aoIvojNduthxsahUK_AVRNbIACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190620_110231.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shows a roundabout inside a huge tunnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_Wj33u4BP8/XtRXP_xPEoI/AAAAAAAAQsM/yMmyJY2oCngLtf0t1BHuWO0Qrs1175LDQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190620_110605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_Wj33u4BP8/XtRXP_xPEoI/AAAAAAAAQsM/yMmyJY2oCngLtf0t1BHuWO0Qrs1175LDQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190620_110605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roundabout in the tunnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTYuSqNhB5k/XtRXPwsaxaI/AAAAAAAAQsM/5x70kYFLkZgn23vTn0LA-W5u8j09gbqNgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190621_093216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTYuSqNhB5k/XtRXPwsaxaI/AAAAAAAAQsM/5x70kYFLkZgn23vTn0LA-W5u8j09gbqNgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190621_093216.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh no, another troll<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took the train to Flam a town on the Aurlandsfjord which is a branch of the world's longest fjord. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWKzgoFmi6Q/XtRXP30tRgI/AAAAAAAAQsM/_A0YHXOPFT8N3Uu8WnMpCWy35qrdXAYjgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190621_111323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWKzgoFmi6Q/XtRXP30tRgI/AAAAAAAAQsM/_A0YHXOPFT8N3Uu8WnMpCWy35qrdXAYjgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190621_111323.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stop at the Kjos Waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0KhfWYkfFo/XtRbL5vZjDI/AAAAAAAAQsg/FzgAV2BB2XUQHFMfnwm-wiiKWTKvH1RugCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190621_152738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0KhfWYkfFo/XtRbL5vZjDI/AAAAAAAAQsg/FzgAV2BB2XUQHFMfnwm-wiiKWTKvH1RugCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190621_152738.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information on the ferry below. We took this back instead of the train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0tpkzRLuC0/XtRbAH3WnAI/AAAAAAAAQsc/a0Dgxb_5bzUiQf0AhdOAZF_i0zP7IlTFgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190621_152649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0tpkzRLuC0/XtRbAH3WnAI/AAAAAAAAQsc/a0Dgxb_5bzUiQf0AhdOAZF_i0zP7IlTFgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190621_152649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51TM2IZ2s84/XtRbACQIgvI/AAAAAAAAQsc/mMlNGCtDEtI5qpsgHgdvJ0bmxBkPhoRcwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190621_183228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51TM2IZ2s84/XtRbACQIgvI/AAAAAAAAQsc/mMlNGCtDEtI5qpsgHgdvJ0bmxBkPhoRcwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190621_183228.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPVpND2oQ9o/XtRbAOnf_vI/AAAAAAAAQsc/AhP3LWZwOZQDmcZblcebhlM-CVQHm2vbwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190621_183307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPVpND2oQ9o/XtRbAOnf_vI/AAAAAAAAQsc/AhP3LWZwOZQDmcZblcebhlM-CVQHm2vbwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190621_183307.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwXG0C-HO7U/XtRXP80gbqI/AAAAAAAAQsM/mz5ZsyZ7Pm0Lchj0zyOSeWsdItLjXNxMACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190622_165443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwXG0C-HO7U/XtRXP80gbqI/AAAAAAAAQsM/mz5ZsyZ7Pm0Lchj0zyOSeWsdItLjXNxMACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190622_165443.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Bergen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ECUiDOJN70/XtRXP6aRwAI/AAAAAAAAQsM/Zdoy_xzX-M0mzhANz6d7r0gVbeZEbVCBQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190624_091146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ECUiDOJN70/XtRXP6aRwAI/AAAAAAAAQsM/Zdoy_xzX-M0mzhANz6d7r0gVbeZEbVCBQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190624_091146.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins at the Double Waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRWVeTgkO_s/XtRXPxo-S2I/AAAAAAAAQsM/R0c09KoSoZcBYqjwHXKMtkf0ucQdhHvdACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190624_095938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRWVeTgkO_s/XtRXPxo-S2I/AAAAAAAAQsM/R0c09KoSoZcBYqjwHXKMtkf0ucQdhHvdACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190624_095938.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLbnPfQrGqQ/XtRXP3_8UhI/AAAAAAAAQsM/TwT98in5yZI0sbZUK7jxRN6V8_Y5GSQUQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190624_134837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLbnPfQrGqQ/XtRXP3_8UhI/AAAAAAAAQsM/TwT98in5yZI0sbZUK7jxRN6V8_Y5GSQUQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190624_134837.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0vggtEguGs/XtRXP0hR4DI/AAAAAAAAQsM/Uhm-P_19_RMMPQBVxR2Ib7S3xakarVvpQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190625_125653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0vggtEguGs/XtRXP0hR4DI/AAAAAAAAQsM/Uhm-P_19_RMMPQBVxR2Ib7S3xakarVvpQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190625_125653.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haddal Stave Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fx2YcxuP-w/XtRXP-t9lPI/AAAAAAAAQsM/Z-ZUKmd6zeYKDciwfveOK8V1Vi4MjP43gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190625_222252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fx2YcxuP-w/XtRXP-t9lPI/AAAAAAAAQsM/Z-ZUKmd6zeYKDciwfveOK8V1Vi4MjP43gCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190625_222252.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles is checking out the campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyr1PzCd9zE/XtRXP6ieUkI/AAAAAAAAQsM/p4OxTsS0qUYAlfy2lTK1hSu5-paXKkDFgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_085156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyr1PzCd9zE/XtRXP6ieUkI/AAAAAAAAQsM/p4OxTsS0qUYAlfy2lTK1hSu5-paXKkDFgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_085156.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frogner Park<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">All the sculptures in this park are of some form of humans. Many are in twisted positions. They were strange</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBslUZbkLvQ/XtRXP0tfBaI/AAAAAAAAQsM/edAN7h4sSRg9ejqflo3iD_UXizb-_SZowCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_085453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBslUZbkLvQ/XtRXP0tfBaI/AAAAAAAAQsM/edAN7h4sSRg9ejqflo3iD_UXizb-_SZowCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_085453.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIzR_BlAqbM/XtRXP9isF0I/AAAAAAAAQsM/YbLEjtsWhtEJr1WFuQ_0csnHlq3lc3g3QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_090138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIzR_BlAqbM/XtRXP9isF0I/AAAAAAAAQsM/YbLEjtsWhtEJr1WFuQ_0csnHlq3lc3g3QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_090138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWqKk4M6UwI/XtRXP-NyMcI/AAAAAAAAQsM/-1SMCO_Kwk8hSTugoPhXxP2Brv6jL2axwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_090951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWqKk4M6UwI/XtRXP-NyMcI/AAAAAAAAQsM/-1SMCO_Kwk8hSTugoPhXxP2Brv6jL2axwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_090951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This ski jump in Oslo is quite a site. Wouldn't care to try it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewaIIOWlwqA/XthVGN2-odI/AAAAAAAAQx8/I6acOqHuR9g-mDol0GoM35PYcxvU1hO-wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_101602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewaIIOWlwqA/XthVGN2-odI/AAAAAAAAQx8/I6acOqHuR9g-mDol0GoM35PYcxvU1hO-wCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_101602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_veqPSKtCk/XthVGGjCJLI/AAAAAAAAQx8/0pfiJipnYj0xa5kTB9ZIsf3DscT9-9INACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_102410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_veqPSKtCk/XthVGGjCJLI/AAAAAAAAQx8/0pfiJipnYj0xa5kTB9ZIsf3DscT9-9INACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_102410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXkN6an734A/XthVGOKEAbI/AAAAAAAAQx8/WSMTI37rCYQVLcpjEc8pHYTQFC0DKNJpgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_102605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXkN6an734A/XthVGOKEAbI/AAAAAAAAQx8/WSMTI37rCYQVLcpjEc8pHYTQFC0DKNJpgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_102605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Oslo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXDQ9UIAsV4/XthVGAzQ8GI/AAAAAAAAQx8/UEc_1C8FHjMxcZleunZXTiT2s-QyFUObACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_111556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXDQ9UIAsV4/XthVGAzQ8GI/AAAAAAAAQx8/UEc_1C8FHjMxcZleunZXTiT2s-QyFUObACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_111556.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viking Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Nobel Peace Prize is presented in this room<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppNrDw3q8P4/XthVGK6gIrI/AAAAAAAAQx8/vqvxrd2UHzEdexpAui9OXSkq8KjrjmxIACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_122004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppNrDw3q8P4/XthVGK6gIrI/AAAAAAAAQx8/vqvxrd2UHzEdexpAui9OXSkq8KjrjmxIACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_122004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlrW76KHLZo/XthVGNkx00I/AAAAAAAAQx8/brfx4xf0x7EinVhntrKeYxDvTsyLFIHFACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_122337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlrW76KHLZo/XthVGNkx00I/AAAAAAAAQx8/brfx4xf0x7EinVhntrKeYxDvTsyLFIHFACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_122337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-re-TxOx9FTQ/XthVGN_XG5I/AAAAAAAAQx8/vPhW3FoNueUcuUoAbe4WNwCM2hBdk5pgwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_122425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-re-TxOx9FTQ/XthVGN_XG5I/AAAAAAAAQx8/vPhW3FoNueUcuUoAbe4WNwCM2hBdk5pgwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_122425.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDYRYBD0las/XthVGIRMO6I/AAAAAAAAQx8/CZsyDBmfxaEndT_530-aK0HYqrszP5cDwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_150223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDYRYBD0las/XthVGIRMO6I/AAAAAAAAQx8/CZsyDBmfxaEndT_530-aK0HYqrszP5cDwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_150223.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Burg Sculpture in the bay outside the Oslo Opera House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYCL4AB6RKg/XthVGNSYtkI/AAAAAAAAQx8/6cTJnpJmwEARt6IG5oOl5RT09gh-nxvlACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_150351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYCL4AB6RKg/XthVGNSYtkI/AAAAAAAAQx8/6cTJnpJmwEARt6IG5oOl5RT09gh-nxvlACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190626_150351.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Opera House is Unique in the fact that if you walk all the way back you will be level with the roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pie4gkUeVo/XthYTwblIkI/AAAAAAAAQyI/C8AZEiGSTrwt60gsnbS_C3CCJu5VIZxrQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190627_101340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pie4gkUeVo/XthYTwblIkI/AAAAAAAAQyI/C8AZEiGSTrwt60gsnbS_C3CCJu5VIZxrQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190627_101340.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nesting Swan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfMNScisTSw/XthYTz1Dr5I/AAAAAAAAQyI/V3lIzVhT9bcfmuVSxWLtLZKI8RaF2sWZACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190629_181343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfMNScisTSw/XthYTz1Dr5I/AAAAAAAAQyI/V3lIzVhT9bcfmuVSxWLtLZKI8RaF2sWZACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190629_181343.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group Dinner at the campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaqWlP0QA7c/XthYT3J3HEI/AAAAAAAAQyI/UZxsqsah7zw_v4hvvG95EuOrVtJC598SQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190630_101850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaqWlP0QA7c/XthYT3J3HEI/AAAAAAAAQyI/UZxsqsah7zw_v4hvvG95EuOrVtJC598SQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190630_101850.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Hollyhocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJVcoNAss3g/XthYT488BrI/AAAAAAAAQyI/O-fcZwi6b8gPihEMm-6wlties9bW3vFXQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190630_095720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJVcoNAss3g/XthYT488BrI/AAAAAAAAQyI/O-fcZwi6b8gPihEMm-6wlties9bW3vFXQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190630_095720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lubek Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We made a stop for dessert at the Niederegger Cafe, Maker of famous marzipan. There were so many choices & they were all delicious<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbnOJHG2pw/XthYT5YbV2I/AAAAAAAAQyI/5t5h9l0TRPIACfh959bpepOv9gwzU0F9QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190630_120036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbnOJHG2pw/XthYT5YbV2I/AAAAAAAAQyI/5t5h9l0TRPIACfh959bpepOv9gwzU0F9QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190630_120036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aEWPXe66zg/XthYTwAEeQI/AAAAAAAAQyI/1zVmg85f4cIS_ys81xbwHqr04sBEVJtiACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190630_124338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aEWPXe66zg/XthYTwAEeQI/AAAAAAAAQyI/1zVmg85f4cIS_ys81xbwHqr04sBEVJtiACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190630_124338.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5F0dQBnDN4/XthYT5mPMKI/AAAAAAAAQyI/KX44c0EM6dwSk0XoBmwoguZbj3AG-CptQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190630_192929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5F0dQBnDN4/XthYT5mPMKI/AAAAAAAAQyI/KX44c0EM6dwSk0XoBmwoguZbj3AG-CptQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190630_192929.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last Happy Hour & Snuggles finally sat in Thomas' lap<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Upon returning to Hamburg, Germany, Collins & I stayed a few extra days for some sightseeing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDx1deK4D6A/XthZ82U-WPI/AAAAAAAAQyU/u6VX76FLbT4_FNRAf6lkS9hSVK9VJW27QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190701_151806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDx1deK4D6A/XthZ82U-WPI/AAAAAAAAQyU/u6VX76FLbT4_FNRAf6lkS9hSVK9VJW27QCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190701_151806.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their brand new Opera House<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The following pictures are all taken at the Miniature Wunderland. In additon to over 1,300 trains, it has 100,000 moving vehicles, 500,000 lights, 130,000 trees & 400,000 figurines (all in miniature). They have recreated airports & cities from all over the world. We spent over 5 hours here & really could have spent a couple more. It starts with daylight & progresses thru the day to night & back to daylight again. This is definitely one of those "don't miss" places.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juvbso2El_c/XthcJ2F_C9I/AAAAAAAAQyg/kZwgEn5V0AUjoi_3zJMlhfzuakbpwB6eACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_124101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juvbso2El_c/XthcJ2F_C9I/AAAAAAAAQyg/kZwgEn5V0AUjoi_3zJMlhfzuakbpwB6eACPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_124101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nK1TV_K8OBM/XthcJ8c3EUI/AAAAAAAAQyg/tKzhZHxLVmA2eAhTz78EQQsApavVJoyUwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_130400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nK1TV_K8OBM/XthcJ8c3EUI/AAAAAAAAQyg/tKzhZHxLVmA2eAhTz78EQQsApavVJoyUwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_130400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMFuIJNNRrI/XthcJ0huEqI/AAAAAAAAQyg/r2IlVoZBIeUbVjUjhd9b9_i1GJs856Q4gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_130635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMFuIJNNRrI/XthcJ0huEqI/AAAAAAAAQyg/r2IlVoZBIeUbVjUjhd9b9_i1GJs856Q4gCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_130635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wri7kFqruG8/XthcJ8eqUxI/AAAAAAAAQyg/4awfJn0eWBcaz6Ej1sT-1293TvK8Hx8yQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_150235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wri7kFqruG8/XthcJ8eqUxI/AAAAAAAAQyg/4awfJn0eWBcaz6Ej1sT-1293TvK8Hx8yQCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_150235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-Kr_id8Ni4/XthcJ4mimJI/AAAAAAAAQyg/v_4ehjgpvjk39fm6BrXhLacZ6ua_3nTewCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_152237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-Kr_id8Ni4/XthcJ4mimJI/AAAAAAAAQyg/v_4ehjgpvjk39fm6BrXhLacZ6ua_3nTewCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_152237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCnLZhpmHXw/XthcJ7iE-1I/AAAAAAAAQyg/qdw2Izrt_U8nOiTb2opWyfgfuAHhhwe4wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_152317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCnLZhpmHXw/XthcJ7iE-1I/AAAAAAAAQyg/qdw2Izrt_U8nOiTb2opWyfgfuAHhhwe4wCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_152317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJpyILZ7YZk/XthcJ4dvu3I/AAAAAAAAQyg/GI95q9XDaX8ZyDa2NeC_JWxlICMcfeBsQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_152730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJpyILZ7YZk/XthcJ4dvu3I/AAAAAAAAQyg/GI95q9XDaX8ZyDa2NeC_JWxlICMcfeBsQCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_152730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBDEfLXYJxc/XthcJ4TSybI/AAAAAAAAQyg/MLAh8B8URn41Df17VTp_fLi6xw7ld92NwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190703_154301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBDEfLXYJxc/XthcJ4TSybI/AAAAAAAAQyg/MLAh8B8URn41Df17VTp_fLi6xw7ld92NwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20190703_154301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
After returning to the US from our great European RV trip, we managed a dinner out with all our adult kids. It was such a fun evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McFjbP4G3BQ/XuEXKPjDZuI/AAAAAAAAQ2E/N2DiDXgCIQsRENixFMwnGSDPJGiAoyenACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190713_204825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McFjbP4G3BQ/XuEXKPjDZuI/AAAAAAAAQ2E/N2DiDXgCIQsRENixFMwnGSDPJGiAoyenACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190713_204825.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Paula, Karen, Collins, Doug, Pam & Aaron<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After a couple weeks stop in Illinois, we were off to the Allegheny Mountains for the remainder of the summer. At one of our stops along the way, our neighbor had a pet duck they brought camping with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZzQqcbuIls/XuEZvGv2g-I/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/64ivq1TxMzok3ZNrAvVIlzmQ2QfbYVjxQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190718_142702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZzQqcbuIls/XuEZvGv2g-I/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/64ivq1TxMzok3ZNrAvVIlzmQ2QfbYVjxQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190718_142702.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
At one of the camprgrounds, they had a cardboard boat contest on the Allegheny River. Some of the participants were quite creative. For the others, it was a good thing the river was quite shallow there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BaMECPXnpg/XuEawZP_ksI/AAAAAAAAQ2c/yKyOMuwXcRoNyh_ULSNG2wXNqVl5O9qJgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190727_145805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BaMECPXnpg/XuEawZP_ksI/AAAAAAAAQ2c/yKyOMuwXcRoNyh_ULSNG2wXNqVl5O9qJgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190727_145805.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96gU7WjNMQk/XuEa4qbG4HI/AAAAAAAAQ2g/n2931txilLAlxAMmuLNhRdEuNK5V2t7QwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190727_151222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96gU7WjNMQk/XuEa4qbG4HI/AAAAAAAAQ2g/n2931txilLAlxAMmuLNhRdEuNK5V2t7QwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190727_151222.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sV2tZK83BCk/XuEbDfMndvI/AAAAAAAAQ2k/uZqXIxTxA0giBHq_CtQ9gD2_0kyyxVQvACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190826_152408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sV2tZK83BCk/XuEbDfMndvI/AAAAAAAAQ2k/uZqXIxTxA0giBHq_CtQ9gD2_0kyyxVQvACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190826_152408.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the best parts of our trip to Pennsylvania, was meeting up with our Canadian Friends Shelagh & Ron Furtney. It wasn't a long visit, but we had so many laughs for those few days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHOJ6SvD9h8/XuEbPHB5o3I/AAAAAAAAQ2o/kYZt-r-f3K8ixsAt0uND0_MZj9M0ddO1wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190826_135640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHOJ6SvD9h8/XuEbPHB5o3I/AAAAAAAAQ2o/kYZt-r-f3K8ixsAt0uND0_MZj9M0ddO1wCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190826_135640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gespq-btGyY/XuEbWEwkfzI/AAAAAAAAQ2s/y8vYs8dSGLozXJjhTnB-tGYcg-62r24PwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190827_184027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gespq-btGyY/XuEbWEwkfzI/AAAAAAAAQ2s/y8vYs8dSGLozXJjhTnB-tGYcg-62r24PwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190827_184027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On our way back to Illinois, we stopped to visit our grandson, Ryan. First year of college at Bowling Green<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2zgWMbffHw/XuEbzi6HiNI/AAAAAAAAQ24/oOzdILHmVOkGiiCMMyXb7XplBNcI3oZzgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190916_181410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2zgWMbffHw/XuEbzi6HiNI/AAAAAAAAQ24/oOzdILHmVOkGiiCMMyXb7XplBNcI3oZzgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190916_181410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKKYHUExshI/XuEb4tUTZVI/AAAAAAAAQ28/VjKNkh0uFJQQHw5ZFTxGzTa5eGglwl9zwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190916_192310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKKYHUExshI/XuEb4tUTZVI/AAAAAAAAQ28/VjKNkh0uFJQQHw5ZFTxGzTa5eGglwl9zwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190916_192310.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of his Dorm Building<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Upon returning to Illinois, we started getting the RV ready for it's renovations, which were to be done while we were in the Dominican Republic. We had a hard time choosing the flooring, but with some help from daughter Pam & granddaughter, Katie, we finally made a decision.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqBXGLRRdek/XuEcgIGiYmI/AAAAAAAAQ3E/7aOSQU7Y6cgj9LCXzZPm-qmwgra20o40gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20190919_141530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqBXGLRRdek/XuEcgIGiYmI/AAAAAAAAQ3E/7aOSQU7Y6cgj9LCXzZPm-qmwgra20o40gCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20190919_141530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After that, the hard part began. We had decided to rip out all the old flooring ourselves, I should say Collins. That was a horrible job.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z66FQoA2cbU/XuEc55jU02I/AAAAAAAAQ3M/UxnvjdIFU9UQkP_DsudcjyT_ujd1m21rgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191011_130040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z66FQoA2cbU/XuEc55jU02I/AAAAAAAAQ3M/UxnvjdIFU9UQkP_DsudcjyT_ujd1m21rgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191011_130040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z66FQoA2cbU/XuEc55jU02I/AAAAAAAAQ3M/UxnvjdIFU9UQkP_DsudcjyT_ujd1m21rgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191011_130040.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EeFqQlS5rk/XuEdfANm-rI/AAAAAAAAQ3Y/ck1SDfDS9nQYuvHeXXAlNaVj5YPfPd2-gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191024_141700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EeFqQlS5rk/XuEdfANm-rI/AAAAAAAAQ3Y/ck1SDfDS9nQYuvHeXXAlNaVj5YPfPd2-gCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191024_141700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus, we decided we were sick of the boring wall coverings, so we painted. And yes, We did get a little dramatic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHCMaJIPQMA/XuEdWiwHodI/AAAAAAAAQ3U/qg6TEvFJCugkl37TP2oJSd7nsoSkuA_BgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191016_113503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHCMaJIPQMA/XuEdWiwHodI/AAAAAAAAQ3U/qg6TEvFJCugkl37TP2oJSd7nsoSkuA_BgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191016_113503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAk08fbpBUo/XuEd5KNf4cI/AAAAAAAAQ3k/R2z0pUftjfgg7CQPz8nINLQs7FI1-NqvACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191205_154458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAk08fbpBUo/XuEd5KNf4cI/AAAAAAAAQ3k/R2z0pUftjfgg7CQPz8nINLQs7FI1-NqvACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191205_154458.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before we left for Indiana, we had a chance to have dinner with our grandson, Danny & his girlfriend, Morgan. It's so different when your grandchildren are adults.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fthrbeClE8/XuE8CTgzlUI/AAAAAAAAQ3w/jHc7ynGLPuwUyuau70xtOFZsJAkuDY60wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191012_192125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fthrbeClE8/XuE8CTgzlUI/AAAAAAAAQ3w/jHc7ynGLPuwUyuau70xtOFZsJAkuDY60wCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191012_192125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also had time for another adult kids dinner, this time with daughter Collina & her Fiance joining us from Florida. Another fun evening</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzdcY19vGNY/XuFxRTaXcGI/AAAAAAAAQ4Q/tCN-qTk8haImjcLpBFpe-h8WSPmwx3wWgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191030_185954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzdcY19vGNY/XuFxRTaXcGI/AAAAAAAAQ4Q/tCN-qTk8haImjcLpBFpe-h8WSPmwx3wWgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191030_185954.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left, Aaron, Pam, Mike, Collina, Doug, Karen, Collins, Paula & Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-f5ki1WtLs/XuFxlsx3MnI/AAAAAAAAQ4Y/U77_usXYgYIphqQqDEIkcuGekz0W0HoywCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191030_203712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-f5ki1WtLs/XuFxlsx3MnI/AAAAAAAAQ4Y/U77_usXYgYIphqQqDEIkcuGekz0W0HoywCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191030_203712.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collina, Doug & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoyed the beautiful fall colors </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUY8v0tB8fI/XuFx5QPD_MI/AAAAAAAAQ4g/lqOHZi58sKwrSNXOZ-flnCJNzui3UbTNACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191028_125527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUY8v0tB8fI/XuFx5QPD_MI/AAAAAAAAQ4g/lqOHZi58sKwrSNXOZ-flnCJNzui3UbTNACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191028_125527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took month trip to Alabama, it was warmer than IL & a stop to see my mom in Lexington, KY before our Indiana drop off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After dropping the RV in Elkhart, IN we went back to IL. Since we were leaving for the Dominican Republic Dec 17th, we celebrated an early Christmas with the family there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXoQJzs1Qy8/XuFyz-EK7OI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/Xz1IeC_5dPcpKQSz6w3tcgQwafjBalR2ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191215_185440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXoQJzs1Qy8/XuFyz-EK7OI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/Xz1IeC_5dPcpKQSz6w3tcgQwafjBalR2ACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191215_185440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Tyler, Ryan, Danny, Collins, Katie & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHxrbygoODk/XuFyz5RhRjI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/T6T7P-3LHJUtB8Qz_dw-U51p3jHa-IndQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191215_185602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHxrbygoODk/XuFyz5RhRjI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/T6T7P-3LHJUtB8Qz_dw-U51p3jHa-IndQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191215_185602.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler, Karen, Danny, Collins & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJogXa4DP4I/XuFyz8YnlMI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/sll3N5_a97wYJK4Fn4nHMjFHZO1U4yXOACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191215_185654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJogXa4DP4I/XuFyz8YnlMI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/sll3N5_a97wYJK4Fn4nHMjFHZO1U4yXOACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191215_185654.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Ryan, Collins & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yyhg9H3new/XuFyz3X9rjI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/RbU3Y2ZSoS8RlxkmaGKK893-BxAH3Gn2wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191215_185804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yyhg9H3new/XuFyz3X9rjI/AAAAAAAAQ4s/RbU3Y2ZSoS8RlxkmaGKK893-BxAH3Gn2wCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191215_185804.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, Karen, Pam, Collins & Doug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
December 17th we were off to the Dominican Republic for our first Christmas out of the country.a</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITi9roCrarM/XuQeaP7hq0I/AAAAAAAAQ6s/HBpI_qRk9NE86JtoottICcvODSCxwdxbQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191217_215149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITi9roCrarM/XuQeaP7hq0I/AAAAAAAAQ6s/HBpI_qRk9NE86JtoottICcvODSCxwdxbQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191217_215149.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet landlady had these beautiful flowers & great basket of goodies waiting for us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec9qDoBkolg/XuQeaAomeqI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/efF1t1CbfyMSgMBTmPCUpYJUb-PcxZssACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191219_132638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec9qDoBkolg/XuQeaAomeqI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/efF1t1CbfyMSgMBTmPCUpYJUb-PcxZssACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191219_132638.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our first day at the pool & beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0khOVGBossc/XuQeaETK40I/AAAAAAAAQ6s/8mC7LKgUaWQaGIib00Q-FMFN2JOO0LAvQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191220_131628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0khOVGBossc/XuQeaETK40I/AAAAAAAAQ6s/8mC7LKgUaWQaGIib00Q-FMFN2JOO0LAvQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191220_131628.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to do the grocery shopping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzShWdI2rf4/XuQeaOkoqXI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/WmX5C63p1J4hSQ1eUx1S_c5X9_8CEOhDACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191220_131640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzShWdI2rf4/XuQeaOkoqXI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/WmX5C63p1J4hSQ1eUx1S_c5X9_8CEOhDACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191220_131640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't want to forget the Presidente Cerveza (beer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYIalZH2yqU/XuQeaJ6H0xI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/-H2WtC_0VwQQGPujjwzI_CluOBqL9PpSQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191221_170334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYIalZH2yqU/XuQeaJ6H0xI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/-H2WtC_0VwQQGPujjwzI_CluOBqL9PpSQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191221_170334.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles likes the soft cushions on this couch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSYHsgvTOGc/XuQeaKatUqI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/9tICbhuDRDcfLV8wYTMHC2nK6R3p4JHKgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191224_173934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSYHsgvTOGc/XuQeaKatUqI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/9tICbhuDRDcfLV8wYTMHC2nK6R3p4JHKgCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191224_173934.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll be able to see the sunset from here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7m08Z9ir2Tk/XuQeaEoVbiI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/jpts_hBdcCouJjWUgRKvohY1apUfGWiNACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191225_194656_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7m08Z9ir2Tk/XuQeaEoVbiI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/jpts_hBdcCouJjWUgRKvohY1apUfGWiNACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191225_194656_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Dinner at our favorite restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb1dNXRQM74/XuQeaPfucpI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/T9Vw66WBQH8PYeoawo0ESi3o4TmafPm2gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191225_203102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb1dNXRQM74/XuQeaPfucpI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/T9Vw66WBQH8PYeoawo0ESi3o4TmafPm2gCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191225_203102.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty decorations on the condo grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03uVkx7_OOs/XuQeaCojAxI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/XWvy_i_NEIsjUEWL9VQXG_08h8fAgGTzACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191225_203328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03uVkx7_OOs/XuQeaCojAxI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/XWvy_i_NEIsjUEWL9VQXG_08h8fAgGTzACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191225_203328.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t44UfyffFHw/XuQeaPfu3sI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/F8RELtIGOmAL9k59cUF2c-450IaBWRgOwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191230_180123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t44UfyffFHw/XuQeaPfu3sI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/F8RELtIGOmAL9k59cUF2c-450IaBWRgOwCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191230_180123.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last sunset of the year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6B5GU-TsH4A/XuQeaCIAQWI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/SXemxKB6htY4pujpony6jaxnGwkQPxKfQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20191231_193135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6B5GU-TsH4A/XuQeaCIAQWI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/SXemxKB6htY4pujpony6jaxnGwkQPxKfQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20191231_193135.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve with our friends Cathy & Bob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3X-QyePRTyQ/XuQeaMfs4fI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/gMdeQ-WPoiAP7dFZquvLrFGD4LhhDU1LACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200101_000038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3X-QyePRTyQ/XuQeaMfs4fI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/gMdeQ-WPoiAP7dFZquvLrFGD4LhhDU1LACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200101_000038.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks celebration at midnight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktLNdHsAFdY/XuQeaHpKdQI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/UvxZ2_4wm285qbXZPJEUkRoTsi0D3f1nACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200101_000147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktLNdHsAFdY/XuQeaHpKdQI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/UvxZ2_4wm285qbXZPJEUkRoTsi0D3f1nACPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200101_000147.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGZcZQAcy0s/XuQeaEkhTXI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/5INEgNpsn6AF7Sx61BEhCPBY7wviXrKLQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200101_000332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGZcZQAcy0s/XuQeaEkhTXI/AAAAAAAAQ6s/5INEgNpsn6AF7Sx61BEhCPBY7wviXrKLQCPcBGAsYHg/s400/20200101_000332.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stay tuned for our "adventures" in 2020</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qz2irj-CnU/XXm0k4ci6DI/AAAAAAAAPBI/MTuT9rP--PQqoPS7OKdb81N9-MrrKKdOACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190103_093117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-88975924625378213192019-01-07T22:35:00.000-05:002019-01-07T22:35:00.361-05:00Yellowstone – At Last - Summer 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">July 13<sup>th</sup>
felt like we were finally escaping IL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After Eye
Surgery, Dr. appts & rehabbing two condos and selling one, we were ready to
get out of Dodge!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEYtIMm-m9M/W-W_xImGRwI/AAAAAAAAMBk/_ZoJrcRUQlI9aeL4xyqPoxEJNxw-1fJbgCLcBGAs/s1600/FMCA%2BRALLY%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="751" height="319" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEYtIMm-m9M/W-W_xImGRwI/AAAAAAAAMBk/_ZoJrcRUQlI9aeL4xyqPoxEJNxw-1fJbgCLcBGAs/s320/FMCA%2BRALLY%2B2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our first
stop on the way to Yellowstone was a big FMCA RV Rally in Gillette, WY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For us, it was a good place to get some
needed RV maintenance work done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ebPdHiDchs/W-W_xNqUvtI/AAAAAAAAMBg/ivoV5pTUdBUbCGIJ7oL0SGbudFHthigmACLcBGAs/s1600/FMCA%2BRALLY%252C%2BGillette%252C%2BWY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="960" height="87" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ebPdHiDchs/W-W_xNqUvtI/AAAAAAAAMBg/ivoV5pTUdBUbCGIJ7oL0SGbudFHthigmACLcBGAs/s400/FMCA%2BRALLY%252C%2BGillette%252C%2BWY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
main reason for going was to get our satellite TV working correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is only 1 person we’ve ever been able
to find who knows RV satellite TV’s like this guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew he’d be at this rally, so we called
ahead & made an appt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also needed
new (canvas) toppers for a couple of slides & I wanted awnings for 2 of the
windows in our living area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one
thing we didn’t know we’d need within a week of leaving was a new toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those not familiar with RV toilets, you
step on a pedal to flush the toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ours decided to break after arriving at our Yellowstone RV Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, those are not easy things to
find in the middle of nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank heavens
for Amazon Prime which immediately shipped a new one to our next stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Supposedly” they’re easy to install. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, we were able to work around the
problems & enjoyed our stay at the North Entrance to Yellowstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lt61UISBf3E/W-XBEXVzUcI/AAAAAAAAMCA/en02Lhrq0C8aih60fsMpRqEz4S3M7p8_QCKgBGAs/s1600/20180728_164508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lt61UISBf3E/W-XBEXVzUcI/AAAAAAAAMCA/en02Lhrq0C8aih60fsMpRqEz4S3M7p8_QCKgBGAs/s400/20180728_164508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I tried in Oct to get us reservations within
the park itself, but that was not to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yellowstone is huge, so while one can view the park in 2 days if you only
hit the basic highlights, we’re quite lazy sightseers and spent a couple weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like to go out for a day, then kick back
for a day or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we decided to work
our way around the park from different outside campgrounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgs9iMpz3Hg/W-XAVnV9N9I/AAAAAAAAMBw/50azQ3I7FrMtsfEeyG9nA17gcwcW5JUAwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180724_123537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgs9iMpz3Hg/W-XAVnV9N9I/AAAAAAAAMBw/50azQ3I7FrMtsfEeyG9nA17gcwcW5JUAwCKgBGAs/s400/20180724_123537.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From the North Entrance we spent a few days
viewing the Hot Spring Terraces & the upper loop of the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSaofxoqfik/W-XAegMMkkI/AAAAAAAAMB0/EzrZJlR7GPoOM83WRtJMtp9kJeB4Nxz6QCKgBGAs/s1600/20180724_130140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSaofxoqfik/W-XAegMMkkI/AAAAAAAAMB0/EzrZJlR7GPoOM83WRtJMtp9kJeB4Nxz6QCKgBGAs/s400/20180724_130140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htd_zjod0MQ/W-XAokHrvdI/AAAAAAAAMB4/xH1hRPo6qmkQfJuXLLLRx2v0xSz28Fj0QCKgBGAs/s1600/20180724_133903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htd_zjod0MQ/W-XAokHrvdI/AAAAAAAAMB4/xH1hRPo6qmkQfJuXLLLRx2v0xSz28Fj0QCKgBGAs/s400/20180724_133903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0qDLxzN_zw/W-eotykD-6I/AAAAAAAAMC4/PgeFMNaEB9EI_KYjIC28y-aoWquloIjwwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180726_103056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0qDLxzN_zw/W-eotykD-6I/AAAAAAAAMC4/PgeFMNaEB9EI_KYjIC28y-aoWquloIjwwCKgBGAs/s320/20180726_103056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also decided to take a day & go
whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t want to paddle & Collins had bruised his right hand the day
before, so we were in a raft with 4 young guys & a guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lot of fun & needless to say, we
came away drenched!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYsDxzr1-ck/W-epFLI10FI/AAAAAAAAMDA/AXe1Bclhr901ZozcilON3Ho4CEb8WqpjACKgBGAs/s1600/20180726_094938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYsDxzr1-ck/W-epFLI10FI/AAAAAAAAMDA/AXe1Bclhr901ZozcilON3Ho4CEb8WqpjACKgBGAs/s320/20180726_094938.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The new
toilet arrived & Collins installed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t a 10 minute job, but 1 trip to the hardware store, luckily
right next door, and about an hour later & we had a new working toilet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfWD4QvZSMA/W-ergnqFtSI/AAAAAAAAMDM/ue6c4Gm9pfI1P06B7t_05WAl9qzeVThNgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180801_123936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfWD4QvZSMA/W-ergnqFtSI/AAAAAAAAMDM/ue6c4Gm9pfI1P06B7t_05WAl9qzeVThNgCKgBGAs/s400/20180801_123936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The entrance
from West Yellowstone into the Park was really a much better location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One could go just about anywhere in the park
without too much backtracking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgRg2Vt0GaI/W-erwXIhGQI/AAAAAAAAMDQ/2JewTpC00u8hqDRhvLIonNhiimAepI85gCKgBGAs/s1600/20180801_131601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgRg2Vt0GaI/W-erwXIhGQI/AAAAAAAAMDQ/2JewTpC00u8hqDRhvLIonNhiimAepI85gCKgBGAs/s400/20180801_131601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yellowstone
has several areas of different geographic features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the most known would be the
geysers, of which there are over 300, plus thousands of steaming calderas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are beautiful colors & others look
like giant steaming mud puddles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXLvrnwKf0s/W-er_eVqnQI/AAAAAAAAMDY/tPg7m2serlosyRQKS0fvRf2EDn7bq56ogCKgBGAs/s1600/20180811_120349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXLvrnwKf0s/W-er_eVqnQI/AAAAAAAAMDY/tPg7m2serlosyRQKS0fvRf2EDn7bq56ogCKgBGAs/s400/20180811_120349.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDl6mZ33Z_k/W-esG66w_TI/AAAAAAAAMDg/TJ2tXhDIQkUk1Ys28hvuHMtckUZUaOqRwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180811_120406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDl6mZ33Z_k/W-esG66w_TI/AAAAAAAAMDg/TJ2tXhDIQkUk1Ys28hvuHMtckUZUaOqRwCKgBGAs/s320/20180811_120406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJn-0whDIPU/W-esQ0MoASI/AAAAAAAAMDk/NQhZ3JhKhE063NWdIM2cQIPpyq0zAd4pQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180811_120728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJn-0whDIPU/W-esQ0MoASI/AAAAAAAAMDk/NQhZ3JhKhE063NWdIM2cQIPpyq0zAd4pQCKgBGAs/s400/20180811_120728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zP74HgsWRc8/W-eshFVRz9I/AAAAAAAAMDo/8JDtzMKKCiUlqFlxXQMXLIfG8Kve5XEwQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180811_121110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zP74HgsWRc8/W-eshFVRz9I/AAAAAAAAMDo/8JDtzMKKCiUlqFlxXQMXLIfG8Kve5XEwQCKgBGAs/s400/20180811_121110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLlHsRw_0uQ/W-esz7aytTI/AAAAAAAAMD0/4-C4cZDJJ5UZCwAfTyymLX48Lewo5gw5wCKgBGAs/s1600/20180811_134245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLlHsRw_0uQ/W-esz7aytTI/AAAAAAAAMD0/4-C4cZDJJ5UZCwAfTyymLX48Lewo5gw5wCKgBGAs/s320/20180811_134245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvzXlzGq8RY/W-es5bwqr3I/AAAAAAAAMD4/6Ueb_M5u3ZcTrB_BBndEhQRRiVPA95RMgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180811_134235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvzXlzGq8RY/W-es5bwqr3I/AAAAAAAAMD4/6Ueb_M5u3ZcTrB_BBndEhQRRiVPA95RMgCKgBGAs/s400/20180811_134235.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Old
faithful was a bust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s eruption was
probably no more the 15’ high & very anti-climatic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTGZppCIBIA/W-etG_5hVtI/AAAAAAAAMD8/IUiWyN8S2EADqXVKnzdC3yG9omOjRjLxwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180803_143508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTGZppCIBIA/W-etG_5hVtI/AAAAAAAAMD8/IUiWyN8S2EADqXVKnzdC3yG9omOjRjLxwCKgBGAs/s400/20180803_143508.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is
also the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
canyon has some pretty colors, plus we saw several of the beautiful 290 waterfalls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN0bZQ9A5HI/W-etXg4fYEI/AAAAAAAAMEA/rEGwsrxF4VUCRuyuccDEvYFJNv9u0ehqACKgBGAs/s1600/20180803_134901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN0bZQ9A5HI/W-etXg4fYEI/AAAAAAAAMEA/rEGwsrxF4VUCRuyuccDEvYFJNv9u0ehqACKgBGAs/s400/20180803_134901.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKmLSpsSbZk/W-eteir-diI/AAAAAAAAMEI/xNLrRoMVNRIoL0jv3WLAytXcUL-TWUFZQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180803_134609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKmLSpsSbZk/W-eteir-diI/AAAAAAAAMEI/xNLrRoMVNRIoL0jv3WLAytXcUL-TWUFZQCKgBGAs/s400/20180803_134609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFZaRryQTkA/W-etpIUeUFI/AAAAAAAAMEM/SVrpYvs5zf8reH_Mj9TRLjNFxwm42KPYgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180803_120310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFZaRryQTkA/W-etpIUeUFI/AAAAAAAAMEM/SVrpYvs5zf8reH_Mj9TRLjNFxwm42KPYgCKgBGAs/s400/20180803_120310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0h1OQnvnCN4/W-et56-9TJI/AAAAAAAAMEU/VqgnNhkhgqc0zmNa7fGD2ZZwDyYOtuWNQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180728_121357%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0h1OQnvnCN4/W-et56-9TJI/AAAAAAAAMEU/VqgnNhkhgqc0zmNa7fGD2ZZwDyYOtuWNQCKgBGAs/s400/20180728_121357%25280%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51baIRwYAt0/W-euEMI4I2I/AAAAAAAAMEY/muvzeel2kfsUreRiGIzG_X4WfnbJ6Z5cwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180728_121502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51baIRwYAt0/W-euEMI4I2I/AAAAAAAAMEY/muvzeel2kfsUreRiGIzG_X4WfnbJ6Z5cwCKgBGAs/s400/20180728_121502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzC8Vd6n14s/W-euM1BHziI/AAAAAAAAMEc/IaT6e4Fiz282HH92nZmtHH5OkIgyz51LgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180728_135404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzC8Vd6n14s/W-euM1BHziI/AAAAAAAAMEc/IaT6e4Fiz282HH92nZmtHH5OkIgyz51LgCKgBGAs/s400/20180728_135404.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSAXsyr3rjI/W-eu3nOlz9I/AAAAAAAAMEs/JueWb6YKB6YHMQb83KNZzodjYM_yJGyUQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180728_153652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSAXsyr3rjI/W-eu3nOlz9I/AAAAAAAAMEs/JueWb6YKB6YHMQb83KNZzodjYM_yJGyUQCKgBGAs/s400/20180728_153652.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Barren Mountain has pockets of steam rising out of it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXBNgJJMHWA/W-evuCX3bzI/AAAAAAAAME4/1WCOvs_OLAsrhnvsJFZf59T4XiTca9j7QCKgBGAs/s1600/20180804_113828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXBNgJJMHWA/W-evuCX3bzI/AAAAAAAAME4/1WCOvs_OLAsrhnvsJFZf59T4XiTca9j7QCKgBGAs/s400/20180804_113828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One day we took a trip into W. Yellowstone to see an old car show. It was really interesting to see all the different models so lovingly restored</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv0abYn8CQ4/W-ev2PJP04I/AAAAAAAAME8/0gw08g2iLIMfAufW7orwVpdL5Ph6ctqQQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180804_115041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv0abYn8CQ4/W-ev2PJP04I/AAAAAAAAME8/0gw08g2iLIMfAufW7orwVpdL5Ph6ctqQQCKgBGAs/s400/20180804_115041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP81TDf__sM/W-ewF2DmgzI/AAAAAAAAMFA/XpleJSihVFA5BTqQN5OzgAxT7T6y0VRuACKgBGAs/s1600/20180804_115430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP81TDf__sM/W-ewF2DmgzI/AAAAAAAAMFA/XpleJSihVFA5BTqQN5OzgAxT7T6y0VRuACKgBGAs/s400/20180804_115430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCkMhnwl7u8/W-ewnw0t4nI/AAAAAAAAMFM/gljGBphu5uEt9txzr31MXeXeKWLKcBKygCKgBGAs/s1600/20180806_121140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCkMhnwl7u8/W-ewnw0t4nI/AAAAAAAAMFM/gljGBphu5uEt9txzr31MXeXeKWLKcBKygCKgBGAs/s400/20180806_121140.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One day we road our bikes into town & did some window shopping.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We enjoyed
our 2 weeks of exploring before we headed off to the Tetons for another couple
weeks of sightseeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This turned out to
be a bit more exciting than we anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To get to the Tetons requires driving through Yellowstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t04Snepzte4/W-exlfjnssI/AAAAAAAAMFg/8AJNelUQx-MJGE9K6XaBFqd-YhCvbfbXACKgBGAs/s1600/20180807_122412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t04Snepzte4/W-exlfjnssI/AAAAAAAAMFg/8AJNelUQx-MJGE9K6XaBFqd-YhCvbfbXACKgBGAs/s400/20180807_122412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>As we were traversing Yellowstone at about 10
MPH, our towed car broke away from the rig & decided to pass us on the
right, going over a small embankment & ending in a field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMOLZvs1A1k/W-ey5Ez2cEI/AAAAAAAAMFs/ZFGNg-ra2JE4HIn1tqaC4Uts62QZH2PVQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180807_132328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMOLZvs1A1k/W-ey5Ez2cEI/AAAAAAAAMFs/ZFGNg-ra2JE4HIn1tqaC4Uts62QZH2PVQCKgBGAs/s400/20180807_132328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Fortunately, the car remained drivable,
although the tow bar was toast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had it occurred
most anywhere else, things would have been much more dire to the car &
other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since there is virtually
no communication in the Teton's Campground where we were staying, or anything else for that matter, after we had the car towed up
the embankment, we headed back to our old RV site & made the necessary
calls needed to get us back on the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ni1MXaKbcHQ/W-ezywyh8JI/AAAAAAAAMF0/0JDI08aAEmAU2ycwZN0mTzyx9dWKxwRuQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180813_114900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ni1MXaKbcHQ/W-ezywyh8JI/AAAAAAAAMF0/0JDI08aAEmAU2ycwZN0mTzyx9dWKxwRuQCKgBGAs/s400/20180813_114900.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After a few days of getting things taken care of regarding the car we again headed off to the Tetons. We started our sightseeing, taking portions of the park a little at a time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bvnEsoWO2s/W-e1k2XXSII/AAAAAAAAMGA/XLHmVeZpK0wb9Kck1i0vnXwSPi0eYnJ2ACKgBGAs/s1600/20180813_120014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bvnEsoWO2s/W-e1k2XXSII/AAAAAAAAMGA/XLHmVeZpK0wb9Kck1i0vnXwSPi0eYnJ2ACKgBGAs/s400/20180813_120014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5dSZUY-pW0/W-e1vIoW6tI/AAAAAAAAMGE/I5mJPZdA0lk2VSVUjquxuEKNivWBFPmvQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180813_134134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5dSZUY-pW0/W-e1vIoW6tI/AAAAAAAAMGE/I5mJPZdA0lk2VSVUjquxuEKNivWBFPmvQCKgBGAs/s400/20180813_134134.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Jackson Hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then came
problem #2: the Tetons are 6,000 to 8,000 ft high and we quickly realized
Collins couldn’t breathe (literally) at that elevation.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After tracking down a two person clinic an
hour away, they “suggested” we immediately head to lower elevations.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It took about a week for Collins to regain
normal breathing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gEp2STssRok/W_CLlBv2qoI/AAAAAAAAMHI/UKA7a6gd3McVIM-yUm7pojkcdAELr2MZwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180817_131240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gEp2STssRok/W_CLlBv2qoI/AAAAAAAAMHI/UKA7a6gd3McVIM-yUm7pojkcdAELr2MZwCKgBGAs/s400/20180817_131240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The next day, we left the Teton's & went to Cody, WY for a few days. This is an interesting little town developed by Buffalo Bill. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqYe5iKVITs/W_CNW3kR2rI/AAAAAAAAMHU/3jsYfhJgTgEPPR4Dd_sGxTRlB7YDneUFwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180817_121548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqYe5iKVITs/W_CNW3kR2rI/AAAAAAAAMHU/3jsYfhJgTgEPPR4Dd_sGxTRlB7YDneUFwCKgBGAs/s320/20180817_121548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One day we paid a visit to the Buffalo Bill Dam & Reservoir. At the time of it's completion it was the tallest dam in the world. We watched a film about it's building. To say the project was a nightmare from the beginning, would be an understatement. We love films at these types of places.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INtgK7AbIls/W_CNkTEH6WI/AAAAAAAAMHY/SmkmTu-e9LcEugWBs79tX9lyB_A5Q3EugCKgBGAs/s1600/20180817_121747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INtgK7AbIls/W_CNkTEH6WI/AAAAAAAAMHY/SmkmTu-e9LcEugWBs79tX9lyB_A5Q3EugCKgBGAs/s400/20180817_121747.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We also went to the Buffalo Bill Museum. It was quite surprising at the size of it. It was really interesting & took most of a day to view.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTfETsfpSig/W_DmoAhhzjI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/gMcIw9ShjoIy7arKXUi5Op37fdI8kjDTQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180906_135455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTfETsfpSig/W_DmoAhhzjI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/gMcIw9ShjoIy7arKXUi5Op37fdI8kjDTQCKgBGAs/s320/20180906_135455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
completed three of our four remaining un-visited states, with only Kansas
remaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, we haven’t
been able to come up with a reason to visit there, so that may go un-visited.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Since our plans had been </span>interrupted<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> & we didn't need to be in IL til mid Sept, we spent a couple weeks in South Dakota. We had spent a lot of time there a couple of years ago, visiting all the usual tourist places, so we mostly just kicked back & did a whole lot of nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8tI06nPXB0/W_COvCHFjzI/AAAAAAAAMHk/tTZIaQRMW9QCU9Do2RROu2I5TANhOfw-ACKgBGAs/s1600/20180825_130804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8tI06nPXB0/W_COvCHFjzI/AAAAAAAAMHk/tTZIaQRMW9QCU9Do2RROu2I5TANhOfw-ACKgBGAs/s320/20180825_130804.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One day we decided to make a trip to Sturgis & Deadwood. Sturgis is a nothing town when there are no motorcycle rallies going on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uA8efIh5_SM/W_CP7CtQzmI/AAAAAAAAMH0/cu_X-UZ-2vAHwgFwLO3_5Rillw92IJ82gCKgBGAs/s1600/20180825_132633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uA8efIh5_SM/W_CP7CtQzmI/AAAAAAAAMH0/cu_X-UZ-2vAHwgFwLO3_5Rillw92IJ82gCKgBGAs/s320/20180825_132633.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Somehow we managed to hit Deadwood on a weekend when they were having a big car show. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L72_sf40ePo/W_CQK-4JhgI/AAAAAAAAMH4/nG_tk35bfUgmK60gNdk4d3oxMVdOq2XxwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180825_143121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L72_sf40ePo/W_CQK-4JhgI/AAAAAAAAMH4/nG_tk35bfUgmK60gNdk4d3oxMVdOq2XxwCKgBGAs/s320/20180825_143121.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting bar stools at the restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We wandered around the town as best we could, stopped for lunch & decided to head back to home. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ixugrBvaxo/W_DmTfza4QI/AAAAAAAAMII/RHW4PnX0_mcLAXQDghHs2uRCTK3xSsOmgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180830_191455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ixugrBvaxo/W_DmTfza4QI/AAAAAAAAMII/RHW4PnX0_mcLAXQDghHs2uRCTK3xSsOmgCKgBGAs/s400/20180830_191455.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Sunset in South Dakota</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-cPIkjPxis/W_DnIZKkj1I/AAAAAAAAMIY/yUTExHyaPLsXNlXK_zUsTwFvC5yzkXrvACKgBGAs/s1600/20180919_191339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-cPIkjPxis/W_DnIZKkj1I/AAAAAAAAMIY/yUTExHyaPLsXNlXK_zUsTwFvC5yzkXrvACKgBGAs/s400/20180919_191339.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By mid Sept we
were back in Illinois. While we were there, we decided to take our kids out to celebrate our 33rd Wedding Anniversary. It was such a fun evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGZ9JOcUmWI/W_DnnERNggI/AAAAAAAAMIg/a0GCewKqGRY6BBTh_y4CKZmx6RJ9YEJ1QCKgBGAs/s1600/20180927_182938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGZ9JOcUmWI/W_DnnERNggI/AAAAAAAAMIg/a0GCewKqGRY6BBTh_y4CKZmx6RJ9YEJ1QCKgBGAs/s400/20180927_182938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also had the opportunity to attend our granddaughter Becca's White Coat Ceremony at Elmhurst College, where she's a nursing student. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62ELxDqZid8/W_DnyPyawdI/AAAAAAAAMIk/AxpjXDE-L006uTMrOZ-JebZpHW0lVQhhgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180927_185855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62ELxDqZid8/W_DnyPyawdI/AAAAAAAAMIk/AxpjXDE-L006uTMrOZ-JebZpHW0lVQhhgCKgBGAs/s400/20180927_185855.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUmCCmKDW6c/W_DoByWZVMI/AAAAAAAAMIo/6O4eZ2qyZQcvVoAmpPYhrlhym1MIJgVHACKgBGAs/s1600/20181022_132456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUmCCmKDW6c/W_DoByWZVMI/AAAAAAAAMIo/6O4eZ2qyZQcvVoAmpPYhrlhym1MIJgVHACKgBGAs/s320/20181022_132456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, after completing several doctor appointments, in mid Oct we headed
to Breaks Interstate (KY & VA) Park for 10 days of relaxation and watching
the leaves turn golden red, orange & yellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XG_i7tdbuO4/W_DoXLZEX9I/AAAAAAAAMI0/BjKcV9IMxo8C9frtJi4FoO8E_Cg155_aACKgBGAs/s1600/20181029_125620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XG_i7tdbuO4/W_DoXLZEX9I/AAAAAAAAMI0/BjKcV9IMxo8C9frtJi4FoO8E_Cg155_aACKgBGAs/s400/20181029_125620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3H1Ik9l_tY/W_DoeKe_WBI/AAAAAAAAMI4/OQVNbUOVxCky3QOo9yGOP1VVQNQrrXcbQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181029_125739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3H1Ik9l_tY/W_DoeKe_WBI/AAAAAAAAMI4/OQVNbUOVxCky3QOo9yGOP1VVQNQrrXcbQCKgBGAs/s400/20181029_125739.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This Park is clearly in the top five we have stayed in, offering most every type of outdoor activity one would
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgmkdcbeH3g/W_Dots1ILtI/AAAAAAAAMI8/g7Kf9CZCG9M_LYXVxFdLqQWrW-GJmVH4QCKgBGAs/s1600/20181022_222557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1520" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgmkdcbeH3g/W_Dots1ILtI/AAAAAAAAMI8/g7Kf9CZCG9M_LYXVxFdLqQWrW-GJmVH4QCKgBGAs/s400/20181022_222557.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We saw deer in the park almost everyday. One day when we drove to a nearby town, we saw a moma bear & 3 cubs dash across the highway.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We considered staying longer, but we
kept our reservation at the Redstone Army Arsenal RV park in AL. & headed
south. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHqcp3SWQNo/W_DpGNurHQI/AAAAAAAAMJM/U2sj1yQMtNwP8HFHe_uNCmst1Ux8HqkWwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181029_130828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHqcp3SWQNo/W_DpGNurHQI/AAAAAAAAMJM/U2sj1yQMtNwP8HFHe_uNCmst1Ux8HqkWwCKgBGAs/s400/20181029_130828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3_kI1eSOzI/W_DpNTFY0nI/AAAAAAAAMJQ/N6rGImiE_vYClATBjIk-HEDSbuaRrx1pQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181029_130931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3_kI1eSOzI/W_DpNTFY0nI/AAAAAAAAMJQ/N6rGImiE_vYClATBjIk-HEDSbuaRrx1pQCKgBGAs/s400/20181029_130931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The drive south was spectacular: the tree colors through the mountains
continued to amaze us around each turn, as did the mountains themselves, with their numerous
shades of colors. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had decided Huntsville, AL would be far
enough south to keep us warm for the following five weeks, as well as be able to enjoy the
changing of leaves again, and we weren’t disappointed in the trees, but
the weather was cooler than we hoped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We had a lot of rain & daytime temps in the 40's.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5yh63LWPlc/W_DqJsnVP1I/AAAAAAAAMJc/H5TJhboAYhofSF4Scxc_810fQxgL3Z7MACKgBGAs/s1600/20181106_121934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5yh63LWPlc/W_DqJsnVP1I/AAAAAAAAMJc/H5TJhboAYhofSF4Scxc_810fQxgL3Z7MACKgBGAs/s400/20181106_121934.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope he doesn't fall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We arrived at
Redstone just as the leaves started turning, we've spent the past few weeks enjoying
the views & getting the rig ready for winter storage.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One wouldn’t think after having lived in it
full time for the last eight months this would represent much of a task.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">However, it entails emptying the basement of
everything, cleaning all items, dumping bags of no longer wanted items, then thoroughly
cleaning/polishing the outside & winterizing various rig systems, plus
doing the same with the inside for a 41’ long, 12’ high rig: this</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is no small task.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODhd_0589Zs/W_QwjlskCtI/AAAAAAAAMRU/SMYfha7eMhAbNOzkHzv7_60QzACYtXD_QCKgBGAs/s1600/20181110_142122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODhd_0589Zs/W_QwjlskCtI/AAAAAAAAMRU/SMYfha7eMhAbNOzkHzv7_60QzACYtXD_QCKgBGAs/s320/20181110_142122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a nice campground. Nothing fancy, but large, well cared for & friendly. Last Sat we had a Thanksgiving Pot Luck. The hosts smoked 3 turkeys & a ham.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjCYxwBzI6w/W_Qw0PEDPsI/AAAAAAAAMRY/vijZY7lfIakcrlFRCttqUu6mzzaAmfdHgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181110_141222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjCYxwBzI6w/W_Qw0PEDPsI/AAAAAAAAMRY/vijZY7lfIakcrlFRCttqUu6mzzaAmfdHgCKgBGAs/s320/20181110_141222.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone brought a dish to share. There were over 30 of us, so we had some interesting & delicious shares.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5hZbr_FaOU/W_QxomlQ1eI/AAAAAAAAMRo/OXKj7GRiUL8VmQPQ9uevwZX7Yt7VYszTwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181110_142107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5hZbr_FaOU/W_QxomlQ1eI/AAAAAAAAMRo/OXKj7GRiUL8VmQPQ9uevwZX7Yt7VYszTwCKgBGAs/s400/20181110_142107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BGIu_kAFyQ/XDQKxNBm2YI/AAAAAAAAMiM/XaQe0iP31VwUvsYxu-EeCK69RQYP6cfXQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_115427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BGIu_kAFyQ/XDQKxNBm2YI/AAAAAAAAMiM/XaQe0iP31VwUvsYxu-EeCK69RQYP6cfXQCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_115427.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We didn't know it when we arrived here, but Huntsville has a huge Space Museum & a lot of test equipment here on the Army Base. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRrW5glNnwQ/XDQKcHl2F7I/AAAAAAAAMiE/qNVgeD_rF_o4aaW_0_UwRK7hPHbsFC9bQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_115132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRrW5glNnwQ/XDQKcHl2F7I/AAAAAAAAMiE/qNVgeD_rF_o4aaW_0_UwRK7hPHbsFC9bQCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_115132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBfn0gQZreY/XDQLDlZcxzI/AAAAAAAAMiU/a-UQb4Lr1wIbF6c6wD2Bmxix8K7uDoxEgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_125207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBfn0gQZreY/XDQLDlZcxzI/AAAAAAAAMiU/a-UQb4Lr1wIbF6c6wD2Bmxix8K7uDoxEgCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_125207.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engine from a Space Craft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ws_Na494EA/XDQLUgT1aJI/AAAAAAAAMic/-Sg7RuZxnPwNUIq2hFTioYcwd-fKcaNBACKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_125135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ws_Na494EA/XDQLUgT1aJI/AAAAAAAAMic/-Sg7RuZxnPwNUIq2hFTioYcwd-fKcaNBACKgBGAs/s400/20181118_125135.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
One day, we took a bus tour of the Army test grounds. It was so interesting. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2awNmHBTv7U/XDQLk-aIpnI/AAAAAAAAMik/QJbbtQ_P-jAhg5l6SL7AEbsp_LRiaThCwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_140549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2awNmHBTv7U/XDQLk-aIpnI/AAAAAAAAMik/QJbbtQ_P-jAhg5l6SL7AEbsp_LRiaThCwCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_140549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q308NG2g7bk/XDQL8DMgzII/AAAAAAAAMis/IiCq2MX4yUgH4qppnsIfpDW6ZxeZE0pSwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_135806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q308NG2g7bk/XDQL8DMgzII/AAAAAAAAMis/IiCq2MX4yUgH4qppnsIfpDW6ZxeZE0pSwCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_135806.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We were able to see many of the places where they tested many of the parts being used in the spaceships. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCx27lClmLc/XDQMI9QekoI/AAAAAAAAMiw/9w9IRWxtCxsrOA4obabuVMuFLyAeYOF3gCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_140803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1434" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCx27lClmLc/XDQMI9QekoI/AAAAAAAAMiw/9w9IRWxtCxsrOA4obabuVMuFLyAeYOF3gCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_140803.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uytVIasBAbE/XDQMTnVAr-I/AAAAAAAAMi0/Gs-NDbEBu3A6ZnsWjG5gj8EfYvsezm6uwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_141832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uytVIasBAbE/XDQMTnVAr-I/AAAAAAAAMi0/Gs-NDbEBu3A6ZnsWjG5gj8EfYvsezm6uwCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_141832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1V0sB-bLyMo/XDQMgVoWvHI/AAAAAAAAMi4/8XJ-HVHwgbcra4tjvE6p5DAjtW237uVIQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_131931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1V0sB-bLyMo/XDQMgVoWvHI/AAAAAAAAMi4/8XJ-HVHwgbcra4tjvE6p5DAjtW237uVIQCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_131931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eA_9phVAjyg/XDQMoZVf96I/AAAAAAAAMi8/YJCHlrPkbE0njkeHG4qMFuiLEiCmbu-aACKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_132122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eA_9phVAjyg/XDQMoZVf96I/AAAAAAAAMi8/YJCHlrPkbE0njkeHG4qMFuiLEiCmbu-aACKgBGAs/s400/20181118_132122.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Space Craft preparing to dock at Space Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Purely by coincidence, we were also in an operation center when one of the space capsules carrying supplies for the International Space Station docked there. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Iq9SVn_oE/XDQNeYYUOYI/AAAAAAAAMjM/6YMscowSxzM4rQGBU6OckU4HBs2I_A6OwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_132926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Iq9SVn_oE/XDQNeYYUOYI/AAAAAAAAMjM/6YMscowSxzM4rQGBU6OckU4HBs2I_A6OwCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_132926.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
When I think of these things going into space, I never stopped to realize what is really involved. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT0Dvk7W-zI/XDQOwdUZukI/AAAAAAAAMjY/MOVc1ezRFAkqLGgkG1BALJ1Zxh0lsqVIwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_145101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT0Dvk7W-zI/XDQOwdUZukI/AAAAAAAAMjY/MOVc1ezRFAkqLGgkG1BALJ1Zxh0lsqVIwCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_145101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWRHVbPe6yo/XDQO29-GYsI/AAAAAAAAMjc/BOJ6F8y-NZ816PkbaAEbpXGlqGUik5hXACKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_144617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWRHVbPe6yo/XDQO29-GYsI/AAAAAAAAMjc/BOJ6F8y-NZ816PkbaAEbpXGlqGUik5hXACKgBGAs/s400/20181118_144617.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also saw a display of how they actually turn urine into purified drinking water. Not only is water heavy to carry into space, but expensive. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
About a week after our tour of the Testing Grounds, we toured the Space Museum. It was interesting to see so much of the actual equipment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meUU15XhEPY/XDQPw4gH-xI/AAAAAAAAMjo/KtBjOjzOZrECwagyNwdLHPx-dk7EOk5jgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_150928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1542" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meUU15XhEPY/XDQPw4gH-xI/AAAAAAAAMjo/KtBjOjzOZrECwagyNwdLHPx-dk7EOk5jgCKgBGAs/s320/20181118_150928.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bA5w2lvt1SE/XDQP1qGsSWI/AAAAAAAAMjs/IbkRHKGnjQQTU_p_h8zhxYl00CHwPAxRgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181118_152918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bA5w2lvt1SE/XDQP1qGsSWI/AAAAAAAAMjs/IbkRHKGnjQQTU_p_h8zhxYl00CHwPAxRgCKgBGAs/s400/20181118_152918.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyHJ2dF5W8/XDQP89sLVrI/AAAAAAAAMjw/UAPkGAwpQXUyYgX9C3qNCl7rTD8llzmpQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181204_132849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyHJ2dF5W8/XDQP89sLVrI/AAAAAAAAMjw/UAPkGAwpQXUyYgX9C3qNCl7rTD8llzmpQCKgBGAs/s400/20181204_132849.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phfgk7QDXtE/XDQQj5zFz8I/AAAAAAAAMj4/VdYGSHt4WHgM9IdbJI1fmbLZF16E4ZYzgCKgBGAs/s1600/20181204_134224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phfgk7QDXtE/XDQQj5zFz8I/AAAAAAAAMj4/VdYGSHt4WHgM9IdbJI1fmbLZF16E4ZYzgCKgBGAs/s400/20181204_134224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
The space capsules are so small, it's hard to imagine being cooped up in one of those for any length of time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9aJcnwngTM/XDQSLwQNQYI/AAAAAAAAMkE/6phNFxqAZ0EEfg9OvTK3iaKwQfD2V5apQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181204_140151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9aJcnwngTM/XDQSLwQNQYI/AAAAAAAAMkE/6phNFxqAZ0EEfg9OvTK3iaKwQfD2V5apQCKgBGAs/s400/20181204_140151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
They also had the lunar land rover on display. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYB8nsuioik/XDQTXmA79LI/AAAAAAAAMkU/0N2aDOaSgnAQkoX6ougJPMoPEonjhAaOACKgBGAs/s1600/20181214_221319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYB8nsuioik/XDQTXmA79LI/AAAAAAAAMkU/0N2aDOaSgnAQkoX6ougJPMoPEonjhAaOACKgBGAs/s400/20181214_221319.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
By the end of the first week of Dec, we were making our way back to IL. We parked the RV in a KYcampground along the way for about 5 days & took the car to Lexington to visit my sister & mother. I wanted to visit with her before we left for the winter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We were able to find a huge warehouse for the RV this year. We were really happy to be able to store it inside.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5EBQNR-PQg/XDQT4svDPwI/AAAAAAAAMkc/ZvkTKXuiPsw38xqVIk7pS0OnWmyBfM5ygCKgBGAs/s1600/20181224_181503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5EBQNR-PQg/XDQT4svDPwI/AAAAAAAAMkc/ZvkTKXuiPsw38xqVIk7pS0OnWmyBfM5ygCKgBGAs/s400/20181224_181503.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve with Doug & his mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After putting the RV in storage we were off to Elburn, IL to stay with our son, Doug. We had a great visit & some fun evenings of card games. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Oe2_Lk8nw/XDQU4nUuInI/AAAAAAAAMko/WoZFs0w8hEgDGi0BvWrjOwc6aZcHxdmOACKgBGAs/s1600/20181225_200926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Oe2_Lk8nw/XDQU4nUuInI/AAAAAAAAMko/WoZFs0w8hEgDGi0BvWrjOwc6aZcHxdmOACKgBGAs/s400/20181225_200926.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 of our grandchildren: Tyler, Danny, Ryan, Katie & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Christmas Day was spent at our daughter, Paula's. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The whole gang gathered for a great dinner, plenty of laughing & sharing of gifts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A29k6OrSZDA/XDQVS05jMpI/AAAAAAAAMkw/W4YRoUlPz2MWU5qVjrh5MTha7-L38RfbACKgBGAs/s1600/20181225_200744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A29k6OrSZDA/XDQVS05jMpI/AAAAAAAAMkw/W4YRoUlPz2MWU5qVjrh5MTha7-L38RfbACKgBGAs/s400/20181225_200744.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca standing, Paula, Pam & Doug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZuWp6FfBnY/XDQVlliQf9I/AAAAAAAAMk4/du6XbyYL5XA_NehxkObDzDQ9BJ3GKi-SQCKgBGAs/s1600/20181225_200830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZuWp6FfBnY/XDQVlliQf9I/AAAAAAAAMk4/du6XbyYL5XA_NehxkObDzDQ9BJ3GKi-SQCKgBGAs/s400/20181225_200830.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son in laws Dave & Aaron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0mcM656ePQ/XDQV4m14BsI/AAAAAAAAMlA/_PkhO03XhC83LOIuRUH5OKZGj6vK2uKiwCKgBGAs/s1600/20181225_202804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0mcM656ePQ/XDQV4m14BsI/AAAAAAAAMlA/_PkhO03XhC83LOIuRUH5OKZGj6vK2uKiwCKgBGAs/s400/20181225_202804.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam, Katie & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbjhD7WypSk/XDQWKZLH8ZI/AAAAAAAAMlI/fbSey09u3zw5e4YwGCc_i9kgOXJGNL2_ACKgBGAs/s1600/20181225_204305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbjhD7WypSk/XDQWKZLH8ZI/AAAAAAAAMlI/fbSey09u3zw5e4YwGCc_i9kgOXJGNL2_ACKgBGAs/s400/20181225_204305.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins checking out his new leather jacket from the kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once Christmas passed, the days flew by. Before we knew it, it was time to say Adios. We were off to the Dominican Republic for the next 3 months.<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-83399882276958693452018-08-06T21:18:00.002-04:002018-08-06T21:18:55.484-04:00OH MY GOSH ! The year is half over. Winter/Spring 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My dear
friends, if you think we forgot about keeping up our blog, you’re absolutely
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t done much in the way
of excitement in the past 6 months, so I just sort of forgot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlK3aQGazHc/W2d-vTNvREI/AAAAAAAALUQ/Z-c9asDhkc0vJnMHfH7b3OcLDV28SVTiQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180328_082335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlK3aQGazHc/W2d-vTNvREI/AAAAAAAALUQ/Z-c9asDhkc0vJnMHfH7b3OcLDV28SVTiQCKgBGAs/s400/20180328_082335.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We continued
our usual winter tradition of renting a condo in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
for Jan, Feb & Mar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10ehFhxTZTM/W2d_EtvQjUI/AAAAAAAALUY/R13jJaiD4EQ1w_MKwDtCTg_2BpQZdk4iACKgBGAs/s1600/20180122_181723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10ehFhxTZTM/W2d_EtvQjUI/AAAAAAAALUY/R13jJaiD4EQ1w_MKwDtCTg_2BpQZdk4iACKgBGAs/s400/20180122_181723.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IlRrWqFpuE/W2d_Q8M3_kI/AAAAAAAALUc/C1oFK1Nl2ycCnzWDzNC42OaVYzCd1V0HACKgBGAs/s1600/20180123_181814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IlRrWqFpuE/W2d_Q8M3_kI/AAAAAAAALUc/C1oFK1Nl2ycCnzWDzNC42OaVYzCd1V0HACKgBGAs/s400/20180123_181814.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Tues night Happy Hour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of our
usual winter friends were there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uP1O2LeCdT4/W2eAyY8y6pI/AAAAAAAALU4/iCPGoj_LXTojnfoe6NGwj3vkB9nhyFV1QCKgBGAs/s1600/20180227_134719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uP1O2LeCdT4/W2eAyY8y6pI/AAAAAAAALU4/iCPGoj_LXTojnfoe6NGwj3vkB9nhyFV1QCKgBGAs/s320/20180227_134719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A couple we'd met in Punta Cana, Steve & Brenda Horan, decided to check out Juan Dolio this year. It was nice to see them</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ65qYn9GfE/W2eBMps_EDI/AAAAAAAALVA/4fLESoUoBwo2lkU10OU-kkBHL6QedxQgACKgBGAs/s1600/20180315_195249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ65qYn9GfE/W2eBMps_EDI/AAAAAAAALVA/4fLESoUoBwo2lkU10OU-kkBHL6QedxQgACKgBGAs/s400/20180315_195249.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with Marlene & Nelson </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also made new friends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCZCGcihl4k/W2d_iurz-TI/AAAAAAAALUk/gsnLtoOYXvg611frLwpjMNCcrAlE5SxOACKgBGAs/s1600/20180211_190332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCZCGcihl4k/W2d_iurz-TI/AAAAAAAALUk/gsnLtoOYXvg611frLwpjMNCcrAlE5SxOACKgBGAs/s400/20180211_190332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2NqkQcAcJM/W2d_t1dJWkI/AAAAAAAALUo/G5PMH76BW8oQ-EH01AjpRJpdtCQ2ddFtQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180216_204934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2NqkQcAcJM/W2d_t1dJWkI/AAAAAAAALUo/G5PMH76BW8oQ-EH01AjpRJpdtCQ2ddFtQCKgBGAs/s400/20180216_204934.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles finally decided Sue was ok</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And of course, my friend, Sue Hollingsworth
came for a couple weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhiY39wO7es/W2eAQ-4fV9I/AAAAAAAALUw/Pqchd7AF55cah8sWN5e8FWh8F9wmRESvQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180219_164746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhiY39wO7es/W2eAQ-4fV9I/AAAAAAAALUw/Pqchd7AF55cah8sWN5e8FWh8F9wmRESvQCKgBGAs/s400/20180219_164746.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was much
rainier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had more rain this
year than we’ve had in all the years we’ve been going there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, we have our great balcony looking
out over the beach & the water, so we spent a lot of time there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHXdVgutiR8/W2ekhpcZJtI/AAAAAAAALVU/Iuns9Eh6_18V6hngK0NbXh95gp4rH65UgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180226_103047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHXdVgutiR8/W2ekhpcZJtI/AAAAAAAALVU/Iuns9Eh6_18V6hngK0NbXh95gp4rH65UgCKgBGAs/s400/20180226_103047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">They started this building the winter of 2016. It's been interesting watching them build it. The building & safety codes are nothing like they are in the US. I wonder how much will be done when we return.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Unfortunately,
Collins felt horrible almost the whole time we were there.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Almost every muscle in his body hurt all the
time & some days he could hardly hold his cup of coffee.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He went to a rheumatologist as soon as we
returned to IL.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Come to find out, he has
polymyalgia rheumaticia.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s a form of
arthritis that attacks the muscles.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
Dr put him on prednisone & he literally felt better the next day.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We aren’t sure how long he’ll have to take
it, but they are lowering the dosage each month.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can’t tell you how thankful we were to find
out what was wrong & to have a medication to make it better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqThY42_bBs/W2eoqXy_1FI/AAAAAAAALWE/AaP38Qxy7gIbccCuxa00T1EEdsQ9Inv5ACKgBGAs/s1600/20180415_093024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqThY42_bBs/W2eoqXy_1FI/AAAAAAAALWE/AaP38Qxy7gIbccCuxa00T1EEdsQ9Inv5ACKgBGAs/s320/20180415_093024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had a knee
replacement done the beginning of April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s no place in IL to park an RV anywhere near where we needed to be
until the beginning of May, so we left it in storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brother Rob, & his wife, Lisa, were
gracious enough to let us stay with them for about 2 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have mostly one floor living, which
helped immensely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been about 4
months since the surgery & I would say, I’m moving really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still a little swelling, but other than that,
I have no complaints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyljawnPIAE/W2et7j4hx5I/AAAAAAAALXM/duizDqhrhSMmdJG81i50v7fGmu58bDNHgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180426_124811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyljawnPIAE/W2et7j4hx5I/AAAAAAAALXM/duizDqhrhSMmdJG81i50v7fGmu58bDNHgCKgBGAs/s400/20180426_124811.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We left the
RV in storage in KY this past year, so we made a trip there the end of April to
pick it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> While we were there, we had a chance to visit with my mom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHuuZ0oLs2A/W2epu8LKOoI/AAAAAAAALWc/jKN26Yv2eqgJDWXTyJtLbJlNhK0O2Q4dgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180506_132033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHuuZ0oLs2A/W2epu8LKOoI/AAAAAAAALWc/jKN26Yv2eqgJDWXTyJtLbJlNhK0O2Q4dgCKgBGAs/s400/20180506_132033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After that, we went to an RV
Rally in Indiana, where we met up with the Canadian friends we met on our
European Tour last summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so
great to see Shelagh & Ron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just
fell back in step & shared a lot of laughs for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were sorry to say good bye, but hope to
cross paths again in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At that
point, we returned to IL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had decided
to sell 2 of our townhouses, so we had some rehabbing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For almost 2 months we cleaned, painted &
did all sorts of repairs, getting the properties ready for sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so happy the day we finally put them on
the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is under contract, which
makes us even happier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWyt1OMnqhI/W2eqiHpo1bI/AAAAAAAALWo/AUH9-yvlI-0iUnChKAAYEixzdBsjZs3zgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180525_090453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWyt1OMnqhI/W2eqiHpo1bI/AAAAAAAALWo/AUH9-yvlI-0iUnChKAAYEixzdBsjZs3zgCKgBGAs/s400/20180525_090453.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also had two high school graduations during this time. Our granddaughter, Lexi, lives in FL so we made a trip for her graduation & party.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: Brittany Gast, Lexi Gast and Collina Friedel Gast, people smiling, people standing, hat and outdoor" height="400" src="https://scontent.fhhr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33490042_1654164347971300_1426330348052021248_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=88338da111e1602e61fe09b750e69a20&oe=5C0EC2E4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddaughter Brittany, Granddaughter Lexi, Daughter Collina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1l7BtmQ7L3U/W2erZF2DrhI/AAAAAAAALWw/Sfa6v-RWiasMGc7DK78N2kQhRvn6WsxsgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180525_113730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1l7BtmQ7L3U/W2erZF2DrhI/AAAAAAAALWw/Sfa6v-RWiasMGc7DK78N2kQhRvn6WsxsgCKgBGAs/s400/20180525_113730.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Lexi & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1FURaa7wE/W2esVVwnHiI/AAAAAAAALW4/M40zPFajcBYtWMXVFuWeWtEOnocetzwAQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180526_152611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1FURaa7wE/W2esVVwnHiI/AAAAAAAALW4/M40zPFajcBYtWMXVFuWeWtEOnocetzwAQCKgBGAs/s320/20180526_152611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our son, Doug, decided to make a surprise visit for Lexi's graduation. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, including Brittany Gast, people smiling, people standing" height="400" src="https://scontent.fhhr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32699959_2225663497451632_2728677059126624256_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=d2f5fb3e605f0c48b449933ae94ec5ed&oe=5C011366" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="264" /></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Granddaughter Brittany & Great Grandson Blake</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And we had a chance to visit with our great grandson, Blake. Hard to believe he's 8. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 5 people, including Lexi Gast, people smiling" height="400" src="https://scontent.fhhr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33710688_10216145666184984_274690848233357312_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f2edef30c08b6b885f965994a0e3f091&oe=5C07C0C9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike proposes to Collina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We weren't there when it happened, but our daughter, Collina, got engaged the night of the graduation party.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-guIAE8VVvuE/W2etabPOV2I/AAAAAAAALXE/6diWdkf7PpEVmJZ5UCTSBdfajtEHKvWRwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180523_142242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-guIAE8VVvuE/W2etabPOV2I/AAAAAAAALXE/6diWdkf7PpEVmJZ5UCTSBdfajtEHKvWRwCKgBGAs/s320/20180523_142242.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also had a chance to visit Collins' good friend from high school, Pete & his wife Linda </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrWkgMqLCac/W2eubeixnjI/AAAAAAAALXY/ANHlK3783poltHFQOL8zvFGU6yKG_TcOACKgBGAs/s1600/20180603_120449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrWkgMqLCac/W2eubeixnjI/AAAAAAAALXY/ANHlK3783poltHFQOL8zvFGU6yKG_TcOACKgBGAs/s320/20180603_120449.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The following weekend, we had our grandson, Ryan's, graduation back in IL.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLTAC002f-Q/W2euk1VulrI/AAAAAAAALXc/x2T1t7cSB8kr41bHfZY_lfc50_w8OOhIwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180630_211353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLTAC002f-Q/W2euk1VulrI/AAAAAAAALXc/x2T1t7cSB8kr41bHfZY_lfc50_w8OOhIwCKgBGAs/s400/20180630_211353.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Ryan & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iybckmEGu9k/W2e5eYGZGFI/AAAAAAAALYI/cYmEk3_i7UE7QjqsVDwB-3lNAUgEWfXkwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180617_171130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iybckmEGu9k/W2e5eYGZGFI/AAAAAAAALYI/cYmEk3_i7UE7QjqsVDwB-3lNAUgEWfXkwCKgBGAs/s400/20180617_171130.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My mom came to IL before we went to my neice, Kelly's wedding. She spent a week at Paula's house.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWmCMJMl76s/W2e5w9422DI/AAAAAAAALYQ/XWpAtOPlIagvzOaOw23LMLOC4jthllWlwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180617_190053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWmCMJMl76s/W2e5w9422DI/AAAAAAAALYQ/XWpAtOPlIagvzOaOw23LMLOC4jthllWlwCKgBGAs/s320/20180617_190053.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula & Mom snuggle on the couch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MKQiDuwUDY/W2e6C4LZGCI/AAAAAAAALYY/MVaMdEMwQrAD1Y9QXwaMneMXkSavvp5aQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180617_185958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MKQiDuwUDY/W2e6C4LZGCI/AAAAAAAALYY/MVaMdEMwQrAD1Y9QXwaMneMXkSavvp5aQCKgBGAs/s400/20180617_185958.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddaughter Becca & Collins showed up in the same shirts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PdczpBzyRA/W2e6UvasfsI/AAAAAAAALYc/AjQjBM8RTWIYoNBDd_URCTI3HznQ0bfVgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180623_183059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PdczpBzyRA/W2e6UvasfsI/AAAAAAAALYc/AjQjBM8RTWIYoNBDd_URCTI3HznQ0bfVgCKgBGAs/s320/20180623_183059.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim & Kelly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We made a trip to Iowa for our neice, Kelly's wedding. It was nice seeing all the family again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWHgQtBHuSw/W2evnhNTVII/AAAAAAAALXs/mnMf3iZOhpoP56rB1Sx1m44u12Ue6mUtgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180623_175021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWHgQtBHuSw/W2evnhNTVII/AAAAAAAALXs/mnMf3iZOhpoP56rB1Sx1m44u12Ue6mUtgCKgBGAs/s320/20180623_175021.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & Kelly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQZaLAIIc9I/W2evyRNmdtI/AAAAAAAALXw/t6FJzRi7izcdz6TyMAyLUlRYJGr35ZQQACKgBGAs/s1600/20180623_174550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQZaLAIIc9I/W2evyRNmdtI/AAAAAAAALXw/t6FJzRi7izcdz6TyMAyLUlRYJGr35ZQQACKgBGAs/s400/20180623_174550.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddaughter Becca, Daughter Paula & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EG1H4qRqCK0/W2ewEAUBmmI/AAAAAAAALX4/kk3ydneKDRIBC86YxUfor3__61LOlcrGwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180623_145454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EG1H4qRqCK0/W2ewEAUBmmI/AAAAAAAALX4/kk3ydneKDRIBC86YxUfor3__61LOlcrGwCKgBGAs/s320/20180623_145454.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M853IQBMAlI/W2ewNJPg_NI/AAAAAAAALX8/dxX5zWrLrwUONcMVQth4bXzWv12nNZ0TQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180623_134449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M853IQBMAlI/W2ewNJPg_NI/AAAAAAAALX8/dxX5zWrLrwUONcMVQth4bXzWv12nNZ0TQCKgBGAs/s400/20180623_134449.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGG93F401nI/W2jwxBKZoMI/AAAAAAAALY8/qNd3YbsxOA0rLYsJiCefMGegIHO-RQU-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Falls%2Bsiblings%2Bat%2BKelly%2527s%2Bwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="960" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGG93F401nI/W2jwxBKZoMI/AAAAAAAALY8/qNd3YbsxOA0rLYsJiCefMGegIHO-RQU-gCLcBGAs/s400/Falls%2Bsiblings%2Bat%2BKelly%2527s%2Bwedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All my brothers & sisters were at the wedding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">lso during
this time, Collins had cataract surgery on one eye, so that kept around awhile longer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On July 13<sup>th</sup>,
Collins had his last eye appointment & we finally left IL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were off to an RV Rally in Gillette, WY
for a week then about 6 weeks in the Yellowstone & Teton areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, we have to be back in IL by
mid Sept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor Collins has to have a lot
of dental work, so I guess we’ll be stuck in IL again for awhile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll keep
you posted on our Yellowstone & Teton trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-20495377890101052412018-01-25T13:28:00.000-05:002018-01-27T17:46:06.689-05:00Summer 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
You can double click pictures to make them larger<br />
<br />
May – Oct. 2017</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say the last six months have been interesting is a bit of
an understatement. The Summer started
rather laid back in Illinois performing various upgrades on our rentals, going to Dr appts & all the usual things
we do when we arrive in IL. However,
events got a bit more interesting when
Collins fell off a ladder while polishing the RV. Unlike prior times, he forgot to “tuck &
roll” & severely injured his ankle with a Grade 3 sprain, requiring 6 wks completely
off the ankle. The Dr said it could take
6-8 months to totally heal & I still have some occasional swelling in it. Thankfully our Europe trip was 16 wks away & even then, after a day of walking, I would sit with a big bag of peas on my swollen ankle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApnqRgNLAMw/WidURAnlqQI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/LFy7-YDg1cEp69QmIQoOWo7Z6d2KEUI6wCKgBGAs/s1600/Celebrating%2BKaren%2527s%2BBirthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApnqRgNLAMw/WidURAnlqQI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/LFy7-YDg1cEp69QmIQoOWo7Z6d2KEUI6wCKgBGAs/s320/Celebrating%2BKaren%2527s%2BBirthday.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Shortly after celebrating Karen’s birthday with the Illinois
kids & grandkids, our RV was put to bed &<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAt_4AP3Yic/WidUfRUp7MI/AAAAAAAAI6U/LvbyMdMRh8AuV-evKMJLeGJV5osPT780wCKgBGAs/s1600/At%2Bthe%2Bairport%2Bwaiting%2Bto%2Bleave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAt_4AP3Yic/WidUfRUp7MI/AAAAAAAAI6U/LvbyMdMRh8AuV-evKMJLeGJV5osPT780wCKgBGAs/s320/At%2Bthe%2Bairport%2Bwaiting%2Bto%2Bleave.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting at the airport to board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUno2jcumwA/WidUqLkj0WI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/FE6J9dK4H-ASy01y5KV0KaN3uAsc2z4SgCKgBGAs/s1600/On%2Bthe%2Bplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUno2jcumwA/WidUqLkj0WI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/FE6J9dK4H-ASy01y5KV0KaN3uAsc2z4SgCKgBGAs/s320/On%2Bthe%2Bplane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the plane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HsjgwwG9dc/WidU0Ims6lI/AAAAAAAAI6g/6VWK0LuCyCMajJpO9_X2yA4Ucan7gxLlACKgBGAs/s1600/Snuggles%2Bslept%2Bher%2Bway%2Bto%2BEurope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HsjgwwG9dc/WidU0Ims6lI/AAAAAAAAI6g/6VWK0LuCyCMajJpO9_X2yA4Ucan7gxLlACKgBGAs/s320/Snuggles%2Bslept%2Bher%2Bway%2Bto%2BEurope.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles curls up in her carrier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
we, with Snuggles of course, were off to our RV caravan in Europe. It is European Motorhome Tours www.rvtoureurope.com<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jf73t6xOdU8/WidVO-JvVuI/AAAAAAAAI6o/pH44_DDEZv8Wxjs1PJtWM2uRxeGUeIn1wCKgBGAs/s1600/Beautiful%2Bbuildings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jf73t6xOdU8/WidVO-JvVuI/AAAAAAAAI6o/pH44_DDEZv8Wxjs1PJtWM2uRxeGUeIn1wCKgBGAs/s400/Beautiful%2Bbuildings.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRQ109uGZec/WidVV8ND8KI/AAAAAAAAI6w/2UxBp1OcjNIo8PQO-YQ8AtKhBxgtL11uACKgBGAs/s1600/Beautiful%2Bbuildings%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRQ109uGZec/WidVV8ND8KI/AAAAAAAAI6w/2UxBp1OcjNIo8PQO-YQ8AtKhBxgtL11uACKgBGAs/s400/Beautiful%2Bbuildings%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We arrived a few days early so we could adjust a little to the 7 hour time difference. It also gave us a chance to check out some of Frankfurt, Germany.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYLahzxAbIU/WidVggA93cI/AAAAAAAAI60/2aLe8hpTkVA9L4UznpR6xxChiFgW7XNAACKgBGAs/s1600/City%2BHall%2Bin%2BRomer%2B%2528Frankfurt%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYLahzxAbIU/WidVggA93cI/AAAAAAAAI60/2aLe8hpTkVA9L4UznpR6xxChiFgW7XNAACKgBGAs/s400/City%2BHall%2Bin%2BRomer%2B%2528Frankfurt%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wedding at the Romer City Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL3I5k8huSE/WidVtsd5n9I/AAAAAAAAI64/rxFT-JJcEY0k96g4xCOHWrx1ctUoI0f6wCKgBGAs/s1600/Romer%2BPlaza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL3I5k8huSE/WidVtsd5n9I/AAAAAAAAI64/rxFT-JJcEY0k96g4xCOHWrx1ctUoI0f6wCKgBGAs/s400/Romer%2BPlaza.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The first day we wandered around the city & checked out the plaza Romer. We also wandered along the Main River.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dG7wQXBuOnQ/WidWFns8HTI/AAAAAAAAI7A/lvN4sgenZH020QKTIdG5h_aakzzLL_h4wCKgBGAs/s1600/The%2BCentral%2BEuropean%2BBank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dG7wQXBuOnQ/WidWFns8HTI/AAAAAAAAI7A/lvN4sgenZH020QKTIdG5h_aakzzLL_h4wCKgBGAs/s400/The%2BCentral%2BEuropean%2BBank.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0la-g6EXO0/WidWObsY6qI/AAAAAAAAI7E/sur_Ga3sr1k1RqIP8IYzf3fT28YVr1K4ACKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Benjoying%2Ba%2Bwalk%2Bin%2BFrankfurt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0la-g6EXO0/WidWObsY6qI/AAAAAAAAI7E/sur_Ga3sr1k1RqIP8IYzf3fT28YVr1K4ACKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Benjoying%2Ba%2Bwalk%2Bin%2BFrankfurt.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles enjoy the Main River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPgZ9KG412g/WidWehmZc3I/AAAAAAAAI7I/HApiYUv08fc6tsuSF4D2qOLc2mGfdM52QCKgBGAs/s1600/Car%2BShow%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPgZ9KG412g/WidWehmZc3I/AAAAAAAAI7I/HApiYUv08fc6tsuSF4D2qOLc2mGfdM52QCKgBGAs/s400/Car%2BShow%2B11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The following day, there was a huge Auto Show in town & Collins wanted to go. Some of them were amazing (so were the prices)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpWAPxF1mzw/WidXp0QqgMI/AAAAAAAAI7k/-rEzi4RSOyoHgZ48eL11MrYLP3kthBJqACKgBGAs/s1600/Car%2BShow%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpWAPxF1mzw/WidXp0QqgMI/AAAAAAAAI7k/-rEzi4RSOyoHgZ48eL11MrYLP3kthBJqACKgBGAs/s400/Car%2BShow%2B5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPZPEdUdW7w/WidW08qbzpI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/Nr9cfwKDtr0aWo5f5TolrTSyqi44TJZrgCKgBGAs/s1600/Car%2BShow%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPZPEdUdW7w/WidW08qbzpI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/Nr9cfwKDtr0aWo5f5TolrTSyqi44TJZrgCKgBGAs/s400/Car%2BShow%2B10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The crowds were so bad in some parts of it, you wondered why you came.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMSk-AfYcIc/WidXKZ42wAI/AAAAAAAAI7U/RT9uMBevVg0gnU2U7YkgiL6GlAST9XQDACKgBGAs/s1600/Delivery%2BVan%2Bwith%2BDrones%2Bon%2Bthe%2Broof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMSk-AfYcIc/WidXKZ42wAI/AAAAAAAAI7U/RT9uMBevVg0gnU2U7YkgiL6GlAST9XQDACKgBGAs/s400/Delivery%2BVan%2Bwith%2BDrones%2Bon%2Bthe%2Broof.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delivery van with drones on top for delivering packages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPoNSqb1ZSM/WidXXSpk2yI/AAAAAAAAI7c/RkpdXXfH5pEpusrGnSd_vmKnnH58bQQYwCKgBGAs/s1600/Car%2BShow%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPoNSqb1ZSM/WidXXSpk2yI/AAAAAAAAI7c/RkpdXXfH5pEpusrGnSd_vmKnnH58bQQYwCKgBGAs/s320/Car%2BShow%2B7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
some unusual & some so very small.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgVceNtuX_U/WidXfPiq4DI/AAAAAAAAI7g/9MG3wVc-jDEincGLbdZkYmXURNCgmT65wCKgBGAs/s1600/Car%2BShow%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgVceNtuX_U/WidXfPiq4DI/AAAAAAAAI7g/9MG3wVc-jDEincGLbdZkYmXURNCgmT65wCKgBGAs/s400/Car%2BShow%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Collins called them "Clown Cars". In reality, there are a lot of very small cars in Europe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4sV6zYvyUs/WidX9wQ5naI/AAAAAAAAI7s/jNguXpkmsTMddbbZhgLfjVc_0yjOSlbEACKgBGAs/s1600/Flying%2BCar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4sV6zYvyUs/WidX9wQ5naI/AAAAAAAAI7s/jNguXpkmsTMddbbZhgLfjVc_0yjOSlbEACKgBGAs/s400/Flying%2BCar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was also a concept airplane car. It's supposed to be on the market in a couple of years for 1.5 million.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On Sunday, we met our fellow RV travelers & had a great "Welcome Dinner" that night. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofkFasf33VM/WidYJpw0MPI/AAAAAAAAI7w/Ca_oqiDGygg_E8aIjxJh_f_UrLLqYdfMgCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2Bour%2BRV.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofkFasf33VM/WidYJpw0MPI/AAAAAAAAI7w/Ca_oqiDGygg_E8aIjxJh_f_UrLLqYdfMgCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2Bour%2BRV.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huBpAYxN7xc/WidYT6BARBI/AAAAAAAAI70/wpwquKRk0qsz2sWVr44CxR8d5P2MrG5zgCKgBGAs/s1600/Our%2BRV.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huBpAYxN7xc/WidYT6BARBI/AAAAAAAAI70/wpwquKRk0qsz2sWVr44CxR8d5P2MrG5zgCKgBGAs/s400/Our%2BRV.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Monday we claimed our RVs & were off to our first stop -<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDsgFSjwul0/WidYpYHMKSI/AAAAAAAAI8A/CDr02ZknDw09cI-kPOGCIGKy4or2F8vTgCKgBGAs/s1600/Our%2BFirst%2Bgrocery%2Bstore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDsgFSjwul0/WidYpYHMKSI/AAAAAAAAI8A/CDr02ZknDw09cI-kPOGCIGKy4or2F8vTgCKgBGAs/s400/Our%2BFirst%2Bgrocery%2Bstore.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
the grocery store. It was kind of an interesting experience, since most of the labels were in the language of the country. Luckily our guide is German. When we got to Greece, we played a few guessing games.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The following 30 days would take us thru
Germany, Austria, Italy & Greece. Our
rented RV was just a little bigger than half the size of our rig, so there was
some initial adjusting to be made. Karen’s
biggest complaint was having to trudge to the public showers (the one in the RV
was really tiny). In our 7+ years of
full time rving, we had never once used the public showers. But
once you traveled thru some of the ancient, old, narrow streets, the smaller RV
size was appreciated. There were 4 couples besides the Wagon Master & the Tail Gunner. We had met one of the couples a few years ago at an IL campground & they were actually the ones who told us about this caravan group. It was pure coincidence we ended up on the same tour. There were also 2 couples from Canada. One of those couples was a lot of fun & we all got along great. Shelagh & I really became great friends. We're hoping to catch up again later in the year. The other couple was a little odd & none of us really clicked with them, but we all got along. Our tour leader, Thomas, is German but spent 15 yrs in the
U.S., and is incredible. While many
could put together the hundreds of pieces required to make this trip, few would
have the temperament, & Thomas has both.
Your first realization was, when he says we are leaving at 9 AM, he does
not mean 9:01. Good German punctuality at work.
Thomas also employed a “tail
gunner” Georg to ensure any unforeseen guest problems were resolved, like one who placed water vs. diesel into
their tank (not us). Luckily for them,
it did not turn out to be a major disaster & both Georg & Thomas were very calm about it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zilXpR5x4xc/Widc-K7LAJI/AAAAAAAAI8M/jJnMLsxsR40mq1YItO4OzshT9KD3Of7dQCKgBGAs/s1600/Our%2Bfirst%2Bgroup%2Bhappy%2Bhour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zilXpR5x4xc/Widc-K7LAJI/AAAAAAAAI8M/jJnMLsxsR40mq1YItO4OzshT9KD3Of7dQCKgBGAs/s400/Our%2Bfirst%2Bgroup%2Bhappy%2Bhour.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Every evening, after we'd settled into our campground, we had Happy Hour & got our instructions for the next day. It was a good way to unwind & talk about the things we'd seen that day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebMBPsB1ScU/WiddQixPMFI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/rffQPqXFQvwjXECZ2imMEO4a__zRxLTvgCKgBGAs/s1600/Our%2Bfirst%2Bgroup%2Bhappy%2Bhour%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebMBPsB1ScU/WiddQixPMFI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/rffQPqXFQvwjXECZ2imMEO4a__zRxLTvgCKgBGAs/s400/Our%2Bfirst%2Bgroup%2Bhappy%2Bhour%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas is giving us instructions for the next day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86lEQcBJk4s/WiddejIxpfI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/l3ku018_N3464y-g9aQUfDbuM-Em9dMsQCKgBGAs/s1600/Quaint%2BBavarian%2BHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86lEQcBJk4s/WiddejIxpfI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/l3ku018_N3464y-g9aQUfDbuM-Em9dMsQCKgBGAs/s400/Quaint%2BBavarian%2BHome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Let’s start by saying that of the 28 countries we’ve seen, we
haven’t experienced any country as lovely as Germany.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaFcEU4vfWQ/WiddoJHwu5I/AAAAAAAAI8c/yVNXfyK69HQ74TTmC1CpIHR-RBssx5c8ACKgBGAs/s1600/Quaint%2BBavarian%2BHome%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaFcEU4vfWQ/WiddoJHwu5I/AAAAAAAAI8c/yVNXfyK69HQ74TTmC1CpIHR-RBssx5c8ACKgBGAs/s400/Quaint%2BBavarian%2BHome%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Many sections of the cities are being
reconstructed as they were prior to WWII with cobbled streets, storefront
facades, flower gardens & window boxes everywhere. Add to that the centuries old castles,
churches & idyllic little towns & you have a country to treasure as you
travel thru it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRgNLyr11U4/Widfozwx0LI/AAAAAAAAI8s/o88QVFLh5cASFQGqDgNhlvgn3j3-vX6QACKgBGAs/s1600/Snuggles%2Benjoyed%2Bthe%2Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRgNLyr11U4/Widfozwx0LI/AAAAAAAAI8s/o88QVFLh5cASFQGqDgNhlvgn3j3-vX6QACKgBGAs/s400/Snuggles%2Benjoyed%2Bthe%2Bride.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Snuggles, of course,
took the whole thing in stride & remained totally unimpressed. It should be noted here, that Europeans love
dogs & they are welcomed in stores & restaurants alike. However, while we enjoyed all of the
different foods, wines, pastries & beers, she snubbed her nose at most of
them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've decided to include a few photos from each of our stops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-C4tBSV-sI/Wid1p14UsPI/AAAAAAAAI88/XhlcO41CybEqVVEI9328wIbNligG9s0KACKgBGAs/s1600/Historic%2BBavarian%2BFarm%2BSettlement%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-C4tBSV-sI/Wid1p14UsPI/AAAAAAAAI88/XhlcO41CybEqVVEI9328wIbNligG9s0KACKgBGAs/s320/Historic%2BBavarian%2BFarm%2BSettlement%2B6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first stop was a historic farm in Bad Feilnbach to give you a feeling of life in the 1700's. We had a nice tour of the grounds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-103psFAXIPs/Wid11hPuIRI/AAAAAAAAI9A/GrnIpMYCMWMQ2J6KaSKAG0t627Pl4hF1wCKgBGAs/s1600/Historic%2BBavarian%2BFarm%2BSettlement%2BChurch%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-103psFAXIPs/Wid11hPuIRI/AAAAAAAAI9A/GrnIpMYCMWMQ2J6KaSKAG0t627Pl4hF1wCKgBGAs/s320/Historic%2BBavarian%2BFarm%2BSettlement%2BChurch%2B2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5R6C6z-pqw/Wid15wOcb_I/AAAAAAAAI9E/iNXlg2uRJrkAttfzTtyNVljtaI6tncqXgCKgBGAs/s1600/Historic%2BBavarian%2BFarm%2BSettlement%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5R6C6z-pqw/Wid15wOcb_I/AAAAAAAAI9E/iNXlg2uRJrkAttfzTtyNVljtaI6tncqXgCKgBGAs/s320/Historic%2BBavarian%2BFarm%2BSettlement%2B5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On our drive to Salzburg, Austria we stopped for a tour of King Ludwig II's Herrenchiemsee Castle. This one was modeled on Versailles. It was started in 1878 & Ludwig died in 1886, with it incomplete. We had to take a boat to the Island on which it was built<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4AB4w5gOIY/Wid39q0e5VI/AAAAAAAAI9Q/fd5J3255MLsIfOx_-XgZPX-eoLU073R8wCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%252C%2BDiane%2B%2526%2BGeorge%2Bon%2Bour%2Bway%2Bto%2BKing%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4AB4w5gOIY/Wid39q0e5VI/AAAAAAAAI9Q/fd5J3255MLsIfOx_-XgZPX-eoLU073R8wCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%252C%2BDiane%2B%2526%2BGeorge%2Bon%2Bour%2Bway%2Bto%2BKing%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins, Diane & George (not the tail gunner)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The following are pictures of the castle.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RpeF8kKyMus/Wid4krGmZDI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/HyYTnUReju4yFxxyj55Zi13VFGojsFyLACKgBGAs/s1600/Outside%2BKing%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RpeF8kKyMus/Wid4krGmZDI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/HyYTnUReju4yFxxyj55Zi13VFGojsFyLACKgBGAs/s400/Outside%2BKing%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4elC2VmRC4/Wid4w_IpjcI/AAAAAAAAI9c/Lb01sW7uS_08ob8vsRfzFKXL9JNcPGGdACKgBGAs/s1600/Fountain%2Bat%2BKing%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4elC2VmRC4/Wid4w_IpjcI/AAAAAAAAI9c/Lb01sW7uS_08ob8vsRfzFKXL9JNcPGGdACKgBGAs/s400/Fountain%2Bat%2BKing%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_f-uqt2x5_8/Wid42tkzSMI/AAAAAAAAI9g/3gLcdbuC2u0cSg0_A8P_GHR_-skquTz5ACKgBGAs/s1600/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_f-uqt2x5_8/Wid42tkzSMI/AAAAAAAAI9g/3gLcdbuC2u0cSg0_A8P_GHR_-skquTz5ACKgBGAs/s400/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6tVQYThrsE/Wid49JhOodI/AAAAAAAAI9k/IO6guqEoGn850XrBY4xuBxlsFVHFTmTnQCKgBGAs/s1600/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6tVQYThrsE/Wid49JhOodI/AAAAAAAAI9k/IO6guqEoGn850XrBY4xuBxlsFVHFTmTnQCKgBGAs/s400/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNEfAYWl844/Wid5FVv9y0I/AAAAAAAAI9s/yhQcNljn-cESBMwRnYkvvvILpdIRpDDJACKgBGAs/s1600/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNEfAYWl844/Wid5FVv9y0I/AAAAAAAAI9s/yhQcNljn-cESBMwRnYkvvvILpdIRpDDJACKgBGAs/s400/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDUO1wUw4iM/Wid5Lxeq2nI/AAAAAAAAI9w/a-JOx0f__X82WW4LixaOmhe4woas0AWSgCKgBGAs/s1600/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDUO1wUw4iM/Wid5Lxeq2nI/AAAAAAAAI9w/a-JOx0f__X82WW4LixaOmhe4woas0AWSgCKgBGAs/s400/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRbaokqnKqk/Wid5RnfmUZI/AAAAAAAAI90/_4fTaPfHN0QQW5GZfKS2vLSEHXcv8_aTACKgBGAs/s1600/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRbaokqnKqk/Wid5RnfmUZI/AAAAAAAAI90/_4fTaPfHN0QQW5GZfKS2vLSEHXcv8_aTACKgBGAs/s400/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our trip to Salzburg brought us all kinds of interesting facts about the Sound Of Music. First off, the majority of Germans haven't even seen the movie. A German couple who had joined our group for a couple days didn't know what the big deal was all about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xMW3mJ9beXU/WigaqL7GG-I/AAAAAAAAI-I/i90wh1MR8zstL0FKDyE8pgIrCZ9mtxyRQCKgBGAs/s1600/Us%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BSound%2Bof%2BMusic%2BGazebo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xMW3mJ9beXU/WigaqL7GG-I/AAAAAAAAI-I/i90wh1MR8zstL0FKDyE8pgIrCZ9mtxyRQCKgBGAs/s400/Us%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BSound%2Bof%2BMusic%2BGazebo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is the actual gazebo used in the movie.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb7pAVqSpsk/WigcQXDp8YI/AAAAAAAAI-U/YDSyhXjByfID_gEV6ke4hW4hR5ilgYO7wCKgBGAs/s1600/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb7pAVqSpsk/WigcQXDp8YI/AAAAAAAAI-U/YDSyhXjByfID_gEV6ke4hW4hR5ilgYO7wCKgBGAs/s400/King%2BLudwig%2527s%2BCastle.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace Leopold used as the exterior of the Von Trapp Home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHFUxbjPxVk/WigckIYuX8I/AAAAAAAAI-Y/xFSnozubrKk__Oj-guaNVNQkmDWB4JbRACKgBGAs/s1600/church%2Bused%2Bin%2BSound%2Bof%2BMusic%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHFUxbjPxVk/WigckIYuX8I/AAAAAAAAI-Y/xFSnozubrKk__Oj-guaNVNQkmDWB4JbRACKgBGAs/s400/church%2Bused%2Bin%2BSound%2Bof%2BMusic%2B6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The wedding was not actually filmed at the Abbey. It was at this Colligiate Church of St Michael.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnsDM3PP8qI/WigdOTeiZDI/AAAAAAAAI-k/NIxfw_raMsgSsUvnYgXcE4edP493MR0RQCKgBGAs/s1600/church%2Bused%2Bin%2BSound%2Bof%2BMusic%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnsDM3PP8qI/WigdOTeiZDI/AAAAAAAAI-k/NIxfw_raMsgSsUvnYgXcE4edP493MR0RQCKgBGAs/s400/church%2Bused%2Bin%2BSound%2Bof%2BMusic%2B5.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Wedding Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHS34TFTLRg/WigeTxb8DgI/AAAAAAAAI-w/AfBTF83SJCwWbiS4SZuN4wGbosraruu7wCKgBGAs/s1600/Sound%2Bof%2BMusic%2BGardens%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHS34TFTLRg/WigeTxb8DgI/AAAAAAAAI-w/AfBTF83SJCwWbiS4SZuN4wGbosraruu7wCKgBGAs/s400/Sound%2Bof%2BMusic%2BGardens%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gardens where they danced around & sang Do Re Me<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It was fun roaming the areas where movie was made, but also where most of the actual story of Maria & the Von Trap Family took place<br />
<br />
While in Salzburg, we also paid a visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress high on a hill above the city. The views were great.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="252" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Hohensalzburg_Castle.jpg/300px-Hohensalzburg_Castle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the larges medieval castles in Europe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZoBi1HDrjg/WiisyH2Fb0I/AAAAAAAAI_o/9lLxL_PjcXoc_civD96_HzKE3NlqEH9LgCKgBGAs/s1600/Fortress%2BHohensalzburg%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZoBi1HDrjg/WiisyH2Fb0I/AAAAAAAAI_o/9lLxL_PjcXoc_civD96_HzKE3NlqEH9LgCKgBGAs/s400/Fortress%2BHohensalzburg%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Hohensalzburg_Castle_39.jpg/800px-Hohensalzburg_Castle_39.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden Chamber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnHTuPuCfqw/Wiit3p-kegI/AAAAAAAAI_0/fR92OKC_av4rBZCMXS3fdgXzCTJuoEegwCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2Bbought%2Ba%2Bpretzel%2BDoughnut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnHTuPuCfqw/Wiit3p-kegI/AAAAAAAAI_0/fR92OKC_av4rBZCMXS3fdgXzCTJuoEegwCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2Bbought%2Ba%2Bpretzel%2BDoughnut.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was also a street fair in Salzburg that day. It was fun wandering and looking at the goodies & food for sale. We couldn't resist the Giant Pretzels. They had every flavor you could imagine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TueNc61Luc/Wii5buLopDI/AAAAAAAAJAE/l5RmiKK8BIwAhEP5M7uxtpC-75mMFpSiwCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2Bat%2B%2BHitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest%2Bwith%2BAlps%2Bin%2Bbackground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TueNc61Luc/Wii5buLopDI/AAAAAAAAJAE/l5RmiKK8BIwAhEP5M7uxtpC-75mMFpSiwCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2Bat%2B%2BHitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest%2Bwith%2BAlps%2Bin%2Bbackground.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our trip to Hitler's Eagles Nest was breathtaking. You are literally eye level with the Alps. And it had snowed a few days earlier, making it even more beautiful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gP7KMy7FvI/Wii6mzbVloI/AAAAAAAAJAU/kd8nzYNBaJk6_1Ll-g4PAeb2dY4go_eMwCKgBGAs/s1600/Hitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gP7KMy7FvI/Wii6mzbVloI/AAAAAAAAJAU/kd8nzYNBaJk6_1Ll-g4PAeb2dY4go_eMwCKgBGAs/s400/Hitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The building itself is now a restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkv32AtH--w/Wii6v1MoaZI/AAAAAAAAJAY/PAeG9G6OFkUc1IYG9kR5jrpnKmIRIC_SgCKgBGAs/s1600/Fireplace%2Bat%2BHitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkv32AtH--w/Wii6v1MoaZI/AAAAAAAAJAY/PAeG9G6OFkUc1IYG9kR5jrpnKmIRIC_SgCKgBGAs/s320/Fireplace%2Bat%2BHitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fire place is the focal point of the room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzaKKyQLSoo/Wii67HNMEAI/AAAAAAAAJAc/I8qmsmwVGbEZN81KPS_wTLZvNL0fsAHhgCKgBGAs/s1600/View%2Bof%2BAlps%2Bfrom%2B%2BHitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzaKKyQLSoo/Wii67HNMEAI/AAAAAAAAJAc/I8qmsmwVGbEZN81KPS_wTLZvNL0fsAHhgCKgBGAs/s400/View%2Bof%2BAlps%2Bfrom%2B%2BHitler%2527s%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Eagle's Nest was actually a gift to Adolph Hitler in the 1940's. He used it to entertain foreign diplomats & a few chosen friends. However, he only visited about 17 times.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jTL9nnA3814/Wii7WB1_YRI/AAAAAAAAJAo/GjS0vVPMl-s85yt_JU99QJQ_R5T8BC_awCKgBGAs/s1600/Alps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jTL9nnA3814/Wii7WB1_YRI/AAAAAAAAJAo/GjS0vVPMl-s85yt_JU99QJQ_R5T8BC_awCKgBGAs/s320/Alps.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmC2zdEzFEM/Wii7ce__6-I/AAAAAAAAJAs/tsk68kupdg4C1LrnVBh3eJuHMgx0HM0cQCKgBGAs/s1600/Tunnel%2Bto%2Belevator%2Bto%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmC2zdEzFEM/Wii7ce__6-I/AAAAAAAAJAs/tsk68kupdg4C1LrnVBh3eJuHMgx0HM0cQCKgBGAs/s400/Tunnel%2Bto%2Belevator%2Bto%2BEagle%2527s%2BNest.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunnel to the elevator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It can only be reached by an elevator shaft set deep in a mountain.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQc3LCMgS9c/WijATR9iYnI/AAAAAAAAJBo/YrrN7T3AxvUNWtDkwTvnSDMksEWG84g2ACKgBGAs/s1600/Campground%2Bin%2BVenice%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQc3LCMgS9c/WijATR9iYnI/AAAAAAAAJBo/YrrN7T3AxvUNWtDkwTvnSDMksEWG84g2ACKgBGAs/s400/Campground%2Bin%2BVenice%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We arrived at a nice campground just across the Canal from Venice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOshPjOkPbQ/WijAf_y_3UI/AAAAAAAAJBs/Q94TRfrC9Qsl2wSoJ_A9aoXIPpSDm-AqACKgBGAs/s1600/Waiting%2Bfor%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bto%2BVenice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOshPjOkPbQ/WijAf_y_3UI/AAAAAAAAJBs/Q94TRfrC9Qsl2wSoJ_A9aoXIPpSDm-AqACKgBGAs/s400/Waiting%2Bfor%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bto%2BVenice.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group waiting for the ferry to Venice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We were able to take a 15 min Ferry ride there.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0jVwBmRonU/Wii9wkSqQ_I/AAAAAAAAJBA/v3O_YSzw8w0vrKMqf20YAl--CEF4b_gTQCKgBGAs/s1600/Venice%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0jVwBmRonU/Wii9wkSqQ_I/AAAAAAAAJBA/v3O_YSzw8w0vrKMqf20YAl--CEF4b_gTQCKgBGAs/s320/Venice%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmcph4rHJtM/Wii97KTZg1I/AAAAAAAAJBE/rEoCdU3E-FUSkgyYUrWq4MeqY8OVBQUEACKgBGAs/s1600/St.Maria%2527s%2BChurch%2Bon%2Bthe%2BCanal%2Bat%2BVenice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmcph4rHJtM/Wii97KTZg1I/AAAAAAAAJBE/rEoCdU3E-FUSkgyYUrWq4MeqY8OVBQUEACKgBGAs/s400/St.Maria%2527s%2BChurch%2Bon%2Bthe%2BCanal%2Bat%2BVenice.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church on the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Venice, Italy was a let- down due to its heavy
commercialization. It seemed like a town of nothing but people & high end stores. There are a lot of Cruise ships that stop there, so it was packed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iE-mgbs5IPQ/Wii_GXjZqHI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/GvE7aiAtlYA9WloFNIn8wPS-AEd6lPSBQCKgBGAs/s1600/St.%2BMarks%2BBasicilla%2BVenice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iE-mgbs5IPQ/Wii_GXjZqHI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/GvE7aiAtlYA9WloFNIn8wPS-AEd6lPSBQCKgBGAs/s400/St.%2BMarks%2BBasicilla%2BVenice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was over a 3 hour wait to enter St. Marc's Basilica, so we didn't go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHpubJszALs/Wii_WEgsIXI/AAAAAAAAJBU/nCxUnesAzHwWz8PMMa1ETzIdydiYaE0dQCKgBGAs/s1600/Gondolas%2Bin%2BVenice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHpubJszALs/Wii_WEgsIXI/AAAAAAAAJBU/nCxUnesAzHwWz8PMMa1ETzIdydiYaE0dQCKgBGAs/s400/Gondolas%2Bin%2BVenice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWOJIKEz3lk/Wii_mOYxntI/AAAAAAAAJBY/k18t29S7WSkTUWh5p66KdkgrTP1KcR3hQCKgBGAs/s1600/Us%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bgondola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWOJIKEz3lk/Wii_mOYxntI/AAAAAAAAJBY/k18t29S7WSkTUWh5p66KdkgrTP1KcR3hQCKgBGAs/s400/Us%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bgondola.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's nice to be able to say you went for a gondola ride, but I think once is plenty.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tewbDE_KgVE/WijBG91rtYI/AAAAAAAAJB8/jgBNYQgtfr0CZY4Fq25wX-Awf7GwF-E3wCKgBGAs/s1600/George%2Bexplaining%2Bthe%2Bbeer%2Btasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tewbDE_KgVE/WijBG91rtYI/AAAAAAAAJB8/jgBNYQgtfr0CZY4Fq25wX-Awf7GwF-E3wCKgBGAs/s400/George%2Bexplaining%2Bthe%2Bbeer%2Btasting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georg explaining different beers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Since we were in Venice for 2 days, Georg, our tail gunner, a "true Bavarian" & definitely a beer drinker, decided we would have a beer tasting night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCOu8cnpzqA/WijBw2tNhzI/AAAAAAAAJCE/cJE44YYODNwgrA2fAr0eqmAjttmQF0FdwCKgBGAs/s1600/Beer%2Btasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCOu8cnpzqA/WijBw2tNhzI/AAAAAAAAJCE/cJE44YYODNwgrA2fAr0eqmAjttmQF0FdwCKgBGAs/s400/Beer%2Btasting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Georg may have been serious, but the rest of us weren't!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCLSzqxsrz0/WijCKJjUu_I/AAAAAAAAJCM/V30Oqxzdue0vMdmtqq-ntYNFp9qZocNwwCKgBGAs/s1600/Beer%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Btasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCLSzqxsrz0/WijCKJjUu_I/AAAAAAAAJCM/V30Oqxzdue0vMdmtqq-ntYNFp9qZocNwwCKgBGAs/s400/Beer%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Btasting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, we tasted all of these, but there were 10 of us. We certainly had some laughs that night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Bologna was a pretty town. It's home of the University of Bologna, Europe's oldest university. We had an interesting tour of the main squares & the quaint little side streets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJTK6T1r4qc/WijDKAWmthI/AAAAAAAAJCY/Q_bbbkOV6-s6G-OlDXZzYQrtWhuiXYhNgCKgBGAs/s1600/Basilica%2Bin%2BBologna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJTK6T1r4qc/WijDKAWmthI/AAAAAAAAJCY/Q_bbbkOV6-s6G-OlDXZzYQrtWhuiXYhNgCKgBGAs/s400/Basilica%2Bin%2BBologna.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Patronio Basilica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjYKASuwwbU/WijEYqSL4CI/AAAAAAAAJCk/LajlP61fyCYqRn0tEW3BIVVcdts8SQF4gCKgBGAs/s1600/Courtyard%2Bof%2Bold%2Buniversity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjYKASuwwbU/WijEYqSL4CI/AAAAAAAAJCk/LajlP61fyCYqRn0tEW3BIVVcdts8SQF4gCKgBGAs/s400/Courtyard%2Bof%2Bold%2Buniversity.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original University Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFcwqLUqY94/WijEqmCFzVI/AAAAAAAAJCo/D5q2CPuLtQ4yuFO8UZMeQgZ87o9WY7kngCKgBGAs/s1600/Frescos%2Bon%2Bceiling%2Bof%2Bold%2Buniversity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFcwqLUqY94/WijEqmCFzVI/AAAAAAAAJCo/D5q2CPuLtQ4yuFO8UZMeQgZ87o9WY7kngCKgBGAs/s400/Frescos%2Bon%2Bceiling%2Bof%2Bold%2Buniversity.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful frescos inside the arches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cN-1n2I97ig/WijE67RhcnI/AAAAAAAAJCw/tpJMtQsJdRcMORwELkNvCXRidjcsQDvLwCKgBGAs/s1600/Frescos%2Bon%2Bceiling%2Bof%2Bold%2Buniversity%2B3%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cN-1n2I97ig/WijE67RhcnI/AAAAAAAAJCw/tpJMtQsJdRcMORwELkNvCXRidjcsQDvLwCKgBGAs/s320/Frescos%2Bon%2Bceiling%2Bof%2Bold%2Buniversity%2B3%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfaSCetXqNM/WijE_V06V5I/AAAAAAAAJC0/8owfxein_lsScWYuGs1gpC_zfBcLhIWOACKgBGAs/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BBologna%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfaSCetXqNM/WijE_V06V5I/AAAAAAAAJC0/8owfxein_lsScWYuGs1gpC_zfBcLhIWOACKgBGAs/s400/Streets%2Bof%2BBologna%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaint open markets on the streets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atZ6l0WHTAo/WijFRKzMiBI/AAAAAAAAJC8/7jBYLJwW-XUDLMrcmbIlZkzXbsyspVczwCKgBGAs/s1600/Streets%2Bof%2BBologna%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atZ6l0WHTAo/WijFRKzMiBI/AAAAAAAAJC8/7jBYLJwW-XUDLMrcmbIlZkzXbsyspVczwCKgBGAs/s400/Streets%2Bof%2BBologna%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_355zTJ-JfM/WijFZi7tSWI/AAAAAAAAJDA/5u66W8MbXFAmkpiaGJPIzL0WAeZYgOoagCKgBGAs/s1600/Us%2Bin%2BBologna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_355zTJ-JfM/WijFZi7tSWI/AAAAAAAAJDA/5u66W8MbXFAmkpiaGJPIzL0WAeZYgOoagCKgBGAs/s400/Us%2Bin%2BBologna.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrated our anniversary in Bologna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6XkMtJlaLM/WijFt5P9tWI/AAAAAAAAJDI/Ssp7ohPDCRMIel03iZwMZZ3JQngu7zJxwCKgBGAs/s1600/Leaning%2Bwatch%2Btowers%2Bin%2BBologna%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6XkMtJlaLM/WijFt5P9tWI/AAAAAAAAJDI/Ssp7ohPDCRMIel03iZwMZZ3JQngu7zJxwCKgBGAs/s400/Leaning%2Bwatch%2Btowers%2Bin%2BBologna%2B2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaning towers of Bologna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fY41Z-XM5dI/Wjstuw4QeII/AAAAAAAAJD0/OVzzWHSoGkkf4wnHVmH0bGcSKKR5p_ZHACKgBGAs/s1600/Campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fY41Z-XM5dI/Wjstuw4QeII/AAAAAAAAJD0/OVzzWHSoGkkf4wnHVmH0bGcSKKR5p_ZHACKgBGAs/s400/Campground.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
On our way to Ancona to catch the ferry, we stopped in Bellaria on the Adriatic Sea. We were in a great campground right on the beach.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EAYpEcb1-Y/Wjst8tMGwPI/AAAAAAAAJD4/DTEPGrJp1w4APHs6sv7uqg6kaISSkHhxgCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBaltic%2BSea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EAYpEcb1-Y/Wjst8tMGwPI/AAAAAAAAJD4/DTEPGrJp1w4APHs6sv7uqg6kaISSkHhxgCKgBGAs/s320/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBaltic%2BSea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the weather was too cool for swimming, so we enjoyed a walk on the beach instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiGN0IWFCac/Wjsubtr9LeI/AAAAAAAAJEA/Bg-ig3RI78A_L5wb8vmz8UuEAOc2RMs-QCKgBGAs/s1600/Shelagh%2Bgets%2Bcreative%2Bwith%2Bdoor%2Bmat%2B%2528tree%2Blimbs%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiGN0IWFCac/Wjsubtr9LeI/AAAAAAAAJEA/Bg-ig3RI78A_L5wb8vmz8UuEAOc2RMs-QCKgBGAs/s400/Shelagh%2Bgets%2Bcreative%2Bwith%2Bdoor%2Bmat%2B%2528tree%2Blimbs%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our friends got creative. There had been a lot of rain & it was kind of muddy in front of the door. Shelagh found some tree branches to use as a rug.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcV7Xzf_pCE/WjsvEFypphI/AAAAAAAAJEI/Ep_0OCVXN38jREVIxz9tLZsrbYT8cBdcwCKgBGAs/s1600/Waiting%2Bto%2Bboard%2Bthe%2Bferry%2Bto%2BGreece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcV7Xzf_pCE/WjsvEFypphI/AAAAAAAAJEI/Ep_0OCVXN38jREVIxz9tLZsrbYT8cBdcwCKgBGAs/s400/Waiting%2Bto%2Bboard%2Bthe%2Bferry%2Bto%2BGreece.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The following day we drove to Ancona, to catch the ferry to Greece.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abkKfbgYNOs/WjsvMceFIkI/AAAAAAAAJEM/ALPVhitov6wm_emvsXCtwFbB2WIqFe_wgCKgBGAs/s1600/Thomas%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bdog%2BSnuggles%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abkKfbgYNOs/WjsvMceFIkI/AAAAAAAAJEM/ALPVhitov6wm_emvsXCtwFbB2WIqFe_wgCKgBGAs/s400/Thomas%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bdog%2BSnuggles%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas, our wagon master shows off his dog, Snuggles II</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBR1_rG7NQA/WjsveH0F5wI/AAAAAAAAJEQ/aPhSk3Yin_kUUEl_PNCysMvrLTMDFgLgQCKgBGAs/s1600/Leaving%2BItaly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBR1_rG7NQA/WjsveH0F5wI/AAAAAAAAJEQ/aPhSk3Yin_kUUEl_PNCysMvrLTMDFgLgQCKgBGAs/s400/Leaving%2BItaly.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Port</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCKH27cQBwI/WjsvphevXAI/AAAAAAAAJEY/ky5Pdg83UXUZO5VZqNgrX0Dqr9Zp4ojXwCKgBGAs/s1600/Leaving%2BItaly%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCKH27cQBwI/WjsvphevXAI/AAAAAAAAJEY/ky5Pdg83UXUZO5VZqNgrX0Dqr9Zp4ojXwCKgBGAs/s400/Leaving%2BItaly%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGi-ppR0Vh8/Wjsvu4TG9iI/AAAAAAAAJEc/vKahhBZUFeoKj590nP4wBjrQd2B1lCjpQCKgBGAs/s1600/Dinner%2Bon%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bto%2BGreece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGi-ppR0Vh8/Wjsvu4TG9iI/AAAAAAAAJEc/vKahhBZUFeoKj590nP4wBjrQd2B1lCjpQCKgBGAs/s400/Dinner%2Bon%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bto%2BGreece.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Nice Dinner on the Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r915QryzMgU/Wjsv6dHKZOI/AAAAAAAAJEg/7Pwi-wrjpIIaKKYaGsNs5ZvDpqubiw2aACKgBGAs/s1600/Our%2Bferry%2Bcabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r915QryzMgU/Wjsv6dHKZOI/AAAAAAAAJEg/7Pwi-wrjpIIaKKYaGsNs5ZvDpqubiw2aACKgBGAs/s400/Our%2Bferry%2Bcabin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a long trip & we had cabins on the ship. They were rather small, but after our smaller RV's we were all ok with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl7hJNQDhW8/WjswQTb_ywI/AAAAAAAAJEo/-17aDKYggaIYox30NbE9AXYp1kpOh4hsQCKgBGAs/s1600/Mts%2Bin%2BMeteora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl7hJNQDhW8/WjswQTb_ywI/AAAAAAAAJEo/-17aDKYggaIYox30NbE9AXYp1kpOh4hsQCKgBGAs/s400/Mts%2Bin%2BMeteora.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kastraki in the Meteora Mts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Greece was amazing, not because of the country’s basic beauty, although there was some of that,
but because of the 2,500 plus year history you were standing on & seeing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URtn8RCU6s8/Wjszn7qulsI/AAAAAAAAJE0/ge-Yf7QJpS4AFzSj6YYxOpv_HtBXkYHuACKgBGAs/s1600/Monastery%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bhills%2Bof%2BMeteora%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URtn8RCU6s8/Wjszn7qulsI/AAAAAAAAJE0/ge-Yf7QJpS4AFzSj6YYxOpv_HtBXkYHuACKgBGAs/s400/Monastery%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bhills%2Bof%2BMeteora%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our first stop was Kastraki in the Meteora Mts. They are rock formations, hosting the largest & most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_v2SrXDnhI/Wjsz25FwvbI/AAAAAAAAJE4/Eo5DLoJQidIUKPv6pxAupokcqMYYgOEpACKgBGAs/s1600/Holy%2BTrinity%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_v2SrXDnhI/Wjsz25FwvbI/AAAAAAAAJE4/Eo5DLoJQidIUKPv6pxAupokcqMYYgOEpACKgBGAs/s400/Holy%2BTrinity%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There were no steps & the main access was by means of a net that was hitched over a hook & hoisted up by a rope. Steps were carved into the rocks in the 1920s.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ_xnSHcLkE/Wjs357lbBnI/AAAAAAAAJFE/95aEa-593Qk6te_icTgbaOcsk1VW_IUXwCKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ_xnSHcLkE/Wjs357lbBnI/AAAAAAAAJFE/95aEa-593Qk6te_icTgbaOcsk1VW_IUXwCKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B17.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We arrived in Delphi after touring some of the monasteries. Delphi was once regarded as the center of the world. In 4th century BC, it was the site of the Temple of Apollo, the legendary Oracle. Delphi was our first look at any of the ancient ruins<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxOpZlc3Rj0/Wjs4LgOH_HI/AAAAAAAAJFI/ui7Pem7exqcmkrhb2buqQ74bNZm8kvmNgCKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxOpZlc3Rj0/Wjs4LgOH_HI/AAAAAAAAJFI/ui7Pem7exqcmkrhb2buqQ74bNZm8kvmNgCKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPHP4ktCXQM/Wjs4bNK7xPI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/yKrczS0LzSkOWrH162R18iVCuDCNbtXiQCKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2BStadium%2Bin%2BDelphi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPHP4ktCXQM/Wjs4bNK7xPI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/yKrczS0LzSkOWrH162R18iVCuDCNbtXiQCKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2BStadium%2Bin%2BDelphi.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This extensive mountainside archaeological complex contains the remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo & Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium & theater.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPCrI9ziHrU/Wjs5MUIv8vI/AAAAAAAAJFc/1eeMcaEaJzAH5qgLw5pGjIMmypmIsWWZgCKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPCrI9ziHrU/Wjs5MUIv8vI/AAAAAAAAJFc/1eeMcaEaJzAH5qgLw5pGjIMmypmIsWWZgCKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Delphi Archaelogical Museum displays artifacts found among the ruins.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdkyiySwK0M/Wjs5Uy9HGEI/AAAAAAAAJFg/_Kio3yd2uUYigBTOJnyCRt11ZscSwdFlQCKgBGAs/s1600/Niki-%2BWinged%2Bgoddess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdkyiySwK0M/Wjs5Uy9HGEI/AAAAAAAAJFg/_Kio3yd2uUYigBTOJnyCRt11ZscSwdFlQCKgBGAs/s400/Niki-%2BWinged%2Bgoddess.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess of Victory - Nike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNrIGe2fP44/Wjs5lKCa9YI/AAAAAAAAJFk/4Ww6jmDZ9ZIrkifTZIxTgfHbEjyIGvieQCKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNrIGe2fP44/Wjs5lKCa9YI/AAAAAAAAJFk/4Ww6jmDZ9ZIrkifTZIxTgfHbEjyIGvieQCKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAi2Dju-sKA/Wjs5rgMyz9I/AAAAAAAAJFs/zL0ZN0mULd0CtfbpTgjyaubesQOLWQcXQCKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAi2Dju-sKA/Wjs5rgMyz9I/AAAAAAAAJFs/zL0ZN0mULd0CtfbpTgjyaubesQOLWQcXQCKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V2j0cjMoNdo/Wj8biIuGy_I/AAAAAAAAJGc/3Xvle1HokiIBqwm62EDKoZ2b2tgXXhRIQCKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V2j0cjMoNdo/Wj8biIuGy_I/AAAAAAAAJGc/3Xvle1HokiIBqwm62EDKoZ2b2tgXXhRIQCKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2Bruins%2Bfound%2Bin%2BDelphi%2B12.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtFqaGGD8SM/Wj8c0GoigbI/AAAAAAAAJG0/eTC-sXN-QtgfYIz0GnHL6cu5ngXur8EhgCKgBGAs/s1600/DSCN3088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtFqaGGD8SM/Wj8c0GoigbI/AAAAAAAAJG0/eTC-sXN-QtgfYIz0GnHL6cu5ngXur8EhgCKgBGAs/s400/DSCN3088.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Delphi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEUm327SmPY/Wj8c-AMulsI/AAAAAAAAJG4/OYVXbAOvGbwfNVstnwgtGBhKsMoo8uDpgCKgBGAs/s1600/Lunch%2Bin%2BDelphi%252C%2BGreece.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEUm327SmPY/Wj8c-AMulsI/AAAAAAAAJG4/OYVXbAOvGbwfNVstnwgtGBhKsMoo8uDpgCKgBGAs/s400/Lunch%2Bin%2BDelphi%252C%2BGreece.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch in Delphi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We were really surprised when we ordered Gyros in Greece. they are made with pork or chicken & The pitas are cut in quarters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6owyw2Rwn68/Wj8d_LggcxI/AAAAAAAAJHE/sM6NztuwR0kAiqluXTcBeXgMfgwa23jPQCKgBGAs/s1600/Doing%2Blaundry%2Bin%2BEurope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6owyw2Rwn68/Wj8d_LggcxI/AAAAAAAAJHE/sM6NztuwR0kAiqluXTcBeXgMfgwa23jPQCKgBGAs/s320/Doing%2Blaundry%2Bin%2BEurope.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You see laundry hanging in almost every campground. In fact, many of the campgrounds don't even have dryers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QWCQcAy0hU/WmPoBXFFeAI/AAAAAAAAJyA/5tRzD4wl95sZRGo4JYmg1QRX3wRpQkBtACKgBGAs/s1600/Large%2Bsink%2Bfor%2Bwashing%2Bdishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QWCQcAy0hU/WmPoBXFFeAI/AAAAAAAAJyA/5tRzD4wl95sZRGo4JYmg1QRX3wRpQkBtACKgBGAs/s320/Large%2Bsink%2Bfor%2Bwashing%2Bdishes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Most of the campgrounds provide huge sinks for washing dishes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU1iko5Or9U/WmPobkdcUNI/AAAAAAAAJyE/6l1BBErHlB0vZcOWOXyuVQHcdwJyqA6fgCKgBGAs/s1600/Dumping%2Bthe%2BBlack%2BTank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1478" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU1iko5Or9U/WmPobkdcUNI/AAAAAAAAJyE/6l1BBErHlB0vZcOWOXyuVQHcdwJyqA6fgCKgBGAs/s400/Dumping%2Bthe%2BBlack%2BTank.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Black Tanks (I don't think these need any explanation) are removable<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMwGRpQYohI/WmPpb1oVgYI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/jPXJyDzeqeINO7QTuqBKclvFKZAbi5jKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMwGRpQYohI/WmPpb1oVgYI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/jPXJyDzeqeINO7QTuqBKclvFKZAbi5jKwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6720.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Called Chemical Toilets<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDnu6L5l-QY/WmPrxFTWssI/AAAAAAAAJy8/JtanAGyfKR8GU1wDeAn9f61F9ZUMgw6SwCKgBGAs/s1600/Campground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDnu6L5l-QY/WmPrxFTWssI/AAAAAAAAJy8/JtanAGyfKR8GU1wDeAn9f61F9ZUMgw6SwCKgBGAs/s400/Campground.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">You see a lot of these attached tents on European Motorhomes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And dumped into things that look like toilets (yes, it was kind of gross)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVBt9mr1m6M/WlwVEOkrTgI/AAAAAAAAJM8/I5t2tiBwrdgQgg1yWovHfP4ziBd4dmGLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Following%2Bthomas%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbridge%2Bover%2Bthe%2BGulf%2Bof%2BCorinth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVBt9mr1m6M/WlwVEOkrTgI/AAAAAAAAJM8/I5t2tiBwrdgQgg1yWovHfP4ziBd4dmGLwCLcBGAs/s400/Following%2Bthomas%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbridge%2Bover%2Bthe%2BGulf%2Bof%2BCorinth.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over the Gulf of Corinth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our drive to Corinth was a scenic trip along the Gulf Of Corinth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUgNOeS8MOw/WlwXCW7zqoI/AAAAAAAAJOY/veq1zpzwtHAJQDYRfvz9C4KI_DMesbITQCLcBGAs/s1600/Gulf%2Bof%2BCorinth%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUgNOeS8MOw/WlwXCW7zqoI/AAAAAAAAJOY/veq1zpzwtHAJQDYRfvz9C4KI_DMesbITQCLcBGAs/s400/Gulf%2Bof%2BCorinth%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the advantages of taking a driving trip is to enjoy the beauty along the way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yf5weF7dlZA/WlwXkDu9TbI/AAAAAAAAJOg/ek3OT4so5fERjsDBP2yOY-_KhSM-cNfNgCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BCanal%2Bof%2BCorinth%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yf5weF7dlZA/WlwXkDu9TbI/AAAAAAAAJOg/ek3OT4so5fERjsDBP2yOY-_KhSM-cNfNgCLcBGAs/s400/The%2BCanal%2Bof%2BCorinth%2B2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This canal was cut through the Isthmus of Corinth to save small ships a journey of of 430 miles between the Saronic Gulf & the Agean Sea. It was started during the time of Nero but not finished until 1893.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieVMQPndCvA/WlwhoiLkD2I/AAAAAAAAJSo/q6RfZKeMY-YFRTRZpGktBhRU7cxA2TO8QCLcBGAs/s1600/Ruins%2Bat%2BCorinth%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieVMQPndCvA/WlwhoiLkD2I/AAAAAAAAJSo/q6RfZKeMY-YFRTRZpGktBhRU7cxA2TO8QCLcBGAs/s400/Ruins%2Bat%2BCorinth%2B8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Corinth was one of two major gateways to the Peloponnese.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIEirpBxg_k/WlwhK2BRjyI/AAAAAAAAJSg/6qus_zV-JyAEssLrBgzo9FHHLR6XPFwrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ruins%2Bat%2BCorinth%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIEirpBxg_k/WlwhK2BRjyI/AAAAAAAAJSg/6qus_zV-JyAEssLrBgzo9FHHLR6XPFwrgCLcBGAs/s400/Ruins%2Bat%2BCorinth%2B6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was splendid & Lively & in a strategic location overlooking the sea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLdF42Sunro/Wlwe3aSbGOI/AAAAAAAAJRs/udEUDYA_zh80mRvt7hFocKoxHhJpGL9ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ruins%2Bat%2BCorinth%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLdF42Sunro/Wlwe3aSbGOI/AAAAAAAAJRs/udEUDYA_zh80mRvt7hFocKoxHhJpGL9ZgCLcBGAs/s400/Ruins%2Bat%2BCorinth%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We visited the ruins of Corinth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our next stop was Athens, the Greek capital.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgFEZI4ph5I/Wl1HwhhDgBI/AAAAAAAAJok/78UdVKKo5mYITWbdFQERUb0DGdzN9r18ACKgBGAs/s1600/The%2BAcropolis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgFEZI4ph5I/Wl1HwhhDgBI/AAAAAAAAJok/78UdVKKo5mYITWbdFQERUb0DGdzN9r18ACKgBGAs/s400/The%2BAcropolis.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The magnificent Acropolis, crowned by the iconic Parthenon temple, rises above the city.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Parthenon, built in the mid 5th century bc, was dedicated to the Godess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-FtFiPU0UY/Wl1KdBEMzSI/AAAAAAAAJo0/4gVmPA-SbpU7-pUqA4WdfC9Ghrp-7MtuACKgBGAs/s1600/Us%2Bat%2Bthe%2BParthenon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-FtFiPU0UY/Wl1KdBEMzSI/AAAAAAAAJo0/4gVmPA-SbpU7-pUqA4WdfC9Ghrp-7MtuACKgBGAs/s400/Us%2Bat%2Bthe%2BParthenon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZxAAhwb-1U/Wl1LBoSYFCI/AAAAAAAAJpA/ZnPN_51-GJQhUPgRlpvDYBQQv5L4kHerACKgBGAs/s1600/Parthenon%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZxAAhwb-1U/Wl1LBoSYFCI/AAAAAAAAJpA/ZnPN_51-GJQhUPgRlpvDYBQQv5L4kHerACKgBGAs/s400/Parthenon%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4v6pvPKRXg/Wl1KoJ7IHVI/AAAAAAAAJo4/aDBOfsyoc_UTXgsod2hBabx1vfkd4Jl1ACKgBGAs/s1600/Restoration%2Bof%2Bthe%2BParthenon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4v6pvPKRXg/Wl1KoJ7IHVI/AAAAAAAAJo4/aDBOfsyoc_UTXgsod2hBabx1vfkd4Jl1ACKgBGAs/s400/Restoration%2Bof%2Bthe%2BParthenon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
An archeological committe was established in the 1980's & restoration began on the Parthenon & other Acropolis structures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bUaoDQHAIw/Wl1MQjau-kI/AAAAAAAAJpU/ozd47Aa4ZaM1xsMPgxg7ZWaEKuc5A5RHgCKgBGAs/s1600/Restoration%2Bof%2Bthe%2BParthenon%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bUaoDQHAIw/Wl1MQjau-kI/AAAAAAAAJpU/ozd47Aa4ZaM1xsMPgxg7ZWaEKuc5A5RHgCKgBGAs/s400/Restoration%2Bof%2Bthe%2BParthenon%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HK4q8RsmJo/Wl1LOiF7-hI/AAAAAAAAJpE/TisqmE0fnYUByEZQP0IAqWbs-6D3Xeb5wCKgBGAs/s1600/Temple%2BErechtheion%2Bdedicated%2Bto%2BAthena%2B%2526%2BPoseiden%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HK4q8RsmJo/Wl1LOiF7-hI/AAAAAAAAJpE/TisqmE0fnYUByEZQP0IAqWbs-6D3Xeb5wCKgBGAs/s400/Temple%2BErechtheion%2Bdedicated%2Bto%2BAthena%2B%2526%2BPoseiden%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple Erechtheion dedicated to Athena & Poseiden </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They are painstakingly sifting thru the objects to make sure every artifact is documented & to determine their original locations. This will be a very long process.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgQt4b6iQV0/Wl1L4DjQ1qI/AAAAAAAAJpM/4cVCMz26EMU34oZi48gtLjfsAzxGL_79ACKgBGAs/s1600/Temple%2BErechtheion%2Bdedicated%2Bto%2BAthena%2B%2526%2BPoseiden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgQt4b6iQV0/Wl1L4DjQ1qI/AAAAAAAAJpM/4cVCMz26EMU34oZi48gtLjfsAzxGL_79ACKgBGAs/s400/Temple%2BErechtheion%2Bdedicated%2Bto%2BAthena%2B%2526%2BPoseiden.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple Erechtheion dedicated to Athena & Poseiden </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After leaving the Parthenon we toured the city of Athens. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRQZQlghdfg/Wl1SiQuPILI/AAAAAAAAJpk/LcImBMy-ugAQTAMTWRucrfZK5shg1O11QCKgBGAs/s1600/Panathenaic%2BStadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRQZQlghdfg/Wl1SiQuPILI/AAAAAAAAJpk/LcImBMy-ugAQTAMTWRucrfZK5shg1O11QCKgBGAs/s400/Panathenaic%2BStadium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We stopped at the Panathenaic Stadium which was built on the site of an ancient stadium that hosted Olympic type games for many centuries<span style="color: #363636;"><span style="background-color: white;">. This particular stadium hosted part of the Olympics in 2004. After the Olympic Torch is lit at the Temple of Hera at the site of the ancient Olypmics, it is brought to the Panathenaic Stadium for a ceremony before it begins it's jouney to the site of that year's Olympic Games.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHP1JHfl8_s/Wl1Ss0ap8dI/AAAAAAAAJpo/xoZ6n9ltKpk9hwER-i0NNHDSpTz9RO4DgCKgBGAs/s1600/Lunch%2Bin%2BAthens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHP1JHfl8_s/Wl1Ss0ap8dI/AAAAAAAAJpo/xoZ6n9ltKpk9hwER-i0NNHDSpTz9RO4DgCKgBGAs/s400/Lunch%2Bin%2BAthens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch in Athens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7Kx5-2bmyg/Wl1Tsetx-6I/AAAAAAAAJp0/fvt4IIzepfg5nizVRDp4kelkW1khIh-UACKgBGAs/s1600/Changing%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bguard%2Bat%2Bthe%2BParliament%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7Kx5-2bmyg/Wl1Tsetx-6I/AAAAAAAAJp0/fvt4IIzepfg5nizVRDp4kelkW1khIh-UACKgBGAs/s400/Changing%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bguard%2Bat%2Bthe%2BParliament%2BHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We saw the changing of the guards at the Parliament House in Athens.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBMsCXOkCeQ/Wl1T305XVxI/AAAAAAAAJp4/49iHF4Ff4d0VyATb-b3wmTG3jRTO_8J3wCKgBGAs/s1600/Guard%2Bat%2Bthe%2BPaliament%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBMsCXOkCeQ/Wl1T305XVxI/AAAAAAAAJp4/49iHF4Ff4d0VyATb-b3wmTG3jRTO_8J3wCKgBGAs/s400/Guard%2Bat%2Bthe%2BPaliament%2BHouse.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Those young guards stand perfectly still for an hour in the heat & cold,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp-qmPnkSls/Wl1UHC_rqDI/AAAAAAAAJp8/_ifLQVCYbJkvTdFnsduZ1Fy7TKtIOVqTwCKgBGAs/s1600/Changing%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bguard%2Bat%2Bthe%2BParliament%2BHouse%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp-qmPnkSls/Wl1UHC_rqDI/AAAAAAAAJp8/_ifLQVCYbJkvTdFnsduZ1Fy7TKtIOVqTwCKgBGAs/s400/Changing%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bguard%2Bat%2Bthe%2BParliament%2BHouse%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
then change places in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjSHS8CmlBI/Wl1XyVPsCsI/AAAAAAAAJqM/jy2QmxeiYVgKxr23v-_hvKYj0qzxbzlLACKgBGAs/s1600/Ron%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BShelagh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjSHS8CmlBI/Wl1XyVPsCsI/AAAAAAAAJqM/jy2QmxeiYVgKxr23v-_hvKYj0qzxbzlLACKgBGAs/s400/Ron%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BShelagh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We wondered around downtown Athens with our new friends & travel mates Ron & Shelagh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3YZzrUCe3M/Wl1X-dP5dvI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/M7aH6Pg2-Cga0NvbAVN65Oi2l-LJSBGTACKgBGAs/s1600/Church%2Bin%2BAthens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3YZzrUCe3M/Wl1X-dP5dvI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/M7aH6Pg2-Cga0NvbAVN65Oi2l-LJSBGTACKgBGAs/s400/Church%2Bin%2BAthens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old church in downtown Athens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TrLQI2cY3Yw/Wl1YPQ55f9I/AAAAAAAAJqY/VODVqm5o4bEBgkMA7DLQNX7a7JTtazTsQCKgBGAs/s1600/Shelagh%2Bsamples%2Ba%2Btypical%2BGreek%2BBreakfast%2BPastry-%2Bkoulouri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TrLQI2cY3Yw/Wl1YPQ55f9I/AAAAAAAAJqY/VODVqm5o4bEBgkMA7DLQNX7a7JTtazTsQCKgBGAs/s400/Shelagh%2Bsamples%2Ba%2Btypical%2BGreek%2BBreakfast%2BPastry-%2Bkoulouri.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelagh is sampling a tradional Greek Breakfast Pasty -Koulouri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Po4uf6PXemM/Wl1ZpKbE09I/AAAAAAAAJqk/yVoyZPFQ0n8_U0g4M5YiBdCHs2Hhd_b0QCKgBGAs/s1600/Leavin%2BAthens%2Bfor%2BMykonos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Po4uf6PXemM/Wl1ZpKbE09I/AAAAAAAAJqk/yVoyZPFQ0n8_U0g4M5YiBdCHs2Hhd_b0QCKgBGAs/s400/Leavin%2BAthens%2Bfor%2BMykonos.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the port in Arthens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The next morning, bright & early, we all boarded a Ferry for a 4 hour trip to Mykonos.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgD9vElnJgQ/Wl1aCISkTeI/AAAAAAAAJqo/rASOcwghV8cBO2Lt1anx9xhPtUZUIoDIwCKgBGAs/s1600/Island%2Bstop%2Bon%2Bway%2Bto%2BMykonos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgD9vElnJgQ/Wl1aCISkTeI/AAAAAAAAJqo/rASOcwghV8cBO2Lt1anx9xhPtUZUIoDIwCKgBGAs/s400/Island%2Bstop%2Bon%2Bway%2Bto%2BMykonos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We made 2 stops along the way at quaint little Greek Islands<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We stayed in a small hotel right on the water & toured some of the island that afternoon & the next morning. It was a very pretty little island.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PyM1OC9UraI/Wl1cWBYV4_I/AAAAAAAAJq0/tdjcK4LY1Ykwiq4vtch7nBlL2VHgv6VRgCKgBGAs/s1600/Mykonos%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PyM1OC9UraI/Wl1cWBYV4_I/AAAAAAAAJq0/tdjcK4LY1Ykwiq4vtch7nBlL2VHgv6VRgCKgBGAs/s400/Mykonos%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ST3oby_1Zw/Wl1chJxUgGI/AAAAAAAAJq4/GnJb_dECsPgcueAaF032h2mdJBBg6uKgwCKgBGAs/s1600/Snuggles%2Bpicked%2Bher%2Bspot%2Bat%2Bhotel%2Bin%2BMykonos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ST3oby_1Zw/Wl1chJxUgGI/AAAAAAAAJq4/GnJb_dECsPgcueAaF032h2mdJBBg6uKgwCKgBGAs/s400/Snuggles%2Bpicked%2Bher%2Bspot%2Bat%2Bhotel%2Bin%2BMykonos.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles claimed her spot right away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynj5sEKD3EQ/Wl1dZZGuWAI/AAAAAAAAJrE/QZscBhE1shEuURqExvPJHGL4l4og2q7jwCKgBGAs/s1600/Soaking%2Bup%2Bsome%2Bsun%2Bin%2BMykonos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynj5sEKD3EQ/Wl1dZZGuWAI/AAAAAAAAJrE/QZscBhE1shEuURqExvPJHGL4l4og2q7jwCKgBGAs/s400/Soaking%2Bup%2Bsome%2Bsun%2Bin%2BMykonos.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins decided to soak up some sunshine before sightseeing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exFjwgPJ-k4/Wl1dqAKIFXI/AAAAAAAAJrI/KUWAyqueivAiwnCre4bMGk8LWswXaS0kQCKgBGAs/s1600/Windmills%2Bin%2BMykonos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exFjwgPJ-k4/Wl1dqAKIFXI/AAAAAAAAJrI/KUWAyqueivAiwnCre4bMGk8LWswXaS0kQCKgBGAs/s400/Windmills%2Bin%2BMykonos.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the windmills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6Pm7D0smOM/Wl1d3LQ0XfI/AAAAAAAAJrM/kX-ac0XjgFQLfz_AD8jdoxEPVCae50VwwCKgBGAs/s1600/Mykonos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6Pm7D0smOM/Wl1d3LQ0XfI/AAAAAAAAJrM/kX-ac0XjgFQLfz_AD8jdoxEPVCae50VwwCKgBGAs/s400/Mykonos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFlYgWALNsM/Wl1iaweoLaI/AAAAAAAAJr0/nwghgMj8v8os5sjiHO8t5Kp_YEXptttOgCKgBGAs/s1600/Scenic%2Bdrive%2Bto%2BDeprano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFlYgWALNsM/Wl1iaweoLaI/AAAAAAAAJr0/nwghgMj8v8os5sjiHO8t5Kp_YEXptttOgCKgBGAs/s1600/Scenic%2Bdrive%2Bto%2BDeprano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFlYgWALNsM/Wl1iaweoLaI/AAAAAAAAJr0/nwghgMj8v8os5sjiHO8t5Kp_YEXptttOgCKgBGAs/s400/Scenic%2Bdrive%2Bto%2BDeprano.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our ferry ride back to Athens was uneventful & we set off the next day for a sighseeing tour of Epidaurus & on to Drepano. It was a scenic drive along the water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-108Ca5nZwAQ/Wl1gaW1AxeI/AAAAAAAAJrY/aNIJpkBC_EMCD1bLM98gBLOWDOGSsyXlwCKgBGAs/s1600/Great%2BTheater%2Bof%2BEpidaurus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-108Ca5nZwAQ/Wl1gaW1AxeI/AAAAAAAAJrY/aNIJpkBC_EMCD1bLM98gBLOWDOGSsyXlwCKgBGAs/s400/Great%2BTheater%2Bof%2BEpidaurus.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Epidaurus, mostly famous for it's Ancient Theater. constructed in the late 4th century BC for religious ceremonies. It is also know for it's exceptional accoustics, which permits unamplified speaking to be heard in all 14,000 seats.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ_SXGWPcos/Wl1hCeds1fI/AAAAAAAAJrg/KA_04xlnXtAtsQvxj4wH2VOhYq5gFR0qwCKgBGAs/s1600/Epidaurus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ_SXGWPcos/Wl1hCeds1fI/AAAAAAAAJrg/KA_04xlnXtAtsQvxj4wH2VOhYq5gFR0qwCKgBGAs/s400/Epidaurus.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Epidaurus was the most celebrated healing center in the classical world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptSSGwyYxTs/Wl1hQ6-wnzI/AAAAAAAAJrk/gv_JOvsrZR8pscnMk2Ww2heVUyhlwuNDQCKgBGAs/s1600/Statues%2Bfound%2Bin%2BEpidaurus%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptSSGwyYxTs/Wl1hQ6-wnzI/AAAAAAAAJrk/gv_JOvsrZR8pscnMk2Ww2heVUyhlwuNDQCKgBGAs/s400/Statues%2Bfound%2Bin%2BEpidaurus%2B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6QvcgeVy_g/Wl1hWawWOWI/AAAAAAAAJro/7qVsgv5JLSQDICU9cYO4fIf4zakPiEtGACKgBGAs/s1600/artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BEpidaurus%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6QvcgeVy_g/Wl1hWawWOWI/AAAAAAAAJro/7qVsgv5JLSQDICU9cYO4fIf4zakPiEtGACKgBGAs/s400/artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BEpidaurus%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmAHHVTByCQ/Wl1i42r-w6I/AAAAAAAAJr4/bdSZPH7RyeI_sKu540zA6YpyGQjVCC1EQCKgBGAs/s1600/Epidaurus%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmAHHVTByCQ/Wl1i42r-w6I/AAAAAAAAJr4/bdSZPH7RyeI_sKu540zA6YpyGQjVCC1EQCKgBGAs/s400/Epidaurus%2B7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc0CSBU_e_A/Wl1jYPRU2KI/AAAAAAAAJsE/KGGRktIPzEgqzpC6wjSznS39rFfoQQiVgCKgBGAs/s1600/Our%2Bcampground%2BDrepano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc0CSBU_e_A/Wl1jYPRU2KI/AAAAAAAAJsE/KGGRktIPzEgqzpC6wjSznS39rFfoQQiVgCKgBGAs/s400/Our%2Bcampground%2BDrepano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our campground in Drepano was right across from the beach on the Sea of Crete. Thomas & Georg made us a great BBQ dinner that night<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVwdZDTLpU8/Wl1jp47tmsI/AAAAAAAAJsI/xE7zH_h0k5YC_YnPE5ZVXO-909SwTI6RACKgBGAs/s1600/Drepano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVwdZDTLpU8/Wl1jp47tmsI/AAAAAAAAJsI/xE7zH_h0k5YC_YnPE5ZVXO-909SwTI6RACKgBGAs/s400/Drepano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A4a8dj7aZfQ/Wl1jxNpFQ4I/AAAAAAAAJsM/sNMp88BnI8IeJx9bMvY5A-0qJF7m88BSACKgBGAs/s1600/Drepano%2Bon%2Bthe%2BSea%2Bof%2BCrete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A4a8dj7aZfQ/Wl1jxNpFQ4I/AAAAAAAAJsM/sNMp88BnI8IeJx9bMvY5A-0qJF7m88BSACKgBGAs/s400/Drepano%2Bon%2Bthe%2BSea%2Bof%2BCrete.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea of Crete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px;">The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture. These two cities are indissolubly linked to the Homeric epics, the </span><em style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Iliad</em><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px;"> and the </span><em style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Odyssey</em><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px;"> , which have influenced European art and literature for more than three millennia.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYssCvceS-I/Wl6gW3VNIDI/AAAAAAAAJs8/bzZr1wbJWd8rIIY9aJaSfDSIBE0SQ_5ywCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2Bat%2Bthe%2BEntrance%2Bto%2Bthe%2BTreasury%2Bof%2BAtreus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYssCvceS-I/Wl6gW3VNIDI/AAAAAAAAJs8/bzZr1wbJWd8rIIY9aJaSfDSIBE0SQ_5ywCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2Bat%2Bthe%2BEntrance%2Bto%2Bthe%2BTreasury%2Bof%2BAtreus.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treasury of Atreus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu1zdOOfH54/Wl6iWpemsoI/AAAAAAAAJtI/wQgW-qQWmakrH28peA4aQXA5P2cnv82WACKgBGAs/s1600/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BMycenae%2B9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu1zdOOfH54/Wl6iWpemsoI/AAAAAAAAJtI/wQgW-qQWmakrH28peA4aQXA5P2cnv82WACKgBGAs/s400/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BMycenae%2B9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artifacts found in Mycenae</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfCFwEUDlLw/Wl6imjGECAI/AAAAAAAAJtM/NfqHfkF7nGoxvN_646Xru5n9ETZlxekjQCKgBGAs/s1600/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BMycenae%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfCFwEUDlLw/Wl6imjGECAI/AAAAAAAAJtM/NfqHfkF7nGoxvN_646Xru5n9ETZlxekjQCKgBGAs/s320/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BMycenae%2B4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpk6MEWQ4ZI/Wl6iroHTgEI/AAAAAAAAJtQ/ryyc3I1jqc4tyj6PmpEvK4p7vRzzYswfACKgBGAs/s1600/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BMycenae%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpk6MEWQ4ZI/Wl6iroHTgEI/AAAAAAAAJtQ/ryyc3I1jqc4tyj6PmpEvK4p7vRzzYswfACKgBGAs/s400/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BMycenae%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Z4eWFzdro/Wl6kkLJ009I/AAAAAAAAJtc/04P6Tpm5844ruAuIEuSguoYAw32CjH2YACKgBGAs/s1600/Lion%2527s%2BGate%2Bentrance%2Bto%2BMycenae.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Z4eWFzdro/Wl6kkLJ009I/AAAAAAAAJtc/04P6Tpm5844ruAuIEuSguoYAw32CjH2YACKgBGAs/s400/Lion%2527s%2BGate%2Bentrance%2Bto%2BMycenae.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyons Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Palamidi Fortress in Nafplion: The fortress of Palamidi is a true architectural masterpiece. This fort was built during the Venetian occupation in the early 19th century and consists of eight bastions, each was self contained, ensuring that if one bastion was breached the others could still be separately defended. The bastions were built one on top of the other and they all connected with one wall. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Palamidi fortress (Nafplio, Greece).jpg" height="272" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Palamidi_fortress_%28Nafplio%2C_Greece%29.jpg/300px-Palamidi_fortress_%28Nafplio%2C_Greece%29.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxO9xWPLppE/Wl_uuJ1sQ_I/AAAAAAAAJv0/CFE6LkIsYOkXtKzGOsuG8j9U9kjxToNDACKgBGAs/s1600/Ancient%2BOlympia%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxO9xWPLppE/Wl_uuJ1sQ_I/AAAAAAAAJv0/CFE6LkIsYOkXtKzGOsuG8j9U9kjxToNDACKgBGAs/s400/Ancient%2BOlympia%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a scenic drive to Olympia, then toured the Olympic grounds & museum. It's a kind of weird feeling to know you're walking where the original Olympics began in the 8th century BC.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KeHB2OAUIo4/Wl_vBvmKMXI/AAAAAAAAJv4/8h1dyEcJo7UpoZjsphCT0ZwZVrS311GMgCKgBGAs/s1600/Hera%2527s%2BAlter%2Bwhere%2Bthe%2BOlympic%2BTorch%2Bis%2Blit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KeHB2OAUIo4/Wl_vBvmKMXI/AAAAAAAAJv4/8h1dyEcJo7UpoZjsphCT0ZwZVrS311GMgCKgBGAs/s320/Hera%2527s%2BAlter%2Bwhere%2Bthe%2BOlympic%2BTorch%2Bis%2Blit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The torch for all the current Olympic games is lite right here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HiTL78PUP8/Wl_vpPIsBTI/AAAAAAAAJwA/tohO5jUnio09FD2HcYAJtvvh2yIhYnpLACKgBGAs/s1600/Entrance%2Bto%2Bthe%2BOlympic%2BFiedl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HiTL78PUP8/Wl_vpPIsBTI/AAAAAAAAJwA/tohO5jUnio09FD2HcYAJtvvh2yIhYnpLACKgBGAs/s400/Entrance%2Bto%2Bthe%2BOlympic%2BFiedl.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins at the entrance to the stadium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the original Olympics, only men were allowed in the stadium & they competed in the nude.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZXneFxaW3o/Wl_wB2AMNBI/AAAAAAAAJwE/MOMoXbnzJGgRms4raZO7fMKRdpwX4k-WQCKgBGAs/s1600/Karen%2527s%2Bat%2Bthe%2BStarting%2BBlock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZXneFxaW3o/Wl_wB2AMNBI/AAAAAAAAJwE/MOMoXbnzJGgRms4raZO7fMKRdpwX4k-WQCKgBGAs/s320/Karen%2527s%2Bat%2Bthe%2BStarting%2BBlock.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen at the original starting block</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGptjZzXu9E/Wl_wL8_gbAI/AAAAAAAAJwI/65Y3dFT2Ias7J3SWPLCxYrTSy2RRBO7qACKgBGAs/s1600/Statues%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bgrounds%2Bof%2BOlympia%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGptjZzXu9E/Wl_wL8_gbAI/AAAAAAAAJwI/65Y3dFT2Ias7J3SWPLCxYrTSy2RRBO7qACKgBGAs/s400/Statues%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bgrounds%2Bof%2BOlympia%2B5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statues found in Olympia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b84p0oaNedw/Wl_wcW2NXbI/AAAAAAAAJwM/ILjXsq343QcovHSDC0i7660Mtvi0Vup5gCKgBGAs/s1600/Statues%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bgrounds%2Bof%2BOlympia%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b84p0oaNedw/Wl_wcW2NXbI/AAAAAAAAJwM/ILjXsq343QcovHSDC0i7660Mtvi0Vup5gCKgBGAs/s400/Statues%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bgrounds%2Bof%2BOlympia%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1pUJdkjl1w/Wl_wilhViYI/AAAAAAAAJwQ/kwz3HMmmw_sYKOIgUQYdIUdRSHbTsFvJgCKgBGAs/s1600/Emperor%2BHadrian%2B%2528117-138%2BAD%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1pUJdkjl1w/Wl_wilhViYI/AAAAAAAAJwQ/kwz3HMmmw_sYKOIgUQYdIUdRSHbTsFvJgCKgBGAs/s400/Emperor%2BHadrian%2B%2528117-138%2BAD%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ue3IT9dblxM/Wl_woFNCUdI/AAAAAAAAJwU/3k2IYWKNk4wZlLfXtBK7-csD5BdsfantgCKgBGAs/s1600/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BOlympia%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ue3IT9dblxM/Wl_woFNCUdI/AAAAAAAAJwU/3k2IYWKNk4wZlLfXtBK7-csD5BdsfantgCKgBGAs/s400/Artifacts%2Bfound%2Bin%2BOlympia%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artifacts found in Olympia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPgx0222mjI/Wl_ympk8C0I/AAAAAAAAJwg/r-PamFjColYCwf8MTTrmECf1vu8EFmz-QCKgBGAs/s1600/Statue%2Bof%2BNiki.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPgx0222mjI/Wl_ympk8C0I/AAAAAAAAJwg/r-PamFjColYCwf8MTTrmECf1vu8EFmz-QCKgBGAs/s400/Statue%2Bof%2BNiki.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GoddessNiki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjUOjkz2WFY/Wl_zjhq-KHI/AAAAAAAAJws/E099oxnhuFQABtPygY2ehHA5FxaLKyk4QCKgBGAs/s1600/Greek%2Bdancers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjUOjkz2WFY/Wl_zjhq-KHI/AAAAAAAAJws/E099oxnhuFQABtPygY2ehHA5FxaLKyk4QCKgBGAs/s320/Greek%2Bdancers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
While in Greece, in addition to good food & Sambuca, Thomas, our guide, felt Greek dancers were a must.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqCN5Kd56fI/Wl_z6vfypDI/AAAAAAAAJww/F5LvN2MxdzgAHlxDCg4CTa3tr9Yf5fQmgCKgBGAs/s1600/Thomas%2Bjoins%2Bthe%2Bdancers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqCN5Kd56fI/Wl_z6vfypDI/AAAAAAAAJww/F5LvN2MxdzgAHlxDCg4CTa3tr9Yf5fQmgCKgBGAs/s400/Thomas%2Bjoins%2Bthe%2Bdancers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then, they seemed to think it was a good idea for us to dance. They didn't realize we all had 2 left feet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mzVI9LyVyY/Wl_0lWHVZWI/AAAAAAAAJw8/QYfbnXk08H4NK4gwQYrNzlrGF9stRkSEACKgBGAs/s1600/George%2B%2526%2BThomas%2Bmake%2Bus%2Ba%2Bpancake%2Bbreakfast%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mzVI9LyVyY/Wl_0lWHVZWI/AAAAAAAAJw8/QYfbnXk08H4NK4gwQYrNzlrGF9stRkSEACKgBGAs/s400/George%2B%2526%2BThomas%2Bmake%2Bus%2Ba%2Bpancake%2Bbreakfast%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The following morning, because we had a late start to head for the Ferry, Thomas & Georg made us a delicious pancake breakfast by the pool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6a6EvDrrXo/Wl_0wUozXRI/AAAAAAAAJxA/KikSW_bIuqgD2U9ybOYymhP9Xwivc44ewCKgBGAs/s1600/George%252C%2BShelagh%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bat%2Bpancake%2Bbreakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6a6EvDrrXo/Wl_0wUozXRI/AAAAAAAAJxA/KikSW_bIuqgD2U9ybOYymhP9Xwivc44ewCKgBGAs/s400/George%252C%2BShelagh%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bat%2Bpancake%2Bbreakfast.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFnT6e6pl-o/Wl_1H7P04CI/AAAAAAAAJxE/l5-gRVKh2SsdY3nT3s6BfGM1JZQy8XzSgCKgBGAs/s1600/Coming%2Binto%2BAncona%2BItaly%2Bon%2Bthe%2BFerry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFnT6e6pl-o/Wl_1H7P04CI/AAAAAAAAJxE/l5-gRVKh2SsdY3nT3s6BfGM1JZQy8XzSgCKgBGAs/s400/Coming%2Binto%2BAncona%2BItaly%2Bon%2Bthe%2BFerry.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Greece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Later in the afternoon, we boarded the Ferry, leaving Greece for Italy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1M9gkuCndM/Wl_1V23qPbI/AAAAAAAAJxI/HnOIfQrPEpYH_aHZZISnLgSYWq6EMquRwCKgBGAs/s1600/Karen%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bon%2BFerry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1M9gkuCndM/Wl_1V23qPbI/AAAAAAAAJxI/HnOIfQrPEpYH_aHZZISnLgSYWq6EMquRwCKgBGAs/s400/Karen%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bon%2BFerry.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JiAMdRlhfy4/Wl_1eQuzOMI/AAAAAAAAJxM/dXWjU9eG56kbUiLXQxT-ENRcHa48zKCpACKgBGAs/s1600/Dinner%2Bon%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bwith%2BShelagh%2B%2526%2BRon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JiAMdRlhfy4/Wl_1eQuzOMI/AAAAAAAAJxM/dXWjU9eG56kbUiLXQxT-ENRcHa48zKCpACKgBGAs/s400/Dinner%2Bon%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bwith%2BShelagh%2B%2526%2BRon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice dinner on the Ferry with Shelagh & Ron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok39wdUryOY/Wl_14-wTwmI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/aZN_qMS7W-oVGqDvOi6yoH13-Mgbu8kAwCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2Bsnuggles%2Bshare%2Btiny%2Bbed%2Bin%2BFerry%2Bcabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok39wdUryOY/Wl_14-wTwmI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/aZN_qMS7W-oVGqDvOi6yoH13-Mgbu8kAwCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2Bsnuggles%2Bshare%2Btiny%2Bbed%2Bin%2BFerry%2Bcabin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cabins were pretty small</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Before we knew it, we were back in Italy & on our way to Verona. Verona is a very pretty town & known for it's story of Romeo & Juliet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="279" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Portoni_della_Bra.jpg/800px-Portoni_della_Bra.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Verona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="334" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Julia_balcony.jpg/220px-Julia_balcony.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juliet's Balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After leaving our campground the next day we went to Lazise. Lazise is a quaint town located on Lake Garda. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy & a very popular vacation spot.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Lazise" height="267" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Lazise_veduta.jpg/250px-Lazise_veduta.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Torbole Panorama.jpg" height="142" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/Torbole_Panorama.jpg/1920px-Torbole_Panorama.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
We drove around a large part of the lake before crossing back to Germany. It was such a pretty area, Collins & I said we might like to go back & stay a few weeks sometime.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for king ludwig ii castles linderhof" height="299" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="400" /><br />
<br />
As we returned to Germany, we stopped to tour another of King Ludwig II's castles. this was the smallest of the 3, but the only one he lived to see completed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.tuttobaviera.it/immagini/schloss-linderhof.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hall of Mirrors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://www.tuttobaviera.it/immagini/linderhof-cameraletto2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img height="400" src="https://www.tuttobaviera.it/immagini/linderhof9.jpg" width="307" /><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Geburtshaus von Ludwig Thoma" height="300" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/29/4a/46/geburtshaus-von-ludwig.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With only 2 days left of travel, we stopped in Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps. It was a quaint town to look at & home of the famous once a decade Passion Play.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was first performed in 1634 & it was <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">the result of a vow made by the inhabitants of the village that if God spared them from the effects of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubonic_plague" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Bubonic plague">bubonic plague</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> then sweeping the region they would perform a passion play every ten years. A man travelling back to the town for Christmas had accidentally brought the plague with him. The man died from the plague and it began spreading throughout Oberammergau. After the vow was made, not another inhabitant of the town died from the bubonic plague and all of the town members that were still suffering from the plague recovered<span style="white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The Passion Play</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> involves over 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all residents of the village. This is about half the inhabitants of the village, many of whom have been involved most of their lives. Thomas had arranged for us to have a wonderful, informative guide who walked us thru an interesting tour of the history, the theater, props etc. Unfortunately, I managed to NOT download my pictures from there. You'll have to take my word that it is a huge undertaking for this small town that offers this 5 days a week from mid May until the beginning of Oct every 10 years. Not only that, but it is 5 hours & broken into 2 parts each day.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6Y-sF8188M/WmPjTGRqR8I/AAAAAAAAJxo/F3zZNMRx6AoShCoDC5AESO2GxC0k6TDOACKgBGAs/s1600/Last%2Bday-getting%2Bready%2Bto%2Breturn%2BRVs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6Y-sF8188M/WmPjTGRqR8I/AAAAAAAAJxo/F3zZNMRx6AoShCoDC5AESO2GxC0k6TDOACKgBGAs/s400/Last%2Bday-getting%2Bready%2Bto%2Breturn%2BRVs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Final Stop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our final stop was Wurzbug. We had driven there after our Tour of Oberammergau & arrived late in the afternoon. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Collins & I needed to empty our gray water (dish washing, hand washing water, etc) so we decided to do that before we parked the RV. All was good, we emptied the tank & backed out of the space. All of a sudden we heard a clank & that was it for our RV. It wouldn't move. We'd had a few odd things happen while driving on the trip, but nothing major. Apparently, the transmission decided it was done. And this RV was new in April. Luckily for us, it was the last stop before we returned them. So, one of the campground owners hooked up a tow chain & pulled us into a spot for the remainder. </span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Collins & I had been to Wurzburg on our River Cruise, but I still went on the walking tour of the town & the Residence Palace. This was part of the pictures I didn't download, but to say this palace was opulant would be an understatement.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85fpn1xPYkI/WmPlRmV4AEI/AAAAAAAAJx0/LWnJJw6HFjcfEsoTQG9i6djpfib0eF3yQCKgBGAs/s1600/Swan%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85fpn1xPYkI/WmPlRmV4AEI/AAAAAAAAJx0/LWnJJw6HFjcfEsoTQG9i6djpfib0eF3yQCKgBGAs/s400/Swan%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swans are a common sight on the rivers in Europe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This campground was along the Main River & we had actually passed it on our River cruise a few years ago.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will share a couple of interesting pictures we took along the way.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JcW7O1ARrg/WmPqC3kjdgI/AAAAAAAAJyc/ncVfyoL0_vcPAteEucatNtNRRcHxXRt5gCKgBGAs/s1600/Interesting%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JcW7O1ARrg/WmPqC3kjdgI/AAAAAAAAJyc/ncVfyoL0_vcPAteEucatNtNRRcHxXRt5gCKgBGAs/s400/Interesting%2BHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYYG-Fv9DIo/WmPqIeIMTDI/AAAAAAAAJyg/XEVIWM0dGkwzrvcmWXnwZe4mUpZrIvRGgCKgBGAs/s1600/Interesting%2BWater%2BPlant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYYG-Fv9DIo/WmPqIeIMTDI/AAAAAAAAJyg/XEVIWM0dGkwzrvcmWXnwZe4mUpZrIvRGgCKgBGAs/s400/Interesting%2BWater%2BPlant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some type of water treatment plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A couple of unusual signs</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_enNCYCPTCQ/WmPqjQottvI/AAAAAAAAJyk/kgo6x4XuApE35uTLnJD72NXp5Fs___SQwCKgBGAs/s1600/Sign%2Bon%2BWomen%2527s%2BBathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_enNCYCPTCQ/WmPqjQottvI/AAAAAAAAJyk/kgo6x4XuApE35uTLnJD72NXp5Fs___SQwCKgBGAs/s400/Sign%2Bon%2BWomen%2527s%2BBathroom.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the door to the ladies' restroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jM_QGYQkZU/WmPqxZsMGsI/AAAAAAAAJyo/QygSn3Ipai0EwJy3FQ5Cu8F5hGuVkCRZQCKgBGAs/s1600/Sign%2Bon%2BMen%2527s%2BBathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jM_QGYQkZU/WmPqxZsMGsI/AAAAAAAAJyo/QygSn3Ipai0EwJy3FQ5Cu8F5hGuVkCRZQCKgBGAs/s400/Sign%2Bon%2BMen%2527s%2BBathroom.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The men's restroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kecaU7HJ4A/WmPtopUt4GI/AAAAAAAAJzI/Op67MTO1TYcqHLRzln_SKk_tPp6W0RtPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Toilets%2Bhere%2Bhave%2B2%2Bseparate%2Bflush%2Bchoices.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kecaU7HJ4A/WmPtopUt4GI/AAAAAAAAJzI/Op67MTO1TYcqHLRzln_SKk_tPp6W0RtPgCLcBGAs/s320/Toilets%2Bhere%2Bhave%2B2%2Bseparate%2Bflush%2Bchoices.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Most European Toilets have two choices for flushing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This trip is better taken while still in good health for one
reason: you walk everywhere. Unlike in the USA, which shuttles you from
the parking lot to the visitor’s center & site. In Europe you walk, three to five miles minimum
every day. I suspect that walking &
biking, done by all ages, is the reason that, in spite of the beer gardens &
bakeries everywhere, there are so few fat people. And in Greece, there are no down hills, only
up. Which reminds me, I was surprised to
learn that Greece is an island of mountains, not hills. And for those of you that saw the My Big Fat
Greek wedding movie, it’s true. Ask any
Greek the origin of any word & they can bring it back to Greece. It became a standing joke while we were
there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BRF0m3wOD4/WmPzFo9ky-I/AAAAAAAAJzc/4kF9VYOSwOYeJLgAZ93fPrlK1M6skYJ0wCKgBGAs/s1600/Farewell%2Bdinner%2B-%2BDiane%252C%2BGeorge%252C%2BGayle%2B%2526%2BRon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BRF0m3wOD4/WmPzFo9ky-I/AAAAAAAAJzc/4kF9VYOSwOYeJLgAZ93fPrlK1M6skYJ0wCKgBGAs/s400/Farewell%2Bdinner%2B-%2BDiane%252C%2BGeorge%252C%2BGayle%2B%2526%2BRon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5obgIfT1yCw/WmPzNhVXc4I/AAAAAAAAJzg/BDibUeLbjikSyKjas9FtFEWZIV3SErbxACKgBGAs/s1600/Our%2Bfarewell%2Bdinner%2Bthomas%252C%2BRon%252C%2BShelagh%252C%2BGeorge%2B%2526%2BCollins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5obgIfT1yCw/WmPzNhVXc4I/AAAAAAAAJzg/BDibUeLbjikSyKjas9FtFEWZIV3SErbxACKgBGAs/s400/Our%2Bfarewell%2Bdinner%2Bthomas%252C%2BRon%252C%2BShelagh%252C%2BGeorge%2B%2526%2BCollins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our last night in Germany, after we'd turned in our RV's (we had to leave ours at the campground & get a ride back with someone else), we had our farewell dinner. It was sad to say goodbye, but hopefully, we'll meet some of the people again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wB6MCKVooFg/WmPzY4VcXPI/AAAAAAAAJzk/0_UrS8KDwkYY26NXapJyIyCEhdlRTToggCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2Btrying%2Bnew%2BGerman%2Bbeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wB6MCKVooFg/WmPzY4VcXPI/AAAAAAAAJzk/0_UrS8KDwkYY26NXapJyIyCEhdlRTToggCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2Btrying%2Bnew%2BGerman%2Bbeer.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins trying a last German Beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eeUwfC-b4y0/WmPzh-LDz_I/AAAAAAAAJzo/q6qeYhATbqEU0uQDhgz_87aXmqxx2IuTACKgBGAs/s1600/German%2Bdinner%2Bfor%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eeUwfC-b4y0/WmPzh-LDz_I/AAAAAAAAJzo/q6qeYhATbqEU0uQDhgz_87aXmqxx2IuTACKgBGAs/s400/German%2Bdinner%2Bfor%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This meal was shared by 3 people & there was still a ton of left overs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH5B5VMJ7XY/WmSdmTHsw5I/AAAAAAAAJz8/ZzZK6UVWOhc8cvu8uR0j-ZQGjYMeMqC_wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171017_192102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH5B5VMJ7XY/WmSdmTHsw5I/AAAAAAAAJz8/ZzZK6UVWOhc8cvu8uR0j-ZQGjYMeMqC_wCLcBGAs/s320/20171017_192102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I did share this with Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a wonderful time on this trip, seeing sights we'd never see traveling any other way. We made wonderful friends we hope to see many more times. We loved it so much, in 2019 we're planning to take 2 more. One to Sweden, Norway & Denmark. The other to France, Spain & Switzerland. Since they're only offered every 2 years, we've decided to do both in the same year. We've already decided we'll just stay in Europe, possibly Brussels, for the 5 week period between them. At our age, you never know what 2 more years will bring.<br />
<br />
Upon returning to the US, we did end up staying in IL until the middle of Nov for various reasons. We were freezing by the time we left but couldn't go too far because we had to be back in IL by mid Dec. One of our tenants had decided she was going to move mid Dec. (not allowed, but we couldn't chain her to the house).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXB3Uk_kBHQ/WmcsarIrBxI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/ALP6vE8p-mgqv8gwJKigjrVACga0jpF4wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171225_174131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXB3Uk_kBHQ/WmcsarIrBxI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/ALP6vE8p-mgqv8gwJKigjrVACga0jpF4wCLcBGAs/s400/20171225_174131.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 of our 7 grandkids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We ended up working every day but Christmas Eve & Christmas Day to get that place back in renting condition. We worked right up to the day we left for the Dominican Republic Jan 3rd. And luckily for us, we did get a new tenant before we left.<br />
<br />
Now we're in our Happy Place, Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. A place we call our second home.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IttS5aRkKhQ/WmogPRR-upI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/fN6aV4IFQns-cwayy1QujLbNTcfBxnctQCLcBGAs/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IttS5aRkKhQ/WmogPRR-upI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/fN6aV4IFQns-cwayy1QujLbNTcfBxnctQCLcBGAs/s640/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-4283407949959410832017-08-29T23:45:00.000-04:002017-08-29T23:45:24.097-04:00SPRING & SUMMER 2017Don't forget, you can double click any picture to enlarge it<br />
<br />
I sure don't know where the first 3 months of this year went. People so often ask, "what do you do in the Domincan Republic for 3 months". The answer is, "not much". And the funny thing is, at the end of the day, we're tired!<br />
<br />
We arrived back in Ft. Lauderdale March 30th. Since it was late in the day by the time we went thru customs & picked up the car, we decided to stay there overnight. The next day we returned to Orlando & reclaimed "our home". We're always a little concerned when we open the door as to whether we've had visitors, such as mice or bugs. Happily, everything was fine & we settled in quickly. Of course, there was shopping to do, & plenty of dusting & vacuuming. We were staying in the same park for a week, so we had plenty of time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6eM0qvpGJE/WPLhMls8SXI/AAAAAAAAHv8/1YEnRWSsb7kzbWfJVp4uGGCawP71Ph-QQCPcB/s1600/Karen%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BLinda%2B%2526%2BPete.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6eM0qvpGJE/WPLhMls8SXI/AAAAAAAAHv8/1YEnRWSsb7kzbWfJVp4uGGCawP71Ph-QQCPcB/s400/Karen%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BLinda%2B%2526%2BPete.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While we were there, we had a visit from Collins' best friend from high school (50 plus years ago), Pete Ambraz & his wife Linda. They were nice enough to drive over from Tampa. After a few hours of catching up, we went out for a casual dinner. It was great seeing them, especially since we don't know when we'll be back in FL. They just don't age.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyrfDErQUzo/WPLeGzysPvI/AAAAAAAAHvo/Zmbd9tnbGQEszPYolRxOjv1Yw9OAU5D0ACPcB/s1600/Blake%2Bplaying%2Bfirst%2Bbase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyrfDErQUzo/WPLeGzysPvI/AAAAAAAAHvo/Zmbd9tnbGQEszPYolRxOjv1Yw9OAU5D0ACPcB/s400/Blake%2Bplaying%2Bfirst%2Bbase.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck3vT26Um0E/WPLeG-pYFNI/AAAAAAAAHvo/q8GUvp8Z_WsiVRM7Q9XyYv_bQ32F2HzfwCPcB/s1600/Blake%2Bat%2BTball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck3vT26Um0E/WPLeG-pYFNI/AAAAAAAAHvo/q8GUvp8Z_WsiVRM7Q9XyYv_bQ32F2HzfwCPcB/s400/Blake%2Bat%2BTball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also had a chance to take in one of Blake's (our great grandson) Tball games. He really loves sports & plays well for a 6 yr old. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GODzKtPsZL4/WPLeGyFG3gI/AAAAAAAAHvo/gHuoOVWpG6ohZjybv-kjWvn5a7wJfK33QCPcB/s1600/Granddad%2B%2526%2BBlake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GODzKtPsZL4/WPLeGyFG3gI/AAAAAAAAHvo/gHuoOVWpG6ohZjybv-kjWvn5a7wJfK33QCPcB/s400/Granddad%2B%2526%2BBlake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Granddad & Blake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the game we went to dinner with Collina & Mike, Brittany & Lexi (our granddaughters). Then it was time to say goodbye, because we were leaving FL the next morning. Between Christmas & this past week's visit, we really enjoyed the time we were able to spend with all of them & hopefully see them all again soon.<br />
<br />
We're on our way back to IL for at least part of the summer, but are making some stops along the way. We've wanted to see the east coast spring flowers such as azaleas & rhododendrons. We thought our timing would be perfect & decided to stop near Augusta, GA because they always showed the beautiful flowers during the Masters Tournament, which has been here for a few years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saPI8lMqSB8/WPBAoyqvpfI/AAAAAAAAHt4/Nt-JQ4Y5fI8S95dy9J7tZGlL-ZX2_vl1wCPcB/s1600/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saPI8lMqSB8/WPBAoyqvpfI/AAAAAAAAHt4/Nt-JQ4Y5fI8S95dy9J7tZGlL-ZX2_vl1wCPcB/s400/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, our first stop was the State Botanical Gardens of GA. We were so disappointed. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwgMQ9Af4R0/WPBAo4RvOwI/AAAAAAAAHt4/AeExusNj_MY0peLOFgox5uulqn649zLJQCPcB/s1600/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwgMQ9Af4R0/WPBAo4RvOwI/AAAAAAAAHt4/AeExusNj_MY0peLOFgox5uulqn649zLJQCPcB/s400/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ball is actually spinning in the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dilYYK6uuUU/WPBAo5s0asI/AAAAAAAAHt4/Z50j3vEomnMhgO8Uj-1GBMT8jdUhhmuRgCPcB/s1600/Giant%2BBumblebee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dilYYK6uuUU/WPBAo5s0asI/AAAAAAAAHt4/Z50j3vEomnMhgO8Uj-1GBMT8jdUhhmuRgCPcB/s400/Giant%2BBumblebee.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The gardens themselves were very nice, but due to the warm winter, all the flowers we wanted to see were just about finished blooming.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwgYm8PsMwA/WPBAo_lHJfI/AAAAAAAAHt4/j6gJAyONXIkZ0qHhIpP3oe2TuiFezl4KQCPcB/s1600/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden-Dogwood%2Btrees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwgYm8PsMwA/WPBAo_lHJfI/AAAAAAAAHt4/j6gJAyONXIkZ0qHhIpP3oe2TuiFezl4KQCPcB/s400/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden-Dogwood%2Btrees.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few flowering dogwoods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml3cPTj5-PQ/WPBAo9sX0NI/AAAAAAAAHt4/KtRPCEXguiE7sCU6lWU0y0EmMUu9wRMlgCPcB/s1600/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml3cPTj5-PQ/WPBAo9sX0NI/AAAAAAAAHt4/KtRPCEXguiE7sCU6lWU0y0EmMUu9wRMlgCPcB/s400/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LY5K2kjmSYM/WPBAo1nyFQI/AAAAAAAAHt4/OJk6rPT7ktotA5vP_8FGL2NckmCLL0agwCPcB/s1600/Sunflower%2BSculpture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LY5K2kjmSYM/WPBAo1nyFQI/AAAAAAAAHt4/OJk6rPT7ktotA5vP_8FGL2NckmCLL0agwCPcB/s400/Sunflower%2BSculpture.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was called a Sunflower Sculpture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBEvhpqd-Cc/WPBAo8JxhgI/AAAAAAAAHt4/3Rwc9J8gdgcMu_AvAivOXAx4vVphx6zDQCPcB/s1600/Pretty%2Bspring%2Bflowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBEvhpqd-Cc/WPBAo8JxhgI/AAAAAAAAHt4/3Rwc9J8gdgcMu_AvAivOXAx4vVphx6zDQCPcB/s400/Pretty%2Bspring%2Bflowers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7pAaT865sQ/WPBAoyvmxII/AAAAAAAAHt4/5s4UvPUnWAEC4dnUtQkLKS5Zgkqf2o8AgCPcB/s1600/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7pAaT865sQ/WPBAoyvmxII/AAAAAAAAHt4/5s4UvPUnWAEC4dnUtQkLKS5Zgkqf2o8AgCPcB/s400/University%2Bof%2BGeorgia%2BBotanical%2BGarden4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3YSJW1q-ww/WPKYeGy6u5I/AAAAAAAAHu0/TEdb1H9Wvdci_J6mVcJMRZTSRpV6lVC8ACPcB/s1600/Our%2Bsite%2Bat%2BPointes%2B%2BWest%2BArmy%2BResort%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3YSJW1q-ww/WPKYeGy6u5I/AAAAAAAAHu0/TEdb1H9Wvdci_J6mVcJMRZTSRpV6lVC8ACPcB/s400/Our%2Bsite%2Bat%2BPointes%2B%2BWest%2BArmy%2BResort%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMDFYE-8bDI/WPKYeKqY3cI/AAAAAAAAHu0/wlsMczFYv9Ea-9WR36uZTFwBDBEczU1SACPcB/s1600/Our%2Bsite%2Bat%2BPointes%2B%2BWest%2BArmy%2BResort%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMDFYE-8bDI/WPKYeKqY3cI/AAAAAAAAHu0/wlsMczFYv9Ea-9WR36uZTFwBDBEczU1SACPcB/s400/Our%2Bsite%2Bat%2BPointes%2B%2BWest%2BArmy%2BResort%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On the plus side, we're in a very nice RV park, on a huge lake. It's the Pointes West Army Resort in Appling, GA. The grounds are very pretty & we've been enjoying daily bike rides.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
April 18th. As Collins often likes to remind me, Man plans & God laughs. As I mentioned earlier, we had hoped to see the beautiful southern flowers (azaleas & rhododendrons) as we made our way north. Unfortunately, the winter was so warm most of the flowers bloomed early this year & we've only caught the tail end of them. Our travel plans were meant to coincide with the blooming, but that didn't happen. Our stay in North Carolina between Charlotte & Spartanburg was to allow us to visit gardens in both places. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbuWLYAspdI/WPqoKrs9TLI/AAAAAAAAHy0/fT-BU44HvRQaY2z9fkcKtq2uNmyyitGBgCPcB/s1600/Cowpen%2BNational%2BMonument.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbuWLYAspdI/WPqoKrs9TLI/AAAAAAAAHy0/fT-BU44HvRQaY2z9fkcKtq2uNmyyitGBgCPcB/s400/Cowpen%2BNational%2BMonument.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Since the flowers are no longer in bloom, we've spent the time doing minor repairs & did take a visit to Cowpens National Monument. <br />
The <b>Battle of Cowpens</b> was an engagement between Patriot forces under Brigadier General <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Morgan" title="Daniel Morgan">Daniel Morgan</a> and British forces under Sir <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banastre_Tarleton" title="Banastre Tarleton">Banastre Tarleton</a> fought on January 17, 1781. The park offered an interesting short film about the battle & a nice walking trail along the battle ground. Some believe this battle was the beginning of the end for the British. As I've mentioned before, it's always sobering when you're walking on an actual battleground. Sometimes I feel as tho you can see & hear the fighting around you.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqQPlTfsN5Q/WPqoKrPI3TI/AAAAAAAAHy0/zcrOKR9xdzEPHwQV1xx93KLuy9KhOkslgCPcB/s1600/Memorial%2Bto%2Bsoldoiers%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqQPlTfsN5Q/WPqoKrPI3TI/AAAAAAAAHy0/zcrOKR9xdzEPHwQV1xx93KLuy9KhOkslgCPcB/s400/Memorial%2Bto%2Bsoldoiers%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument commemorating the battle of Cowpens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOw65kU46xQ/WPqoKsc-buI/AAAAAAAAHy0/70SNXBa6_wczjmKr3JD7fGcQSi3ll92WgCPcB/s1600/Cannon%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOw65kU46xQ/WPqoKsc-buI/AAAAAAAAHy0/70SNXBa6_wczjmKr3JD7fGcQSi3ll92WgCPcB/s400/Cannon%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasshopper Cannon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiCkD-IHhBs/WPqoKhEF4PI/AAAAAAAAHy0/n9kEBi_km-cDaGqrvomynn2rWA9wcxChQCPcB/s1600/Battlefield%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiCkD-IHhBs/WPqoKhEF4PI/AAAAAAAAHy0/n9kEBi_km-cDaGqrvomynn2rWA9wcxChQCPcB/s400/Battlefield%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battlefield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PUBDwTVdXc/WPqoKjB5ZXI/AAAAAAAAHy0/NBocgdFr4akj1f8PE6CEsPClp3mudaIkACPcB/s1600/Information%2Balong%2Bthe%2Bwalk%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PUBDwTVdXc/WPqoKjB5ZXI/AAAAAAAAHy0/NBocgdFr4akj1f8PE6CEsPClp3mudaIkACPcB/s400/Information%2Balong%2Bthe%2Bwalk%2Bat%2BCowpen.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjCQXM9kKhI/WPqqSF9cD2I/AAAAAAAAHzM/FRIskjXC8qMSH30yA3HkwsK1II5yEvSEACLcB/s1600/Washington%2BLight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjCQXM9kKhI/WPqqSF9cD2I/AAAAAAAAHzM/FRIskjXC8qMSH30yA3HkwsK1II5yEvSEACLcB/s400/Washington%2BLight.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbPWCBP6pWs/WPqoKm-Y67I/AAAAAAAAHy8/NAKhQQM2xnMT1yOaI82MM7z5HnK3dW7dQCPcB/s1600/Washington%2BLight%2BMonument%2Bat%2BCowpens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbPWCBP6pWs/WPqoKm-Y67I/AAAAAAAAHy8/NAKhQQM2xnMT1yOaI82MM7z5HnK3dW7dQCPcB/s400/Washington%2BLight%2BMonument%2Bat%2BCowpens.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington Light Monument</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQw77bAFtb4/WPqoKoESqII/AAAAAAAAHy0/Dt9gg7wivD0MDnOS9NvnY4_eNFDO_yCFgCPcB/s1600/Pretty%2Bazaleas%2Bat%2BCowpen%2BNP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQw77bAFtb4/WPqoKoESqII/AAAAAAAAHy0/Dt9gg7wivD0MDnOS9NvnY4_eNFDO_yCFgCPcB/s400/Pretty%2Bazaleas%2Bat%2BCowpen%2BNP.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A few pretty flowers left for us to admire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4R1zHTcr1sA/WPqoKhmZo_I/AAAAAAAAHy0/HSv2rQUl0X8JUyPbjpyC5QEkyU0wjlUAwCPcB/s1600/Azaleas%2Bat%2BCowpen%2BNP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4R1zHTcr1sA/WPqoKhmZo_I/AAAAAAAAHy0/HSv2rQUl0X8JUyPbjpyC5QEkyU0wjlUAwCPcB/s320/Azaleas%2Bat%2BCowpen%2BNP.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I forgot to mention that while driving on a two lane highway in FL we hit a horrible pothole which caused a small crack in our windshield. Later we parked, put our screen & foil insulation in the front window to block the heat (it was FL & we were facing West), leveled the RV & forgot about the crack. About 5 days later, we were getting ready to leave & removed everything from the front window. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayRbIi-ySck/WQKRZ4WfY9I/AAAAAAAAH1c/-C8JjqDO4cwMozWdkfY59EdinOk9WR5cQCPcB/s1600/Broken%2BWindshield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayRbIi-ySck/WQKRZ4WfY9I/AAAAAAAAH1c/-C8JjqDO4cwMozWdkfY59EdinOk9WR5cQCPcB/s400/Broken%2BWindshield.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
You can't imagine how surprised we were to see that the "little crack" had become huge & spread across the windshield. Now there are cracks on both sides of the window. We've been told the heat & leveling was the cause.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, we called our insurance company & they tried to make arrangements for it to be repaired at our next stop. That didn't work, so we tried for the stop after that. It's not easy finding a glass shop that can replace a piece approximately 55" high by 110" wide. We thought our stop in Forest City, NC was going to be the place, but things didn't work out there either. Today, (4/27/17) we finally found a place in Elkhart, IN that can do the work. We'll be headed there next week for an RV Rally and, since it is the RV capital of the U.S., we should have just aimed for there in the first place. Our only concern in driving that far is that every time we hit a huge bump in the road, it gets a little worse. Right now, we have clear gorilla tape on all the cracks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fE4YOPt0Kis/WQKPwJUvQdI/AAAAAAAAH08/ZiP4t884lxYey4AnPVFeUb96bZamqQ7DACPcB/s1600/Pretty%2BPink%2BAzaelas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fE4YOPt0Kis/WQKPwJUvQdI/AAAAAAAAH08/ZiP4t884lxYey4AnPVFeUb96bZamqQ7DACPcB/s400/Pretty%2BPink%2BAzaelas.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Being close to the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, we decided to take a short drive today hoping to see more flowers in bloom. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway known for it's scenic beauty. It runs 469 miles thru North Carolina & Virginia. Unlike the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Blue Ridge is mountainous & curvy; this isn't a drive for most RV's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-55sK8MW9o/WQKPwPtTsLI/AAAAAAAAH08/rj7p1sDT-nkBJD1r1rvtVsK_TFyJ2D7nQCPcB/s1600/More%2BAzaleas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-55sK8MW9o/WQKPwPtTsLI/AAAAAAAAH08/rj7p1sDT-nkBJD1r1rvtVsK_TFyJ2D7nQCPcB/s400/More%2BAzaleas.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We did see a few things in bloom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEPNy56s3DA/WQKPwH_AplI/AAAAAAAAH08/mmX-LhurX60EM8lU-2woVex8DOLNGcgCwCPcB/s1600/White%2Bdogwood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEPNy56s3DA/WQKPwH_AplI/AAAAAAAAH08/mmX-LhurX60EM8lU-2woVex8DOLNGcgCwCPcB/s400/White%2Bdogwood.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowering Dogwood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qtkm3V2nVuE/WQKPwB_YkmI/AAAAAAAAH08/Z2RLwA-1GfkW5Cc6pSajPZsRMrkf_Q03wCPcB/s1600/Table%2BTop%2BMountain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qtkm3V2nVuE/WQKPwB_YkmI/AAAAAAAAH08/Z2RLwA-1GfkW5Cc6pSajPZsRMrkf_Q03wCPcB/s400/Table%2BTop%2BMountain.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table top mountain in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
but unfortunately, like most of the days we've been in North Carolina, it was overcast & drizzly. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In spite of our disappointment over the lack of flowers, we did enjoy our jaunt thru the Blue Ridge. And we had a nice campground, so we just kicked back & enjoyed our time.<br />
<br />
We made a short stop in KY so Karen could check in on her mother. Unfortunately, there are no campgrounds within 40 min of her, so we spent 3 nights in the local Walmart Parking Lot (with their permission of course). It was good to see her, but the time was too short.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l98ZAl6DsmQ/WaXj_iUel4I/AAAAAAAAIFQ/Gv41zomfuxkrDj_LsbJd0Pt-qoNuEgpKwCKgBGAs/s1600/Broken%2BWindshield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l98ZAl6DsmQ/WaXj_iUel4I/AAAAAAAAIFQ/Gv41zomfuxkrDj_LsbJd0Pt-qoNuEgpKwCKgBGAs/s400/Broken%2BWindshield.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our next stop was Elkhart, IN. Our mission there was two fold. First & foremost, we had to get our RV windshield replaced. That's a big job & they don't want you to move the RV for 2 days afterward, so we spent two nights in Duncan RV Repair's parking lot. Since they do so many RV repairs, they were kind enough to furnish us with electric & water at our parking spot. That worked fine for us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuiN7vvfQ5g/WaXk2vxSOgI/AAAAAAAAIFg/r_nTFtvwEV4PNXQnp30kA9DDl9b5bwIDwCKgBGAs/s1600/Maintenance%2BRally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuiN7vvfQ5g/WaXk2vxSOgI/AAAAAAAAIFg/r_nTFtvwEV4PNXQnp30kA9DDl9b5bwIDwCKgBGAs/s320/Maintenance%2BRally.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
After leaving Duncan's, we moved a few miles so we could attend an RV Maintenance Rally. You would think after 7 years of living in our RV, & maintaining a thorough maintenance schedule, we wouldn't learn a lot from this type of rally. Boy were we surprised at all the new things we learned. It was also a good place to buy a few things we needed for the RV & to get a few other things repaired by the very same people that originally built it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In addition to learning, we also had a couple of fun side trips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3WQaSgnumg/WaXll4ZQRjI/AAAAAAAAIFs/6HvMdhdYFVgEbdltjGIVgEdHHs93XZ-5QCKgBGAs/s1600/RV%2Bbefore%2Bpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3WQaSgnumg/WaXll4ZQRjI/AAAAAAAAIFs/6HvMdhdYFVgEbdltjGIVgEdHHs93XZ-5QCKgBGAs/s400/RV%2Bbefore%2Bpainting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
One day, we went to the factory where they paint RV's. Most of the ones they do are brand new, but they also repaint older ones. Collins is always talking about the colors he would want WHEN we get ours repainted. However, that will wait awhile, It's a very expensive process & ours is still looking pretty darn good.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82oVdLg8qfs/WaXmCP1zP7I/AAAAAAAAIFw/9iE1K90bIwI4yYktvzrFzFnfLeRybzPiACKgBGAs/s1600/Painting%2Bnew%2BRV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82oVdLg8qfs/WaXmCP1zP7I/AAAAAAAAIFw/9iE1K90bIwI4yYktvzrFzFnfLeRybzPiACKgBGAs/s400/Painting%2Bnew%2BRV.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jt5qJjF4VQo/WaXmCLBw3pI/AAAAAAAAIFw/fGU7z2a8ehMwajhD4SAKo6grK2tSgLz5wCKgBGAs/s1600/Painting%2BRvs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jt5qJjF4VQo/WaXmCLBw3pI/AAAAAAAAIFw/fGU7z2a8ehMwajhD4SAKo6grK2tSgLz5wCKgBGAs/s400/Painting%2BRvs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XI_zIZqXHYw/WaXmCLSalyI/AAAAAAAAIFw/TeLEuQ9r3fUv92DtrnjjEn5dGgPfrkZZgCKgBGAs/s1600/Us%2Bat%2BRV%2BPaint%2BFactory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XI_zIZqXHYw/WaXmCLSalyI/AAAAAAAAIFw/TeLEuQ9r3fUv92DtrnjjEn5dGgPfrkZZgCKgBGAs/s400/Us%2Bat%2BRV%2BPaint%2BFactory.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ours will Not be this color</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRciWUWaM1g/WaXmTXG2uqI/AAAAAAAAIF0/6UmWQqVLsFMsehfl1P3bBnDjb9hXzaqnQCKgBGAs/s1600/Round%2BBarn%2BAmish%2BAcres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRciWUWaM1g/WaXmTXG2uqI/AAAAAAAAIF0/6UmWQqVLsFMsehfl1P3bBnDjb9hXzaqnQCKgBGAs/s320/Round%2BBarn%2BAmish%2BAcres.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also went to a play in a Round Barn, built in 1911, & dismantled & relocated in 1998.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T45IWcUdOtQ/WaXx_HqIQkI/AAAAAAAAIGM/Rj24P736ETw3zZLIydvBys_E2t_KqIQKQCKgBGAs/s1600/Round%2BBarn%2Bceiling%2B60%2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T45IWcUdOtQ/WaXx_HqIQkI/AAAAAAAAIGM/Rj24P736ETw3zZLIydvBys_E2t_KqIQKQCKgBGAs/s400/Round%2BBarn%2Bceiling%2B60%2527.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's 60' in diameter & 60' tall to the copula. It was kind of impressive to sit there & look up to the top<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a humorous play & had a nice dinner with many others from the group<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-4LE1wZVPs/WaXyYN6BHJI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/oTAJDowkapQmlzOL8Tw9JM-XxquoYZaEQCKgBGAs/s1600/Us%2Bat%2BRound%2BBarn%2BTheater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-4LE1wZVPs/WaXyYN6BHJI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/oTAJDowkapQmlzOL8Tw9JM-XxquoYZaEQCKgBGAs/s400/Us%2Bat%2BRound%2BBarn%2BTheater.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfvpaimoWnE/WaX9seGZCAI/AAAAAAAAIGg/YjAaQuiPEEc8ZoTNvkj_gIbuPkAlNQV7QCKgBGAs/s1600/Paula%252C%2BPam%2B%2526%2BAaron%2Bcooking%2BMother%2527s%2Bday%2Bdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfvpaimoWnE/WaX9seGZCAI/AAAAAAAAIGg/YjAaQuiPEEc8ZoTNvkj_gIbuPkAlNQV7QCKgBGAs/s400/Paula%252C%2BPam%2B%2526%2BAaron%2Bcooking%2BMother%2527s%2Bday%2Bdinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula & Pam "helping" Aaron cook dinner<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After leaving Indiana, we were off to Illinois. We arrived in time for Mother's Day. Pam invited us all to a Barbecue. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBhl7pBGEPY/WaX-S9sZqOI/AAAAAAAAIGo/lmOP8O8NOW0b1jUpe1PAk4kUZx1HqhXQwCKgBGAs/s1600/Katie%2Bdoing%2Bback%2Bflip.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBhl7pBGEPY/WaX-S9sZqOI/AAAAAAAAIGo/lmOP8O8NOW0b1jUpe1PAk4kUZx1HqhXQwCKgBGAs/s400/Katie%2Bdoing%2Bback%2Bflip.mp4" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Katie is a cheerleader & has been learning to do a back-flip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhR09oIsIdU/WaX-mm369LI/AAAAAAAAIGw/xre2MHEHHhkEVYQ9Z4IUcpsX55Ywg-pBgCKgBGAs/s1600/tyler%2B%2526%2BRyan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhR09oIsIdU/WaX-mm369LI/AAAAAAAAIGw/xre2MHEHHhkEVYQ9Z4IUcpsX55Ywg-pBgCKgBGAs/s400/tyler%2B%2526%2BRyan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler & Ryan looking "cool"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQsmJVCDEZI/WaX-4h30g9I/AAAAAAAAIG0/N9eusSOTBhszL9XHOVGyNhMgjBSDHlJ5wCKgBGAs/s1600/Paula%252C%2BKatie%252C%2BKaren%252C%2BPam%2B%2526%2BBecca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQsmJVCDEZI/WaX-4h30g9I/AAAAAAAAIG0/N9eusSOTBhszL9XHOVGyNhMgjBSDHlJ5wCKgBGAs/s400/Paula%252C%2BKatie%252C%2BKaren%252C%2BPam%2B%2526%2BBecca.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, Katie, Karen, Pam & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dinner was delicious & we had a nice visit. It had been almost a year since we'd been back to IL. It's always nice to see the tribe, as well as the old homestead (Pam & Aaron bought the home from us)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVR-zW0d9QI/WaYAFFb5IeI/AAAAAAAAIHE/VPSalBtM8_kFnxIo0kVz1iCNzRcm0GuRACKgBGAs/s1600/Entry%2Bto%2BElmhurst%2BCollege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVR-zW0d9QI/WaYAFFb5IeI/AAAAAAAAIHE/VPSalBtM8_kFnxIo0kVz1iCNzRcm0GuRACKgBGAs/s400/Entry%2Bto%2BElmhurst%2BCollege.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rsf5moJrluo/WaX_1yhsUOI/AAAAAAAAIHA/_RTotcldqa4ErZRTFsLL1yeF46IsgUSZACKgBGAs/s1600/Becca%2B%2526%2BGranddad%2Bat%2BElmhurst%2Bcollege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rsf5moJrluo/WaX_1yhsUOI/AAAAAAAAIHA/_RTotcldqa4ErZRTFsLL1yeF46IsgUSZACKgBGAs/s400/Becca%2B%2526%2BGranddad%2Bat%2BElmhurst%2Bcollege.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & Granddad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Becca was just finishing her Freshman year at Elmhurst College & needed some help getting the rest of her things moved home. We offered to help & while there she gave us a tour of her campus. It's small, but seemed very nice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pny4NukIu1Q/WaYATULc2SI/AAAAAAAAIHI/QPQ-2a-r4WM1MHaWG7nLwjUGvG57mTAagCKgBGAs/s1600/Becca%2527s%2BDorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pny4NukIu1Q/WaYATULc2SI/AAAAAAAAIHI/QPQ-2a-r4WM1MHaWG7nLwjUGvG57mTAagCKgBGAs/s400/Becca%2527s%2BDorm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk4TnrEdmJU/WaYAerdIUGI/AAAAAAAAIHM/QfszEkI3emEthWPHOHHu04zTDEHCDfpFgCKgBGAs/s1600/Old%2BMain-Oldest%2Bbuilding%2Bon%2Bcampus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk4TnrEdmJU/WaYAerdIUGI/AAAAAAAAIHM/QfszEkI3emEthWPHOHHu04zTDEHCDfpFgCKgBGAs/s400/Old%2BMain-Oldest%2Bbuilding%2Bon%2Bcampus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Old Main", the oldest building on campus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
June & most of July were pretty uneventful months for us. We were in IL all summer. Since we thought one of our long term tenants was going to move out, we planned on doing some updating. Instead, they decided to stay another year so rather than doing one big job we did numerous small tasks at several of our properties, employing some of the grand-kids along the way.<br />
I thought I'd be having knee replacement, but decided to postpone for awhile. In hindsight, I probably should have had it done, but will see about scheduling it this Fall. In the meantime, we caught up on our Dr appts & some misc things we needed to do around the RV. Collins managed to have the ladder tip over while polishing the upper half of the RV & badly sprained his ankle. He could barely put weight on it & walked with crutches for over 2 weeks. It's still swollen, but at least he can walk. He also managed to do something to his back shortly after his foot started healing. For over 2 weeks he did battle with that & I finally convinced him to see a chiropractor. One of his favorite sayings is "getting old's a bitch & then you die". After he was feeling better from those 2 things, he got busy & painted Paula's kitchen & 2 story foyer. That was a job. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeTwEQQSlPA/WaYEztrtt1I/AAAAAAAAIHk/6peEMVQHsKQh7LAKPATuSe8rqYLN5DmSQCKgBGAs/s1600/Heather%252C%2BDoug%252C%2BKerry%252C%2BLogan%252C%2BEmily%252C%2BKaren%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bfor%2BDougs%2BBday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeTwEQQSlPA/WaYEztrtt1I/AAAAAAAAIHk/6peEMVQHsKQh7LAKPATuSe8rqYLN5DmSQCKgBGAs/s400/Heather%252C%2BDoug%252C%2BKerry%252C%2BLogan%252C%2BEmily%252C%2BKaren%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bfor%2BDougs%2BBday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also celebrated our son Doug's, birthday, going out to dinner with his family.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdO9-PK2vgI/WaYE_Hn-dzI/AAAAAAAAIHo/q4DLdUQdTowB5auPZyFtcDDEZybGq-OQgCKgBGAs/s1600/Kerry%2B%2526%2BDoug%2Bon%2Bhis%2BBday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdO9-PK2vgI/WaYE_Hn-dzI/AAAAAAAAIHo/q4DLdUQdTowB5auPZyFtcDDEZybGq-OQgCKgBGAs/s400/Kerry%2B%2526%2BDoug%2Bon%2Bhis%2BBday.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug & Kerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pam also had a birthday in July, but due to unforeseen circumstances on their part, we had to cancel dinner. Hopefully, we'll make that up soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1vGTSrDEEg/WaYFd3DfR2I/AAAAAAAAIHs/AAee41HuY0IGYD28rcLJE10vaEnaKN4kwCKgBGAs/s1600/Lunch%2Bwith%2BBrad%2B%2526%2BSonja%2BKreiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1vGTSrDEEg/WaYFd3DfR2I/AAAAAAAAIHs/AAee41HuY0IGYD28rcLJE10vaEnaKN4kwCKgBGAs/s400/Lunch%2Bwith%2BBrad%2B%2526%2BSonja%2BKreiter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We did have a chance to have lunch with our "first RV friends", Brad & Sonja Kreiter. It was a lot of fun catching up on things we'd all been doing over the years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2x-ovBMbcIs/WaYFt2Im4bI/AAAAAAAAIH4/ianqzh_wP6Ic2tceSW2sV4gN8U5BuOkjACKgBGAs/s1600/Pam%252C%2BDanny%252C%2BTyler%252C%2BPaula%252C%2BJessica%252C%2BWendy%252C%2BHal%252C%2BKaren%252C%2BRyan%252C%2BMom%252C%2BKatie%2B%2526%2BBecca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2x-ovBMbcIs/WaYFt2Im4bI/AAAAAAAAIH4/ianqzh_wP6Ic2tceSW2sV4gN8U5BuOkjACKgBGAs/s400/Pam%252C%2BDanny%252C%2BTyler%252C%2BPaula%252C%2BJessica%252C%2BWendy%252C%2BHal%252C%2BKaren%252C%2BRyan%252C%2BMom%252C%2BKatie%2B%2526%2BBecca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The end of July brought a family wedding. Part of the family gathered at Paula's one night for dinner. My brother Hal, next to me, is the one who lives in Taiwan. He also brought his daughter, Jessica, 4th from my end. Her friend had never been to the US & Jessica hasn't been in about 15 years. It's interesting to see the things we take for granted every day be such a big deal to someone else. They were shocked at how dark it was at night (Taiwan, as a very crowed city, is never dark) & how much space was between the houses. Jessica went crazy over the breakfast cereal selections.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYwUPf1mKiY/WaYGyBpe0QI/AAAAAAAAIIE/lhpEzB3-B0sGaTrZNrMi6OlbZECM9r8fgCKgBGAs/s1600/Rob%2B%2526%2BMegan%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYwUPf1mKiY/WaYGyBpe0QI/AAAAAAAAIIE/lhpEzB3-B0sGaTrZNrMi6OlbZECM9r8fgCKgBGAs/s400/Rob%2B%2526%2BMegan%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother Rob & Niece Megan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hiRtmCHNo4w/WaYHB38uTZI/AAAAAAAAIII/YCgnjyA_HxomYhf9IOG4V_Qb4UvHbgePQCKgBGAs/s1600/Megan%2B%2526%2BPat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hiRtmCHNo4w/WaYHB38uTZI/AAAAAAAAIII/YCgnjyA_HxomYhf9IOG4V_Qb4UvHbgePQCKgBGAs/s400/Megan%2B%2526%2BPat.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes the bride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For the first time in almost 10 years, all my brothers & sisters were together. There are 8 of us living all over the country & my one brother lives in Taiwan. Since we all brought our kids & grand-kids, it was a lot of fun seeing everyone. The wedding was for my brother Rob's daughter Megan. She was a beautiful bride.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uscE4MqbLp8/WaYHYgZKfyI/AAAAAAAAIIM/KOOkIsPxGCU6-pgM4cIL8CBDrx0HRznCACKgBGAs/s1600/Mom%2B%2526%2BHal%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uscE4MqbLp8/WaYHYgZKfyI/AAAAAAAAIIM/KOOkIsPxGCU6-pgM4cIL8CBDrx0HRznCACKgBGAs/s400/Mom%2B%2526%2BHal%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom with my brother Hal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
My mom flew in a few days early, so we got to spend some time with her too. She's almost 92 & other than having a little trouble getting around, she is very "with" it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-am0ubyOXNfk/WaYIcxr7EYI/AAAAAAAAIIc/FZB8_Tq_EZgPBl2_YfeVNHwIYwv3xpdCgCKgBGAs/s1600/Dennis%252C%2BRob%252C%2BColette%252C%2BLinda%252C%2BMom%252C%2BKaren%252C%2BDiane%252C%2BLarry%252C%2BHal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-am0ubyOXNfk/WaYIcxr7EYI/AAAAAAAAIIc/FZB8_Tq_EZgPBl2_YfeVNHwIYwv3xpdCgCKgBGAs/s400/Dennis%252C%2BRob%252C%2BColette%252C%2BLinda%252C%2BMom%252C%2BKaren%252C%2BDiane%252C%2BLarry%252C%2BHal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom with all 8 of her children. What a group!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-keepOTC2g4s/WaYzUX2VqlI/AAAAAAAAIK4/Da__wY1SUKEfzBE4T7hDlr9yWjLyLxFIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Falls%2Bfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-keepOTC2g4s/WaYzUX2VqlI/AAAAAAAAIK4/Da__wY1SUKEfzBE4T7hDlr9yWjLyLxFIwCLcBGAs/s640/Falls%2Bfamily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think someone said there were 63 people in this picture. This is a large part of my family, but there are still many missing.<br />
<br />Collins had surgery on his hand the middle of August fixing two trigger fingers & carpel tunnel in his right hand. Having been in one place for several months (IL) & since Collins couldn't do anything for at least a week, we decided to "run away from home". Immediately after his surgery at the Hines VA hospital, we took off for Michigan for a couple of weeks. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTYS4r50pdM/WaYwcaCLyPI/AAAAAAAAIKY/lnqyIADMUd8qecRcQ9E4qOcwRmxDU_qlQCKgBGAs/s1600/Us%2Bat%2BWindmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTYS4r50pdM/WaYwcaCLyPI/AAAAAAAAIKY/lnqyIADMUd8qecRcQ9E4qOcwRmxDU_qlQCKgBGAs/s400/Us%2Bat%2BWindmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windmill Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VM8Xgs821I/WaYwcRgURlI/AAAAAAAAIKY/m0KN_grJqrIj8kDfX--Txh6oKHIiBbdPgCKgBGAs/s1600/Windmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VM8Xgs821I/WaYwcRgURlI/AAAAAAAAIKY/m0KN_grJqrIj8kDfX--Txh6oKHIiBbdPgCKgBGAs/s400/Windmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIfrIJpwCXE/WaYwcZSUXOI/AAAAAAAAIKY/lPp3Nf6kHq4C5y_3T7HzNyreQQC9Qr6LQCKgBGAs/s1600/Snuggles%2Bwas%2Bresting%2Bamong%2Bthe%2Bflowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIfrIJpwCXE/WaYwcZSUXOI/AAAAAAAAIKY/lPp3Nf6kHq4C5y_3T7HzNyreQQC9Qr6LQCKgBGAs/s400/Snuggles%2Bwas%2Bresting%2Bamong%2Bthe%2Bflowers.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles was taking a rest amid the flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmraSIQWcRs/WaYwcTBXofI/AAAAAAAAIKY/K91qsL3RmqwWgm3eIwwUbgbBfjirRyJiwCKgBGAs/s1600/Wooden%2BStreet%2BOrgan%2Bat%2BWindmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmraSIQWcRs/WaYwcTBXofI/AAAAAAAAIKY/K91qsL3RmqwWgm3eIwwUbgbBfjirRyJiwCKgBGAs/s400/Wooden%2BStreet%2BOrgan%2Bat%2BWindmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden Street Organ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYp9_WzPFaI/WaYwcdvf4eI/AAAAAAAAIKY/gIVXo0mIF5EWqIvyAUYWFpvPwxMGy8vrACKgBGAs/s1600/Pretty%2Bflowers%2Bat%2BWindmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYp9_WzPFaI/WaYwcdvf4eI/AAAAAAAAIKY/gIVXo0mIF5EWqIvyAUYWFpvPwxMGy8vrACKgBGAs/s400/Pretty%2Bflowers%2Bat%2BWindmill%2BIsland%2BPark%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our destination of Holland, Michigan is a beautiful, quaint town with good restaurants, darling little shops<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csrich_azRw/WaYyArXPqjI/AAAAAAAAIKo/lLecMnryI24thInQqHoIk058xcQNJVw2QCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bblend%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Bdowntown%2Bstreet%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csrich_azRw/WaYyArXPqjI/AAAAAAAAIKo/lLecMnryI24thInQqHoIk058xcQNJVw2QCKgBGAs/s320/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bblend%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Bdowntown%2Bstreet%2Bart.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles blend with the street art</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mYfWo2ThdU/WaYxT1mvXiI/AAAAAAAAIKg/092DMr-lciEYUPbPFJ4plh2v_e7X-3nQQCKgBGAs/s1600/Collins%2Bat%2BHolland%2BBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mYfWo2ThdU/WaYxT1mvXiI/AAAAAAAAIKg/092DMr-lciEYUPbPFJ4plh2v_e7X-3nQQCKgBGAs/s400/Collins%2Bat%2BHolland%2BBeach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
and a very nice, crystal clear water beach along Lake Michigan.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yorMuNyr1VU/WaYxmt9rtWI/AAAAAAAAIKk/6sQtKl8kAy0B52RyqYIJXOdAM4t31L6dQCKgBGAs/s1600/Farmer%2527s%2BMarket%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yorMuNyr1VU/WaYxmt9rtWI/AAAAAAAAIKk/6sQtKl8kAy0B52RyqYIJXOdAM4t31L6dQCKgBGAs/s400/Farmer%2527s%2BMarket%252C%2BHolland%252C%2BMI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There is a Farmer's Market every Wed & Saturday. We bought some fresh blueberries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Since our campground has a pool, we enjoyed it several days, as well as one day at the beach. It was really nice just to have a change of scenery & kick back schedule. We're heading back to IL tomorrow. <br />
<br />
It's time to get ready for our trip to Europe, Sept 13th. Our next installment will give you all the scoop on that,Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-72887386722381699272017-04-11T22:10:00.005-04:002017-04-15T10:01:54.313-04:00WHERE DID THE TIME GO ??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You can Double Click on Pictures to make them larger<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We just
realized the other day how long it had been since we last posted to our
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We did a lot
of traveling during the summer but nothing we considered majorly eventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So mostly, this post will be pictures of our
summer travels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Our first
stop was MN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having never been to MN
before we had no idea how impossible it is to find a site in any campground
along the shore or any large lake without a reservation made about a year in
advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did luck out & found a
place in Two Harbors, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just north of
Duluth for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t on the
lake, but we still did some sightseeing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-UsaasYfng/WJsP6K3nGwI/AAAAAAAAHF8/GEAAkrL5Q4EmdtEhnCtyr83B3_8ati6wQCEw/s1600/Back%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-UsaasYfng/WJsP6K3nGwI/AAAAAAAAHF8/GEAAkrL5Q4EmdtEhnCtyr83B3_8ati6wQCEw/s400/Back%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glensheen Mansion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt56ib3524g/WJsP7U8LtoI/AAAAAAAAHF8/fabSoxt8VO001Hf_WJZhIengxFBj9tKQQCEw/s1600/Back%2Bview%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt56ib3524g/WJsP7U8LtoI/AAAAAAAAHF8/fabSoxt8VO001Hf_WJZhIengxFBj9tKQQCEw/s400/Back%2Bview%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We paid a
visit to the Glensheen Mansion, which was built in 1908 & had 39
rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is situated on Lake Superior
& was an interesting way to spend a day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8bKnLof_hQ/WJsP6v_C2WI/AAAAAAAAHF8/oGHe_sLD12khUhg1zCtlthjNkRSoTpXpwCEw/s1600/Beautiful%2BWoodwork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8bKnLof_hQ/WJsP6v_C2WI/AAAAAAAAHF8/oGHe_sLD12khUhg1zCtlthjNkRSoTpXpwCEw/s400/Beautiful%2BWoodwork.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXrrlElw5lM/WJsQzBHJGTI/AAAAAAAAHGM/nWGfWHc1WZ8bS4Af_CtUXb0MiSZ0SEA0ACEw/s1600/Bedroom%2B2%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXrrlElw5lM/WJsQzBHJGTI/AAAAAAAAHGM/nWGfWHc1WZ8bS4Af_CtUXb0MiSZ0SEA0ACEw/s320/Bedroom%2B2%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6MFlg8BTEM/WJsQzFNUQ-I/AAAAAAAAHGM/JNu_pDL7fgEewtdo4Kja_hCZ1W3MenKoACEw/s1600/Bedroom%2Bin%2BGlensheen%2Ba.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6MFlg8BTEM/WJsQzFNUQ-I/AAAAAAAAHGM/JNu_pDL7fgEewtdo4Kja_hCZ1W3MenKoACEw/s400/Bedroom%2Bin%2BGlensheen%2Ba.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--__d992DPQs/WJsRnzQvfeI/AAAAAAAAHGk/fKnwxST4FEEcjdMIhbOM1plIqnPOtPOmACEw/s1600/Butler%2527s%2BPanty%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--__d992DPQs/WJsRnzQvfeI/AAAAAAAAHGk/fKnwxST4FEEcjdMIhbOM1plIqnPOtPOmACEw/s400/Butler%2527s%2BPanty%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Butler's Pantry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZkfre2DeXc/WJvPd05c5hI/AAAAAAAAHHE/8xWtcFtjRmUBJbTZ4Z0l7O1XksquojjeQCLcB/s1600/Glensheen%2Bbreakfast%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZkfre2DeXc/WJvPd05c5hI/AAAAAAAAHHE/8xWtcFtjRmUBJbTZ4Z0l7O1XksquojjeQCLcB/s400/Glensheen%2Bbreakfast%2Broom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast Room<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALlvEn2upQs/WJvRP9IapHI/AAAAAAAAHHg/zwgTbJIZFwAkVcl7oVnHtxTlttPa4pk_QCLcB/s1600/Shower%2Bin%2BMaster%2BBath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALlvEn2upQs/WJvRP9IapHI/AAAAAAAAHHg/zwgTbJIZFwAkVcl7oVnHtxTlttPa4pk_QCLcB/s400/Shower%2Bin%2BMaster%2BBath.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty modern shower with multiple shower heads<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLW0Cs2PvcA/WJvRW9wWkqI/AAAAAAAAHHo/N-jipNJ3ZK8UDlkwgcojJUUiTbUIZ73hQCLcB/s1600/Two%2BHarbors%2BBreakwall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLW0Cs2PvcA/WJvRW9wWkqI/AAAAAAAAHHo/N-jipNJ3ZK8UDlkwgcojJUUiTbUIZ73hQCLcB/s400/Two%2BHarbors%2BBreakwall.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakwall in Two Harbors<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also
spent a couple of days just driving along the coastline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views were pretty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbfJJuC9wF8/WJvRrLJjukI/AAAAAAAAHHs/w-LL3N1zz78pwilZwQf8x8cNPbfrCE3hQCLcB/s1600/Two%2BHarbors%2BLight%2BHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbfJJuC9wF8/WJvRrLJjukI/AAAAAAAAHHs/w-LL3N1zz78pwilZwQf8x8cNPbfrCE3hQCLcB/s400/Two%2BHarbors%2BLight%2BHouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light House in Two Harbors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxKW6ByqrCc/WJvRUUiz_5I/AAAAAAAAHHk/sDXwIjJcRfgZqNu8yf7oAVHoSuVnDQaYQCLcB/s1600/Silver%2BBay%252C%2BMN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxKW6ByqrCc/WJvRUUiz_5I/AAAAAAAAHHk/sDXwIjJcRfgZqNu8yf7oAVHoSuVnDQaYQCLcB/s400/Silver%2BBay%252C%2BMN.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Bay </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zui3_rHttQY/WJvPd7evZRI/AAAAAAAAHHA/Tc58_A4Toy81U6iATrpu8UiYE9QAysCRwCLcB/s1600/Collins%2Bon%2BTwo%2BHarbors%2BBreakwall%252C%2BMN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zui3_rHttQY/WJvPd7evZRI/AAAAAAAAHHA/Tc58_A4Toy81U6iATrpu8UiYE9QAysCRwCLcB/s400/Collins%2Bon%2BTwo%2BHarbors%2BBreakwall%252C%2BMN.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzqbjHN_u-U/WJvQWzevBDI/AAAAAAAAHHU/rYoimQGxWaQAt_KejxIBphT7U6BLKNy1QCLcB/s1600/Karen%2Bat%2BSilver%2BBay%252C%2BMN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzqbjHN_u-U/WJvQWzevBDI/AAAAAAAAHHU/rYoimQGxWaQAt_KejxIBphT7U6BLKNy1QCLcB/s400/Karen%2Bat%2BSilver%2BBay%252C%2BMN.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFydw0cZHRU/WJvPeyRL-XI/AAAAAAAAHHI/ow6A66e2QggFzvNA0x2SufNjocEV-AL6ACLcB/s1600/Concert%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bpark%252C%2BTwo%2BHarbors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFydw0cZHRU/WJvPeyRL-XI/AAAAAAAAHHI/ow6A66e2QggFzvNA0x2SufNjocEV-AL6ACLcB/s400/Concert%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bpark%252C%2BTwo%2BHarbors.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to a concert in the Park one night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We had
decided we would trek across MN & make our <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>way to the Mt Rushmore area in SD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, since we had no reservations, we knew
it would be impossible to get reservations before the end of summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soooo, we found a couple of places along the
way to pass our time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P11_e-gP_BM/WJvaSc4Fh7I/AAAAAAAAHIk/9NpS4gmXAN0tSLqPolJc8fH4nsO-Oc-TwCPcB/s1600/Here%2Bwe%2Bare%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P11_e-gP_BM/WJvaSc4Fh7I/AAAAAAAAHIk/9NpS4gmXAN0tSLqPolJc8fH4nsO-Oc-TwCPcB/s320/Here%2Bwe%2Bare%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot in LaPorte, MN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We tried to
get reservations at one of the larger lakes in MN, and there are many, but had
no luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEIg2ndL3jg/WJvaSRQov8I/AAAAAAAAHIk/w8ZU-Te_kM0CdeMvsZqIznEwCtTYX5UwACPcB/s1600/Our%2BView%2Bat%2BPine%2BBeach%2BRV%2BPark%252C%2BLaPorte%252C%2BMN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEIg2ndL3jg/WJvaSRQov8I/AAAAAAAAHIk/w8ZU-Te_kM0CdeMvsZqIznEwCtTYX5UwACPcB/s400/Our%2BView%2Bat%2BPine%2BBeach%2BRV%2BPark%252C%2BLaPorte%252C%2BMN.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We ended up at a small RV park
on a tiny lake & did some sightseeing from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYtO-IZ0Lc8/WJvaSWpRexI/AAAAAAAAHIk/HnojDGqnGZsooISHlY7AKcfmkrmfc-CzwCPcB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2BMississippi%2BHeadwaters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYtO-IZ0Lc8/WJvaSWpRexI/AAAAAAAAHIk/HnojDGqnGZsooISHlY7AKcfmkrmfc-CzwCPcB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2BMississippi%2BHeadwaters.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found Itasca State Park, which to our
surprise is the headwaters for the Mississippi River.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwYHdCthdr0/WJvaSSnfYCI/AAAAAAAAHIk/S2wZjZM6EK42nphNWIlWrC-l4xl7pOU9wCPcB/s1600/Karen%2Bat%2BMississippi%2BHeadwaters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwYHdCthdr0/WJvaSSnfYCI/AAAAAAAAHIk/S2wZjZM6EK42nphNWIlWrC-l4xl7pOU9wCPcB/s400/Karen%2Bat%2BMississippi%2BHeadwaters.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ALXpHAduys/WJvaSRJ7I8I/AAAAAAAAHIk/Er067xwWF5Qd0Os4bJ_CasrIuhf7_ObeACPcB/s1600/Karen%2Bwading%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMississippi%2Bheadwaters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ALXpHAduys/WJvaSRJ7I8I/AAAAAAAAHIk/Er067xwWF5Qd0Os4bJ_CasrIuhf7_ObeACPcB/s400/Karen%2Bwading%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMississippi%2Bheadwaters.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen walking in the Mississippi Headwaters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GU72VJVbra4/WJvaSRFy8zI/AAAAAAAAHIk/WaJVsK6wP18J3Y5kSXRa3NjQO5jhx4cZACPcB/s1600/Had%2Bto%2Bvisit%2BPaul%2BBunyon%2Bwhile%2Bin%2BBemidji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GU72VJVbra4/WJvaSRFy8zI/AAAAAAAAHIk/WaJVsK6wP18J3Y5kSXRa3NjQO5jhx4cZACPcB/s400/Had%2Bto%2Bvisit%2BPaul%2BBunyon%2Bwhile%2Bin%2BBemidji.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also made
our way to Bemidji one day to check out Paul Bunyon & Babe his blue ox. These things were huge!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4t4UGkGi1DQ/WJvW9M1NRUI/AAAAAAAAHIU/rV5r0O97wgYL0y9ndMXsahCm9I2bpUPvgCPcB/s1600/Welcome-to-Voyageurs-National-Park%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4t4UGkGi1DQ/WJvW9M1NRUI/AAAAAAAAHIU/rV5r0O97wgYL0y9ndMXsahCm9I2bpUPvgCPcB/s400/Welcome-to-Voyageurs-National-Park%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voyageur National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also
wanted to go to Voyageur National Park, which was in Northern MN near the
Canadian Border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Since we couldn’t get a
reservation for anywhere nearby, we decided to leave the RV & take a couple
day car trip, staying in a hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3z6Kn5lbyA/WJvaSa8mt5I/AAAAAAAAHIk/Izis1CJ6PTo6Lb8Od-6pwC8nCnYuoXmkACPcB/s1600/Our%2Bboat%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Btrip%2Bon%2BRainy%2BLake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3z6Kn5lbyA/WJvaSa8mt5I/AAAAAAAAHIk/Izis1CJ6PTo6Lb8Od-6pwC8nCnYuoXmkACPcB/s400/Our%2Bboat%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Btrip%2Bon%2BRainy%2BLake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We
took a half day boat tour on Rainy Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a beautiful, sunny day & we enjoyed our tour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AF5hArb8JTA/WJvaSbD_jJI/AAAAAAAAHIk/PcQoKqXJfXImyQPVFM3TODI8n8fr59dowCPcB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bboat%2Btrip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AF5hArb8JTA/WJvaSbD_jJI/AAAAAAAAHIk/PcQoKqXJfXImyQPVFM3TODI8n8fr59dowCPcB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bboat%2Btrip.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxkA4QCdiA4/WJvaSc5Xs_I/AAAAAAAAHIk/9pAQR8kNx2MtmGOi341Ro5NE-fW3EMQYwCPcB/s1600/Cave%2Bfor%2Bgold%2Bhunting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxkA4QCdiA4/WJvaSc5Xs_I/AAAAAAAAHIk/9pAQR8kNx2MtmGOi341Ro5NE-fW3EMQYwCPcB/s400/Cave%2Bfor%2Bgold%2Bhunting.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QnTg0sBXK2k/WJvaSTmgabI/AAAAAAAAHIk/LrmrseSO9ug4fwD1G_Nlq-LZi2vBg4XUQCPcB/s1600/Eagle%2Bon%2Ban%2BIsland%2Bin%2BRainy%2BLake%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QnTg0sBXK2k/WJvaSTmgabI/AAAAAAAAHIk/LrmrseSO9ug4fwD1G_Nlq-LZi2vBg4XUQCPcB/s400/Eagle%2Bon%2Ban%2BIsland%2Bin%2BRainy%2BLake%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw a couple of Eagles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ1vULjbKQg/WJvaSQeT3BI/AAAAAAAAHIk/ZbdQA5cmzVA41N5q3AYcACB1g_8Tl-SeACPcB/s1600/Islands%2Bon%2BRainy%2BLake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ1vULjbKQg/WJvaSQeT3BI/AAAAAAAAHIk/ZbdQA5cmzVA41N5q3AYcACB1g_8Tl-SeACPcB/s400/Islands%2Bon%2BRainy%2BLake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIkXQbMb9Nk/WJvaSSvdznI/AAAAAAAAHIk/KhIOB_DeI6gxu58_R0rEt6HAOBhUPi0qwCPcB/s1600/Karen%2Bat%2BRainy%2BLake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIkXQbMb9Nk/WJvaSSvdznI/AAAAAAAAHIk/KhIOB_DeI6gxu58_R0rEt6HAOBhUPi0qwCPcB/s320/Karen%2Bat%2BRainy%2BLake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXKZVIp5n8U/WJvW9MmwtEI/AAAAAAAAHIU/HyTTtuztX54adBroVp3VWTslGT6YswUXQCPcB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2Bthe%2BEntrance%2Bto%2Bthe%2BBase%2B%2Bin%2BGrand%2BForks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXKZVIp5n8U/WJvW9MmwtEI/AAAAAAAAHIU/HyTTtuztX54adBroVp3VWTslGT6YswUXQCPcB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2Bthe%2BEntrance%2Bto%2Bthe%2BBase%2B%2Bin%2BGrand%2BForks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After
leaving, LaPorte, MN we made a stop in Grand Forks, ND.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We stayed at the Air Force Base there.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9g8lTAVC-3Q/WJvW9IN8Y9I/AAAAAAAAHIU/bk2qNXRTPh4hKsPsnyUWjLuxb0d6oT6NACPcB/s1600/Ronald%2BRegean%2BMissile%2BSite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9g8lTAVC-3Q/WJvW9IN8Y9I/AAAAAAAAHIU/bk2qNXRTPh4hKsPsnyUWjLuxb0d6oT6NACPcB/s400/Ronald%2BRegean%2BMissile%2BSite.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Collins had read about the </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronald
Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">not terribly far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7YuUmnR8eg/WJvW9AV1_nI/AAAAAAAAHIU/cIMT_hDTnTwQt-TT0RRwDrV8FZPkr3rSwCPcB/s1600/Entry%2Boverlooking%2Bthe%2B%2Bdrive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7YuUmnR8eg/WJvW9AV1_nI/AAAAAAAAHIU/cIMT_hDTnTwQt-TT0RRwDrV8FZPkr3rSwCPcB/s400/Entry%2Boverlooking%2Bthe%2B%2Bdrive.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front entry where they could see whomever approached</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>They offered tours, so off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Oscar Zero
Launch Control Center and the November-33 Missile Facilty played an integral
part in the Cold War in North Dakota and the world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIDn49D__yU/WJvW9B_4PhI/AAAAAAAAHIU/FCs05P_Xym8SFRa4ldcB7fh_L9cRrZD6gCPcB/s1600/Signatures%2Bof%2Blast%2Bshift%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIDn49D__yU/WJvW9B_4PhI/AAAAAAAAHIU/FCs05P_Xym8SFRa4ldcB7fh_L9cRrZD6gCPcB/s400/Signatures%2Bof%2Blast%2Bshift%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bsite.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signatures of the last shift to work here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeIYfIYpfI8/WJvW9HHK-MI/AAAAAAAAHIU/XQsp_PXWhu8c1_bhnHYgsfbUtrgFxfr9ACPcB/s1600/One%2Bof%2Btwo%2Bcontrol%2Bpanels%2Bin%2Blaunch%2Broom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeIYfIYpfI8/WJvW9HHK-MI/AAAAAAAAHIU/XQsp_PXWhu8c1_bhnHYgsfbUtrgFxfr9ACPcB/s400/One%2Bof%2Btwo%2Bcontrol%2Bpanels%2Bin%2Blaunch%2Broom.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two control panels in launch room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This site is the last
launch control center intact (November 33 missile facility).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were given a guided tour
of topside facilities and learned how the facility managers, security
forces, maintenance teams, and cooks lived their daily lives at the MAF. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ap9pqiCK-Z4/WJvW9IRaibI/AAAAAAAAHIU/xazFKADVZdo86chYZrwF97CrDpqpBTyJQCPcB/s1600/One%2Bof%2Bthe%2Blaunch%2Bkeys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ap9pqiCK-Z4/WJvW9IRaibI/AAAAAAAAHIU/xazFKADVZdo86chYZrwF97CrDpqpBTyJQCPcB/s400/One%2Bof%2Bthe%2Blaunch%2Bkeys.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the launch keys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxwcxz-yXRQ/WJvW9BnGexI/AAAAAAAAHIU/zu8vpSfigVcXygroj1Bq_nJ-biBoDXggwCPcB/s1600/Karen%2Bhas%2Bone%2Bof%2Bthe%2Blaunch%2Bkeys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxwcxz-yXRQ/WJvW9BnGexI/AAAAAAAAHIU/zu8vpSfigVcXygroj1Bq_nJ-biBoDXggwCPcB/s400/Karen%2Bhas%2Bone%2Bof%2Bthe%2Blaunch%2Bkeys.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen's got a launch key</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We
also were guided down the elevator shaft to the underground Launch Control
Equipment Building and Launch Control Center, where we saw the front lines of the
United States’ strategy of nuclear deterrence. We got to step behind the
concrete blast door and</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">witness
the equipment that could have been used by the missile crews to launch nuclear
missiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQes42_jsqs/WJvW9Meme8I/AAAAAAAAHIU/IwyY-m4foMQtgeDtoADy9inCd0kdavv1wCPcB/s1600/Second%2Blaunch%2Bpanel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQes42_jsqs/WJvW9Meme8I/AAAAAAAAHIU/IwyY-m4foMQtgeDtoADy9inCd0kdavv1wCPcB/s400/Second%2Blaunch%2Bpanel.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Launch Panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiUmJPdGkBk/WJvW9IeDChI/AAAAAAAAHIU/aW2GsPr-948SHPVLUfkprJd9T1SgKRoggCPcB/s1600/One%2Bof%2Btwo%2Bunderground%2Bcontrol%2Brooms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiUmJPdGkBk/WJvW9IeDChI/AAAAAAAAHIU/aW2GsPr-948SHPVLUfkprJd9T1SgKRoggCPcB/s400/One%2Bof%2Btwo%2Bunderground%2Bcontrol%2Brooms.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy had worked there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The day we
went, there was another couple touring at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The husband had been stationed at the Grand
Forks Air Force Base & had been sent to this missile station many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had some interesting stories to tell.</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwL-gfgnCEw/WJvW9I7l3vI/AAAAAAAAHIU/6148rgv7EAAnxfoS9BFFTIL4pFRN-KyxwCPcB/s1600/Us%252C%2BDawn%2B%2526%2BStu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwL-gfgnCEw/WJvW9I7l3vI/AAAAAAAAHIU/6148rgv7EAAnxfoS9BFFTIL4pFRN-KyxwCPcB/s400/Us%252C%2BDawn%2B%2526%2BStu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While in Grand Forks, we were able to connect
with Canadian friends we had made in the Dominican Republic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They live a few hours away, but like to come
to Grand Forks occasionally to shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was so nice to spend some time with Dawn & Stu Kletke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great lunch at the Olive Garden.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Uh53dc798/WJvW9OyuemI/AAAAAAAAHIU/LwBR2_k4JusyScWcb7Au0-TYFBMrpGVUwCPcB/s1600/Sunset%2Bat%2BHazen%2BBay%252C%2BND.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Uh53dc798/WJvW9OyuemI/AAAAAAAAHIU/LwBR2_k4JusyScWcb7Au0-TYFBMrpGVUwCPcB/s400/Sunset%2Bat%2BHazen%2BBay%252C%2BND.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After leaving Grand Forks, we made our way across North Dakota. We stayed about a week at <span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lake Sakakawea, located in the middle of the state. It's the largest lake in the state & 3rd largest in the nation. We were on a high point overlooking the lake & had beautiful sunsets.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2EV38mUc6c/WJvW9NzofEI/AAAAAAAAHIU/j9S6ecS7CAgnH6JWguL7TQ1pZH_q9KM0ACPcB/s1600/Earthlodge%2Bof%2BHidatsa%2BIndians.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2EV38mUc6c/WJvW9NzofEI/AAAAAAAAHIU/j9S6ecS7CAgnH6JWguL7TQ1pZH_q9KM0ACPcB/s400/Earthlodge%2Bof%2BHidatsa%2BIndians.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earthlodge of Hidatsa Indians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ch9QPTKwKWs/WJvW9CbRvcI/AAAAAAAAHIU/xCm8hTgZZ2AopdS4PQ-1AWWK5Mzb24s8gCPcB/s1600/Inside%2BHidatsa%2BEarthlodge%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ch9QPTKwKWs/WJvW9CbRvcI/AAAAAAAAHIU/xCm8hTgZZ2AopdS4PQ-1AWWK5Mzb24s8gCPcB/s400/Inside%2BHidatsa%2BEarthlodge%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Earthlodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">While we were there, we took a trip to the Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site. It was established to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">preserve the historic and archaeological remnants of the Northern </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plains_Indians" title="Plains Indians"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plains Indians</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> T<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">here are the visible remains of earth-lodge dwellings, cache pits and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travois" title="Travois"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">travois</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> trails. We found it to be very interesting.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fxgJjhnx3U/WJvW9F_VnUI/AAAAAAAAHIU/HqTUwHDQh-4dxAX5aaHcgZvVfrSQXZeBgCPcB/s1600/Inside%2BHidatsa%2BEarthlodge%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fxgJjhnx3U/WJvW9F_VnUI/AAAAAAAAHIU/HqTUwHDQh-4dxAX5aaHcgZvVfrSQXZeBgCPcB/s400/Inside%2BHidatsa%2BEarthlodge%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beds inside the Earthlodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKUVGR0lgSE/WJvW9POFOtI/AAAAAAAAHIU/cd9R9nDMwfofFW8FpbbajdT7kUU9Z-1QwCPcB/s1600/Inside%2BHidatsa%2BEarthlodge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKUVGR0lgSE/WJvW9POFOtI/AAAAAAAAHIU/cd9R9nDMwfofFW8FpbbajdT7kUU9Z-1QwCPcB/s400/Inside%2BHidatsa%2BEarthlodge.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Earthlodge<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4aNLXbHO7RI/WJvW9PJL8AI/AAAAAAAAHIg/MYJBaAUT1WUpobkfZiAwmNuzj7LTZpgLgCPcB/s1600/Items%2BFound%2Bin%2Bearthlodge.%2B%2BCurved%2Bbones%2Bused%2Bas%2Ba%2Bsled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4aNLXbHO7RI/WJvW9PJL8AI/AAAAAAAAHIg/MYJBaAUT1WUpobkfZiAwmNuzj7LTZpgLgCPcB/s400/Items%2BFound%2Bin%2Bearthlodge.%2B%2BCurved%2Bbones%2Bused%2Bas%2Ba%2Bsled.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Items found in the Earthlodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGoPW9zGIMo/WJvW9MbnyhI/AAAAAAAAHIU/E9dxN32Fxy0NhdAygN0wORGK0o3zmfEkACPcB/s1600/Rake%2B%2526%2BHoe%2Bused%2Bby%2BHidatsa%2BIndians.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGoPW9zGIMo/WJvW9MbnyhI/AAAAAAAAHIU/E9dxN32Fxy0NhdAygN0wORGK0o3zmfEkACPcB/s400/Rake%2B%2526%2BHoe%2Bused%2Bby%2BHidatsa%2BIndians.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools in the Earthlodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The items found inside the Earthlodges were very interesting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGFHjTLbGh4/WJvW9JL51sI/AAAAAAAAHIU/nCaYUzee1sMJTGgVioJeJgTGgirfK7ctQCPcB/s1600/Collins%2Bwith%2Bstatues%2Bof%2BLewis%252C%2BClark%2B%2526%2BIndian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGFHjTLbGh4/WJvW9JL51sI/AAAAAAAAHIU/nCaYUzee1sMJTGgVioJeJgTGgirfK7ctQCPcB/s400/Collins%2Bwith%2Bstatues%2Bof%2BLewis%252C%2BClark%2B%2526%2BIndian.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lewis & Merriweather Visitor's Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We also went to the Lewis & Merriweather Visitor's Center, which was full of interesting objects & told the story of Their journey to the Pacific Coast & back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rwcfmNtahI/WJvW9HiFqVI/AAAAAAAAHIU/HuWXDizbXXgkS1qt9LpCsidGXEn901OswCPcB/s1600/Exterior%2Bof%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rwcfmNtahI/WJvW9HiFqVI/AAAAAAAAHIU/HuWXDizbXXgkS1qt9LpCsidGXEn901OswCPcB/s400/Exterior%2Bof%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to FT Mandan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
A little further down the road was a replication of Fort Mandan, which they built for the winter they spent there preparing for the remainder of that journey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1tBXqAZQr0/WJvW9AlPVwI/AAAAAAAAHIU/ihJcwAfQFT8mFyk89dbRVTL0woWS9ZorQCPcB/s1600/Court%2Byard%2Bat%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1tBXqAZQr0/WJvW9AlPVwI/AAAAAAAAHIU/ihJcwAfQFT8mFyk89dbRVTL0woWS9ZorQCPcB/s400/Court%2Byard%2Bat%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Court yard of FT. Mandan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzFUC5VjHKc/WJvW9MsbzXI/AAAAAAAAHIU/c41oZfa0mII2o14sGZvsRAe4dRLYYzF5wCPcB/s1600/Sleeping%2BRoom%2Bat%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzFUC5VjHKc/WJvW9MsbzXI/AAAAAAAAHIU/c41oZfa0mII2o14sGZvsRAe4dRLYYzF5wCPcB/s400/Sleeping%2BRoom%2Bat%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Quarters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00UrnMnqIZA/WJvW9LSIn8I/AAAAAAAAHIU/3PW3qOyDBPgK4wqaBmC2bKtC_QytTeeaACPcB/s1600/Food%2Bthat%2Bwould%2Bhave%2Bbeen%2Beaten%2Bat%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00UrnMnqIZA/WJvW9LSIn8I/AAAAAAAAHIU/3PW3qOyDBPgK4wqaBmC2bKtC_QytTeeaACPcB/s400/Food%2Bthat%2Bwould%2Bhave%2Bbeen%2Beaten%2Bat%2BFt.%2BMandan.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food available at that time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-ggW-6aNa4/WJvW9OIrWQI/AAAAAAAAHIU/gcFKr3p5OdEvdCAHLRK8jpt4JsJU55YBQCPcB/s1600/Geographical%2Bcenter%2Bof%2BNorth%2BAmerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-ggW-6aNa4/WJvW9OIrWQI/AAAAAAAAHIU/gcFKr3p5OdEvdCAHLRK8jpt4JsJU55YBQCPcB/s400/Geographical%2Bcenter%2Bof%2BNorth%2BAmerica.jpg" width="400" /></a>After leaving Lake <span style="font-family: "arial";">Sakakawea, we were on our way to Teddy Roosevelt National Park on the far south west corner of North Dakota. On our way we passed thru the Geographical Center of North America in Rugby, North Dakota.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGbwG1YvSbY/WJvW9O2RzNI/AAAAAAAAHIg/JAXA-w2X-OosdDybNHx7T15fbQXYv2OgACPcB/s1600/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGbwG1YvSbY/WJvW9O2RzNI/AAAAAAAAHIg/JAXA-w2X-OosdDybNHx7T15fbQXYv2OgACPcB/s320/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqXiFBktB4w/WJvW9EL-PlI/AAAAAAAAHIg/eDM8G7zUVPoPPxrlri3uPyoP-k52V-HSQCPcB/s1600/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2527s%2BCabin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqXiFBktB4w/WJvW9EL-PlI/AAAAAAAAHIg/eDM8G7zUVPoPPxrlri3uPyoP-k52V-HSQCPcB/s320/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2527s%2BCabin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The park is known for the South Unit’s colorful Painted Canyon and the Maltese Cross Cabin, where President Roosevelt once lived. It's a rather stark place, but had a certain beauty of it's own.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs1zkZD3OMQ/WJvW9JsOoLI/AAAAAAAAHIU/j9wQAxv7YbsVy0gW1xCJbZ4rjjOx4KeEwCPcB/s1600/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs1zkZD3OMQ/WJvW9JsOoLI/AAAAAAAAHIU/j9wQAxv7YbsVy0gW1xCJbZ4rjjOx4KeEwCPcB/s400/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q02qNBgcOU/WJvW9L8-ePI/AAAAAAAAHIU/9nUaPGJ7p7UsJGLcX3xaYcFqx0HU5u-CACPcB/s1600/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q02qNBgcOU/WJvW9L8-ePI/AAAAAAAAHIU/9nUaPGJ7p7UsJGLcX3xaYcFqx0HU5u-CACPcB/s400/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMfbqs0Ouw4/WJvW9FMloiI/AAAAAAAAHIU/vkiWFfcYTaoWr7JJXbQZcus1A0xfggbxQCPcB/s1600/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMfbqs0Ouw4/WJvW9FMloiI/AAAAAAAAHIU/vkiWFfcYTaoWr7JJXbQZcus1A0xfggbxQCPcB/s320/Teddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0xvp3WPeq0/WJvW9MqJWkI/AAAAAAAAHIU/aqSkb9syDac3p-2SS5QZf_Rke1cAKEMswCPcB/s1600/Collins%2Bpointing%2Bout%2Bvariations%2Bin%2Brock%2Bat%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0xvp3WPeq0/WJvW9MqJWkI/AAAAAAAAHIU/aqSkb9syDac3p-2SS5QZf_Rke1cAKEMswCPcB/s400/Collins%2Bpointing%2Bout%2Bvariations%2Bin%2Brock%2Bat%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins loved the color striations in the rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8vE0OG2K3U/WJvW9AyMp4I/AAAAAAAAHIU/TIYj8GRTjjE5vGNKXV1qwKSzBgPqw2q9gCPcB/s1600/Wild%2BHorses%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8vE0OG2K3U/WJvW9AyMp4I/AAAAAAAAHIU/TIYj8GRTjjE5vGNKXV1qwKSzBgPqw2q9gCPcB/s400/Wild%2BHorses%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se5lhbWcp-Y/WJvW9CYkiWI/AAAAAAAAHIU/lIcMw06_ZfgDccPDtxEZOj4DRfpelrS0QCPcB/s1600/Wild%2BHorses%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se5lhbWcp-Y/WJvW9CYkiWI/AAAAAAAAHIU/lIcMw06_ZfgDccPDtxEZOj4DRfpelrS0QCPcB/s400/Wild%2BHorses%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGPxH2KW9wc/WJvW9Jv_9XI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Rfdj_9RzXLgnGHEX7VNjWQgKT8gUMIwhACPcB/s1600/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGPxH2KW9wc/WJvW9Jv_9XI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Rfdj_9RzXLgnGHEX7VNjWQgKT8gUMIwhACPcB/s400/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysn5JZ9vw5o/WJvW9HlgCsI/AAAAAAAAHIU/7APeA-QecJ0Gzy-cnWUmqzBP37mYTtaAgCPcB/s1600/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysn5JZ9vw5o/WJvW9HlgCsI/AAAAAAAAHIU/7APeA-QecJ0Gzy-cnWUmqzBP37mYTtaAgCPcB/s400/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0DQtlLoar0/WJvW9Jrxi1I/AAAAAAAAHIU/wERbsm2Le4w-4nBm9J6DAdKdo09irnj9wCPcB/s1600/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0DQtlLoar0/WJvW9Jrxi1I/AAAAAAAAHIU/wERbsm2Le4w-4nBm9J6DAdKdo09irnj9wCPcB/s400/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qay3OjT8TQ0/WJvW9KiUcZI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Vs8hInMTTzYO0U3jKP6nfRbc-6ps-RmtACPcB/s1600/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qay3OjT8TQ0/WJvW9KiUcZI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Vs8hInMTTzYO0U3jKP6nfRbc-6ps-RmtACPcB/s1600/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qay3OjT8TQ0/WJvW9KiUcZI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Vs8hInMTTzYO0U3jKP6nfRbc-6ps-RmtACPcB/s1600/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qay3OjT8TQ0/WJvW9KiUcZI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Vs8hInMTTzYO0U3jKP6nfRbc-6ps-RmtACPcB/s400/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPq5o3q8B_8/WJvW9NcDbdI/AAAAAAAAHIU/iLLYGClMPuUZefC0tgROnLyAECAe-Zt2wCPcB/s1600/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPq5o3q8B_8/WJvW9NcDbdI/AAAAAAAAHIU/iLLYGClMPuUZefC0tgROnLyAECAe-Zt2wCPcB/s400/Bison%2Bin%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BPark.JPG" width="400" /></a>We enjoyed seeing the wild horses & the herds of buffalo that roamed free. You forget how large they can be until you see them close. They came right by the car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yjgJSjKHMw/WJvW9CKMoYI/AAAAAAAAHIU/1HpB2l6qBO8-mB0F99HlqBv2AIME6MG1QCPcB/s1600/Prairie%2BDog%2Bat%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yjgJSjKHMw/WJvW9CKMoYI/AAAAAAAAHIU/1HpB2l6qBO8-mB0F99HlqBv2AIME6MG1QCPcB/s1600/Prairie%2BDog%2Bat%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yjgJSjKHMw/WJvW9CKMoYI/AAAAAAAAHIU/1HpB2l6qBO8-mB0F99HlqBv2AIME6MG1QCPcB/s400/Prairie%2BDog%2Bat%2BTeddy%2BRoosevelt%2BNP.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There were thousands of Prairie Dogs there. They're quite interesting to watch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our next stop was Rapid City, South Dakota. From here we could visit some well known sites.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We started with Custer State Park. Custer State Park is a state park and wildlife reserve in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, USA.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBE24TP2-WM/WO06lq8oxEI/AAAAAAAAHSw/UskiLF7dG_Y8cB247m7tOBTGyBuitHRJwCEw/s1600/Pronghorn%2Bantelope%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBE24TP2-WM/WO06lq8oxEI/AAAAAAAAHSw/UskiLF7dG_Y8cB247m7tOBTGyBuitHRJwCEw/s400/Pronghorn%2Bantelope%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pronghorn Sheep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjO9CsOEoY8/WO06igj18rI/AAAAAAAAHSk/QydAdTbFNcMQJB3IRu7ARtzsGFwVUhrrACEw/s1600/Pronghorn%2BAntelope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjO9CsOEoY8/WO06igj18rI/AAAAAAAAHSk/QydAdTbFNcMQJB3IRu7ARtzsGFwVUhrrACEw/s400/Pronghorn%2BAntelope.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsnXBsX9o-w/WO06igPg3yI/AAAAAAAAHSo/vevYGzGY6zk_NaTxdI_5Ml4kxmaNj412wCEw/s1600/Mules%2Bat%2BCuster%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsnXBsX9o-w/WO06igPg3yI/AAAAAAAAHSo/vevYGzGY6zk_NaTxdI_5Ml4kxmaNj412wCEw/s400/Mules%2Bat%2BCuster%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mules came right to your car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9KbB0XOu2s/WO06qt3vnGI/AAAAAAAAHS8/tXs6-ONp4GQDno_xXyXOzIN5Ntttens3ACEw/s1600/Pronghorn%2Bsheep%2Bin%2Bthe%2BBadlands3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9KbB0XOu2s/WO06qt3vnGI/AAAAAAAAHS8/tXs6-ONp4GQDno_xXyXOzIN5Ntttens3ACEw/s400/Pronghorn%2Bsheep%2Bin%2Bthe%2BBadlands3.JPG" width="400" /></a> The park is South Dakota's largest and first state park, famous for its bison herds, other wildlife, scenic drives, historic sites, visitor centers, fishing lakes, resorts, campgrounds and interpretive center. We made it thru half the scenic drive & saw some great wildlife.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCfHfRMcFag/WO06fKD_S-I/AAAAAAAAHSc/n5wRqH-SKTgdAaeqXMMIkeOn6FuLWAwawCEw/s1600/Mt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCfHfRMcFag/WO06fKD_S-I/AAAAAAAAHSc/n5wRqH-SKTgdAaeqXMMIkeOn6FuLWAwawCEw/s1600/Mt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCfHfRMcFag/WO06fKD_S-I/AAAAAAAAHSc/n5wRqH-SKTgdAaeqXMMIkeOn6FuLWAwawCEw/s320/Mt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our next stop was Mt. Rushmore. It was impressive. We watched the movie about it being built & were amazed at the process. It took approximately 14 yrs to complete.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRdGBjTzOPg/WO1qMZRz9sI/AAAAAAAAHXI/69lf9McGUVgfUnuIg0Zu9mz6Nx_CLHbtQCEw/s1600/Entrance%2Bto%2BMt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRdGBjTzOPg/WO1qMZRz9sI/AAAAAAAAHXI/69lf9McGUVgfUnuIg0Zu9mz6Nx_CLHbtQCEw/s400/Entrance%2Bto%2BMt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Mt. Rushmore Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKM-2jmG7S0/WO1qMwPMEKI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/bBM3rI9WZ8c068EfBprYCXw0-yF_b_0rwCEw/s1600/Us%2Bat%2BMt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKM-2jmG7S0/WO1qMwPMEKI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/bBM3rI9WZ8c068EfBprYCXw0-yF_b_0rwCEw/s400/Us%2Bat%2BMt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at Mt. Rushmore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2dmb662uR3I/WO06eJp0plI/AAAAAAAAHSY/0l2O9EiA4yUIZXsHByVkR6MAkN0OJaKqgCEw/s1600/Mt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2dmb662uR3I/WO06eJp0plI/AAAAAAAAHSY/0l2O9EiA4yUIZXsHByVkR6MAkN0OJaKqgCEw/s320/Mt.%2BRushmore%2BNational%2BPark%2B7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We found the Crazy Horse Memorial to be disappointing. The monument has been in progress since 1948 and is far from completion.<sup> </sup>If completed, it may become the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_statues_by_height" title="List of statues by height">world's largest sculpture</a> as well as the first non-religious statue to hold this record since 1967. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q27nymkkTzo/WO05q8i6U3I/AAAAAAAAHQc/DkVPIhP1Avw4qmw0FXzdI4sRHqkFl-WJwCEw/s1600/Cast%2Bof%2Bfinished%2BCrazy%2BHorse%2BMemorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q27nymkkTzo/WO05q8i6U3I/AAAAAAAAHQc/DkVPIhP1Avw4qmw0FXzdI4sRHqkFl-WJwCEw/s400/Cast%2Bof%2Bfinished%2BCrazy%2BHorse%2BMemorial.JPG" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the memorial should look like when finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8K7j8teXHSs/WO05uOwOUyI/AAAAAAAAHQk/tVXCM26hyA8qoHiyUagTw6D8QwX-D6BHACEw/s1600/Crazy%2BHorse%2BMemorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8K7j8teXHSs/WO05uOwOUyI/AAAAAAAAHQk/tVXCM26hyA8qoHiyUagTw6D8QwX-D6BHACEw/s400/Crazy%2BHorse%2BMemorial.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What it looks like today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While in Rapid City, we decided to take a side trip to Little Big Horn in Montana. The <b>Battle of the Little Bighorn</b>, commonly referred to as <b>Custer's Last Stand</b>, was an armed engagement between combined forces of the Lakota, <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Cheyenne" title="Northern Cheyenne">Northern Cheyenne</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arapaho" title="Arapaho">Arapaho</a> tribes and the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._7th_Cavalry_Regiment" title="U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment">7th Cavalry Regiment</a> of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army" title="United States Army">United States Army</a>. The battle, which occurred June 25–26, 1876, near the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Bighorn_River" title="Little Bighorn River">Little Bighorn River</a> in eastern <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montana_Territory" title="Montana Territory">Montana Territory</a>, was the most prominent action of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Sioux_War_of_1876" title="Great Sioux War of 1876">Great Sioux War of 1876</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEYS6SLQHYM/WO067lkjXEI/AAAAAAAAHTw/ztkuIvre2tYCu4VEDLt7jRwB47jb3PsBgCEw/s1600/Us%2Bat%2BMemorial%2Bof%2BCuster%2527s%2BLast%2BStand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEYS6SLQHYM/WO067lkjXEI/AAAAAAAAHTw/ztkuIvre2tYCu4VEDLt7jRwB47jb3PsBgCEw/s400/Us%2Bat%2BMemorial%2Bof%2BCuster%2527s%2BLast%2BStand.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">memorial for Custer & his men</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNq1CcOCNnM/WO06vg2P1QI/AAAAAAAAHTI/bZHLZ9M9inMPMQe_Xvm3kZfsz67VLShUgCEw/s1600/Site%2Bof%2BSoldier%2Bdeaths%2Bat%2BLittle%2BBig%2BHorn%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNq1CcOCNnM/WO06vg2P1QI/AAAAAAAAHTI/bZHLZ9M9inMPMQe_Xvm3kZfsz67VLShUgCEw/s400/Site%2Bof%2BSoldier%2Bdeaths%2Bat%2BLittle%2BBig%2BHorn%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Custer was killed, as were two of his brothers, a nephew, and a brother-in-law. The total U.S. casualty count included 268 dead and 55 severely wounded. The National Park District showed a great movie & presented a very informative Ranger program. It was very sobering to stand there & look out at the battleground. Seeing the placement of the headstones, really made you think about what happened there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08fTbTN8U28/WO06Jm5fPzI/AAAAAAAAHRo/JCjh864mhokvJUkdEhbZIh6nCYOIk_naACEw/s1600/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2BBattlefield%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08fTbTN8U28/WO06Jm5fPzI/AAAAAAAAHRo/JCjh864mhokvJUkdEhbZIh6nCYOIk_naACEw/s400/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2BBattlefield%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1I0fPvk8nwM/WO06Mv9fI6I/AAAAAAAAHRw/Q2IY3PD2cFgAfiMa1782Rf0JDuDJE7QtwCEw/s1600/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2Bmemorial%2Bto%2Bthe%2BIndians.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1I0fPvk8nwM/WO06Mv9fI6I/AAAAAAAAHRw/Q2IY3PD2cFgAfiMa1782Rf0JDuDJE7QtwCEw/s400/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2Bmemorial%2Bto%2Bthe%2BIndians.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIp5jMjWX_I/WO06Oxs84fI/AAAAAAAAHR0/VCtaMVkWYasnh6ifSL0WBRpp5MTr4Y1_ACEw/s1600/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2Bmemorial%2Bto%2Bthe%2BIndians2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIp5jMjWX_I/WO06Oxs84fI/AAAAAAAAHR0/VCtaMVkWYasnh6ifSL0WBRpp5MTr4Y1_ACEw/s400/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2Bmemorial%2Bto%2Bthe%2BIndians2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3T6r-9Flp8g/WO06S83ye6I/AAAAAAAAHR8/Rp3B3SCxDyow22OtplLqYLzdh7u5uzTJgCEw/s1600/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2Bmemorial%2Bto%2Bthe%2BIndians4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3T6r-9Flp8g/WO06S83ye6I/AAAAAAAAHR8/Rp3B3SCxDyow22OtplLqYLzdh7u5uzTJgCEw/s400/Little%2BBig%2BHorn%2Bmemorial%2Bto%2Bthe%2BIndians4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While on our way to Little Big Horn, we also stopped at a monument called Devil's Tower. Devils Tower National Monument, a unique and striking geologic wonder steeped in Indian legend, is a modern day national park and climbers' challenge. Devils Tower sits across the state line in northeast Wyoming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPG-SjN6ZFk/WO1vt6Nc58I/AAAAAAAAHag/gpdvKZ5hjKwObVVZpd8qNn1tPV_fZMJegCPcB/s1600/Devil%2527s%2BTower%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPG-SjN6ZFk/WO1vt6Nc58I/AAAAAAAAHag/gpdvKZ5hjKwObVVZpd8qNn1tPV_fZMJegCPcB/s400/Devil%2527s%2BTower%2B3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Tower is a solitary, stump-shaped granite formation that looms 1,267 feet above the tree-lined Belle Fourche River Valley, like a skyscraper in the country. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also saw some beautiful red stone mountains & some longhorn steer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSJ0ZEDPGgs/WO06rXCbnwI/AAAAAAAAHTA/Z223oBpAZpwGKiJN2uMNCvKu3rhxhb-mACEw/s1600/Red%2BRock%2Bformations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSJ0ZEDPGgs/WO06rXCbnwI/AAAAAAAAHTA/Z223oBpAZpwGKiJN2uMNCvKu3rhxhb-mACEw/s400/Red%2BRock%2Bformations.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07ADfBunaYw/WO06VgSS7_I/AAAAAAAAHSI/AwSG4dPL0msO7qPQGZvs5QRVcWZhgclRwCEw/s1600/Long%2BHorn%2BSteer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07ADfBunaYw/WO06VgSS7_I/AAAAAAAAHSI/AwSG4dPL0msO7qPQGZvs5QRVcWZhgclRwCEw/s400/Long%2BHorn%2BSteer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72pIsxJbgZg/WO05Z5nEwZI/AAAAAAAAHPw/apGv8r6bhnwnFiGF6VfmU1r5jUYz5I13gCEw/s1600/A%2Bvisit%2Bto%2Bthe%2BBadlands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72pIsxJbgZg/WO05Z5nEwZI/AAAAAAAAHPw/apGv8r6bhnwnFiGF6VfmU1r5jUYz5I13gCEw/s320/A%2Bvisit%2Bto%2Bthe%2BBadlands.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our last stop in South Dakota was a trip thru Badlands National Park. Much like Teddy Roosevelt NP, it also was very stark. The mountain formations & the colors in them were very interesting. Bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs inhabit its sprawling grasslands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxjmLfUbMes/WO05fibXWnI/AAAAAAAAHQE/daMgkXkcsCkAg0HhTMbeDrkWfoUKih4AACEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxjmLfUbMes/WO05fibXWnI/AAAAAAAAHQE/daMgkXkcsCkAg0HhTMbeDrkWfoUKih4AACEw/s400/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj9XtNxCwNY/WO05j72p0eI/AAAAAAAAHQI/-1J5EekDVaYHmj0_YnJBJrinIOTTDxiyQCEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj9XtNxCwNY/WO05j72p0eI/AAAAAAAAHQI/-1J5EekDVaYHmj0_YnJBJrinIOTTDxiyQCEw/s400/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rD-3q07LD-s/WO05kwKqx3I/AAAAAAAAHQM/7j5xzhYht6kZdwR7wZ5fYhafjo41n50mgCEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rD-3q07LD-s/WO05kwKqx3I/AAAAAAAAHQM/7j5xzhYht6kZdwR7wZ5fYhafjo41n50mgCEw/s400/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7yJEsCizbY/WO05lsTVDLI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/O7IeDgoicS4EAgzbaSoiOTvd6-18vHgDwCEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7yJEsCizbY/WO05lsTVDLI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/O7IeDgoicS4EAgzbaSoiOTvd6-18vHgDwCEw/s400/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkCoBRD8QNU/WO05plrkl7I/AAAAAAAAHQY/2F5JY6CyD2IXzyK_DM6mMvk7dW680nWbgCEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkCoBRD8QNU/WO05plrkl7I/AAAAAAAAHQY/2F5JY6CyD2IXzyK_DM6mMvk7dW680nWbgCEw/s400/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Y5LR-aQoE/WO05fjXrOAI/AAAAAAAAHQA/czjBMs9w3jQRzsb4GG8-J-u9KsLf1eWtQCEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Y5LR-aQoE/WO05fjXrOAI/AAAAAAAAHQA/czjBMs9w3jQRzsb4GG8-J-u9KsLf1eWtQCEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Y5LR-aQoE/WO05fjXrOAI/AAAAAAAAHQA/czjBMs9w3jQRzsb4GG8-J-u9KsLf1eWtQCEw/s1600/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Y5LR-aQoE/WO05fjXrOAI/AAAAAAAAHQA/czjBMs9w3jQRzsb4GG8-J-u9KsLf1eWtQCEw/s400/Badlands%2BNational%2BPark%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1JXG1UGmpY/WO1orkSd5jI/AAAAAAAAHUg/IboQ7Ddd5MIJssNoqIcFcFfSnQ7DonoEgCLcB/s1600/Wounded%2BKnee%2Bsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1JXG1UGmpY/WO1orkSd5jI/AAAAAAAAHUg/IboQ7Ddd5MIJssNoqIcFcFfSnQ7DonoEgCLcB/s1600/Wounded%2BKnee%2Bsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1JXG1UGmpY/WO1orkSd5jI/AAAAAAAAHUg/IboQ7Ddd5MIJssNoqIcFcFfSnQ7DonoEgCLcB/s400/Wounded%2BKnee%2Bsite.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Badlands were also the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGEgKVRjf70/WO1vt69kKYI/AAAAAAAAHaY/i3GV6zLFAj0DZrsuMifcxplvZ1cUi67lQCPcB/s1600/Infamous%2BWall%2BDrug%2BStore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGEgKVRjf70/WO1vt69kKYI/AAAAAAAAHaY/i3GV6zLFAj0DZrsuMifcxplvZ1cUi67lQCPcB/s1600/Infamous%2BWall%2BDrug%2BStore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGEgKVRjf70/WO1vt69kKYI/AAAAAAAAHaY/i3GV6zLFAj0DZrsuMifcxplvZ1cUi67lQCPcB/s400/Infamous%2BWall%2BDrug%2BStore.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our last sight seeing stop in South Dakota was at the infamous Wall Drug Store. Anyone traveling west has most likely seen the highway signs for this iconic fixture. One of the world’s most well-known tourist stops, it’s hard to believe Wall Drug Store got its start with something we wouldn’t even turn our heads at today … the promise of free ice water. But in fact, the Husteads turned free ice water into a million dollar idea with a little determination and quick thinking. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lIonQ7IXdc/WPAXkjnhmBI/AAAAAAAAHlI/oUHKZEzy-kcPlo92PLIOvaHXUsaLsuYBgCLcB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bchecking%2Bout%2Bthe%2Bladies%2Bat%2BWall%2BDrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lIonQ7IXdc/WPAXkjnhmBI/AAAAAAAAHlI/oUHKZEzy-kcPlo92PLIOvaHXUsaLsuYBgCLcB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Bchecking%2Bout%2Bthe%2Bladies%2Bat%2BWall%2BDrug.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles check out the ladies at Wall Drug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Today, gift shop & eateries are some of the amenities on hand at this 76,000-sq.-ft. sight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While spending time in Rapid City, SD, we were trying to decide where our next destination should be. We were heading across the country to FL for Christmas, but still had a lot of time to kill. One day I asked our neighbor where they were going & he told me the "Amana Colonies" in Iowa. Somehow, that was a place we'd never heard about. Thank heavens for the Internet, because that was our next stop. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <b>Amana Colony</b> is seven villages on 26,000 acres (11,000 ha) located in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_County,_Iowa" title="Iowa County, Iowa">Iowa County</a> in east-central <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa" title="Iowa">Iowa</a>. The villages were built and settled by German <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietism" title="Pietism">Pietists</a>, who were persecuted in their homeland by the German state government and the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheran" title="Lutheran">Lutheran</a> Church. For eighty years, the Amana Colony maintained an almost completely self-sufficient <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_economy" title="Local economy">local economy</a>, importing very little from the industrializing American economy. The Amanians were able to achieve this independence and lifestyle by adhering to the specialized crafting and farming occupations that they had brought with them from Europe. Craftsmen passed their skills and techniques on from one generation to the next. They used hand, horse, wind, and water power, and made their own furniture, clothes, and other goods. The community voted to form a for-profit organization during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression" title="Great Depression">Great Depression</a>, the <b>Amana Society</b>, which included the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amana_Corporation" title="Amana Corporation">Amana Corporation</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Today, the Seven Villages of Amana are a tourist attraction known for its restaurants and craft shops. The colony was listed as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Historic_Landmark" title="National Historic Landmark">National Historic Landmark</a> in 1965.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, it sounded interesting enough to make it our next stop. And as luck would have it, we were just in time for Oktoberfest!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w93KoEz3PqU/WO1vt50_RlI/AAAAAAAAHaY/UoWEc1DC6sQ8ztLBtULc_XzXyacAZfMCwCPcB/s1600/Getting%2Bready%2Bfor%2BOktoberfest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w93KoEz3PqU/WO1vt50_RlI/AAAAAAAAHaY/UoWEc1DC6sQ8ztLBtULc_XzXyacAZfMCwCPcB/s400/Getting%2Bready%2Bfor%2BOktoberfest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZbnTXPeCs8/WO1vt3TNMGI/AAAAAAAAHaY/10usmmwy96MeylbRGEvdC-YDYEIga4KZwCPcB/s1600/Getting%2Bthe%2BOktoberfest%2BBeer%2BKeg%2BOpening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZbnTXPeCs8/WO1vt3TNMGI/AAAAAAAAHaY/10usmmwy96MeylbRGEvdC-YDYEIga4KZwCPcB/s400/Getting%2Bthe%2BOktoberfest%2BBeer%2BKeg%2BOpening.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to open the first keg of Oktoberfest Beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jTUaheq6g-g/WO1vt4S_e8I/AAAAAAAAHaY/nnSbvZlqNocMyq4GqXxLT7Ca80-SM7mswCPcB/s1600/The%2BBrewmeister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jTUaheq6g-g/WO1vt4S_e8I/AAAAAAAAHaY/nnSbvZlqNocMyq4GqXxLT7Ca80-SM7mswCPcB/s400/The%2BBrewmeister.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-xuagWw-mM/WO1vty4n2ZI/AAAAAAAAHaY/LBChy1E1-YUvL_msRQBQihGpDsfO5GC3gCPcB/s1600/Getting%2Bready%2Bto%2Btransport%2Bthe%2Bkeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-xuagWw-mM/WO1vty4n2ZI/AAAAAAAAHaY/LBChy1E1-YUvL_msRQBQihGpDsfO5GC3gCPcB/s400/Getting%2Bready%2Bto%2Btransport%2Bthe%2Bkeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCwgXDzMb5w/WO1vt-4cY-I/AAAAAAAAHaY/H86r8JTPrb0UbryIWpUVeajglrcJG6MCwCPcB/s1600/Cute%2Blittle%2Bdog%2Bdressed%2Bfor%2BOktoberfest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCwgXDzMb5w/WO1vt-4cY-I/AAAAAAAAHaY/H86r8JTPrb0UbryIWpUVeajglrcJG6MCwCPcB/s400/Cute%2Blittle%2Bdog%2Bdressed%2Bfor%2BOktoberfest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lyNRER68Zk/WO1vtzSXahI/AAAAAAAAHaY/BjR2t1GffmYqNGENlv9BbnPgWRLJJG2gACPcB/s1600/We%2527re%2Benjoying%2BOktoberfest%2Bin%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lyNRER68Zk/WO1vtzSXahI/AAAAAAAAHaY/BjR2t1GffmYqNGENlv9BbnPgWRLJJG2gACPcB/s320/We%2527re%2Benjoying%2BOktoberfest%2Bin%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We thought we should sample some of the festivities while we were there<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNbdr2E2nG4/WO1vtxeFFZI/AAAAAAAAHaY/rDkCKYUqHyYwer4460RWIDEzFFXewtfIwCPcB/s1600/Enjoying%2Bthe%2Bband%2Bat%2BOktoberfest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNbdr2E2nG4/WO1vtxeFFZI/AAAAAAAAHaY/rDkCKYUqHyYwer4460RWIDEzFFXewtfIwCPcB/s400/Enjoying%2Bthe%2Bband%2Bat%2BOktoberfest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8O3gZLPuc8/WO1vt5bWwSI/AAAAAAAAHaY/hwXLzpbkho0_jVVGgDyPgomdYG3OaxSNgCPcB/s1600/Dancers%2Bat%2BOktoberest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8O3gZLPuc8/WO1vt5bWwSI/AAAAAAAAHaY/hwXLzpbkho0_jVVGgDyPgomdYG3OaxSNgCPcB/s400/Dancers%2Bat%2BOktoberest%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRuP7PYCB5g/WO1vt9ajOuI/AAAAAAAAHaY/FQkiKJi43XUjcutzou4hs6EDCfix8OsbQCPcB/s1600/Anniversary%2BDinner%2Bin%2Bthe%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRuP7PYCB5g/WO1vt9ajOuI/AAAAAAAAHaY/FQkiKJi43XUjcutzou4hs6EDCfix8OsbQCPcB/s400/Anniversary%2BDinner%2Bin%2Bthe%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlHXP3XKP60/WO1vtz461uI/AAAAAAAAHaY/F9BHi_i5dJcIv1-A39F0FbMajIynDDE4wCPcB/s1600/German%2BDinner%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlHXP3XKP60/WO1vtz461uI/AAAAAAAAHaY/F9BHi_i5dJcIv1-A39F0FbMajIynDDE4wCPcB/s400/German%2BDinner%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmana%2BColonies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We also celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary while there, so we decided to sample some good German cooking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nTI_G31Uys/WO1vt38nFXI/AAAAAAAAHaY/ry9UM4SE4igVBaVInOy_MD6mRsnmvEnJACPcB/s1600/Snuggles%2Bmaking%2Bsure%2BCollins%2Bis%2BOK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nTI_G31Uys/WO1vt38nFXI/AAAAAAAAHaY/ry9UM4SE4igVBaVInOy_MD6mRsnmvEnJACPcB/s400/Snuggles%2Bmaking%2Bsure%2BCollins%2Bis%2BOK.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a weekend of fun, Collins needed a nap.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlJ_vTzsrRE/WO1vtwlIUbI/AAAAAAAAHaY/7uDjbjchJt4kb8Fn8CmO5CgUx-dfzddXwCPcB/s1600/The%2BWoolen%2BMill%2Bin%2BAmana4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlJ_vTzsrRE/WO1vtwlIUbI/AAAAAAAAHaY/7uDjbjchJt4kb8Fn8CmO5CgUx-dfzddXwCPcB/s400/The%2BWoolen%2BMill%2Bin%2BAmana4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One day we took a walk thru town & also went to Wool factory<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLmDXdA94us/WO1vt9ixUcI/AAAAAAAAHaY/MHTDO3n9j2MR5iKACXafUlTmuBPDBQfgACPcB/s1600/The%2BWoolen%2BMill%2Bin%2BAmana%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLmDXdA94us/WO1vt9ixUcI/AAAAAAAAHaY/MHTDO3n9j2MR5iKACXafUlTmuBPDBQfgACPcB/s400/The%2BWoolen%2BMill%2Bin%2BAmana%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--71I_OtJguc/WO1vt4xvG5I/AAAAAAAAHaY/wjx9AJJuBxgBmImtEe8PLgaqQYXwu8iKgCPcB/s1600/The%2BWoolen%2BMill%2Bin%2BAmana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--71I_OtJguc/WO1vt4xvG5I/AAAAAAAAHaY/wjx9AJJuBxgBmImtEe8PLgaqQYXwu8iKgCPcB/s400/The%2BWoolen%2BMill%2Bin%2BAmana.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After leaving the Amana Colonies, we made our way to Lake of the Ozarks, MO. We have good friends, Wayne & Sue Doornbosch, who have retired there. We decided to pay them a short visit. The weather was beautiful so we kind of bummed around for the day & stopped at a winery on the Lake for an afternoon drink & some munchies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbyZwpoKy3c/WO2DEl4m1bI/AAAAAAAAHcs/ThXTsUvjhe4WG8CA6g7Jeh0qc934TKa2ACEw/s1600/Collins%252C%2BSue%2B%2526%2BWayne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbyZwpoKy3c/WO2DEl4m1bI/AAAAAAAAHcs/ThXTsUvjhe4WG8CA6g7Jeh0qc934TKa2ACEw/s400/Collins%252C%2BSue%2B%2526%2BWayne.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins, Sue & Wayne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfhQSms9mrI/WO2DE3BDlTI/AAAAAAAAHcw/pzHQCZBusjYV_upqPaHzA77VDGJaQDaWACEw/s1600/Karen%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BSue%2B%2526%2BWayne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfhQSms9mrI/WO2DE3BDlTI/AAAAAAAAHcw/pzHQCZBusjYV_upqPaHzA77VDGJaQDaWACEw/s400/Karen%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BSue%2B%2526%2BWayne.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Collins, Sue & Wayne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our next stop was the Natchez Trace Parkway. It leads you 444 miles thru 3 states. It was a natural travel corridor developed during the late 1700's. It bisected the homelands of the Natchez, Chickasaw, & Choctaw nations. Growing numbers of travelers trampled the rough trail into a clearly marked path. In 1801 President Thomas Jefferson designated the Trace a national post road for mail delivery between Nashville & Natchez. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We waited until the last week of October, hoping for great tree colors. We began our journey in Nashville. The tree colors were not as brilliant as we'd hoped, but were probably the best we were going to get. We missed the beautiful reds of the maples & other trees we're used to seeing in the east & Midwest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFBHvjcocTc/WO2KrKCSaZI/AAAAAAAAHeA/vfR-mxt7jpcmwYlNgRq3Z0awoHuypaLIQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFBHvjcocTc/WO2KrKCSaZI/AAAAAAAAHeA/vfR-mxt7jpcmwYlNgRq3Z0awoHuypaLIQCPcB/s400/DSCN2575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAOcMlEQPSg/WO2KrE9udvI/AAAAAAAAHeA/II_VzeFWkf4GJW9X51uGEWO-tynaoOCegCPcB/s1600/DSCN2574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAOcMlEQPSg/WO2KrE9udvI/AAAAAAAAHeA/II_VzeFWkf4GJW9X51uGEWO-tynaoOCegCPcB/s400/DSCN2574.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Arch Bridge at Nashville end of the Trace<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0rAkjusoPo/WO2KrO7yPoI/AAAAAAAAHeA/UqaFGIVNY5ADhCuZrC99IuBnbbtdChsoQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0rAkjusoPo/WO2KrO7yPoI/AAAAAAAAHeA/UqaFGIVNY5ADhCuZrC99IuBnbbtdChsoQCPcB/s400/DSCN2577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qIFYd3SjKE/WO2KrAgZTxI/AAAAAAAAHeI/I8mgSSHJDHsh_MrJNsQ8sYvqMcRrvnpJACPcB/s1600/DSCN2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qIFYd3SjKE/WO2KrAgZTxI/AAAAAAAAHeI/I8mgSSHJDHsh_MrJNsQ8sYvqMcRrvnpJACPcB/s400/DSCN2578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNoAXEdpSy8/WO2KrJ97MOI/AAAAAAAAHeI/iCb39TS9qA4EG8NtliIRjRnIHEDU8LdRgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNoAXEdpSy8/WO2KrJ97MOI/AAAAAAAAHeI/iCb39TS9qA4EG8NtliIRjRnIHEDU8LdRgCPcB/s400/DSCN2579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7QsUhnFiLM/WO2KrMMkI3I/AAAAAAAAHeI/GwSg06ZCOP8m9owhkwDU5x3Ajd4K_s4sgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7QsUhnFiLM/WO2KrMMkI3I/AAAAAAAAHeI/GwSg06ZCOP8m9owhkwDU5x3Ajd4K_s4sgCPcB/s400/DSCN2581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrRP9FCOinE/WO2KrIKQg1I/AAAAAAAAHeI/0xHJUZGFoR4MVZo2_ildtG8hShPyIDEqQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrRP9FCOinE/WO2KrIKQg1I/AAAAAAAAHeI/0xHJUZGFoR4MVZo2_ildtG8hShPyIDEqQCPcB/s400/DSCN2583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We camped overnight at the Meriwether Lewis Campground located on the trace. It was a pretty campground & surprisingly crowded. It had nice large, pull thru parking spots.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aj-PIfWGlE/WO2KrDJPCJI/AAAAAAAAHeI/WD6431bGIIM6iq1NVreYGhLZWEM8fz_XgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aj-PIfWGlE/WO2KrDJPCJI/AAAAAAAAHeI/WD6431bGIIM6iq1NVreYGhLZWEM8fz_XgCPcB/s400/DSCN2585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UKdQlHdjGM/WO2KrP-ZAVI/AAAAAAAAHeI/rpDSB1k25Y48HmMi3w8PRJdie1R3hRR6gCPcB/s1600/DSCN2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UKdQlHdjGM/WO2KrP-ZAVI/AAAAAAAAHeI/rpDSB1k25Y48HmMi3w8PRJdie1R3hRR6gCPcB/s400/DSCN2586.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Meriwether Lewis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE6z9rUVE_0/WO2KrHXRNgI/AAAAAAAAHeI/gz-Tl8I3BykQBX_9FgGZhITjjHLO3D8mACPcB/s1600/DSCN2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE6z9rUVE_0/WO2KrHXRNgI/AAAAAAAAHeI/gz-Tl8I3BykQBX_9FgGZhITjjHLO3D8mACPcB/s400/DSCN2590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfCj070fkD0/WO2KrBpuOOI/AAAAAAAAHeI/y_JTx2sn4UAS1KnyM3GcxGUAFW2lvGC2wCPcB/s1600/DSCN2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfCj070fkD0/WO2KrBpuOOI/AAAAAAAAHeI/y_JTx2sn4UAS1KnyM3GcxGUAFW2lvGC2wCPcB/s400/DSCN2588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIm8rxsmtYw/WO2KrCJ1lgI/AAAAAAAAHeI/2Lg_2_sneH8BVSBOGi2BUC7UZQ9E1qbbgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIm8rxsmtYw/WO2KrCJ1lgI/AAAAAAAAHeI/2Lg_2_sneH8BVSBOGi2BUC7UZQ9E1qbbgCPcB/s400/DSCN2592.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tsFb3f0qdQ/WO2KrHnJCnI/AAAAAAAAHeI/hO0EZQFPm4Aa1hjqq2N5RIv9ukiYT-fFQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tsFb3f0qdQ/WO2KrHnJCnI/AAAAAAAAHeI/hO0EZQFPm4Aa1hjqq2N5RIv9ukiYT-fFQCPcB/s400/DSCN2593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A really nice feature of the Parkway is there are no stop lights or stop signs along the way. There is nothing commercial on the Parkway itself, so it's smooth sailing. Of course, there are a lot of pull offs so you do have to watch for some traffic.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJy_SxHkh2E/WO2KrHExZHI/AAAAAAAAHeI/dCw71hnbFvYWjMjWMZzQ0YtH9sZ87pJBACPcB/s1600/DSCN2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJy_SxHkh2E/WO2KrHExZHI/AAAAAAAAHeI/dCw71hnbFvYWjMjWMZzQ0YtH9sZ87pJBACPcB/s400/DSCN2594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcI8pVORj18/WO2KrK5gyZI/AAAAAAAAHeI/Xtek_AbWNvI0cYM0UhHf_8cskwNZdhWOACPcB/s1600/DSCN2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcI8pVORj18/WO2KrK5gyZI/AAAAAAAAHeI/Xtek_AbWNvI0cYM0UhHf_8cskwNZdhWOACPcB/s400/DSCN2595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta7lnjdRejM/WO2KrPgQBBI/AAAAAAAAHeI/RVRXIpq_EB8gjAz2wenqRcV9TyC9sgTyACPcB/s1600/DSCN2596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta7lnjdRejM/WO2KrPgQBBI/AAAAAAAAHeI/RVRXIpq_EB8gjAz2wenqRcV9TyC9sgTyACPcB/s320/DSCN2596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEx6PifExKw/WO2KrPBY2EI/AAAAAAAAHeI/7t-wAJBTl5gfrkCHte_5OmL0h80uVOxiQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEx6PifExKw/WO2KrPBY2EI/AAAAAAAAHeI/7t-wAJBTl5gfrkCHte_5OmL0h80uVOxiQCPcB/s400/DSCN2597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMf7VRbwTLQ/WO2KrBVrwoI/AAAAAAAAHeI/vx-h1jNP1pQvlzgp4bcagBr89MqyQ7RGgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMf7VRbwTLQ/WO2KrBVrwoI/AAAAAAAAHeI/vx-h1jNP1pQvlzgp4bcagBr89MqyQ7RGgCPcB/s400/DSCN2598.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the beaver damn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkJxy5ffexo/WO2KrMZ8N4I/AAAAAAAAHeI/8Ge23Yzdlu8zLrTKEaw0iKkAb6yH3UNvgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkJxy5ffexo/WO2KrMZ8N4I/AAAAAAAAHeI/8Ge23Yzdlu8zLrTKEaw0iKkAb6yH3UNvgCPcB/s400/DSCN2602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISJmJDYATRs/WO2KrCCV6_I/AAAAAAAAHeI/sb7UNtJtVRI-CLkfLYRy0_-nRAKauwZHwCPcB/s1600/DSCN2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISJmJDYATRs/WO2KrCCV6_I/AAAAAAAAHeI/sb7UNtJtVRI-CLkfLYRy0_-nRAKauwZHwCPcB/s400/DSCN2601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since we made so many stops, some days we only drove 50 or 60 miles. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQjlfUmkdsA/WO2KrHhkVVI/AAAAAAAAHeI/Guq85v45FEMydw8vqS2ORmC6c8hDTiRxQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQjlfUmkdsA/WO2KrHhkVVI/AAAAAAAAHeI/Guq85v45FEMydw8vqS2ORmC6c8hDTiRxQCPcB/s400/DSCN2605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_XM8x4Eio4/WO2KrNcmJKI/AAAAAAAAHeI/x1RSGD3r09kA9kpFxMnunJvagUkxBZ5-wCPcB/s1600/DSCN2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_XM8x4Eio4/WO2KrNcmJKI/AAAAAAAAHeI/x1RSGD3r09kA9kpFxMnunJvagUkxBZ5-wCPcB/s400/DSCN2604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We got off the Trace Parkway for a few days and went to a town called Corinth. There, we went to a Civil War Interpretive Center & the Shiloh National Military Battlefield. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pLHzEP-l_g/WO2KrCLmIWI/AAAAAAAAHeI/ac2Mr2BZJMcE1gS9yXcvVCvaq9sda9RXACPcB/s1600/DSCN2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pLHzEP-l_g/WO2KrCLmIWI/AAAAAAAAHeI/ac2Mr2BZJMcE1gS9yXcvVCvaq9sda9RXACPcB/s400/DSCN2603.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's very sobering to be standing in a place where such fierce fighting & bloodshed took place.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYrHrIP3r58/WO2KrGVqL0I/AAAAAAAAHeI/9LK1FY_vvGM2wiuWDJriFvKbp77Ivp2FACPcB/s1600/DSCN2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYrHrIP3r58/WO2KrGVqL0I/AAAAAAAAHeI/9LK1FY_vvGM2wiuWDJriFvKbp77Ivp2FACPcB/s400/DSCN2606.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After a couple days of doing nothing in Corinth, we were back on the Natchez Parkway.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4zFQ7eq1y4/WO2KrNU-rOI/AAAAAAAAHeI/a-NWpDJBdr41FCvjeeenEpEwHiXH_bWhQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4zFQ7eq1y4/WO2KrNU-rOI/AAAAAAAAHeI/a-NWpDJBdr41FCvjeeenEpEwHiXH_bWhQCPcB/s400/DSCN2607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv9p0aEOEEQ/WO2KrGljyiI/AAAAAAAAHeI/D6V9DPPOZ-4pLC3qUC-4_P_JJvIrXHMvQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv9p0aEOEEQ/WO2KrGljyiI/AAAAAAAAHeI/D6V9DPPOZ-4pLC3qUC-4_P_JJvIrXHMvQCPcB/s400/DSCN2609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hpqzNd0pjQA/WO2KrJz-tLI/AAAAAAAAHeI/_lLB15MDe7MVBIjzYP9lzGZDac1u-G67wCPcB/s1600/DSCN2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hpqzNd0pjQA/WO2KrJz-tLI/AAAAAAAAHeI/_lLB15MDe7MVBIjzYP9lzGZDac1u-G67wCPcB/s400/DSCN2610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7C_WuaGR1A/WO2KrHzPqXI/AAAAAAAAHeI/nzTiMuwQl8IVm7VNM-r6LOvshv1_zmRCwCPcB/s1600/DSCN2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7C_WuaGR1A/WO2KrHzPqXI/AAAAAAAAHeI/nzTiMuwQl8IVm7VNM-r6LOvshv1_zmRCwCPcB/s400/DSCN2611.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered with red flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggKVp5cSK74/WO2KrC_OxQI/AAAAAAAAHeI/d2UsRb6fBswzmB47PHXLmYNIqpGQAwSowCPcB/s1600/DSCN2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggKVp5cSK74/WO2KrC_OxQI/AAAAAAAAHeI/d2UsRb6fBswzmB47PHXLmYNIqpGQAwSowCPcB/s400/DSCN2613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOymjLBpTvQ/WO2KrOkoP3I/AAAAAAAAHeI/Hvpwp0mHC7sgKEF2EaCQRaIcKFS_2br1wCPcB/s1600/DSCN2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOymjLBpTvQ/WO2KrOkoP3I/AAAAAAAAHeI/Hvpwp0mHC7sgKEF2EaCQRaIcKFS_2br1wCPcB/s400/DSCN2615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knq64mbYU7E/WO2KrBDO3aI/AAAAAAAAHeI/SEmkVM0ey3IrcRC0C0bTMs96Xnga7QBeQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knq64mbYU7E/WO2KrBDO3aI/AAAAAAAAHeI/SEmkVM0ey3IrcRC0C0bTMs96Xnga7QBeQCPcB/s400/DSCN2616.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZFQBu531DA/WO2KrKCTT0I/AAAAAAAAHeI/iQhKm09_jwQKYO8rpk0Gn1Bl5YfnN1RTQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZFQBu531DA/WO2KrKCTT0I/AAAAAAAAHeI/iQhKm09_jwQKYO8rpk0Gn1Bl5YfnN1RTQCPcB/s400/DSCN2618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isol6743Bnc/WO4kPLLg7ZI/AAAAAAAAHgg/ff0NPVhN6N4tFXY13cOkVag-Yd2Z5KG8QCPcB/s1600/DSCN2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isol6743Bnc/WO4kPLLg7ZI/AAAAAAAAHgg/ff0NPVhN6N4tFXY13cOkVag-Yd2Z5KG8QCPcB/s400/DSCN2622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are seven different mound sites along the Trace. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<figcaption style="text-align: left;">Emerald Mound is the largest mound along the Parkway. It covers 8 acres and stands 70 feet at its peak. The mound was occupied as recently as 1600. </figcaption><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7M8aD7YIK4/WO4kPOWSJPI/AAAAAAAAHgg/OWudPpJpa5EmJ9-d4wHkpsn4JdWklY-GwCPcB/s1600/DSCN2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7M8aD7YIK4/WO4kPOWSJPI/AAAAAAAAHgg/OWudPpJpa5EmJ9-d4wHkpsn4JdWklY-GwCPcB/s400/DSCN2621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYxlPmHTLQU/WO4kPBzPz3I/AAAAAAAAHgg/Bz0sGKmmYugXlHZiUgP-97bkzqVQWQhjgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYxlPmHTLQU/WO4kPBzPz3I/AAAAAAAAHgg/Bz0sGKmmYugXlHZiUgP-97bkzqVQWQhjgCPcB/s400/DSCN2625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After leaving the Natchez Trace Parkway, we stopped off for a week just outside Natchez, MS. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We did some exploring around Natchez a couple of days. One day we went to the visitor's center & saw a film about the development of the town. We also took a carriage ride to see some of the sites. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We went back a few days later to view a couple of the old mansions. When you read books or see movies like Gone With the Wind, you think these were huge McMansion style homes. But honestly, there are plenty of homes today that are so much larger than these.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our first stop was Rosalie Mansion. It was built in the 1820s and became headquarters for the Union Army in 1863. After its Federal occupancy, it was returned intact to it's owners. Today it is owned by the Mississippi State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fI60CVmQYKs/WO4kPODjpVI/AAAAAAAAHgg/U-oLK7IkUS4y080lU12LSdJSRNKZf87nQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fI60CVmQYKs/WO4kPODjpVI/AAAAAAAAHgg/U-oLK7IkUS4y080lU12LSdJSRNKZf87nQCPcB/s400/DSCN2635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosalie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3FwDnQc3ZI/WO4kPBmjDTI/AAAAAAAAHgg/75ff9bTGKZ0xdHHdTlTVEeOoSPwg0BaSgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3FwDnQc3ZI/WO4kPBmjDTI/AAAAAAAAHgg/75ff9bTGKZ0xdHHdTlTVEeOoSPwg0BaSgCPcB/s400/DSCN2637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVCKfVgpFZ8/WO4kPOcs9nI/AAAAAAAAHgg/4P3IK6ERrrw5slzrjywHd755jF6Kw-PNgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVCKfVgpFZ8/WO4kPOcs9nI/AAAAAAAAHgg/4P3IK6ERrrw5slzrjywHd755jF6Kw-PNgCPcB/s400/DSCN2634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03XOKBrvhuY/WO4kPErZHbI/AAAAAAAAHgg/qTlmYuWbYGkbhrx8GdFjpijxWG0zaag-QCPcB/s1600/DSCN2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03XOKBrvhuY/WO4kPErZHbI/AAAAAAAAHgg/qTlmYuWbYGkbhrx8GdFjpijxWG0zaag-QCPcB/s400/DSCN2636.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge Live Oaks on the grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhNOf4hrDtE/WO4kPG5hIUI/AAAAAAAAHgg/8syyZxcOQSInpTl477LAKoy1Xcls5-8QgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhNOf4hrDtE/WO4kPG5hIUI/AAAAAAAAHgg/8syyZxcOQSInpTl477LAKoy1Xcls5-8QgCPcB/s400/DSCN2638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next stop, Stanton Hall. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndJ4M8rrLJk/WO4kPKU2MaI/AAAAAAAAHgg/OgvBhrtCBf0b_KvAHpxwOnCw775b-C9AQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndJ4M8rrLJk/WO4kPKU2MaI/AAAAAAAAHgg/OgvBhrtCBf0b_KvAHpxwOnCw775b-C9AQCPcB/s400/DSCN2639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aueNH47MKd8/WO4kPBP01hI/AAAAAAAAHgg/HrShPJYHansSu1SOKwb4mFMqDNJDtPCYACPcB/s1600/DSCN2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aueNH47MKd8/WO4kPBP01hI/AAAAAAAAHgg/HrShPJYHansSu1SOKwb4mFMqDNJDtPCYACPcB/s400/DSCN2640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was built in 1857-59, & finished just a few months prior to Frederick Stanton's death. It remained in the family until 1894, when it became Stanton College for women.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tysk1xe5W5c/WO4kPB1gwQI/AAAAAAAAHgg/UyUG1gZHjQszuUsPrhBJ7j498ITtXPHAgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tysk1xe5W5c/WO4kPB1gwQI/AAAAAAAAHgg/UyUG1gZHjQszuUsPrhBJ7j498ITtXPHAgCPcB/s400/DSCN2641.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-OUoRxl0n4/WO4kPLFsZSI/AAAAAAAAHgg/i-S6Kcl5QrIofN3zR6yrByEnjjrr55RcgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-OUoRxl0n4/WO4kPLFsZSI/AAAAAAAAHgg/i-S6Kcl5QrIofN3zR6yrByEnjjrr55RcgCPcB/s400/DSCN2650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Longwood was the surprise. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you just look at the pictures from the outside, you'll think this is a true mansion. It's an octoganal "Oriental Villa" started in 1861.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9QQrgvbFZE/WO4kPJv-8BI/AAAAAAAAHgg/4mkxzLovKD4jerSAzP3fqF9K-HCJRQF3wCPcB/s1600/DSCN2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9QQrgvbFZE/WO4kPJv-8BI/AAAAAAAAHgg/4mkxzLovKD4jerSAzP3fqF9K-HCJRQF3wCPcB/s400/DSCN2642.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxhPbICXmoM/WO4kPKuOgWI/AAAAAAAAHgg/wdqP2cN9zJ8KUHGs6RSUZbG9okUu2DDZACPcB/s1600/DSCN2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxhPbICXmoM/WO4kPKuOgWI/AAAAAAAAHgg/wdqP2cN9zJ8KUHGs6RSUZbG9okUu2DDZACPcB/s400/DSCN2643.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mHpFr8ZRuNc/WO4kPCgS33I/AAAAAAAAHgg/496vtHvSVoMsnmRYw2F7ClyB4_8z_QoCwCPcB/s1600/DSCN2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mHpFr8ZRuNc/WO4kPCgS33I/AAAAAAAAHgg/496vtHvSVoMsnmRYw2F7ClyB4_8z_QoCwCPcB/s400/DSCN2644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLFpIC7Xa04/WO4kPMwhD_I/AAAAAAAAHgg/nZ7JYYktK0M8kkF99hLIBCBLNxo4-a4jgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLFpIC7Xa04/WO4kPMwhD_I/AAAAAAAAHgg/nZ7JYYktK0M8kkF99hLIBCBLNxo4-a4jgCPcB/s400/DSCN2647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
However, with tensions over the Civil War rising, and affecting the wealth of the Nutt family, only the lowest level was ever completed. Many of the original building materials are still there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCxSVlknkf8/WO4kPOaYKOI/AAAAAAAAHgg/ogq8GLgL5-EN6RENzBVTXgptkc4qSzwMACPcB/s1600/DSCN2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCxSVlknkf8/WO4kPOaYKOI/AAAAAAAAHgg/ogq8GLgL5-EN6RENzBVTXgptkc4qSzwMACPcB/s400/DSCN2645.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It probably would have been magnificent if it had been completed.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap-ixQYcq2Y/WO4kPMV-3nI/AAAAAAAAHgg/6caSv8vzkasms4dRMAwf8sLh6ui03qwOACPcB/s1600/DSCN2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap-ixQYcq2Y/WO4kPMV-3nI/AAAAAAAAHgg/6caSv8vzkasms4dRMAwf8sLh6ui03qwOACPcB/s400/DSCN2653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVS0oVAogko/WO4kPF5GaII/AAAAAAAAHgg/s59GK21vLVsSBGQ7yFoVy73XLR2Og6ZiwCPcB/s1600/DSCN2654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVS0oVAogko/WO4kPF5GaII/AAAAAAAAHgg/s59GK21vLVsSBGQ7yFoVy73XLR2Og6ZiwCPcB/s320/DSCN2654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For those of you who think all we do is have fun, here's a picture of Collins varnishing many of our cabinet doors. They tend to get scratched after so many years. Yes, we've been on the road almost 7 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uY1E2HmBVok/WO4kPFdF4zI/AAAAAAAAHgg/3lFawvTZJAc4ponfvabFuP2oL-2JIYUSACPcB/s1600/DSCN2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uY1E2HmBVok/WO4kPFdF4zI/AAAAAAAAHgg/3lFawvTZJAc4ponfvabFuP2oL-2JIYUSACPcB/s320/DSCN2652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had beautiful sunsets over the lake at our campground in Louisiana.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By mid Nov we were on our way to FL. We were planning to spend Christmas with our daughter Collina, our granddaughters Lexi & Brittany, and our great grandson Blake. We slowly meandered across the state with a stop in Pensacola. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLQrsVRI98U/WPAW8v75asI/AAAAAAAAHlA/hYnS3PWwINoDAmJhJr5Ipyzmi5v0Q-lrQCLcB/s1600/Barb%252C%2BRob%252C%2BKaren%2B%2526%2BCollins%2BThanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLQrsVRI98U/WPAW8v75asI/AAAAAAAAHlA/hYnS3PWwINoDAmJhJr5Ipyzmi5v0Q-lrQCLcB/s400/Barb%252C%2BRob%252C%2BKaren%2B%2526%2BCollins%2BThanksgiving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The weather was great & we made some new friends there, Rob & Barb Sterling. We all had Thanksgiving Dinner at a nice restaurant on the beach.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since we had moved around so much during the summer & early fall, we spent 3 weeks chilling in Pensacola before moving down the road. Our next hop was to one of our favorite campgrounds, Mayport Naval Base near Jacksonville, FL</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're lucky enough to have a front row spot, which we were, you can easily watch the ships come in & out of port. Here are a few of the many we saw during our 2 week stay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WF4HX1qj5TM/WO7CYoy_S2I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/M-v_kxWwoH4W2ZIZl8dRkPOnCDImtg-zwCPcB/s1600/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WF4HX1qj5TM/WO7CYoy_S2I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/M-v_kxWwoH4W2ZIZl8dRkPOnCDImtg-zwCPcB/s400/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhihNsLhoV4/WO7CYnjuZSI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/ixkS0DBCsIcGTv35YYOJ8jH1deYVPZqxACPcB/s1600/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhihNsLhoV4/WO7CYnjuZSI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/ixkS0DBCsIcGTv35YYOJ8jH1deYVPZqxACPcB/s400/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us4wByndbJk/WO7CYvLt1qI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/TbvRIpPjLOQHapPTkXAgfFUX2nv64z3nQCPcB/s1600/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us4wByndbJk/WO7CYvLt1qI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/TbvRIpPjLOQHapPTkXAgfFUX2nv64z3nQCPcB/s400/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJcAyBcwIZw/WO7CYgfgqYI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/nTmkFucY-nksgsuXpaCdQUhEMnGr7unyQCPcB/s1600/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJcAyBcwIZw/WO7CYgfgqYI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/nTmkFucY-nksgsuXpaCdQUhEMnGr7unyQCPcB/s400/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqUjne1LXis/WO7CYuuAl0I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/B3Y1bzSU1HcELX8-UcvQsQPZcq2TbSN-gCPcB/s1600/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqUjne1LXis/WO7CYuuAl0I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/B3Y1bzSU1HcELX8-UcvQsQPZcq2TbSN-gCPcB/s400/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzcI83fM9q8/WO7CYt6WKuI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/RDLyFQX5w0oWwX-egIkADLWS1SF_WmNaQCPcB/s1600/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzcI83fM9q8/WO7CYt6WKuI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/RDLyFQX5w0oWwX-egIkADLWS1SF_WmNaQCPcB/s400/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IoOV4XLr1o/WO7CYs3HJZI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/ABdPij7j3yUAsDPdQcAl4x5w-MB3eHrDACPcB/s1600/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IoOV4XLr1o/WO7CYs3HJZI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/ABdPij7j3yUAsDPdQcAl4x5w-MB3eHrDACPcB/s400/Ships%2Bat%2BMayport%2B7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfMfVCcpALE/WO7CYj0vcrI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/kGE2OIK4x-Qw56KN_XrRBDSfYIbuQxiEgCPcB/s1600/Taking%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bto%2BFt.%2BGeorge%2BIsland%252C%2BFL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfMfVCcpALE/WO7CYj0vcrI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/kGE2OIK4x-Qw56KN_XrRBDSfYIbuQxiEgCPcB/s400/Taking%2Bthe%2BFerry%2Bto%2BFt.%2BGeorge%2BIsland%252C%2BFL.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One day we took the Ferry to St. George Island. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMiCrVxn0Ik/WO7CYn8oH3I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/5PB9NO726xwpUh1kxbzWAcwTFGNPqBvrACPcB/s1600/Visiting%2Bthe%2BKingsley%2BPlantation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMiCrVxn0Ik/WO7CYn8oH3I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/5PB9NO726xwpUh1kxbzWAcwTFGNPqBvrACPcB/s400/Visiting%2Bthe%2BKingsley%2BPlantation.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We checked out the Kingsley Plantation </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAgXhJ5K3gg/WO7CYhcl5cI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/ODxQET07SjEZrxPYmrSLsoyQekfZXXq6ACPcB/s1600/Visiting%2Bthe%2BKingsley%2BPlantation%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAgXhJ5K3gg/WO7CYhcl5cI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/ODxQET07SjEZrxPYmrSLsoyQekfZXXq6ACPcB/s400/Visiting%2Bthe%2BKingsley%2BPlantation%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Cds1HgMt4/WO7CYpbfnQI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/vTK57aPray0BCfcubPNx0ykMktEZ04LPgCPcB/s1600/Visiting%2Bthe%2BKingsley%2BPlantation%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Cds1HgMt4/WO7CYpbfnQI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/vTK57aPray0BCfcubPNx0ykMktEZ04LPgCPcB/s400/Visiting%2Bthe%2BKingsley%2BPlantation%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2mDodt4M9s/WPAbotNl33I/AAAAAAAAHlY/ApTXijQnrMUskXGMcZBdmzXKWDoFOFHTwCLcB/s1600/Karen%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Bon%2BSt.%2BGeorge%2BIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2mDodt4M9s/WPAbotNl33I/AAAAAAAAHlY/ApTXijQnrMUskXGMcZBdmzXKWDoFOFHTwCLcB/s400/Karen%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Bon%2BSt.%2BGeorge%2BIsland.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dQKcmM2PRA/WPAbnlO7ZeI/AAAAAAAAHlU/mhM7UbPlmPorETE49yshAt7advLYWQvmwCLcB/s1600/Lunch%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Bon%2BSt.%2BGeorge%2BIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dQKcmM2PRA/WPAbnlO7ZeI/AAAAAAAAHlU/mhM7UbPlmPorETE49yshAt7advLYWQvmwCLcB/s400/Lunch%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Bon%2BSt.%2BGeorge%2BIsland.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
& had a nice lunch at a restaurant on the beach.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After spending a couple of weeks near Jacksonville, it was time to go to Orlando. We couldn't believe Christmas was just around the corner.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCUEOg5YlFE/WO7CYpUT2uI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/UTDQghxLe1AZPcMQfcdg-IZ0d2h5sRnwwCPcB/s1600/Collina%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BBlake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCUEOg5YlFE/WO7CYpUT2uI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/UTDQghxLe1AZPcMQfcdg-IZ0d2h5sRnwwCPcB/s400/Collina%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BBlake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zq3gnT4aX_Y/WO7CYt1SO_I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/HPz8N8CKze461ppZxrhGujJXApb_E1pGgCPcB/s1600/Collina%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BBlake%2B%2526%2BLexi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zq3gnT4aX_Y/WO7CYt1SO_I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/HPz8N8CKze461ppZxrhGujJXApb_E1pGgCPcB/s400/Collina%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BBlake%2B%2526%2BLexi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Soon after arriving at our Campground, we were greeted by Collina, Blake & Lexi.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTaI2G1DdsY/WO7CYukoYEI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/2hwmWTVBVuQBte4d0NA0pAai7H0QaHsdgCPcB/s1600/Karen%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BCollina%252C%2BLexi%2B%2526%2BBlake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTaI2G1DdsY/WO7CYukoYEI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/2hwmWTVBVuQBte4d0NA0pAai7H0QaHsdgCPcB/s400/Karen%252C%2BCollins%252C%2BCollina%252C%2BLexi%2B%2526%2BBlake.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Collins, Collina, Lexi & Blake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1YNzgqLLyU/WO7CYrNRrDI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/GHngg9Akvo8Il_gxIEfKUfGlnoubpivdQCPcB/s1600/Blake%2Bat%2Bdecorated%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1YNzgqLLyU/WO7CYrNRrDI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/GHngg9Akvo8Il_gxIEfKUfGlnoubpivdQCPcB/s400/Blake%2Bat%2Bdecorated%2Bhouse.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We were off to have dinner & check out the Christmas lights in Lake Mary. Most of the town was decorated & put us all in the Christmas mood.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YuPg3aUw4Wk/WPAe_duXcII/AAAAAAAAHlk/_7DB4Nxttnsi4kKIzkNZQAdgNEW2Nbk6wCLcB/s1600/Sandhill%2BCranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YuPg3aUw4Wk/WPAe_duXcII/AAAAAAAAHlk/_7DB4Nxttnsi4kKIzkNZQAdgNEW2Nbk6wCLcB/s400/Sandhill%2BCranes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We noticed these Sand hill Cranes roaming around our campground.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3d2txEDXl4/WO7CYqjM1ZI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/PXiizDQMcU4nf6m8NIrzBmurP2WUgn3AQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3d2txEDXl4/WO7CYqjM1ZI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/PXiizDQMcU4nf6m8NIrzBmurP2WUgn3AQCPcB/s400/DSCN2676.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittany, Collina, Lexi & Blake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOkXzTg34GY/WO7CYkQ_3UI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/cFJ230TbVJY3tmlLzBpSeiFIXYzX9yfhgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOkXzTg34GY/WO7CYkQ_3UI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/cFJ230TbVJY3tmlLzBpSeiFIXYzX9yfhgCPcB/s400/DSCN2677.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Christmas Eve arrived before we knew it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxy8ibX34QE/WO7CYv7PzlI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/PUrKUnBqbC09LeHhW0VsO8y8kJcgHTwYACPcB/s1600/DSCN2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxy8ibX34QE/WO7CYv7PzlI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/PUrKUnBqbC09LeHhW0VsO8y8kJcgHTwYACPcB/s400/DSCN2679.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake is ready to open presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been a long time since we've had a 6 year old around at Christmas time. You forget how excited they are for the big day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZHTU3D9F-8/WO7CYqYV1SI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/9lAIt-HdZtwC4CV7MW2xYOpWN87txnd6gCPcB/s1600/DSCN2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZHTU3D9F-8/WO7CYqYV1SI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/9lAIt-HdZtwC4CV7MW2xYOpWN87txnd6gCPcB/s320/DSCN2681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwgikl0WMo8/WO7CYhKUrxI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/do1IPfNvBq8DjkKPnw_KxptImV2mZm-DgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwgikl0WMo8/WO7CYhKUrxI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/do1IPfNvBq8DjkKPnw_KxptImV2mZm-DgCPcB/s400/DSCN2687.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcJP0hocnnE/WO7CYqYQhMI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/9BzQXL-6ZkMVw0VyvlacX-iJT2kM3MQKACPcB/s1600/DSCN2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcJP0hocnnE/WO7CYqYQhMI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/9BzQXL-6ZkMVw0VyvlacX-iJT2kM3MQKACPcB/s400/DSCN2688.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2II8tjZ4kw/WO7CYp3MjKI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/gMpjOJ0yHqIYnzSAnYfK-Cno8QtUEpLJgCPcB/s1600/DSCN2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2II8tjZ4kw/WO7CYp3MjKI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/gMpjOJ0yHqIYnzSAnYfK-Cno8QtUEpLJgCPcB/s400/DSCN2690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLnC3_1_GSk/WO7CYpY8G5I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/mlwjM-Dn7mA7-4_8ShMdBvqru43hEnsDQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLnC3_1_GSk/WO7CYpY8G5I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/mlwjM-Dn7mA7-4_8ShMdBvqru43hEnsDQCPcB/s400/DSCN2692.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jfjY8YTzqU/WO7CYvfKs5I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/SevzBe-nEwgyRxPXunVXi7JCQfsdMm4lACPcB/s1600/DSCN2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jfjY8YTzqU/WO7CYvfKs5I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/SevzBe-nEwgyRxPXunVXi7JCQfsdMm4lACPcB/s400/DSCN2693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGKxE4fQow8/WO7CYnZcF1I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/oWT62nhygSIgO8CmAnhTJY2HE_ndCovkACPcB/s1600/DSCN2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGKxE4fQow8/WO7CYnZcF1I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/oWT62nhygSIgO8CmAnhTJY2HE_ndCovkACPcB/s400/DSCN2694.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a lot of fun spending Christmas with this part of the family.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8_8jAAmApE/WO7CYgwMC3I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/UuunCai-OAgk3iCuOsZQo0UHJ5sD5l3gwCPcB/s1600/Collins%2Bhas%2Bgoneto%2Bthe%2Bdogs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8_8jAAmApE/WO7CYgwMC3I/AAAAAAAAHkQ/UuunCai-OAgk3iCuOsZQo0UHJ5sD5l3gwCPcB/s400/Collins%2Bhas%2Bgoneto%2Bthe%2Bdogs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Collins & the dogs were worn out by the end of Christmas Day</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Before we knew it, it was New Year's Day & we were putting the RV in storage. We were lucky enough to store it in the same park we'd spent the past couple weeks. Collina & her boyfriend, Mike, were nice enough to come help us cover & close the RV. After finishing, we were off to Ft. Lauderdale to stay a couple nights, put the car in storage & on Jan 3rd we left for our favorite winter home, Marbella, in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. Lucky for us, we've rented the same condo for 3 years. We love our wonderful landlady, Martha, and we feel like we're coming home when we arrive. We were ready for 3 wonderful months in the Dominican Republic.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb_hhFsRB84/WPAx7kP6atI/AAAAAAAAHsU/cqIggIjs_AknZ8USd2LpdjcCn2AOBp62QCPcB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Btaking%2Ba%2Bnap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb_hhFsRB84/WPAx7kP6atI/AAAAAAAAHsU/cqIggIjs_AknZ8USd2LpdjcCn2AOBp62QCPcB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Btaking%2Ba%2Bnap2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Collins & Snuggles were in need of a rest once we got there </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bI1Dr00kHwA/WPAx7lag0-I/AAAAAAAAHsU/Vufay2YGd2oMcY5AceFl9ak5lXgFfW2owCPcB/s1600/Snuggles%2Blikes%2Bher%2Bperch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bI1Dr00kHwA/WPAx7lag0-I/AAAAAAAAHsU/Vufay2YGd2oMcY5AceFl9ak5lXgFfW2owCPcB/s320/Snuggles%2Blikes%2Bher%2Bperch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhA0BfKYpHk/WPAx7li_P5I/AAAAAAAAHsU/ONn3IkzXWvkgA-LEg2VaIcUUTJr2RksJgCPcB/s1600/Breakfast%2Bwith%2BRichard%2B%2526%2BBrenda%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhA0BfKYpHk/WPAx7li_P5I/AAAAAAAAHsU/ONn3IkzXWvkgA-LEg2VaIcUUTJr2RksJgCPcB/s400/Breakfast%2Bwith%2BRichard%2B%2526%2BBrenda%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast with Richard & Brenda Kamm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've made friends who also return each winter & occasionally hang out with them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bie7ECyf7co/WPAx7jKobXI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/-moMzYpaXcIwo6o__XTrnV27Qb01GgWCwCPcB/s1600/Dian%252C%2BMike%252C%2BWaiter%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bie7ECyf7co/WPAx7jKobXI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/-moMzYpaXcIwo6o__XTrnV27Qb01GgWCwCPcB/s400/Dian%252C%2BMike%252C%2BWaiter%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDR2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with Mike & Dian Dipenti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This year, friends we'd met in Punta Cana, decided to check out Marbella. Mike & Dian spent a month here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9fqLcwc3CI/WPAx7mWLnSI/AAAAAAAAHsU/nTtsCR_9MHQJPVxhafWMfTD24AczjB8hACPcB/s1600/Collins%252C%2BKaren%2B%2526%2BSue%2Bon%2Bbeach%2Bin%2BDR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9fqLcwc3CI/WPAx7mWLnSI/AAAAAAAAHsU/nTtsCR_9MHQJPVxhafWMfTD24AczjB8hACPcB/s400/Collins%252C%2BKaren%2B%2526%2BSue%2Bon%2Bbeach%2Bin%2BDR2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also, by now, most of you are familiar with my friend from grade school, Sue Hollingsworth. She pays us a visit every year. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--T3JLsLKKjE/WPAx7g5QRGI/AAAAAAAAHsU/21YAIisOhNkBMhDj4-01nkw6dqximxlWwCPcB/s1600/Karen%2B%2526%2BSue%2Bon%2Bbeach%2BDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--T3JLsLKKjE/WPAx7g5QRGI/AAAAAAAAHsU/21YAIisOhNkBMhDj4-01nkw6dqximxlWwCPcB/s400/Karen%2B%2526%2BSue%2Bon%2Bbeach%2BDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This year she arrived just in time for her birthday. We planned a special night with drinks on the beach </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcGY_dYFOjM/WPAx7khGbDI/AAAAAAAAHsU/gfa4nm619k4_Q6f6NbDBo_bqfIm7Ylj3gCPcB/s1600/Karen%252C%2BSue%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bbday%2Bdinner%2BDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcGY_dYFOjM/WPAx7khGbDI/AAAAAAAAHsU/gfa4nm619k4_Q6f6NbDBo_bqfIm7Ylj3gCPcB/s400/Karen%252C%2BSue%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bbday%2Bdinner%2BDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
& dinner at a very nice restaurant. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3YH1xqwJIU/WPAx7mV8e1I/AAAAAAAAHsU/OGmf18dqfoAZyoshymEZxQzUJVHg44eDwCPcB/s1600/Sue%2527s%2Bbday%2Bdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3YH1xqwJIU/WPAx7mV8e1I/AAAAAAAAHsU/OGmf18dqfoAZyoshymEZxQzUJVHg44eDwCPcB/s400/Sue%2527s%2Bbday%2Bdinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red snapper & shredded vegetables roasted in banana leaf & couscous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qhme9pLU1c/WPAx7piRDmI/AAAAAAAAHsU/TcItjk_J8OUPiEv0g3le2dt2qV-CxrMYgCPcB/s1600/Sue%2527s%2BBday%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qhme9pLU1c/WPAx7piRDmI/AAAAAAAAHsU/TcItjk_J8OUPiEv0g3le2dt2qV-CxrMYgCPcB/s400/Sue%2527s%2BBday%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDR2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They even brought her a surprise dessert!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibp_3cBWSHI/WPAx7n5mglI/AAAAAAAAHsU/mhBlwBoomzQcOXSgZuOmWu1ggDp4ImWygCPcB/s1600/Sue%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibp_3cBWSHI/WPAx7n5mglI/AAAAAAAAHsU/mhBlwBoomzQcOXSgZuOmWu1ggDp4ImWygCPcB/s400/Sue%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiSgPhm6zYY/WPAx7q5Ut8I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/cJM46QHZ4uA4KuUu4OzHYGH3OoT8bnaiwCPcB/s1600/Sue%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2BDR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiSgPhm6zYY/WPAx7q5Ut8I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/cJM46QHZ4uA4KuUu4OzHYGH3OoT8bnaiwCPcB/s400/Sue%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2BDR2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The rest of her visit was spent lazing on the beach & reading as many books as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfc48IYNaPI/WPAx7sS72II/AAAAAAAAHsQ/oqNCCh446oEwWBZ4Ul_rqpJfCjBoAOlMACPcB/s1600/Cat%2Bat%2Bthe%2Brestaurant%2Bthat%2Bslept%2Bon%2Bcollins%2Bfeet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfc48IYNaPI/WPAx7sS72II/AAAAAAAAHsQ/oqNCCh446oEwWBZ4Ul_rqpJfCjBoAOlMACPcB/s400/Cat%2Bat%2Bthe%2Brestaurant%2Bthat%2Bslept%2Bon%2Bcollins%2Bfeet1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One night when we went to dinner, there was a cat sleeping under our table. We thought it would move when we sat down, but instead it make itself comfortable on Collins feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rb_4YIauSw/WPAx7rPSj-I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/cFhUHIxlZi4ekOVoeq1XOj16vKDP-0PigCPcB/s1600/Sue%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BKaren%2BDR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rb_4YIauSw/WPAx7rPSj-I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/cFhUHIxlZi4ekOVoeq1XOj16vKDP-0PigCPcB/s400/Sue%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BKaren%2BDR1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvtrBk0Uu24/WPAx7jJJk0I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/LMO6siwnXYg7kAN-5zi4l16MUx0u3WxeQCPcB/s1600/Cat%2Bat%2Bthe%2Brestaurant%2Bthat%2Bslept%2Bon%2Bcollins%2Bfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvtrBk0Uu24/WPAx7jJJk0I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/LMO6siwnXYg7kAN-5zi4l16MUx0u3WxeQCPcB/s400/Cat%2Bat%2Bthe%2Brestaurant%2Bthat%2Bslept%2Bon%2Bcollins%2Bfeet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It finally decided to move as we were leaving. For some reason, every where we go, the animals always come to Collins.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6_n5MVSPaE/WPAx7hjqiXI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/tFws3IGH9jkUaOGiHEKidGDQb1ihvbnrwCPcB/s1600/Mike%2B%2526%2BCollina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6_n5MVSPaE/WPAx7hjqiXI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/tFws3IGH9jkUaOGiHEKidGDQb1ihvbnrwCPcB/s400/Mike%2B%2526%2BCollina.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Collina & her boyfriend Mike also paid us a visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGIFv1vL0TA/WPAx7qRSLVI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/8XU2TTtCyB4H6mR-GV8p1JTBiUuo9JgbgCPcB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BCollina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGIFv1vL0TA/WPAx7qRSLVI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/8XU2TTtCyB4H6mR-GV8p1JTBiUuo9JgbgCPcB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BCollina.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As most of you already know, our 3 months in the Dominican are pretty lazy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMP_pyy5GYU/WPAx7keIg7I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/M-W7NGj7e-8J5NTHpK-7CWCrkG7q7FMTgCPcB/s1600/Collins%2Benjoying%2Ba%2Bday%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMP_pyy5GYU/WPAx7keIg7I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/M-W7NGj7e-8J5NTHpK-7CWCrkG7q7FMTgCPcB/s400/Collins%2Benjoying%2Ba%2Bday%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8LyDwFJKlA/WPAx7mhEp7I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/wpRP1Sj1pao-HtTx7ZQ1yK_11roYzMrAwCPcB/s1600/Collins%2Brelaxing%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8LyDwFJKlA/WPAx7mhEp7I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/wpRP1Sj1pao-HtTx7ZQ1yK_11roYzMrAwCPcB/s400/Collins%2Brelaxing%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bpool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld_Q7DC1Nl8/WPAx7tUovDI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/bJA_9-8FmsgOVMPIeFnRCIYCeg_aVfzAQCPcB/s1600/Karen%2527s%2Bfavorite%2Bpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld_Q7DC1Nl8/WPAx7tUovDI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/bJA_9-8FmsgOVMPIeFnRCIYCeg_aVfzAQCPcB/s400/Karen%2527s%2Bfavorite%2Bpool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Most days are spent on the beach or at the pool. I often had the pool to myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVqcfo8-R0Q/WPAx7mQ4DdI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/vvoquWWmq5EpacwaLeib7gK4Huvs5capQCPcB/s1600/Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVqcfo8-R0Q/WPAx7mQ4DdI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/vvoquWWmq5EpacwaLeib7gK4Huvs5capQCPcB/s320/Pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVXjZDqLlmA/WPAx7iQtxgI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/oojp-fCfbj0fzdHe7svpXHwxkVfjgDJywCPcB/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVXjZDqLlmA/WPAx7iQtxgI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/oojp-fCfbj0fzdHe7svpXHwxkVfjgDJywCPcB/s400/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKpLzHPxq8A/WPAx7r0JMaI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/JA5rBROk5-EvKnkDywivihf4TUMPxFq4wCPcB/s1600/View%2Bof%2B1%2Bpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKpLzHPxq8A/WPAx7r0JMaI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/JA5rBROk5-EvKnkDywivihf4TUMPxFq4wCPcB/s400/View%2Bof%2B1%2Bpool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Occasionally, we'd stay on our wonderful balcony & enjoy the view. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7t-aNTq_n8k/WPAx7gpghLI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/HV2-ZRRpcA07AZLSCfQqBACSG4nTbE81ACPcB/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bmy%2Bcouch%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbalcony%2BDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7t-aNTq_n8k/WPAx7gpghLI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/HV2-ZRRpcA07AZLSCfQqBACSG4nTbE81ACPcB/s400/View%2Bfrom%2Bmy%2Bcouch%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbalcony%2BDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNLeMPmIXMs/WPAx7l38tJI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/by-mXLQraIoZSxsdMhFwL55iJfRf69CWQCPcB/s1600/Cutting%2Bfresh%2Bcoconuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNLeMPmIXMs/WPAx7l38tJI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/by-mXLQraIoZSxsdMhFwL55iJfRf69CWQCPcB/s400/Cutting%2Bfresh%2Bcoconuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the gardeners knocked all the coconuts off the trees so they didn't fall on us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_u4x8YZxXc/WPAx7mJ3AiI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/N3B0f41Oa2o6zSRNkNyKBdCY5lqInu1KACPcB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Benjoying%2Bfresh%2Bcoconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_u4x8YZxXc/WPAx7mJ3AiI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/N3B0f41Oa2o6zSRNkNyKBdCY5lqInu1KACPcB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Benjoying%2Bfresh%2Bcoconut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZRqEClEZDc/WPAx7rZOO1I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/4tIlfXfYBI04899EA7eIquschpcZ7uCcACPcB/s1600/Ellen%2B%2526%2BVic%2Benjoying%2Ba%2Bcoconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZRqEClEZDc/WPAx7rZOO1I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/4tIlfXfYBI04899EA7eIquschpcZ7uCcACPcB/s400/Ellen%2B%2526%2BVic%2Benjoying%2Ba%2Bcoconut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends Ellen & Vic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YbXTaua7BQ/WPAx7u5jZ9I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/ENoU2fTBZYIaZz3lk9mwovN11s7EBLPjACPcB/s1600/Last%2BHappy%2BHour%2Bfor%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YbXTaua7BQ/WPAx7u5jZ9I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/ENoU2fTBZYIaZz3lk9mwovN11s7EBLPjACPcB/s400/Last%2BHappy%2BHour%2Bfor%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last Tues night Happy Hour<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We were sad to see our 3 month come to an end, but knew we'd be back again in January 2018.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-40699816342927918302016-08-01T22:31:00.000-04:002016-08-06T16:18:04.368-04:00April - July 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Don't forget, you can double click the pictures to make them larger<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We returned from the Dominican Republic the beginning of April. We stuck around IL for a couple of weeks, getting in some DR appointments. Also, Collins wanted to help daughter Paula with a couple of projects around her house, since she was planning a graduation Party for Becca at the end of May. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3_rH2TDkQA/V44Pr8rqVOI/AAAAAAAAGhM/VDH__31H3VodEZjNYxPIGR86Sfzm7MUZwCKgB/s1600/Becca%2Btrying%2Bon%2BProm%2BDress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3_rH2TDkQA/V44Pr8rqVOI/AAAAAAAAGhM/VDH__31H3VodEZjNYxPIGR86Sfzm7MUZwCKgB/s320/Becca%2Btrying%2Bon%2BProm%2BDress.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the prom dress fitted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It also gave me a chance to go with Becca to pick up her Prom Dress. Wow, I can't believe the dresses these girls wear today. To say she looked beautiful was an understatement. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5ct30cPVnA/V44Pn3hXUjI/AAAAAAAAGgU/wIpdtBAVzLEW4QVkkf6dYv0dkUN3iQOeACKgB/s1600/Becca%2B%2526%2BPaddy%2Bat%2BProm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5ct30cPVnA/V44Pn3hXUjI/AAAAAAAAGgU/wIpdtBAVzLEW4QVkkf6dYv0dkUN3iQOeACKgB/s320/Becca%2B%2526%2BPaddy%2Bat%2BProm.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & her Prom Date</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Hy2VyIz44k/V44Po1wIqII/AAAAAAAAGgU/pSWbqiKkIbA_NvOCGXCv8z__xvkDIfs4ACKgB/s1600/Becca%2Bgoes%2Bto%2BProm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Hy2VyIz44k/V44Po1wIqII/AAAAAAAAGgU/pSWbqiKkIbA_NvOCGXCv8z__xvkDIfs4ACKgB/s320/Becca%2Bgoes%2Bto%2BProm2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So grown up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh1Ru46a2LQ/V44Po2MqtrI/AAAAAAAAGgU/rHsjejIs0KwP0YiFd2eDHi5KcmB4O1ZRQCKgB/s1600/Becca%2Bgoes%2Bto%2BProm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh1Ru46a2LQ/V44Po2MqtrI/AAAAAAAAGgU/rHsjejIs0KwP0YiFd2eDHi5KcmB4O1ZRQCKgB/s320/Becca%2Bgoes%2Bto%2BProm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--j45BLciMF0/V44Pp2RQpZI/AAAAAAAAGhM/dr8UYJ7F-M8J4mUGw0L6bEbbk3koXg9kgCKgB/s1600/Becca%2Bacting%2Blike%2Ba%2Bcheerleader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--j45BLciMF0/V44Pp2RQpZI/AAAAAAAAGhM/dr8UYJ7F-M8J4mUGw0L6bEbbk3koXg9kgCKgB/s320/Becca%2Bacting%2Blike%2Ba%2Bcheerleader.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca thinks she's a cheerleader</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQYItU2FyB4/V44Puv6e_AI/AAAAAAAAGhM/a8e2Yz4adsYZB5pNnPG-xM3ebTL_pjUeQCKgB/s1600/Becca%252C%2BGrandma%2B%2526%2BKatie%2B%2526%2BCheer%2Bcompetition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQYItU2FyB4/V44Puv6e_AI/AAAAAAAAGhM/a8e2Yz4adsYZB5pNnPG-xM3ebTL_pjUeQCKgB/s320/Becca%252C%2BGrandma%2B%2526%2BKatie%2B%2526%2BCheer%2Bcompetition.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca, Karen & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Becca & I went to watch one of Katie's cheer competitions. Becca dressed like a cheer leader so she could get in for free. She made a cute one. The girls are cousins but act like sisters when they get together.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgXLdJe4iUw/V44QIsFcsnI/AAAAAAAAGhk/M1VpcaMDyvE99sX92srinEngeY-vwt1rACKgB/s1600/Katie%2Bat%2BCheer%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgXLdJe4iUw/V44QIsFcsnI/AAAAAAAAGhk/M1VpcaMDyvE99sX92srinEngeY-vwt1rACKgB/s320/Katie%2Bat%2BCheer%2B2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hl0Ps40X2-4/V44Pnsk6RMI/AAAAAAAAGgU/UYDZ2zZlexQvY0jcWdsduyjbuqx0m2Q3ACKgB/s1600/Becca%2B%2526%2BKatie%2Bat%2BCheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hl0Ps40X2-4/V44Pnsk6RMI/AAAAAAAAGgU/UYDZ2zZlexQvY0jcWdsduyjbuqx0m2Q3ACKgB/s320/Becca%2B%2526%2BKatie%2Bat%2BCheer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7FIC61hMgA/V44QVuv6HuI/AAAAAAAAGho/FbXTSBAx4oM_EEtA1ylQa5D5gMGbnmjIgCKgB/s1600/Tyler%2Bpole%2Bvaulting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7FIC61hMgA/V44QVuv6HuI/AAAAAAAAGho/FbXTSBAx4oM_EEtA1ylQa5D5gMGbnmjIgCKgB/s640/Tyler%2Bpole%2Bvaulting.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler goes over the pole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> I also had a chance to go to one of Tyler's Track Games. He was doing Pole Vaulting that day. That's not something I could ever do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">By mid April we returned to Memphis to pick up the RV from
winter storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all the rain &
storms that had passed thru while we were gone, we were a little worried as to
what we would find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, our home was
sitting right where we left it, with no problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDnpEV7S7KE/V44Pw2vT-yI/AAAAAAAAGhM/1TKv2Azu6dImDb35cXU6JWjzKz2z-2h5ACKgB/s1600/Botanical%2BGarden%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDnpEV7S7KE/V44Pw2vT-yI/AAAAAAAAGhM/1TKv2Azu6dImDb35cXU6JWjzKz2z-2h5ACKgB/s320/Botanical%2BGarden%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> We kicked around in this area for a few
weeks, went to the Botanical Gardens, had just missed the blooming of the
Rhododendrons, but some of the azaleas were still pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ2NJ71k0KQ/V44P2OlP5qI/AAAAAAAAGhM/MTKIZBO_xBglpIAkm1Ss4Q4ZPekX1ti4wCKgB/s1600/Collins%2Bat%2BGardens%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ2NJ71k0KQ/V44P2OlP5qI/AAAAAAAAGhM/MTKIZBO_xBglpIAkm1Ss4Q4ZPekX1ti4wCKgB/s400/Collins%2Bat%2BGardens%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHaVcIEkQvE/V44Pn_No1OI/AAAAAAAAGgU/WLQrukE5-iMjDeTW1Dj1xB5e-z160cCpACKgB/s1600/Beale%2BSt%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHaVcIEkQvE/V44Pn_No1OI/AAAAAAAAGgU/WLQrukE5-iMjDeTW1Dj1xB5e-z160cCpACKgB/s320/Beale%2BSt%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beale Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> <span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also made a trip to downtown Memphis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had to check out Beale street & a few
other iconic places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the old saying
goes, nice place to visit but…. .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
aren’t into blues music, & have already seen Elvis’ Graceland, which we did a few years
ago,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memphis offered us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>little of interest. .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5RRvm2Zsig/V44QUydOwdI/AAAAAAAAGho/N3pF7sVq7fIEp8Yol1IRbLmb5CRH-j_oACKgB/s1600/Toilet%2Bseat%2Bcovers%2Bin%2BMemphis%2Bgift%2Bshop%2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5RRvm2Zsig/V44QUydOwdI/AAAAAAAAGho/N3pF7sVq7fIEp8Yol1IRbLmb5CRH-j_oACKgB/s400/Toilet%2Bseat%2Bcovers%2Bin%2BMemphis%2Bgift%2Bshop%2527.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unique souvenirs on Beale St (Toilet Seats)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbHdYj0Azm0/V44QGNaqQYI/AAAAAAAAGhk/idG9IQ9paosALqjlb7U6Lc0ZfRQM48-jQCKgB/s1600/Karen%2Bat%2BSun%2BStudios%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbHdYj0Azm0/V44QGNaqQYI/AAAAAAAAGhk/idG9IQ9paosALqjlb7U6Lc0ZfRQM48-jQCKgB/s320/Karen%2Bat%2BSun%2BStudios%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun Studios</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrgCZNUt5BQ/V44QVBhBWUI/AAAAAAAAGho/gL_PEGouuI0yWp9fvaE51vsHGSwKjBLVQCKgB/s1600/Sun%2BStudio%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrgCZNUt5BQ/V44QVBhBWUI/AAAAAAAAGho/gL_PEGouuI0yWp9fvaE51vsHGSwKjBLVQCKgB/s320/Sun%2BStudio%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun Studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ug8bnRqeJm0/V44QeEJtWXI/AAAAAAAAGho/3FmNYTOYdPIdBOr97sH0vvqCqPJ6xqPVACKgB/s1600/Where%2BMartin%2BLuther%2BKing%2Bwas%2Bshot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ug8bnRqeJm0/V44QeEJtWXI/AAAAAAAAGho/3FmNYTOYdPIdBOr97sH0vvqCqPJ6xqPVACKgB/s320/Where%2BMartin%2BLuther%2BKing%2Bwas%2Bshot.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also went to the Lorraine Motel, which was the site of the Martin Luther King shooting. Kind of made you stop & think. And you realize the violence continues in one way or another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dECpVg6x0w/V44QAQiwK2I/AAAAAAAAGhk/_ZWrMU4sWiA1RFF4FPdusdVIIyHofR0DgCKgB/s1600/Gus%2527%2BChicken%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dECpVg6x0w/V44QAQiwK2I/AAAAAAAAGhk/_ZWrMU4sWiA1RFF4FPdusdVIIyHofR0DgCKgB/s320/Gus%2527%2BChicken%252C%2BMemphis.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also had to make a stop at Gus' Famous Fried Chicken restaurant. We were told that some days people are waiting out the door. Luckily for us, it was kind of between lunch & dinner & we didn't have to wait at all. It was good, but nothing I'd wait a long time for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiO_e-FN4Uk/V44Px7F2x9I/AAAAAAAAGhM/gwH2-07eERYOFxmcOgYdf59gXZDiCCzGACKgB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BWaitress%2Binside%2BGus%2527%2BChicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiO_e-FN4Uk/V44Px7F2x9I/AAAAAAAAGhM/gwH2-07eERYOFxmcOgYdf59gXZDiCCzGACKgB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BWaitress%2Binside%2BGus%2527%2BChicken.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Gus'. Collins & our waitress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After leaving there, we decided to stop
outside Nashville for a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-os_VewkZp0c/V44QA7bObKI/AAAAAAAAGhk/9kugrm7gqIQP3LcZsuNyJoLZhlscqkfPgCKgB/s1600/Hermitage%2BHouse%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-os_VewkZp0c/V44QA7bObKI/AAAAAAAAGhk/9kugrm7gqIQP3LcZsuNyJoLZhlscqkfPgCKgB/s320/Hermitage%2BHouse%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We
made a trip to Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-609o3DMzSXI/V44Pnr-949I/AAAAAAAAGgU/a8W9kEaeRuIpCYeLcQgpSFVSGrBEZD66gCKgB/s1600/Andrew%2BJackson%2527s%2Bwedding%2Bclothes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-609o3DMzSXI/V44Pnr-949I/AAAAAAAAGgU/a8W9kEaeRuIpCYeLcQgpSFVSGrBEZD66gCKgB/s400/Andrew%2BJackson%2527s%2Bwedding%2Bclothes.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew & Racheal Jackson's wedding clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">They had a great museum, which lots of information on the life of Andrew Jackson & plenty of displays</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also took a day to finally visit downtown
Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>
trip thru there & for one reason or another had never made it
downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ototd6RACKA/V44QAOM8qnI/AAAAAAAAGhk/wreU_OCYF94iOjiPT377rQD7xyGpnD2TgCKgB/s1600/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%252C%2BNashville%252C%2BTN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ototd6RACKA/V44QAOM8qnI/AAAAAAAAGhk/wreU_OCYF94iOjiPT377rQD7xyGpnD2TgCKgB/s400/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%252C%2BNashville%252C%2BTN.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We decided to take a tour of
the Grand Ole Opry<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found it pretty interesting & also got
to go onto the stage itself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7JvFgXl_78/V44P71_u3tI/AAAAAAAAGhk/b97glMwjY207P_ek84wQp8ZUO3gAdtmxQCKgB/s1600/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7JvFgXl_78/V44P71_u3tI/AAAAAAAAGhk/b97glMwjY207P_ek84wQp8ZUO3gAdtmxQCKgB/s320/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%2B4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_DHvdQyuag/V44QMBHpBmI/AAAAAAAAGhk/o8PIcEih3f4J0Oi3MlVV1YrgDfa-krh4gCKgB/s1600/Opry%2BMember%2BMailboxes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_DHvdQyuag/V44QMBHpBmI/AAAAAAAAGhk/o8PIcEih3f4J0Oi3MlVV1YrgDfa-krh4gCKgB/s400/Opry%2BMember%2BMailboxes.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opry Member Mailboxes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV17cAk9Cus/V44QPrtmW0I/AAAAAAAAGho/r86WgY6gn2kCbcaME3GzNBXmZWNwOAM4ACKgB/s1600/Original%2BWood%2Bfloor%2Bfrom%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV17cAk9Cus/V44QPrtmW0I/AAAAAAAAGho/r86WgY6gn2kCbcaME3GzNBXmZWNwOAM4ACKgB/s320/Original%2BWood%2Bfloor%2Bfrom%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood floor from original Grand Ole Opry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXM8m1ZTAcA/V44QUd1HxUI/AAAAAAAAGho/RxzZSzSVOictuBbjwLZtZjJRdZsNOAMLQCKgB/s1600/Stage%2Bat%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXM8m1ZTAcA/V44QUd1HxUI/AAAAAAAAGho/RxzZSzSVOictuBbjwLZtZjJRdZsNOAMLQCKgB/s320/Stage%2Bat%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Fl95r-CHc/V44QLlBXmFI/AAAAAAAAGhk/lVRCskw0-jIt4F9g7nMfbgP9GVuOQWYfwCKgB/s1600/Opry%2BDressing%2BRoom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Fl95r-CHc/V44QLlBXmFI/AAAAAAAAGhk/lVRCskw0-jIt4F9g7nMfbgP9GVuOQWYfwCKgB/s400/Opry%2BDressing%2BRoom.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressing Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07cmg4NcWL8/V44QcopQJBI/AAAAAAAAGho/KL5DOECx21YKvhbd30s7DiSxfnfzqkddQCKgB/s1600/Waiting%2BRoom%2Bat%2BOle%2BOpry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07cmg4NcWL8/V44QcopQJBI/AAAAAAAAGho/KL5DOECx21YKvhbd30s7DiSxfnfzqkddQCKgB/s400/Waiting%2BRoom%2Bat%2BOle%2BOpry.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressing Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYnFBvuiSz4/V44QXzp54jI/AAAAAAAAGho/6TQPW-ubx1EdB3Gzks4Qc5egZHv72mltgCKgB/s1600/Us%2Bon%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry%2BStage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYnFBvuiSz4/V44QXzp54jI/AAAAAAAAGho/6TQPW-ubx1EdB3Gzks4Qc5egZHv72mltgCKgB/s400/Us%2Bon%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry%2BStage.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us on the Grand Ole Opry Stage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njfHNkAbCrg/V44P4KGs4dI/AAAAAAAAGhM/ltqXj9SY0XwEMK5WlUk8aopBC-02Rxd8wCKgB/s1600/DSCN2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njfHNkAbCrg/V44P4KGs4dI/AAAAAAAAGhM/ltqXj9SY0XwEMK5WlUk8aopBC-02Rxd8wCKgB/s320/DSCN2230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also took a Hop On Hop Off Bus tour, but didn’t
really find Nashville all that interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I supposed if we had checked out all the bars in the area, it might have
been more so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that visit, we met up with old
friends, Betty & Nick from IL, who now live near Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really nice to spend a few hours
catching up on things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After leaving
Nashville, we were on our way to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gatlinburg, another place we tried to go a couple times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found out that Gatlinburg is a huge
tourist place, which is definitely not us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VVkr-GogB0/V5wb986FXII/AAAAAAAAGpU/Pr6ANotC_g8-_7uI0EixySf9YpRaXRiwQCKgB/s1600/Red%2Bthroated%2Bsalamander%252C%2BTN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VVkr-GogB0/V5wb986FXII/AAAAAAAAGpU/Pr6ANotC_g8-_7uI0EixySf9YpRaXRiwQCKgB/s400/Red%2Bthroated%2Bsalamander%252C%2BTN.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Throated Salamander<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> One day while lying at the pool, I did see this red throated salamander.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUN_3lVzgLU/V5wbU2kKEWI/AAAAAAAAGpU/yYcw8i2sj9Mbqa6A3bGBd_Wtf3H8JcqXwCKgB/s1600/DSCN2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUN_3lVzgLU/V5wbU2kKEWI/AAAAAAAAGpU/yYcw8i2sj9Mbqa6A3bGBd_Wtf3H8JcqXwCKgB/s320/DSCN2251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Sex_klGSPc/V5wbR3Rf1wI/AAAAAAAAGpU/Go3yL2uT6lwuInPIpafTK0Tb577bmzlSgCKgB/s1600/DSCN2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Sex_klGSPc/V5wbR3Rf1wI/AAAAAAAAGpU/Go3yL2uT6lwuInPIpafTK0Tb577bmzlSgCKgB/s400/DSCN2241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">However, we did take 2 drives into the Smokey Mts, & the views were
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day we drove around Cades
Cove & saw a mama bear & 3 cubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwdg4AO7kIk/V5wbVCOIYGI/AAAAAAAAGpU/EwEEilIfhm8aUzudHoCcWnHACPlYyrAxwCKgB/s1600/DSCN2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwdg4AO7kIk/V5wbVCOIYGI/AAAAAAAAGpU/EwEEilIfhm8aUzudHoCcWnHACPlYyrAxwCKgB/s400/DSCN2244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also saw another bear & a wild turkey that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like to hike, there are plenty of
trails, but we aren’t into that either, so we just enjoyed the views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We were working our way to Lexington to
pickup my mother, so we also made a stop not too far from the Cumberland Gap
National Park & Cumberland Falls State Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXubzOgHJM4/V5wbYHhIbhI/AAAAAAAAGpU/ee1L3zdRt58AZj5q_fndodSDbnJ4UnM4gCKgB/s1600/DSCN2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXubzOgHJM4/V5wbYHhIbhI/AAAAAAAAGpU/ee1L3zdRt58AZj5q_fndodSDbnJ4UnM4gCKgB/s320/DSCN2258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cumberland Falls<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The falls were ok, but I think after seeing
so many beautiful ones in Alaska, we’ve become a bit jaded on waterfalls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc0eyamajbQ/V5wbYaJ2NKI/AAAAAAAAGpU/i0eXc3smAmQvucpbpfhpy0mxQ-t_bt-gwCKgB/s1600/DSCN2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc0eyamajbQ/V5wbYaJ2NKI/AAAAAAAAGpU/i0eXc3smAmQvucpbpfhpy0mxQ-t_bt-gwCKgB/s400/DSCN2257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at Cumberland Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sSWewhf5G0/V5wbNZsB39I/AAAAAAAAGpU/gdlYinWjsyc79C29iiZ6FLBlh15uQo0JACKgB/s1600/Collins%2BAt%2BCumberland%2BGap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sSWewhf5G0/V5wbNZsB39I/AAAAAAAAGpU/gdlYinWjsyc79C29iiZ6FLBlh15uQo0JACKgB/s320/Collins%2BAt%2BCumberland%2BGap.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins at Cumberland Gap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7A48VGzBaI0/V5wbRCTm7hI/AAAAAAAAGpU/95EqGITyJ0QFmq7LiWeALOUSLrXANstPgCKgB/s1600/Cumberland%2BGap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7A48VGzBaI0/V5wbRCTm7hI/AAAAAAAAGpU/95EqGITyJ0QFmq7LiWeALOUSLrXANstPgCKgB/s320/Cumberland%2BGap.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<br />
<br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Cumberland Gap is located at the borders of Virginia, Tennessee & Kentucky. It was famous in American colonial history for its role as a key passageway through the lower central Appalachians. In addition to a passageway for Native Americans, it was explored by Daniel Boone & later, Dr. Thomas Walker. </span>The
State & Federal Parks have great vista’s, & if you’re<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into Civil War history, it’s interesting to
visualize what those folks went thru trying to get from here to there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that, they were <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fine places to kill some time.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyvbYYxtEDw/V5wbYhLVbsI/AAAAAAAAGpU/Xm55N58MZEQwGFZajfLHpakQaV56LPmNgCKgB/s1600/DSCN2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyvbYYxtEDw/V5wbYhLVbsI/AAAAAAAAGpU/Xm55N58MZEQwGFZajfLHpakQaV56LPmNgCKgB/s320/DSCN2260.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen admires the pretty flowers at Cumberland Gap<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7ZvZIq_ef0/V5wbcIHYPDI/AAAAAAAAGpU/QXa8QEa7mDYUEQi7YwWiywoKgsKLXRyRgCKgB/s1600/DSCN2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7ZvZIq_ef0/V5wbcIHYPDI/AAAAAAAAGpU/QXa8QEa7mDYUEQi7YwWiywoKgsKLXRyRgCKgB/s320/DSCN2261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RAcmOVdt4E/V44QfuV6K7I/AAAAAAAAGho/KY4zIh9OCdkR2rNQVlhoaIk41svGhjpBwCKgB/s1600/becca%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RAcmOVdt4E/V44QfuV6K7I/AAAAAAAAGho/KY4zIh9OCdkR2rNQVlhoaIk41svGhjpBwCKgB/s320/becca%2B3.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We returned to Illinois in the last week of May for one of
our Granddaughter’s (Becca) High School graduation &, on the way, picked up
Karen’s mother in Lexinton, KY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QYxjjXiNjQ/V5wbcK6syiI/AAAAAAAAGpU/kbuyH2xaIUc40FIH6IAZAS0JYUNvLr_vACKgB/s1600/DSCN2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QYxjjXiNjQ/V5wbcK6syiI/AAAAAAAAGpU/kbuyH2xaIUc40FIH6IAZAS0JYUNvLr_vACKgB/s400/DSCN2266.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Generations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10nVjs2XGm4/V5wbcpLL5hI/AAAAAAAAGpU/FwU9rPW8lY4Dk0io7TgtWwSw2SsiL9w-ACKgB/s1600/DSCN2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10nVjs2XGm4/V5wbcpLL5hI/AAAAAAAAGpU/FwU9rPW8lY4Dk0io7TgtWwSw2SsiL9w-ACKgB/s400/DSCN2268.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & her 90 yr old grandmother (my mom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3XfcaJLStI/V5wbfzwYLBI/AAAAAAAAGpU/WALBgXnHLW4sFJDa9-jMPBZUMe2CJsJKgCKgB/s1600/DSCN2271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3XfcaJLStI/V5wbfzwYLBI/AAAAAAAAGpU/WALBgXnHLW4sFJDa9-jMPBZUMe2CJsJKgCKgB/s400/DSCN2271.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & her proud grandparents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yK0nsBlxkSk/V5wbgSskA6I/AAAAAAAAGpU/8OX1iB5yj5MIO_W1S6uTUduR-wbVPSufgCKgB/s1600/Dave%252C%2BTyler%252C%2BBecca%2B%2526%2BPaula%2Bat%2Bher%2Bsigning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yK0nsBlxkSk/V5wbgSskA6I/AAAAAAAAGpU/8OX1iB5yj5MIO_W1S6uTUduR-wbVPSufgCKgB/s400/Dave%252C%2BTyler%252C%2BBecca%2B%2526%2BPaula%2Bat%2Bher%2Bsigning.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Tyler, Becca & Paula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This
also afforded us an opportunity to see Becca sign a letter of
intent for her College Basketball scholarship to Elmhurst, where she will be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>majoring in Nursing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lS-VUQoLOe8/V5wcGUe-D9I/AAAAAAAAGpU/xq_fGK-BKsIcn9sAKFE-ahqQoGPLnTOlgCPcB/s1600/Tyler%252C%2BBecca%2B%2526%2BKatie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lS-VUQoLOe8/V5wcGUe-D9I/AAAAAAAAGpU/xq_fGK-BKsIcn9sAKFE-ahqQoGPLnTOlgCPcB/s400/Tyler%252C%2BBecca%2B%2526%2BKatie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler, Becca & cousin Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Beccs & four other girls played
Basketball together since middle school, were designated as starters in their
freshman year of high school & won 56 consecutive games, completing all
four years undefeated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqauaYdBJnA/V5wcKoqLs8I/AAAAAAAAGpU/kuGQ6Ajlm8AaS3i37xAChjwktwSQWmgPQCPcB/s1600/Us%2Bwith%2BBecca%2Bat%2Bher%2Bcollege%2Bsigning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqauaYdBJnA/V5wcKoqLs8I/AAAAAAAAGpU/kuGQ6Ajlm8AaS3i37xAChjwktwSQWmgPQCPcB/s400/Us%2Bwith%2BBecca%2Bat%2Bher%2Bcollege%2Bsigning.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us with Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">They also won
multiple Division & State titles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
the way, Becca stands 5’11” and can hit a jump shot like you wouldn’t believe,
hence the numerous schools trying to recruit her. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Having completed our short stay with the Illinois tribe,
& annual doctor check-ups, we headed to northern Wisconsin &
Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the latter is known as the
state with a thousand lakes, the former should be the state with 800.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would think that having lived close to
the Illinois-Wisconsin border for over 35 years we’d have visited northern
Wisconsin at least once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regrettably,
much to our loss, we did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4SDi987b74/V5wb8Q0tYeI/AAAAAAAAGpU/E-6onlD1bCgh4TdAu3D9lmnJQqYmHcRAwCKgB/s1600/Our%2Bspot%2Bat%2BLake%2BChippewa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4SDi987b74/V5wb8Q0tYeI/AAAAAAAAGpU/E-6onlD1bCgh4TdAu3D9lmnJQqYmHcRAwCKgB/s320/Our%2Bspot%2Bat%2BLake%2BChippewa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our first stop, for 30 days, was in an RV Park with 250
spaces facing a 10 mile plus lake. Unlike many locations that feel the need to
cram in the RV spaces, this park spreads them out throughout an old wood
forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twq2HZMtlQc/V54P1wYbEfI/AAAAAAAAGqY/Tvz1E5sy1IMwygDilGr7hheJCWAwqLO4wCLcB/s1600/DSCN2318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twq2HZMtlQc/V54P1wYbEfI/AAAAAAAAGqY/Tvz1E5sy1IMwygDilGr7hheJCWAwqLO4wCLcB/s400/DSCN2318.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ironically, with all the fishing
(muskie, walleye, etc) around, you can get fish or prime rib dinners somewhere
every night of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between the
cooler northern temperatures (50’s to 80’s) & forest shade, our June
weather was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really don’t know
where the time went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVblXcwFpEY/V54TdAVgbhI/AAAAAAAAGqo/n9_JHzDUscQ2UF_O9BKEV3lLOAv1pk-6QCLcB/s1600/Boats%2Balong%2Blakefront%252C%2BWI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVblXcwFpEY/V54TdAVgbhI/AAAAAAAAGqo/n9_JHzDUscQ2UF_O9BKEV3lLOAv1pk-6QCLcB/s320/Boats%2Balong%2Blakefront%252C%2BWI.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the Apostle Is in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4HncDyeNlU/V5wb1D0aHUI/AAAAAAAAGpU/qVuhgyt4Y201QAbYnwZNQ0udITVvClAUQCKgB/s1600/Old%2BCar%2BNorthern%2BWI%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4HncDyeNlU/V5wb1D0aHUI/AAAAAAAAGpU/qVuhgyt4Y201QAbYnwZNQ0udITVvClAUQCKgB/s320/Old%2BCar%2BNorthern%2BWI%2B4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We took 3 day trips
while we were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One to the northern
most border, where you could see the Apostle Islands. They were having an old car show at one of the hotels. There were some beauties there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8QfiBWQIJQ/V5wb49xHy9I/AAAAAAAAGpU/0HJ62DEdpVINub3525gkk1_Ok0F2c9nLgCKgB/s1600/Old%2BCar%2BNorthern%2BWI%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8QfiBWQIJQ/V5wb49xHy9I/AAAAAAAAGpU/0HJ62DEdpVINub3525gkk1_Ok0F2c9nLgCKgB/s320/Old%2BCar%2BNorthern%2BWI%2B5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAtWyliGsPo/V5wb4wBJPdI/AAAAAAAAGpU/w3jCBHDvph06sO3aA23T747wLj2n9rIDgCKgB/s1600/Old%2BCar%2BNorthern%2BWI%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAtWyliGsPo/V5wb4wBJPdI/AAAAAAAAGpU/w3jCBHDvph06sO3aA23T747wLj2n9rIDgCKgB/s400/Old%2BCar%2BNorthern%2BWI%2B6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRIpBMMXIsY/V5wbRADFH_I/AAAAAAAAGpU/8IllFzWbX4cEHqgLzvq0ke3H8_tKfiHWwCPcB/s1600/Copper%2BFalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRIpBMMXIsY/V5wbRADFH_I/AAAAAAAAGpU/8IllFzWbX4cEHqgLzvq0ke3H8_tKfiHWwCPcB/s400/Copper%2BFalls.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Another to a couple of waterfalls (again nice, but no big deal) & one day over to a huge greenhouse that had some nice gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we still had a house with a yard, we’d spend a fortune there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we don’t, so we bought a couple plants for the kids.</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5MmknWpd4s/V54WJbrR0WI/AAAAAAAAGq0/5VjysyO_HPwQMPutkuLx6FS7IAu7JoUtwCLcB/s1600/Us%2Bat%2Bcopper%2BFalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5MmknWpd4s/V54WJbrR0WI/AAAAAAAAGq0/5VjysyO_HPwQMPutkuLx6FS7IAu7JoUtwCLcB/s400/Us%2Bat%2Bcopper%2BFalls.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at Copper Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eU3zQabMqrQ/V5wcALFphdI/AAAAAAAAGpU/shJvF7_mQncev6rMT3nQdWlhqQzUxXgWQCKgB/s1600/Snuggles%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bat%2BMorgan%2BFalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eU3zQabMqrQ/V5wcALFphdI/AAAAAAAAGpU/shJvF7_mQncev6rMT3nQdWlhqQzUxXgWQCKgB/s320/Snuggles%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bat%2BMorgan%2BFalls.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKwTbG0QQ9g/V54LiArMz9I/AAAAAAAAGqI/v4fL3FKJ1jE2OvxQoJv9mF8QLmJ3YZAJwCLcB/s1600/13606610_10209601031844016_64967661003413683_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKwTbG0QQ9g/V54LiArMz9I/AAAAAAAAGqI/v4fL3FKJ1jE2OvxQoJv9mF8QLmJ3YZAJwCLcB/s400/13606610_10209601031844016_64967661003413683_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
Since our son Doug was celebrating his 40<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
birthday via a surprise party July 9th, we left the rig in Wisc. & returned
to Illinois for 2 weeks. He wasn't really surprised.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6xOLtj6bLg/V6ZECPVrd0I/AAAAAAAAGuM/X67Qm6FHpxI3Dv3bokUa64V1K71NopV0ACLcB/s1600/Brittany%252C%2BBlake%252C%2BLexi%2B%2526%2BCollina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6xOLtj6bLg/V6ZECPVrd0I/AAAAAAAAGuM/X67Qm6FHpxI3Dv3bokUa64V1K71NopV0ACLcB/s400/Brittany%252C%2BBlake%252C%2BLexi%2B%2526%2BCollina.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittany, Blake, Lexi & Collina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was also a chance to see our daughter, Collina & granddaughters, Lexi & Brittany. We also saw our 6 yr old great grandson, Blake. Unfortunately, they were only there a short time, so we didn't have much time together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbYgXdFguCM/V6ZCJyY_0tI/AAAAAAAAGtw/HLqcCTA3fZw5scqlXcej6wbQQJuWBL_WQCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_1470272628398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbYgXdFguCM/V6ZCJyY_0tI/AAAAAAAAGtw/HLqcCTA3fZw5scqlXcej6wbQQJuWBL_WQCLcB/s400/FB_IMG_1470272628398.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug, Collins & Collina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yksbv5XaBiM/V6ZCKYuvKtI/AAAAAAAAGt0/izLiFfnSKQ4TRbUVmCye4Svzm2rLDXz8QCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_1470272801565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yksbv5XaBiM/V6ZCKYuvKtI/AAAAAAAAGt0/izLiFfnSKQ4TRbUVmCye4Svzm2rLDXz8QCLcB/s400/FB_IMG_1470272801565.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collina & Doug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EHsiVpFddM/V6ZCLCwx8SI/AAAAAAAAGt4/LG5XRNW38nc6PxRUR0f7SQEqaIez4ujrACLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_1470272777140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EHsiVpFddM/V6ZCLCwx8SI/AAAAAAAAGt4/LG5XRNW38nc6PxRUR0f7SQEqaIez4ujrACLcB/s400/FB_IMG_1470272777140.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittany & Blake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIAKrJhPQTk/V6ZAjsnsMRI/AAAAAAAAGtk/9AxNGQgQLqgxIq44q0fwi_rAjCM0Wlu2gCEw/s1600/Doug%2B%2526%2BKerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIAKrJhPQTk/V6ZAjsnsMRI/AAAAAAAAGtk/9AxNGQgQLqgxIq44q0fwi_rAjCM0Wlu2gCEw/s400/Doug%2B%2526%2BKerry.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug & Kerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw3ILwU4RCU/V6ZCNH_TSDI/AAAAAAAAGt8/ZGLaOm8a6Jg3ACV4KijF2yFMP-NSxYRPQCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_1470274202624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw3ILwU4RCU/V6ZCNH_TSDI/AAAAAAAAGt8/ZGLaOm8a6Jg3ACV4KijF2yFMP-NSxYRPQCLcB/s400/FB_IMG_1470274202624.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collina, Lexi & Brittany<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0TTScTdilU/V54Li-g1T7I/AAAAAAAAGqM/sphm1pWY4rwb_qAB5q6n06-i6m_eenMXgCLcB/s1600/13620394_10209601044044321_5057534838096038838_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0TTScTdilU/V54Li-g1T7I/AAAAAAAAGqM/sphm1pWY4rwb_qAB5q6n06-i6m_eenMXgCLcB/s400/13620394_10209601044044321_5057534838096038838_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good part of the family, including "steps & exs"<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We returned to our "home" after our 2 weeks in IL. Thankfully all was well. We had left it in a campground, hooked up to electric so we didn't have to empty the refrigerator. We didn't leave the air on, so it was really hot. Luckily, it doesn't take too long to get cool. We stuck around a couple of days, doing a few chores & a little grocery shopping. I wasn't sure what would be available at our next stop, which was Two Harbors, MN, just north of Duluth. We had wanted to go further North, but didn't try to make reservations early enough. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBHOLpPCXaU/V5wcFBFjfmI/AAAAAAAAGpU/ILJAt7sejAQ7CokhEHM5tj0RQS_2bOxOQCKgB/s1600/Two%2BHarbors%2BLight%2BHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBHOLpPCXaU/V5wcFBFjfmI/AAAAAAAAGpU/ILJAt7sejAQ7CokhEHM5tj0RQS_2bOxOQCKgB/s400/Two%2BHarbors%2BLight%2BHouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light House, Two Harbors, MN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We stayed in a small campground & did a little sight seeing around the area. One day, we went to the town of Two Harbors. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYKYhJz7ly4/V5wcD3yBMwI/AAAAAAAAGpU/_MTR5IWQfPI40lvT31r-yq06KG_yRakeACKgB/s1600/Two%2BHarbors%2BBreakwall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYKYhJz7ly4/V5wcD3yBMwI/AAAAAAAAGpU/_MTR5IWQfPI40lvT31r-yq06KG_yRakeACKgB/s400/Two%2BHarbors%2BBreakwall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It has a light house & a breakwall, so we did a little walking around, then made a stop at Dairy Queen. No pics because I left my phone & camera in the car, but Collins got Snuggles a kid's size dish of ice cream (She goes crazy when we stop at McDonalds or Burger King because that's where we often get ice cream). Anyway, she was in her glory having her own dish. We only let her have about a third of it, but she was a happy dog!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHnZa3gJhZg/V5wbxIkCyxI/AAAAAAAAGpU/QnjHD3TCTpMNd72wds4hjUELvihsAzqTwCKgB/s1600/Loading%2BDocks%2BTwo%2BHarbors%252C%2BMN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHnZa3gJhZg/V5wbxIkCyxI/AAAAAAAAGpU/QnjHD3TCTpMNd72wds4hjUELvihsAzqTwCKgB/s400/Loading%2BDocks%2BTwo%2BHarbors%252C%2BMN.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shipping Dock at Two Harbors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We drove along the shore line to Silver Bay. There is a big company there that processes Taconite, a form of iron ore, then ships it all over the world. It was a beautiful day & we enjoyed our outing.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAUPiurhnKM/V5wbtHwR5MI/AAAAAAAAGpU/-YP9XrfiDG8gxZpInfTt2k877p9f3XDMgCKgB/s1600/Karen%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAUPiurhnKM/V5wbtHwR5MI/AAAAAAAAGpU/-YP9XrfiDG8gxZpInfTt2k877p9f3XDMgCKgB/s400/Karen%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen at the front of Glensheen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One sort of rainy day we decided to visit Glensheen Mansion, right on Lake Suerior. It was built as the family home of a wealthy lawyer & capitalist, Robert Congdon (he made his original money in Iron Ore stock). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nASc9Yr7tQs/V5wbvFeWzGI/AAAAAAAAGpU/Vxza5rt3DW8xdKBHcy2gLz5zXSM7v9XTgCKgB/s1600/Main-Hallway-Glensheen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nASc9Yr7tQs/V5wbvFeWzGI/AAAAAAAAGpU/Vxza5rt3DW8xdKBHcy2gLz5zXSM7v9XTgCKgB/s400/Main-Hallway-Glensheen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T79Bz8qPoTc/V5wbBhi7HyI/AAAAAAAAGmo/npNuIKcU3XAqpylafMm0Yaf8W2yPTn7JQCKgB/s1600/Beautiful%2BWoodwork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T79Bz8qPoTc/V5wbBhi7HyI/AAAAAAAAGmo/npNuIKcU3XAqpylafMm0Yaf8W2yPTn7JQCKgB/s400/Beautiful%2BWoodwork.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the wood work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's 27000 sq ft, & 39 rooms. At the time, it had a hefty price tag of $854,000 (estimated $21 million in today's dollars). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_vCQxRDUkk/V5wbxfafV6I/AAAAAAAAGpU/n1ii18_4YwIuwFFs8vtpc6_hj2z-tSbZwCKgB/s1600/Master%2BBedroom%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_vCQxRDUkk/V5wbxfafV6I/AAAAAAAAGpU/n1ii18_4YwIuwFFs8vtpc6_hj2z-tSbZwCKgB/s400/Master%2BBedroom%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Most of the original furnishings & décor are still in the house. It was interesting to walk around & they had an hour long film on the family that we enjoyed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zARfHqjlEgk/V5wb034fF7I/AAAAAAAAGpU/ZF4gGs-AVT4vy5mW1AqVNkBs_e4fT3U4ACKgB/s1600/Master%2Bbath%2Bin%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zARfHqjlEgk/V5wb034fF7I/AAAAAAAAGpU/ZF4gGs-AVT4vy5mW1AqVNkBs_e4fT3U4ACKgB/s400/Master%2Bbath%2Bin%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master bathroom (It has a sitz bath)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-670ecey8VgY/V5wcAL7ay9I/AAAAAAAAGpU/4cPLe9iZtqw8JLF385wMoWOFSt0G56b_ACKgB/s1600/Shower%2Bin%2BMaster%2BBath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-670ecey8VgY/V5wcAL7ay9I/AAAAAAAAGpU/4cPLe9iZtqw8JLF385wMoWOFSt0G56b_ACKgB/s320/Shower%2Bin%2BMaster%2BBath.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out all the shower heads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lT2o-_HpwrI/V5wcHWRMWMI/AAAAAAAAGpU/8QtZydqtAwIJHZMyMC3Z3gv2C1j8ffQrwCKgB/s1600/Upstairs%2BHallway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lT2o-_HpwrI/V5wcHWRMWMI/AAAAAAAAGpU/8QtZydqtAwIJHZMyMC3Z3gv2C1j8ffQrwCKgB/s400/Upstairs%2BHallway.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVwgnrLOmGU/V5wbJBviyoI/AAAAAAAAGpU/L0DqPvzaWeomJbjkBMzEJg44g0zAIjtBwCPcB/s1600/Butler%2527s%2BPanty%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVwgnrLOmGU/V5wbJBviyoI/AAAAAAAAGpU/L0DqPvzaWeomJbjkBMzEJg44g0zAIjtBwCPcB/s400/Butler%2527s%2BPanty%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wouldn't want a Butler's Pantry like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnuxBzMA1X8/V5_8kuWxhwI/AAAAAAAAGsA/NhPP0n-rFywa18Ne8454W_FGSQemQGqRACLcB/s1600/Glensheen%2Bbreakfast%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnuxBzMA1X8/V5_8kuWxhwI/AAAAAAAAGsA/NhPP0n-rFywa18Ne8454W_FGSQemQGqRACLcB/s400/Glensheen%2Bbreakfast%2Broom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast Room, overlooking the gardens & Lake Superior<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f6okm_RJ2TU/V5wa_JrZfmI/AAAAAAAAGmo/foejSZG1S0UT63HEhmZ7NvzwCBRloeXBACPcB/s1600/Back%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f6okm_RJ2TU/V5wa_JrZfmI/AAAAAAAAGmo/foejSZG1S0UT63HEhmZ7NvzwCBRloeXBACPcB/s400/Back%2Bof%2BGlensheen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back View of House<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CS9Zc0id0H0/V5wcML4tclI/AAAAAAAAGpU/45732ZXwim8lQSZ7V8gNbMZzir6dmf5jACPcB/s1600/View%2Bof%2BBack%2BGarden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CS9Zc0id0H0/V5wcML4tclI/AAAAAAAAGpU/45732ZXwim8lQSZ7V8gNbMZzir6dmf5jACPcB/s400/View%2Bof%2BBack%2BGarden.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The rest of our time in Two Harbors was spent reading & being lazy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1jgEVIUA9k/V563Byb4IYI/AAAAAAAAGrE/yNItd-iM1608sCTAHVvzKsTV7PoGc58fwCLcB/s1600/Concert%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bpark%252C%2BTwo%2BHarbors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1jgEVIUA9k/V563Byb4IYI/AAAAAAAAGrE/yNItd-iM1608sCTAHVvzKsTV7PoGc58fwCLcB/s400/Concert%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bpark%252C%2BTwo%2BHarbors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One evening we went to an outdoor concert in the town of Two Harbors. It was no biggie, but it gave us something to do for the evening. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efdqxVPDe0s/V5_y2TRiSxI/AAAAAAAAGrk/7mA0nwzbvgwL9fOJsRK42b7oHwenKbcuQCLcB/s1600/Here%2Bwe%2Bare%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efdqxVPDe0s/V5_y2TRiSxI/AAAAAAAAGrk/7mA0nwzbvgwL9fOJsRK42b7oHwenKbcuQCLcB/s320/Here%2Bwe%2Bare%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot in the pine trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWP_SPqoFGc/V5_2Be-90lI/AAAAAAAAGrw/aGcAznKIG5sd-nFthoVBG1G5R7u-eMQEwCEw/s1600/Our%2BView%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWP_SPqoFGc/V5_2Be-90lI/AAAAAAAAGrw/aGcAznKIG5sd-nFthoVBG1G5R7u-eMQEwCEw/s400/Our%2BView%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We left Two Lakes today (Aug 31) for a couple weeks on a small lake not too far from Bemidji, MN. We have a nice view of the small lake we're located on. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcTZLEsHMjs/V5_2QpeXinI/AAAAAAAAGr0/n8qsdjrAYNIvUMhJZyyJBI5dZ_EUggBPACEw/s1600/Our%2BView.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcTZLEsHMjs/V5_2QpeXinI/AAAAAAAAGr0/n8qsdjrAYNIvUMhJZyyJBI5dZ_EUggBPACEw/s400/Our%2BView.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We're slowly making our way toward Teddy Roosevelt National Park, then on to Mt. Rushmore. We'll keep you posted as we travel along.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span> </div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span>Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-52372821739704208792016-07-12T10:02:00.002-04:002016-07-12T10:02:45.322-04:00Yes, I'm a little Slow. Jan-April 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Sorry about the color & weird yellow lines. Collins emailed me what he wrote & when I copied & pasted it to word, I got this & couldn't get rid of it.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Don't forget, you can double click on the pictures to make them bigger.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTRCwo3rtmg/V4RXc1_HRkI/AAAAAAAAGco/jqxsHfDlLA8Wr4pxyTXk_YIlG9iqBzxxgCKgB/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTRCwo3rtmg/V4RXc1_HRkI/AAAAAAAAGco/jqxsHfDlLA8Wr4pxyTXk_YIlG9iqBzxxgCKgB/s400/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">On </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jan 4</span></b><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">th</span></sup></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> we returned to our favorite winter get away, Juan Dolio,
Dominican Republic. Karen discovered this location on the island’s south
side just east of the capital in 2014 & we have come to love it so much
that we are planning to return every winter for the foreseeable future.
While most places have me ready to leave after three months, we gave serious
consideration to staying a fourth this year. The white sand beach has the
typical beautiful Caribbean blue & emerald waters, but equally important is
the lack of crowds & daily gentle breezes. Six days a week you
won’t see 50 beachgoers at any given time along the mile long stretch or at the
condo’s pools.</span></b></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFUMueZeF3k/V4RXCz49WKI/AAAAAAAAGck/g1NcttzP3ho4Yo2FsTiO_6z-ID4Tj7XjgCKgB/s1600/Marbella%2Bcomplex%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFUMueZeF3k/V4RXCz49WKI/AAAAAAAAGck/g1NcttzP3ho4Yo2FsTiO_6z-ID4Tj7XjgCKgB/s320/Marbella%2Bcomplex%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our complex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1XC2rBuJwo/V4RXYh8iMNI/AAAAAAAAGco/gRhEoLXQO30ZL0ckRwFHEXSdZupiRjLFwCKgB/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1XC2rBuJwo/V4RXYh8iMNI/AAAAAAAAGco/gRhEoLXQO30ZL0ckRwFHEXSdZupiRjLFwCKgB/s320/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bbalcony2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab4w4ZsTxxE/V4RXEQrjF8I/AAAAAAAAGck/bSdJQctotXg--V-3hiQVrMi_1SIDPaToACKgB/s1600/Happy%2BHour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab4w4ZsTxxE/V4RXEQrjF8I/AAAAAAAAGck/bSdJQctotXg--V-3hiQVrMi_1SIDPaToACKgB/s400/Happy%2BHour.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If you need an active night life & continuous
interaction with others, this is NOT the place for you. The condo complex
typically has two or three dozen North Americans, mostly Canadian, at any time
from December thru the end of April, many of whom gather </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> evenings for a BYOB & snacks to
socialize & watch the sun set.</span></b><b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;">From our balcony we enjoy our morning
coffee & evening cocktails and, on occasion, spend the whole day reading
there.</span> </span></b></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P28lXQ_kumQ/V4RWFAphzMI/AAAAAAAAGbM/O3qGLxyqY7w0-bUS0LZ4TZKI3r4vFbZ7wCKgB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Btake%2Ba%2Bnap%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbalcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P28lXQ_kumQ/V4RWFAphzMI/AAAAAAAAGbM/O3qGLxyqY7w0-bUS0LZ4TZKI3r4vFbZ7wCKgB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BSnuggles%2Btake%2Ba%2Bnap%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbalcony.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles taking a nap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;">To say it’s incredibly relaxing is an understatement.</span> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35-8eIh2Xqk/V4RW_qsj9jI/AAAAAAAAGck/zSlkQkfmqiAqcw774QhP_ZGqqCDyOd2jgCKgB/s1600/Karen%2527s%2BPool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35-8eIh2Xqk/V4RW_qsj9jI/AAAAAAAAGck/zSlkQkfmqiAqcw774QhP_ZGqqCDyOd2jgCKgB/s320/Karen%2527s%2BPool.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen's Pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;">Otherwise, it’s to the fitness center for Collins & 10 round trip laps in
the pool for Karen (& these are huge pools).</span> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We then spend a
few hours lying about either the pool or under the palm trees, recovering from
our stressful morning. Evenings are very laid back although we sample one
or two of the local restaurants a week either by ourselves or with some of the
North American gang. Hence the need for the five days a week work
outs. Note: all condo balconies at Marbella face, and are a stone’s
throw, from the ocean.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOKBNQ6tq7Y/V4RWHB1YJ6I/AAAAAAAAGbM/_oP8sRhgo4Ej1fgJF2M4Yj3cgGFZfbmFwCKgB/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BDoug%2Bplaying%2BChess%2Bin%2BDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOKBNQ6tq7Y/V4RWHB1YJ6I/AAAAAAAAGbM/_oP8sRhgo4Ej1fgJF2M4Yj3cgGFZfbmFwCKgB/s400/Collins%2B%2526%2BDoug%2Bplaying%2BChess%2Bin%2BDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We had a couple of visitors during our stay. Our son, Doug came for a winter getaway.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aefXFTcDEz4/V4RWdhbcOeI/AAAAAAAAGb0/xgXF4x7nT9kbpKKnVp7aA9xIERZ5RPfZQCKgB/s1600/Doug%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bin%2BDR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aefXFTcDEz4/V4RWdhbcOeI/AAAAAAAAGb0/xgXF4x7nT9kbpKKnVp7aA9xIERZ5RPfZQCKgB/s400/Doug%2B%2526%2BCollins%2Bin%2BDR2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k98NuUf1ua8/V4RXKi7TbbI/AAAAAAAAGco/VzLNo9PbsF4Hfb81mICWN9O8Hhhg25wrACKgB/s1600/Sue%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bon%2Bbalcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k98NuUf1ua8/V4RXKi7TbbI/AAAAAAAAGco/VzLNo9PbsF4Hfb81mICWN9O8Hhhg25wrACKgB/s400/Sue%2B%2526%2BKaren%2Bon%2Bbalcony.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karen's friend Sue, came for her annual visit.</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUhZKTqi3Cw/V4RWm4RbFvI/AAAAAAAAGb0/pReXvw8WX6sUZU6HRQc0cx5Gr7-lUgrJACKgB/s1600/Fire%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bapartment%2Bbelow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUhZKTqi3Cw/V4RWm4RbFvI/AAAAAAAAGb0/pReXvw8WX6sUZU6HRQc0cx5Gr7-lUgrJACKgB/s400/Fire%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bapartment%2Bbelow2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire in the condo below us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Four days before we left, we did have a
little extra excitement. The unoccupied condo directly below ours caught
on fire. It was around </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">10:30 PM</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">, while watching TV, that Karen smelled smoke, quickly replaced by the
sight of flames & sparks outside our balcony. While I closed the
double sliding doors we always keep open to enjoy the ocean breeze, Karen
grabbed everything from the safe, our computers, Kindles & Snuggles.
The comedy of events then started: first the fire alarms failed to function,
then the fire hose on the lower level had no water pressure, and finally, the
responding fire truck knocked off one of it's nozzles trying to get through the
gate. Since the complex itself is made of cinderblock, there was little
overall concern but, had we been asleep or still out for dinner, the degree of
smoke damage to us & the dog could have been extreme. Needless to say
the unit owners, all wealthy locals & expats, were extremely upset with the
glitches & were taking appropriate steps for a detailed analyses of the
situation as we left. It should be mentioned, the building's manager
supplied us with a lovely replacement unit for our remaining days.</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7w3UBi1oJ4/V4RXdaKK38I/AAAAAAAAGco/6N7tcbe9rI0pKLkuh8NLDQZeqhiCXdstwCKgB/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bkitchen%2Bof%2Bour%2Bapartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7w3UBi1oJ4/V4RXdaKK38I/AAAAAAAAGco/6N7tcbe9rI0pKLkuh8NLDQZeqhiCXdstwCKgB/s400/View%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bkitchen%2Bof%2Bour%2Bapartment.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 241, 168); line-height: normal; margin: 0in 25.95pt 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-guJUsTMi42E/V4RXiEOua5I/AAAAAAAAGco/W5kmxiKcvoYaRBLsQbmQlmVHQRIH_uxkACKgB/s1600/us%2Bon%2Blast%2Bday%2Bin%2BDR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-guJUsTMi42E/V4RXiEOua5I/AAAAAAAAGco/W5kmxiKcvoYaRBLsQbmQlmVHQRIH_uxkACKgB/s400/us%2Bon%2Blast%2Bday%2Bin%2BDR3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last day in the Dominican Republic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-79107736550787270432016-01-19T19:17:00.000-05:002016-01-19T22:24:07.714-05:00Sept _ Dec 2015<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Don't forget, you can double click the pictures to enlarge them<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally receiving the “good to go” from
Collins’ doctors at the end of September, we once again said good-bye to our
Illinois family members & headed for Wisconsin & the Upper Peninsula of
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we have lived for 30 plus years
within a 5 hour drive of these resort towns, neither of us have ever made the
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-NXqTIz0Z4/Vpr7daAVrAI/AAAAAAAAGOE/JGsLAtBTRVU/s1600/DSCN1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-NXqTIz0Z4/Vpr7daAVrAI/AAAAAAAAGOE/JGsLAtBTRVU/s400/DSCN1769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2cogb6o-y4/Vpr7QoCnnQI/AAAAAAAAGN0/ZVuPa3DajcQ/s1600/DSCN1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2cogb6o-y4/Vpr7QoCnnQI/AAAAAAAAGN0/ZVuPa3DajcQ/s320/DSCN1764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLugicJxAZ4/Vpr7YLGegMI/AAAAAAAAGN8/2ESZ81RLFNY/s1600/DSCN1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLugicJxAZ4/Vpr7YLGegMI/AAAAAAAAGN8/2ESZ81RLFNY/s320/DSCN1768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once you clear
Green Bay & enter into Door County, one gets the feeling of being in Maine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lake Michigan is a great misnomer, for the
feeling is more of looking out on an Ocean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43WlZIJ9Phw/Vpr7hKngizI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/acvaBNTdLao/s1600/DSCN1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43WlZIJ9Phw/Vpr7hKngizI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/acvaBNTdLao/s400/DSCN1770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ4mCdEP4bM/Vp1iRsJPeaI/AAAAAAAAGVs/7GUEZ2n2LHo/s1600/DSCN1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ4mCdEP4bM/Vp1iRsJPeaI/AAAAAAAAGVs/7GUEZ2n2LHo/s640/DSCN1786.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restaurant with goats on the roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3sAKCT-jbE/Vpr7rRKQoNI/AAAAAAAAGOg/6mZjM0_20Y8/s1600/DSCN1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3sAKCT-jbE/Vpr7rRKQoNI/AAAAAAAAGOg/6mZjM0_20Y8/s320/DSCN1781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">There was a restaurant that had a grass roof. There are 3 or 4 goats that graze on it.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpWZ0YIM3iU/Vpr70AQvUvI/AAAAAAAAGOw/t7GosSYuM1U/s1600/DSCN1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpWZ0YIM3iU/Vpr70AQvUvI/AAAAAAAAGOw/t7GosSYuM1U/s320/DSCN1785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSVg1WQqVdE/Vpr7ngZrLvI/AAAAAAAAGOY/KOgDVzWi7Ho/s1600/DSCN1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSVg1WQqVdE/Vpr7ngZrLvI/AAAAAAAAGOY/KOgDVzWi7Ho/s400/DSCN1772.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins enjoying ice cream from well known Wilson's Restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In addition, Door County, while not having
any beaches to speak of, is a fabulous vacation destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive past numerous & massive cherry
& apple orchards leads you into quaint small towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be noted that some of these areas
have the highest per capita income in the State & regularly run budget
surpluses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, their cherry
production ranks second in the Nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It goes without saying that the locals not only make wonderful cherry
& apple pies but have developed numerous other entries (butters, jellies,
wines, salsa), all of which we found necessary to sample and thoroughly enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6a1L02NU9sI/Vpr7-h5A-JI/AAAAAAAAGPA/7fqzS4ad4Hg/s1600/DSCN1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6a1L02NU9sI/Vpr7-h5A-JI/AAAAAAAAGPA/7fqzS4ad4Hg/s320/DSCN1787.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured Rocks National Park, MI</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcA3r3HmrCM/Vpr8Eh5Be3I/AAAAAAAAGPM/FQxfYAdrCF0/s1600/DSCN1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcA3r3HmrCM/Vpr8Eh5Be3I/AAAAAAAAGPM/FQxfYAdrCF0/s400/DSCN1791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBODT3-RaA4/Vpr8JN6YMUI/AAAAAAAAGPU/Ewgk1wEMcm4/s1600/DSCN1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBODT3-RaA4/Vpr8JN6YMUI/AAAAAAAAGPU/Ewgk1wEMcm4/s320/DSCN1795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The water at Pictured Rocks National Park in Upper Northwest MI reminded us of the Caribbean.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lp7OkSaHrRg/Vpr8MdiYxrI/AAAAAAAAGPc/Pdt98Tt73Pc/s1600/DSCN1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lp7OkSaHrRg/Vpr8MdiYxrI/AAAAAAAAGPc/Pdt98Tt73Pc/s320/DSCN1804.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_vLV6BLP2A/Vpr8SMz_0iI/AAAAAAAAGPk/7A7RqQdZhCU/s1600/DSCN1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_vLV6BLP2A/Vpr8SMz_0iI/AAAAAAAAGPk/7A7RqQdZhCU/s400/DSCN1808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As we slowly
worked our way through the U.P. of Michigan, we were joined by our friends Deb
& Don Larson, whom we had first met the prior winter in Arizona. Together we visited picturesque & historic sites.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQvHsNSic_0/Vpr8ZCABtRI/AAAAAAAAGPs/5EA-BTditxA/s1600/DSCN1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQvHsNSic_0/Vpr8ZCABtRI/AAAAAAAAGPs/5EA-BTditxA/s320/DSCN1811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="color: black;">We took a day to visit Tahquamenon Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <b>Tahquamenon Falls</b> are two different waterfalls <span style="font-family: "calibri";">on the </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahquamenon_River" title="Tahquamenon River"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">Tahquamenon River</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">. Both sets are located near </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Superior" title="Lake Superior"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">Lake Superior</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";"> in the eastern </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Peninsula_of_Michigan" title="Upper Peninsula of Michigan"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">Upper Peninsula of Michigan</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eAT4liY_gQ/Vpr8eGXrC6I/AAAAAAAAGP4/gYG6aKvuA2Q/s1600/DSCN1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eAT4liY_gQ/Vpr8eGXrC6I/AAAAAAAAGP4/gYG6aKvuA2Q/s320/DSCN1813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">The water is notably brown in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannin-stained_waters" title="Tannin-stained waters"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">color from the tannins</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";"> leached from the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Arborvitae" title="Eastern Arborvitae"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">cedar</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp" title="Swamp"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">swamps</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;"> which the river drains.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNXRwGwia_0/Vpr8pPszl3I/AAAAAAAAGQI/-fOBy2sSVSM/s1600/DSCN1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNXRwGwia_0/Vpr8pPszl3I/AAAAAAAAGQI/-fOBy2sSVSM/s400/DSCN1822.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zJ5x9Kmw10/Vpr8u9zOvUI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/_CJ59ndKQYo/s1600/DSCN1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zJ5x9Kmw10/Vpr8u9zOvUI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/_CJ59ndKQYo/s320/DSCN1827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">The upper falls are more than 200 feet (60 m) across and with a drop of approximately 48 feet (14 m) During the late spring runoff, the river drains as much as 50,000 US gallons (190,000 L) of water per second, making the upper falls the third most voluminous vertical waterfall east of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_River" title="Mississippi River"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">Mississippi River</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">, after </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls" title="Niagara Falls"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">Niagara Falls</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";"> and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cohoes_Falls" title="Cohoes Falls"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">Cohoes Falls</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black;">, both in New York State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day & we had a nice time.<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We also went to the Shipwreck Museum, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recalling
how some 1,600 hundred ships have sunk in this area over the last 400 years (
the most recent & best known being the Edmond Fitzgerald). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To understand the size of the Fitzgerald &
that it was on another ship’s radar one second & gone the next, without
warning, attests to the magnitude of this “lake” & its storms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-th1m5ntFD1k/Vpr9CD6zhTI/AAAAAAAAGQ4/lQqJ48NBthg/s1600/DSCN1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-th1m5ntFD1k/Vpr9CD6zhTI/AAAAAAAAGQ4/lQqJ48NBthg/s320/DSCN1843.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKsr0YISpwE/Vpr84F3VupI/AAAAAAAAGQg/65CGYPkfcQU/s1600/DSCN1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKsr0YISpwE/Vpr84F3VupI/AAAAAAAAGQg/65CGYPkfcQU/s400/DSCN1836.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell from the Edmond Fitzgerald</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The museum had several buildings of displays, showing equipment used for trying to rescue the many people tossed adrift in those many shipwrecks. It also had things found from some of them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fqOMIyyIwc/Vpr87IFNfmI/AAAAAAAAGQo/TQgzUlznhdU/s1600/DSCN1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fqOMIyyIwc/Vpr87IFNfmI/AAAAAAAAGQo/TQgzUlznhdU/s320/DSCN1838.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prEqaTG7ZXc/Vpr8-CdJ-MI/AAAAAAAAGQw/74Xfue-MTdk/s1600/DSCN1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prEqaTG7ZXc/Vpr8-CdJ-MI/AAAAAAAAGQw/74Xfue-MTdk/s320/DSCN1842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They still had the old light house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QiD4p8Up-A/Vpr9HHoTJVI/AAAAAAAAGRA/pFLnYOYi6_w/s1600/DSCN1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QiD4p8Up-A/Vpr9HHoTJVI/AAAAAAAAGRA/pFLnYOYi6_w/s320/DSCN1844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp92fA1jMD4/Vpr9roLN0uI/AAAAAAAAGSY/Xe6ZHfS4fnE/s1600/DSCN1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp92fA1jMD4/Vpr9roLN0uI/AAAAAAAAGSY/Xe6ZHfS4fnE/s320/DSCN1879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lw1QVHLBLmc/Vpr9fsUd0xI/AAAAAAAAGR4/ErUKcymZs3w/s1600/DSCN1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lw1QVHLBLmc/Vpr9fsUd0xI/AAAAAAAAGR4/ErUKcymZs3w/s320/DSCN1873.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Mackinaw
Island, available only by boat & not allowing any vehicles on the island,
is a 200 year step back in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OXhttJ-xXA/Vpr9c6KOTYI/AAAAAAAAGRw/Kgc9zHCBpjw/s1600/DSCN1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OXhttJ-xXA/Vpr9c6KOTYI/AAAAAAAAGRw/Kgc9zHCBpjw/s320/DSCN1872.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Grand Hotel opened it's doors in 1886. It has the longest front porch in the world. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCt2ZyxV39s/Vpr9lwf56XI/AAAAAAAAGSI/4vTXofWHkxM/s1600/DSCN1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCt2ZyxV39s/Vpr9lwf56XI/AAAAAAAAGSI/4vTXofWHkxM/s400/DSCN1876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoRWB2ok4EE/Vpr9pXxKo4I/AAAAAAAAGSQ/CaS18gvSzw8/s1600/DSCN1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoRWB2ok4EE/Vpr9pXxKo4I/AAAAAAAAGSQ/CaS18gvSzw8/s320/DSCN1877.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fY_UjPZArdQ/Vpr9-ibmalI/AAAAAAAAGS4/UGSaHYRss18/s1600/DSCN1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fY_UjPZArdQ/Vpr9-ibmalI/AAAAAAAAGS4/UGSaHYRss18/s320/DSCN1886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHxuZvmB7HQ/Vpr91BcHI8I/AAAAAAAAGSo/0lL-OUw8TO4/s1600/DSCN1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHxuZvmB7HQ/Vpr91BcHI8I/AAAAAAAAGSo/0lL-OUw8TO4/s320/DSCN1883.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We were
fortunate in visiting after peek season for otherwise this quaint, picturesque
small town with beautiful landscaping & numerous horse drawn carriages
would have been less enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-YpT_01wU8/Vpr9KxSoUtI/AAAAAAAAGRI/nsFTpvpieus/s1600/DSCN1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-YpT_01wU8/Vpr9KxSoUtI/AAAAAAAAGRI/nsFTpvpieus/s320/DSCN1846.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">One day
we took a drive to some cute little towns along Lake Michigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also visited an incredible bakery that
brought back memories of such places when we were very young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One could feel their wallets lighten as soon
as you opened the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
to try one of everything in there, but Collins put a blindfold on me so I could
only enjoy the smells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did relent
& we came away with a more than ample sampling of their baked goods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WUdCDd0tF8/Vpr9OlqlBNI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/Wb2oGfxyFMA/s1600/DSCN1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WUdCDd0tF8/Vpr9OlqlBNI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/Wb2oGfxyFMA/s320/DSCN1849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deb & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-joXIGvEFZwQ/Vpr9TRPIgxI/AAAAAAAAGRY/FWNpCbDs-LA/s1600/DSCN1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-joXIGvEFZwQ/Vpr9TRPIgxI/AAAAAAAAGRY/FWNpCbDs-LA/s320/DSCN1851.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlevoix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tuf9AXjirPg/Vpr9Wg6AdnI/AAAAAAAAGRg/cLqHF5CvSXE/s1600/DSCN1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tuf9AXjirPg/Vpr9Wg6AdnI/AAAAAAAAGRg/cLqHF5CvSXE/s320/DSCN1852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlevoix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnqV0j0CdCA/Vpr-DgFYSGI/AAAAAAAAGTA/uKDkLve-49A/s1600/DSCN1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnqV0j0CdCA/Vpr-DgFYSGI/AAAAAAAAGTA/uKDkLve-49A/s320/DSCN1894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We stayed in a nice campground, located right on Lake Michigan. It was huge. Luckily for us, as mentioned earlier, it was late in the season, so they were only busy on the weekend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky1ZZvcMqLQ/Vpr-HfrDbvI/AAAAAAAAGTI/y-BumREK0dE/s1600/DSCN1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky1ZZvcMqLQ/Vpr-HfrDbvI/AAAAAAAAGTI/y-BumREK0dE/s320/DSCN1895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Deb &
Don left us in Mackinac City & we continued on to Traverse City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8HWvlUMev4/Vpr6GpKf8JI/AAAAAAAAGLs/0zLHovdSIdM/s1600/DSCN1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8HWvlUMev4/Vpr6GpKf8JI/AAAAAAAAGLs/0zLHovdSIdM/s320/DSCN1897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We wondered around there for over a week ,
visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes & driving along the Peninsula in Traverse
Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmt1SIH1b4k/Vpr6Wxzls9I/AAAAAAAAGMM/nu1GyFAh2iA/s1600/DSCN1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmt1SIH1b4k/Vpr6Wxzls9I/AAAAAAAAGMM/nu1GyFAh2iA/s320/DSCN1920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uccIAtdDg1s/Vpr6ZoAodmI/AAAAAAAAGMU/tUeWoIivPP8/s1600/DSCN1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uccIAtdDg1s/Vpr6ZoAodmI/AAAAAAAAGMU/tUeWoIivPP8/s320/DSCN1922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It is the largest producer of tart cherries
in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited the old
light house at the tip of the peninsula & stopped to sample wine at one of
the several wineries along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zp1xlRVVnOE/Vpr6c0B-x3I/AAAAAAAAGMc/XJeDbfMnLk4/s1600/DSCN1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zp1xlRVVnOE/Vpr6c0B-x3I/AAAAAAAAGMc/XJeDbfMnLk4/s320/DSCN1924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5glHqsI2Fo/Vpr6hPf8SxI/AAAAAAAAGMk/NeeLC2ZFFJw/s1600/DSCN1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5glHqsI2Fo/Vpr6hPf8SxI/AAAAAAAAGMk/NeeLC2ZFFJw/s320/DSCN1925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xbqv7Ww4rr4/Vpr6ObQYlsI/AAAAAAAAGL8/XVbEaXjnagk/s1600/DSCN1907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xbqv7Ww4rr4/Vpr6ObQYlsI/AAAAAAAAGL8/XVbEaXjnagk/s320/DSCN1907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INXFtmdYMS4/Vpr6SedoTSI/AAAAAAAAGME/6uyUjTTPV2E/s1600/DSCN1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INXFtmdYMS4/Vpr6SedoTSI/AAAAAAAAGME/6uyUjTTPV2E/s400/DSCN1909.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles gets a haircut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Wanting to
spend some quality time with Karen’s mom, we arrived in Lexington, KY a month
prior to her 90<sup>th</sup> Birthday, at which time the Falls family was
scheduled to arrive for a party.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MOuo6ayPfo/Vpr6lMvThmI/AAAAAAAAGMs/Gl8IpF76vKA/s1600/DSCN1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MOuo6ayPfo/Vpr6lMvThmI/AAAAAAAAGMs/Gl8IpF76vKA/s320/DSCN1927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Note:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For RVers, there are only two quality camps within 45 minutes of
downtown Lexington:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whispering Hills in
Georgetown & Kentucky Horse Park (latter elec. & water only, but
beautiful). We stayed at the horse park for a couple days, then moved to Whispering Hills</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHyVWxU9ck/Vpr6pkBpeHI/AAAAAAAAGM0/ZSUZo4JoNas/s1600/DSCN1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHyVWxU9ck/Vpr6pkBpeHI/AAAAAAAAGM0/ZSUZo4JoNas/s400/DSCN1928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBekfbs1IjE/Vpr6tDH-6gI/AAAAAAAAGM8/VtEVDci9MGg/s1600/DSCN1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBekfbs1IjE/Vpr6tDH-6gI/AAAAAAAAGM8/VtEVDci9MGg/s320/DSCN1929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The
Lexington area has numerous places to visit that are fun as well as
informative, including Bourbon distilleries & huge, beautiful horse
farms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interesting enough, they are both
there for the same reason:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the calcium
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The geology of this area has
massive layers of limestone that not only filters the water ensuring better
bourbon, but it also increases the bone mass of the horses (mother nature’s
steroids).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dlfe0-a3yk/Vpr67RYwyaI/AAAAAAAAGOI/EudyVC_bha0/s1600/DSCN1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dlfe0-a3yk/Vpr67RYwyaI/AAAAAAAAGOI/EudyVC_bha0/s400/DSCN1935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7MInf0vcFM/Vpr691Gb7XI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/LWc9I_-OGXM/s1600/DSCN1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7MInf0vcFM/Vpr691Gb7XI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/LWc9I_-OGXM/s320/DSCN1937.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SQso8nr1Oo/Vpr7AEYZ_sI/AAAAAAAAGNY/DzZA813a8jU/s1600/DSCN1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SQso8nr1Oo/Vpr7AEYZ_sI/AAAAAAAAGNY/DzZA813a8jU/s320/DSCN1938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ3nj0jjK98/Vpr7Cu_prnI/AAAAAAAAGNg/hGAXy43I6fA/s1600/DSCN1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ3nj0jjK98/Vpr7Cu_prnI/AAAAAAAAGNg/hGAXy43I6fA/s320/DSCN1947.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old, High Priced Bourbon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0B8m4xBoK0/Vpr7FdkYd6I/AAAAAAAAGNo/u9fmwppP_hM/s1600/DSCN1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0B8m4xBoK0/Vpr7FdkYd6I/AAAAAAAAGNo/u9fmwppP_hM/s320/DSCN1948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the Tasting Begin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8MGRWC2dsA/Vpr10MiwndI/AAAAAAAAGI8/6Z8kWX8a7I0/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8MGRWC2dsA/Vpr10MiwndI/AAAAAAAAGI8/6Z8kWX8a7I0/s400/DSCN1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyota Plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWLOGUXs2UI/Vpr15CDFVVI/AAAAAAAAGJE/fSFKPl_-G8A/s1600/DSCN1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWLOGUXs2UI/Vpr15CDFVVI/AAAAAAAAGJE/fSFKPl_-G8A/s320/DSCN1951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also
spent several hours touring not only the largest car manufacturing plant in the
U.S., but second largest in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without going thru a long dissertation, suffice it to say we were
incredibly impressed & would gladly purchase a Toyota if they made any that
are flat towable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plant is amazingly
automated & turns out 2000 cars a day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOJHPpDfzpg/Vpr1-fNab5I/AAAAAAAAGJM/XFuHqKpZkNw/s1600/DSCN1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOJHPpDfzpg/Vpr1-fNab5I/AAAAAAAAGJM/XFuHqKpZkNw/s320/DSCN1958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Karen's friend Sue, who practically lived with them as a kid, came for the party. We went out to dinner the night before the party with Karen's mom, Sue & Karen's brother Larry & his wife Deanna</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7n9TRktro7I/Vpr2E72BmfI/AAAAAAAAGJU/CNdhPpWucFo/s1600/DSCN1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7n9TRktro7I/Vpr2E72BmfI/AAAAAAAAGJU/CNdhPpWucFo/s400/DSCN1970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Nov. 7<sup>th</sup>
was time for the Falls’ party with well over 50 blood & blood related
family members in attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Our grandson, Danny & his girlfriend Cami, bought Granny a corsage for the party. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKjoTFvBEAQ/Vpr2Kh3nHVI/AAAAAAAAGJc/c5Mkq-awN5c/s1600/DSCN2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKjoTFvBEAQ/Vpr2Kh3nHVI/AAAAAAAAGJc/c5Mkq-awN5c/s400/DSCN2003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny & many of her great grandkids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9hcEDWgABA/Vpr2QHTVyjI/AAAAAAAAGJk/_RcdDNxQup4/s1600/DSCN2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9hcEDWgABA/Vpr2QHTVyjI/AAAAAAAAGJk/_RcdDNxQup4/s400/DSCN2020.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOK-lP4IH04/Vpr2UtcfCoI/AAAAAAAAGJs/XSrpRPRahRQ/s1600/DSCN2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOK-lP4IH04/Vpr2UtcfCoI/AAAAAAAAGJs/XSrpRPRahRQ/s400/DSCN2034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Karen is
the oldest of 8 siblings, of which 7 were in attendance; only the brother and
family in Taiwan was missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbZrRB0WTsY/Vpr2Yh8q4XI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/Hia1khX3vz8/s1600/DSCN2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbZrRB0WTsY/Vpr2Yh8q4XI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/Hia1khX3vz8/s400/DSCN2042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
finally left KY Nov 9<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrydeodXIW4/Vpr2mx6AXBI/AAAAAAAAGKU/tBY2uVeF8F4/s1600/DSCN2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrydeodXIW4/Vpr2mx6AXBI/AAAAAAAAGKU/tBY2uVeF8F4/s400/DSCN2064.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennifer & Jeff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Five days later we were in Florida attending
a niece’s wedding.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prIjwAfMkE8/Vpr2p168d6I/AAAAAAAAGKc/OU4gtysB-nE/s1600/DSCN2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prIjwAfMkE8/Vpr2p168d6I/AAAAAAAAGKc/OU4gtysB-nE/s400/DSCN2072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father of the bride, brother Larry & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKkywBOkXtE/Vpr2sRLRfpI/AAAAAAAAGKk/fLCz8kXcE4s/s1600/DSCN2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKkywBOkXtE/Vpr2sRLRfpI/AAAAAAAAGKk/fLCz8kXcE4s/s320/DSCN2083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at the wedding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Atkrh6NW_8Q/Vpr2cOAGYDI/AAAAAAAAGJ8/hfNnbIwX6F4/s1600/DSCN2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Atkrh6NW_8Q/Vpr2cOAGYDI/AAAAAAAAGJ8/hfNnbIwX6F4/s400/DSCN2050.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & Linda walk the beach<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0XiiMPrEIg/Vpr2ge9Uc9I/AAAAAAAAGKE/HE0A4ALXObw/s1600/DSCN2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0XiiMPrEIg/Vpr2ge9Uc9I/AAAAAAAAGKE/HE0A4ALXObw/s320/DSCN2053.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also had a chance to meet up with Collins best friend from high school, Pete & his wife Linda. They met us in Ft. Myers & we spent an evening & day together. We went out for dinner & had a chance to tour Captiva & Sanibel Islands during the next day. It was good to see them again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfbXacTda8Y/Vpr2kjRHzDI/AAAAAAAAGKM/Q2EIgoje-xc/s1600/DSCN2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfbXacTda8Y/Vpr2kjRHzDI/AAAAAAAAGKM/Q2EIgoje-xc/s320/DSCN2057.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete, Linda & Pepper<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zL0FOkXQ5lo/Vpr21FUidUI/AAAAAAAAGK0/ykYpwAQ-c0E/s1600/DSCN2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zL0FOkXQ5lo/Vpr21FUidUI/AAAAAAAAGK0/ykYpwAQ-c0E/s320/DSCN2092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3C2TePytwc/Vpr2wdWvKYI/AAAAAAAAGKs/f0usREWgcAk/s1600/DSCN2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3C2TePytwc/Vpr2wdWvKYI/AAAAAAAAGKs/f0usREWgcAk/s1600/DSCN2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3C2TePytwc/Vpr2wdWvKYI/AAAAAAAAGKs/f0usREWgcAk/s1600/DSCN2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3C2TePytwc/Vpr2wdWvKYI/AAAAAAAAGKs/f0usREWgcAk/s1600/DSCN2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3C2TePytwc/Vpr2wdWvKYI/AAAAAAAAGKs/f0usREWgcAk/s400/DSCN2091.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Two days later we flew back to Memphis then took off to a Rally with Monaco International in Branson, MO
for Christmas week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That schedule had an
8 AM start with a 9 PM end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
great week & we saw a dozen shows, four of which we considered outstanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WinSRQpuhJ4/Vpr25glRcsI/AAAAAAAAGK8/808120GyljU/s1600/DSCN2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WinSRQpuhJ4/Vpr25glRcsI/AAAAAAAAGK8/808120GyljU/s400/DSCN2094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">These pictures were taken in the bathroom of the Shoji Tabuchi Theater. It was unbelievable.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmoTrvwstTA/Vpr29t5IFsI/AAAAAAAAGLE/Y938Il8P5Ls/s1600/DSCN2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmoTrvwstTA/Vpr29t5IFsI/AAAAAAAAGLE/Y938Il8P5Ls/s400/DSCN2095.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPDPlrXB4sY/Vpr3AqmB5eI/AAAAAAAAGLM/f64d4v_Wnr4/s1600/DSCN2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPDPlrXB4sY/Vpr3AqmB5eI/AAAAAAAAGLM/f64d4v_Wnr4/s400/DSCN2096.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfpTC2E0ez0/Vpr3GMjiG4I/AAAAAAAAGLU/2ewK4AKGbQU/s1600/DSCN2097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfpTC2E0ez0/Vpr3GMjiG4I/AAAAAAAAGLU/2ewK4AKGbQU/s400/DSCN2097.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy4IZY3dh_k/Vpr3Lf5inMI/AAAAAAAAGLc/hafpGfghC0I/s1600/DSCN2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy4IZY3dh_k/Vpr3Lf5inMI/AAAAAAAAGLc/hafpGfghC0I/s400/DSCN2098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Finally settling in Memphis, we spent the
next 6 weeks recovering & getting ready to put the rig in storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3r3_bXgAURY/Vpr-wFEUx9I/AAAAAAAAGTU/aut61UHbDTI/s1600/DSCN2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3r3_bXgAURY/Vpr-wFEUx9I/AAAAAAAAGTU/aut61UHbDTI/s320/DSCN2117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dec. 18<sup>th</sup>
found us in Illinois with a simple schedule:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a couple doctor appointments for both of us, & enjoy the Holidays
with 9 members of our tribe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SnmsHaLUDo/Vpr-0oFYkKI/AAAAAAAAGTk/_m-qWGRrhzU/s1600/DSCN2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SnmsHaLUDo/Vpr-0oFYkKI/AAAAAAAAGTk/_m-qWGRrhzU/s320/DSCN2121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Karen, Paula & Pam decided to spend a day making Christmas Cookies. Of course, that required a trip to the store for Wine, Cheese & Crackers. I still don't understand it, but Karen managed to forget the sugar in one of the cookies. She didn't think they tasted bad at all, but Paula & Collins noticed it right away. Karen even talked Katie into decorating a Gingerbread house. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhwJa1XzRUo/Vpr-yXAwVFI/AAAAAAAAGTc/YQimkH_FqDQ/s1600/DSCN2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhwJa1XzRUo/Vpr-yXAwVFI/AAAAAAAAGTc/YQimkH_FqDQ/s320/DSCN2120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca watches while Katie decorates<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfIXZv3FTgw/Vpr_QOYajyI/AAAAAAAAGVI/vFdL1bm01X4/s1600/DSCN2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfIXZv3FTgw/Vpr_QOYajyI/AAAAAAAAGVI/vFdL1bm01X4/s320/DSCN2122.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7YojwT-8Ow/Vpr-2JaMY7I/AAAAAAAAGTs/IdCZY5gIJKA/s1600/DSCN2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7YojwT-8Ow/Vpr-2JaMY7I/AAAAAAAAGTs/IdCZY5gIJKA/s400/DSCN2127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles relax before the Christmas Crowd arrives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnlqTmw0xZI/Vpr_VVhrzXI/AAAAAAAAGVY/di0jOnQTkok/s1600/DSCN2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnlqTmw0xZI/Vpr_VVhrzXI/AAAAAAAAGVY/di0jOnQTkok/s400/DSCN2124.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wriggley wants to join the celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyWOuHqt58A/Vpr_Sxhne8I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/nyGHiO1kgFQ/s1600/DSCN2123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyWOuHqt58A/Vpr_Sxhne8I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/nyGHiO1kgFQ/s400/DSCN2123.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie & Ryan<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15qdi1rCCjs/Vpr-4E9TrwI/AAAAAAAAGT0/Mwk5tX9f_lg/s1600/DSCN2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15qdi1rCCjs/Vpr-4E9TrwI/AAAAAAAAGT0/Mwk5tX9f_lg/s400/DSCN2129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, Pam, Ryan & Aaron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgGnHgFmPoo/Vpr-6XP-96I/AAAAAAAAGT8/UQ0I73l-yIw/s1600/DSCN2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgGnHgFmPoo/Vpr-6XP-96I/AAAAAAAAGT8/UQ0I73l-yIw/s400/DSCN2131.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, Ryan, Karen & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzTcd3EwTWI/Vpr--wRA0BI/AAAAAAAAGUM/ACNax2O3Ajc/s1600/DSCN2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzTcd3EwTWI/Vpr--wRA0BI/AAAAAAAAGUM/ACNax2O3Ajc/s400/DSCN2136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler, Dave, Cami, Danny, Paula & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mji9DR2DMA/Vpr-8wb4YXI/AAAAAAAAGUE/3dsfHRCaAHw/s1600/DSCN2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mji9DR2DMA/Vpr-8wb4YXI/AAAAAAAAGUE/3dsfHRCaAHw/s400/DSCN2132.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & Paula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqUnxL2JVYs/Vpr_BPkRhoI/AAAAAAAAGUU/Ipw1Z0_HJeo/s1600/DSCN2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqUnxL2JVYs/Vpr_BPkRhoI/AAAAAAAAGUU/Ipw1Z0_HJeo/s400/DSCN2141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler, Ryan, Danny, Becca & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4mb7vlx3P8/Vpr_DY0UhhI/AAAAAAAAGUg/c5ZSDQCyPCA/s1600/DSCN2144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4mb7vlx3P8/Vpr_DY0UhhI/AAAAAAAAGUg/c5ZSDQCyPCA/s400/DSCN2144.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug, Kerry & Logan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghgsPhKfV1c/Vpr_IXvra0I/AAAAAAAAGUw/phDXdLcsxaM/s1600/DSCN2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghgsPhKfV1c/Vpr_IXvra0I/AAAAAAAAGUw/phDXdLcsxaM/s400/DSCN2160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also had a chance to attend one of Becca's Basketball games. Unfortunately, they lost, but she played a good game.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3h9ii_rIAA/Vpr_LofbgMI/AAAAAAAAGU4/Vjgo25JFr_Y/s1600/DSCN2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3h9ii_rIAA/Vpr_LofbgMI/AAAAAAAAGU4/Vjgo25JFr_Y/s400/DSCN2161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca's #50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Man plans,
God laughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Dec 28<sup>th</sup>
Collins was having two additional stents implanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for us, modern medicine is amazing
& five days later we left for Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, our three month
winter get away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-81566581808762465292015-09-13T22:46:00.000-04:002015-09-13T23:30:58.186-04:00Summer 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<strong>Don’t forget you can double click any picture to make it larger.</strong><br />
<strong>I would also like to preface this by telling you there are hundreds of churches & castles throughout Europe.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
As I promised in the previous post, here are pictures of our kids in Florida.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16hBi-Yse28/VdjqnzbTMCI/AAAAAAAAF6I/nCYcwL10l6c/s1600/Collins%2B%2526%2BCollina%2Bat%2BTampa%2BRays%2BBaseball%2BGame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16hBi-Yse28/VdjqnzbTMCI/AAAAAAAAF6I/nCYcwL10l6c/s320/Collins%2B%2526%2BCollina%2Bat%2BTampa%2BRays%2BBaseball%2BGame.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Collina at Baseball Game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozJoD87S4TU/VdjqoukbLTI/AAAAAAAAF6U/GE2z0cliVUQ/s1600/Blake%2B%2526%2BGreat%2BGranddad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozJoD87S4TU/VdjqoukbLTI/AAAAAAAAF6U/GE2z0cliVUQ/s320/Blake%2B%2526%2BGreat%2BGranddad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandson Blake & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UQREUm-OUk/VdjqvNWsjHI/AAAAAAAAF7c/SH02IKyk-8w/s1600/Brittany%2B%2526%2BLexi%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UQREUm-OUk/VdjqvNWsjHI/AAAAAAAAF7c/SH02IKyk-8w/s320/Brittany%2B%2526%2BLexi%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddaughters Brittany & Lexi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_s4zW4fRb-M/Vdjqw_UuTtI/AAAAAAAAF7w/6C6PKKOjSK0/s1600/Collina%2B%2526%2BCollins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_s4zW4fRb-M/Vdjqw_UuTtI/AAAAAAAAF7w/6C6PKKOjSK0/s320/Collina%2B%2526%2BCollins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collina & Collins at the pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg-KD52izHA/Vdjqp6q1TcI/AAAAAAAAF6g/ZIJdA_P2i0A/s1600/Lexi%252C%2Bbrittany%252C%2BCollina%252C%2BBlake%2B%2526%2BCollins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg-KD52izHA/Vdjqp6q1TcI/AAAAAAAAF6g/ZIJdA_P2i0A/s320/Lexi%252C%2Bbrittany%252C%2BCollina%252C%2BBlake%2B%2526%2BCollins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi, Brittany, Collina, Blake & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUCjacwsg7o/Vdjax9jLpdI/AAAAAAAAFcU/eeO2qVcN0Z4/s1600/DSCN0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUCjacwsg7o/Vdjax9jLpdI/AAAAAAAAFcU/eeO2qVcN0Z4/s320/DSCN0654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
By the first week of June, we were in Illinois seeing our other three kids, five grandkids. We were just in time to attend grandson, Tyler's graduation from Middle School. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_JOrXk-CHM/VdjaykyzMMI/AAAAAAAAFcg/c_RU1sP2R-o/s1600/DSCN0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_JOrXk-CHM/VdjaykyzMMI/AAAAAAAAFcg/c_RU1sP2R-o/s400/DSCN0655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60Ym3ui5Zek/VdjazWqW4wI/AAAAAAAAFck/tFe-xG7F0P4/s1600/DSCN0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60Ym3ui5Zek/VdjazWqW4wI/AAAAAAAAFck/tFe-xG7F0P4/s400/DSCN0665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We also managed to get in a family gathering before we left on our trip. Doug & Kerry were nice enough to invite the family to their house for a cookout. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJOtjdS15C0/Vdja0YvEAWI/AAAAAAAAFcw/ZIgnCVaX3UQ/s1600/DSCN0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJOtjdS15C0/Vdja0YvEAWI/AAAAAAAAFcw/ZIgnCVaX3UQ/s400/DSCN0667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0yLmYZKm8U/Vdja1D4996I/AAAAAAAAFc0/ryQ674E3nYc/s1600/DSCN0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0yLmYZKm8U/Vdja1D4996I/AAAAAAAAFc0/ryQ674E3nYc/s400/DSCN0668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIQLOb0OcBw/Vdja17fXiwI/AAAAAAAAFc8/XdbmJNtfS-A/s1600/DSCN0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIQLOb0OcBw/Vdja17fXiwI/AAAAAAAAFc8/XdbmJNtfS-A/s400/DSCN0671.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys are too cool to hang out with the rest of us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-axe-sPWlXro/Vdja4uxXzdI/AAAAAAAAFdU/xEMBk0gCYVA/s1600/DSCN0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-axe-sPWlXro/Vdja4uxXzdI/AAAAAAAAFdU/xEMBk0gCYVA/s400/DSCN0681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And more doctors, who said <u>Collins had experienced a heart attack</u>; he contends he was just a little fatigued. Seems he had one valve 100% blocked & a second 60% blocked; his heart, in such condition, objected to his spending 7 hours cutting down trees & limbs at our youngest daughter’s home. The VA, thru Loyola University Hospital, did a stent on the 100% one &, five days later, after promising to come back in two months for the second procedure, we were flying to Budapest to start our 21 day European river cruise. As it turned out, when we came back, they did some more testing, the second valve was not blocked as much as they thought & he didn't have to have a second stent.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I had booked us into Premium Economy, which isn’t quite as good as business class, but was a huge step up from economy. It gave us more room to move, which was especially important for Collins to be doing after having that stent.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ye_7Zbk_5o/Vdja5r5hTqI/AAAAAAAAFdg/M8S-ebQ-fOY/s1600/DSCN0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ye_7Zbk_5o/Vdja5r5hTqI/AAAAAAAAFdg/M8S-ebQ-fOY/s400/DSCN0688.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We arrived in Budapest a couple days early in order to adjust to the time difference & have a little more time for sightseeing. We used the Hop On Hop Off Bus to get around & get the history of the City. They are supposed to have a good bus system, too, but we didn’t use it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoV_xiegkuM/Vdja6Rvo5hI/AAAAAAAAFdo/bhwp5eJgA5Q/s1600/DSCN0689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoV_xiegkuM/Vdja6Rvo5hI/AAAAAAAAFdo/bhwp5eJgA5Q/s400/DSCN0689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a99xSfeaQ4k/Vdja6yh_I4I/AAAAAAAAFdw/icwjVUP5WLg/s1600/DSCN0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a99xSfeaQ4k/Vdja6yh_I4I/AAAAAAAAFdw/icwjVUP5WLg/s400/DSCN0697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Budapest is actually two towns on either side of the Danube: Buda & Pest (go figure) which became one after a bridge united them around 1870. Interesting place with many contradictions, just some of which include: · WWII did little damage to the city yet many of the beautiful 200 plus year old buildings have facades in severe disrepair. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blRuE_yrK9g/Vdja7P82IYI/AAAAAAAAFd0/RUDvWwn22lc/s1600/DSCN0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blRuE_yrK9g/Vdja7P82IYI/AAAAAAAAFd0/RUDvWwn22lc/s400/DSCN0699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUZ1KAS0Nc4/Vdja7tEuK5I/AAAAAAAAFeA/iG-ITJaIZwY/s1600/DSCN0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUZ1KAS0Nc4/Vdja7tEuK5I/AAAAAAAAFeA/iG-ITJaIZwY/s400/DSCN0704.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXpE8Q3pBII/Vdja8PUi9rI/AAAAAAAAFeE/2lpTbr9fUfE/s1600/DSCN0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXpE8Q3pBII/Vdja8PUi9rI/AAAAAAAAFeE/2lpTbr9fUfE/s400/DSCN0710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcA1TrZ_YVw/Vdja8mdzaRI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/VK1Bha29GAA/s1600/DSCN0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcA1TrZ_YVw/Vdja8mdzaRI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/VK1Bha29GAA/s400/DSCN0717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3g4wD9IwvM/Vdja9M_uWAI/AAAAAAAAFeU/_ry8tMehqEw/s1600/DSCN0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3g4wD9IwvM/Vdja9M_uWAI/AAAAAAAAFeU/_ry8tMehqEw/s400/DSCN0726.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw-Kay5s5Yk/Vdja93n-R8I/AAAAAAAAFec/FRg5MT-gSxA/s1600/DSCN0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw-Kay5s5Yk/Vdja93n-R8I/AAAAAAAAFec/FRg5MT-gSxA/s400/DSCN0730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In addition, their large parks are clean but the grass & shrubs are not well maintained. It gives off a feeling of being old & tired. · With electric cable cars & most buildings in need of a strong power wash, one gets the feeling you’ve stepped back in time to the U.S cities in the 1940’s . · The streets are clean & we are told it is very safe. Since locals literally won’t even cross the street against a “don’t cross” signal, even with no traffic in site, I tend to believe this. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aoUDOC3LxI/Vdja-VFW85I/AAAAAAAAFek/xGzb9GwR-iI/s1600/DSCN0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aoUDOC3LxI/Vdja-VFW85I/AAAAAAAAFek/xGzb9GwR-iI/s400/DSCN0739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIy2hDbqFCY/Vdja_aE7x1I/AAAAAAAAFes/tjlaSEs-NhY/s1600/DSCN0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIy2hDbqFCY/Vdja_aE7x1I/AAAAAAAAFes/tjlaSEs-NhY/s400/DSCN0740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This enclosed marketplace was 3 floors of all kinds of shops: Food to eat, food for sale, especially fruit & vegatables, and all types of clothes, lace tablecloths, etc <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRafufyGs54/Vdja_0HbOLI/AAAAAAAAFe0/4mYpeT8StIw/s1600/DSCN0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRafufyGs54/Vdja_0HbOLI/AAAAAAAAFe0/4mYpeT8StIw/s400/DSCN0742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRpvB01T5mU/VdjbAiO_cmI/AAAAAAAAFfA/-WAnSucnU-Y/s1600/DSCN0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRpvB01T5mU/VdjbAiO_cmI/AAAAAAAAFfA/-WAnSucnU-Y/s400/DSCN0744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bridge connects Buda & Pest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0HZ2mu5o34/VdjbCLiCTAI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/f9XDNFo_6i8/s1600/DSCN0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0HZ2mu5o34/VdjbCLiCTAI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/f9XDNFo_6i8/s400/DSCN0748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRFTvYJMPwY/VdjbClQRzpI/AAAAAAAAFfY/8v2-sPEITAs/s1600/DSCN0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRFTvYJMPwY/VdjbClQRzpI/AAAAAAAAFfY/8v2-sPEITAs/s400/DSCN0750.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHP3ak2-R3E/VdjbDIT1OGI/AAAAAAAAFfc/HS2ufihnfpI/s1600/DSCN0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHP3ak2-R3E/VdjbDIT1OGI/AAAAAAAAFfc/HS2ufihnfpI/s400/DSCN0761.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand dial hourglass starts at the beginning of the New Year<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpTsUxbepnE/VdjcmGDG-iI/AAAAAAAAFy0/BvHIXdy8-u8/s1600/DSCN1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpTsUxbepnE/VdjcmGDG-iI/AAAAAAAAFy0/BvHIXdy8-u8/s400/DSCN1317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA6tcmqwzMU/VdjbI9F3L4I/AAAAAAAAFgw/myN5M1-WoSI/s1600/DSCN0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA6tcmqwzMU/VdjbI9F3L4I/AAAAAAAAFgw/myN5M1-WoSI/s400/DSCN0801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet the Staff<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y10a0CDJIo/VdjbJn0adUI/AAAAAAAAFg4/q2umOQsSa2g/s1600/DSCN0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y10a0CDJIo/VdjbJn0adUI/AAAAAAAAFg4/q2umOQsSa2g/s320/DSCN0803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By June 20<sup>th</sup>, we were on our Viking Cruise boat with 180 other passengers. It was very comfortable, the food good, service great, and our room, while somewhat small, more than fulfilled our needs. When you consider that we live in an RV, we really don’t require much space. Over the next 15 days we traveled 1,200 nautical miles, passing under 285 bridges & through 68 locks (one dropping us 82’, or eight stories) & five countries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBW1jRWt9Dw/VdjceqqGQtI/AAAAAAAAFxU/dR4D5qrZuQw/s1600/DSCN1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBW1jRWt9Dw/VdjceqqGQtI/AAAAAAAAFxU/dR4D5qrZuQw/s400/DSCN1279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Occasional Summer high-water from the melting of heavy Alps snow really plays havoc with the boats getting under some of the bridges. In some places we had less than 2” clearance. The ship lowers the wheelhouse & has to put all the railings, chairs, & sun roofs flat. Of course, passengers are not allowed there for at least half the trip. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPmo3znX7c4/VdjcGHnXN4I/AAAAAAAAFsk/yUUNgvfyCoE/s1600/DSCN1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPmo3znX7c4/VdjcGHnXN4I/AAAAAAAAFsk/yUUNgvfyCoE/s320/DSCN1119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tagging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uydH-ff2LAM/VdjcLvl2aVI/AAAAAAAAFts/pAs31eq1O9o/s1600/DSCN1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uydH-ff2LAM/VdjcLvl2aVI/AAAAAAAAFts/pAs31eq1O9o/s320/DSCN1170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The old Iron Curtain countries have a recurring appearance of decay & massive “tagging”, although there are some repairs taking place. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6VQjVApE8c/VdjbDvruktI/AAAAAAAAFfo/M2XIaVMA2l4/s1600/DSCN0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6VQjVApE8c/VdjbDvruktI/AAAAAAAAFfo/M2XIaVMA2l4/s400/DSCN0773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2-YAzCZ8F4/VdjbEGj7LyI/AAAAAAAAFfw/Eswl5y0CeoY/s1600/DSCN0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2-YAzCZ8F4/VdjbEGj7LyI/AAAAAAAAFfw/Eswl5y0CeoY/s400/DSCN0775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhCkRAP2Q8A/VdjbEitv-jI/AAAAAAAAFf0/myzFXtB2qTU/s1600/DSCN0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhCkRAP2Q8A/VdjbEitv-jI/AAAAAAAAFf0/myzFXtB2qTU/s400/DSCN0778.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was quite a large baroque Trinity column, that was built between 1710 and 1713, to celebrate the end of the plague. By building this column, the citizens hoped the Holy Trinity would protect them from another epidemic. Residents of Budapest believed this column did its job, as the plague never returned! We saw these in many cities<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUZa9icVePA/VdjbIGa3BcI/AAAAAAAAFgk/WL24sYTfbgU/s1600/DSCN0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUZa9icVePA/VdjbIGa3BcI/AAAAAAAAFgk/WL24sYTfbgU/s400/DSCN0792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYtTs4D6EuY/VdjbFPMRYEI/AAAAAAAAFgA/8p7-F3uKf3g/s1600/DSCN0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYtTs4D6EuY/VdjbFPMRYEI/AAAAAAAAFgA/8p7-F3uKf3g/s400/DSCN0780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdNEXuqknng/VdjbF2Mg6kI/AAAAAAAAFgE/4g-8IBd5kOs/s1600/DSCN0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdNEXuqknng/VdjbF2Mg6kI/AAAAAAAAFgE/4g-8IBd5kOs/s400/DSCN0784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mD8p21MTlfE/VdjbGBq2KrI/AAAAAAAAFgM/mJzLFPd4UOU/s1600/DSCN0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mD8p21MTlfE/VdjbGBq2KrI/AAAAAAAAFgM/mJzLFPd4UOU/s400/DSCN0787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPkMOZEmKF0/VdjbG8pBxmI/AAAAAAAAFgY/9U_fHVZXhi8/s1600/DSCN0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPkMOZEmKF0/VdjbG8pBxmI/AAAAAAAAFgY/9U_fHVZXhi8/s400/DSCN0789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUZa9icVePA/VdjbIGa3BcI/AAAAAAAAFgk/WL24sYTfbgU/s1600/DSCN0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUZa9icVePA/VdjbIGa3BcI/AAAAAAAAFgk/WL24sYTfbgU/s400/DSCN0792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQmXArAjkSY/VdjbKfd60AI/AAAAAAAAFg8/k3OKJgqJpRQ/s1600/DSCN0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQmXArAjkSY/VdjbKfd60AI/AAAAAAAAFg8/k3OKJgqJpRQ/s400/DSCN0825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGlJgNqSI7E/VdjbK5XE4FI/AAAAAAAAFhE/ItrExAqgRhw/s1600/DSCN0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGlJgNqSI7E/VdjbK5XE4FI/AAAAAAAAFhE/ItrExAqgRhw/s400/DSCN0826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9oZFQCwPZg/VdjdGO66NrI/AAAAAAAAF5c/K1DKFr5KYF4/s1600/Panoramic_view_of_Budapest_2014%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9oZFQCwPZg/VdjdGO66NrI/AAAAAAAAF5c/K1DKFr5KYF4/s1600/Panoramic_view_of_Budapest_2014%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Budapest at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqmQj3d0_7s/VdjbLXzT9UI/AAAAAAAAFhM/r_1SNaok310/s1600/DSCN0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqmQj3d0_7s/VdjbLXzT9UI/AAAAAAAAFhM/r_1SNaok310/s400/DSCN0839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We did an afternoon tour of Bratislava, Slovakia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0SXnmfhXTg/VdjbM3shGuI/AAAAAAAAFhY/NRcmOz9rdyw/s1600/DSCN0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0SXnmfhXTg/VdjbM3shGuI/AAAAAAAAFhY/NRcmOz9rdyw/s640/DSCN0850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIYSk25Rj2w/VdjbNSSFzAI/AAAAAAAAFhc/a-L6S9Tv3EM/s1600/DSCN0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIYSk25Rj2w/VdjbNSSFzAI/AAAAAAAAFhc/a-L6S9Tv3EM/s400/DSCN0854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4l8TY4SYLI/VdjbN-0nzbI/AAAAAAAAFhk/hMcnXeHLHdk/s1600/DSCN0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4l8TY4SYLI/VdjbN-0nzbI/AAAAAAAAFhk/hMcnXeHLHdk/s400/DSCN0856.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Michaels Gate is one of the best known and the oldest buildings in Bratislava. It was built in the 14th century as one of the four gates to the city<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfKyqAXPfoI/VdjbOY4MnAI/AAAAAAAAFhw/O8u8b3OARHU/s1600/DSCN0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfKyqAXPfoI/VdjbOY4MnAI/AAAAAAAAFhw/O8u8b3OARHU/s320/DSCN0861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8NAV7oZMNs/VdjbQNl3b7I/AAAAAAAAFiI/bEOTHOWLd40/s1600/DSCN0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8NAV7oZMNs/VdjbQNl3b7I/AAAAAAAAFiI/bEOTHOWLd40/s400/DSCN0865.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Government Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_ijGzZjqBw/VdjbREYs1GI/AAAAAAAAFiY/2pHDaMYYLDA/s1600/DSCN0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_ijGzZjqBw/VdjbREYs1GI/AAAAAAAAFiY/2pHDaMYYLDA/s400/DSCN0867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our next stop was Vienna, Austria. Unfortunately, one day is not enough time to see this city. We started with a visit to the Hofburg Palace. Unfortunately we were not able to go inside. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbgoX5-ubqI/VdjbQmxvoJI/AAAAAAAAFiM/YYO8wEp2pKY/s1600/DSCN0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbgoX5-ubqI/VdjbQmxvoJI/AAAAAAAAFiM/YYO8wEp2pKY/s400/DSCN0866.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTtj37eo7Zg/VdjbVgRUwbI/AAAAAAAAFis/lBfDfqac40o/s1600/DSCN0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTtj37eo7Zg/VdjbVgRUwbI/AAAAAAAAFis/lBfDfqac40o/s400/DSCN0874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The exterior is so ornate & you can notice all the gold used in the statues on the buildings. We found that to be quite common in most of the places we visited.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjqiJoraIxM/VdjbWEBeb2I/AAAAAAAAFi4/-pLnYpQlWhg/s1600/DSCN0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjqiJoraIxM/VdjbWEBeb2I/AAAAAAAAFi4/-pLnYpQlWhg/s400/DSCN0875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFb6mrVly-I/VdjbXpPTNJI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/q1kO_72ErWc/s1600/DSCN0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFb6mrVly-I/VdjbXpPTNJI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/q1kO_72ErWc/s400/DSCN0885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our ship stayed late in Vienna that night & we were able to attend a concert of Mozart's music in one of the Hofburg Palace Ballrooms. If you closed your eyes, you could picture the royalty dancing the night away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkqVNIUEjzU/VdjbbjxBdVI/AAAAAAAAFj8/5oIJt_QaNqg/s1600/DSCN0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkqVNIUEjzU/VdjbbjxBdVI/AAAAAAAAFj8/5oIJt_QaNqg/s400/DSCN0898.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuwEcVvSlaM/VdjbcaeunLI/AAAAAAAAFkI/SS2IRue0Bmc/s1600/DSCN0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuwEcVvSlaM/VdjbcaeunLI/AAAAAAAAFkI/SS2IRue0Bmc/s400/DSCN0904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Schonbrunn Castle was built to rival the French Versailles, but the house of Hapsburg lacked the funds to totally out do France. We were allowed to go thru some of the rooms here, but not take pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLful3xwWD4/VdjbdGFFCyI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/GuuZD8fYEQI/s1600/DSCN0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLful3xwWD4/VdjbdGFFCyI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/GuuZD8fYEQI/s400/DSCN0905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9LpQtICdsY/VdjbdpJpKdI/AAAAAAAAFkY/LzdFkI53ml0/s1600/DSCN0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9LpQtICdsY/VdjbdpJpKdI/AAAAAAAAFkY/LzdFkI53ml0/s400/DSCN0907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zz_7vxQUT2g/Vdjbe-3_sPI/AAAAAAAAFkk/EpaZAxjBg0A/s1600/DSCN0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zz_7vxQUT2g/Vdjbe-3_sPI/AAAAAAAAFkk/EpaZAxjBg0A/s400/DSCN0909.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1JCGlWNt_4/VdjbfRUGHOI/AAAAAAAAFks/yC4Mv6nXTG0/s1600/DSCN0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1JCGlWNt_4/VdjbfRUGHOI/AAAAAAAAFks/yC4Mv6nXTG0/s400/DSCN0910.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Gp2Kbo6QQ0/VdjbhBZr_pI/AAAAAAAAFlI/vJJlx_etnmI/s1600/DSCN0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Gp2Kbo6QQ0/VdjbhBZr_pI/AAAAAAAAFlI/vJJlx_etnmI/s400/DSCN0925.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw many RV Parks along the River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSlj2nB9aCQ/Vdjbhojut3I/AAAAAAAAFlM/nkqnQhv7Wmk/s1600/DSCN0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSlj2nB9aCQ/Vdjbhojut3I/AAAAAAAAFlM/nkqnQhv7Wmk/s400/DSCN0926.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The centuries old buildings in those cities not occupied by the Russians are filled with flowers, well maintained buildings & present a feeling that you are stepping back several hundred years to a wonderful time. The beautiful buildings in Europe were mostly constructed in either the 12<sup>th</sup> Century or 15<sup>th</sup>/16<sup>th</sup> Centuries. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1s8ZORkdZc/VdjbiJ4qcFI/AAAAAAAAFlU/v4iz5jVd-Ks/s1600/DSCN0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1s8ZORkdZc/VdjbiJ4qcFI/AAAAAAAAFlU/v4iz5jVd-Ks/s400/DSCN0929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gywi61wGy78/VdjbikzVjBI/AAAAAAAAFlg/uQ5UF-gNPbs/s1600/DSCN0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gywi61wGy78/VdjbikzVjBI/AAAAAAAAFlg/uQ5UF-gNPbs/s320/DSCN0936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="image" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stift_melk_001.jpg"><img alt="Stift melk 001.jpg" data-file-height="499" data-file-width="800" height="156" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Stift_melk_001.jpg/250px-Stift_melk_001.jpg" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Stift_melk_001.jpg/375px-Stift_melk_001.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Stift_melk_001.jpg/500px-Stift_melk_001.jpg 2x" width="250" /></a><br />
<br />
Our next stop was Melk, Austria, where we visited the beautiful Melk Abbey. It was built between 1702 & 1726 & holds countless Medieval & Musical manuscripts. Altho part of the Abbey & the school were confiscated during earlier wars, it was returned to the Monks after WWII, and now caters to over 900 students of both sexes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PztNZ3bfcA0/VdjbkpPpZMI/AAAAAAAAFl8/iQRrcSsZhsw/s1600/DSCN0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PztNZ3bfcA0/VdjbkpPpZMI/AAAAAAAAFl8/iQRrcSsZhsw/s400/DSCN0941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnEGK5CcUGQ/VdjbkU8EEuI/AAAAAAAAFl0/OsN272r3jNY/s1600/DSCN0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnEGK5CcUGQ/VdjbkU8EEuI/AAAAAAAAFl0/OsN272r3jNY/s400/DSCN0939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWvH4mwufOM/VdjblcqTGYI/AAAAAAAAFmI/keYSDBnE1hc/s1600/DSCN0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWvH4mwufOM/VdjblcqTGYI/AAAAAAAAFmI/keYSDBnE1hc/s320/DSCN0943.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKctkk3XxyM/Vdjbl835jiI/AAAAAAAAFmM/4MRRfhvhTX0/s1600/DSCN0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKctkk3XxyM/Vdjbl835jiI/AAAAAAAAFmM/4MRRfhvhTX0/s320/DSCN0945.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVlSSBgCaxQ/Vdjbm9GOLrI/AAAAAAAAFmU/urRZ4XtvYbQ/s1600/DSCN0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVlSSBgCaxQ/Vdjbm9GOLrI/AAAAAAAAFmU/urRZ4XtvYbQ/s320/DSCN0948.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnoPkr4BjjQ/Vdjbng8z2XI/AAAAAAAAFmc/c1aM8Va70II/s1600/DSCN0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnoPkr4BjjQ/Vdjbng8z2XI/AAAAAAAAFmc/c1aM8Va70II/s400/DSCN0951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb-s2cu9EkI/VdjbnwspOfI/AAAAAAAAFmk/X6xNsdRuhTI/s1600/DSCN0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb-s2cu9EkI/VdjbnwspOfI/AAAAAAAAFmk/X6xNsdRuhTI/s400/DSCN0956.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tcdP6sHuY8w/VdjbpcBdp7I/AAAAAAAAFm0/4SCOK_6upwg/s1600/DSCN0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tcdP6sHuY8w/VdjbpcBdp7I/AAAAAAAAFm0/4SCOK_6upwg/s400/DSCN0958.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDZViPdEgKE/VdjbqSMKDNI/AAAAAAAAFm8/VmuyZb_nyHc/s1600/DSCN0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDZViPdEgKE/VdjbqSMKDNI/AAAAAAAAFm8/VmuyZb_nyHc/s400/DSCN0965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7eC7_dRmgs/VdjbrIg4spI/AAAAAAAAFnE/lOHLmU1oaB8/s1600/DSCN0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7eC7_dRmgs/VdjbrIg4spI/AAAAAAAAFnE/lOHLmU1oaB8/s400/DSCN0966.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Abbey Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyeNeI8k7Qw/VdjbrqZ2CCI/AAAAAAAAFnM/Dxr2agiP6NA/s1600/DSCN0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyeNeI8k7Qw/VdjbrqZ2CCI/AAAAAAAAFnM/Dxr2agiP6NA/s400/DSCN0967.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm-bjzjflxA/VdjbsbiPQ6I/AAAAAAAAFnU/yyuS9B_r9Ps/s1600/DSCN0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm-bjzjflxA/VdjbsbiPQ6I/AAAAAAAAFnU/yyuS9B_r9Ps/s400/DSCN0969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gX1vvAxV-0/VdjbtpBZNOI/AAAAAAAAFno/qNnjvFc-iDA/s1600/DSCN0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gX1vvAxV-0/VdjbtpBZNOI/AAAAAAAAFno/qNnjvFc-iDA/s400/DSCN0976.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw lots of Swans in the River<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxEkP6iiLow/VdjbvKQ2EHI/AAAAAAAAFoA/oawr6x9s6To/s1600/DSCN0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxEkP6iiLow/VdjbvKQ2EHI/AAAAAAAAFoA/oawr6x9s6To/s400/DSCN0980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgRpegODQpk/VdjbweQC-9I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/i3y2rOczsA4/s1600/DSCN0984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgRpegODQpk/VdjbweQC-9I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/i3y2rOczsA4/s400/DSCN0984.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into Passau, Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgPBk_dcCNU/VdjbxZyAh-I/AAAAAAAAFoc/MW8rI-QPP2k/s1600/DSCN0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgPBk_dcCNU/VdjbxZyAh-I/AAAAAAAAFoc/MW8rI-QPP2k/s400/DSCN0988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0VaeisoBLA/VdjbyRdFpnI/AAAAAAAAFow/YH0KJyPIXM0/s1600/DSCN1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0VaeisoBLA/VdjbyRdFpnI/AAAAAAAAFow/YH0KJyPIXM0/s400/DSCN1001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passau & St. Stephens Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Catholic Church had major influence (& money) at these times & built numerous majestic cathedrals in even the smallest of towns, while the local governments were building huge castles & fortifications around cities. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duaO5AsFhws/VdjbzdDH8PI/AAAAAAAAFo8/PoHu6MUMPwY/s1600/DSCN1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duaO5AsFhws/VdjbzdDH8PI/AAAAAAAAFo8/PoHu6MUMPwY/s400/DSCN1004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neue Residenz, was the home of the Bishop Prince</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJXWqLDnecI/Vdjb0AqNtrI/AAAAAAAAFpI/Tbt0Z8W3Wdk/s1600/DSCN1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJXWqLDnecI/Vdjb0AqNtrI/AAAAAAAAFpI/Tbt0Z8W3Wdk/s400/DSCN1005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Frequently the church Bishops were also the local government, hence the term Bishop-Prince. These folks were incredibly wealthy and wielded huge power.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRCoxwLXYV4/Vdjb1aOAtFI/AAAAAAAAFpU/tALF444g41k/s1600/DSCN1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRCoxwLXYV4/Vdjb1aOAtFI/AAAAAAAAFpU/tALF444g41k/s400/DSCN1008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RLoGXC_-yc/Vdjb2TTUSfI/AAAAAAAAFpc/Xb2YWQsWERc/s1600/DSCN1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RLoGXC_-yc/Vdjb2TTUSfI/AAAAAAAAFpc/Xb2YWQsWERc/s400/DSCN1009.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpO2gZ8hvUQ/Vdjb3De8TKI/AAAAAAAAFpo/w-XbXwYNZ6E/s1600/DSCN1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpO2gZ8hvUQ/Vdjb3De8TKI/AAAAAAAAFpo/w-XbXwYNZ6E/s400/DSCN1011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRHvFXwN-Wk/Vdjb4dd7_XI/AAAAAAAAFp0/z8ENc68dK4k/s1600/DSCN1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRHvFXwN-Wk/Vdjb4dd7_XI/AAAAAAAAFp0/z8ENc68dK4k/s400/DSCN1017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
St. Stephen's Cathedral is the second largest pipe organ church in the world. It has 17,734 pipes & 233 registers.<br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yq0KDj_3ntQ/Vdjb5Ka4mVI/AAAAAAAAFp8/7NLfuAZzl_k/s1600/DSCN1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yq0KDj_3ntQ/Vdjb5Ka4mVI/AAAAAAAAFp8/7NLfuAZzl_k/s400/DSCN1019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FH3BVjMIrx0/Vdjb51Jwf4I/AAAAAAAAFqI/4pejaJ0iU5s/s1600/DSCN1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FH3BVjMIrx0/Vdjb51Jwf4I/AAAAAAAAFqI/4pejaJ0iU5s/s400/DSCN1020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Every town</u> started around the cobbled “square” consisting of a Catholic church, a governing building & a beer house. Seems once you finished praying & dealing with the politicians you needed a drink or two. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Passau_flood_scale_Sept_2012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" data-file-height="2472" data-file-width="1535" height="640" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Passau_flood_scale_Sept_2012.JPG/220px-Passau_flood_scale_Sept_2012.JPG" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Passau_flood_scale_Sept_2012.JPG/330px-Passau_flood_scale_Sept_2012.JPG 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Passau_flood_scale_Sept_2012.JPG/440px-Passau_flood_scale_Sept_2012.JPG 2x" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This denotes the flood levels & the year it occured</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKjs3OHNWSc/Vdjbx43YGqI/AAAAAAAAFoo/qMUGC5UpNfg/s1600/DSCN0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKjs3OHNWSc/Vdjbx43YGqI/AAAAAAAAFoo/qMUGC5UpNfg/s320/DSCN0998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Many of the cities along the Danube have suffered devastating floods over the years. Thus, they are in a constant state of repairing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4g3MaJTbH8/Vdjb7DEfFEI/AAAAAAAAFqU/Ch3TsOHGMkM/s1600/DSCN1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4g3MaJTbH8/Vdjb7DEfFEI/AAAAAAAAFqU/Ch3TsOHGMkM/s400/DSCN1028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bridge was built during the 12th Century, used by the crusaders on their way to the Holy Land & is now being repaired<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_RuvpKnP_Q/Vdjb7n_ez7I/AAAAAAAAFqg/UAhS3TxUcsw/s1600/DSCN1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_RuvpKnP_Q/Vdjb7n_ez7I/AAAAAAAAFqg/UAhS3TxUcsw/s320/DSCN1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regansburg is one of Gernany's oldes towns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzu7z0ggqjE/Vdjb8KCplsI/AAAAAAAAFqk/IB3qc-Zvhm8/s1600/DSCN1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzu7z0ggqjE/Vdjb8KCplsI/AAAAAAAAFqk/IB3qc-Zvhm8/s320/DSCN1035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgcMrBJsxNM/Vdjb9GxJomI/AAAAAAAAFqw/XLmNTu7Eq8Y/s1600/DSCN1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgcMrBJsxNM/Vdjb9GxJomI/AAAAAAAAFqw/XLmNTu7Eq8Y/s320/DSCN1037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Between the 13<sup>th</sup> & 15<sup>th</sup> centuries, Europe experienced devastating plagues & occupation from the Turks (also known as the dark ages), thus reducing wealth & manpower needed for construction. After the 17<sup>th</sup> century, Europe again experienced wars & occupation from the likes of Napoleon, the 30 years War of the Roses & the great world wars. But during those centuries of prosperity they build numerous incredible palaces and cathedrals. It doesn’t take long before your senses become aware of three factors: 1. The overwhelming beauty of the land & century’s old buildings 2. The friendliness of the locals 3. The History behind what you were seeing While standing in front of a town’s arched entry made of massive stone blocks & being told these blocks were placed there by Roman soldiers 2,000 years ago, ones’ life takes on a different perspective. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sA3cDU7hjfA/Vdjb9-R_hjI/AAAAAAAAFq0/tH75ipO2xqQ/s1600/DSCN1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sA3cDU7hjfA/Vdjb9-R_hjI/AAAAAAAAFq0/tH75ipO2xqQ/s400/DSCN1038.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjX76utwu_8/Vdjb-fs42KI/AAAAAAAAFrA/QqDKdbYgRh0/s1600/DSCN1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjX76utwu_8/Vdjb-fs42KI/AAAAAAAAFrA/QqDKdbYgRh0/s320/DSCN1044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had beautiful Hydranges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdX4HFP21W8/Vdjb_OTWuAI/AAAAAAAAFrI/S5qh5Wu0_1c/s1600/DSCN1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdX4HFP21W8/Vdjb_OTWuAI/AAAAAAAAFrI/S5qh5Wu0_1c/s320/DSCN1046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Regensburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auQPBRF4epE/Vdjb_jA4NQI/AAAAAAAAFrM/8BaprOWRZmg/s1600/DSCN1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auQPBRF4epE/Vdjb_jA4NQI/AAAAAAAAFrM/8BaprOWRZmg/s320/DSCN1054.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CF2gZIE0o5E/VdjcAO1hGeI/AAAAAAAAFrU/5u6ZiqaxksI/s1600/DSCN1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CF2gZIE0o5E/VdjcAO1hGeI/AAAAAAAAFrU/5u6ZiqaxksI/s320/DSCN1057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Regensburg was one of our favorite Bavarian towns. It was everything we imagined when we thought of European Towns: Quaint buildings, flowers, open squares, outdoor cafes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lo4-EG7XElA/VdjcBgvfy2I/AAAAAAAAFro/0N-6r1qgcqE/s1600/DSCN1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lo4-EG7XElA/VdjcBgvfy2I/AAAAAAAAFro/0N-6r1qgcqE/s400/DSCN1066.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The churches were so ornate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MZVGm1D0nY/VdjcCCrbosI/AAAAAAAAFrs/JUCyessf-a4/s1600/DSCN1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MZVGm1D0nY/VdjcCCrbosI/AAAAAAAAFrs/JUCyessf-a4/s320/DSCN1068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_eg3nH35yM/VdjcCs7JhKI/AAAAAAAAFr4/Sy2_thu9x10/s1600/DSCN1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_eg3nH35yM/VdjcCs7JhKI/AAAAAAAAFr4/Sy2_thu9x10/s400/DSCN1071.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-th-bEaY0qUs/VdjcDGzyxYI/AAAAAAAAFr8/-KlSohGPII0/s1600/DSCN1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-th-bEaY0qUs/VdjcDGzyxYI/AAAAAAAAFr8/-KlSohGPII0/s400/DSCN1079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoAj1_ABDsQ/VdjcDqo1y5I/AAAAAAAAFsE/LScjpqFTWXU/s1600/DSCN1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoAj1_ABDsQ/VdjcDqo1y5I/AAAAAAAAFsE/LScjpqFTWXU/s640/DSCN1083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1fC98lftGs/VdjcEbhrXFI/AAAAAAAAFsM/eA_udrB70GE/s1600/DSCN1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1fC98lftGs/VdjcEbhrXFI/AAAAAAAAFsM/eA_udrB70GE/s400/DSCN1091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuremburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9sOjlwavvc/VdjcE52xNgI/AAAAAAAAFsU/YsoRYW-CjF0/s1600/DSCN1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9sOjlwavvc/VdjcE52xNgI/AAAAAAAAFsU/YsoRYW-CjF0/s400/DSCN1098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nuremburg is surrounded by 13th century walls that are largely intact today. It was actually a double wall system with a moat in the middle. Today that is all green space between the walls, with walking paths, restaurants, etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_h348SBT1U/VdjcIcs0BPI/AAAAAAAAFtI/QQxLnYypMJc/s1600/DSCN1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_h348SBT1U/VdjcIcs0BPI/AAAAAAAAFtI/QQxLnYypMJc/s400/DSCN1134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cJnb0yOSS0/VdjcGdS7SuI/AAAAAAAAFss/j98w8ZpWC0Q/s1600/DSCN1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cJnb0yOSS0/VdjcGdS7SuI/AAAAAAAAFss/j98w8ZpWC0Q/s320/DSCN1123.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kM1dcn4RfHc/VdjcHFKFsWI/AAAAAAAAFs0/KC-PZKpGLdE/s1600/DSCN1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kM1dcn4RfHc/VdjcHFKFsWI/AAAAAAAAFs0/KC-PZKpGLdE/s320/DSCN1124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were called half timbered houses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FcWXisbprM/VdjcKLogHLI/AAAAAAAAFtc/kB2gKm25i6o/s1600/DSCN1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FcWXisbprM/VdjcKLogHLI/AAAAAAAAFtc/kB2gKm25i6o/s400/DSCN1149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twe99oabeJU/VdjcK5-nQpI/AAAAAAAAFto/CsA_hmnVAOo/s1600/DSCN1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twe99oabeJU/VdjcK5-nQpI/AAAAAAAAFto/CsA_hmnVAOo/s400/DSCN1162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also known as the Kaiserburg Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cxP88gZ8nY/VdjcNwbPYvI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/2FFWzosEBTU/s1600/DSCN1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cxP88gZ8nY/VdjcNwbPYvI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/2FFWzosEBTU/s400/DSCN1183.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful detailing & windows on the buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOjhahCtIXo/VdjcNKrO2SI/AAAAAAAAFuE/CLJp_zjpbZE/s1600/DSCN1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOjhahCtIXo/VdjcNKrO2SI/AAAAAAAAFuE/CLJp_zjpbZE/s400/DSCN1182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-114TANHTb8c/VdjcPX4V6RI/AAAAAAAAFug/_yi402ZKHco/s1600/DSCN1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-114TANHTb8c/VdjcPX4V6RI/AAAAAAAAFug/_yi402ZKHco/s400/DSCN1190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0l81Xbzw32U/VdjcQIWrubI/AAAAAAAAFuk/AjRjPZEZW-s/s1600/DSCN1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0l81Xbzw32U/VdjcQIWrubI/AAAAAAAAFuk/AjRjPZEZW-s/s400/DSCN1195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the government buildings are ornate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUfe46EJA6A/VdjcRFF0vpI/AAAAAAAAFu0/Q81IjTC3irg/s1600/DSCN1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUfe46EJA6A/VdjcRFF0vpI/AAAAAAAAFu0/Q81IjTC3irg/s320/DSCN1201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHDOZOdwhNo/VdjcR0fKzSI/AAAAAAAAFu8/dgD3UaWPJ7g/s1600/DSCN1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHDOZOdwhNo/VdjcR0fKzSI/AAAAAAAAFu8/dgD3UaWPJ7g/s400/DSCN1203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Seehof Palace was built as a summer home for the Prince Bishop. In addition to it's lavish décor, it had huge gardens with over 400 statues & benches. Unfortunately, as time passed it fell into secular hands & eventually most of the furnishings & statues were sold to pay debts. Today, they are in the process of restoring some of the rooms & much of the gardens<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKzyGgDmao0/VdjcSUBZAgI/AAAAAAAAFvE/NiZYhK0j_u4/s1600/DSCN1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKzyGgDmao0/VdjcSUBZAgI/AAAAAAAAFvE/NiZYhK0j_u4/s400/DSCN1208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MYjVx7L7FU/VdjcTIImMEI/AAAAAAAAFvM/LGR6Yggk6ic/s1600/DSCN1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MYjVx7L7FU/VdjcTIImMEI/AAAAAAAAFvM/LGR6Yggk6ic/s400/DSCN1210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrErV5TVAYM/VdjcT0z2aTI/AAAAAAAAFvU/4i2ysf_GbdU/s1600/DSCN1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrErV5TVAYM/VdjcT0z2aTI/AAAAAAAAFvU/4i2ysf_GbdU/s320/DSCN1219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrQ-iJo5OyU/VdjcVbR36iI/AAAAAAAAFvk/nRzuQpQHcf0/s1600/DSCN1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrQ-iJo5OyU/VdjcVbR36iI/AAAAAAAAFvk/nRzuQpQHcf0/s400/DSCN1233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81sGFLAnJ8M/VdjcWW_KwzI/AAAAAAAAFvw/icjIeZknfmU/s1600/DSCN1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81sGFLAnJ8M/VdjcWW_KwzI/AAAAAAAAFvw/icjIeZknfmU/s400/DSCN1236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We stopped at a Brewery for a little beer tasting. One of the beers was a smokey beer. The first taste was a little odd, but with a couple more sips, I actually liked it. Collins said no, he didn't care for it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDjAjHHlsfI/VdjcWyG60QI/AAAAAAAAFv0/ByVtNTubNB0/s1600/DSCN1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDjAjHHlsfI/VdjcWyG60QI/AAAAAAAAFv0/ByVtNTubNB0/s400/DSCN1242.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uti4Y3_Bulk/VdjcXR80Q5I/AAAAAAAAFv8/gPbW1QjQQjw/s1600/DSCN1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uti4Y3_Bulk/VdjcXR80Q5I/AAAAAAAAFv8/gPbW1QjQQjw/s400/DSCN1246.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also stopped at this small church. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of it. It looked so plain on the outside, but took our breath away as we stepped inside. There was also a cemetery in back with some very old & some current graves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9gEdZRV1N0/VdjcXxH-RZI/AAAAAAAAFwE/IjAPapr-KB4/s1600/DSCN1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9gEdZRV1N0/VdjcXxH-RZI/AAAAAAAAFwE/IjAPapr-KB4/s320/DSCN1247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kI5fT-ChSA/VdjcY3pJdtI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/1TzeaiRcZ0k/s1600/DSCN1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kI5fT-ChSA/VdjcY3pJdtI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/1TzeaiRcZ0k/s400/DSCN1249.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVUetB6EPHY/VdjcZuWSYnI/AAAAAAAAFwY/yv239F_xKrQ/s1600/DSCN1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVUetB6EPHY/VdjcZuWSYnI/AAAAAAAAFwY/yv239F_xKrQ/s400/DSCN1250.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9P-Sev4114M/VdjcaCWIOuI/AAAAAAAAFwc/OLSc7hVZCFA/s1600/DSCN1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9P-Sev4114M/VdjcaCWIOuI/AAAAAAAAFwc/OLSc7hVZCFA/s400/DSCN1251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2H760rT85Y/Vdjcbe7_9eI/AAAAAAAAFwo/KbQnngvC-3I/s1600/DSCN1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2H760rT85Y/Vdjcbe7_9eI/AAAAAAAAFwo/KbQnngvC-3I/s400/DSCN1252.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
In this cemetery there were some of the same families going back several hundred years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46iO4Yye-nw/VdjcbuVt3xI/AAAAAAAAFww/nkb4CNh-ZSc/s1600/DSCN1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46iO4Yye-nw/VdjcbuVt3xI/AAAAAAAAFww/nkb4CNh-ZSc/s400/DSCN1256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsUCF254WiQ/VdjccHhnYoI/AAAAAAAAFw4/gUgTr5Wv7xc/s1600/DSCN1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsUCF254WiQ/VdjccHhnYoI/AAAAAAAAFw4/gUgTr5Wv7xc/s400/DSCN1257.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The tower is the only remaining portion of the witches prison. The witch trials of the 17th century claimed about 1000 victims in Bamberg<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZ3Ehy4E8A/Vdjccoip42I/AAAAAAAAFw8/Z5PPOfbzJ_k/s1600/DSCN1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZ3Ehy4E8A/Vdjccoip42I/AAAAAAAAFw8/Z5PPOfbzJ_k/s400/DSCN1260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtENa2HB4_U/VdjcdBA4bBI/AAAAAAAAFxE/j69rtTpZxVM/s1600/DSCN1265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtENa2HB4_U/VdjcdBA4bBI/AAAAAAAAFxE/j69rtTpZxVM/s320/DSCN1265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxQZIPAsNPM/Vdjcd10X6QI/AAAAAAAAFxM/p2qIG1-j0Tc/s1600/DSCN1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxQZIPAsNPM/Vdjcd10X6QI/AAAAAAAAFxM/p2qIG1-j0Tc/s400/DSCN1273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The <b>Michaelskirche</b> (<b>Church of St Michael</b>) in Bamberg is a 12th century church. It stands on the top of a very high hill overlooking the town of Bamberg. It can be seen from nearly all directions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pG9JqXxvXIc/VdjcfQvqzII/AAAAAAAAFxg/ATRN4O0euX0/s1600/DSCN1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pG9JqXxvXIc/VdjcfQvqzII/AAAAAAAAFxg/ATRN4O0euX0/s400/DSCN1280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gj9vl0NwCqg/VdjcfyoMTXI/AAAAAAAAFxk/tOXckIpNWRY/s1600/DSCN1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gj9vl0NwCqg/VdjcfyoMTXI/AAAAAAAAFxk/tOXckIpNWRY/s400/DSCN1282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3jcRwnjyf4/VdjcgehicOI/AAAAAAAAFxw/4Yv40P6aAFU/s1600/DSCN1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3jcRwnjyf4/VdjcgehicOI/AAAAAAAAFxw/4Yv40P6aAFU/s400/DSCN1283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirndl & Lederhosen - people still wear these on certain occasions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For 15 days we saw virtually no overweight locals. Anyone selling “plus sizes” in these towns would starve to death. This may be due to their diets (Don’t know how considering the desserts they had), as well as the hoards of <b>all ages</b> that ride bikes, or the use of cable cars (you still need to get to the cable car). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RsR2qkJRPak/VdjchOjYGuI/AAAAAAAAFx4/w-7eU7u63Dw/s1600/DSCN1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RsR2qkJRPak/VdjchOjYGuI/AAAAAAAAFx4/w-7eU7u63Dw/s400/DSCN1286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrosmMGSoe4/VdjchRvPzXI/AAAAAAAAFx8/Igo-ZqyQcXQ/s1600/DSCN1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrosmMGSoe4/VdjchRvPzXI/AAAAAAAAFx8/Igo-ZqyQcXQ/s400/DSCN1288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bge-R92ZPvU/VdjciRcLzLI/AAAAAAAAFyE/3Vt43ILeqJE/s1600/DSCN1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bge-R92ZPvU/VdjciRcLzLI/AAAAAAAAFyE/3Vt43ILeqJE/s400/DSCN1292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Wertheim was a fairytale type town with many restored timber houses, glass blowing shops, bakeries, etc<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R48pCO6Ws54/VdjcjP5QoYI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/VUR4-PBHxVs/s1600/DSCN1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R48pCO6Ws54/VdjcjP5QoYI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/VUR4-PBHxVs/s400/DSCN1300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeyIGTK6IKM/VdjckZcyQDI/AAAAAAAAFyc/8QKpIa56JFM/s1600/DSCN1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeyIGTK6IKM/VdjckZcyQDI/AAAAAAAAFyc/8QKpIa56JFM/s400/DSCN1304.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
People tried to build their homes out farther than the neighbor's so they could have a window on the side.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOLZo_kOmkk/Vdjck2OziII/AAAAAAAAFyk/p5UeQ7cgaU4/s1600/DSCN1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOLZo_kOmkk/Vdjck2OziII/AAAAAAAAFyk/p5UeQ7cgaU4/s320/DSCN1307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY26S7STE3U/Vdjclbl7TaI/AAAAAAAAFys/WQsZPL7d7Ns/s1600/DSCN1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY26S7STE3U/Vdjclbl7TaI/AAAAAAAAFys/WQsZPL7d7Ns/s400/DSCN1309.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ezVwlUwjUE/Vdjcm4P2ImI/AAAAAAAAFy8/SPLQKTzTjTE/s1600/DSCN1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ezVwlUwjUE/Vdjcm4P2ImI/AAAAAAAAFy8/SPLQKTzTjTE/s400/DSCN1325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFOvS2--OYo/VdjcrQsmTqI/AAAAAAAAFzs/uEq5SFuqDtg/s1600/DSCN1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFOvS2--OYo/VdjcrQsmTqI/AAAAAAAAFzs/uEq5SFuqDtg/s400/DSCN1341.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_fgewnwEl4/VdjcpobpXBI/AAAAAAAAFzU/RC8QsPE-JHU/s1600/DSCN1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_fgewnwEl4/VdjcpobpXBI/AAAAAAAAFzU/RC8QsPE-JHU/s400/DSCN1332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucH8SiUCqgc/VdjcqFrFOII/AAAAAAAAFzc/QZ8-ydn6-CI/s1600/DSCN1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucH8SiUCqgc/VdjcqFrFOII/AAAAAAAAFzc/QZ8-ydn6-CI/s400/DSCN1333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One morning as we cruised the Rhine Valley, we saw beautiful homes & churches, lots of vineyards & castles in various states of repair.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq-VlpSjamU/VdjcqzbaZaI/AAAAAAAAFzo/CasxNRT7F0M/s1600/DSCN1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq-VlpSjamU/VdjcqzbaZaI/AAAAAAAAFzo/CasxNRT7F0M/s320/DSCN1337.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqMyebLa0fM/Vdjcr0lWZNI/AAAAAAAAFz0/jeKNxTYAVAQ/s1600/DSCN1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqMyebLa0fM/Vdjcr0lWZNI/AAAAAAAAFz0/jeKNxTYAVAQ/s320/DSCN1344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqc9vbI5ITA/VdjcsqROBKI/AAAAAAAAFz8/D4TbeWq5cfA/s1600/DSCN1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqc9vbI5ITA/VdjcsqROBKI/AAAAAAAAFz8/D4TbeWq5cfA/s400/DSCN1345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-C75f_k5MM/VdjctBda-_I/AAAAAAAAF0E/NN8hY6Ga8O0/s1600/DSCN1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-C75f_k5MM/VdjctBda-_I/AAAAAAAAF0E/NN8hY6Ga8O0/s320/DSCN1351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylerUkmLq4I/Vdjct6_FoSI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/zkzd-jGdjNI/s1600/DSCN1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylerUkmLq4I/Vdjct6_FoSI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/zkzd-jGdjNI/s320/DSCN1352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmC3xYpWkHY/VdjcueUmmfI/AAAAAAAAF0U/np1C2LEvmWQ/s1600/DSCN1353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmC3xYpWkHY/VdjcueUmmfI/AAAAAAAAF0U/np1C2LEvmWQ/s400/DSCN1353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H34abUCeqIE/VdjcvEkTpnI/AAAAAAAAF0c/zcIytkhCatQ/s1600/DSCN1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H34abUCeqIE/VdjcvEkTpnI/AAAAAAAAF0c/zcIytkhCatQ/s400/DSCN1370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxK4kUOO0h0/Vdjcvp6G63I/AAAAAAAAF0k/ilZnWeo03TI/s1600/DSCN1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxK4kUOO0h0/Vdjcvp6G63I/AAAAAAAAF0k/ilZnWeo03TI/s400/DSCN1373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKy9a25wsqs/VdjcwajN9gI/AAAAAAAAF0w/zjXufOW9vvc/s1600/DSCN1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKy9a25wsqs/VdjcwajN9gI/AAAAAAAAF0w/zjXufOW9vvc/s400/DSCN1375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_UlR1zcjz8/VdjcxddAFDI/AAAAAAAAF08/vTYZ9DYWK6o/s1600/DSCN1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_UlR1zcjz8/VdjcxddAFDI/AAAAAAAAF08/vTYZ9DYWK6o/s400/DSCN1379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq1wc6g4WDY/Vdjcyk0p8sI/AAAAAAAAF1M/1DpzFzaDYGE/s1600/DSCN1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq1wc6g4WDY/Vdjcyk0p8sI/AAAAAAAAF1M/1DpzFzaDYGE/s400/DSCN1383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJFBZPFt-Gw/VdjczEw0UGI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/YSg5T0PXulg/s1600/DSCN1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJFBZPFt-Gw/VdjczEw0UGI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/YSg5T0PXulg/s400/DSCN1384.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jY1TxSOX5Zc/Vdjczls8oPI/AAAAAAAAF1c/-n7YKvk2Yuk/s1600/DSCN1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jY1TxSOX5Zc/Vdjczls8oPI/AAAAAAAAF1c/-n7YKvk2Yuk/s400/DSCN1389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They used to put people in the basket hanging from the tower as a form of punishment<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9anh5p0rkmU/Vdjc0CUlAUI/AAAAAAAAF1k/pgml17eQn_0/s1600/DSCN1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9anh5p0rkmU/Vdjc0CUlAUI/AAAAAAAAF1k/pgml17eQn_0/s400/DSCN1392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqvb9eQJukk/Vdjc1Y6pXpI/AAAAAAAAF10/g4J_349h4tA/s1600/DSCN1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqvb9eQJukk/Vdjc1Y6pXpI/AAAAAAAAF10/g4J_349h4tA/s400/DSCN1402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIaIHlsvilU/Vdjc3ytXdbI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/9bbJnhYpypA/s1600/DSCN1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIaIHlsvilU/Vdjc3ytXdbI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/9bbJnhYpypA/s400/DSCN1419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSQA2tY2I-4/Vdjc4R8bP7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/Xy0tIIOUQnc/s1600/DSCN1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSQA2tY2I-4/Vdjc4R8bP7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/Xy0tIIOUQnc/s400/DSCN1424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BqjNp9Ficc/Vdjc44cIDSI/AAAAAAAAF2o/ZLJkkYKsETA/s1600/DSCN1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BqjNp9Ficc/Vdjc44cIDSI/AAAAAAAAF2o/ZLJkkYKsETA/s400/DSCN1430.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TILps2ROZKI/Vdjc6BJ53gI/AAAAAAAAF24/LC_YmDWUfG8/s1600/DSCN1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TILps2ROZKI/Vdjc6BJ53gI/AAAAAAAAF24/LC_YmDWUfG8/s400/DSCN1437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPrT98Je9xw/Vdjc7MVsHLI/AAAAAAAAF3E/HWx5KP6aKm0/s1600/DSCN1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPrT98Je9xw/Vdjc7MVsHLI/AAAAAAAAF3E/HWx5KP6aKm0/s400/DSCN1450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xM05qrtf4rY/Vdjc7urManI/AAAAAAAAF3M/eavx1qOx48c/s1600/DSCN1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xM05qrtf4rY/Vdjc7urManI/AAAAAAAAF3M/eavx1qOx48c/s400/DSCN1452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lggbQ5oDbjQ/Vdjc8Z-NvlI/AAAAAAAAF3U/Slxd0kFYfdQ/s1600/DSCN1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lggbQ5oDbjQ/Vdjc8Z-NvlI/AAAAAAAAF3U/Slxd0kFYfdQ/s640/DSCN1453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejttcOLZJdg/Vdjc9CAB-kI/AAAAAAAAF3g/ax_vvBIGr2o/s1600/DSCN1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejttcOLZJdg/Vdjc9CAB-kI/AAAAAAAAF3g/ax_vvBIGr2o/s400/DSCN1463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TB-YBOeF6pA/Vdjc-vr-KzI/AAAAAAAAF34/op5fNu24Oz0/s1600/DSCN1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TB-YBOeF6pA/Vdjc-vr-KzI/AAAAAAAAF34/op5fNu24Oz0/s400/DSCN1480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We docked in Koblenz & took a tour of the Marksburg Castle. It's the only hill castle on the Rhine River that was not destroyed. Construction was started in the 12th century & it was lived in for over 700 years<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBCGkFmAEn8/Vdjc_lNPINI/AAAAAAAAF4I/ut63V7GBwl8/s1600/DSCN1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBCGkFmAEn8/Vdjc_lNPINI/AAAAAAAAF4I/ut63V7GBwl8/s400/DSCN1490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTQUlzTsLUs/VdjdA-U430I/AAAAAAAAF4U/lfp6PFV3bX0/s1600/DSCN1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTQUlzTsLUs/VdjdA-U430I/AAAAAAAAF4U/lfp6PFV3bX0/s400/DSCN1494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYH-tzXcp9I/VdjdBcyyzeI/AAAAAAAAF4c/lJB6TihszTA/s1600/DSCN1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYH-tzXcp9I/VdjdBcyyzeI/AAAAAAAAF4c/lJB6TihszTA/s400/DSCN1501.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fG4Ky0Mzciw/VdjdCFP2jBI/AAAAAAAAF4k/oaydcsG9hqM/s1600/DSCN1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fG4Ky0Mzciw/VdjdCFP2jBI/AAAAAAAAF4k/oaydcsG9hqM/s400/DSCN1503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvuOq9NrAVM/VdjdCqpCU-I/AAAAAAAAF4w/gxqExiRUgxg/s1600/DSCN1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvuOq9NrAVM/VdjdCqpCU-I/AAAAAAAAF4w/gxqExiRUgxg/s400/DSCN1506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LinrE-z5O0/VdjdDaJvoGI/AAAAAAAAF40/a4IfMNsdZSk/s1600/DSCN1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LinrE-z5O0/VdjdDaJvoGI/AAAAAAAAF40/a4IfMNsdZSk/s400/DSCN1509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhg9xX5Inqk/VdjdDxLilzI/AAAAAAAAF5A/0o1q39S5-4k/s1600/DSCN1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhg9xX5Inqk/VdjdDxLilzI/AAAAAAAAF5A/0o1q39S5-4k/s400/DSCN1514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRSv8Q6z-J8/VdjdElugf6I/AAAAAAAAF5E/mx8UYYrDzw8/s1600/DSCN1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRSv8Q6z-J8/VdjdElugf6I/AAAAAAAAF5E/mx8UYYrDzw8/s400/DSCN1521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDa90tfwuwA/VdjdFDbg1kI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/1UqIWPHrZFE/s1600/DSCN1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDa90tfwuwA/VdjdFDbg1kI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/1UqIWPHrZFE/s400/DSCN1522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMBeBZja6ic/VdjdFwW8jRI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/dtEWtUaoEpU/s1600/DSCN1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMBeBZja6ic/VdjdFwW8jRI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/dtEWtUaoEpU/s400/DSCN1523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our stop in Cologne happened on what was probably the hottest day of the year. The temps were well over 100F by late morning. However, it didn't take away our awe over the most breathtaking cathedral we had seen. The cornerstone for this was laid on August 15, 1248. It took over 600 years to build. It can hold over 20,000 people. It is said to house the remains of the 3 wise men. Repair and maintenance work is constantly being carried out in one or another section of the building, which is rarely completely free of scaffolding, as wind, rain, and pollution slowly eat away at the stones.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXY_IIYFA2Y/VfWKTTLbZEI/AAAAAAAAGFc/RG5ut4z0e1U/s1600/koelner-dom-suedseite-c-koelntourismus-gmbh-axel-schulten-02-14%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXY_IIYFA2Y/VfWKTTLbZEI/AAAAAAAAGFc/RG5ut4z0e1U/s320/koelner-dom-suedseite-c-koelntourismus-gmbh-axel-schulten-02-14%255B1%255D.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cologne Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7tbP1q-mks/VfT2D6YhaUI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/r4qmleAtY7A/s1600/DSCN1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7tbP1q-mks/VfT2D6YhaUI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/r4qmleAtY7A/s400/DSCN1534.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5I0btzpbxM/VfT2JwiEBhI/AAAAAAAAF9o/pqO7YWCe2bU/s1600/DSCN1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5I0btzpbxM/VfT2JwiEBhI/AAAAAAAAF9o/pqO7YWCe2bU/s320/DSCN1550.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmK26KUaG-U/VfT2Lhq8dpI/AAAAAAAAF9w/qyOKtc0BsWs/s1600/DSCN1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmK26KUaG-U/VfT2Lhq8dpI/AAAAAAAAF9w/qyOKtc0BsWs/s400/DSCN1551.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5aoNXrWgng/VfT2iC2tD4I/AAAAAAAAF_A/Ph-vGZnIm1c/s1600/DSCN1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5aoNXrWgng/VfT2iC2tD4I/AAAAAAAAF_A/Ph-vGZnIm1c/s400/DSCN1597.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaDLApmQK4o/VfT2kpLyiqI/AAAAAAAAF_I/pdObq92dEQw/s1600/DSCN1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaDLApmQK4o/VfT2kpLyiqI/AAAAAAAAF_I/pdObq92dEQw/s400/DSCN1601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zw7tTYOzkO0/VfT2mOX6wrI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/Y-zh6sE9cAY/s1600/DSCN1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zw7tTYOzkO0/VfT2mOX6wrI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/Y-zh6sE9cAY/s400/DSCN1602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0m_StGgZ4-w/VfT2oVx3a3I/AAAAAAAAF_Y/V3U95XwnqiY/s1600/DSCN1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0m_StGgZ4-w/VfT2oVx3a3I/AAAAAAAAF_Y/V3U95XwnqiY/s400/DSCN1605.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpo_kvgJzSk/VfT2tlVJAbI/AAAAAAAAF_o/Dp90DZd2fvM/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpo_kvgJzSk/VfT2tlVJAbI/AAAAAAAAF_o/Dp90DZd2fvM/s400/DSCN1610.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWvN4UQ49-E/VfT2rBtZ7rI/AAAAAAAAF_g/WFdMQiAEEpg/s1600/DSCN1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWvN4UQ49-E/VfT2rBtZ7rI/AAAAAAAAF_g/WFdMQiAEEpg/s400/DSCN1608.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The wall of “Love Padlocks” on display on the Hohenzollernbrücke bridge in Cologne, Germany, painstakingly created piece by piece as an endless stream of couples have come to publicly honor their love. 40,000 padlocks hang on the bridge to date – a shocking number considering that the tradition only started in 2008. That means 40,000 couples – 80,000 individuals in all – have participated in this fast-growing, spontaneous collection. The padlocks have added over 2 tons of weight to the bridge, causing local officials to question how long the practice can be sustained.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54cvdYpdORI/VfT2gBJWAmI/AAAAAAAAF-4/6jBIAlLdoL8/s1600/DSCN1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54cvdYpdORI/VfT2gBJWAmI/AAAAAAAAF-4/6jBIAlLdoL8/s640/DSCN1593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for cologne germany lock bridge" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="5wh_s3jaLXTMFM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZZHvoxkTngI1bd8nCGgJ75GN9ig35VS9JYFn6zvDszosL_Nk3vg" style="height: 183px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -2px; width: 275px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCbP2k7flGI/VfT2Ubg5yFI/AAAAAAAAF-I/L89BtR90TIE/s1600/DSCN1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCbP2k7flGI/VfT2Ubg5yFI/AAAAAAAAF-I/L89BtR90TIE/s400/DSCN1556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6EtKvirxVA/VfT2VDe8r6I/AAAAAAAAF-Q/WooX9vI9k7Q/s1600/DSCN1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6EtKvirxVA/VfT2VDe8r6I/AAAAAAAAF-Q/WooX9vI9k7Q/s400/DSCN1557.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMJJv9XAJv8/VfT2SljKn5I/AAAAAAAAF-A/FHwQTd17hlY/s1600/DSCN1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMJJv9XAJv8/VfT2SljKn5I/AAAAAAAAF-A/FHwQTd17hlY/s400/DSCN1555.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Must not have thought that thru when they built it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvN6Jyp3sWQ/VfT2XGo7ZII/AAAAAAAAF-Y/M8ow5qfka7I/s1600/DSCN1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvN6Jyp3sWQ/VfT2XGo7ZII/AAAAAAAAF-Y/M8ow5qfka7I/s400/DSCN1562.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Park in downtown Cologne, where you are allowed to play in the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLFC4hPBlyU/VfT2Yuh0NNI/AAAAAAAAF-g/ymaHzI1dFXQ/s1600/DSCN1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLFC4hPBlyU/VfT2Yuh0NNI/AAAAAAAAF-g/ymaHzI1dFXQ/s400/DSCN1566.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EzafaIaFpQ/VfT2Znaj5KI/AAAAAAAAF-o/gFH3PEEoJPY/s1600/DSCN1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EzafaIaFpQ/VfT2Znaj5KI/AAAAAAAAF-o/gFH3PEEoJPY/s400/DSCN1584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cologne has approximately 24 breweries & it's own style of beer called Kolsch. It can only be brewed in the Cologne metropolitan area & must meet certain criteria.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIF_B8IX8ag/VfT2xZ-0aEI/AAAAAAAAGAA/vYFaXxjuXYg/s1600/DSCN1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIF_B8IX8ag/VfT2xZ-0aEI/AAAAAAAAGAA/vYFaXxjuXYg/s400/DSCN1623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
On our last night in Germany, we had traditional German food. There were a lot of different kinds of sausage & many other good things to go with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NEJB4cTKLY/VfT2wQ7PoII/AAAAAAAAF_4/TK5QjR-Y_gA/s1600/DSCN1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NEJB4cTKLY/VfT2wQ7PoII/AAAAAAAAF_4/TK5QjR-Y_gA/s400/DSCN1621.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the staff dressed in tradional clothing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7837dfpHvc/VfT2uoX0biI/AAAAAAAAF_w/ADds65N2MdI/s1600/DSCN1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7837dfpHvc/VfT2uoX0biI/AAAAAAAAF_w/ADds65N2MdI/s400/DSCN1616.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This ark was built by a Dutchman, using measurements from the bible, after he dreamt Holland would flood. This is a half scale model. He has it filled with plastic animals along with a few live birds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FEF5xDHhkM/VfT2zJiEGKI/AAAAAAAAGAI/otzvWk1F0S4/s1600/DSCN1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FEF5xDHhkM/VfT2zJiEGKI/AAAAAAAAGAI/otzvWk1F0S4/s320/DSCN1626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mD1s_TfSyOM/VfT2-xBzKcI/AAAAAAAAGAo/z5ZSKxZgIxk/s1600/DSCN1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mD1s_TfSyOM/VfT2-xBzKcI/AAAAAAAAGAo/z5ZSKxZgIxk/s400/DSCN1641.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A significant part of Holland is situated up to approximately 7 meters below sea level. The Dutch don’t notice any of this though, because an incredibly innovative and intricate system keeps the ever-rising seawater from flooding the land. Even during spring tide, the Dutch are safely guarded from being washed away…<br />
<br />
Kinderdijk windmills, about 19 in all, were built around 1740. This is the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxz3g4edqI/VfT3GDnnzII/AAAAAAAAGBI/_DJyGKWNT6I/s1600/DSCN1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxz3g4edqI/VfT3GDnnzII/AAAAAAAAGBI/_DJyGKWNT6I/s400/DSCN1660.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making repairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krjjvL_9Sls/VfT28nlPTDI/AAAAAAAAGAg/LpvdhrsAzl0/s1600/DSCN1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krjjvL_9Sls/VfT28nlPTDI/AAAAAAAAGAg/LpvdhrsAzl0/s400/DSCN1639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Although some of the windmills are still used, the main water works are provided by two diesel pumping stations near one of the entrances of the windmills site.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When these windmills were in operation, whole families lived in them<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drIohUeu4-Q/VfT3Cu-0LeI/AAAAAAAAGA4/PUKBwd4rWpY/s1600/DSCN1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drIohUeu4-Q/VfT3Cu-0LeI/AAAAAAAAGA4/PUKBwd4rWpY/s400/DSCN1649.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the windmill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pz-c2gct5c/VfT3KC_P68I/AAAAAAAAGBY/VpJeBTctO9g/s1600/DSCN1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pz-c2gct5c/VfT3KC_P68I/AAAAAAAAGBY/VpJeBTctO9g/s400/DSCN1663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our final destination was Amsterdam.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkcmmSJ3RYo/VfT3MsDeITI/AAAAAAAAGBg/UIuZOGo0u_c/s1600/DSCN1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkcmmSJ3RYo/VfT3MsDeITI/AAAAAAAAGBg/UIuZOGo0u_c/s400/DSCN1666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dd_R9bOb57Y/VfT3f6AdVVI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/c9pLQy1NMv8/s1600/DSCN1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dd_R9bOb57Y/VfT3f6AdVVI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/c9pLQy1NMv8/s400/DSCN1686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In Amsterdam, next to the main train terminal, is a four story building we in the states would use for cars: they used it exclusively for their thousands of bikes. We saw bikes with wheelbarrow type attachements in the front for small children. Even their city & country roads have large bike lanes, reminding us of China. You had to watch carefully for the riders. God help you if you stepped into their lanes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nwLlFMNeXg/VfT3Vq05a4I/AAAAAAAAGBw/ONFdmUZYLyM/s1600/DSCN1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nwLlFMNeXg/VfT3Vq05a4I/AAAAAAAAGBw/ONFdmUZYLyM/s400/DSCN1672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxVf7A17eSc/VfT3SM-kuTI/AAAAAAAAGBo/9TAecxTHwwI/s1600/DSCN1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxVf7A17eSc/VfT3SM-kuTI/AAAAAAAAGBo/9TAecxTHwwI/s400/DSCN1669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCawJWxf1Ig/VfT3Yx0YY0I/AAAAAAAAGB4/E7s50i6cmao/s1600/DSCN1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCawJWxf1Ig/VfT3Yx0YY0I/AAAAAAAAGB4/E7s50i6cmao/s400/DSCN1677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIczti-TfQM/VfT3btaIOTI/AAAAAAAAGCA/89-nceD_kSE/s1600/DSCN1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIczti-TfQM/VfT3btaIOTI/AAAAAAAAGCA/89-nceD_kSE/s400/DSCN1680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was quite a variety of houseboats on the canals. Some were well kept with flowers & plants, and others looked like they might sink at any moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnUjYvL83AQ/VfT34oW6f6I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/XETo73WoWK4/s1600/DSCN1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnUjYvL83AQ/VfT34oW6f6I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/XETo73WoWK4/s320/DSCN1728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn-Uo_0VuMw/VfT3dZXR5PI/AAAAAAAAGCI/06fA7GAVi_8/s1600/DSCN1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn-Uo_0VuMw/VfT3dZXR5PI/AAAAAAAAGCI/06fA7GAVi_8/s400/DSCN1681.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKnFjRn8zRw/VfT3vLZ9xXI/AAAAAAAAGDA/GF0PngRAm-M/s1600/DSCN1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKnFjRn8zRw/VfT3vLZ9xXI/AAAAAAAAGDA/GF0PngRAm-M/s320/DSCN1726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxCkGDyzOls/VfT3zdmkYbI/AAAAAAAAGDI/EPMnmmaijI0/s1600/DSCN1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxCkGDyzOls/VfT3zdmkYbI/AAAAAAAAGDI/EPMnmmaijI0/s400/DSCN1727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We wanted to go inside the Anne Frank House but there was over a 3 hour wait. So we just took pictures & went on our way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LAy1CQZtSc/VfT39ZjWJWI/AAAAAAAAGDY/HVWUhF04vUk/s1600/DSCN1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LAy1CQZtSc/VfT39ZjWJWI/AAAAAAAAGDY/HVWUhF04vUk/s320/DSCN1730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGq7ro4eCnA/VfT4DEJgobI/AAAAAAAAGDg/Z8fQqWOGETE/s1600/DSCN1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGq7ro4eCnA/VfT4DEJgobI/AAAAAAAAGDg/Z8fQqWOGETE/s320/DSCN1731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNHkNU8-CS4/VfT4G4Meu_I/AAAAAAAAGDo/d9GbjT8rNQM/s1600/DSCN1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNHkNU8-CS4/VfT4G4Meu_I/AAAAAAAAGDo/d9GbjT8rNQM/s320/DSCN1736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We used the Hop On Hop Off Bus & Boats to get around the city for 2 days. It gave us an overall view of Amsterdam. We could have used another couple of days there to see the museums. We didn't have time for those. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3glthlcheQU/VfYibAm1WEI/AAAAAAAAGFw/qOeZorirdI0/s1600/Snuggles%2Bis%2Bready%2Bto%2Bgo%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3glthlcheQU/VfYibAm1WEI/AAAAAAAAGFw/qOeZorirdI0/s400/Snuggles%2Bis%2Bready%2Bto%2Bgo%2521.png" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We had left Snuggles in the care of our granddaughter, Katie. It's the first time we'd ever left her, but she certainly didn't go for lack of attention. As you can see, Katie had her all ready & waiting for us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For those of you considering a like trip, here are a few recommendations: . You absolutely require a chipped credit or debit card. Also, a thousand Euros will suffice for cash. . Fly Premium Economy. There are several sub-sections to this, so speak to Karen for more in depth details. . Fly in at least two days before your Boarding date. You’ll need it to recover from jet lag.<br />
<br />
<b>Late July: </b>Realizing we were going to be required to stay in Illinois for the better part of 6 weeks for follow up doctor appointments, we drove to Colorado & returned with the RV. As it turned out, while everything turned out fine in the end & Collins didn’t require a second stent, he was initially put on some medication that brought his pulse rate into the low 30’s (it’s normally in the mid 50’s to 60’s). They quickly took him off that. Suffice it to say, he now thinks he’s in his 40’s again & all is well with the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLvWziZDo10/VfT4K-8cq4I/AAAAAAAAGDw/QVAt2HHI010/s1600/DSCN1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLvWziZDo10/VfT4K-8cq4I/AAAAAAAAGDw/QVAt2HHI010/s400/DSCN1737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Since we were still in IL , we decided to have a Birthday Party for the 3 July & 1 early Aug Birthdays. Paula & Dave were nice enough to invite us all to their house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBbp9IuOrJI/VfT4gBNYe1I/AAAAAAAAGEY/T7ozn72dxDU/s1600/DSCN1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBbp9IuOrJI/VfT4gBNYe1I/AAAAAAAAGEY/T7ozn72dxDU/s400/DSCN1751.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcEa1pGyBC8/VfT4PVJzQYI/AAAAAAAAGD4/VTD_5pCAzG8/s1600/DSCN1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcEa1pGyBC8/VfT4PVJzQYI/AAAAAAAAGD4/VTD_5pCAzG8/s320/DSCN1741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsSTiZ6cMeM/VfT4RyL9V-I/AAAAAAAAGEA/9TVUPSHgfTs/s1600/DSCN1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsSTiZ6cMeM/VfT4RyL9V-I/AAAAAAAAGEA/9TVUPSHgfTs/s320/DSCN1747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-quE-CKCKkmY/VfT4VsZk8WI/AAAAAAAAGEI/h5KionQAmI4/s1600/DSCN1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-quE-CKCKkmY/VfT4VsZk8WI/AAAAAAAAGEI/h5KionQAmI4/s320/DSCN1748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Gz4JKShuI/VfT4kv5-zLI/AAAAAAAAGEg/-32t3nTOMsE/s1600/DSCN1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Gz4JKShuI/VfT4kv5-zLI/AAAAAAAAGEg/-32t3nTOMsE/s400/DSCN1755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmmGXSRuUKU/VfT4oywe5mI/AAAAAAAAGEo/gYUcAGzXtBc/s1600/DSCN1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmmGXSRuUKU/VfT4oywe5mI/AAAAAAAAGEo/gYUcAGzXtBc/s320/DSCN1756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3lSlloTDvI/VfT4t7RW1kI/AAAAAAAAGEw/IdMWxPXC4pM/s1600/DSCN1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3lSlloTDvI/VfT4t7RW1kI/AAAAAAAAGEw/IdMWxPXC4pM/s400/DSCN1758.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3RsdgyutYOk/VfT4xSGKPiI/AAAAAAAAGE4/pWzs4d3XRBs/s1600/DSCN1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3RsdgyutYOk/VfT4xSGKPiI/AAAAAAAAGE4/pWzs4d3XRBs/s320/DSCN1759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJYR6fHFr9c/VfT43LlA60I/AAAAAAAAGFA/F__5xG28_94/s1600/DSCN1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJYR6fHFr9c/VfT43LlA60I/AAAAAAAAGFA/F__5xG28_94/s320/DSCN1761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNNsXqmgJSA/VfT4bOaf9rI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/SsQk6lN6G_s/s1600/DSCN1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNNsXqmgJSA/VfT4bOaf9rI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/SsQk6lN6G_s/s320/DSCN1750.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We were also in IL long enough to celebrate my birthday on Sept 7. Katie made me a birthday cake. Pam is teaching her how to decorate. We had a very nice dinner with the family at Pam & Aaron's house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lh7ArMOY08I/VfYq9Q34_0I/AAAAAAAAGGA/LmS9FVt8R8g/s1600/Katie%2B%2526%2BGrandma%2Bwith%2Bbirthday%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lh7ArMOY08I/VfYq9Q34_0I/AAAAAAAAGGA/LmS9FVt8R8g/s400/Katie%2B%2526%2BGrandma%2Bwith%2Bbirthday%2Bcake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
September 8th we finally left IL. We're off to Door County, WI & the upper peninsula of MI. Don't know where we'll go from there. Right now, all we know is that we need to be in Lexington, KY Nov 7th for my mom's 90th birthday party. We'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-53952746102612258602015-07-05T13:33:00.003-04:002015-07-05T13:33:48.101-04:00UTAH 2015Don't forget, you can double click on pictures to make them larger<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">By mid-March we were in Glendale, Utah, half way between Zion & Bryce National Parks, at a charming RV park (Bauer’s Ranch) nestled in Apple Valley. We spent 2 weeks here so we could visit Zion & Bryce Canyons. After being in the somewhat lower elevations in Arizona, Karen was in for a shock the first time she went out to do her run/walk. The elevation was over 6500 ft & she was really huffing after her first couple minutes.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCMkSkgIgXM/VXO4bmyAHkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/rXyjGCpvvos/s1600/DSCN0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCMkSkgIgXM/VXO4bmyAHkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/rXyjGCpvvos/s320/DSCN0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">By most standards, Zion is a small National Park but, at the end of the day, we agreed that it had to be one of the nicest, locations we have visited in the last 5 years. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJhkqF6L3MM/VXO4cX5ax8I/AAAAAAAAFX8/C9YZqLWEnh4/s1600/DSCN0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJhkqF6L3MM/VXO4cX5ax8I/AAAAAAAAFX8/C9YZqLWEnh4/s320/DSCN0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The black streaks are caused by water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psulWd__hl8/VXO4_Sl79iI/AAAAAAAAFX8/IyTzbVi-Lhg/s1600/2015%2BMarch8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psulWd__hl8/VXO4_Sl79iI/AAAAAAAAFX8/IyTzbVi-Lhg/s640/2015%2BMarch8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTL_ehb03Z8/VXO5AGHCA4I/AAAAAAAAFX8/5FEcaFKjwuU/s1600/2015%2BMarch9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTL_ehb03Z8/VXO5AGHCA4I/AAAAAAAAFX8/5FEcaFKjwuU/s640/2015%2BMarch9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QR6H7XiY-kM/VXO4dbMKB-I/AAAAAAAAFX8/eVwBpx3uH0M/s1600/DSCN0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QR6H7XiY-kM/VXO4dbMKB-I/AAAAAAAAFX8/eVwBpx3uH0M/s320/DSCN0208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzGGhkTaBz4/VXO4eGiKY0I/AAAAAAAAFX8/U17-zPr3Xek/s1600/DSCN0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzGGhkTaBz4/VXO4eGiKY0I/AAAAAAAAFX8/U17-zPr3Xek/s400/DSCN0230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVX8rJpD0P8/VXO5AhHgGTI/AAAAAAAAFX8/-5u7xmLBrMQ/s1600/2015%2BMarch10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVX8rJpD0P8/VXO5AhHgGTI/AAAAAAAAFX8/-5u7xmLBrMQ/s640/2015%2BMarch10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg7upwDVhx4/VXO5Bf_UnSI/AAAAAAAAFX8/7Z0RznLyf1s/s1600/2015%2BMarch11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg7upwDVhx4/VXO5Bf_UnSI/AAAAAAAAFX8/7Z0RznLyf1s/s640/2015%2BMarch11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUISuORoze0/VXO5CJJaf-I/AAAAAAAAFX8/XjYNpeJ2oXs/s1600/2015%2BMarch12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUISuORoze0/VXO5CJJaf-I/AAAAAAAAFX8/XjYNpeJ2oXs/s640/2015%2BMarch12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lc8cw_Rrg-c/VXO5C_ndhMI/AAAAAAAAFX8/omhlbox_17Q/s1600/2015%2BMarch13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lc8cw_Rrg-c/VXO5C_ndhMI/AAAAAAAAFX8/omhlbox_17Q/s640/2015%2BMarch13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFyrhgxFgwE/VXO5DqfSgoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/AmW70IybgzM/s1600/2015%2BMarch14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFyrhgxFgwE/VXO5DqfSgoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/AmW70IybgzM/s640/2015%2BMarch14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4k621-ICr4/VXO5EXF_QBI/AAAAAAAAFX8/EaecyUcFCXU/s1600/2015%2BMarch15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4k621-ICr4/VXO5EXF_QBI/AAAAAAAAFX8/EaecyUcFCXU/s640/2015%2BMarch15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uh_iC04lf8E/VXO5FXp-TFI/AAAAAAAAFX8/uW0UjDwJs1M/s1600/2015%2BMarch16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uh_iC04lf8E/VXO5FXp-TFI/AAAAAAAAFX8/uW0UjDwJs1M/s640/2015%2BMarch16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na-Yrb4aRGk/VXO5Gsh1qtI/AAAAAAAAFX8/iXg31qMr6G4/s1600/2015%2BMarch17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na-Yrb4aRGk/VXO5Gsh1qtI/AAAAAAAAFX8/iXg31qMr6G4/s640/2015%2BMarch17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are known as basket weave mesas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">There are no words, nor pictures, that can express what ones’ eyes take in. <b>We would recommend everyone put Zion in the top ten “bucket” places to visit. </b>If you are class A or larger class C RV’ing, do NOT try to go thru the park; the narrow switchback roads, as well as minimal tunnel’s heights, just don’t cut it. If you enjoy hiking, there was a lot of that going on in Zion.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxnTY8TghUA/VXO4eq_jEnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/cn1wUBmHxsw/s1600/DSCN0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxnTY8TghUA/VXO4eq_jEnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/cn1wUBmHxsw/s400/DSCN0240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles enjoyed her own ice cream after our trip to Zion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTq_gDXVwYo/VXO4mNvg6lI/AAAAAAAAFX8/9qQAoa0o2ps/s1600/2015-04-04%2B00.46.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTq_gDXVwYo/VXO4mNvg6lI/AAAAAAAAFX8/9qQAoa0o2ps/s320/2015-04-04%2B00.46.01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One afternoon we took a trip to Coral Sands Dune Park, which wasn’t far from where we stayed. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8JhW6g_tv8/VXO4m5d_xcI/AAAAAAAAFX8/gQYV8MgtRMI/s1600/2015-04-04%2B00.46.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8JhW6g_tv8/VXO4m5d_xcI/AAAAAAAAFX8/gQYV8MgtRMI/s320/2015-04-04%2B00.46.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The red sand is so fine it clings to you like graphite. Snuggles thought running through it was great fun until we got her home & it took two baths to get her clean.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mCsRHBpApk/VXO4nSNL6EI/AAAAAAAAFX8/mLAhRTliaZg/s1600/2015-04-04%2B00.48.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mCsRHBpApk/VXO4nSNL6EI/AAAAAAAAFX8/mLAhRTliaZg/s320/2015-04-04%2B00.48.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ErL9NWNVnc/VXO4oLhioII/AAAAAAAAFX8/qmpf94TT8j4/s1600/2015-04-04%2B00.49.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ErL9NWNVnc/VXO4oLhioII/AAAAAAAAFX8/qmpf94TT8j4/s320/2015-04-04%2B00.49.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZPFmGN8_m8/VXO5HlN37AI/AAAAAAAAFX8/RHT-N7qsEGM/s1600/2015%2BMarch18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZPFmGN8_m8/VXO5HlN37AI/AAAAAAAAFX8/RHT-N7qsEGM/s640/2015%2BMarch18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">The colors in the rock formations were amazing. Some looked like a paint brush had swirled the colors together, while others looked like colors were dabbed on the rocks.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WG6FSoqvNs0/VXO4fUz-VCI/AAAAAAAAFX8/EzCruz2t8ho/s1600/DSCN0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WG6FSoqvNs0/VXO4fUz-VCI/AAAAAAAAFX8/EzCruz2t8ho/s320/DSCN0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Bryce Park is even smaller than Zion, but the rock formations there are like nothing we’ve seen anywhere else. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qssoc6YuPH4/VXO4f1sfHCI/AAAAAAAAFX8/5XwuMcIPflA/s1600/DSCN0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qssoc6YuPH4/VXO4f1sfHCI/AAAAAAAAFX8/5XwuMcIPflA/s400/DSCN0278.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjw5hWbzC-w/VXO5MOfVClI/AAAAAAAAFX8/qgxamomJ61A/s1600/2015%2BMarch24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjw5hWbzC-w/VXO5MOfVClI/AAAAAAAAFX8/qgxamomJ61A/s640/2015%2BMarch24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought they looked like back to back Indians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The deep red colors amaze, as do the balancing act of huge boulders, as if numerous tea cups and saucers have been placed one upon the next. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHdnLXqGv0A/VXO4hxPwsnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/CN2M2ukTMHY/s1600/DSCN0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHdnLXqGv0A/VXO4hxPwsnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/CN2M2ukTMHY/s400/DSCN0284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And mixed in with all of this are the hoodoos & spires, appearing as numerous medieval castles. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAvKywX9YaI/VXO7SWkZZPI/AAAAAAAAFX8/dh1FZMJJqWo/s1600/DSCN0284-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAvKywX9YaI/VXO7SWkZZPI/AAAAAAAAFX8/dh1FZMJJqWo/s400/DSCN0284-EFFECTS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rwa5gpc1Qc/VXO4irsy5tI/AAAAAAAAFX8/tMNVqf1aq1E/s1600/DSCN0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rwa5gpc1Qc/VXO4irsy5tI/AAAAAAAAFX8/tMNVqf1aq1E/s400/DSCN0285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJd0-6vT9q4/VXO4j9ztG7I/AAAAAAAAFX8/0VwYmCoLZPA/s1600/DSCN0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJd0-6vT9q4/VXO4j9ztG7I/AAAAAAAAFX8/0VwYmCoLZPA/s400/DSCN0286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzWc2ENKx-0/VXO4kmReubI/AAAAAAAAFX8/AeqXi_HhRJ4/s1600/DSCN0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzWc2ENKx-0/VXO4kmReubI/AAAAAAAAFX8/AeqXi_HhRJ4/s400/DSCN0308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKHoWZi88lA/VXO5KUtDPHI/AAAAAAAAFX8/xOsscNgHSo8/s1600/2015%2BMarch22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKHoWZi88lA/VXO5KUtDPHI/AAAAAAAAFX8/xOsscNgHSo8/s640/2015%2BMarch22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While Zion is a full day trip, Bryce can be done in just a couple hours.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MPWbuyPsr0/VXO4vjpzm6I/AAAAAAAAFX8/MLSFZhij7vk/s1600/2015-04-09%2B00.13.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MPWbuyPsr0/VXO4vjpzm6I/AAAAAAAAFX8/MLSFZhij7vk/s320/2015-04-09%2B00.13.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After our 2 weeks in Glendale, we moved on to Torrey, Utah. From here we were able to visit Capitol Reef National Park. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scBCYhJI7XI/VXO4tEXHTtI/AAAAAAAAFX8/u2ysHMS_mIA/s1600/2015-04-08%2B23.52.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scBCYhJI7XI/VXO4tEXHTtI/AAAAAAAAFX8/u2ysHMS_mIA/s320/2015-04-08%2B23.52.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This is named as such because several of the rock formations resemble the rounded tops of the capitol building. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55lE49rOjrY/VXO4tn8JDjI/AAAAAAAAFX8/y1BlGDfYzBA/s1600/2015-04-08%2B23.56.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55lE49rOjrY/VXO4tn8JDjI/AAAAAAAAFX8/y1BlGDfYzBA/s320/2015-04-08%2B23.56.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLXtV-t7bE8/VXO4sFsDIhI/AAAAAAAAFX8/GDy4wKH9lj0/s1600/2015-04-08%2B23.44.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLXtV-t7bE8/VXO4sFsDIhI/AAAAAAAAFX8/GDy4wKH9lj0/s320/2015-04-08%2B23.44.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxB3z0svv2k/VXO4uqxhbZI/AAAAAAAAFX8/23YQClyduCg/s1600/2015-04-09%2B00.11.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxB3z0svv2k/VXO4uqxhbZI/AAAAAAAAFX8/23YQClyduCg/s320/2015-04-09%2B00.11.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3fsRP7G3OQ/VXO4pzS1v1I/AAAAAAAAFX8/Kn2U5eAF-Ek/s1600/2015-04-08%2B22.20.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3fsRP7G3OQ/VXO4pzS1v1I/AAAAAAAAFX8/Kn2U5eAF-Ek/s320/2015-04-08%2B22.20.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xhViihcOwU/VYDvPSOalII/AAAAAAAAFYI/tvzy7xjKxso/s1600/2015-04-09%2B00.04.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xhViihcOwU/VYDvPSOalII/AAAAAAAAFYI/tvzy7xjKxso/s320/2015-04-09%2B00.04.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjUzEcthYgI/VYDvf42LFlI/AAAAAAAAFYo/U6TJ0e6Uyxk/s1600/2015-04-08%2B21.38.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjUzEcthYgI/VYDvf42LFlI/AAAAAAAAFYo/U6TJ0e6Uyxk/s320/2015-04-08%2B21.38.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDkpsIuyWOg/VYDvfkl48WI/AAAAAAAAFYc/iZ3dFoUh9XA/s1600/2015-04-08%2B21.36.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDkpsIuyWOg/VYDvfkl48WI/AAAAAAAAFYc/iZ3dFoUh9XA/s400/2015-04-08%2B21.36.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our campground<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_2-u0YLX8k/VYDvfw0U_cI/AAAAAAAAFYg/d2N4WOqSIxM/s1600/2015-04-09%2B00.04.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_2-u0YLX8k/VYDvfw0U_cI/AAAAAAAAFYg/d2N4WOqSIxM/s320/2015-04-09%2B00.04.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a castle<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4EmJcJNMUU/VYDvgkNcqtI/AAAAAAAAFYs/4ZZS3P4hFw4/s1600/2015-04-09%2B00.11.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4EmJcJNMUU/VYDvgkNcqtI/AAAAAAAAFYs/4ZZS3P4hFw4/s400/2015-04-09%2B00.11.14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84YgmEgOQhQ/VXO4qi4j9vI/AAAAAAAAFX8/p5Ew1hdQPs0/s1600/2015-04-08%2B23.33.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84YgmEgOQhQ/VXO4qi4j9vI/AAAAAAAAFX8/p5Ew1hdQPs0/s320/2015-04-08%2B23.33.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQcbrGQwxr0/VXO4rWYy8XI/AAAAAAAAFX8/JDi3byjX97w/s1600/2015-04-08%2B23.33.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQcbrGQwxr0/VXO4rWYy8XI/AAAAAAAAFX8/JDi3byjX97w/s320/2015-04-08%2B23.33.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Capitol Reef encompasses the Waterpocket fold, a warp in the earth’s crust that is 65 million years old. The fold forms a north-to-south barrier that even today has barely been breached by roads. Early settlers referred to parallel, impassable ridges as "reefs", from which the park gets the second half of its name.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-xrTddGm1k/VXO4wd5mtgI/AAAAAAAAFX8/jofxZp7LULA/s1600/2015-04-10%2B22.05.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-xrTddGm1k/VXO4wd5mtgI/AAAAAAAAFX8/jofxZp7LULA/s320/2015-04-10%2B22.05.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A</span><span style="font-size: small;">lso in that area is Scenic Byway 12 which spans a route of 124 miles, and travels through some of the most diverse, remote and ruggedly beautiful landscapes in the country. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrU4UGAQng4/VXO4xNSRZXI/AAAAAAAAFX8/bitLdsT0r4M/s1600/2015-04-10%2B22.05.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrU4UGAQng4/VXO4xNSRZXI/AAAAAAAAFX8/bitLdsT0r4M/s320/2015-04-10%2B22.05.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOOMbP3T0YU/VXO4xghs28I/AAAAAAAAFX8/Ze9smq5UU4U/s1600/2015-04-10%2B22.06.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOOMbP3T0YU/VXO4xghs28I/AAAAAAAAFX8/Ze9smq5UU4U/s320/2015-04-10%2B22.06.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Scenic Byway 12 takes visitors through memorable landscapes, ranging from the remains of ancient sea beds to one of the world’s highest alpine forests, and from astonishing pink and russet stone turrets to open sagebrush flats. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3CQ7MvrUxw/VXO4yZnXgAI/AAAAAAAAFX8/fyEkUWeYlxc/s1600/2015-04-10%2B22.06.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3CQ7MvrUxw/VXO4yZnXgAI/AAAAAAAAFX8/fyEkUWeYlxc/s320/2015-04-10%2B22.06.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecQy4YcEKE0/VXO41E93sfI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Q3DGJbXYghY/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.12.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecQy4YcEKE0/VXO41E93sfI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Q3DGJbXYghY/s400/2015-04-10%2B23.12.22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Anasazi State Park Museum, which is off RT 12, is located on the site of an Ancestral Puebloan habitation that archaeologists believe was occupied between A.D. 1050 and 1175. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZIsmZ-E_xE/VXO418EslxI/AAAAAAAAFX8/PJEeeIHn0rA/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.12.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZIsmZ-E_xE/VXO418EslxI/AAAAAAAAFX8/PJEeeIHn0rA/s400/2015-04-10%2B23.12.37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-omZ1xGsoPgE/VXO40ZMmtcI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Ap1L53mCoMI/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.09.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-omZ1xGsoPgE/VXO40ZMmtcI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Ap1L53mCoMI/s320/2015-04-10%2B23.09.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjPrrtFah90/VXO4zrWY1wI/AAAAAAAAFX8/lCrT6scwJMc/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.09.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjPrrtFah90/VXO4zrWY1wI/AAAAAAAAFX8/lCrT6scwJMc/s320/2015-04-10%2B23.09.09.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This partially excavated and reconstructed village consists of almost 100 rooms. It was very interesting to see how the Indians lived in that area. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">By walking into some of the rooms, you knew they were short people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGJWOsAmVSw/VXO45GKtfMI/AAAAAAAAFX8/5WQnj3kwyHY/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.19.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGJWOsAmVSw/VXO45GKtfMI/AAAAAAAAFX8/5WQnj3kwyHY/s320/2015-04-10%2B23.19.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ56Uhp6qDc/VXO42m56zAI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Xwz0MhQEU6M/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.12.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ56Uhp6qDc/VXO42m56zAI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Xwz0MhQEU6M/s400/2015-04-10%2B23.12.51.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remnants of Indian Buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBMeZVySudY/VXO44HV0fSI/AAAAAAAAFX8/VCuPEL1wNqY/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.16.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBMeZVySudY/VXO44HV0fSI/AAAAAAAAFX8/VCuPEL1wNqY/s640/2015-04-10%2B23.16.04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzNc4MexDYE/VXO43QSFGGI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ooXUkRRld6c/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.15.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzNc4MexDYE/VXO43QSFGGI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ooXUkRRld6c/s320/2015-04-10%2B23.15.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CB0C1mzh2o8/VXO45mRDNGI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OQfv_lapn4Y/s1600/2015-04-10%2B23.54.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CB0C1mzh2o8/VXO45mRDNGI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OQfv_lapn4Y/s320/2015-04-10%2B23.54.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had climbed pretty high</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2LUQ8sWmbE/VXO46ianytI/AAAAAAAAFX8/JmMVfaszEI4/s1600/2015-04-11%2B00.09.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2LUQ8sWmbE/VXO46ianytI/AAAAAAAAFX8/JmMVfaszEI4/s400/2015-04-11%2B00.09.59.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5S8x_y6f28/VXO47q8qMQI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ITyMdDzEYzg/s1600/2015-04-11%2B01.46.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5S8x_y6f28/VXO47q8qMQI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ITyMdDzEYzg/s400/2015-04-11%2B01.46.00.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors & formations were fascinating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slHS3F34gwI/VXO48Vx3PoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/O3HJR4ylj48/s1600/2015-04-11%2B02.36.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slHS3F34gwI/VXO48Vx3PoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/O3HJR4ylj48/s400/2015-04-11%2B02.36.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Be sure to stay only on Rt 12. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Having traversed the front half we decided that a return shortcut would be enjoyable, even though that road was clearly marked as part gravel. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OO6G3Yn-82o/VXO496dOfKI/AAAAAAAAFX8/2FtT4vIIRNc/s1600/2015-04-11%2B03.01.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OO6G3Yn-82o/VXO496dOfKI/AAAAAAAAFX8/2FtT4vIIRNc/s400/2015-04-11%2B03.01.47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CX3bnkXZAJA/VXO4-uBpdnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/AyIGjTWQQ18/s1600/2015-04-11%2B03.10.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CX3bnkXZAJA/VXO4-uBpdnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/AyIGjTWQQ18/s400/2015-04-11%2B03.10.40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">What they failed to say was that <strong>most</strong> of it was gravel & the reason it wasn’t paved, and in fact had no gravel, was because only mountain goats could safely travel it. The dry washes cutting across the road regularly brought us to a screeching halt, if one could actually screech when traveling at 10 MPH. What should have been a 2 hour return trip was, while very beautiful, 5 hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnwscvcmORQ/VXO49ASU7zI/AAAAAAAAFX8/BRHNKDRmvLE/s1600/2015-04-11%2B03.01.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnwscvcmORQ/VXO49ASU7zI/AAAAAAAAFX8/BRHNKDRmvLE/s400/2015-04-11%2B03.01.29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterpocket Fold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We did have some nice views tho & were able to see the Waterpocket Fold quite well. Although we are staunch believers in the “it isn’t the destination, but the journey” mentality, this time it clearly was the destination.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After a week in Torrey, we were off to see the Arches & Canyonlands National Park. We stayed in a very small RV park right off the highway & not far from the exit to Moab & those parks. We were able to take a day for each park, with a few days in between as “lazy days”.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-231S-qiwVno/VXO5NC5EQFI/AAAAAAAAFX8/fPa9OiXX_yk/s1600/DSCN0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-231S-qiwVno/VXO5NC5EQFI/AAAAAAAAFX8/fPa9OiXX_yk/s320/DSCN0450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Arches is known for containing over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch</span><span style="font-size: small;"> in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MXulYtjAlk/VXO5N2eMhiI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ZDL7KAj1NLY/s1600/DSCN0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MXulYtjAlk/VXO5N2eMhiI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ZDL7KAj1NLY/s320/DSCN0452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuXKc6B0lxE/VXO5QUf4JbI/AAAAAAAAFX8/aAGC392T5V4/s1600/DSCN0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuXKc6B0lxE/VXO5QUf4JbI/AAAAAAAAFX8/aAGC392T5V4/s320/DSCN0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We spent the day driving thru the park & stopping to view some of the more obvious arches. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwbdTH4WwGc/VXO5Rf_EV0I/AAAAAAAAFX8/MFQwt9zeuDU/s1600/DSCN0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwbdTH4WwGc/VXO5Rf_EV0I/AAAAAAAAFX8/MFQwt9zeuDU/s320/DSCN0455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orE7-y9C-o4/VXO5S6J7cQI/AAAAAAAAFX8/cTI0hoCu-Q0/s1600/DSCN0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orE7-y9C-o4/VXO5S6J7cQI/AAAAAAAAFX8/cTI0hoCu-Q0/s400/DSCN0458.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We did not see anything close to 2000 arches.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewFD4T1KYog/VXO5UBbF77I/AAAAAAAAFX8/LQtsni5Fx8M/s1600/DSCN0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewFD4T1KYog/VXO5UBbF77I/AAAAAAAAFX8/LQtsni5Fx8M/s320/DSCN0462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was known as the Fiery Furnace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh4t9sMuWeQ/VXO5U1O8cSI/AAAAAAAAFX8/xQGyr38UlII/s1600/DSCN0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh4t9sMuWeQ/VXO5U1O8cSI/AAAAAAAAFX8/xQGyr38UlII/s320/DSCN0464.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some people hiked to the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t262-glyVgA/VXO5cgd2dkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OQHQYKvMUzY/s1600/DSCN0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t262-glyVgA/VXO5cgd2dkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OQHQYKvMUzY/s320/DSCN0485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoPFmDs6Bu8/VXO5WLpzT8I/AAAAAAAAFX8/BKfRmZJWjSo/s1600/DSCN0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoPFmDs6Bu8/VXO5WLpzT8I/AAAAAAAAFX8/BKfRmZJWjSo/s320/DSCN0474.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfKn4mydbvY/VXO5Vk0KAII/AAAAAAAAFX8/vCuo7WmgFOM/s1600/DSCN0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfKn4mydbvY/VXO5Vk0KAII/AAAAAAAAFX8/vCuo7WmgFOM/s400/DSCN0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uF323_B4_BA/VXO5YofgTVI/AAAAAAAAFX8/oBNc7Kt9qVU/s1600/DSCN0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uF323_B4_BA/VXO5YofgTVI/AAAAAAAAFX8/oBNc7Kt9qVU/s400/DSCN0477.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful snow capped La Sal Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_JwRMBxW8o/VXO5ZRwj-RI/AAAAAAAAFX8/znZncoZLi4A/s1600/DSCN0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_JwRMBxW8o/VXO5ZRwj-RI/AAAAAAAAFX8/znZncoZLi4A/s320/DSCN0479.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins had his own name for this one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CECzm7D1Gjo/VXO5ZxRG8lI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OMD6BXQwHuM/s1600/DSCN0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CECzm7D1Gjo/VXO5ZxRG8lI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OMD6BXQwHuM/s320/DSCN0481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICQuICnQMjY/VXO5bIHuRmI/AAAAAAAAFX8/qPvB0pLxfBM/s1600/DSCN0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICQuICnQMjY/VXO5bIHuRmI/AAAAAAAAFX8/qPvB0pLxfBM/s320/DSCN0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t262-glyVgA/VXO5cgd2dkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OQHQYKvMUzY/s1600/DSCN0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t262-glyVgA/VXO5cgd2dkI/AAAAAAAAFX8/OQHQYKvMUzY/s320/DSCN0485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmkxz1PtGcM/VXO5f32BUVI/AAAAAAAAFX8/EpaFIsDxnWI/s1600/DSCN0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmkxz1PtGcM/VXO5f32BUVI/AAAAAAAAFX8/EpaFIsDxnWI/s320/DSCN0490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6akC-G-dX8/VXO5i-bTaQI/AAAAAAAAFX8/x6QKjUNfzhA/s1600/DSCN0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6akC-G-dX8/VXO5i-bTaQI/AAAAAAAAFX8/x6QKjUNfzhA/s320/DSCN0501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4054woijTY/VXO5jpCNcyI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Pg5FHxXD_GU/s1600/DSCN0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4054woijTY/VXO5jpCNcyI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Pg5FHxXD_GU/s320/DSCN0503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhWLo54TacA/VXO5ke_9U8I/AAAAAAAAFX8/N-Zr1_Z4a9s/s1600/DSCN0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhWLo54TacA/VXO5ke_9U8I/AAAAAAAAFX8/N-Zr1_Z4a9s/s320/DSCN0505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coliseum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_qlP4IdT6Q/VXO51eUaHNI/AAAAAAAAFX8/MVs4BZpSJA8/s1600/DSCN0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_qlP4IdT6Q/VXO51eUaHNI/AAAAAAAAFX8/MVs4BZpSJA8/s320/DSCN0542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Canyonlands Nation Park was also very interesting. It preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River, the Green River, and their respective tributaries. It’s divided into 4 districts. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO5cy4xGKGY/VXO5l3dLemI/AAAAAAAAFX8/MB5I1M3JsQ8/s1600/DSCN0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO5cy4xGKGY/VXO5l3dLemI/AAAAAAAAFX8/MB5I1M3JsQ8/s320/DSCN0512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V83GX8vWbg/VXO5nZDlmOI/AAAAAAAAFX8/04q9gJyEwJw/s1600/DSCN0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V83GX8vWbg/VXO5nZDlmOI/AAAAAAAAFX8/04q9gJyEwJw/s320/DSCN0515.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The Island in the Sky district, which is the most popular, is a broad and level mesa to the north of the park between Colorado and Green river with many overlooks from the White Rim, a sandstone bench 1,200 feet (366 m) below the Island, and the rivers, which are another 1,000 feet (305 m) below the White Rim.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aLxO9kyEmQ/VXO5oLfQPoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ZpV9AjhoKI8/s1600/DSCN0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aLxO9kyEmQ/VXO5oLfQPoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/ZpV9AjhoKI8/s640/DSCN0516.JPG" width="585" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sYcbm8IZU0/VXO5pT3a5vI/AAAAAAAAFX8/udsB7xIZAhI/s1600/DSCN0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sYcbm8IZU0/VXO5pT3a5vI/AAAAAAAAFX8/udsB7xIZAhI/s400/DSCN0517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYSUiYoqS2o/VXO5rD875jI/AAAAAAAAFX8/YqzaGREhAVg/s1600/DSCN0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYSUiYoqS2o/VXO5rD875jI/AAAAAAAAFX8/YqzaGREhAVg/s640/DSCN0519.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAMz_ofwgCU/VXO5rybck1I/AAAAAAAAFX8/HPa_bIapfMI/s1600/DSCN0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAMz_ofwgCU/VXO5rybck1I/AAAAAAAAFX8/HPa_bIapfMI/s400/DSCN0520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyWIouVhneQ/VXO5s_RvpoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Te1DAlwJgDk/s1600/DSCN0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyWIouVhneQ/VXO5s_RvpoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Te1DAlwJgDk/s400/DSCN0521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cunzj0v9hM/VXO5yB54pzI/AAAAAAAAFX8/DubaYBKVz8k/s1600/DSCN0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cunzj0v9hM/VXO5yB54pzI/AAAAAAAAFX8/DubaYBKVz8k/s640/DSCN0530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qU2D8pAYxWM/VXO5tqfXiCI/AAAAAAAAFX8/s9h2X828WxE/s1600/DSCN0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qU2D8pAYxWM/VXO5tqfXiCI/AAAAAAAAFX8/s9h2X828WxE/s320/DSCN0525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZwwBRGGZIc/VXO5xZn9E9I/AAAAAAAAFX8/zSSmPdggZGI/s1600/DSCN0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZwwBRGGZIc/VXO5xZn9E9I/AAAAAAAAFX8/zSSmPdggZGI/s320/DSCN0529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YA6e4z8s4Ys/VXO5za9CxnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/mPUn2HcrAkM/s1600/DSCN0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YA6e4z8s4Ys/VXO5za9CxnI/AAAAAAAAFX8/mPUn2HcrAkM/s320/DSCN0533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Busc3L6X9M/VXO50JbtNoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Mezw_sHMtuI/s1600/DSCN0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Busc3L6X9M/VXO50JbtNoI/AAAAAAAAFX8/Mezw_sHMtuI/s320/DSCN0538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JS9mfXNId6w/VXO50-c_ajI/AAAAAAAAFX8/HE2ezgSPrxo/s1600/DSCN0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JS9mfXNId6w/VXO50-c_ajI/AAAAAAAAFX8/HE2ezgSPrxo/s320/DSCN0539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Surprisingly, all of the parks in southern Utah offer their own unique characteristics. It seems incredulous how dissimilar each is from the next, even though they may only be 60 miles apart. There just aren’t enough words in the English language to express all of the different sites, from towering polished sheer cliffs to multi-colored valleys looking out 50 miles (& 170 million years back in time), as well as incredible stone monuments mother nature designed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Finding our awe & wonder fully charged, we proceeded to Grand Junction, OR for a couple weeks of relaxation. As I’ve said some many times before, Man plans & God laughs. Collins decided this would be a great time to “try” & pass a 7MM kidney stone. Ten days later & after several trips to the local VA, & plenty of fine drugs, the stone is still securely tucked away, just like a stubborn unborn baby. After 3 weeks of much pain, aggrevation & conversations with the VA & a local urologist, they finally came to an agreement to do a procedure called Lithotripsy, which blasts the stone into tiny pieces so it can then be passed. Since he was in pain most of the time we spent in Grand Junction, we really didn’t do any sightseeing.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We left the RV in storage there as we proceeded on our next journey. We drove the car to Florida for a family wedding, & a visit to our daughter, Collina, granddaughters & great grandson. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLZT2p1y7OY/VZleJOwm-qI/AAAAAAAAFaU/hTD4IQ83lNU/s1600/Pete%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BLinda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLZT2p1y7OY/VZleJOwm-qI/AAAAAAAAFaU/hTD4IQ83lNU/s320/Pete%252C%2BCollins%2B%2526%2BLinda.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Collins also had a chance to slip in a visit with his best friend Pete, whom he’s known since high school. From there we drove to IL, where we’ve been spending a few weeks.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLQPxy5yEY8/VZleIdEhzvI/AAAAAAAAFaM/gwL63vI1zY0/s1600/Here%2Bcomes%2Bthe%2Bbride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLQPxy5yEY8/VZleIdEhzvI/AAAAAAAAFaM/gwL63vI1zY0/s400/Here%2Bcomes%2Bthe%2Bbride.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes the bride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4tm2sqOHo4/VZleJCM9x7I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/m4E7ImgBoRw/s1600/Tracey%252C%2BJohn%2B%2526%2BMom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4tm2sqOHo4/VZleJCM9x7I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/m4E7ImgBoRw/s400/Tracey%252C%2BJohn%2B%2526%2BMom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We attended the wedding of my nephew, John- son of my sister Colette. His lovely wife is Tracey. Six of my seven siblings & my almost 90 year old mother were able to attend. It was really great to see everyone. We had a great time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I want to get this posted & since we're finishing our European River Cruise trip, I'll just give you a quick post script. We almost didn't get to take the European trip. The Thursday before our Wed departure, Collins had his annual Dr. appt. He proceeded to tell his Dr about having shortness of breath & some chest pains, which he hadn't mentioned to me. He had been cutting trees & limbs at Pam's house the day before. She did an EKG & to make a long story short, after having a conversation with the cardiologist, he was told to go to the ER at the VA hospital. They proceeded to take blood & do some more EKGs. At 9:30 that night they decided to do an angiogram & ended up putting in a stent in a 100% blocked artery. He has another with an 80% blockage, which they will stent next month. They wanted the first to heal. After a lengthy discussion with the surgeon, he was given the ok to travel if the incision was healing ok & he felt alright. Thank god, all was good & we were able to leave. <br />
<br />
I will add some pics of our daughter, granddaughters & great grandson from our FL trip in the next blog since I don't have those pics on this computer.<br />
<br />
Our next blog will be all about our wonderful European trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-92173621579320781862015-04-04T11:38:00.000-04:002015-04-04T11:38:06.784-04:00ARIZONA 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Don't forget, you can double click the pictures to make them larger.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spending our
first Winter in the RV was almost as enjoyable as our last five years of
everyday travels, although our time in Quartzite, AZ was a major
disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-IPZIeKvnE/VR7ggB5gnBI/AAAAAAAAE2k/BmyqGAJkxAI/s1600/DSCN0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-IPZIeKvnE/VR7ggB5gnBI/AAAAAAAAE2k/BmyqGAJkxAI/s1600/DSCN0100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Known for its January massive
rock & mineral show, as well as an RV rally, our expectations far exceeded
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk0IAwP8_5U/VR7ggjHNE0I/AAAAAAAAE2s/yLZULiVnM_8/s1600/DSCN0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk0IAwP8_5U/VR7ggjHNE0I/AAAAAAAAE2s/yLZULiVnM_8/s1600/DSCN0101.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-iJsB3PzUo/VR7ghcF97kI/AAAAAAAAE20/iiCDGZlv1LA/s1600/DSCN0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-iJsB3PzUo/VR7ghcF97kI/AAAAAAAAE20/iiCDGZlv1LA/s1600/DSCN0103.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While there were literally
thousands of RV’s dry camping all over the desert (we stayed in an RV park with
full hook-ups), and there were tens of thousands of rocks & minerals featured
at the show, taking us two days to leisurely view, most appeared to us as just
piles of everyday stones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqlI6lkDqIs/VR9Xr4fUByI/AAAAAAAAE48/0ZgBlHveAIg/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqlI6lkDqIs/VR9Xr4fUByI/AAAAAAAAE48/0ZgBlHveAIg/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqlI6lkDqIs/VR9Xr4fUByI/AAAAAAAAE48/0ZgBlHveAIg/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqlI6lkDqIs/VR9Xr4fUByI/AAAAAAAAE48/0ZgBlHveAIg/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were,
however, taken with three unique stones found over the two days. We had them
made into pendants for our three daughters and used a double blind mailing
process so that we didn’t know who was getting what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, while the rally was small &
offered little of interest, there was a massive flea market next door we
enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1SsbxeOJVA/VR7gekD8TwI/AAAAAAAAE2U/PAGHQSRd1-U/s1600/DSCN0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1SsbxeOJVA/VR7gekD8TwI/AAAAAAAAE2U/PAGHQSRd1-U/s1600/DSCN0096.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvgY57m3OXM/VR7gbIvaZKI/AAAAAAAAE10/qkmTRdlY7z0/s1600/DSCN0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvgY57m3OXM/VR7gbIvaZKI/AAAAAAAAE10/qkmTRdlY7z0/s1600/DSCN0086.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On London Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlzAduOBnUA/VR7gcHBCe6I/AAAAAAAAE18/gDj-qL1KqPI/s1600/DSCN0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlzAduOBnUA/VR7gcHBCe6I/AAAAAAAAE18/gDj-qL1KqPI/s1600/DSCN0087.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles On London Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHbXkwJM_-w/VR7gZi7k17I/AAAAAAAAE1k/M6vmMP08FnI/s1600/DSCN0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHbXkwJM_-w/VR7gZi7k17I/AAAAAAAAE1k/M6vmMP08FnI/s1600/DSCN0085.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Bridge<br />
<ol>
<li></li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another side trip was to the London Bridge in Lake Havasau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>While the bridge is only modest in size & appearance, the realization that you are standing on HISTORY, where all of the Royalty & history makers crossed, is impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A film or book situated from just one spot depicting these people, & the historical events they were involved in, would be fascinating.</span></span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhTCW6tIXPY/VR7gdxpuREI/AAAAAAAAE2M/lwmRCLe72z8/s1600/DSCN0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhTCW6tIXPY/VR7gdxpuREI/AAAAAAAAE2M/lwmRCLe72z8/s1600/DSCN0094.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DDcf7NCZ88/VR7gY5KHcHI/AAAAAAAAE1g/QfzhHObxAAE/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DDcf7NCZ88/VR7gY5KHcHI/AAAAAAAAE1g/QfzhHObxAAE/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our overall disappointment
& boredom in Quartrzsite resulted in our departure about a week earlier than initially planned.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou0HwduQ9Uc/VR7giGypFTI/AAAAAAAAE28/E33sc-DQeDA/s1600/DSCN0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou0HwduQ9Uc/VR7giGypFTI/AAAAAAAAE28/E33sc-DQeDA/s1600/DSCN0118.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Linda, Dog Ace & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next
several weeks were spent outside of Phoenix, We had a couple of visits with Karen’s sister &
brother-in-law (Doug & Linda), </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYAHKlc8UbA/VR7gkNQKkoI/AAAAAAAAE3M/pkKEBmVDWII/s1600/DSCN0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYAHKlc8UbA/VR7gkNQKkoI/AAAAAAAAE3M/pkKEBmVDWII/s1600/DSCN0124.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and our friends the Sweets. Karen & Karen became friends when they first started selling Real Estate & have stayed in touch. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3adp6DtOWg/VR7glIynOZI/AAAAAAAAE3U/Q3ARn9DLsLs/s1600/DSCN0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3adp6DtOWg/VR7glIynOZI/AAAAAAAAE3U/Q3ARn9DLsLs/s1600/DSCN0125.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Karen & Ron Sweet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They live part time in AZ & the rest of the time in IL. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKPm3R6eDaQ/VR7gmHzP0WI/AAAAAAAAE3c/XtLvwoG6YqE/s1600/DSCN0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKPm3R6eDaQ/VR7gmHzP0WI/AAAAAAAAE3c/XtLvwoG6YqE/s1600/DSCN0126.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQobFE22QAw/VR7gnJtLVKI/AAAAAAAAE3k/PWnVlx2zXp8/s1600/DSCN0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQobFE22QAw/VR7gnJtLVKI/AAAAAAAAE3k/PWnVlx2zXp8/s1600/DSCN0127.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of RVs parked at the Rally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also attended a Good Sam Rally (another
disappointment) just outside Phoenix. <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And just to show it isn’t all fun on the road, while at the Phoenix Good Sam’s Club rally, held at the Phoenix raceway, Karen decided we should do a 5K walk for wounded Veterans’ families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since 5K is only 3 miles, & what I presumed would be on flat land, and we were doing it for the wounded vets’ families, I readily signed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would think I should have learned my lesson of volunteering when I enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1965.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgvK1rBTBMU/VR9rlwEvgmI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/uZCuYRbmO7A/s1600/So%2Bearly%2Bwe%2Bsee%2Bthe%2Bsunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgvK1rBTBMU/VR9rlwEvgmI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/uZCuYRbmO7A/s1600/So%2Bearly%2Bwe%2Bsee%2Bthe%2Bsunrise.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffice it to say getting up at 6AM<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>isn’t our normal awakening time, & then walking three miles on the race track with a definite downward slope (visualize cars racing around a track), created more stress on our calves than anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lSG6h4XSTI/VR9rz17kFRI/AAAAAAAAE5g/lfzpp7KAY2s/s1600/Collins%2Bis%2Bfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lSG6h4XSTI/VR9rz17kFRI/AAAAAAAAE5g/lfzpp7KAY2s/s1600/Collins%2Bis%2Bfinished.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins keeps walking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two things that kept me trekking was Karen’s presence & two retired (old) female Marines whom we could not keep up with.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQSG5w9RmZc/VR9sSv9K1HI/AAAAAAAAE5o/NqbGLDh3y0E/s1600/Walking%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQSG5w9RmZc/VR9sSv9K1HI/AAAAAAAAE5o/NqbGLDh3y0E/s1600/Walking%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRally.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're almost done<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2FHFzjUGa4/VR9s0N_pxwI/AAAAAAAAE5w/1omnrKpzbaQ/s1600/Finished%2Bthe%2Bwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2FHFzjUGa4/VR9s0N_pxwI/AAAAAAAAE5w/1omnrKpzbaQ/s1600/Finished%2Bthe%2Bwalk.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finished the walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XodZUkqJ3sA/VR9nx4TKjOI/AAAAAAAAE5M/ip8VglxXaio/s1600/DSCN0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XodZUkqJ3sA/VR9nx4TKjOI/AAAAAAAAE5M/ip8VglxXaio/s1600/DSCN0130.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could see Laughlin from our RV spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After leaving the Rally, we started our trek north toward Utah. Since it was still too cold to go there, we stopped in Bullhead City, AZ for a couple of weeks. We were right across the river from Laughlin, NV. We spent our time there having a few RV maintenance items taken care of, as well as taking a
two day car trip to the Grand Canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjCGc6n8K58/VR9vmcW96LI/AAAAAAAAE58/Gxbf0vdYwGQ/s1600/DSCN0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjCGc6n8K58/VR9vmcW96LI/AAAAAAAAE58/Gxbf0vdYwGQ/s1600/DSCN0136.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles wants to make sure we don't leave her behind<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuaDSopyh4/VR7gwVQLoZI/AAAAAAAAE4k/mv-VStHkcmg/s1600/DSCN0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuaDSopyh4/VR7gwVQLoZI/AAAAAAAAE4k/mv-VStHkcmg/s1600/DSCN0192.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjargSwetoU/VR7goDeA79I/AAAAAAAAE3s/hZpfLpJhvds/s1600/2015%2BMarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjargSwetoU/VR7goDeA79I/AAAAAAAAE3s/hZpfLpJhvds/s1600/2015%2BMarch.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to the Grand Canyon<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOkr285OHTA/VR7gqZBI0eI/AAAAAAAAE38/oxQdOZtfgYQ/s1600/2015%2BMarch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOkr285OHTA/VR7gqZBI0eI/AAAAAAAAE38/oxQdOZtfgYQ/s1600/2015%2BMarch2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8VCtHLp21c/VR7grWvlaNI/AAAAAAAAE4E/5DMnO9J0Oxc/s1600/2015%2BMarch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8VCtHLp21c/VR7grWvlaNI/AAAAAAAAE4E/5DMnO9J0Oxc/s1600/2015%2BMarch3.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZPqE2dcgsk/VR7gslDgr4I/AAAAAAAAE4M/omIvEyfPpH8/s1600/2015%2BMarch4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZPqE2dcgsk/VR7gslDgr4I/AAAAAAAAE4M/omIvEyfPpH8/s1600/2015%2BMarch4.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trJGSGQknzM/VR7guKZpsZI/AAAAAAAAE4U/JRx47oaII5I/s1600/2015%2BMarch5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trJGSGQknzM/VR7guKZpsZI/AAAAAAAAE4U/JRx47oaII5I/s1600/2015%2BMarch5.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghYgk48hJss/VR7gpYU0L-I/AAAAAAAAE30/K8vEw5QJuX4/s1600/2015%2BMarch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghYgk48hJss/VR7gpYU0L-I/AAAAAAAAE30/K8vEw5QJuX4/s1600/2015%2BMarch1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since this was our second observation of the canyon, the first in the
early 1990’s, we were less awed by the canyon itself as we were by the
geological history it presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
one trail into the canyon that, for every large step you take, you are going
back 1 million years in time, until you have traveled <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1.8 Billion</b> years (try getting your arms around that number).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously this is a long, downward trail but geologically
mind boggling just the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We continue
to be amazed at what had to take place over millions of years to create the colors
& formations throughout the western states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While the everyday endless barren beige landscapes leave you literally ecstatic
to see an occasional patch of green, the sudden appearance of multi-colored
mountains created from millennium old sea beds, tectonic upheavals & wind
can’t help but leave you in awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As we left our AZ winter home, the temps were hitting 90 some days. We're off to Southern Utah to see Zion, Bryce & Arches National Parks. Temperatures there will be in the 6o's & 70's. Stay tuned, more beautiful pictures to come.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-81512979473868528762015-01-15T11:13:00.001-05:002015-01-15T11:13:52.163-05:00BALLOONS, BALLOONS & MORE BALLOONS !!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You will definitely want to double click some of these pictures to make them larger!<br />
<br />
Sept 28th. We finally left IL the last weekend of Sept. We had signed up
for the Balloon Festival in Albuquerque New Mexico which started the beginning
of Oct. Our group was scheduled for Oct 8th - 12th. This allowed us to take our
time traveling & make a couple stops along the way. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBdoM9ufS9I/VLH8FbLGozI/AAAAAAAAEXc/OZ871TNzWsY/s1600/Sue%2BDoornbosch%2B%26%2BKaren%2Bon%2Btheir%2Bboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBdoM9ufS9I/VLH8FbLGozI/AAAAAAAAEXc/OZ871TNzWsY/s1600/Sue%2BDoornbosch%2B%26%2BKaren%2Bon%2Btheir%2Bboat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue & Karen<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qg_wTHLbhsk/VLH8Hmz51-I/AAAAAAAAEXk/_P-nszdiYwI/s1600/Wayne%2C%2BSue%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bon%2Btheir%2Bboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qg_wTHLbhsk/VLH8Hmz51-I/AAAAAAAAEXk/_P-nszdiYwI/s1600/Wayne%2C%2BSue%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bon%2Btheir%2Bboat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne, Sue & Collins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We finally made it to
visit long time (40+ years) friends, Sue & Wayne Doornbosch. They had moved
to Lake of the Ozarks, MO several years ago. It was so nice to finally see the
home they’d remodeled, which is located right on the lake. The weather was
beautiful & they were nice enough to take us on their boat out on the lake. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We spent the day seeing the sights & catching up on each other’s lives.
It’s always good to see old friends.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We had good traveling weather & made it to Albuquerque in plenty of
time. As members of the Monaco International club, we signed up for their
sponsored event at the Festival, which included VIP RV Field parking &
various social activities. Some 80 Monaco’s showed up & literally got front
row seats: about 100 yards from the launch field.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUUTpxEOpPY/VLH9lcPdf_I/AAAAAAAAEXw/9IN7pHsyBpo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUUTpxEOpPY/VLH9lcPdf_I/AAAAAAAAEXw/9IN7pHsyBpo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B86.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the balloons launch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The host RV was right in front
of the balloon field & we were in the 4th row back. With prevailing winds
blowing towards us the first morning, launched Balloons barely cleared the tops
of our rigs, giving us both incredible views & occasional concerns.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBPs9QaQ9GU/VLH9mKc8bXI/AAAAAAAAEX4/abi3vWSsy_A/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBPs9QaQ9GU/VLH9mKc8bXI/AAAAAAAAEX4/abi3vWSsy_A/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B53.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going right over our RVs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To
appreciate just how low the Balloons were, our group was asked to not fly any
flags for fear the poles would interfere with the Balloons’ baskets. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OxyU_Zy_3g/VLH-rLNDN6I/AAAAAAAAEYE/FSJcTG8Xmaw/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OxyU_Zy_3g/VLH-rLNDN6I/AAAAAAAAEYE/FSJcTG8Xmaw/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B114.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Launching the Dawn Patrol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Karen opted
to get up before the crack of dawn & go onto the field to observe the “dawn
patrol”- the balloons that take off just before sunrise, giving the rest of the
balloonists information on wind & weather conditions; I enjoy my sleep too
much & took a pass.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQygaCEJKTI/VLIBeTMN6iI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/qPtrIpfdcvA/s1600/Collins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2BBalloon%2Bfestival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQygaCEJKTI/VLIBeTMN6iI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/qPtrIpfdcvA/s1600/Collins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2BBalloon%2Bfestival.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles settle in to watch the balloons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By 7:30 AM each day the launches were in full swing.
After viewing the first 300 lift offs, I couldn’t help but think of our Alaska
trip & the hundreds of waterfalls, glaciers & wild animals we viewed
alongside the road. Initially they were incredulous, then interesting, &
then indifferent. Having some 500 to 600 Balloons launch right in front of you
takes well over an hour, even with numerous simultaneous lift offs. At some
point one becomes jaded. It’s only the unique Balloon designs that continued to
intrigue me. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfWjd4ueYH0/VLIBe-9OOKI/AAAAAAAAEYU/xwfjU5luDkw/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfWjd4ueYH0/VLIBe-9OOKI/AAAAAAAAEYU/xwfjU5luDkw/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B101.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I – Karen, was like a kid & loved every one
of them. It was “awesome”, seeing the hundreds of balloons, all shapes &
colors.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOPgaXcif84/VLICuSWJ1PI/AAAAAAAAEY0/uT54cDmk8VY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOPgaXcif84/VLICuSWJ1PI/AAAAAAAAEY0/uT54cDmk8VY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NUQ6Xs2XtY/VLICl_9iltI/AAAAAAAAEYs/cEEYBP-fWdQ/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NUQ6Xs2XtY/VLICl_9iltI/AAAAAAAAEYs/cEEYBP-fWdQ/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B007.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEGjjRE_VIc/VLIC1ACB_EI/AAAAAAAAEZI/cOncewShorc/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEGjjRE_VIc/VLIC1ACB_EI/AAAAAAAAEZI/cOncewShorc/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B7.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPdtT4HrTi0/VLICdWeefDI/AAAAAAAAEYk/SiCWdqcWIYo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPdtT4HrTi0/VLICdWeefDI/AAAAAAAAEYk/SiCWdqcWIYo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B10.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the ground, watching them fill with air</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvaBHpQUwMM/VLICvpk0ugI/AAAAAAAAEY8/d6NzpPC5S64/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvaBHpQUwMM/VLICvpk0ugI/AAAAAAAAEY8/d6NzpPC5S64/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B011.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SIve_NmCLE/VLIC0gtUVQI/AAAAAAAAEZE/LPpYcFpkiSw/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SIve_NmCLE/VLIC0gtUVQI/AAAAAAAAEZE/LPpYcFpkiSw/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pflg1k3Eui0/VLID-XwN03I/AAAAAAAAEZY/citQuQciTvg/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pflg1k3Eui0/VLID-XwN03I/AAAAAAAAEZY/citQuQciTvg/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B11.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOSAnSsvkyY/VLIEC7_VvLI/AAAAAAAAEZo/GOMN47YB56k/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOSAnSsvkyY/VLIEC7_VvLI/AAAAAAAAEZo/GOMN47YB56k/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B12.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9ii4b57_Tw/VLIEXwpak8I/AAAAAAAAEaA/RdXwpIUXLl0/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9ii4b57_Tw/VLIEXwpak8I/AAAAAAAAEaA/RdXwpIUXLl0/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B013.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g22K7Fzix4I/VLIEBSjLipI/AAAAAAAAEZg/SvT030J6qG8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g22K7Fzix4I/VLIEBSjLipI/AAAAAAAAEZg/SvT030J6qG8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B16.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHyqvuApyzA/VLIEQ8lacBI/AAAAAAAAEZw/MBG8Rayctck/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHyqvuApyzA/VLIEQ8lacBI/AAAAAAAAEZw/MBG8Rayctck/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B017.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xIOhgibp-ZU/VLIEWRG3vqI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/ki7brojP5_Y/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xIOhgibp-ZU/VLIEWRG3vqI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/ki7brojP5_Y/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B018.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbZMk0BlFJU/VLIEuqf9gSI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/3b5Zd5Uo6nQ/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbZMk0BlFJU/VLIEuqf9gSI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/3b5Zd5Uo6nQ/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B19.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCujxCKFqZs/VLIEiIFWAPI/AAAAAAAAEaI/6-wnJ9Jm6wc/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCujxCKFqZs/VLIEiIFWAPI/AAAAAAAAEaI/6-wnJ9Jm6wc/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B020.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcYo58xCIU4/VLIGTQjWFoI/AAAAAAAAEbE/1gX4cYqO-Ks/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcYo58xCIU4/VLIGTQjWFoI/AAAAAAAAEbE/1gX4cYqO-Ks/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B021.jpg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XOXujNf9jw/VLIGIjG72kI/AAAAAAAAEak/eBArTe1xWzY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XOXujNf9jw/VLIGIjG72kI/AAAAAAAAEak/eBArTe1xWzY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B21.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prcjj4ebKc4/VLIGRzz4VeI/AAAAAAAAEa8/dw9RT7TRDrk/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prcjj4ebKc4/VLIGRzz4VeI/AAAAAAAAEa8/dw9RT7TRDrk/s1600/balloon%2Bfestival%2B022.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rzvhpm7v-UA/VLIF3EQ2DMI/AAAAAAAAEac/j2eCm8ZLIKU/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rzvhpm7v-UA/VLIF3EQ2DMI/AAAAAAAAEac/j2eCm8ZLIKU/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B22.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55YVNJ2F_Ng/VLIGJMaDVdI/AAAAAAAAEas/sFRB6TgcbJo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55YVNJ2F_Ng/VLIGJMaDVdI/AAAAAAAAEas/sFRB6TgcbJo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B37.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TjUlp4VY3M/VLIGXRJazuI/AAAAAAAAEbM/ovH_jZrcilE/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TjUlp4VY3M/VLIGXRJazuI/AAAAAAAAEbM/ovH_jZrcilE/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B39.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Kitty! Going right over the RVs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03oqSVBEaiM/VLIGLzN2AdI/AAAAAAAAEa0/aLgpDKakVu4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03oqSVBEaiM/VLIGLzN2AdI/AAAAAAAAEa0/aLgpDKakVu4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B40.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TZpHnPGpfk/VLIG-Oy4MQI/AAAAAAAAEbc/VXIXAI8FKvo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TZpHnPGpfk/VLIG-Oy4MQI/AAAAAAAAEbc/VXIXAI8FKvo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B41.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltVjEhLLcLg/VLIHKuRc5nI/AAAAAAAAEb8/UEBW2a5VDok/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltVjEhLLcLg/VLIHKuRc5nI/AAAAAAAAEb8/UEBW2a5VDok/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B42.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QnQKjMtGoY/VLIG9_zfWlI/AAAAAAAAEbY/dqSdjZHEz5k/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QnQKjMtGoY/VLIG9_zfWlI/AAAAAAAAEbY/dqSdjZHEz5k/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B43.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZGpDxKzhXg/VLIHAy_NkEI/AAAAAAAAEbo/sLhkKluDlTc/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZGpDxKzhXg/VLIHAy_NkEI/AAAAAAAAEbo/sLhkKluDlTc/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B44.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ9ay-v4kH4/VLIHJ3Whl2I/AAAAAAAAEb4/N-XcRVXjOIY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ9ay-v4kH4/VLIHJ3Whl2I/AAAAAAAAEb4/N-XcRVXjOIY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B45.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvfa62UDuBk/VLIHFmeuzbI/AAAAAAAAEbw/pwtwEasQFUE/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvfa62UDuBk/VLIHFmeuzbI/AAAAAAAAEbw/pwtwEasQFUE/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B46.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could watch them going up from our RV spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCAgGE1Ji6Q/VLIHVlhHEAI/AAAAAAAAEck/DJ-I5nIFP2U/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCAgGE1Ji6Q/VLIHVlhHEAI/AAAAAAAAEck/DJ-I5nIFP2U/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B47.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLB1VQrnafU/VLIHN_tK6nI/AAAAAAAAEcI/BqayIs1OmdM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLB1VQrnafU/VLIHN_tK6nI/AAAAAAAAEcI/BqayIs1OmdM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B48.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one had to land in the field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0pyUmltSGs/VLIHbCXWV1I/AAAAAAAAEcw/cc_b9US-bN4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0pyUmltSGs/VLIHbCXWV1I/AAAAAAAAEcw/cc_b9US-bN4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B50.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40uXiNrj8QE/VLIHQ3PUbeI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/_QEoDXPHfY0/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40uXiNrj8QE/VLIHQ3PUbeI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/_QEoDXPHfY0/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B51.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqzkujpEJ0A/VLIHTBh79XI/AAAAAAAAEcY/SX9aJSH_IrY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqzkujpEJ0A/VLIHTBh79XI/AAAAAAAAEcY/SX9aJSH_IrY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B54.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gkbaoLi5GU/VLIHVeGy4RI/AAAAAAAAEcg/PterNGohOjo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gkbaoLi5GU/VLIHVeGy4RI/AAAAAAAAEcg/PterNGohOjo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B55.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LO9zD0fWAQ/VLIIk9FJq_I/AAAAAAAAEdE/MMV4zFsylrU/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LO9zD0fWAQ/VLIIk9FJq_I/AAAAAAAAEdE/MMV4zFsylrU/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B56.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgpzRtiCClI/VLIIhlJA3nI/AAAAAAAAEc8/ArJfGpSrb80/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgpzRtiCClI/VLIIhlJA3nI/AAAAAAAAEc8/ArJfGpSrb80/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B57.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDS27DAraho/VLIIliuFi5I/AAAAAAAAEdI/pS8fqlYxgBs/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDS27DAraho/VLIIliuFi5I/AAAAAAAAEdI/pS8fqlYxgBs/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B58.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk6nTFCtsEk/VLIIrWVc_YI/AAAAAAAAEdY/ynglX-716Uo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk6nTFCtsEk/VLIIrWVc_YI/AAAAAAAAEdY/ynglX-716Uo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B59.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCULaDJ5qGo/VLIIydzq-8I/AAAAAAAAEdw/scprdm6RxXM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCULaDJ5qGo/VLIIydzq-8I/AAAAAAAAEdw/scprdm6RxXM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B63.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CR9ggHLsbU/VLIIw3Ho95I/AAAAAAAAEdk/zha-q0xmN-8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CR9ggHLsbU/VLIIw3Ho95I/AAAAAAAAEdk/zha-q0xmN-8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B64.jpg" height="307" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90FGPNteu7E/VLIIyMbfB5I/AAAAAAAAEds/OjGWb5HwSPk/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90FGPNteu7E/VLIIyMbfB5I/AAAAAAAAEds/OjGWb5HwSPk/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B66.jpg" height="320" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4hBysXt2xI/VLII08VXp9I/AAAAAAAAEd8/w8f6_4rPT2A/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B67.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4hBysXt2xI/VLII08VXp9I/AAAAAAAAEd8/w8f6_4rPT2A/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B67.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIRpvcMNVfI/VLII1kIBfvI/AAAAAAAAEeA/6TXnJeiCRSY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIRpvcMNVfI/VLII1kIBfvI/AAAAAAAAEeA/6TXnJeiCRSY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B68.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckBtPqOBlpM/VLII5-XVpnI/AAAAAAAAEeU/fIL0c7Scq8s/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B69.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckBtPqOBlpM/VLII5-XVpnI/AAAAAAAAEeU/fIL0c7Scq8s/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B69.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z77crRVi3PY/VLII4CFPKwI/AAAAAAAAEeM/gpZ6V3cbHNM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z77crRVi3PY/VLII4CFPKwI/AAAAAAAAEeM/gpZ6V3cbHNM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B71.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXrjA8X4gRM/VLIL14xhERI/AAAAAAAAEeo/F_pVE6mIQLs/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXrjA8X4gRM/VLIL14xhERI/AAAAAAAAEeo/F_pVE6mIQLs/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B72.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_6aLPLeumc/VLIL1iMuU8I/AAAAAAAAEeg/aKUcxS8or-c/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_6aLPLeumc/VLIL1iMuU8I/AAAAAAAAEeg/aKUcxS8or-c/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B74.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5u9FcWxOV6E/VLIL1z2ox0I/AAAAAAAAEek/zaORETUMA60/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B75.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5u9FcWxOV6E/VLIL1z2ox0I/AAAAAAAAEek/zaORETUMA60/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B75.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiavA01Yapo/VLIL2erBw2I/AAAAAAAAEf0/a_7P4OijO6Y/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B77.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiavA01Yapo/VLIL2erBw2I/AAAAAAAAEf0/a_7P4OijO6Y/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B77.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZR3HEOmW_g/VLIL2pYUBMI/AAAAAAAAEes/ULu13rITfAw/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B78.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZR3HEOmW_g/VLIL2pYUBMI/AAAAAAAAEes/ULu13rITfAw/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B78.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDqVZnCgm4Q/VLIL3MGxSQI/AAAAAAAAEe0/169uGuUJdgk/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B79.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDqVZnCgm4Q/VLIL3MGxSQI/AAAAAAAAEe0/169uGuUJdgk/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B79.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFwBas_-188/VLIL3S9ihbI/AAAAAAAAEe4/0CMVPWkhVhg/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B80.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFwBas_-188/VLIL3S9ihbI/AAAAAAAAEe4/0CMVPWkhVhg/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B80.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqZNVybhBJ8/VLIL3naWTLI/AAAAAAAAEfA/YziUl7jWyGI/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqZNVybhBJ8/VLIL3naWTLI/AAAAAAAAEfA/YziUl7jWyGI/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B81.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKsQT2zhvr0/VLIL3_X6eHI/AAAAAAAAEfE/ou3DSVDXO1M/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKsQT2zhvr0/VLIL3_X6eHI/AAAAAAAAEfE/ou3DSVDXO1M/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B82.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw23KxzSE5g/VLIL4TX130I/AAAAAAAAEfM/S9ejwt8Lxo4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B83.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw23KxzSE5g/VLIL4TX130I/AAAAAAAAEfM/S9ejwt8Lxo4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B83.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANvNDxpfy40/VLIL4rR8mBI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/vby8xikpKDk/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANvNDxpfy40/VLIL4rR8mBI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/vby8xikpKDk/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B84.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIoylUCHanE/VLIL5CSMnVI/AAAAAAAAEfY/ZIOcGR3GSq0/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B89.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIoylUCHanE/VLIL5CSMnVI/AAAAAAAAEfY/ZIOcGR3GSq0/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B89.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXg8oDQF_uE/VLKhjoZsx1I/AAAAAAAAEhs/t5snpfgQmQ8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXg8oDQF_uE/VLKhjoZsx1I/AAAAAAAAEhs/t5snpfgQmQ8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B90.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CcnBuPrjDQ/VLKhSxirNPI/AAAAAAAAEhI/fwgab3dbCUM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B91.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CcnBuPrjDQ/VLKhSxirNPI/AAAAAAAAEhI/fwgab3dbCUM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B91.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OIVrUJirqHs/VLKhV-daaQI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/pWS9FL9TRf4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OIVrUJirqHs/VLKhV-daaQI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/pWS9FL9TRf4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B92.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylolbluogRQ/VLKhZKWvsrI/AAAAAAAAEhY/yITh-lO8w90/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B93.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylolbluogRQ/VLKhZKWvsrI/AAAAAAAAEhY/yITh-lO8w90/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B93.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SOTfjTljwo/VLKhkMD2A1I/AAAAAAAAEh0/HoUsRllcx54/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SOTfjTljwo/VLKhkMD2A1I/AAAAAAAAEh0/HoUsRllcx54/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B94.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZuy_Z_MK6E/VLKhjuiRuHI/AAAAAAAAEho/VXfXXYKJF9k/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B96.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZuy_Z_MK6E/VLKhjuiRuHI/AAAAAAAAEho/VXfXXYKJF9k/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B96.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA4AAU-ksAw/VLKhmaC6zFI/AAAAAAAAEiA/wwL52ZLKYpM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA4AAU-ksAw/VLKhmaC6zFI/AAAAAAAAEiA/wwL52ZLKYpM/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B98.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x06uu9wMzVg/VLKhnawmmzI/AAAAAAAAEiI/I1m9BoDnezs/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x06uu9wMzVg/VLKhnawmmzI/AAAAAAAAEiI/I1m9BoDnezs/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B99.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aeLeQwlONEE/VLKgrV5Du-I/AAAAAAAAEgI/zuzDYVDNDWo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aeLeQwlONEE/VLKgrV5Du-I/AAAAAAAAEgI/zuzDYVDNDWo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90n4yKqaOW4/VLKg8zUKCdI/AAAAAAAAEgY/mTvlo0Pv37E/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90n4yKqaOW4/VLKg8zUKCdI/AAAAAAAAEgY/mTvlo0Pv37E/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B103.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx_IMf2BxcY/VLKgv2wk2pI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/ulBbnQdzmXI/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx_IMf2BxcY/VLKgv2wk2pI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/ulBbnQdzmXI/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SenR-6X_krc/VLKhZPlhjeI/AAAAAAAAEhc/OohzDayTqyo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SenR-6X_krc/VLKhZPlhjeI/AAAAAAAAEhc/OohzDayTqyo/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B106.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qe7D1Dt3jg/VLKhNXNOcJI/AAAAAAAAEg4/6HwZFXv0lgY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qe7D1Dt3jg/VLKhNXNOcJI/AAAAAAAAEg4/6HwZFXv0lgY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B107.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPzaT5sooD8/VLKhApNoPCI/AAAAAAAAEgg/N38eoS4YUeg/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPzaT5sooD8/VLKhApNoPCI/AAAAAAAAEgg/N38eoS4YUeg/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfUOBwT0w_U/VLKhHO6A77I/AAAAAAAAEgo/qPXiZNsF9G4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfUOBwT0w_U/VLKhHO6A77I/AAAAAAAAEgo/qPXiZNsF9G4/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B110.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7pg9iWEc0M/VLKhPjhPMeI/AAAAAAAAEhA/aD_p7gvWKa8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7pg9iWEc0M/VLKhPjhPMeI/AAAAAAAAEhA/aD_p7gvWKa8/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B115.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WidWiy36nzQ/VLKhLRqhoDI/AAAAAAAAEgw/XYweSWLt-LY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WidWiy36nzQ/VLKhLRqhoDI/AAAAAAAAEgw/XYweSWLt-LY/s1600/Balloon%2Bfestival%2B112.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take a ride, because they were all
booked thru Sunday & it was over $400 a person. During the days some 100,000
people surround the field to watch different Balloon events, as well as tour the
gaggle of shops selling everything imaginable. The locals even close the schools
for two days to accommodate the kids, parents & traffic. Afternoons
included club sponsored lunches at a country club & Mexican Restaurant while
every evening included happy hour with club members, & then a half hour of
fireworks put on by the Festival folks. The trip was beyond expectations &
the benefits of being with the Monaco club only enhanced our enjoyment. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM8oTWAIt0k/VLKlyhluiII/AAAAAAAAEiU/Xo6L0XFwIR8/s1600/Sunset%2Bat%2BBalloon%2BFiesta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM8oTWAIt0k/VLKlyhluiII/AAAAAAAAEiU/Xo6L0XFwIR8/s1600/Sunset%2Bat%2BBalloon%2BFiesta.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Balloon Park, Just before a storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As we left Albuquerque we traveled about 60 miles north to Santa Fe for 2
weeks. That was mostly an r & r time with a little sightseeing in between. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVRUqogSvDM/VLKl5Ud9mMI/AAAAAAAAEjA/YbS_ZDIofA0/s1600/Info%2BTaos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVRUqogSvDM/VLKl5Ud9mMI/AAAAAAAAEjA/YbS_ZDIofA0/s1600/Info%2BTaos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xNqbGMjOAI/VLKl5s7ls4I/AAAAAAAAEjE/04whOuKTfHU/s1600/Collins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2BTaos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xNqbGMjOAI/VLKl5s7ls4I/AAAAAAAAEjE/04whOuKTfHU/s1600/Collins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2BTaos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One day, we took a trip north to Taos. It’s kind of an artsy town & home to
the Taos Pueblo, which is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited
community in the US. It is over 1000 years old.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In spite of
the fact that there is no electricity nor running water allowed within the
sacred village, the homes are naturally climate controlled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The adobe walls are almost 2' thick. </span>Ownership may only pass from one family
member to another, or a family relative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They continue to control their environment, including native language,
traditions & ceremonies, to ensure they are not assimilated, nor forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither writing about these locations, nor
pictures, properly express the feeling you get while actually viewing these
locations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zef7Gzq2GI/VLKl1ZPEbNI/AAAAAAAAEik/_oByLFqB-uU/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zef7Gzq2GI/VLKl1ZPEbNI/AAAAAAAAEik/_oByLFqB-uU/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The people there still live
in adobe buildings & have no running water or electricity. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPaWg9Gou44/VLKl8S6LsgI/AAAAAAAAEjc/ELdWeJjNiWw/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPaWg9Gou44/VLKl8S6LsgI/AAAAAAAAEjc/ELdWeJjNiWw/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkMh2SsuRvU/VLKl2aSnqYI/AAAAAAAAEis/gAzCmjW4sI8/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkMh2SsuRvU/VLKl2aSnqYI/AAAAAAAAEis/gAzCmjW4sI8/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People still live here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryvyh13GuTY/VLKl0E10fEI/AAAAAAAAEic/vY595kc4UJo/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B-%2Bgraveyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryvyh13GuTY/VLKl0E10fEI/AAAAAAAAEic/vY595kc4UJo/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B-%2Bgraveyard.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graveyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLTrLMmtrf8/VLKl7ujAstI/AAAAAAAAEjs/E2jk4XuEF3Q/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico-%2Boriginal%2Bchurch%2B%26%2Bgraveyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLTrLMmtrf8/VLKl7ujAstI/AAAAAAAAEjs/E2jk4XuEF3Q/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico-%2Boriginal%2Bchurch%2B%26%2Bgraveyard.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of original church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dg9I38-fzQ/VLKl7cVRljI/AAAAAAAAEjY/RuqtajBILVc/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico-Adobe%2BOvens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dg9I38-fzQ/VLKl7cVRljI/AAAAAAAAEjY/RuqtajBILVc/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico-Adobe%2BOvens.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking is done in these ovens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjt5p-ShwDs/VLKl3hSuxVI/AAAAAAAAEi0/rmySh1mdMxI/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjt5p-ShwDs/VLKl3hSuxVI/AAAAAAAAEi0/rmySh1mdMxI/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDpAOPRangM/VLKl61-WruI/AAAAAAAAEjU/ht1h6_7XPDw/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico-%2BRed%2BRiver%2BCreek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDpAOPRangM/VLKl61-WruI/AAAAAAAAEjU/ht1h6_7XPDw/s1600/Taos%2BPueblo%2C%2BNew%2BMexico-%2BRed%2BRiver%2BCreek.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They get their daily water from this creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
They speak a
language called Tiwa, which is unrecorded & unwritten. And the homes are
passed down from generation to generation. It was a very interesting place to
visit. It is on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIbYpBjf94k/VLKpp6SUOuI/AAAAAAAAEj4/KyaWQZyJGG8/s1600/Rio%2BGrande%2BRiver%2BGorge%2BBridge-%2Btaos%2CNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIbYpBjf94k/VLKpp6SUOuI/AAAAAAAAEj4/KyaWQZyJGG8/s1600/Rio%2BGrande%2BRiver%2BGorge%2BBridge-%2Btaos%2CNM.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also took a look at the Rio Grand Gorge Bridge, which is the 7th highest
in the United States & spans the Rio Grand River which runs thru a chasm
about 800’ deep. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8PdgtnLC8w/VLKpqXBypHI/AAAAAAAAEj8/Ke_oI_UkHUQ/s1600/Rio%2BGrande%2BRiver%2BGorge%2C%2B%2Btaos%2CNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8PdgtnLC8w/VLKpqXBypHI/AAAAAAAAEj8/Ke_oI_UkHUQ/s1600/Rio%2BGrande%2BRiver%2BGorge%2C%2B%2Btaos%2CNM.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s like a small version of the Grand Canyon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JKvT1Z0wxs/VLKu9qZIOHI/AAAAAAAAEms/_LFTXmsCJ88/s1600/The%2BPalace%2Bof%2Bthe%2BGovernors-now%2Ba%2Bmuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JKvT1Z0wxs/VLKu9qZIOHI/AAAAAAAAEms/_LFTXmsCJ88/s1600/The%2BPalace%2Bof%2Bthe%2BGovernors-now%2Ba%2Bmuseum.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace of the Governors, now a museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another day we drove to the old section of Santa Fe. It is the oldest
capitol city in the United States & the oldest City in New Mexico. The
Spanish laid out the city according to the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_of_the_Indies">Laws of the Indies</a>”,
town planning rules and ordinances which had been established in 1573 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Philip_II_of_Spain">King Philip II</a>.
The fundamental principle was that the town be laid out around a central plaza.
On its north side was the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Governors">Palace of the
Governors</a>, <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2RNpd1SNrk/VLLkFA5cktI/AAAAAAAAEo0/VQa9-VbfT2w/s1600/Guy%2Bin%2Bsanta%2BFe%2Bplaza%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2RNpd1SNrk/VLLkFA5cktI/AAAAAAAAEo0/VQa9-VbfT2w/s1600/Guy%2Bin%2Bsanta%2BFe%2Bplaza%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Guy in Town Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzwJsGVoiiA/VLLlTDevaOI/AAAAAAAAEpg/jWYrkTFCCvs/s1600/Harp%2Bplayer%2Bin%2BPlaza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzwJsGVoiiA/VLLlTDevaOI/AAAAAAAAEpg/jWYrkTFCCvs/s1600/Harp%2Bplayer%2Bin%2BPlaza.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guy Playing Harp in Town Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SpAgwbS_8o/VLLl1ADV2LI/AAAAAAAAEp0/QEejx0391IE/s1600/Old%2BDowntown%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SpAgwbS_8o/VLLl1ADV2LI/AAAAAAAAEp0/QEejx0391IE/s1600/Old%2BDowntown%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Santa Fe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-6G0t0duUI/VLLl03c8HZI/AAAAAAAAEpw/wEz09zqtX6g/s1600/New%2BMexico%2BChili.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-6G0t0duUI/VLLl03c8HZI/AAAAAAAAEpw/wEz09zqtX6g/s1600/New%2BMexico%2BChili.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to try their Green Chili. Hottest Chili I've ever tasted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
while on the east was the church that later became the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Basilica_of_Saint_Francis_of_Assisi">Cathedral
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi</a>. <br />
<br />
The city and the surrounding areas have a high concentration of artists.<br />
Canyon Road, east of the Plaza, has the highest concentration of art galleries in the city, and is a major destination for international collectors, tourists and locals. The Canyon Road galleries showcase a wide array of contemporary, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_United_States">Southwestern</a>, indigenous American, and experimental art, in addition to Russian, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taos_art_colony">Taos Masters</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States">Native American</a> pieces. The bronze pieces we saw as we drove along the road were as varied as you could imagine. There was gallery after gallery, each with many interesting (& expensive) things to see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaFuo-EsUE4/VLLmwo8LpFI/AAAAAAAAEqM/7T2IYYoOJPM/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaFuo-EsUE4/VLLmwo8LpFI/AAAAAAAAEqM/7T2IYYoOJPM/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaFuo-EsUE4/VLLmwo8LpFI/AAAAAAAAEqM/7T2IYYoOJPM/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaFuo-EsUE4/VLLmwo8LpFI/AAAAAAAAEqM/7T2IYYoOJPM/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaFuo-EsUE4/VLLmwo8LpFI/AAAAAAAAEqM/7T2IYYoOJPM/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bClc6KxbUQE/VLLmw9-1tbI/AAAAAAAAEqI/A0GSKkEfOss/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B2%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bClc6KxbUQE/VLLmw9-1tbI/AAAAAAAAEqI/A0GSKkEfOss/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B2%2B(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYdhR8ZWKBs/VLLmyJNtu_I/AAAAAAAAEqk/LVI60KQGKhk/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYdhR8ZWKBs/VLLmyJNtu_I/AAAAAAAAEqk/LVI60KQGKhk/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjOF5ubvxd0/VLLmyOJPC6I/AAAAAAAAEqc/bWL4bUOK3M8/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B3%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjOF5ubvxd0/VLLmyOJPC6I/AAAAAAAAEqc/bWL4bUOK3M8/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B3%2B(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1gquCy3pgA/VLLmyRRfSoI/AAAAAAAAEqg/sL4TYDGj_zE/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1gquCy3pgA/VLLmyRRfSoI/AAAAAAAAEqg/sL4TYDGj_zE/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rqBgzJUidI/VLLmzQ5T1XI/AAAAAAAAErM/Y74DmgehOy8/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B4%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rqBgzJUidI/VLLmzQ5T1XI/AAAAAAAAErM/Y74DmgehOy8/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B4%2B(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_1zYSVL23I/VLLmzjGxYuI/AAAAAAAAEqs/9D00_M0fcpY/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_1zYSVL23I/VLLmzjGxYuI/AAAAAAAAEqs/9D00_M0fcpY/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdPFGohxhLc/VLLmz46lOaI/AAAAAAAAEqw/hyBkQa-w3qU/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B5%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdPFGohxhLc/VLLmz46lOaI/AAAAAAAAEqw/hyBkQa-w3qU/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B5%2B(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mR8o5N2Zh-Y/VLLm0UieGxI/AAAAAAAAErE/hq2LcBInKbQ/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mR8o5N2Zh-Y/VLLm0UieGxI/AAAAAAAAErE/hq2LcBInKbQ/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdjGFkN6x8k/VLLm0okFWEI/AAAAAAAAEq8/JfbsiX9QnaU/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdjGFkN6x8k/VLLm0okFWEI/AAAAAAAAEq8/JfbsiX9QnaU/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBYGe-FImWU/VLLm1ld7UXI/AAAAAAAAErQ/_f_bknx9E80/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBYGe-FImWU/VLLm1ld7UXI/AAAAAAAAErQ/_f_bknx9E80/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crC3othUUCk/VLLmw3xs8UI/AAAAAAAAEqE/PG0Yn90_9Ws/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crC3othUUCk/VLLmw3xs8UI/AAAAAAAAEqE/PG0Yn90_9Ws/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM%2B11.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evY-VLYLQhw/VLLm148Tk0I/AAAAAAAAErU/W_XcuYbtvoA/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evY-VLYLQhw/VLLm148Tk0I/AAAAAAAAErU/W_XcuYbtvoA/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evY-VLYLQhw/VLLm148Tk0I/AAAAAAAAErU/W_XcuYbtvoA/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evY-VLYLQhw/VLLm148Tk0I/AAAAAAAAErU/W_XcuYbtvoA/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evY-VLYLQhw/VLLm148Tk0I/AAAAAAAAErU/W_XcuYbtvoA/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evY-VLYLQhw/VLLm148Tk0I/AAAAAAAAErU/W_XcuYbtvoA/s1600/Bronze%2Bwork%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwvU-H9AJBU/VLL86tlT-oI/AAAAAAAAEr0/6mWUUdHF02s/s1600/Scissors%2C%2BPaper%2C%2BRock%2B%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwvU-H9AJBU/VLL86tlT-oI/AAAAAAAAEr0/6mWUUdHF02s/s1600/Scissors%2C%2BPaper%2C%2BRock%2B%2Bdone%2Bby%2Bartists%2Balong%2BOld%2BCanyon%2BRd%2C%2BSanta%2BFe%2C%2BNM.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scissors, paper, rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-so7WhSNVGNk/VLL86hkKVeI/AAAAAAAAEr4/1kmQduuc1jc/s1600/Altar%2Bin%2BLoretto%2BChapel%2C%2BNM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-so7WhSNVGNk/VLL86hkKVeI/AAAAAAAAEr4/1kmQduuc1jc/s1600/Altar%2Bin%2BLoretto%2BChapel%2C%2BNM.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The alter of the Loretto Chapel<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also saw the Loretto Chapel which contains the <a href="http://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html">Miraculous Staircase</a>. It is a beautiful circular stairway, made only with pegs & no nail. Many think it was actually built by St. Joseph himself. Click on the blue lettering for more detailed information. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mLBaPnuAw8/VLL86kkLOnI/AAAAAAAAEr8/NZgWuIX3z5I/s1600/Miracle%2BStaircase%2C%2BLoretto%2BChurch%2C%2BNM%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mLBaPnuAw8/VLL86kkLOnI/AAAAAAAAEr8/NZgWuIX3z5I/s1600/Miracle%2BStaircase%2C%2BLoretto%2BChurch%2C%2BNM%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miraculous Staircase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQdtKtIfplE/VLMN9fNwl9I/AAAAAAAAEsY/rMVt6e-x9K0/s1600/Bandelier%2BNational%2BPark%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQdtKtIfplE/VLMN9fNwl9I/AAAAAAAAEsY/rMVt6e-x9K0/s1600/Bandelier%2BNational%2BPark%2B5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One other side trip we took from Santa Fe was to the Bandolier National Park. It is one of the National Park Services' oldest sites. Ancestral Pueblo dwellings are scattered across a landscape of broad mesas & steep walled canyons. There were a few alcoves, which the Pueblo's called home, where we were allowed to climb. They were really just holes in the canyon wall. Really close living quarters!! And we thought RV living was compact!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8OWMD93_7k/VLMN9zSr3cI/AAAAAAAAEsc/s-Zxzk-PzTY/s1600/Bandelier%2BNational%2B%2BPark%2B9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8OWMD93_7k/VLMN9zSr3cI/AAAAAAAAEsc/s-Zxzk-PzTY/s1600/Bandelier%2BNational%2B%2BPark%2B9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7JeH6t885o/VLMN99-9uuI/AAAAAAAAEsk/fueDmD6bmsI/s1600/Bandelier%2BNational%2BPark%2BKaren%2Bchecks%2Bout%2Ba%2Bcave%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmountain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7JeH6t885o/VLMN99-9uuI/AAAAAAAAEsk/fueDmD6bmsI/s1600/Bandelier%2BNational%2BPark%2BKaren%2Bchecks%2Bout%2Ba%2Bcave%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmountain.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen takes a peak inside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also made a stop at the Los Alamos Bradbury Science Museum. It is located on the grounds of the Los Alamos Laboratory. They had a couple films about the building of the atomic bomb & The Manhattan Project. It was so hush, hush, the people living there had #'s instead of names on their driver's license. The museum was very interesting & showed a lot of projects the Labs work on today. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
We took a look at the map & realized we weren't that far from a spot called "The Four Corners". That's the good thing about living in an RV, you can change your route along the way. So off we went to Farmington, NM, where we stayed for a few nights & took a day trip in the car. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-8IbY7UInw/VLMw35-q48I/AAAAAAAAEs8/kPqPBbz87Mg/s1600/Entry%2Bto%2B4%2BCorners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-8IbY7UInw/VLMw35-q48I/AAAAAAAAEs8/kPqPBbz87Mg/s1600/Entry%2Bto%2B4%2BCorners.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry to 4 Corners Monument</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We had already visited the four continental corners of the states over the last several years,
so we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to visit the four interior corners, made up
where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah & Colorado touch each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cERBBCeR6xU/VLMw5MTznrI/AAAAAAAAEtY/st9E1lxVW5E/s1600/Karen%2Bin%2B4%2Bcorners%2Bof%2BUtah%2C%2BColorado%2C%2B%2BNew%2BMexico%2B%26%2BArizona.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cERBBCeR6xU/VLMw5MTznrI/AAAAAAAAEtY/st9E1lxVW5E/s1600/Karen%2Bin%2B4%2Bcorners%2Bof%2BUtah%2C%2BColorado%2C%2B%2BNew%2BMexico%2B%26%2BArizona.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By taking a “twister” position, Karen was
able to physically be in the four States at the same time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfvDAUHTPFs/VLMw57Dpv1I/AAAAAAAAEtI/6BT7aVw3v6Y/s1600/Karen%2C%2BSnuggles%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bin%2B4%2BCorners%2Bof%2BUtah%2C%2BColorado%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B%26%2BArizona.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfvDAUHTPFs/VLMw57Dpv1I/AAAAAAAAEtI/6BT7aVw3v6Y/s1600/Karen%2C%2BSnuggles%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bin%2B4%2BCorners%2Bof%2BUtah%2C%2BColorado%2C%2BNew%2BMexico%2B%26%2BArizona.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It seems strange being able to "touch" 4 states at once.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCxlJW4m6GM/VLMw3tc0DtI/AAAAAAAAEs4/3FVglvLZAuQ/s1600/Interesting%2Brock%2Bformations%2C%2BUtah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCxlJW4m6GM/VLMw3tc0DtI/AAAAAAAAEs4/3FVglvLZAuQ/s1600/Interesting%2Brock%2Bformations%2C%2BUtah.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After leaving there, we decided to take a different route back to where we were staying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We saw some unusual rock formations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EKUO15Dnb0/VLM4bOVOlzI/AAAAAAAAEt8/pR3VtsjxilU/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EKUO15Dnb0/VLM4bOVOlzI/AAAAAAAAEt8/pR3VtsjxilU/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B7.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<br />
We kind of took the long way home & ended up at Mesa Verde National Park. This was the home to <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">several
ancestral Pueblo sites made by Anasazi, known to many of us by their cliff dwellings
built into mountain side communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjS_ltA9IkA/VLM4ZcRhDhI/AAAAAAAAEts/B7kDCOYWNY0/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjS_ltA9IkA/VLM4ZcRhDhI/AAAAAAAAEts/B7kDCOYWNY0/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We stood in awe as we rounded a corner & saw the first of them. </span>It
is absolutely amazing what these people were accomplishing while Europe was
still in its primitive state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krqA3uFHF6Q/VLM4Y_PonII/AAAAAAAAEto/Fu9nwm19wdg/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krqA3uFHF6Q/VLM4Y_PonII/AAAAAAAAEto/Fu9nwm19wdg/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtSRywKnKk8/VLM4cEru9PI/AAAAAAAAEuI/lQJwp0YD3eY/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtSRywKnKk8/VLM4cEru9PI/AAAAAAAAEuI/lQJwp0YD3eY/s1600/Mesa%2BVerde%2C%2BCO%2B%2BPueblo%2BCliff%2BDwellings%2B8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It's hard to believe these people were able to build such amazing villages so long ago. It’s
estimated that by the time Columbus landed in the Caribbean, there were over 10
million natives in the Americas (many times more than all of Europe) with very
advanced cities, governments & living standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, it was the then “foreigners”
that introduced various diseases for which the natives had no resistance.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORU1IH5r_BQ/VLNCRhxjuiI/AAAAAAAAEv0/ln9XUjRhriM/s1600/Petrified%2BWood%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORU1IH5r_BQ/VLNCRhxjuiI/AAAAAAAAEv0/ln9XUjRhriM/s1600/Petrified%2BWood%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Moving on to
the Petrified Forest & Painted Desert, part of the same National Park,
makes you wish you had paid more attention in Geology class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0XOtj29YQQ/VLNCOINti5I/AAAAAAAAEvg/-lTBj8EXock/s1600/Petrified%2BForest%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0XOtj29YQQ/VLNCOINti5I/AAAAAAAAEvg/-lTBj8EXock/s1600/Petrified%2BForest%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Petrified Forest traces its roots
(intentional pun) back 250M years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
events required for those old trees to become solid rock are interesting: the
end result is exquisite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcHMkaOFzVU/VLNCQnkbAjI/AAAAAAAAEvo/HLMvUN4H5ro/s1600/Petrified%2BRock%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcHMkaOFzVU/VLNCQnkbAjI/AAAAAAAAEvo/HLMvUN4H5ro/s1600/Petrified%2BRock%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minerals
that were absorbed into the tree’s fibers & then solidified now create all
the colors of a rainbow, as well as quartz crystals locked within the rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWWnnPYihgo/VLNCJvISllI/AAAAAAAAEuk/8ndSZCBm_10/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWWnnPYihgo/VLNCJvISllI/AAAAAAAAEuk/8ndSZCBm_10/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Likewise,
those same minerals & elements, laid down over hundreds of millions of
years (try to get your head around that number), creat</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ed a landscape of
beautiful colorful contrasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrapisyXRpw/VLNCKhG5nLI/AAAAAAAAEus/mlCU4oibUeQ/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrapisyXRpw/VLNCKhG5nLI/AAAAAAAAEus/mlCU4oibUeQ/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s as if
an artist was given a black & white painting of a mountainside & told
to add colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ribbons of shades,
some many feet thick while others much smaller, leave you with a feeling of
awe. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFy5KR5D8No/VLNCLXnBiMI/AAAAAAAAEu0/sonLZzuW2MA/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFy5KR5D8No/VLNCLXnBiMI/AAAAAAAAEu0/sonLZzuW2MA/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSOQ8qAwkow/VLNCMszevKI/AAAAAAAAEvI/1UvACVkPO38/s1600/Painted%2BDesert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSOQ8qAwkow/VLNCMszevKI/AAAAAAAAEvI/1UvACVkPO38/s1600/Painted%2BDesert.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMVnBY7co24/VLNCHNwtcAI/AAAAAAAAEuY/uAaYUDlL0xI/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMVnBY7co24/VLNCHNwtcAI/AAAAAAAAEuY/uAaYUDlL0xI/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B10.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFqIM0MI0c8/VLNCIAOJfjI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/YROgJHzNs2o/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFqIM0MI0c8/VLNCIAOJfjI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/YROgJHzNs2o/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B13.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K99PPt5Zaik/VLNCHlIANlI/AAAAAAAAEuc/dgactg3uO50/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K99PPt5Zaik/VLNCHlIANlI/AAAAAAAAEuc/dgactg3uO50/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B15.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf7TgQVJQHw/VLNCItdhIiI/AAAAAAAAEug/8vYt82QHFVI/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf7TgQVJQHw/VLNCItdhIiI/AAAAAAAAEug/8vYt82QHFVI/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B18.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1msubyjcfg/VLNCLprf7II/AAAAAAAAEu4/ZNa2C2atyV0/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1msubyjcfg/VLNCLprf7II/AAAAAAAAEu4/ZNa2C2atyV0/s1600/Painted%2BDesert%2B8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After leaving the National Park, we were off to Tucson, AZ, our winter destination. We arrived here about the end of Oct & spent 3 weeks at the Air Force RV park. We were going to go on to Yuma, AZ, but decided to stay in Tucson instead. We ended up moving to another RV park which has been very nice. It has good sized spaces & fruit trees on every spot. We have free access to grapefruit, oranges & lemon. We met another couple we've been hanging out with. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2bZ_BYUgVs/VLNKF6lKN4I/AAAAAAAAEwM/OWgWLLW_7Zw/s1600/Doug%2B%26%2BLinda%2BThanksgiving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2bZ_BYUgVs/VLNKF6lKN4I/AAAAAAAAEwM/OWgWLLW_7Zw/s1600/Doug%2B%26%2BLinda%2BThanksgiving.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug & Linda carve the turkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My mother had come to Phoenix to visit one of my sister's, Linda, who lives here. She invited us to join them for Thanksgiving, which was really nice. We had a chance to see my mom & sister & her husband, Doug. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2EtZ4rZe3M/VLNKHKDMeFI/AAAAAAAAEwY/C4_2fst24Mk/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B%2BDoug's%2Bbrother%2BJim%2C%2BMom%2C%2BLinda%2C%2BDoug%2C%2BKaren.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2EtZ4rZe3M/VLNKHKDMeFI/AAAAAAAAEwY/C4_2fst24Mk/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B%2BDoug's%2Bbrother%2BJim%2C%2BMom%2C%2BLinda%2C%2BDoug%2C%2BKaren.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It was a nice day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugXZkh3TAnY/VLNKFZMyS0I/AAAAAAAAEwI/Bf2zuvXN93k/s1600/Karen%2C%2BMom%2B%26%2BLinda%2Bat%2BDad's%2Bgrave%2Bsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugXZkh3TAnY/VLNKFZMyS0I/AAAAAAAAEwI/Bf2zuvXN93k/s1600/Karen%2C%2BMom%2B%26%2BLinda%2Bat%2BDad's%2Bgrave%2Bsite.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We decided to stay overnight & went to my father's gravesite the next day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If74QopJuLo/VLNPuxE-koI/AAAAAAAAEw4/k743xbHNGc0/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If74QopJuLo/VLNPuxE-koI/AAAAAAAAEw4/k743xbHNGc0/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B10.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We haven't done a lot of sightseeing since we arrived here. However, one day we did go to an operating copper mine. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-CRTIw98DQ/VLNPu903DuI/AAAAAAAAEw0/kaXxApNFOvs/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-CRTIw98DQ/VLNPu903DuI/AAAAAAAAEw0/kaXxApNFOvs/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B8.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was interesting to see the site, it's called open pit mining. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSyw_bq1cQ0/VLNPuo_6bWI/AAAAAAAAEww/ywpU4b2mpoo/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSyw_bq1cQ0/VLNPuo_6bWI/AAAAAAAAEww/ywpU4b2mpoo/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B13.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4YCcMEVVrM/VLNQeezmMrI/AAAAAAAAExI/YzDeBM7GmT4/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4YCcMEVVrM/VLNQeezmMrI/AAAAAAAAExI/YzDeBM7GmT4/s1600/Asarco%2BCopper%2BMine%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We were also able to go inside a building to see how they process the copper & separate it from the dirt, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njHEllXFtbw/VLNSk7jlmuI/AAAAAAAAExk/ghgWTT3fFyY/s1600/Trees%2Bchanging%2Bcolor%2Bat%2BSabino%2BCanyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njHEllXFtbw/VLNSk7jlmuI/AAAAAAAAExk/ghgWTT3fFyY/s1600/Trees%2Bchanging%2Bcolor%2Bat%2BSabino%2BCanyon.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another day we went to a place called Sabino Canyon, which is a natural desert oasis with pools of water form in the rocky outcroppings that wind up among hillsides resplendent with palo verde trees, cholla and prickly pear cactus and graceful groves of ocotillo. They take you thru the canyon on a tram that was about a 45 min narrated ride. It was pretty interesting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd7viIisaS8/VLNSlQb5M8I/AAAAAAAAExo/onWdSDJNOP8/s1600/Turtle%2BRock%2Bin%2BSabino%2Bcanyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd7viIisaS8/VLNSlQb5M8I/AAAAAAAAExo/onWdSDJNOP8/s1600/Turtle%2BRock%2Bin%2BSabino%2Bcanyon.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fxj3zaV_8g/VLNSlJoCUBI/AAAAAAAAExs/vxvrsz5R2TY/s1600/Saguaro%2Bcactus%2Bin%2BSabino%2BCanyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fxj3zaV_8g/VLNSlJoCUBI/AAAAAAAAExs/vxvrsz5R2TY/s1600/Saguaro%2Bcactus%2Bin%2BSabino%2BCanyon.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URGzj1-ZUfQ/VLNSj55QmOI/AAAAAAAAExU/Oemww7bGVoM/s1600/Sabino%2BCanyon%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URGzj1-ZUfQ/VLNSj55QmOI/AAAAAAAAExU/Oemww7bGVoM/s1600/Sabino%2BCanyon%2B5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We also enjoyed seeing all the saguaro cactus. That is an interesting cactus. They live 150-200 years & don't sprout "arms" until they're at least 70 years old. They can weigh up to 8 tons because they're mostly water & they don't bloom until they're at least 35. They're the largest cactus in the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2epDrsuU0Q/VLNThLztfpI/AAAAAAAAEx8/lORxUa1YhZo/s1600/Don%2C%2BDeb%2C%2BCollins%2B%26%2BKaren%2Bat%2BSabino%2BCanyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2epDrsuU0Q/VLNThLztfpI/AAAAAAAAEx8/lORxUa1YhZo/s1600/Don%2C%2BDeb%2C%2BCollins%2B%26%2BKaren%2Bat%2BSabino%2BCanyon.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don, Deb, Collins & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ug4vvkwLvRE/VLfdXMNwjYI/AAAAAAAAEyM/FoTD8G-qBCQ/s1600/DSCN0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ug4vvkwLvRE/VLfdXMNwjYI/AAAAAAAAEyM/FoTD8G-qBCQ/s1600/DSCN0060.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We've owned our RV for 5 years & it's a 2006 model. It's in very good condition but we decided to do a little remodeling. We removed 1 of the 2 couches & bought recliner chairs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pynVcA-SdTE/VLfdYEEnNpI/AAAAAAAAEyU/gP0PjfNoWR8/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pynVcA-SdTE/VLfdYEEnNpI/AAAAAAAAEyU/gP0PjfNoWR8/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They're so comfortable & all the reclining is by power. Collins & I have both been caught napping. Our next plan is to buy a new TV & put it on a rising stand behind the couch across from the chairs. That will be a little more complicated since it entails moving wires to connect all the components. That project will wait a little while.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKXXjMSOMeI/VLfdelGmg7I/AAAAAAAAEys/oV1kOSUQzmQ/s1600/DSCN0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKXXjMSOMeI/VLfdelGmg7I/AAAAAAAAEys/oV1kOSUQzmQ/s1600/DSCN0063.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked in Tucson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGgKx_DsP1s/VLfdiQ4KEmI/AAAAAAAAEy0/oC6LQi1TB68/s1600/DSCN0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGgKx_DsP1s/VLfdiQ4KEmI/AAAAAAAAEy0/oC6LQi1TB68/s1600/DSCN0062.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our RV Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfKNSu4XgiQ/VLfdY-J40sI/AAAAAAAAEyY/lKNMwqqrkWc/s1600/DSCN0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfKNSu4XgiQ/VLfdY-J40sI/AAAAAAAAEyY/lKNMwqqrkWc/s1600/DSCN0061.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Park we've stayed in is very nice. It has fruit trees on almost every spot. : grapefruit, orange & lemon. We've enjoyed a nice supply of fresh citrus fruit.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I had mentioned in a previous post, we decided not to go back to IL for Christmas since we'd spent 4 months there this summer. It was very quiet for us, but they had a potluck here Christmas Eve which was very nice & we had our new friends Deb & Don over for drinks & snacks Christmas Day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We're going to Quartzsite, Az Jan 15th to spend a month. It is supposed to be an interesting place. They have an RV show & a rock & mineral show there during that time. Thousands of RVers go there for the winter, with most of them camping in the desert. That isn't for us, we'll be staying in an RV park. Pictures of that in our next post.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><o:p></o:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-56289575351044308522014-10-21T18:26:00.001-04:002014-10-24T20:02:04.197-04:00THE SUMMER FROM HELL!!<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">DON'T FORGET YOU CAN DOUBLE CLICK THE PICTURES TO MAKE THEM LARGER</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When we left IL in mid April, we knew we’d be back again the end of May for our grandson, Danny’s graduation. We also had a tenant moving from one of our houses & we knew we’d need to spend about a month doing a rehab on it. So we decided we’d return with the RV. We’d left the RV in Altus, Oklahoma for the winter. It’s almost on the border of Texas. We picked up the RV & stayed a couple weeks in OK, getting everything ready to go for the year. As we made our way back to IL (the first time we’d have the RV there in 4 years), we made some stops along the way.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our first stop was Hot Springs, Arkansas. We stayed in a nice State Park right on Lake Katherine. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBTNyi7M7ss/VEbhmmFQHVI/AAAAAAAAD-c/AT_rvouCXMA/s1600/Visiting%2Bducks%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBTNyi7M7ss/VEbhmmFQHVI/AAAAAAAAD-c/AT_rvouCXMA/s1600/Visiting%2Bducks%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These ducks decided to visit our campsite each day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We did a little sight seeing while we were there. Of course, we had to go to Bath House Row. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlKBUqqVIkw/VEbhUDPCBdI/AAAAAAAAD50/7B_fqYM_ChQ/s1600/Bath%2BHouse%2BRow%2C%2BHot%2BSprings%2C%2BAR%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlKBUqqVIkw/VEbhUDPCBdI/AAAAAAAAD50/7B_fqYM_ChQ/s1600/Bath%2BHouse%2BRow%2C%2BHot%2BSprings%2C%2BAR%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This street is lined with what used to be active bath houses built in the early 1900’s. At that time, people came from all over to use the hot mineral springs for medicinal powers. Today, there are only 2 active bath houses. We decided we should at least check them out while we were there. We chose a cool, rainy day, which made sitting in a nice hot mineral bath rather inviting. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FmDZOGTlD8/VEbhkCIgnLI/AAAAAAAAD90/FN4baEc9YhU/s1600/Pools%2Bin%2Bbath%2Bhouse%2C%2BHot%2BSprings%2C%2BAR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FmDZOGTlD8/VEbhkCIgnLI/AAAAAAAAD90/FN4baEc9YhU/s1600/Pools%2Bin%2Bbath%2Bhouse%2C%2BHot%2BSprings%2C%2BAR.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four pools of different temperatures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The one we chose, had 4 different pools at different temps. It was a good way to spend a couple hours. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9dtPCOMxkE/VEbhV06ht2I/AAAAAAAAD6Q/ri2gj2vlj94/s1600/Ceiling%2Bin%2BBath%2BHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9dtPCOMxkE/VEbhV06ht2I/AAAAAAAAD6Q/ri2gj2vlj94/s1600/Ceiling%2Bin%2BBath%2BHouse.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty glass ceiling over the pools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeiP21svEOk/VEbhXUrrktI/AAAAAAAAD6s/6rn-2gju9c8/s1600/Crater%2Bof%2BDiamonds%2BState%2BPark-%2BKaren%2C%2BCollins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeiP21svEOk/VEbhXUrrktI/AAAAAAAAD6s/6rn-2gju9c8/s1600/Crater%2Bof%2BDiamonds%2BState%2BPark-%2BKaren%2C%2BCollins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We also decided to check out the Diamond Mine in AR. It really wasn’t what we were expecting. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEUwVirO0wg/VEbhYCpTvTI/AAAAAAAAD68/HICKLVp8bnc/s1600/Crater%2Bof%2BDiamonds%2BState%2BPark-%2BKaren%2C%2BCollins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEUwVirO0wg/VEbhYCpTvTI/AAAAAAAAD68/HICKLVp8bnc/s1600/Crater%2Bof%2BDiamonds%2BState%2BPark-%2BKaren%2C%2BCollins.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It was a huge field where people dug holes or just turned over some earth. Collins & I walked a few rows of dirt that had been recently turned & occasionally scratched at a couple spots that looked shiny in the daylight. Needless to say, we didn’t walk away with anything of value. It was an interesting jaunt.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OAtaXXYZKc/VEbhY-pdaeI/AAAAAAAAD7E/PndXhw-OTRM/s1600/Crater%2Bof%2BDiamonds%2BState%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OAtaXXYZKc/VEbhY-pdaeI/AAAAAAAAD7E/PndXhw-OTRM/s1600/Crater%2Bof%2BDiamonds%2BState%2BPark.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bB9meW8E2-M/VEbhXg7lloI/AAAAAAAAD6w/pM1bJQ2i7Ko/s1600/Collins%2Bis%2Bscopping%2Bthe%2Bhole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bB9meW8E2-M/VEbhXg7lloI/AAAAAAAAD6w/pM1bJQ2i7Ko/s1600/Collins%2Bis%2Bscopping%2Bthe%2Bhole.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins is checking out the hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We decided to have a little fun while there & stopped for a game of miniature golf. I (Karen) won on the last hole, with a hole in one.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-TIUHBX8z0/VEbhhN6oRdI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/1TrHd4MdAec/s1600/Karen%2Bgets%2Bserious.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-TIUHBX8z0/VEbhhN6oRdI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/1TrHd4MdAec/s1600/Karen%2Bgets%2Bserious.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After leaving Hot Springs, we planned a stop in Little Rock to see the Clinton Presidential Library. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Not too far from our destination, some older lady sideswiped us on the expressway. Luckily for us, she was honest & pulled over to give us all her insurance information. She managed to put a pretty good crease in one of the side storage doors & a few other scratches. Thankfully, it was nothing major & no one was hurt. We were back on the road & headed to our destination. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TTjWoyP_7w/VEbhVbNhgBI/AAAAAAAAD6M/9GZpdXzsCZo/s1600/Clinton%2BLibrary%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TTjWoyP_7w/VEbhVbNhgBI/AAAAAAAAD6M/9GZpdXzsCZo/s1600/Clinton%2BLibrary%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinton Presidential Library</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVZ1OBga1ng/VEbhWe4TEDI/AAAAAAAAD6c/AP40cVYHsgw/s1600/Clinton%2BLibrary%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVZ1OBga1ng/VEbhWe4TEDI/AAAAAAAAD6c/AP40cVYHsgw/s1600/Clinton%2BLibrary%2B4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We’d never been to a Presidential Library before & found it full of interesting information & artifacts. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APP-poMVnFw/VEbhiMZ2DGI/AAAAAAAAD9c/SM8zer2hJLU/s1600/Oval%2BOffice%2B-Clinton%2BLibrary%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APP-poMVnFw/VEbhiMZ2DGI/AAAAAAAAD9c/SM8zer2hJLU/s1600/Oval%2BOffice%2B-Clinton%2BLibrary%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exact duplicate of Clinton's Oval Office</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They even had a mock up of the Oval Office, as it was when Clinton was president. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u87jF28WkNk/VEbhiwmdW9I/AAAAAAAAD9s/6devJUo-LZ8/s1600/Oval%2BOffice%2B-Clinton%2BLibrary%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u87jF28WkNk/VEbhiwmdW9I/AAAAAAAAD9s/6devJUo-LZ8/s1600/Oval%2BOffice%2B-Clinton%2BLibrary%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBuO_3rY26M/VEbhWBiSHlI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/yfgfznjnOMY/s1600/Ceiling%2Bof%2Bthe%2BOval%2BOffice%2B-Clinton%2BLibrary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBuO_3rY26M/VEbhWBiSHlI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/yfgfznjnOMY/s1600/Ceiling%2Bof%2Bthe%2BOval%2BOffice%2B-Clinton%2BLibrary.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling of Oval Office</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We spent several hours there before heading to Memphis, TN. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9htVm_d4X4/VEbhkPNMQ6I/AAAAAAAAD94/H5ZFtUiPn_o/s1600/Presidential%2BGifts%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9htVm_d4X4/VEbhkPNMQ6I/AAAAAAAAD94/H5ZFtUiPn_o/s1600/Presidential%2BGifts%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gifts given to Clinton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2qRKINLlmI/VEbhnbIrWHI/AAAAAAAAD-w/iGji2dw2U3A/s1600/White%2BHouse%2BChina-%2BShall%2Bwe%2Beat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2qRKINLlmI/VEbhnbIrWHI/AAAAAAAAD-w/iGji2dw2U3A/s1600/White%2BHouse%2BChina-%2BShall%2Bwe%2Beat.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Clinton China</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1n7pgG33bw/VEbhgu3uKMI/AAAAAAAAD9M/o2mM7vMPNDc/s1600/Karen%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bwith%2Bthe%2BClintons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1n7pgG33bw/VEbhgu3uKMI/AAAAAAAAD9M/o2mM7vMPNDc/s1600/Karen%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bwith%2Bthe%2BClintons.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqy-Rym5eUI/VEbhfrds5vI/AAAAAAAAD88/kTr5b_Nth_I/s1600/Karen%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bat%2BGraceland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqy-Rym5eUI/VEbhfrds5vI/AAAAAAAAD88/kTr5b_Nth_I/s1600/Karen%2B%26%2BCollins%2Bat%2BGraceland.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We were on our way to Nashville to visit with friends but didn’t want to drive all the way in one day. I told Collins since we were going thru Memphis, we could stay there a couple of nights & go to Graceland. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zotIrRyPMoI/VEbhb7JWYYI/AAAAAAAAD74/J-aYjAKv08c/s1600/Elvis%2BCar%2B%26%2BCollins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zotIrRyPMoI/VEbhb7JWYYI/AAAAAAAAD74/J-aYjAKv08c/s1600/Elvis%2BCar%2B%26%2BCollins.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMn756_RMAs/VEbheBDPZuI/AAAAAAAAD8c/g1hugpVQpIo/s1600/Elvis'%2BPink%2BCadillac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMn756_RMAs/VEbheBDPZuI/AAAAAAAAD8c/g1hugpVQpIo/s1600/Elvis'%2BPink%2BCadillac.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It wasn’t that we were huge Elvis fans, but how can you not go to Graceland, when you’re right there. We were glad we took the time to go. It was quite interesting. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9uMICvAS_A/VEbheqA_IQI/AAAAAAAAD8k/51vtb04msI0/s1600/Elvis'%2BPlane%2B-%2BGraceland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9uMICvAS_A/VEbheqA_IQI/AAAAAAAAD8k/51vtb04msI0/s1600/Elvis'%2BPlane%2B-%2BGraceland.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We got to see his planes , all his different cars, motorcycles & other “toys”. He had a lot! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8M8IioFwxk/VEbhfO1mbwI/AAAAAAAAD80/Xa1AMx6FUmg/s1600/Graceland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8M8IioFwxk/VEbhfO1mbwI/AAAAAAAAD80/Xa1AMx6FUmg/s1600/Graceland.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Graceland itself is really no big deal. It was just a large, 2 story home on several acres of land. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKNXLQthDJE/VEbhnAkZ9-I/AAAAAAAAD-s/de44ZaVwpew/s1600/graceland%2Bupstairs%2Bfamily%2Broom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKNXLQthDJE/VEbhnAkZ9-I/AAAAAAAAD-s/de44ZaVwpew/s1600/graceland%2Bupstairs%2Bfamily%2Broom2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstairs Family Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We didn’t get to see the upper level, but the main floor was left as is & so was the basement. Some of the rooms were decorated very odd. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWaejFgIF9s/VEbhfXmmJqI/AAAAAAAAD84/B_Y_LaHX4i4/s1600/Graceland%2BFamily%2BRoom%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWaejFgIF9s/VEbhfXmmJqI/AAAAAAAAD84/B_Y_LaHX4i4/s1600/Graceland%2BFamily%2BRoom%2B6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downstairs pool room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qbZajtcktI/VEbhdlSSU_I/AAAAAAAAD8Y/2vwFs1vVzTo/s1600/Elvis%2BOutfit%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qbZajtcktI/VEbhdlSSU_I/AAAAAAAAD8Y/2vwFs1vVzTo/s1600/Elvis%2BOutfit%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis Outfits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PxOojGtPrg/VEbhlL-hm3I/AAAAAAAAD-I/9HwdkbCOaE4/s1600/Priscilla's%2BWedding%2BDress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PxOojGtPrg/VEbhlL-hm3I/AAAAAAAAD-I/9HwdkbCOaE4/s1600/Priscilla's%2BWedding%2BDress.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priscilla's Wedding Dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7NoGh0g-g8/VEbhdXqEVVI/AAAAAAAAD8M/1VD3f34We_A/s1600/Elvis%2BGraveyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7NoGh0g-g8/VEbhdXqEVVI/AAAAAAAAD8M/1VD3f34We_A/s1600/Elvis%2BGraveyard.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A couple of the other buildings had lots of information & old costumes, etc. Of course, there is also his gravesite there, along with his mother & father.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Orba_lkwMv4/VEbhdS69gBI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/GUh7thXZxVg/s1600/Elvis%2BGraveyard%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Orba_lkwMv4/VEbhdS69gBI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/GUh7thXZxVg/s1600/Elvis%2BGraveyard%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9P0P_L52qM/VEbhULYJtUI/AAAAAAAAD58/mgO8N9hjNKQ/s1600/Betty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9P0P_L52qM/VEbhULYJtUI/AAAAAAAAD58/mgO8N9hjNKQ/s1600/Betty.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty at Opryland Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">May 10th we arrived at our friends outside Nashville, TN. Betty & Nick moved from IL about 5 years ago, so it was nice to have a chance to visit them on our way back to IL. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdpAIdVzpjg/VEbhhVk--ZI/AAAAAAAAD9U/biSGn1pCgV8/s1600/Opryland%2BHotel%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdpAIdVzpjg/VEbhhVk--ZI/AAAAAAAAD9U/biSGn1pCgV8/s1600/Opryland%2BHotel%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Gardens in Opryland Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Of course, nothing is ever simple. We parked the RV in their clubhouse parking lot & stayed with Betty & Nick. On Sunday we went over to get a couple of items & discovered our refrigerator wasn’t working. Luckily, it hadn’t been out too long, so we were able to put most of the things in Betty’s frig. The next day we had a guy out to take a look. He said it was the cooling unit & circuit board, which would have to be ordered. We said ok, but after waiting a week, we couldn’t wait any longer so we had to cancel the order & head for IL. We put everything we wanted to keep in a couple of coolers & just added ice each day. Danny’s graduation was May 29th & we had to make a stop in Lexington, KY to get my mother. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxjeyhjfcmQ/VEbzkMD2JjI/AAAAAAAAD_E/iRtZetNctJA/s1600/IMG_6708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxjeyhjfcmQ/VEbzkMD2JjI/AAAAAAAAD_E/iRtZetNctJA/s1600/IMG_6708.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new refrigerator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Since we brought my mom with us, she stayed with my brother for the week. We parked the RV in the Walmart parking lot nearby, since there really aren’t any RV parks too close. During that week, Collins & my brother Rob put in a beautiful new Samsung residential refrigerator in the RV. I had really wanted to make that change so we decided to go ahead since the old one cost more to fix anyway. I love it!! It’s big, the shelves are deep, it’s COLD, & you don’t have to defrost the freezer. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We arrived in IL in time to attend the graduation of our grandson Ryan from Middle School<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_0qiRfFxWI/VEbhmI1PzBI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/ABGThBaagoc/s1600/Ryan%2B%26%2BGrandma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_0qiRfFxWI/VEbhmI1PzBI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/ABGThBaagoc/s1600/Ryan%2B%26%2BGrandma.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan & Grandma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZGconXBavU/VEbhl9aYFgI/AAAAAAAAD-U/vOU9khPkViw/s1600/Ryan's%2BGraduation%2BKatie%2C%2BPam%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BAaron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZGconXBavU/VEbhl9aYFgI/AAAAAAAAD-U/vOU9khPkViw/s1600/Ryan's%2BGraduation%2BKatie%2C%2BPam%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BAaron.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, Pam, Ryan & Aaron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqQVHuloM00/VEbhZBygqGI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/9lVZ2-r-Cz0/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BBecca%2C%2BDave%2C%2BDanny%2C%2BPaula%2B%26%2BTyler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqQVHuloM00/VEbhZBygqGI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/9lVZ2-r-Cz0/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BBecca%2C%2BDave%2C%2BDanny%2C%2BPaula%2B%26%2BTyler.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca, Dave, Danny, Paula & Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEFoyoiFcTU/VEbhajfVJ4I/AAAAAAAAD7k/XLGZYeXCMIQ/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BDave%2C%2BDanny%2B%26%2BPaula%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEFoyoiFcTU/VEbhajfVJ4I/AAAAAAAAD7k/XLGZYeXCMIQ/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BDave%2C%2BDanny%2B%26%2BPaula%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Danny & Paula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, we also had our grandson, Danny's, high school graduation. Hard to believe he's off to College. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgpk3JcwWv0/VEbhbmlVmuI/AAAAAAAAD70/kCpPoRzti64/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BGranddad%2C%2BDanny%2B%26%2BGrandma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgpk3JcwWv0/VEbhbmlVmuI/AAAAAAAAD70/kCpPoRzti64/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BGranddad%2C%2BDanny%2B%26%2BGrandma.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddad, Danny & Grandma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTkg0i0zyMA/VEcLb_wikCI/AAAAAAAAD_c/5MeUwTYCZIc/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BGranny%2B%26%2BDanny%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTkg0i0zyMA/VEcLb_wikCI/AAAAAAAAD_c/5MeUwTYCZIc/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BGranny%2B%26%2BDanny%2B2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny & Danny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyCK9R__zxs/VEcLa3mycPI/AAAAAAAAD_U/OI_9S20LqSs/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BPaula%2C%2BGranny%2C%2BDanny%2C%2BGrandma%2B%26%2BBecca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyCK9R__zxs/VEcLa3mycPI/AAAAAAAAD_U/OI_9S20LqSs/s1600/Danny's%2BGraduation%2BPaula%2C%2BGranny%2C%2BDanny%2C%2BGrandma%2B%26%2BBecca.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, Granny, Danny, Grandma & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkdzhT6rFjg/VEcV1do1vDI/AAAAAAAAD_s/nu7voIxAbfA/s1600/Danny%2Bat%2BSox%2BField%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkdzhT6rFjg/VEcV1do1vDI/AAAAAAAAD_s/nu7voIxAbfA/s1600/Danny%2Bat%2BSox%2BField%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
He's on a baseball scholarship & received all kinds of awards & recognition for his pitching ability. In fact he was honored at Sox Field as one of the top pitchers in his division. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy1cP-2AuhQ/VEcX8HRRgyI/AAAAAAAAEDU/8ZyBKTWKZro/s1600/Danny%2Bat%2BSox%2BField%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy1cP-2AuhQ/VEcX8HRRgyI/AAAAAAAAEDU/8ZyBKTWKZro/s1600/Danny%2Bat%2BSox%2BField%2B4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5wYpP_dBMs/VEcX8PpIblI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/-sJLikpim5Q/s1600/Danny%2Bat%2BSox%2BField.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5wYpP_dBMs/VEcX8PpIblI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/-sJLikpim5Q/s1600/Danny%2Bat%2BSox%2BField.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qOBBOEGYZc/VEcYCJVRA9I/AAAAAAAAEEw/WC8VjPh0-TQ/s1600/Tyler%2C%2BDanny%2B%26%2BRyan%2Bat%2BSox%2BField.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qOBBOEGYZc/VEcYCJVRA9I/AAAAAAAAEEw/WC8VjPh0-TQ/s1600/Tyler%2C%2BDanny%2B%26%2BRyan%2Bat%2BSox%2BField.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler, Danny & Ryan at Sox Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr_5oKcs2hI/VEcYAvma0dI/AAAAAAAAEEY/0IptFRtY_B8/s1600/Ryan%2B%26%2BTyler%2Bat%2BSox%2BField.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr_5oKcs2hI/VEcYAvma0dI/AAAAAAAAEEY/0IptFRtY_B8/s1600/Ryan%2B%26%2BTyler%2Bat%2BSox%2BField.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan & Tyler at Sox Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
June 2nd we moved the RV to a Forest Preserve campground, not too far from the house we had to rehab. The only problem with it, was that we could only stay there 14 out of 21 days. So every 2 weeks we had to find a new home. Our tenant in the house we were going to rehab hadn’t moved out because she couldn’t find a place to move, altho it was her idea to move in the first place. We ended up spending most of June working in the yard of our own house. Unfortunately, our tenants hadn’t done a good job on weed control, so there were lots of weeds to be wacked & then sprayed with roundup. There were also a lot of overgrown & dead trees to take care of, so we spent many long hours (almost every day in June) working there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf3YkHu3ciw/VEcX3Q_rpcI/AAAAAAAAECY/uSRGCLI1IP8/s1600/Amish%2BCarriages.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf3YkHu3ciw/VEcX3Q_rpcI/AAAAAAAAECY/uSRGCLI1IP8/s1600/Amish%2BCarriages.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amish Carriages at store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6cOwpEq23E/VEcX3xlwu4I/AAAAAAAAECc/FiNlnkCdd3M/s1600/Amish%2BCountry%2BQuilts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6cOwpEq23E/VEcX3xlwu4I/AAAAAAAAECc/FiNlnkCdd3M/s1600/Amish%2BCountry%2BQuilts.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amish Quilts painted on buildings & barns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We did take one week when we had to leave the forest preserve & go to Amish Country in IN. We lived in IL for over 50 years & never did that, so we figured this was a good time to do it. We didn’t really find it to be any big deal, but it was nice to get away. One thing we did find interesting. The Amish don’t use cars or things like that, but one day, we must have seen 10 or 12 different families cutting their grass with power mowers. We sure didn’t understand that one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMYSNQWJdXs/VEcX_w2gvZI/AAAAAAAAEEM/tvEZlKtlEJY/s1600/Quilt%2Bgarden%2C%2BAmish%2BCoounty%2C%2BIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMYSNQWJdXs/VEcX_w2gvZI/AAAAAAAAEEM/tvEZlKtlEJY/s1600/Quilt%2Bgarden%2C%2BAmish%2BCoounty%2C%2BIN.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amish Quilt Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4y36pVf228/VEcX5q8k4II/AAAAAAAAEC8/-Z4o6iwTmKk/s1600/Collins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRv%2BMuseum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4y36pVf228/VEcX5q8k4II/AAAAAAAAEC8/-Z4o6iwTmKk/s1600/Collins%2B%26%2BSnuggles%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRv%2BMuseum.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles taking a break at the museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also visited the RV Museum while we were there. It was interesting to check out all the old time trailers & motorhomes<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtRi-djhNO0/VEcX9Z4hnYI/AAAAAAAAEDk/tdlkJXhONOE/s1600/Elk%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum%2C%2BElkhart%2C%2BIN%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtRi-djhNO0/VEcX9Z4hnYI/AAAAAAAAEDk/tdlkJXhONOE/s1600/Elk%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum%2C%2BElkhart%2C%2BIN%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was in front of the RV Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Since we were in Elkhart, IN, elk statues were the thing there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JEzp9bTE8s/VEcX-DTkeiI/AAAAAAAAEDw/ErG7kZ_fgR0/s1600/Elk%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum%2C%2BElkhart%2C%2BIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JEzp9bTE8s/VEcX-DTkeiI/AAAAAAAAEDw/ErG7kZ_fgR0/s1600/Elk%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum%2C%2BElkhart%2C%2BIN.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcwNfCPVkbk/VEcX_8qSQcI/AAAAAAAAEEI/PMskAyFO36c/s1600/Old%2BRV%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcwNfCPVkbk/VEcX_8qSQcI/AAAAAAAAEEI/PMskAyFO36c/s1600/Old%2BRV%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old trailer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yA9O1rFo-28/VEcX-YMPZTI/AAAAAAAAED0/v4bLYu-juGI/s1600/Old%2BRV%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yA9O1rFo-28/VEcX-YMPZTI/AAAAAAAAED0/v4bLYu-juGI/s1600/Old%2BRV%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRV%2Bmuseum.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2GfTqwrjZw/VEcX4JljznI/AAAAAAAAECk/ksBkiFGo4kk/s1600/Blow%2Bout%2Bthe%2Bcandles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2GfTqwrjZw/VEcX4JljznI/AAAAAAAAECk/ksBkiFGo4kk/s1600/Blow%2Bout%2Bthe%2Bcandles.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam & Ryan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z30GyVaQASU/VEcX5ngJQ4I/AAAAAAAAEC4/VRc9JV8fMrI/s1600/Cake%2Bfor%2BPam%2C%2BRyan%2B%26%2BTyler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z30GyVaQASU/VEcX5ngJQ4I/AAAAAAAAEC4/VRc9JV8fMrI/s1600/Cake%2Bfor%2BPam%2C%2BRyan%2B%26%2BTyler.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We took one evening while at the campground to celebrate 3 birthdays - Pam's, Ryan's & Tyler's.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIiM-eehmpw/VEcX4--MFwI/AAAAAAAAECw/AHQr0cayAEI/s1600/Building%2Ba%2Bfire%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbirthday%2Bpicnic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIiM-eehmpw/VEcX4--MFwI/AAAAAAAAECw/AHQr0cayAEI/s1600/Building%2Ba%2Bfire%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbirthday%2Bpicnic.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJHCcV70Uvs/VEcYCSUhs_I/AAAAAAAAEE0/tv8jDQZHuIw/s1600/looks%2Blike%2Bwe've%2Bgot%2Bfire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJHCcV70Uvs/VEcYCSUhs_I/AAAAAAAAEE0/tv8jDQZHuIw/s1600/looks%2Blike%2Bwe've%2Bgot%2Bfire.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've got fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfEliz5hkhc/VEcX-sgO7EI/AAAAAAAAED8/8x-isORna60/s1600/Katie%2B%26%2BPam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfEliz5hkhc/VEcX-sgO7EI/AAAAAAAAED8/8x-isORna60/s1600/Katie%2B%26%2BPam.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie & Pam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0c1I4OYeZIE/VEcYBAiJZ8I/AAAAAAAAEEg/a9belvHJ60Y/s1600/Ryan%2B%26%2BTyler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0c1I4OYeZIE/VEcYBAiJZ8I/AAAAAAAAEEg/a9belvHJ60Y/s1600/Ryan%2B%26%2BTyler.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan & Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When we finally got to the rental house around the 4th of July, we had quite a project ahead of us. It was built in 89 & they had been there over 10 years so it was time. I never realized how filthy they were until we got in there. I only asked them to clean 2 things before they left, the stove & frig because they were about the only things staying. It took me 3 days to clean the frig, which they said they had done!! Anyway, we took out all the cabinets, baths, flooring, everything. We had help, but it was still a huge amount of work for us. It looked beautiful when we finished & we rerented to an older couple. Yeah, no kids to destroy our beautiful new house!! <br />
<br />
On top of that, our youngest daughter & family decided they wanted to buy our personal house, which as I had said, was rented. It was on a lease that ended July 31 which should have worked out ok. Pam & AAron closed on their house July 24, but put their stuff in storage & were staying with different people for that week. We had never thought these kids would want the house so we were shocked & the tenants weren't happy because they eventually wanted to buy the it, but had bad credit from a foreclosure. Anyway, they found out they could buy something so they found another house. The night after Pam & Aaron moved out of their house, our tenant called & said they'd been turned down for the mortgage & weren't moving until they found something else. Now Pam & Aaron & their 2 kids were homeless & those people wouldn't leave. It was a mess to say the least. Our daughter & family ended up living in our other daughter's unfinished basement for 5 weeks. The worse part was that this was the summer our daughter had decided to remodel the master bath, so there were 1.5 baths for 9 people, not so good when school started. In the meantime, we had to hire an attorney & go thru the eviction process. As it turned out, they had reapplied for the mortgage & did manage to get the house they were trying for. They had to be out by midnight Aug 30th. We've had to evict tenants before, but this was so personal because it affected our family. I felt so sorry for my 11 year old granddaughter who cried because all she wanted was her own bed & her dog, which we had because my other daughter's dog was in heat. I lost a lot of sleep over that whole situation. You feel so helpless because the courts really favor the tenants in this state. At least, they're now moved in & in the process of "making it their own". To top things off, one of our other tenants decided to split up so they moved out the end of Aug. We went in there & it was a disaster, so now we had another new project to start. We ended up replacing cabinets, bath tub, painting, etc. It was a job, but it looked great when we finished & got it rerented.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jg6NR8suB7M/VEcn0qnn0FI/AAAAAAAAEGw/4Qseh47awZs/s1600/karen's%2Bbday%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BBecca%2C%2BKatie%2C%2BAaron%2B%26%2BPam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jg6NR8suB7M/VEcn0qnn0FI/AAAAAAAAEGw/4Qseh47awZs/s1600/karen's%2Bbday%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BBecca%2C%2BKatie%2C%2BAaron%2B%26%2BPam.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We also had a chance to celebrate my birthday with the family. We all went to dinner at the Olive Garden. It was a fun evening. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufd68qHLMNk/VEctiYBPyNI/AAAAAAAAEHA/q-eS42yvQ48/s1600/karen's%2Bbday%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BTyler%2C%2BDave%26%2BPaula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufd68qHLMNk/VEctiYBPyNI/AAAAAAAAEHA/q-eS42yvQ48/s1600/karen's%2Bbday%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BTyler%2C%2BDave%26%2BPaula.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8xRKhXcDZA/VEct7T_VM5I/AAAAAAAAEHI/JYAtIlVrdsI/s1600/karen's%2Bbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8xRKhXcDZA/VEct7T_VM5I/AAAAAAAAEHI/JYAtIlVrdsI/s1600/karen's%2Bbday.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVV2WcsxSO0/VEfUFAFBp9I/AAAAAAAAEIA/-mluEw4R3aE/s1600/Katie%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BKaren%2C%2BTyler%2C%2BBecca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVV2WcsxSO0/VEfUFAFBp9I/AAAAAAAAEIA/-mluEw4R3aE/s1600/Katie%2C%2BRyan%2C%2BKaren%2C%2BTyler%2C%2BBecca.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, Ryan, Grandma, Tyler & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09dViI1KoZ0/VEfUFarihwI/AAAAAAAAEH8/JWdcCjtsXnM/s1600/Paula%2C%2BKaren%2B%26%2BPam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09dViI1KoZ0/VEfUFarihwI/AAAAAAAAEH8/JWdcCjtsXnM/s1600/Paula%2C%2BKaren%2B%26%2BPam.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, Karen & Pam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbSu1a17qqM/VEfUGhe_kkI/AAAAAAAAEIc/8VP8YTtZdg4/s1600/Tyler%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bfriends%2Bafter%2Bfootball%2Bgame%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbSu1a17qqM/VEfUGhe_kkI/AAAAAAAAEIc/8VP8YTtZdg4/s1600/Tyler%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bfriends%2Bafter%2Bfootball%2Bgame%2B2.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler (far right) & his friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Before we left we also had a chance to watch Tyler & Ryan play football. They sure play hard & are doing a good job for their team.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnZyI1UQwnQ/VEfUG4n9sHI/AAAAAAAAEIg/NjMwo6W2d3Y/s1600/Tyler%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bfriends%2Bafter%2Bfootball%2Bgame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnZyI1UQwnQ/VEfUG4n9sHI/AAAAAAAAEIg/NjMwo6W2d3Y/s1600/Tyler%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bfriends%2Bafter%2Bfootball%2Bgame.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler (center) with his team mates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkI-ElIzT-U/VEfUFnSmTsI/AAAAAAAAEIE/cFjG_4iU5tM/s1600/Ryan%2Bplays%2Bfootball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkI-ElIzT-U/VEfUFnSmTsI/AAAAAAAAEIE/cFjG_4iU5tM/s1600/Ryan%2Bplays%2Bfootball.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXnz7w39bvI/VEfUEaZy3JI/AAAAAAAAEHo/bZ6FOkaqptk/s1600/Becca%2Bgoing%2Bto%2BHomecoming%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXnz7w39bvI/VEfUEaZy3JI/AAAAAAAAEHo/bZ6FOkaqptk/s1600/Becca%2Bgoing%2Bto%2BHomecoming%2B5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And just before we left, Becca attended the homecoming dance. I can't believe she's only 16 when I look at these pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3InPMhKupLE/VEfUDkxd8uI/AAAAAAAAEHY/mZp55IG2zzY/s1600/Becca%2Bgoing%2Bto%2BHomecoming%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3InPMhKupLE/VEfUDkxd8uI/AAAAAAAAEHY/mZp55IG2zzY/s1600/Becca%2Bgoing%2Bto%2BHomecoming%2B3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsQSAiaJzXk/VEfUDoNpqAI/AAAAAAAAEHc/yyqPag6duiY/s1600/Becca%2B%26%2BDave%2BHomecoming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsQSAiaJzXk/VEfUDoNpqAI/AAAAAAAAEHc/yyqPag6duiY/s1600/Becca%2B%26%2BDave%2BHomecoming.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & her dad, Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOv3UyBirE8/VEfUDotPRrI/AAAAAAAAEHg/qavmlzsMu2o/s1600/Becca%2B%26%2BPaula%2BHomecoming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOv3UyBirE8/VEfUDotPRrI/AAAAAAAAEHg/qavmlzsMu2o/s1600/Becca%2B%26%2BPaula%2BHomecoming.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & her mom, Paula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGRahQCW5xM/VEfUE5YpUGI/AAAAAAAAEH0/FACNh_J5tXk/s1600/Grandma%2C%2BBecca%2B%26%2BGranddad%2BHomecoming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGRahQCW5xM/VEfUE5YpUGI/AAAAAAAAEH0/FACNh_J5tXk/s1600/Grandma%2C%2BBecca%2B%26%2BGranddad%2BHomecoming.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rose between thorns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And I'll leave you with this.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM2geQvu3Go/VEfUGMYGbSI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/5eU8BSMQeIE/s1600/Snuggles%2Bis%2Bhaving%2Ba%2Bbad%2Bhair%2Bday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM2geQvu3Go/VEfUGMYGbSI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/5eU8BSMQeIE/s1600/Snuggles%2Bis%2Bhaving%2Ba%2Bbad%2Bhair%2Bday.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles having a bad hair day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-1745608272167076912014-04-11T10:19:00.001-04:002014-04-11T11:22:58.103-04:00On To New PlacesDon't forget, you can double click the Pictures for Bigger shots<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We decided I had procrastinated just about long enough & thought it was time to get this updated (Should have done it months ago).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, this is a little different from our usual format, as we are giving you our last 3 months in the Dominican Republic before the end of the year. Enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<b>Jan 3 thru March 27, 2014</b> After spending three of our last four Winters in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, we decided that, although we wanted to return to the D.R. this year, a change in location was needed. After extensive research, Karen found what appeared to be a great ocean site condo some 25 minutes from Santo Domingo. Now, as we wind down our last days here, we have concurred this is the<b> finest location we have stayed at over our last 30 years of globetrotting. </b>The temperature is a near constant mid-seventies nights & mid-eighties days. <b></b>However, although this location is beautiful, it won’t please anyone that has a frequent need to see or do things. While there are historical places to visit (after all, this was where Columbus started his New World adventures), it will require renting a car & two hour plus drives. Our 12 story condo is one of five that make up a quarter moon shape compound. From our fourth floor balcony in tower three, you are first struck by the beautiful view of the beach and ocean through the numerous palm trees, rolling, pounding waves over a barrier reef and a near constant gentle breeze. Had someone told us South Pacific was filmed here, we wouldn’t have doubted them for a moment. The temperature & breeze are so constant & cool we only used the A/C a few hours on a couple occasions. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HMB7fr9vLsY/U0f46k3C_oI/AAAAAAAADl0/LSQQbWrumdw/s1600-h/view-from-our-balcony4.jpg"><img alt="view from our balcony" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hOOCKoc6YUQ/U0f47TAg_rI/AAAAAAAADl8/MXghLobaQwM/view-from-our-balcony_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from our balcony" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v-pJt_lYADE/U0f470vU5NI/AAAAAAAADmE/mBXmnxg2hxA/s1600-h/view-from-our-balcony-2-4.jpg"><img alt="view from our balcony 2 " border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p_9B6SLYNS0/U0f48dAVdqI/AAAAAAAADmM/ryFPEKCHbEo/view-from-our-balcony-2-_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from our balcony 2 " width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ad0JJT0Kn_I/U0f4817IplI/AAAAAAAADmU/BFmKUDWRRxk/s1600-h/view-from-our-balcony-3-4.jpg"><img alt="view from our balcony 3 " border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bzkD28NgLI4/U0f49UpD5nI/AAAAAAAADmc/x1VfsGLaksc/view-from-our-balcony-3-_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from our balcony 3 " width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
We had a very nice condo with beautiful beach & ocean views. Our favorite place was the balcony. We had a nice table for eating & a fabulous L shaped couch, with nice thick cushions & plenty of room for Collins, Karen & Snuggles to stretch out for a nap. We started every morning with coffee & breakfast out there. We also had evening drinks there. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g3QtQ99LD3A/U0f4-Am61hI/AAAAAAAADmk/vRum07ebdjM/s1600-h/our-balcony4.jpg"><img alt="our balcony" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wp0Hq8UiPPc/U0f4-tRdUhI/AAAAAAAADms/WhbZ9N8r8GA/our-balcony_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="our balcony" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZifA115I_kE/U0f4_PLKshI/AAAAAAAADmw/L1114OTSI2Q/s1600-h/our-balcony-24.jpg"><img alt="our balcony 2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lMXLDcgubZk/U0f4_hCYbTI/AAAAAAAADm4/RPCrPU2LUys/our-balcony-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="our balcony 2" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
The beach is all but your own private one five & a half days a week: the locals, both unit owners & non-owners, turn out only on Saturday afternoons & Sundays. In addition, since there are no large tracks of land for corporations to build their mammoth all-inclusives, you do not get the problems they create: tour boats, hawkers on the beach & their numerous guests making the place look like Miami. In addition, while all beaches in the Dominican Republic are accessible by law to locals, there is a clear understanding where complex beaches start & theirs end, and they religiously adhere to it. Security is excellent. Not only are there multiple complex guards on the beach 24/7 but they also patrol the condo floors each evening. On top of that, every lobby is staffed, there is a central closed circuit TV monitoring station & gaining access through the front gates is extremely tight. Even guests visiting owners require the owner’s presence and wear wrist tags.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yj0Xc7MMeHo/U0f4_7_2ukI/AAAAAAAADnE/NPl6uN1_L90/s1600-h/Marbella-Grounds-24.jpg"><img alt="Marbella Grounds 2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fmEvRZSxfIE/U0f5B7TvMhI/AAAAAAAADnI/874E8Csk1ko/Marbella-Grounds-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marbella Grounds 2" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CZAzw7EaDIU/U0f5CQ-C1vI/AAAAAAAADnU/JAUJ74lfl74/s1600-h/Marbella-Grounds-44.jpg"><img alt="Marbella Grounds 4" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zRmtfSKqf8k/U0f5DehjDOI/AAAAAAAADnc/Zvw1ucYh4nI/Marbella-Grounds-4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marbella Grounds 4" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Al3WqFXxXjY/U0f5ErN9djI/AAAAAAAADnk/Crlrb-R84Is/s1600-h/Marbella-Grounds4.jpg"><img alt="Marbella Grounds" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5PPDtXIbuoU/U0f5FE0nEWI/AAAAAAAADno/UNMRmVhKRDc/Marbella-Grounds_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marbella Grounds" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
As is Karen’s habit, within a couple days of arrival, she had met most all of the North Americans staying at the compound & had organized a weekly social hour next to one of the pools. It took no time for this to catch on & most everyone showed up to compare notes on restaurants & other bits of information, or otherwise just for drinks & socializing. And surprisingly, for the first time in several years, there were more U.S vs. Canadians present. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z8BtpykJ0DI/U0f5FlNq62I/AAAAAAAADn0/CqhFJ20OHmQ/s1600-h/Richard-Victor-Brenda--Ellen-Happy-H.jpg"><img alt="Richard, Victor, Brenda, & Ellen Happy Hour" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X8hI6M3E_T4/U0f5GZx3LoI/AAAAAAAADn4/9COFrSGC6kE/Richard-Victor-Brenda--Ellen-Happy-H%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Richard, Victor, Brenda, & Ellen Happy Hour" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pUtz43X6HKE/U0f5GrWOCLI/AAAAAAAADoE/bpkqvvdinDc/s1600-h/Sunset-24.jpg"><img alt="Sunset 2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JCd4JJUUyyI/U0f5Ha4Qv5I/AAAAAAAADoI/F8R6w_zpWCM/Sunset-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sunset 2" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Snuggles, of course, is with us & has clearly taken to being here in the same fashion as we. She loves her three times a day walks on the beach, is known by all the employees & likes attending the social hour where she is fawned upon. We found it amusing to watch her take her perch each morning on one of our balcony couches so she could enjoy the breeze & stare at the beach activity while we enjoyed our coffee. It didn’t take us long to realize she was enjoying the view and breeze just as much as we. She is going to be one unhappy puppy when we leave.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MqQMm7NZL1M/U0f5H2zJRgI/AAAAAAAADoU/W8kGp3u7dUM/s1600-h/Snuggles-likes-to-watch-the-beach-to%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Snuggles likes to watch the beach too" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0Gyyc5VQeE0/U0f5IIjZ1PI/AAAAAAAADoY/4B-GOfkAntc/Snuggles-likes-to-watch-the-beach-to.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Snuggles likes to watch the beach too" width="180" /></a> <br />
<br />
We also had some company while we were there. We had met Sally & Allan in Panama last year. They ended up going to Punta Cana, which was about a 2 hour drive from us. They rented a car & came for a couple night visit. It was great to see them again.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fB5ahTWHhHg/U0f5Im2OY5I/AAAAAAAADok/GLhKixvXGzE/s1600-h/Sally--Allen4.jpg"><img alt="Sally & Allen" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2dfXQQnB978/U0f5JG0giZI/AAAAAAAADoo/vt32zvU4UxE/Sally--Allen_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sally & Allen" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CT275DkQYf4/U0f5J4034TI/AAAAAAAADo0/ZMQsJ1AW3UM/s1600-h/Collins-Snuggles-Karen--Sally4.jpg"><img alt="Collins, Snuggles, Karen & Sally" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A6mAJtuQEvU/U0f5KS-MA7I/AAAAAAAADo4/qmcd4SnFGS0/Collins-Snuggles-Karen--Sally_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="160" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins, Snuggles, Karen & Sally" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
We also had our yearly visitor, Karen's friend Sue Hollingsworth. She & Karen have been best friends since 8th grade & are closer than sisters. She comes every year for about 2 weeks. Her goal is to stay out of the sun & read as many books as possible.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bA5-mOvUxzM/U0f5K62VFEI/AAAAAAAADpE/abQesHasX4E/s1600-h/Sue-Hollingsworth-relaxing-by-the-po.jpg"><img alt="Sue Hollingsworth relaxing by the pool" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C0XrsBaPF8U/U0f5LTE-vQI/AAAAAAAADpI/KXpxb1yOcGU/Sue-Hollingsworth-relaxing-by-the-po%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sue Hollingsworth relaxing by the pool" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YG3RsJHTiYo/U0f5MEvvsQI/AAAAAAAADpU/F3VoO4XT7ys/s1600-h/karen--Sue-on-balcony-24.jpg"><img alt="karen & Sue on balcony 2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bxaA9R0orEM/U0f5MjCmdjI/AAAAAAAADpY/uLlRNk9-gPo/karen--Sue-on-balcony-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="karen & Sue on balcony 2" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CKigdfzQe60/U0f5NNBvMbI/AAAAAAAADpk/UtvZU9XcM4Q/s1600-h/Sue--Karen-at-dinner4.jpg"><img alt="Sue & Karen at dinner" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ht2cAd7htkE/U0f5NjrH6AI/AAAAAAAADpo/UMnvmiDNPag/Sue--Karen-at-dinner_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sue & Karen at dinner" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
One of our major problems with Panama was the lack of restaurants. This location has no less than 6 serving great food at reasonable prices, plus a slew of good but more limited menus at other sites. Most all, including a weight killing bakery, are within easy walking distance. And finally in the food category, there are several large supermarkets about 20 minutes away; transportation is plentiful & somewhat reasonable. To offset all of these culinary delights, Karen has taken to walking up the four flights of stairs to our condo and swimming a mile most every day in one of the two massive pools. Meanwhile, Collins does a daily work out at the gym biking 15 miles, lifting weights & doing 50 to 100 sit-ups with a 25 lb. weight on his chest. All of this is in addition to the daily beach walks with Snuggles. Since there are no scales anywhere in the complex, we’ll have to wait until our stateside return to see how successful, if any, these endeavors have been. We also had friends we had met in Punta Cana there. We met Gayle & Doug our first year in Punta Cana & they were there all 3 years we were. Some days we met in the pool & other days we didn’t see each other at all. we did enjoy going to dinner together. We really enjoyed the time we spent together there. They decided to take a day trip to Santo Domingo & invited us to go along. Collins didn’t go, but Karen did. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6PJGIQ5_F6U/U0f5OT41p4I/AAAAAAAADp0/hN0THP9j8L8/s1600-h/Gail--kAREN4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gail & kAREN" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W1ukDTIwyig/U0f5O0Da7kI/AAAAAAAADp4/8OI74PypHtg/Gail--kAREN_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gail & kAREN" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gayle & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our first stop was a National Park with 3 underground Lakes. It was called Los Tres Ojos. They were a beautiful clear blue. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pC-oTkDFzGE/U0f5PIhreII/AAAAAAAADqE/TLra6e-5zKs/s1600-h/Underground-Lakes-34.jpg"><img alt="Underground Lakes 3" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g-I68lFNbss/U0f5PnhGD0I/AAAAAAAADqI/RzLe8BGtoOw/Underground-Lakes-3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Underground Lakes 3" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
On our way to the Colonial area of Santo Domingo we passed this tribute to the Sugar Cane Farmers. They still harvest, using oxen & wagons <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VijW4Q9qpsw/U0f5QNrR6AI/AAAAAAAADqU/zvxrgfM1jhg/s1600-h/Statue-of-oxen-pulling-sugar-cane-wa.jpg"><img alt="Statue of oxen pulling sugar cane wagon" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jMa5j-fBH5Q/U0f5Qt_8b3I/AAAAAAAADqY/kraAQbJXe-o/Statue-of-oxen-pulling-sugar-cane-wa%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Statue of oxen pulling sugar cane wagon" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
We also wandered thru the Colonial Zone, which is the historic central neighborhood of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Domingo">Santo Domingo</a> and the oldest permanent European settlement of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World">New World</a>. Unfortunately, our taxi driver didn’t speak much English & we didn’t speak Spanish, so we didn’t really get the whole story. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catedral_Santa_Mar%C3%ADa_La_Menor">Catedral Santa María La Menor</a>, is the oldest cathedral built in the Americas. We also saw the Dominican Republic President’s Palace <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-40RmKrZxIjM/U0f5UA9XpII/AAAAAAAADrU/_mzPvZPaQag/s1600-h/Doug--Gail-in-Colonial-Santo-Domingo%25255B1%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Doug & Gail in Colonial Santo Domingo" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-26SPmbmEd_w/U0f5UjsKO0I/AAAAAAAADrY/gIP5hDlW8LM/Doug--Gail-in-Colonial-Santo-Domingo.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Doug & Gail in Colonial Santo Domingo" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug & Gayle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-07hsALiCaTI/U0f5R9LyFiI/AAAAAAAADq0/fWyBkYIFOl0/s1600-h/Cathedral-in-Colonial-Santo-Domingo4.jpg"><img alt="Cathedral in Colonial Santo Domingo" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eoP5-Uf46Gw/U0f5SbSjxxI/AAAAAAAADq4/jEpKtPsnJwY/Cathedral-in-Colonial-Santo-Domingo_.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cathedral in Colonial Santo Domingo" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ix0GN3TNGIM/U0f5S-rgSCI/AAAAAAAADrE/rjLWBW_4zgI/s1600-h/Karen-in-Colonial-Santo-Domingo4.jpg"><img alt="Karen in Colonial Santo Domingo" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eZmNBKiAeuA/U0f5TUFpe9I/AAAAAAAADrM/Yyx7meUCvpE/Karen-in-Colonial-Santo-Domingo_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Karen in Colonial Santo Domingo" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dGyeqkj-NEU/U0f5RDkldkI/AAAAAAAADqk/36IvrK7_Wfg/s1600-h/DR-Presidential-Palace4.jpg"><img alt="DR Presidential Palace" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zlLQ4S6smfs/U0f5RegPRsI/AAAAAAAADqo/2i6HG4IUHhw/DR-Presidential-Palace_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="180" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DR Presidential Palace" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
From what we have heard, this area was a favorite vacation site some 10 years ago until it took a direct hit from a hurricane. After that, tourists abandoned this area for Punta Cana. It is now being re-found & again loved. Our compound is extremely well run, perhaps because so many wealthy locals own units here (including the U.S. Ambassador to the D.R. on the floor below us & several professional U.S. baseball players). On weekends, all of the high end car models are well represented. The employees all know some level of English and, while we try to improve our Spanish, they are all trying to improve their English. Makes for conversing interesting & not terribly difficult. They all<b> </b>go out of their way to not only be polite but very friendly. There appears to be very little turn-over & they appear to really enjoy working here. To say the compound is impeccably clean is an understatement; Disney management could learn a few things from these folks. <br />
<br />
While we were there, they decided it was time to trim the palm trees. The “brave” gardener climbs the palm trees & hacks the old palm branches with a machete. He climbs those tall swaying trees barefoot & sits among the branches as he works.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WmlogROUPWA/U0f5VOSGNjI/AAAAAAAADrk/TYvZQly0s6Y/s1600-h/Trimming-the-palm-trees4.jpg"><img alt="Trimming the palm trees" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xPIQ2pXAZdw/U0f5Vld3fyI/AAAAAAAADrs/WKMYSLh5Wvk/Trimming-the-palm-trees_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Trimming the palm trees" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6nlt9hgk8P4/U0f5WIFEJlI/AAAAAAAADr0/7VW4VceWpv4/s1600-h/Trimming-the-palms-24.jpg"><img alt="Trimming the palms 2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qP0qrP5w-jE/U0f5WjjfMJI/AAAAAAAADr4/1hjk7EhrXys/Trimming-the-palms-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Trimming the palms 2" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bA3QyozTOLM/U0f5XEK3jOI/AAAAAAAADsE/O2mgsBuug_o/s1600-h/Trimming-the-palms-44.jpg"><img alt="Trimming the palms 4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QnasKUE_Vys/U0f5Xvz7UoI/AAAAAAAADsI/G5YLBSKYBiE/Trimming-the-palms-4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Trimming the palms 4" width="180" /></a> <br />
<br />
And finally, the compound has a masseuse that gives a great one hour massage for $20 U.S., a lady that cuts your hair for $7, a maid for $15 a day that Karen raves about & the modern fitness center. While we won’t be returning here in 2015 due to plans to spend some time in Europe, we already have our present unit reserved for 2016. We have returned to IL for 2 weeks. This is the time for final Dr. appts & all the other little things we need to do. This year is going to be a little different for us. One of our long time tenants is moving & since the house was built in 89, it needs a major rehab. So we've also spent the last week at Home Depot, picking out flooring, cabinets, etc. We're bringing the RV back to IL the last week of May for our grandson's High School graduation & will stay thru June to rehab the house. Should be fun - NOT. We think we'll probably stay in Michigan & Wisconsin for the rest of the summer before working our way toward New Mexico. We're going to a huge Balloon Festival there in the beginning of Oct. We'll keep you all posted!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Dec 1- Jan 3</strong> <span style="font-size: small;">We left our RV in storage in Altus, OK the end of November & started our annual journey back to IL for the holidays, arriving the weekend after Thanksgiving. It’s nice having a month there so we can see all the kids & grandkids, do the Dr. appts, etc without having to rush around like crazy people. As it was, the month flew by. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Lucky for us, my brother Rob & his wife Lisa graciously let us stay with them while we’re there. It’s really great, because we don’t have to live in a hotel room & we don’t have to act like guests. Collins & I pitch in with the cooking, cleaning, etc & it’s just like home. Even Snuggles has decided it’s time to be friends with their dog, Cody. </span><br />
While we were there, we had a chance to enjoy some of the grandkid’s activities. Our granddaughter, Becca, is our basketball star. We were able to see a couple of her games – they won!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n6p35oBLXrs/U0f5YLBEdkI/AAAAAAAADsU/OI_LfFm_MHo/s1600-h/13864611721783.jpg"><img alt="1386461172178" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XlJhRMHLZSo/U0f5YhsC-CI/AAAAAAAADsc/45hYCb671z4/1386461172178_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="1386461172178" width="240" /></a><br />
Our youngest grandchild, Katie, is a cheerleader. Her team was invited to the State Championship, so I was able to spend some time watching her team do their routine. She’s 11 & those girls are so cute. They just put their hearts into it.<br />
<blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xdU_X00brZE/U0f5ZO5hUGI/AAAAAAAADsk/0rKjmh3zP_Q/s1600-h/Katie--Gma4.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Katie & Gma" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HECj08mLAtY/U0f5ZkLqPPI/AAAAAAAADso/xpyKRUV1o1s/Katie--Gma_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Katie & Gma" width="139" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_L0rI5_RekM/U0f5aCPGrSI/AAAAAAAADs0/3uWP2WcdGD4/s1600-h/Katie3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Katie" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FehybR6K1RE/U0f5a6vu6BI/AAAAAAAADs8/CKNa5JzUG-o/Katie_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Katie" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LZOfD9pwyrs/U0f5bMC4g2I/AAAAAAAADtE/YGbMvZOaDq0/s1600-h/Katies-Cheer-Team4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Katie's Cheer Team" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d_zKxgcUXrI/U0f5bo_roEI/AAAAAAAADtI/gEs9L4OFPLQ/Katies-Cheer-Team_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="176" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Katie's Cheer Team" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie's Team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yo-fUcT6vWs/U0f5cKXmQ0I/AAAAAAAADtU/8VRkIghLNcg/s1600-h/paula-Katie--Pam2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="paula, Katie & Pam" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rVET07CQhFA/U0f5cxExmSI/AAAAAAAADtY/DzhsLOxe5vE/paula-Katie--Pam_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paula, Katie & Pam" width="139" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, Katie & Pam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</blockquote>
Katie & I were left to ourselves this year to make the Gingerbread House, the boys weren’t interested & Becca was too busy. We had a good time & Katie was creative as usual.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ktvsxWoascs/U0f5dEj_HbI/AAAAAAAADtk/_DJ7pXoiyDw/s1600-h/Katie-making-a-gingerbread-House3.jpg"><img alt="Katie making a gingerbread House" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GOcwXfIWmas/U0f5dvsGFVI/AAAAAAAADto/tmb7Tea1MrI/Katie-making-a-gingerbread-House_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Katie making a gingerbread House" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s06Zn-WSdfc/U0f5eHcTqUI/AAAAAAAADt0/wBf2oS0gQj8/s1600-h/Katie-samples-her-gingerbread-House2.jpg"><img alt="Katie samples her gingerbread House" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ARNhuFNxY5g/U0f5euHVoMI/AAAAAAAADt8/QDyoVxw5cb0/Katie-samples-her-gingerbread-House_.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Katie samples her gingerbread House" width="139" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rm0nBg6iW_o/U0f5fBfGzgI/AAAAAAAADuE/twQrdL5CzO0/s1600-h/Katie--her-Gingerbread-House-23.jpg"><img alt="Katie & her Gingerbread House 2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pdMDYxkx5YE/U0f5fhQw6wI/AAAAAAAADuI/wGzg8xJdilg/Katie--her-Gingerbread-House-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Katie & her Gingerbread House 2" width="240" /></a><br />
We wanted to see one of Tyler’s basketball games, but unfortunately, the one we were planning to attend got cancelled. Tyler & Ryan & Danny play baseball, so hopefully we get to see them play when we return in April. <br />
Danny will be graduating high school in May & we’re very proud of him. He was offered a scholarship to play baseball at Judson University starting next year. He’s very excited about that & we were on hand when he signed his contract with them.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RfjlCH1zZec/U0f5gJDXq_I/AAAAAAAADuU/eoiK66KnkxU/s1600-h/Judson-coach-Danny-Paula--Dave3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Judson coach, Danny, Paula & Dave" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qjkwpyMEU-k/U0f5gwbl1oI/AAAAAAAADuY/aihcHQY6KW0/Judson-coach-Danny-Paula--Dave_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Judson coach, Danny, Paula & Dave" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judson Coach, Danny, Paula & Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cKFDLS0DoSQ/U0f5hG6YiUI/AAAAAAAADuk/dQd6gM3rP2Y/s1600-h/Collins-Danny--Karen3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Collins, Danny & Karen" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d1hTFJ9I4ik/U0f5h1u2mEI/AAAAAAAADuo/LaO41cAplAE/Collins-Danny--Karen_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins, Danny & Karen" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins, Danny & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wK938RGjit4/U0f5iOP9kGI/AAAAAAAADuw/uxEca3sT9Uw/s1600-h/Tyler-Danny--Becca3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tyler, Danny & Becca" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KGhCXP-_Yhk/U0f5ivwY8GI/AAAAAAAADu4/EVCUOObRZRk/Tyler-Danny--Becca_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Tyler, Danny & Becca" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler, Danny & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Having a month there, also gave us time to catch up with friends. I was able to have lunch with a couple of my friends & we had dinner with some former neighbors & some former Real Estate friends. We hadn’t seen Vicky & Alex in about 5 years. It was a lot of fun catching up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QIOyDQi18mI/U0f5jHuDUkI/AAAAAAAADvE/DSnbVSY5zaw/s1600-h/Alex-Collins-Vicky--Karen3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alex, Collins, Vicky & Karen" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M1xi10j_-uk/U0f5jhcOu-I/AAAAAAAADvM/72B_fh_qfOk/Alex-Collins-Vicky--Karen_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Alex, Collins, Vicky & Karen" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex, Vicky, Collins & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our daughter, Pam, her daughter Katie & I also took a long weekend trip to KY to visit my 88 yr old mom. One of my sisters live close by, so we were able to stay with her. We had really nice visit with mom, taking her shopping & just spending time with here. Katie helped her decorate her Christmas tree, while Pam & I put together her new TV stand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ssqv5vx5A9A/U0f5kFYhPiI/AAAAAAAADvU/UUcJT11csSM/s1600-h/Granny-Katie--Karen-23.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Granny, Katie & Karen 2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WKALYdMDhNY/U0f5k9vRWgI/AAAAAAAADvY/-M97fLJjYzA/Granny-Katie--Karen-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Granny, Katie & Karen 2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen's Mom, Katie & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-drLWnNe2gGc/U0f5lCvxH7I/AAAAAAAADvk/sAwMjuIWZWY/s1600-h/Granny-Katie--Pam3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Granny, Katie & Pam" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-26JdQE9CyqA/U0f5llybF6I/AAAAAAAADvo/iua88p4lmPE/Granny-Katie--Pam_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Granny, Katie & Pam" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, Katie & Pam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pc6rRL10Dh4/U0f5mN9LaYI/AAAAAAAADv0/v6WTcP6T_DU/s1600-h/Karen-Katie-Granny--Pam3.jpg"><img alt="Karen, Katie, Granny & Pam" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3zni0KHQhnw/U0f5msnQqQI/AAAAAAAADv8/5xvGVwlBplM/Karen-Katie-Granny--Pam_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Karen, Katie, Granny & Pam" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, we also had the Christmas holidays. We had our annual Christmas Eve Dinner with Rob, Lisa, daughters Megan, Kelly & Courtney, & our niece Vicki.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vhz6sLvcveQ/U0f5nChxbJI/AAAAAAAADwE/7-md3_ajo1Y/s1600-h/Vicki-Megan-Rob-Lisa--Courtney3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vicki, Megan, Rob, Lisa & Courtney" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ig-8NnPBhWM/U0f5nporxxI/AAAAAAAADwM/v1IQ8C8i2Yk/Vicki-Megan-Rob-Lisa--Courtney_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Vicki, Megan, Rob, Lisa & Courtney" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicky, Megan, Rob, Lisa & Courtney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AsokV1s7BdU/U0f5oFYUs2I/AAAAAAAADwQ/AsXhstPDUaU/s1600-h/Christmas-Eve----Vicki-Megan-Courtne.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Christmas Eve Vicki, Megan, Courtney, Lisa & Kelly" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OY5HZWGypPQ/U0f5opYM93I/AAAAAAAADwc/ZHDyxxucxRk/Christmas-Eve----Vicki-Megan-Courtne%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Christmas Eve Vicki, Megan, Courtney, Lisa & Kelly" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicky, Megan, Courtney, Lisa & Kelly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zPAE9TAIO5s/U0f5o6oT-YI/AAAAAAAADwk/Wh8t2JiqUjc/s1600-h/Vicki-Courtney-Megan--Kelly-modeling%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vicki, Courtney, Megan & Kelly modeling their C'mas jammies" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ttEy3O8AjcM/U0f5pSRDraI/AAAAAAAADws/vu5H1pz16F0/Vicki-Courtney-Megan--Kelly-modeling%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Vicki, Courtney, Megan & Kelly modeling their C'mas jammies" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicky, Courtney, Megan & Kelly show off their Christmas Jammies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TEl9Yr_Ea6Q/U0f5qP6XfxI/AAAAAAAADw0/xws_UZ2oEVU/s1600-h/Rob-MeganCourtney--Kelly-showing-off%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rob, Megan,Courtney & Kelly showing off gifts" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HklZbqGmFqA/U0f5qXulC8I/AAAAAAAADw4/M5LiMiwptis/Rob-MeganCourtney--Kelly-showing-off%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Rob, Megan,Courtney & Kelly showing off gifts" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob, Megan, Courtney & Kelly model their Christmas Gifts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tr91Tw5t5HU/U0f5q6EdF7I/AAAAAAAADxE/28BPCf4HqaE/s1600-h/Collins-does-a-scratch-off-Christmas%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Collins does a scratch off Christmas AM" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l4nQXDehN4o/U0f5rTpHPTI/AAAAAAAADxM/UsSOoIONlbE/Collins-does-a-scratch-off-Christmas.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins does a scratch off Christmas AM" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins shows off a winning lottery scratch off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Christmas Day was spent with our kids & grandkids. Our daughter Paula & her family have been hosting Christmas since we moved from our house. She called me in a panic around noon that day. It seems that Danny had been helping her put the groceries away & he thought she wanted the hams in the freezer. Paula thought they were in the frig until she got ready to check the cooking instructions. Lucky for all of us, we don’t eat until later in the day, so I told her to cook them on low for a longer period of time & figured all would be well. The hams were cooked in plenty of time, Danny’s life was spared & we all had a wonderful day & a great meal. Paula told our other daughter, she didn’t care what happened, Pam would have Christmas at her house next year.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-njEHlg7Eu9s/U0f5rwONwOI/AAAAAAAADxU/4OWq1m3Tuqk/s1600-h/Collins-Karen-Danny-Katie-Ryan-Tyler%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Collins, Karen, Danny, Katie, Ryan, Tyler & Becca Christmas" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PMapDVrtjE8/U0f5sZyALQI/AAAAAAAADxY/3QqnncA_RXc/Collins-Karen-Danny-Katie-Ryan-Tyler.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins, Karen, Danny, Katie, Ryan, Tyler & Becca Christmas" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins, Karen, Danny, Katie, Ryan, Tyler & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YVMtNVRwlSk/U0f5sxRttYI/AAAAAAAADxk/eUKnfLkZ44I/s1600-h/Pam-Ryan-Aaron--Katie-Christmas-33.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pam, Ryan, Aaron & Katie Christmas 3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8KLJ9zd_IFE/U0f5tYSRWsI/AAAAAAAADxo/L2MaCqpuvP0/Pam-Ryan-Aaron--Katie-Christmas-3_th.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pam, Ryan, Aaron & Katie Christmas 3" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam, Ryan, Aaron, Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JRYVYaf2nSI/U0f5twz36UI/AAAAAAAADx0/4Nk6s1wQo4g/s1600-h/Paula-Becca-Dave-Tyler--Danny-33.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paula, Becca, Dave, Tyler & Danny 3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VJTI12PFneo/U0f5uY6-dxI/AAAAAAAADx4/24MRNSvpnsw/Paula-Becca-Dave-Tyler--Danny-3_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" height="240" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Paula, Becca, Dave, Tyler & Danny 3" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, Becca, Dave, Tyler & Danny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-drw4ubAIYYo/U0f5utewGzI/AAAAAAAADyE/tg5wrdt6_B0/s1600-h/Paula-Kerry--Doug3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paula, Kerry & Doug" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YizZSWrh-sE/U0f5vM72YJI/AAAAAAAADyM/IHFWTCtyN3E/Paula-Kerry--Doug_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Paula, Kerry & Doug" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, Kerry & Doug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZLV6LmJW0vA/U0f5v72_MtI/AAAAAAAADyU/s8O4NwHbVLQ/s1600-h/Collins-Pam-Aaron--Dave3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Collins, Pam, Aaron & Dave" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gh58jvuMG7c/U0f5wVjCAII/AAAAAAAADyY/RKejaP23jEU/Collins-Pam-Aaron--Dave_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins, Pam, Aaron & Dave" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins, Pam, Aaron, Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_THBOPbPFdM/U0f5w10AAFI/AAAAAAAADyk/D_7ILF2rdnk/s1600-h/Dave-Paula--Kerry-Christmas-Dinner3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dave, Paula & Kerry Christmas Dinner" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PvmaTRXeeX4/U0f5xXz6uWI/AAAAAAAADyo/eSI-UHo9nLE/Dave-Paula--Kerry-Christmas-Dinner_t.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Dave, Paula & Kerry Christmas Dinner" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Paula & Kerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vdl6qqFaStQ/U0f5x2g2RoI/AAAAAAAADy0/HD-5X_fqn7M/s1600-h/Danny-Paula--Kerry-Christmas3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Danny, Paula & Kerry Christmas" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NH6E-nyww_E/U0f5yS0FrrI/AAAAAAAADy4/ONOUXoqwR6k/Danny-Paula--Kerry-Christmas_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Danny, Paula & Kerry Christmas" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny, Paula & Kerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bon3ZhTfg_E/U0f5yov8WCI/AAAAAAAADzA/bzd73KQIkJs/s1600-h/Kerry--Doug3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kerry & Doug" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3NCWKeG4nYA/U0f5zNKhSgI/AAAAAAAADzE/sMK_Ez6te5I/Kerry--Doug_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kerry & Doug" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerry & Doug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-otp3uSFn3vw/U0f5zhaSwrI/AAAAAAAADzQ/iTeUJ_N8LLw/s1600-h/Becca-Pam--Katie3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Becca, Pam & Katie" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PneZ6BJ791s/U0f50EaV4OI/AAAAAAAADzc/bfw7YsZ3ze4/Becca-Pam--Katie_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Becca, Pam & Katie" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca, Pam & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P9FD7ttqPdQ/U0f50qO1j4I/AAAAAAAADzg/89rDxmfM8dA/s1600-h/Doug--Aaron3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Doug & Aaron" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xbvo5xQeETM/U0f504FlUQI/AAAAAAAADzs/U5WZM1AXYb8/Doug--Aaron_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Doug & Aaron" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug & Aaron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L7Ip_n75Zas/U0f52cYjfZI/AAAAAAAADz0/0he7JwsXYJ8/s1600-h/Ryan--Tyler-Christmas3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ryan & Tyler Christmas" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cm4JI6oYtRg/U0f52zjElWI/AAAAAAAADz8/inMk7wwZBXY/Ryan--Tyler-Christmas_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="135" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ryan & Tyler Christmas" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan & Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left IL for the Dominican Republic Jan 2. Our weather had been horrible the day before, very low temps & more snow to go with it. We weren’t sure if we’d get out of Chicago that morning. We were delayed 1 1/2 hrs & missed our connecting flight in Atlanta. There wasn’t much we could do, but wait for the flight the following day. Delta was nice enough to give us hotel & meal vouchers, so we really couldn’t complain. Unlike some of our fellow passengers who only had 4 nights to begin with, when you’re going somewhere for 3 months, missing 1 day is no big deal. The next morning we boarded our flight & off we went.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-1778207159784697032013-12-07T23:12:00.000-05:002013-12-07T23:12:06.439-05:00Seeking Warmer Weather<br />
Sept 19th we left Wallowa Lake to begin our journey to Las Vegas, NV, where we will put the RV in winter storage. In the meantime, we will take our time & continue to see the sights as we go along. Our first stop was another Oregon State Park just outside a town called John Day. It was a nice quiet park with plenty of grass, which we like. We wanted to visit the John Day Fossil Beds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rvrVNqGs2qE/UqPp-jtYz9I/AAAAAAAADTQ/WvHW_ceBBhs/s1600-h/John-Day-Fossil-Beds11.jpg"><img alt="John Day Fossil Beds" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pvh8VuqdE4s/UqPp_F_nKBI/AAAAAAAADTU/g4W3NciNqU8/John-Day-Fossil-Beds_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="John Day Fossil Beds" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IDfZAFPlLUw/UqPqAhNy13I/AAAAAAAADTg/C3xrr5TZRS0/s1600-h/John-Day-Fossil-Beds-54.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="John Day Fossil Beds 5" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8Lmn9JwqB0A/UqPqBdDR_xI/AAAAAAAADTk/_xto860I4Gw/John-Day-Fossil-Beds-5_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="John Day Fossil Beds 5" width="240" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OXfzkzF953U/UqPqC3qbQEI/AAAAAAAADTw/IzRTg1-yVrM/s1600-h/John-Day-Fossil-Beds-64.jpg"><img alt="John Day Fossil Beds 6" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-152vwms6pHA/UqPqEClFblI/AAAAAAAADT0/NRHPwejcfC8/John-Day-Fossil-Beds-6_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="John Day Fossil Beds 6" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
This is one of the richest fossil beds on Earth & some of the fossils recovered there go back millions of years. They had a really nice Visitor’s Center with exhibits & an informative film. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0o27UzX_dGA/UqPqFk2RgeI/AAAAAAAADUA/8Bywp0gROCI/s1600-h/Visitors-Center-at-John-Day-Fossil-B%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Visitors Center at John Day Fossil Beds" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uqm5HKS-2AQ/UqPqGt-v3NI/AAAAAAAADUE/tZ9OOceAgqQ/Visitors-Center-at-John-Day-Fossil-B%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Visitors Center at John Day Fossil Beds" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
When you look at the tiny seeds & bones recovered, you can only imagine the patience & work that has gone into finding these things. The rock formations & colors here were also very unusual.<br />
<br />
<br />
We also paid a visit to a rather unusual museum, called Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K5jTVs7nRRQ/UqPqH4Tk9BI/AAAAAAAADUQ/4AdZc9tjD-E/s1600-h/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center4.jpg"><img alt="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BAQ_IsHviGg/UqPqIgtwUZI/AAAAAAAADUU/VaeX9w-oGHA/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xm06IemfOuM/UqPqJsU2UfI/AAAAAAAADUg/t8uwEJNKl08/s1600-h/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center-34.jpg"><img alt="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0LsqB87-yQI/UqPqKY01F3I/AAAAAAAADUk/hLHWl2O4VzU/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center-3_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center 3" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
It was the home/business of 2 Chinese men who came to Oregon during a gold rush. One was a DR, who became well known for his healing herbs & cures. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AIs9TneZNQc/UqPqMZqy0AI/AAAAAAAADUw/SeX-i4U720o/s1600-h/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center-49.jpg"><img alt="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VkLJbKRBCCc/UqPqMxSL5wI/AAAAAAAADU0/S9cVvHq97yw/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center-4_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center 4" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v7g2TtvFgsg/UqPqN79Al8I/AAAAAAAADVA/_fblHzMxd-w/s1600-h/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center-74.jpg"><img alt="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center 7" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vvWjN0Ra-Hk/UqPqOtmNGUI/AAAAAAAADVI/zE76oPjbp90/Kam-Wah-Chung-Heritage-Center-7_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kam Wah Chung Heritage Center 7" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
The other a business man. When the second one died it was sealed as is. It has now become an Oregon State Heritage Sight. It has everything left as it was in 1948. I practically had to drag Collins there but I thought it was very interesting.<br />
After leaving John Day, we passed thru Bend, OR & started feeling cold temps. We stopped for what we thought would be an overnight near the border of OR & CA & ended up staying 5 nights. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X2qrGJW4HMY/UqPqP8WS-cI/AAAAAAAADVQ/CBCxG7wzHzw/s1600-h/View-from-our-campground-in-Lakeview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="View from our campground in Lakeview, OR" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u0dinvIVnqk/UqPqQzDgGXI/AAAAAAAADVU/4B17xidevEs/View-from-our-campground-in-Lakeview%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="View from our campground in Lakeview, OR" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the RV Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EGFVlESVOHQ/UqPqSalc4MI/AAAAAAAADVg/ELlvM4Vqu5s/s1600-h/View-from-our-campground-in-Lakeview%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="View from our campground in Lakeview, OR 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Sps2Ls3Cpk/UqPqTEbWN_I/AAAAAAAADVk/v7vF1RpsEIo/View-from-our-campground-in-Lakeview%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="View from our campground in Lakeview, OR 3" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
The winds decided to blow & we had gusst up to 80 mph. There was no way we were going on the road in that kind of wind!!<br />
<br />
After leaving OR, we decided on a stop in Carson City, NV. We camped in the parking lot at the Golden Nugget for a few days. Carson City is a nice, clean small town with easy access to Virginia City, <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WpYlY7viv24/UqPqU0oqbbI/AAAAAAAADVw/v7zsyo7u3Qk/s1600-h/Old-Fire-Equipment-in-Virginia-City-%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Old Fire Equipment in Virginia City, NV" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D-ObWymRe2U/UqPqWIDCH1I/AAAAAAAADV4/BzBmAWbX3bI/Old-Fire-Equipment-in-Virginia-City-%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Old Fire Equipment in Virginia City, NV" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pc7aN6nZfdc/UqPqY9uRmqI/AAAAAAAADWA/ou9Mwfn4nuQ/s1600-h/Virginia-City-NV4.jpg"><img alt="Virginia City, NV" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gtdQVtcMxtU/UqPqZ7Dw4ZI/AAAAAAAADWI/CiW0RJWSa1A/Virginia-City-NV_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Virginia City, NV" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3bX6TG52blc/UqPqcM0G3NI/AAAAAAAADWQ/eXw3_pPDUcY/s1600-h/Silver-Dollar-Queen-Virginia-City-NV%25255B1%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Silver Dollar Queen, Virginia City, NV" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UBa8hKeRNZk/UqPqdGvdr4I/AAAAAAAADWY/bNnze7klGEE/Silver-Dollar-Queen-Virginia-City-NV%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Silver Dollar Queen, Virginia City, NV" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Silver Queen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hQVxymUeOB8/UqPqfa3l1GI/AAAAAAAADWg/O8uwExXR5OI/s1600-h/Info-on-Silver-Dollar-Queen4.jpg"><img alt="Info on Silver Dollar Queen" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kB1gcIqkLvo/UqPqgWB0_SI/AAAAAAAADWo/tdrCjx_X2Ps/Info-on-Silver-Dollar-Queen_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Info on Silver Dollar Queen" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H1TF1Bg1IEI/UqPqi3QpGcI/AAAAAAAADWw/4Mu0U8qnsv8/s1600-h/Suicide-Table-Virginia-City-NV4.jpg"><img alt="Suicide Table, Virginia City, NV" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XctdMYex0WE/UqPqj8YEtZI/AAAAAAAADW4/Vm9WDgF0g-s/Suicide-Table-Virginia-City-NV_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Suicide Table, Virginia City, NV" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m9xzTZzxKeI/UqPqmOYVmBI/AAAAAAAADXA/lnKZxtUAujI/s1600-h/Info-on-Suicide-Table4.jpg"><img alt="Info on Suicide Table" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uHYIT7A1PTw/UqPqnCR9dwI/AAAAAAAADXI/mdVn8YHzrtg/Info-on-Suicide-Table_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Info on Suicide Table" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We also decided to make a stop in Lake Tahoe. We took one day for a trip around the Lake. Since it was the beginning of Oct, there weren’t a lot of people around. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g9IvOj1X8pc/UqPqp5MDFOI/AAAAAAAADXQ/ehrbZjQsOYY/s1600-h/Lake-Tahoe-34.jpg"><img alt="Lake Tahoe 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lo7iE7AuXOw/UqPqq4VDVgI/AAAAAAAADXY/RKb-7dmtanw/Lake-Tahoe-3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake Tahoe 3" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6BZDxVvk57E/UqPqtWGO8zI/AAAAAAAADXg/ueYcHqcZyU8/s1600-h/Lake-Tahoe-44.jpg"><img alt="Lake Tahoe 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5cIgysFfYZ8/UqPqutajCmI/AAAAAAAADXo/YGqSLTjh60M/Lake-Tahoe-4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake Tahoe 4" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0gF0oJ2MxQk/UqPqwk7rYtI/AAAAAAAADXw/XOkc-CKsbZY/s1600-h/Lake-Tahoe-84.jpg"><img alt="Lake Tahoe 8" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HbPA9T-92vU/UqPqxyBs47I/AAAAAAAADX4/9XOEsQtdHBo/Lake-Tahoe-8_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake Tahoe 8" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sdmTZAEiImk/UqPqz6NIkRI/AAAAAAAADYA/h0uaCeOTMng/s1600-h/Lake-Tahoe-94.jpg"><img alt="Lake Tahoe 9" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OpuvlXSuvUM/UqPq0hvYHtI/AAAAAAAADYI/_4KhPn3ZTbM/Lake-Tahoe-9_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake Tahoe 9" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
We were kind of between seasons for them. Too late for boating & swimming & too early for skiing. However, the morning we were leaving, we woke up to snow flakes! That wasn’t in our plan! It had started snowing in the mountains & we did encounter snow as we drove along the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mts. Unfortunately, because of the snow, we really didn’t have any views of the mountains. Luckily for us, the roads were warm enough that none of it was sticking to them.<br />
<br />
I wanted to go to Death Valley. Our timing wasn’t so good, because it was during the government shutdown. I guess because the main highway thru it runs from CA to NV they at least had to keep that open. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kyTalq45eaI/UqPq2PdlFsI/AAAAAAAADYQ/7at3HHUM38U/s1600-h/Coming%252520into%252520Death%252520Valley%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Coming into Death Valley" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aJ0kHrqgTr8/UqPq27S1SKI/AAAAAAAADYU/t_lth8RKBSg/Coming%252520into%252520Death%252520Valley_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Coming into Death Valley" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oIvp1__BUT8/UqPq4RI7G_I/AAAAAAAADYg/eCSOTV7gmeg/s1600-h/Death%252520Valley%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Death Valley 5" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t3JJ-ioo5UA/UqPq5pLkDII/AAAAAAAADYk/w-1_CFgeQm0/Death%252520Valley%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Death Valley 5" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y-YWUU1St2w/UqPq70hdiYI/AAAAAAAADYw/gWM-uCOZEnc/s1600-h/Death%252520Valley%2525207%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Death Valley 7" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f-BYacx8JPc/UqPq8x8G9UI/AAAAAAAADY4/vjuFBtki4UA/Death%252520Valley%2525207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Death Valley 7" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p2IK8ksJGQY/UqPq-UjSOrI/AAAAAAAADZA/XCAcYeMvOyo/s1600-h/Death%252520Valley%2525208%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Death Valley 8" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Unm2ctF_wEI/UqPq_nRuT9I/AAAAAAAADZI/Tuv9gvQLSvY/Death%252520Valley%2525208_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Death Valley 8" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2t3u9F_wq5s/UqPrBAmcwHI/AAAAAAAADZQ/nMpPuLJDKbg/s1600-h/Death%252520Valley%25252012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Death Valley 12" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZLiVBoEgevE/UqPrCfaaHdI/AAAAAAAADZY/NcUI6UFkR-s/Death%252520Valley%25252012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Death Valley 12" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZLOSEvNiok0/UqPrEN2jPyI/AAAAAAAADZg/rZ1_yJTxRqc/s1600-h/Death%252520Valley%25252016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Death Valley 16" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1vVdcFY70do/UqPrFPnWuaI/AAAAAAAADZo/dWFkq4vhTac/Death%252520Valley%25252016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Death Valley 16" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U_qVlRhd4To/UqPrHYCIs1I/AAAAAAAADZw/qa7QbglZvzc/s1600-h/Sand%252520Dunes%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sand Dunes in Death Valley 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QsLibqoXfhA/UqPrIsdqgQI/AAAAAAAADZ0/3ZCC7x658wQ/Sand%252520Dunes%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sand Dunes in Death Valley 4" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p10Lq76TUA8/UqPrKqm3HOI/AAAAAAAADaA/xDjA7dn04hI/s1600-h/Sand%252520Dunes%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sand Dunes in Death Valley" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tvMqBf-puvg/UqPrLuZMlsI/AAAAAAAADaI/17sbfe0ywy0/Sand%252520Dunes%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sand Dunes in Death Valley" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
We had planned to stay in one of their campgrounds a couple nights, but of course, that didn’t happen. Most of what you want to see are the rock formations, etc. So we pretty much saw everything from the road. There were a couple spots that looked like big lakes, but as we got closer, I realized it was more like white sand. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uPYd27nT79k/UqPrN4fJ1XI/AAAAAAAADaQ/ROrHk1tn4uw/s1600-h/Salt%252520Flats%252520or%252520Borax%252520fields%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Salt Flats or Borax fields in Death Valley (2)" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zga4Q_VizwY/UqPrO8yU8cI/AAAAAAAADaY/Iq-w5sOsaD0/Salt%252520Flats%252520or%252520Borax%252520fields%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Salt Flats or Borax fields in Death Valley (2)" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mV_Hug9qSpM/UqPrQ-8TomI/AAAAAAAADag/EjNvg_nU8lE/s1600-h/Salt%252520flats%252520or%252520Borax%252520fields%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Salt flats or Borax fields in Death Valley" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1OU6uEAs0kU/UqPrSAt_RWI/AAAAAAAADao/jFt3bhALq0s/Salt%252520flats%252520or%252520Borax%252520fields%252520in%252520Death%252520Valley_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Salt flats or Borax fields in Death Valley" width="240" /></a><br />
They are salt flats & borax. The salt is almost pure table salt & the borax was actually mined there in the 1880’s (think 20 Mule Team Borax). Borax is often used as a laundry additive. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CHGv1iBZfb0/UqPrUANm1zI/AAAAAAAADaw/Mv0drZVeg9M/s1600-h/Death%252520Valley%25252022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Death Valley 22" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ng36p3_oK_c/UqPrVF3rI5I/AAAAAAAADa4/KorZIorxsk4/Death%252520Valley%25252022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Death Valley 22" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-riGA_BPNMCo/UqPrXCRcOVI/AAAAAAAADbA/j9ld1wjwQd8/s1600-h/Death%252520Valley%25252028%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Death Valley 28" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gWHA0pRlS9E/UqPrYOpck7I/AAAAAAAADbI/T_55OUGZnB4/Death%252520Valley%25252028_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Death Valley 28" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I thought Death Valley would be a huge desert, which it is, but I didn’t expect the interesting mountains & rock formations. I was glad we were able to at least drive thru it.<br />
<br />
Here are some pics of Las Vegas as we came into town.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C8mWcGVCyIQ/UqPrZ91StpI/AAAAAAAADbQ/-MrlDKPZ2HU/s1600-h/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Downtown Las Vegas 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NHtgABcWFfI/UqPra5Zcv7I/AAAAAAAADbY/ueyfyX6VKks/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Las Vegas 2" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J-NQlHIRY9Q/UqPrc955JEI/AAAAAAAADbg/BZZ1lnk2AGs/s1600-h/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Downtown Las Vegas 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RQb7HlVUEVE/UqPreJ3mhVI/AAAAAAAADbo/3iRucsDGDfU/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Las Vegas 3" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TkaYxWe8i2c/UqPrgQf2PjI/AAAAAAAADbw/b7pi4K2Nk-I/s1600-h/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Downtown Las Vegas" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p2nbGYNbsqI/UqPrhTSHrCI/AAAAAAAADb4/a6Lmi6-4mZ0/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Las Vegas" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tvP2P9Cfl4s/UqPrjVN5YII/AAAAAAAADcA/VWWj7X8CRVU/s1600-h/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Downtown Las Vegas 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ooLJh2OHu5U/UqPrkuHpCgI/AAAAAAAADcI/kaD-KwSTcfM/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Las Vegas 4" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
<b>Nov. 24<sup>th</sup></b> The last 75 days have been relatively uneventful. After traveling over 6,000 miles in 90 days thru Canada & Alaska, which is the distance we would normally travel in 8 months, we decided a good rest was in order. We snuggled into a great location in Las Vegas with beautiful weather & stayed for six weeks. Now this isn’t to say we did nothing; we were, in fact, busy with a lot of putzing. Not only did we get back into our fitness center routine, but we also treated the RV to a major once over. This included washing & polishing the entire outside, not a small task for a 41’ long 12’ high rig, as well as changing all the gas, oil & air filters, greasing the chassis, buffing out all the little scratches accumulated over the last two years, polishing the chrome wheel rims (a two day task in itself), cleaning the entire inside and finally, much the same for the car. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h7YOwzKYb6s/UqPrmnMSqKI/AAAAAAAADcQ/suu_5TeOZ2I/s1600-h/RV%252520in%252520Las%252520Vegas%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="RV in Las Vegas" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LjoAfhN3258/UqPrnwwIbgI/AAAAAAAADcY/G--S1oNha0w/RV%252520in%252520Las%252520Vegas_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="RV in Las Vegas" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our RV spot in Las Vegas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9i_Cy39AFj4/UqPrqGiHW_I/AAAAAAAADcg/tvp7BWxv7Qs/s1600-h/Southwest%252520Landscaping%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southwest Landscaping 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SWChNnlCE1Y/UqPrruU-DaI/AAAAAAAADco/MNZaEanN7Ns/Southwest%252520Landscaping%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Southwest Landscaping 2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southwest Landscaping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7udk9H6nwfI/UqPrtyHDPPI/AAAAAAAADcw/dKyg2V1KYjA/s1600-h/Southwest%252520Landscaping%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southwest Landscaping 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OANRVr7eWNc/UqPrvNy8yUI/AAAAAAAADc4/TCX7m7wfbKY/Southwest%252520Landscaping%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Southwest Landscaping 3" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southwest Landscaping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CQ3cqNen88A/UqPrxSu1orI/AAAAAAAADdA/HmxMJ5lBTOY/s1600-h/Southwest%252520Landscaping%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Southwest Landscaping" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HAIcPEaIhvI/UqPry0kQNxI/AAAAAAAADdI/2MXZtN-SDkg/Southwest%252520Landscaping_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Southwest Landscaping" width="240" /></a> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0COjw0wh5_o/UqPr0vERIrI/AAAAAAAADdQ/pskziITJ6I4/s1600-h/Sunset%252520in%252520Las%252520Vegas%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunset in Las Vegas" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G-FzsXPs_5w/UqPr10NGFSI/AAAAAAAADdY/QHYq1aC-0O4/Sunset%252520in%252520Las%252520Vegas_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sunset in Las Vegas" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Vegas Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being concerned that all of the mountain travels may have affected the RV’s brakes, we brought it to a Freightliner representative who advised us the four drums & all pads required replacing: a $3,300 cost. For several reasons we felt this report was questionable & therefore took the RV to a second site. After pulling the six wheels & drums, the tech pointed out that the rear tires hadn’t been previously removed & that, in fact, all of the drums were in great shape & we might want to replace the two front pads only because they were showing minor cracks. $800 later we were on our way. We visited the Vegas strip two times &, after asking around for recommendations on the best show, we saw “Vegas the Show”. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0BR71aCRUf4/UqPr4SQ88zI/AAAAAAAADdg/GI0Fu0pOA3w/s1600-h/Dancing%252520Waters%252520at%252520Bellagio%252520Hotel%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dancing Waters at Bellagio Hotel 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qhsJ2QVldiw/UqPr5nKp-LI/AAAAAAAADdo/dtszBXUVOZA/Dancing%252520Waters%252520at%252520Bellagio%252520Hotel%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Dancing Waters at Bellagio Hotel 2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing Waters at the Bellagio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JXXzSW3cGjA/UqPr7V_gRqI/AAAAAAAADdw/_kgS9L0H918/s1600-h/Eiffel%252520Tower%252520on%252520Paris%252520Hotel%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eiffel Tower on Paris Hotel" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IaYu1W7igIg/UqPr8t8eymI/AAAAAAAADd4/L7SW_KnR22s/Eiffel%252520Tower%252520on%252520Paris%252520Hotel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Eiffel Tower on Paris Hotel" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AqLhAWcebIE/UqPr-mPemlI/AAAAAAAADeA/qZjPVVUar5E/s1600-h/Decoration%252520at%252520the%252520Venetian%252520Hotel%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Decoration at the Venetian Hotel" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9tn4sCojAUA/UqPr_lXCXfI/AAAAAAAADeI/1NxhkmixoN8/Decoration%252520at%252520the%252520Venetian%252520Hotel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Decoration at the Venetian Hotel" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorations at the Venetian Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MAhIUw_YRD0/UqPsBcSqkVI/AAAAAAAADeQ/FfNVLSbmiI0/s1600-h/Inside%252520the%252520Venitian%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inside the Venitian" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A3qwAl3Y9cw/UqPsCU4yUMI/AAAAAAAADeY/ZRPIrXifnSU/Inside%252520the%252520Venitian_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Inside the Venitian" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby at the Venetian Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Karen did her normal wheeling & dealing and got us second row dead center seats, no more than 10 feet from the stage. Thoroughly enjoyed the show but walking the strip itself was a disappointment. Now you have huge hotels spread out for miles verses the smaller, closer places of old where you easily walked from place to place along a street lit up like Disneyworld . We did see several hundred Marines in their Dress Blues, in town from Pendleton (California) to celebrate the Marine Corp Birthday. Few realize the Corp is the oldest United States military service, most people thinking it would be the Army. They look so young, like they should be home making out with their girl & not in uniform adding to their chest of ribbons by going in harm’s way. Karen then reminds me that was me 50 years ago; doesn’t seem possible. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uK6N0F3WLjE/UqPsEWeTnmI/AAAAAAAADeg/tNeyBXXd4qY/s1600-h/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525207%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Downtown Las Vegas 7" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iW68k29pwQk/UqPsFdXjpRI/AAAAAAAADeo/i1B6_c924Zs/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Las Vegas 7" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Las Vegas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-axzsEAhhrJc/UqPsHXtcItI/AAAAAAAADew/Uwedz_ULYlQ/s1600-h/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525209%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Downtown Las Vegas 9" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c9f0UOD6IcI/UqPsI2SgKMI/AAAAAAAADe4/PVR8pfK86LM/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Las Vegas 9" width="240" /></a> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WsWYSsjrT0E/UqPsKbIIl_I/AAAAAAAADfA/sxMa5pcG-MU/s1600-h/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525202%25255B9%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Downtown Las Vegas 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r4T927WL9PY/UqPsLqpuQhI/AAAAAAAADfI/WkfGBI-nR_s/Downtown%252520Las%252520Vegas%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Las Vegas 2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have an LED Light Show on a canopy over the street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RYj58oLX2RY/UqPsNhqkEMI/AAAAAAAADfQ/p6NRiyBSbig/s1600-h/Show%252520girls%252520on%252520Vegas%252520Strip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Show girls on Vegas Strip" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yf6rd9RDkm0/UqPsOzpvoOI/AAAAAAAADfY/Km5BBLihtTA/Show%252520girls%252520on%252520Vegas%252520Strip_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Show girls on Vegas Strip" width="240" /></a> Adding to the disappointment was our trip to the TV show “Pawn Stars” store. It’s in an older, industrial part of town, the outside needs paint, it’s small, nothing to write home about & none of the “stars” were around. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QMA5nz-xbFM/UqPsTrRJUFI/AAAAAAAADfw/w8TkjemqGMs/s1600-h/Collins%252520in%252520Pawn%252520Stars%252520Pawn%252520Shop%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Collins in Pawn Stars Pawn Shop" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qxr8-28H4uo/UqPsUpY5fdI/AAAAAAAADf4/acJ6PpexyXw/Collins%252520in%252520Pawn%252520Stars%252520Pawn%252520Shop_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins in Pawn Stars Pawn Shop" width="240" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sD--stU4mz4/UqPsQCV1FiI/AAAAAAAADfg/60krwQjbrc4/s1600-h/Collins%252520in%252520front%252520of%252520Pawn%252520Stars%252520Pawn%252520Shop%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Collins in front of Pawn Stars Pawn Shop" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ml2EeYluxec/UqPsRS9ibSI/AAAAAAAADfo/N-TtG_2pRVs/Collins%252520in%252520front%252520of%252520Pawn%252520Stars%252520Pawn%252520Shop_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins in front of Pawn Stars Pawn Shop" width="180" /></a> There is one geological site we really enjoyed: Valley of Fire. It’s about 40 miles outside Las Vegas &, upon coming around a curve in the road, you see hills and mountains the colors of fire. Wind, rain & millions of years have solidified the then sand into rock & carved beautiful features into the remaining faces. After four years on the road, one can’t but be awed at the sites created over ions to the U.S. landscapes. This, & meeting so many nice people, is a large part of what traveling is all about. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eMil7epxiGg/UqPsWg634VI/AAAAAAAADgA/W5J38UvGZf8/s1600-h/entering%252520Valley%252520of%252520Fire%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="entering Valley of Fire" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iMidH14b7G0/UqPsX4wTyMI/AAAAAAAADgI/-NwUZU2Nbk8/entering%252520Valley%252520of%252520Fire_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="entering Valley of Fire" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ByQimkxsADE/UqPsaeBtOqI/AAAAAAAADgQ/GOwvvrOQT0E/s1600-h/Valley%252520of%252520Fire%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Valley of Fire 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JhiVBq8qpKQ/UqPsbhl3ijI/AAAAAAAADgY/ffmF6eoEEZU/Valley%252520of%252520Fire%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Valley of Fire 3" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SVEvaI_w5gI/UqPseadaiYI/AAAAAAAADgg/Eig3B02Lwc0/s1600-h/Valley%252520of%252520Fire%2525208%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Valley of Fire 8" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--KyfFC5V8ws/UqPsflZMTeI/AAAAAAAADgo/Cuog0uEE7Wk/Valley%252520of%252520Fire%2525208_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Valley of Fire 8" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vmSmG4Dxi5A/UqPsiJOaIAI/AAAAAAAADgw/izU1hcy1tMY/s1600-h/Valley%252520of%252520Fire%25252010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Valley of Fire 10" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zA4MtefE7Ks/UqPsjEhf2-I/AAAAAAAADg4/le8g3l2PP58/Valley%252520of%252520Fire%25252010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Valley of Fire 10" width="240" /></a> We are presently in Altus, Oklahoma and it’s snowing (3” so far). Snuggles is having a blast in it and acts like it’s her private playground. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gOnkI6zCor8/UqPskm9k1pI/AAAAAAAADhA/X8fexkeq_ts/s1600-h/Snuggles%252520likes%252520the%252520snow%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Snuggles likes the snow 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H5T_7BG3N8o/UqPsliaD3PI/AAAAAAAADhI/13ORRZOzYnQ/Snuggles%252520likes%252520the%252520snow%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Snuggles likes the snow 3" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ncB_8cLfo0Q/UqPsmyQ4_fI/AAAAAAAADhQ/Kew7vNndBeY/s1600-h/Snuggles%252520likes%252520the%252520snow%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Snuggles likes the snow 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ED0gNBP8bKA/UqPsoIX-eTI/AAAAAAAADhY/sAB5Aaa6QUQ/Snuggles%252520likes%252520the%252520snow%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Snuggles likes the snow 4" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nopGtDtO4YE/UqPspwargcI/AAAAAAAADhg/VcuI5KQKH8c/s1600-h/View%252520from%252520RV%252520in%252520OK%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="View from RV in OK" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nA7mJ7r10zo/UqPsrWOm6mI/AAAAAAAADho/qpw38nWVTXM/View%252520from%252520RV%252520in%252520OK_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="View from RV in OK" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_zsTL8YY1YU/UqPstz1CWmI/AAAAAAAADhw/KKpPbZKn_Io/s1600-h/RV%252520in%252520Oklahoma%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="RV in Oklahoma" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VwNZr9rKTDs/UqPsvJZIf6I/AAAAAAAADh4/xGIr97ON2Nc/RV%252520in%252520Oklahoma_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="RV in Oklahoma" width="240" /></a> We changed our original plans to leave the RV in Vegas once Karen realized Altus put us a thousand miles closer to Illinois & a better jumping off place for next year’s schedule. Although the snow and cold was a surprise to the weather forecaster & us, it was a good thing we made the move. While the mountain passes between Vegas & Altus were rough when we came thru them, with a semi-trailer & RV flipped over by the strong winds, they are that much worse now with the unexpected snow, ice & winds. Winter is early. We left for IL the day after Thanksgiving. Luckily for us, the weather was beautiful & we had an uneventful journey. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-68327311821776951892013-09-29T15:49:00.003-04:002013-09-29T15:49:32.757-04:00Canada/Alaska Part III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Don't forget you can double click the pictures to make them bigger.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TqPV2fpTBFQ/Uj_JJ95dZEI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/FAIDmZL3CJo/s1600-h/Collins-in-front-of-RV4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Collins in front of RV" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dVghOnZ6AAQ/Uj_JLA35YKI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/RUEo_rjdFq8/Collins-in-front-of-RV_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins in front of RV" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins in front of the RV - we had a "bra" made for it to protect it from rocks,etc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KOTm7BZ4jJ4/Uj_JM5nPDNI/AAAAAAAAC4g/SQy3g-v1PfA/s1600-h/Car4.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Car" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aPATTP2rTdE/Uj_JN72NTxI/AAAAAAAAC4o/bgODDpGKfUg/Car_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Car" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our car also has a special cover to protect it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
August 7th, Thurs. found us leaving Whitehorse, Yukon bright & early. We’ve now become part of the caravan with our new found friends. They’re early birds, especially Elka & Terry. Needless to say, we’ve had an adjustment to make, but gladly do so in exchange for their company. It’s really been a lot of fun, having other traveling companions. We’re on our way out of Canada now & are taking the journey day by day. We had a great road with very little bumps & no road construction. We used to joke in IL that we had 2 seasons, winter & road construction. Here, that is no joke!! We stopped for the night just outside Watson Lake. Our timing was perfect because we had a huge rain storm come thru. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xNtJWNVYfjo/UjkD-eT4CuI/AAAAAAAAC4w/J28gdJhMj34/s1600-h/Watson-Lake-Sign-Forest-3.jpg"><img alt="Watson Lake Sign Forest 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H-nDgibgd7c/UjkECt5m9RI/AAAAAAAAC44/k7-1g7_c2YY/Watson-Lake-Sign-Forest-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Watson Lake Sign Forest 3" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iRwu4X9J61Q/UjkEP8YdGKI/AAAAAAAAC5A/qtebFCdNuZ0/s1600-h/Watson-Lake-Sign-Forest-4.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Watson Lake Sign Forest 4" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HYCfKRjVXQk/UjkEV2e7jVI/AAAAAAAAC5I/RFFQeEdHbvI/Watson-Lake-Sign-Forest-4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Watson Lake Sign Forest 4" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
Friday we had to make a stop in Watson Lake. It is known for it’s Sign Post Forest. Many travelers post signs with their names or their towns here. There are over 72,000 signs there now. We didn’t have anything to leave, but we enjoyed taking a look at the ones that had been left. It was started by a US Soldier from IL who was working on the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. He added his hometown to a mileage signpost & people have been posting signs ever since.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H66wAkB2sQE/UjkEcAu2E9I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/b0W8VQzNaTA/s1600-h/Bison-next-to-the-road.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bison next to the road" border="0" height="166" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wAW0UKrA3DQ/UjkEhVcy4EI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/C0BVG-Rac8A/Bison-next-to-the-road_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bison next to the road" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison along the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3LfstIhZk7c/UjkEpkIcYyI/AAAAAAAAC5g/9DYpi-fQFOc/s1600-h/Bison-with-babies.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Bison with babies" border="0" height="134" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RIJkbNVCnwg/UjkEvMh2gaI/AAAAAAAAC5o/1t7q9kamfi0/Bison-with-babies_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bison with babies" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herd of Bison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The trip from Watson Lake <br />
to Dawson Creek was filled with wildlife. We saw herds of bison, many right along the side of the road. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xgzlko3bztE/UjkE5qJ-dhI/AAAAAAAAC5w/U4j5buoidHg/s1600-h/Baby-bear-along-the-road-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby bear along the road 2" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LvmoafDuWTk/UjkE_9rX49I/AAAAAAAAC54/_I_3ZAoVX0c/Baby-bear-along-the-road-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Baby bear along the road 2" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ucw4EM-1R6Y/UjkFK8PRA1I/AAAAAAAAC6A/S_3XBlm20Yc/s1600-h/Baby-bear-along-the-road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Baby bear along the road" border="0" height="188" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-szcUw9iwUcQ/UjkFP28fl7I/AAAAAAAAC6I/ancClG1V5cg/Baby-bear-along-the-road_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Baby bear along the road" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After our 3rd or 4th bear cub sighting, we decided we’d only stop for pictures if we saw more than one at a time, we didn’t.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xlCF7FOGqf0/Uj_JjRakLbI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/8pFVBhuF4D0/s1600-h/Laird%252520Hot%252520Spring%252520where%252520it%252520originates%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Laird Hot Spring where it originates" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-narkfUxV-wc/Uj_JkL91IYI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/r3o_1oj1-O0/Laird%252520Hot%252520Spring%252520where%252520it%252520originates_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Laird Hot Spring where it originates" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laird Hot Springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
One day we stopped for lunch by Laird Hot Springs, which is a natural spring. We took a walk over to take a look, but couldn’t convince the guys we should take time for a dip. It was very clear & the water was quite warm, when I stepped in with my bare feet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QWDWLfXoLGs/UjkFgx4udtI/AAAAAAAAC6g/FLtjgT3wcts/s1600-h/Muncho-Lake.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Muncho Lake" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wOq3Es-XfAQ/UjkFlU-A5JI/AAAAAAAAC6o/cx32kG8WZTI/Muncho-Lake_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Muncho Lake" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muncho Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was also a really pretty lake called Muncho Lake. It was so blue, It too is caused by tiny rock fragments settled at the the bottom of the lake & reflected back by the sunlight. It sure was beautiful<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1uzPOPDbl-M/Uj_Joa8uNzI/AAAAAAAAC6w/nwYwryER4Zc/s1600-h/Muncho-Lake-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muncho Lake 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mt_9eYJQeT8/Uj_JpZ6t5AI/AAAAAAAAC64/X5lmw7z0YsY/Muncho-Lake-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Muncho Lake 2" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jRsO0YP6VCk/Uj_Jqbc2vvI/AAAAAAAAC7A/7TsKI07wiNo/s1600-h/Roadside-Scenery6.jpg"><img alt="Roadside Scenery" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t6bXxz63lko/Uj_JrD-0ihI/AAAAAAAAC7I/zPg_g_vChBM/Roadside-Scenery_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Roadside Scenery" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
On our way to Dawson Creek, we experienced some trouble with our transmission. We were really glad to be traveling with someone else at that point. At least we knew if we broke down in a place with no phone service, they could go ahead & call someone to come get us. Luckily, we were able to limp along until we came to a town with an Allison Transmission repair shop. Considering the fact that so many of the towns we passed thru were places with almost no services, we were extremely lucky. They were so nice & took us in first thing in the morning. Fortunately, it was just a small part called a sensor, & they were able to fix it & have us back on the road in 2 hours. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--TeIM4YIeB4/Uj_JuQJ1BYI/AAAAAAAAC7g/MkIAGV446S0/s1600-h/Murals-on-walls-in-Dawson-Creek-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Murals on walls in Dawson Creek 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-11v_6ApsKNg/Uj_JvEr7iAI/AAAAAAAAC7o/W_cwyVuvTE8/Murals-on-walls-in-Dawson-Creek-3_th.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Murals on walls in Dawson Creek 3" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murals on the buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2A_fUKPdxC8/Uj_Jwb0IGBI/AAAAAAAAC7w/vdoS5KEnlPw/s1600-h/Murals-on-walls-in-Dawson-Creek.jpg"><img alt="Murals on walls in Dawson Creek" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2KgHqbs1B0w/Uj_JxL0KELI/AAAAAAAAC74/u8YiBHWW6As/Murals-on-walls-in-Dawson-Creek_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Murals on walls in Dawson Creek" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mtI4lXIQ28c/Uj_JyhQnIiI/AAAAAAAAC8A/xu3uv391l-8/s1600-h/Murals-on-walls-in-Dawson-Creek-4.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Murals on walls in Dawson Creek 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-knUPgAKry_0/Uj_JzaazeMI/AAAAAAAAC8I/2v1ERfXuLks/Murals-on-walls-in-Dawson-Creek-4_th.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Murals on walls in Dawson Creek 4" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
In Dawson Creek they had murals painted on the back walls of some of the buildings<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_Xapfjgygts/Uj_J0YUsmhI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/avB_bcpua0Y/s1600-h/Karen--Collins-at-Mile-0-Dawson-Cree.jpg"><img alt="Karen & Collins at Mile 0 Dawson Creek 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9JsnIsCpqjY/Uj_J1dXsSZI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/n5hy9ZjK_pY/Karen--Collins-at-Mile-0-Dawson-Cree%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Karen & Collins at Mile 0 Dawson Creek 2" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_Qb5uCO-01o/Uj_J2no7r_I/AAAAAAAAC8g/hYZNHLGMWVo/s1600-h/Mile-0-Alaska-Highway-3.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Mile 0 Alaska Highway 3" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bnl1f8cXOuM/Uj_J3chhT5I/AAAAAAAAC8o/qNRimI2XMgc/Mile-0-Alaska-Highway-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mile 0 Alaska Highway 3" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We spent a few days in Dawson Creek, just “chilling”. It’s nice to have a few kick back days after traveling everyday for awhile. It was a decent sized town, even had a Walmart. Dawson Creek is “Mile 0” of the Alaska Highway, which is about 1387 Miles. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The other end is in Delta Junction, Alaska.<br />
<img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Alaska_Highway_End_%28Delta_Junction%29.jpg/320px-Alaska_Highway_End_%28Delta_Junction%29.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br />
<br />
Our RV & car were extremely pleased to find the roads were in considerably better condition than they recently experienced. Nighttime parking, however, was at a premium, necessitating our need to stay one night on a pull off twenty feet from the road. Road crews advised us early the next morning that we had 20 minutes to vacate because the road was being closed for repairs. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u-FGfTbO1o0/Uj_J4yJfY5I/AAAAAAAAC8w/-rZMMkgb__s/s1600-h/Stuck-in-the-camground.jpg"><img alt="Stuck in the camground" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-69BNGkfHoP8/Uj_J52ZXA_I/AAAAAAAAC84/mhI5j-yBbfQ/Stuck-in-the-camground_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stuck in the camground" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KReXYgKoe-0/Uj_J7KGJEGI/AAAAAAAAC9A/LulnNu3m71o/s1600-h/Stuck-in-the-campground.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Stuck in the campground" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DLbH4tUDu60/Uj_J7-TY0CI/AAAAAAAAC9I/8h5g4WnSAaE/Stuck-in-the-campground_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stuck in the campground" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
This was followed by a National Park representing it's spaces as adequate for our 41 footer (they weren’t) <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_7MXqBnkt4c/Uj_J9aFncwI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/vvYUWe0rSZw/s1600-h/parking-in-the-IGA-parking-lot-Hinto%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="parking in the IGA parking lot Hinton, alberta" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_0OWCPyw0gs/Uj_J_Lj9-vI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/2PmAI9TsxrQ/parking-in-the-IGA-parking-lot-Hinto.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="parking in the IGA parking lot Hinton, alberta" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
We also ended up staying a few nights in a grocery store parking lot in Hinton, Alberta because they were having some festival in Jasper & there were no campgrounds to be had. So we stayed in the IGA lot that said RVers welcome & had a special area on the side of the store. This is the advantage of traveling in your home: push a button & the jacks level the RV, the water heater allows you to take showers at your leisure, & the generator gives you more power than you need. The little bumps in the road of life are meaningless.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6BdPVd4DzjY/Uj_Kd5DKeEI/AAAAAAAADBA/Ub4ddJpm0oA/s1600-h/Jasper-National-Park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jasper National Park" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J64h6uB7mIY/Uj_Ke24RX3I/AAAAAAAADBI/-sOrGmQF32I/Jasper-National-Park_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Jasper National Park" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasper National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bzO3NSysSrc/Uj_KADP_C6I/AAAAAAAAC9g/JmH5R4zhjAQ/s1600-h/Elk-in-Jasper-National-Park-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Elk in Jasper National Park 6" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tg4lYc45djo/Uj_KA9dus1I/AAAAAAAAC9o/y4-ytULu9OQ/Elk-in-Jasper-National-Park-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Elk in Jasper National Park 6" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lWO7GQ0fEFY/Uj_KCBvOIII/AAAAAAAAC9w/iEUqxvOX27g/s1600-h/Elk-in-Jasper-National-Park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Elk in Jasper National Park" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-obBK9lqRiFA/Uj_KC-LY62I/AAAAAAAAC94/SwwivRaOfkI/Elk-in-Jasper-National-Park_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Elk in Jasper National Park" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk & calf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KTSJ84MIzu4/Uj_KDxf1ChI/AAAAAAAAC-A/yd4LuG-qY5s/s1600-h/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa%25255B7%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pPdoJ7n39js/Uj_KElOVsvI/AAAAAAAAC-I/ouRQ9yIKRfM/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park 2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Goat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>August 18 </b>Just in case we hadn’t seen enough wild animals over the last 80 days, our trip to Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada produced herds of mountain goats, elk & white tail deer nonchalantly grazing, & literally posing, alongside the roads. The town of Jasper is one of the nicest we’ve seen, built to resemble a French Village & pretty as a spring flower. Lucky for us, Jim & Joann had a car that seated 7, so we were all able to go sightseeing in one car.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r37gavZEQW8/Uj_KF2WM-5I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/wt8vhhMfGzA/s1600-h/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ea8dwZPyE-o/Uj_KGs6NMVI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/gnKx4upRSCc/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rmg0HQgco_Y/Uj_KIGQvlTI/AAAAAAAAC-g/Uji9cu4OR4I/s1600-h/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa%25255B1%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I6VXJH2v5Pw/Uj_KI-XbtGI/AAAAAAAAC-o/JOFiWEms-Bo/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park 3" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't sure what these goats found so interesting under the car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r7GHyj4ljxY/Uj_KKAf7OkI/AAAAAAAAC-w/H12iaHWdgkg/s1600-h/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I_YDISEdv5I/Uj_KKx7tn0I/AAAAAAAAC-4/hLxEusTksOE/Mountain-Goats-in-Jasper-National-Pa%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park 4" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bWDlMiRcmJk/Uj_KMHhZ2BI/AAAAAAAAC_A/iee-WlJhIeQ/s1600-h/Atabasca-River.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Atabasca River" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g9HTrjfBoyA/Uj_KM9sUfiI/AAAAAAAAC_I/EyQGCNCnY5g/Atabasca-River_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Atabasca River" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athabasca River<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hfSMtf89Bgk/Uj_KOO2l_7I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/oJgKtg5jFYY/s1600-h/Athabasca-Falls-Jasper-National-Park%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park 3" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zE5V5nZAUYg/Uj_KO3NZYEI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/E9INTHRV-mM/Athabasca-Falls-Jasper-National-Park%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park 3" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athabasca Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was an interesting waterfall in Jasper NP called Atabasca Falls. It didn’t start high in the mountain like most. It started from the river & dropped, forming an interesting gorge along the way. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7Zih94brDp0/Uj_KQBVqNOI/AAAAAAAAC_g/M40E6AoYG7k/s1600-h/Athabasca-Falls-Jasper-National-Park%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park 4" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UQngMZKcS5o/Uj_KQ88YDHI/AAAAAAAAC_o/x-L_kjDIDM8/Athabasca-Falls-Jasper-National-Park.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park 4" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xgpBJXvFfUs/Uj_KSBlzgbI/AAAAAAAAC_w/NL6eSsnIzUo/s1600-h/Athabasca-Falls-Jasper-National-Park%25255B6%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park 6" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0_8DW2r5U34/Uj_KS0w9DJI/AAAAAAAAC_4/KcNIRfsNiqs/Athabasca-Falls-Jasper-National-Park%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park 6" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Aat100ixhYk/Uj_KUbuqtrI/AAAAAAAADAA/zFQlZGAaSzY/s1600-h/Gorge-carved-by-Athabasca-Falls.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gorge carved by Athabasca Falls" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5SjxA8Ycfzg/Uj_KVTf8FfI/AAAAAAAADAI/ucRuOX-mpjQ/Gorge-carved-by-Athabasca-Falls_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gorge carved by Athabasca Falls" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorge cut by the waterfalls<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-06xTF88k968/Uj_KfmsgOoI/AAAAAAAADBQ/QKnJ85D2g9o/s1600-h/Icefield--Glaciers-in-Jasper-NP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Icefield & Glaciers in Jasper NP" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GTmZcct0e9Y/Uj_Kgsf9pSI/AAAAAAAADBY/42lfH9dsq28/Icefield--Glaciers-in-Jasper-NP_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Icefield & Glaciers in Jasper NP" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasper Icefields</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
There were a lot of interesting glaciers on the mountains</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GR42lIfrzds/Uj_KZgSNDVI/AAAAAAAADAg/R3f7OUpdpKQ/s1600-h/Waterfalls-at-Jasper-NP3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Waterfalls at Jasper NP" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gnLf0UHhSRM/Uj_Kam71lZI/AAAAAAAADAo/_bvzbPDRzn4/Waterfalls-at-Jasper-NP_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Waterfalls at Jasper NP" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Waterfalls<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HQctnGgab4I/Uj_KXM8ZWrI/AAAAAAAADAQ/VvFY12C8dps/s1600-h/Us-at-the-Glaciers-in-Jasper-NP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Us at the Glaciers in Jasper NP" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tqY3NFNRgL4/Uj_KYEdtU5I/AAAAAAAADAY/Zi6lq02hwOw/Us-at-the-Glaciers-in-Jasper-NP_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Us at the Glaciers in Jasper NP" width="180" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9ZDca0uacew/Uj_KbxeLqOI/AAAAAAAADAw/4Zx0ebn9Wjg/s1600-h/Glaciers-in-Jasper-NP3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Glaciers in Jasper NP" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mzZz8gY1LRA/Uj_KcsOYPPI/AAAAAAAADA4/E2LBslCfNXU/Glaciers-in-Jasper-NP_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Glaciers in Jasper NP" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glaciers in Jasper Park<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5UdIGbiEtl0/Uj_KhskqE5I/AAAAAAAADBg/wWIUxeYUiaU/s1600-h/Pretty-Blue-River-along-Hwy-in-Banff%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pretty Blue River along Hwy in Banff NP" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-akdPgq7vzl0/Uj_KiTLTNpI/AAAAAAAADBo/UAgfFUHYju8/Pretty-Blue-River-along-Hwy-in-Banff%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pretty Blue River along Hwy in Banff NP" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty blue river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vxsOz_2Bx_s/Uj_Kjg0Y1BI/AAAAAAAADBw/SRBUKrrAn5k/s1600-h/Pretty-Blue-River-in-Banff.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Pretty Blue River in Banff" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3NcH5uD9aLI/Uj_KkYf7FoI/AAAAAAAADB4/c_-JUEZefYQ/Pretty-Blue-River-in-Banff_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pretty Blue River in Banff" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Blue River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gicjhTQu6p0/UkBpD9o59SI/AAAAAAAADRo/juSzAqjamXw/s1600/Pretty+Blue+River+in+Banff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gicjhTQu6p0/UkBpD9o59SI/AAAAAAAADRo/juSzAqjamXw/s320/Pretty+Blue+River+in+Banff.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another pretty blue river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ow8B1HWutJM/Uj_KnfLnaqI/AAAAAAAADCQ/NR3HWRNjOAA/s1600-h/Lake-Moraine-44.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Lake Moraine 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sgvonh52ZBk/Uj_KoFnMJBI/AAAAAAAADCY/gdBgCukj7X0/Lake-Moraine-4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake Moraine 4" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moraine<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The rivers & lakes in Banff National Park (Lake Louise & Lake Moraine) are a deep Caribbean blue & green caused by finite minerals washed off the mountains that are suspended in the water, defusing the sun’s rays to give these beautiful shades <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Can1Roo_cdw/Uj_Kpkm4k4I/AAAAAAAADCg/OEAo1KjHAos/s1600-h/Lake-Moraine-54.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lake Moraine 5" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e5MqMqt7kFY/Uj_KqXyWNgI/AAAAAAAADCo/_W4vQ_BUOPM/Lake-Moraine-5_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake Moraine 5" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moraine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qN4TsyJO_-c/Uj_KritlNVI/AAAAAAAADCw/801PMAYyStw/s1600-h/Lake-Louise-14.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Lake Louise 1" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n3_FjLIjhPs/Uj_KsXU4ZgI/AAAAAAAADC4/YsIH1LWlAZs/Lake-Louise-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake Louise 1" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Louise<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YcorsBK1WAw/Uj_Ktr95IxI/AAAAAAAADDA/we2TXjIgESQ/s1600-h/Us-at-Lake-Louise4.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Us at Lake Louise" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zP2-1vYViwU/Uj_Kuq9_UqI/AAAAAAAADDI/8UuYeYLEuiI/Us-at-Lake-Louise_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Us at Lake Louise" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at Lake Louise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1CcyK3_VXHA/Uj_Kv9uWGWI/AAAAAAAADDQ/mzHTiBWJvfo/s1600-h/Pretty-rainbow.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Pretty rainbow" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iWhAnphY3Mg/Uj_KwoWITOI/AAAAAAAADDY/Cmx-9RWE1wc/Pretty-rainbow_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pretty rainbow" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Those views were only surpassed by two actual double rainbows and a third with its “end” just off the road. Don’t believe that “at the end of the rainbow” pot of gold stuff: the leprechaun we caught said it was only a story adults created to occupy their children’s time so they’d stop driving the parents crazy. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CKF4hkmCIts/Uj_Kx-Az6oI/AAAAAAAADDg/jaSUc6UVJGw/s1600-h/Joann-meets-a-bear4.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Joann meets a bear" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-faRmrBo3cdI/Uj_KyiHtteI/AAAAAAAADDo/0EVZlYxyxrw/Joann-meets-a-bear_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Joann meets a bear" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joann meets a bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-to-bzNPvpyU/Uj_K0AfzZVI/AAAAAAAADDw/YOmqpmVCOo4/s1600-h/Pretty-Flowers-baskets-at-Lake-Louis%25255B1%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Pretty Flowers baskets at Lake Louise" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uX0Ql_jak_A/Uj_K1MiigJI/AAAAAAAADD4/b0EzUFCitIA/Pretty-Flowers-baskets-at-Lake-Louis.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pretty Flowers baskets at Lake Louise" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Fairmont Hotel at Lake Louise was beautifully landscaped <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AuQmJ7ximII/Uj_K2tOxxII/AAAAAAAADEA/TMCYnaZPR9k/s1600-h/Downtown-Banff4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Downtown Banff" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UqREqm6UPXc/Uj_K3UkqR4I/AAAAAAAADEI/yuKHLY5oKRA/Downtown-Banff_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Downtown Banff" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Banff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we leave Canada & our traveling friends Elka, JoAnn, Terry & Jim. The friendship & fun realized with these folks is a perfect example of RV living. We first met at a Park in Washington in May & came to realize we were traveling much the same roads. Because of Karen’s keeping in touch with them, & they with her, over the subsequent weeks, we ended up together at another two sites. From these encounters it was decided by all to travel the remaining distance together<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jd04Q9pDdwc/Uj_K6771LII/AAAAAAAADEg/W1KOT48eITw/s1600-h/Joann--Jim--Our-Last-Happy-Hour4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Joann & Jim- Our Last Happy Hour" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ZypBAJpUP4/Uj_K7-E4mxI/AAAAAAAADEo/f6IhsYn2s_8/Joann--Jim--Our-Last-Happy-Hour_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Joann & Jim- Our Last Happy Hour" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joann & Jim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SDnC1Gaz-FA/Uj_K4rCRVyI/AAAAAAAADEQ/skSmZKHS1Uw/s1600-h/Elka--Terry---Our-last-Happy-Hour4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Elka & Terry - Our last Happy Hour" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uWehtVCP5b8/Uj_K5gChqfI/AAAAAAAADEY/dAOIntaKp0c/Elka--Terry---Our-last-Happy-Hour_th.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Elka & Terry - Our last Happy Hour" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry & Elka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The camaraderie made the daily excursions all that much more fun, as did our 5 PM happy hours. It quickly became apparent that Terry & Collins had the same level of “fun” tolerance & joked about their “bucket lists being full” whenever that level was surpassed in a day. Since we are all planning on traveling in the same geographic area (far west) next year, it would not surprise me if we didn’t cross trails again. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6y72PUEfzl4/Uj_K9K0qyHI/AAAAAAAADEw/06gypoY792M/s1600-h/Snuggles-takes-a-nap-while-we-travel%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Snuggles takes a nap while we travel down the road" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HgDjK8GgI7c/Uj_K91OM31I/AAAAAAAADE4/YekR34RdKDQ/Snuggles-takes-a-nap-while-we-travel.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Snuggles takes a nap while we travel down the road" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
Snuggles doesn’t care where we go as long as she’s got a blanket & a pillow<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3QOcKQv2kMA/Uj_K_Lq9c_I/AAAAAAAADFA/6AhWkTFj3Fg/s1600-h/The-ski-slopes-at-Olympic-Park-in-Ca%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="The ski slopes at Olympic Park in Calgary" border="0" height="230" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-059PC3W75Rk/Uj_K_6Tlx1I/AAAAAAAADFI/hiASDNnnH2w/The-ski-slopes-at-Olympic-Park-in-Ca.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="The ski slopes at Olympic Park in Calgary" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
We didn’t stop in Calgary, but we passed the Olympic Downhill Ski Slopes. they don’t look so scary with no snow! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was good to arrive back at the US Border. The Border Guard just asked us a few questions & welcomed us back to the USA<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SSxNk4JzyiE/Uj_LBNuYWtI/AAAAAAAADFQ/QiQq3tlJT7M/s1600-h/Canada-US-Boundary-Marker4.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Canada-US Boundary Marker" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KnCA3Y52Am8/Uj_LB45GUGI/AAAAAAAADFY/C5G4S-X1uxI/Canada-US-Boundary-Marker_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Canada-US Boundary Marker" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boundary Marker for Canada & US<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nAzYX544Gig/Uj_LC-znqlI/AAAAAAAADFg/22T2bNpBZpw/s1600-h/US-Customs-Office4.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="US Customs Office" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5R3HWMAY5cc/Uj_LDjrxH4I/AAAAAAAADFo/Bp0EVq1p4u0/US-Customs-Office_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="US Customs Office" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Customs Office</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img align="right" alt="Meet the Border Guards" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k4TEPogbC3U/Uj_LF-r7_wI/AAAAAAAADF4/tjcpFhjdsKg/Meet-the-Border-Guards_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Meet the Border Guards" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkpoint at Border</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Aug 20 </b>After our frequent sights of never ending glaciers, majestic waterfalls & herds of wild animals, we were more than slightly disappointed with Glacier National Park, MT. The glaciers are all but gone due to minimal snowfalls & global warming, & the remaining sights weren’t all that impressive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_WiOF61kVbM/Uj_LGz7AwII/AAAAAAAADGA/cu6JyltV2uQ/s1600-h/Glacier-National-Park-34.jpg"><img alt="Glacier National Park 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z29vgZF5094/Uj_LHpxvauI/AAAAAAAADGI/BBddUqxD4DY/Glacier-National-Park-3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Glacier National Park 3" width="240" /></a></b><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ROOhD3h5JWk/Uj_LIx5OJ8I/AAAAAAAADGQ/NiXid_D3vCI/s1600-h/Glacier-National-Park-44.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Glacier National Park 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-__ceDHAim_I/Uj_LJjqWJII/AAAAAAAADGY/dvyud8m_Am0/Glacier-National-Park-4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Glacier National Park 4" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O8erqWwPeeM/Uj_LLIcO3MI/AAAAAAAADGg/0DqwRNCs_LI/s1600-h/Clear-Stream-Glacier-National-Park4.jpg"><img alt="Clear Stream Glacier National Park" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A4IA5reqP84/Uj_LMOMjdbI/AAAAAAAADGo/VHyNolVRHfg/Clear-Stream-Glacier-National-Park_t.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Clear Stream Glacier National Park" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iwBVHgZFe74/Uj_LNo9QtKI/AAAAAAAADGw/dQOYexiQPio/s1600-h/Waterfall-Glacier-National-Park4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Waterfall Glacier National Park" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MJ7TmW0bHPw/Uj_LOjxKtTI/AAAAAAAADG4/Y7lmyI9AEzA/Waterfall-Glacier-National-Park_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Waterfall Glacier National Park" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1H5l2oo1kXI/Uj_LQceUz8I/AAAAAAAADHA/CTYx0Z_SnIs/s1600-h/Long-Horn-Sheep-Glacier-National-Par%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Long Horn Sheep Glacier National Park 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yrrojab599E/Uj_LRXE512I/AAAAAAAADHI/uPaVc_GP2tQ/Long-Horn-Sheep-Glacier-National-Par%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Long Horn Sheep Glacier National Park 2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Horn Sheep<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-11xdoYlSOgo/Uj_LS44cMCI/AAAAAAAADHQ/0nca_WlPWfM/s1600-h/Long-Horn-Sheep-Glacier-National-Par%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Long Horn Sheep Glacier National Park 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SW4kDGBgRIs/Uj_LTnSY_yI/AAAAAAAADHY/IUXybweAQ_Y/Long-Horn-Sheep-Glacier-National-Par%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Long Horn Sheep Glacier National Park 3" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uklqhCNnxrQ/UkiArA9jEaI/AAAAAAAADSI/jwpY2iHOWBc/s1600/Bear+Cub+at+Glacier+National+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uklqhCNnxrQ/UkiArA9jEaI/AAAAAAAADSI/jwpY2iHOWBc/s320/Bear+Cub+at+Glacier+National+Park.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear cub at stream<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MMVSLr_maGU/Uj_LUjrEx2I/AAAAAAAADHg/0RpBz14Ebe0/s1600-h/Bear-Cub-at-Glacier-National-Park-24.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bear Cub at Glacier National Park 2" border="0" height="214" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YocxJ3Zl8XM/Uj_LVipXdqI/AAAAAAAADHo/8qcmi166WBs/Bear-Cub-at-Glacier-National-Park-2_.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bear Cub at Glacier National Park 2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Cub along the stream<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tjeBYt4PugE/Uj_LZA-oYJI/AAAAAAAADIA/2sNCOLhn_B4/s1600-h/Lake-McDonald-Glacier-National-Park-.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lake McDonald Glacier National Park-looks like the carribean" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TD8UxLchsco/Uj_LaP8-L0I/AAAAAAAADII/Wyb5tiz5kmU/Lake-McDonald-Glacier-National-Park-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake McDonald Glacier National Park-looks like the carribean" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake McDonald</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z2taAfx1iBg/Uj_LbALxU1I/AAAAAAAADIQ/toRZ7pq6wuM/s1600-h/Lake-McDonald4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Lake McDonald" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DTIp_W9MRQM/Uj_Lb6oZJZI/AAAAAAAADIY/hzRBKt-dkU0/Lake-McDonald_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lake McDonald" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We were pleased to find a spectacular body of water called McDonald Lake. The colors coming from this lake are also like that of the Caribbean. As you viewed its beauty, & clouds passed by, or the sun simply shifted, the greens & blues took on different intensities. Since the water’s clarity, & hence colors, come in part from the melting snow, this beauty may well be lost if the lack of snowfall continues.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F_oYLmUCFrk/Uj_Lc49juSI/AAAAAAAADIg/ZB5de-04L1Q/s1600-h/View-from-our-campground--MT4.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="View from our campground -MT" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pec8cfEEWgQ/Uj_LdppaTNI/AAAAAAAADIo/1TRoGrlyWec/View-from-our-campground--MT_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="View from our campground -MT" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The campground we stayed in wasn’t much to look at, but it was right outside the park entrance & it had really nice views. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y9ZPKoTzIBo/Uj_Lej4jFMI/AAAAAAAADIw/okpWa5u8qIU/s1600-h/Sunset-at-campground4.jpg"><img alt="Sunset at campground" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OKqF3W3ZQxE/Uj_LfiDKvUI/AAAAAAAADI4/s5HAjAHkDcg/Sunset-at-campground_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sunset at campground" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CpcxuyrPO6M/Uj_Lgm1_ZwI/AAAAAAAADJA/422Cwh85J2s/s1600-h/View-from-our-campground--MT-34.jpg"><img align="right" alt="View from our campground- MT 3" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OgLg5vw3430/Uj_Lhd5eApI/AAAAAAAADJI/NjYi7oebSP0/View-from-our-campground--MT-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="View from our campground- MT 3" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
I thought it was time to slip in a few of my weird signs collection<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w2V1qdKFzCY/Uj_LismE7dI/AAAAAAAADJQ/dIAFwXlykyg/s1600-h/another-unusual-sign4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="another unusual sign" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xCbajZ0ne18/Uj_LjaqjoKI/AAAAAAAADJY/klg9LJ6GyMo/another-unusual-sign_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="another unusual sign" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch your valuables in your car<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LMxn3AKQgTU/Uj_Lma9zvCI/AAAAAAAADJw/GXlAeOvLVBA/s1600-h/Stange-Signs4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stange Signs" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I6SvZgXNGVA/Uj_LnIZoeeI/AAAAAAAADJ4/2Zn2DdUuWa0/Stange-Signs_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stange Signs" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self Explanatory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-szoKvrtukgk/Uj_LkRAzRAI/AAAAAAAADJg/_K0cQEo2Kgk/s1600-h/Sign-for-Hot-Springs4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Sign for Hot Springs" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4Xwgwf-w8q8/Uj_LlaisioI/AAAAAAAADJo/nSrl_SWMLAk/Sign-for-Hot-Springs_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sign for Hot Springs" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qF-hTFDm3Xg/Uj_Lof-x-gI/AAAAAAAADKA/9ZqgQCnPx8o/s1600-h/Strange-signs---Motorcycles-Be-caref.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Strange signs - Motorcycles Be careful on the bridge" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-decxC9x_XLc/Uj_LpRA0hpI/AAAAAAAADKI/eCr5kLFR8wU/Strange-signs---Motorcycles-Be-caref%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Strange signs - Motorcycles Be careful on the bridge" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motorcyclists be careful on the bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h8MRNuUU6gQ/Uj_LqTKRvFI/AAAAAAAADKQ/iRPMPpNBODQ/s1600-h/Strange-signs---Watch-for-Avalanches%25255B1%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Strange signs - Watch for Avalanches (1)" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-APnRgQpygL4/Uj_LrZtiwmI/AAAAAAAADKY/078UiaySRZg/Strange-signs---Watch-for-Avalanches.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Strange signs - Watch for Avalanches (1)" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is two fold- beware of avalanche or rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j-4ERS_8dgc/Uj_LsiYaGrI/AAAAAAAADKg/IVra7jZEQWU/s1600-h/Washboard-Road-Sign4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Washboard Road Sign" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p7_AgtyHIT0/Uj_LtZxva3I/AAAAAAAADKo/PDwpGDW1o9A/Washboard-Road-Sign_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Washboard Road Sign" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumpy road ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
. <b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sept 1</b> Having spent 80 days making the Canada & Alaska trip, we still felt in need of an extended break from the road. In addition to us needing a rest, there were a couple minor RV repairs needed from the beating it took on those god awful roads. Hence, we crossed back into Spokane, WA to R n R RV Center. While Karen’s research gave this facility high marks, we were pleased to discover they were understated. With two small parts needing to be shipped in, we were required to relax four nights in their over-night facilities. While this might conger up a parking lot with zero amenities, it’s actually quite nice with full water, electric & sewer hook-up; Snuggles especially liked running in the large spaces of thick grass & using the landscaping to evade us in games of ”catch me if you can”. Life is really good. The four days also gave us time to spruce up the rig, inside & out. While Collins did some general chassis, engine & body maintenance, Karen cleaned several layers of dust off everything from ceiling to floor. Concluding the repairs, we traveled to Fairchild, a nearby Air Force Base &, other than going to a County Fair, we vegetated for several days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tOu8A7OoEg8/Uj_LuccXr8I/AAAAAAAADKw/AVde94BdQPQ/s1600-h/Spokane%252520Co%252520Fair%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Spokane Co Fair 2" border="0" height="135" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H4JiA8CdeiA/Uj_LvTlNJII/AAAAAAAADK4/3TyhGdwgthY/Spokane%252520Co%252520Fair%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Spokane Co Fair 2" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ke7ABeNTOtk/Uj_LwlY7p6I/AAAAAAAADLA/YwJO_MaNLsE/s1600-h/Spokane%252520Co%252520Fair%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Spokane Co Fair" border="0" height="135" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hManE0w_Yp8/Uj_LxjGrntI/AAAAAAAADLI/juw_180_yyo/Spokane%252520Co%252520Fair_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Spokane Co Fair" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U2lpPcyINm0/Uj_Ly3LLk2I/AAAAAAAADLQ/y1BwlRO_Dpk/s1600-h/Eagles%252520tribute%252520to%252520Hotel%252520Calif%252520at%252520the%252520fair%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Eagles tribute to Hotel Calif at the fair 3" border="0" height="134" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9mu3P9BwMTs/Uj_LzzGyoWI/AAAAAAAADLY/YhM1BgBiQoQ/Eagles%252520tribute%252520to%252520Hotel%252520Calif%252520at%252520the%252520fair%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Eagles tribute to Hotel Calif at the fair 3" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ucYj03BXyPw/Uj_L07bLs9I/AAAAAAAADLg/VzI2Id622z4/s1600-h/Eagles%252520tribute%252520to%252520Hotel%252520Calif%252520at%252520the%252520fair%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Eagles tribute to Hotel Calif at the fair" border="0" height="136" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-phfvFax-Puc/Uj_L2D7qIbI/AAAAAAAADLo/0g60pk39LWQ/Eagles%252520tribute%252520to%252520Hotel%252520Calif%252520at%252520the%252520fair_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Eagles tribute to Hotel Calif at the fair" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Of one interesting note: while at the Fair we decided to take in a concert. It was a group called the Eagles tribute to Hotel California. Anyone not around in the later 60’s & 70’s, feel free to skip ahead. For the rest of us, it was a trip to that time when “music” blasting at 140 plus decimals was the rage. Afterwards Collins observed that anyone having a heart attack during the show had nothing to worry about: the bass from the multiple speakers, each the size of a car, was so strong it guaranteed keeping the heart pulsating. He felt that being half deaf was this time a blessing. The music was great & we had a fun day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b> <b>Sept 12</b> We are presently in Joseph, Oregon (Wallowa Lake & Hells canyon). The two hundred mile trip from Fairchild, which should have taken four hours, took an unexpected six as a result of our decision to take a “scenic short cut”. While Karen got to appreciate the beautiful views, Collins got to appreciate the term “switch-back”. The mountains were over 4,000 feet high & we traveled up, down & around them many times over. Thankfully, while the road was narrow, it was also in good condition, & lightly traveled… go figure<br />
<br />
<br />
. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0_wVRTh3hPE/Uj_L34WHFNI/AAAAAAAADLw/d_HByqP0qM8/s1600-h/Bronze%252520statue%252520in%252520Joseph%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Bronze statue in Joseph" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zIsfcsaPANU/Uj_L5agGR9I/AAAAAAAADL4/5MqdC763KMg/Bronze%252520statue%252520in%252520Joseph_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bronze statue in Joseph" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7n3jwtVeqI/UkBvyY3VakI/AAAAAAAADR4/ItxE3EtM1WQ/s1600/Karen+with+Indian+Statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7n3jwtVeqI/UkBvyY3VakI/AAAAAAAADR4/ItxE3EtM1WQ/s320/Karen+with+Indian+Statue.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Joseph is small, artistically quaint & a day’s drive from anything having a McDonalds or Wal-Mart. It is especially known for its bronze castings, some of which are located in the “town center”. Since the town is only two blocks long we had no problem finding this Mecca. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wxXy_ufMk20/Uj_L_tgHL7I/AAAAAAAADMg/rMjc-45Pg_s/s1600-h/Collins%252520with%252520old%252520carriage%252520in%252520Joseph%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Collins with old carriage in Joseph" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izSLawySfUY/Uj_MAjorifI/AAAAAAAADMo/29KCXYT-15U/Collins%252520with%252520old%252520carriage%252520in%252520Joseph_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Collins with old carriage in Joseph" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins with old carriage<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xDeRsDE_osw/Uj_L9dgBkpI/AAAAAAAADMQ/Q7jNgy2eRbc/s1600-h/Mountain%252520Lion%252520Bronze%252520in%252520Joseph%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Mountain Lion Bronze in Joseph" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tAZ_XPzr3jg/Uj_L-SapiNI/AAAAAAAADMY/IP53fMBFX7Y/Mountain%252520Lion%252520Bronze%252520in%252520Joseph_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mountain Lion Bronze in Joseph" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
Of the thirty something States we have presently visited, Oregon continually has by far the best RV State Parks. Our present location is just a few miles from Joseph & within a pine forest with full hook-ups next to a large, pretty lake. And to ensure you have something to see while walking your dog (you can’t get in without a dog), they import herds of deer. During our last venture to the lake, we saw 6 bucks with racks from little spikes to eight antlers. Snuggles wasn’t impressed, even when we took her out one morning for a walk & found a doe sleeping under the rig. Tame doesn’t express how friendly these creatures are. If you’re carrying food, they will literally follow you home or until fed<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Va0Dx0nfttE/Uj_MB5AS2cI/AAAAAAAADMw/puafotgOgKw/s1600-h/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%2525203%252520%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deer in State Park 3 " border="0" height="209" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P6XyY2TsKis/Uj_MC6kdiEI/AAAAAAAADM4/uHv7IeO8tFU/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%2525203%252520_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Deer in State Park 3 " width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Buck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1s-k9fExS5Q/Uj_MEVHdFXI/AAAAAAAADNA/SDiSgE-OXGc/s1600-h/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%2525207%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Deer in State Park 7" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5YUL7nOcW5Q/Uj_MFBLlU8I/AAAAAAAADNI/Vo7a3oPLEWQ/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%2525207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Deer in State Park 7" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They stuck their heads right in the car window<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b></b> <b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bITYtGP4EpQ/Uj_MGaar8WI/AAAAAAAADNQ/S3_fIvYLasE/s1600-h/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%25252010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Deer in State Park 10" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JWdcOMxWp38/Uj_MHer2UEI/AAAAAAAADNY/XwoxcNtPQcI/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%25252010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Deer in State Park 10" width="240" /></a></b><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8CTvkAntOeE/Uj_MI3UdgEI/AAAAAAAADNg/bZq9hE2Loas/s1600-h/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Deer in State Park 5" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7AJre4zdaD4/Uj_MJvnFboI/AAAAAAAADNo/WwptgcTFDKg/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Deer in State Park 5" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N7Y-9ZrLtII/Uj_MK6YtOoI/AAAAAAAADNw/bf---FZsiag/s1600-h/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Deer in State Park" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9f29k1lYXPA/Uj_MLk1GIII/AAAAAAAADN4/yH5XGou8L2Y/Deer%252520in%252520State%252520Park_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Deer in State Park" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b> <b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zAHOP41RxyY/Uj_MM0hWZ5I/AAAAAAAADOA/aWvnppstL7Q/s1600-h/Tram%252520%252526%252520Wallowa%252520Lake%252520from%252520Summit%252520restuarant%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Tram & Wallowa Lake from Summit restuarant" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q1fdml1ixTU/Uj_MOMGtq9I/AAAAAAAADOI/b08g2tofwWI/Tram%252520%252526%252520Wallowa%252520Lake%252520from%252520Summit%252520restuarant_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Tram & Wallowa Lake from Summit restuarant" width="240" /></a></b> <b></b> <b>Sept 13 </b>Mt. Howard’s summit is about 9,000 feet high & has a tram ascending 8,150 ft. Since today was a do-something vs. do-nothing day, we took the tram & then walked several of the trails circling the summit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q9a3ftonGfQ/Uj_MPYdd1wI/AAAAAAAADOQ/npBzLQ3oP48/s1600-h/Tram%252520at%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Tram at Mt. Howard 2" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iAgjorMNUFM/Uj_MQnllaWI/AAAAAAAADOY/VHsjc18Gy-A/Tram%252520at%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Tram at Mt. Howard 2" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o2SYa0SbS0o/Uj_MSs8a2qI/AAAAAAAADOg/ZeP7VedJrYg/s1600-h/Summit%252520of%252520Mt%252520Howard%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Summit of Mt Howard" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m2NTipYSktE/Uj_MTk72ecI/AAAAAAAADOo/8ICED6hrdSg/Summit%252520of%252520Mt%252520Howard_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Summit of Mt Howard" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here’s a few interesting items about this location: · We saw four States from its summit: Washington, Montana, Idaho & Oregon <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lKP_z3mElCM/Uj_MV7yoVoI/AAAAAAAADOw/UXxeH2iIs4g/s1600-h/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="view from Mt. Howard 4" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VMJScRRoXY0/Uj_MW4-RkGI/AAAAAAAADO4/GVPuFmVl9ro/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from Mt. Howard 4" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CXdLPO-pF_Y/Uj_MYOLIweI/AAAAAAAADPA/WcJi9w-E_LM/s1600-h/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525206%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="view from Mt. Howard 6" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T_xTxRO-kkE/Uj_MZGPRO3I/AAAAAAAADPI/SBeB7QNN6Yk/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525206_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from Mt. Howard 6" width="240" /></a> <br />
· <br />
For every 1,000 feet you ascend, the temperature drops 3 degrees · At 10,000 feet, your oxygen is reduced 15% from that of sea level * There are white bark pines over 1000 years old <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P-TP7IwYNQw/Uj_MasVCFkI/AAAAAAAADPQ/8Pd3d-2dong/s1600-h/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525207%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="view from Mt. Howard 7" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b9CxfE8vdVc/Uj_MbylP3mI/AAAAAAAADPY/6nAlVw6TQGY/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from Mt. Howard 7" width="240" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uvUj_o72F-Q/Uj_Mdwns18I/AAAAAAAADPg/GXPqGOMtsOQ/s1600-h/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525209%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="view from Mt. Howard 9" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3ZLF3G_7U3c/Uj_Mfo7tkrI/AAAAAAAADPo/tc5XI9NYqTA/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%2525209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from Mt. Howard 9" width="240" /></a> ·<br />
<br />
The trails are rated easy to difficult; we forgot these are subjective terms based on one’s physical condition · There is a wind sock in an open area near the top so that a helicopter can pick up those old folks that tried to reach it & died. While we made the top, we only thought we were going to die. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CPkb0G4v6pc/Uj_MhUb5OYI/AAAAAAAADPw/hhj0WAi_d90/s1600-h/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%25252010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="view from Mt. Howard 10" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jXUsd0j1q-A/Uj_Mi6XYERI/AAAAAAAADP4/aApeWFfaEtY/view%252520from%252520Mt.%252520Howard%25252010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="view from Mt. Howard 10" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
We also took a couple of Scenic Drives while at Wallowa Lake. Karen really wanted to see Hell’s Canyon since we were so close & it was well worth the drive.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H_qndVCXB20/Uj_MkzVA03I/AAAAAAAADQA/GBuB97YsmVc/s1600-h/Roadside%252520scenery%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Roadside scenery (3)" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HgZ6lCko0b8/Uj_MmbGfUWI/AAAAAAAADQI/kHrpUrqXavI/Roadside%252520scenery%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Roadside scenery (3)" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jw-Xbw9T4lI/Uj_MnwV0qaI/AAAAAAAADQQ/7uHZ1YU5hWc/s1600-h/Roadside%252520scenery%2525206%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Roadside scenery 6" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4HXluzF2okU/Uj_MpG-y0SI/AAAAAAAADQY/aL-JUNxpBGk/Roadside%252520scenery%2525206_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Roadside scenery 6" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The drive to Hell’s Canyon had some unique rock formations<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EHrmrFfgH-w/Uj_MqhobzrI/AAAAAAAADQg/dkmslC__MpM/s1600-h/Roadside%252520Scenery%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Roadside Scenery" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_aOzOMe3wAQ/Uj_MrsGhD5I/AAAAAAAADQo/wUpAkTsERAw/Roadside%252520Scenery_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Roadside Scenery" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EHrmrFfgH-w/Uj_MqhobzrI/AAAAAAAADQg/dkmslC__MpM/s1600-h/Roadside%252520Scenery%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EHrmrFfgH-w/Uj_MqhobzrI/AAAAAAAADQg/dkmslC__MpM/s1600-h/Roadside%252520Scenery%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qQ_MyS-FC5w/Uj_Ms33Wh4I/AAAAAAAADQw/b2BrLk3t57Q/s1600-h/Hell%252527s%252520Canyon%2525209%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="right" alt="Hell's Canyon 9" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ewt2mhCBcEQ/Uj_MuPhGNiI/AAAAAAAADQ4/mmz5OBCR4Lc/Hell%252527s%252520Canyon%2525209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hell's Canyon 9" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hell's Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our first glimpse of Hell’s Canyon took our breath away. The pictures do it no justice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TsiQ9UwLCAM/Uj_MvuJJVLI/AAAAAAAADRA/ZagWBxoJsxE/s1600-h/Hell%252527s%252520Canyon%2525208%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hell's Canyon 8" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4S-pZfuxT5Y/Uj_MwvIBYCI/AAAAAAAADRI/rnEfy6c4Tpk/Hell%252527s%252520Canyon%2525208_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hell's Canyon 8" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-geCHvklPBnQ/Uj_MyLuTzII/AAAAAAAADRQ/hG8nbw1Gfxs/s1600-h/Hell%252527s%252520Canyon%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Hell's Canyon 2" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NGTC3QluzxM/Uj_MzbsvgoI/AAAAAAAADRY/0jVB8GtlRlU/Hell%252527s%252520Canyon%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hell's Canyon 2" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sept 19th we left Wallowa Lake to begin our journey towards Las Vegas, Nevada. We have reservations at Nellis Air Force Base Nov. 9th & will be leaving the RV there at the end of November. In the meantime. We will take our time & check out more sights along the way.Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-42195744793705686792013-08-09T02:31:00.001-04:002013-08-09T02:31:21.365-04:00ALASKA Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npbzUdWPW5c/UfoHTUw3yQI/AAAAAAAACeA/CPIzh14hHZA/s1600/Welcome+to+alaska.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npbzUdWPW5c/UfoHTUw3yQI/AAAAAAAACeA/CPIzh14hHZA/s320/Welcome+to+alaska.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before you begin this blog, I will warn you there are lots of pictures in
here. It has been so beautiful & so many things to see, I just didn’t know
where to draw the line. In the pics with the animals, be sure to double click
them, so you can get a better look. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we
enjoyed the views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xY-hv-Ej_0/UfoHjs7hFPI/AAAAAAAACeI/nw2eTd8ihLY/s1600/Bear+Cartoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xY-hv-Ej_0/UfoHjs7hFPI/AAAAAAAACeI/nw2eTd8ihLY/s320/Bear+Cartoon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogpMloKcvt0/UfyEhdhE1tI/AAAAAAAACeY/hJVlkg68t0U/s1600/Musk+OX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogpMloKcvt0/UfyEhdhE1tI/AAAAAAAACeY/hJVlkg68t0U/s320/Musk+OX.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While still in Anchorage, we decided to do a little sightseeing with our friends. Jim decided we should visit the Musk Ox farm & the reindeer farm. Musk Ox are big, furry, horned animals that can weigh up to 900 lbs. They are definitely not the cute & fuzzy type.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgTk-XCYjq0/UfyGDHA0nrI/AAAAAAAACeo/FRIdeeIg1Zg/s1600/Check+out+his+rack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgTk-XCYjq0/UfyGDHA0nrI/AAAAAAAACeo/FRIdeeIg1Zg/s320/Check+out+his+rack.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We found the reindeer much more interesting. Both sexes grow antlers & they fall off every year. They new ones can grow as much as an inch a day when they start again in the spring. This reindeer farm had all sizes & we were allowed to go into the pen & feed them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LujAUYVAx9M/UfyG3T2z9mI/AAAAAAAACe0/sODDg9zlm8A/s1600/Collins+feeds+the+Reindeer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LujAUYVAx9M/UfyG3T2z9mI/AAAAAAAACe0/sODDg9zlm8A/s320/Collins+feeds+the+Reindeer.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins Feeding the Reindeer!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsEVqptSlzs/UfyH7_4rLqI/AAAAAAAACfE/IaLsIHvCzkA/s1600/Moose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsEVqptSlzs/UfyH7_4rLqI/AAAAAAAACfE/IaLsIHvCzkA/s320/Moose.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
July 11th we left Anchorage for Seward. It was only about a 3 hour drive & we enjoyed scenic views along the way. We also passed a Wildlife Conservation Center & decided to stop for a look. We were able to see some of the Alaskan wildlife close up. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rges7CL94U/UfyIZCo9S1I/AAAAAAAACfM/ME_8t_9Rw5k/s1600/Moose+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rges7CL94U/UfyIZCo9S1I/AAAAAAAACfM/ME_8t_9Rw5k/s320/Moose+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Moose also grow new antlers each year<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcoqbAHFVmE/UfyI9IPNbBI/AAAAAAAACfY/VQw86_5QbRI/s1600/Moose+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcoqbAHFVmE/UfyI9IPNbBI/AAAAAAAACfY/VQw86_5QbRI/s320/Moose+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8XlJfAqK_0/UfyJN13jDjI/AAAAAAAACfg/G5CJ2YDzLFk/s1600/Moose+Info.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8XlJfAqK_0/UfyJN13jDjI/AAAAAAAACfg/G5CJ2YDzLFk/s320/Moose+Info.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Double click on this picture. It gives some interesting information on Moose<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNX8tKbb7QU/UfyKWv0lyQI/AAAAAAAACfw/7NVVmvVJIbc/s1600/Bear+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNX8tKbb7QU/UfyKWv0lyQI/AAAAAAAACfw/7NVVmvVJIbc/s320/Bear+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
They also had a couple of bears at the conservation center. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtKw-PLhZnM/UfyKsh_uhCI/AAAAAAAACf4/J4sXBTGTYU8/s1600/Bear+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtKw-PLhZnM/UfyKsh_uhCI/AAAAAAAACf4/J4sXBTGTYU8/s320/Bear+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
they train them to sit, open their mouths & do other things, not as tricks, but as a way for the handlers to check them without too much fuss.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2bHz1khM18/UfyLB_r-6UI/AAAAAAAACgA/Yh5w6uJ6e60/s1600/Bear+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2bHz1khM18/UfyLB_r-6UI/AAAAAAAACgA/Yh5w6uJ6e60/s320/Bear+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was fun to watch them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVhdVQ10uFI/UfyLYYze-8I/AAAAAAAACgI/ZCJeJOkvkec/s1600/Bear+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVhdVQ10uFI/UfyLYYze-8I/AAAAAAAACgI/ZCJeJOkvkec/s400/Bear+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ONcYD4KAeM/UfyMOFJBm5I/AAAAAAAACgc/XmXHp84lmmA/s1600/Porcupine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ONcYD4KAeM/UfyMOFJBm5I/AAAAAAAACgc/XmXHp84lmmA/s320/Porcupine.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
They had a porcupine, which I'd never seen close before. He certainly isn't furry!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEkTo_3g4Tc/UfyMtcNyGVI/AAAAAAAACgk/7X0WcgNZmpM/s1600/Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEkTo_3g4Tc/UfyMtcNyGVI/AAAAAAAACgk/7X0WcgNZmpM/s400/Owl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOZGrSULRBg/UfyNJEmJtgI/AAAAAAAACgs/MZv32UHYnmw/s1600/Bald+Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOZGrSULRBg/UfyNJEmJtgI/AAAAAAAACgs/MZv32UHYnmw/s400/Bald+Eagle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bald Eagle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBIN2FgZTvU/UfyNxgXCawI/AAAAAAAACg0/NVlumG-0PQE/s1600/Octopus+carrying+it's+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBIN2FgZTvU/UfyNxgXCawI/AAAAAAAACg0/NVlumG-0PQE/s320/Octopus+carrying+it's+eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Octopus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Seward is a small town of about 2700 people located on Resurrection Bay & the east coast of the Kenai Peninsula. While we were there we went to the Alaska Sealife Center. They rescue sea creatures & either keep them there til they’re able to be released or, if they can’t go back, they are kept there. It was a very interesting place & we got the chance to have a close up view of many of the sea creatures you only see at a distance. This is a picture of an octopus & all the round white things you see on it are it's eggs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8v69fjcFSHM/UfyOatpdk6I/AAAAAAAACg8/HusEMHIJhxQ/s1600/Horned+Puffin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8v69fjcFSHM/UfyOatpdk6I/AAAAAAAACg8/HusEMHIJhxQ/s320/Horned+Puffin.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horned Puffin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was excited to finally see a Puffin. They’re cute little creatures. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vzaapFp31M/UfyPBCbW4sI/AAAAAAAAChE/tdkB-r9MyQM/s1600/Tufted++Puffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vzaapFp31M/UfyPBCbW4sI/AAAAAAAAChE/tdkB-r9MyQM/s320/Tufted++Puffin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tufted Puffin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtcOvxSP7gs/UfyPeG2TX6I/AAAAAAAAChM/emG4alg7iY8/s1600/Eider+Down+Duck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtcOvxSP7gs/UfyPeG2TX6I/AAAAAAAAChM/emG4alg7iY8/s320/Eider+Down+Duck.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eider Down Duck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1pSLwJa-gY/UfyQKzoIgxI/AAAAAAAAChY/J1XaSxhTEAc/s1600/Sea+Creatures+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1pSLwJa-gY/UfyQKzoIgxI/AAAAAAAAChY/J1XaSxhTEAc/s320/Sea+Creatures+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ry2CARtNqrE/UfyQgeLJrhI/AAAAAAAAChg/Q587R-1Gx-E/s1600/Sea+Creatures.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ry2CARtNqrE/UfyQgeLJrhI/AAAAAAAAChg/Q587R-1Gx-E/s320/Sea+Creatures.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Creatures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwE944xFMNY/UfyQ5_556hI/AAAAAAAACho/GmQGofPKvTM/s1600/Steller+Sea+Lion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwE944xFMNY/UfyQ5_556hI/AAAAAAAACho/GmQGofPKvTM/s320/Steller+Sea+Lion.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Steller Sea Lions can grow to 1200 Lbs or more<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ET7tiTgzzs/UfyRiSemixI/AAAAAAAACh0/vn9ca6qDYv0/s1600/Stellar+Sea+Lion+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ET7tiTgzzs/UfyRiSemixI/AAAAAAAACh0/vn9ca6qDYv0/s320/Stellar+Sea+Lion+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
They can live around 20 years<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b88on6qoHzY/UfySIZj5vTI/AAAAAAAACh4/6w17TJPSXsU/s1600/Stellar+Sea+Lion+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b88on6qoHzY/UfySIZj5vTI/AAAAAAAACh4/6w17TJPSXsU/s320/Stellar+Sea+Lion+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew2eG1oyltY/UfyS1gd6LPI/AAAAAAAACiA/gdHN8zFf6fU/s1600/This+MT+was+right+behind+our+RV+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew2eG1oyltY/UfyS1gd6LPI/AAAAAAAACiA/gdHN8zFf6fU/s320/This+MT+was+right+behind+our+RV+park.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The RV park we stayed in had a huge mountain with a glacier right behind us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtCOVJkQXCg/UfyTcvWEqcI/AAAAAAAACiI/92DIMSw9C_E/s1600/Fixing+an+RV+problem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtCOVJkQXCg/UfyTcvWEqcI/AAAAAAAACiI/92DIMSw9C_E/s320/Fixing+an+RV+problem.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
One day Collins was trying to fix a problem with our Tow Bar. He asked our friend Jim for some help. Next thing I knew, he had 3 more helpers. it's always that way in an RV Park. People are always ready & willing to help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2F7jWBkoZeI/Uf0dhOOPxDI/AAAAAAAACiY/hgYPoSRPmdU/s1600/Us+at+Seward+Harbor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2F7jWBkoZeI/Uf0dhOOPxDI/AAAAAAAACiY/hgYPoSRPmdU/s320/Us+at+Seward+Harbor.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seward Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BIPtOyTPAE/Uf0lF8ucpOI/AAAAAAAACio/1QCmcQ61240/s1600/Seward+Harbor+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BIPtOyTPAE/Uf0lF8ucpOI/AAAAAAAACio/1QCmcQ61240/s320/Seward+Harbor+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seward Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzwWjP9qmc/Uf0mAbwPC-I/AAAAAAAACi4/O8QNj1LRH5U/s1600/Kenai+Fjords+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzwWjP9qmc/Uf0mAbwPC-I/AAAAAAAACi4/O8QNj1LRH5U/s320/Kenai+Fjords+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the blue water in the Kenai Fjords</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We also took a boat trip in the Kenai Fjords National Park. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOL_F6QgblI/Uf8lpBVAwcI/AAAAAAAACjI/drAoB2vcozo/s1600/Kenai+Fjords+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOL_F6QgblI/Uf8lpBVAwcI/AAAAAAAACjI/drAoB2vcozo/s320/Kenai+Fjords+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenai Fjords</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a beautiful, sunny day & we saw more glaciers & critters than we did on our whole cruise we took in May. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2P6OJ_nr8Sc/Uf8mKPjYlTI/AAAAAAAACjQ/Vxp7MeCHbso/s1600/Whale+in+the+Fjords+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2P6OJ_nr8Sc/Uf8mKPjYlTI/AAAAAAAACjQ/Vxp7MeCHbso/s400/Whale+in+the+Fjords+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the whale (Double click the picture)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9c4TFmNZEw/Uf8mf44hhlI/AAAAAAAACjY/OdLj6wkhYaE/s1600/Whale+in+the+Fjords+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9c4TFmNZEw/Uf8mf44hhlI/AAAAAAAACjY/OdLj6wkhYaE/s400/Whale+in+the+Fjords+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another whale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSx7qc1mVHk/Uf8m26AVQMI/AAAAAAAACjg/8h88NdOutr8/s1600/Glacier+at+Kenai+Fjords+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSx7qc1mVHk/Uf8m26AVQMI/AAAAAAAACjg/8h88NdOutr8/s320/Glacier+at+Kenai+Fjords+14.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier in Fjord</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFxDH7xfMP4/Uf8nhuzcsaI/AAAAAAAACjs/svOqQx9EHGo/s1600/Kenai+Fjords+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFxDH7xfMP4/Uf8nhuzcsaI/AAAAAAAACjs/svOqQx9EHGo/s320/Kenai+Fjords+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fjords</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqgnBHiJL6I/Uf8oBIgfQlI/AAAAAAAACj0/Fd5LSWQufOw/s1600/Seals+on+the+rocks%252C+Kenai+Fjords%252C+AK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqgnBHiJL6I/Uf8oBIgfQlI/AAAAAAAACj0/Fd5LSWQufOw/s640/Seals+on+the+rocks%252C+Kenai+Fjords%252C+AK.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seals on the rocks (Dbl click picture)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vA03Xm3nzPU/Uf8oh_PtUnI/AAAAAAAACkA/CKQxirBbODo/s1600/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vA03Xm3nzPU/Uf8oh_PtUnI/AAAAAAAACkA/CKQxirBbODo/s320/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak+14.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier in the Fjords</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm6XRObWIyQ/Uf8pWveYDUI/AAAAAAAACkM/Nz6L4BGJ8ok/s1600/Collins+%2526+Karen+at+Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm6XRObWIyQ/Uf8pWveYDUI/AAAAAAAACkM/Nz6L4BGJ8ok/s320/Collins+%2526+Karen+at+Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfEjHjjsEJs/Uf8p34Psv3I/AAAAAAAACkU/CYz1F4jkFpM/s1600/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfEjHjjsEJs/Uf8p34Psv3I/AAAAAAAACkU/CYz1F4jkFpM/s400/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak+11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier in Fjords</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8z6kny92IlY/Uf8qsawm3pI/AAAAAAAACko/0yIoD7H5ELI/s1600/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8z6kny92IlY/Uf8qsawm3pI/AAAAAAAACko/0yIoD7H5ELI/s320/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak9.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have so much blue color</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ODtVveFyuM/Uf8quq5df8I/AAAAAAAACk0/fJbnbn_wLbI/s1600/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ODtVveFyuM/Uf8quq5df8I/AAAAAAAACk0/fJbnbn_wLbI/s400/Glacier+in+Kenai+Fjords%252C+Ak+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmiWbYQLeU/Uf8qxrEdkrI/AAAAAAAACk8/AAKN5uPycs4/s1600/Ice+chunk+from+Kenai+glacier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmiWbYQLeU/Uf8qxrEdkrI/AAAAAAAACk8/AAKN5uPycs4/s320/Ice+chunk+from+Kenai+glacier.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating piece of glacier ice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20CxYpLR0sA/UgAKaJffVPI/AAAAAAAACmI/0bdw_Si8kyo/s1600/Captain+of+our+boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20CxYpLR0sA/UgAKaJffVPI/AAAAAAAACmI/0bdw_Si8kyo/s320/Captain+of+our+boat.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our boat captain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAU-nL7GcNg/Uf8s0L2gOVI/AAAAAAAAClM/M4wW8g6Boew/s1600/Seals+warming+themselves+on+the+rocks+of+the+Fjords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAU-nL7GcNg/Uf8s0L2gOVI/AAAAAAAAClM/M4wW8g6Boew/s400/Seals+warming+themselves+on+the+rocks+of+the+Fjords.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More seals warming themselves on the rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_K42Y0pqY/UgHPSwt6xhI/AAAAAAAACvY/uBqAnl4EDY8/s1600/WW+II+bunkers+on+top+of+Rock+in+the+fjords.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_K42Y0pqY/UgHPSwt6xhI/AAAAAAAACvY/uBqAnl4EDY8/s400/WW+II+bunkers+on+top+of+Rock+in+the+fjords.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World War II Bunkers on top of a rock in the Fjords</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCGPKXZQILk/UgAKZv8TkXI/AAAAAAAACl8/KkR6BPZZg70/s1600/Exit+Glacier+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCGPKXZQILk/UgAKZv8TkXI/AAAAAAAACl8/KkR6BPZZg70/s320/Exit+Glacier+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also went to Exit Glacier Park. We listened to a Ranger speak about the bears & he had the fur from a grizzly & a black bear. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kkd36mSvEJE/UgAKZmCmI7I/AAAAAAAACl4/99C8Jez3jC0/s1600/Exit+Glacier+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kkd36mSvEJE/UgAKZmCmI7I/AAAAAAAACl4/99C8Jez3jC0/s320/Exit+Glacier+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SsYHQYGW7c/UgAKaaDYFPI/AAAAAAAACmQ/Cjig2BmmZx4/s1600/Karen+made+it+to+the+Exit+Glacier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SsYHQYGW7c/UgAKaaDYFPI/AAAAAAAACmQ/Cjig2BmmZx4/s320/Karen+made+it+to+the+Exit+Glacier.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen made it to the Exit Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You could walk out close to the glacier, which I did. You can see the crevices & the blue coloring really well. Collins says you’ve seen one glacier, you’ve seen them all, but I really enjoyed it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCOMYDlCPH0/UgAKahAUJ8I/AAAAAAAACmY/GkLPW5RYjvY/s1600/Path+to+the+Exit+Glacier+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCOMYDlCPH0/UgAKahAUJ8I/AAAAAAAACmY/GkLPW5RYjvY/s320/Path+to+the+Exit+Glacier+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to the Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMeYe266TLs/UgAKa-gu6XI/AAAAAAAACmc/lBzCsI2PcIU/s1600/Path+to+the+exit+glacier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMeYe266TLs/UgAKa-gu6XI/AAAAAAAACmc/lBzCsI2PcIU/s320/Path+to+the+exit+glacier.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to the Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e_ptLJzNuE/UgB7zM3zMfI/AAAAAAAACn8/YIo5w5C4qeE/s1600/camping+at+the+beach+11pm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e_ptLJzNuE/UgB7zM3zMfI/AAAAAAAACn8/YIo5w5C4qeE/s320/camping+at+the+beach+11pm.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping at the beach 11PM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our new friends met up with us in Steward & we all continued to Homer. Homer is on the southwest Kenai Peninsula. It’s a cute little fishing town, with beautiful views. We were able to get a campsite right on the water & stayed there for 3 nights. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCJB8vsK26E/UgB7y6XRtjI/AAAAAAAACn4/_X7UUtt-xHQ/s1600/View+from+our+RV+in+Homer+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCJB8vsK26E/UgB7y6XRtjI/AAAAAAAACn4/_X7UUtt-xHQ/s320/View+from+our+RV+in+Homer+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our RV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_st1hFakKc/UgB7ygCBWKI/AAAAAAAACnw/GjgxWYlKt74/s1600/View+from+our+RV+in+HOmer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_st1hFakKc/UgB7ygCBWKI/AAAAAAAACnw/GjgxWYlKt74/s320/View+from+our+RV+in+HOmer.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from our RV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLwDgkCyXs4/Uf8tDK97LTI/AAAAAAAAClk/2X9awPsztH0/s1600/Terry+%2526+Collins+waiting+for++wives.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLwDgkCyXs4/Uf8tDK97LTI/AAAAAAAAClk/2X9awPsztH0/s640/Terry+%2526+Collins+waiting+for++wives.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry & Collins Waiting for Wives - check out what the bench says</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZNr8QP1hyk/UgB7vJrf0mI/AAAAAAAACnM/xWEa2jiimYM/s1600/Salty+Dawg%252C+Homer%252C+AK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZNr8QP1hyk/UgB7vJrf0mI/AAAAAAAACnM/xWEa2jiimYM/s320/Salty+Dawg%252C+Homer%252C+AK.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
One day we just walked around the little shops by the bay & stopped into the Salty Dawg for a drink. The Salty Dawg started out as one of the first cabins built in 1897, soon after Homer became a town site. It served as the first post office, a railroad station, a grocery store, and a coal mining office for twenty years. In 1909 a second building was constructed, and it served as a school house, post office, grocery store. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYRlHLwNhpo/UgB7s0qoeXI/AAAAAAAACm4/wm8AZB7XhNs/s1600/Jim%252C+Joann%252C+Collins%252C+Elka%252C+%2526+Terry+at+Salty+Dawg%252C+homer%252C+AK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYRlHLwNhpo/UgB7s0qoeXI/AAAAAAAACm4/wm8AZB7XhNs/s320/Jim%252C+Joann%252C+Collins%252C+Elka%252C+%2526+Terry+at+Salty+Dawg%252C+homer%252C+AK.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim, Joann, Collins, Elka & Terry having a drink at the Salty Dawg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The bar is known for the thousands of dollar bills signed by visitors and tacked to the walls. This practice started many years ago, when a visitor tacked a dollar on the wall, explaining that his friend would be by later. The dollar was intended for buying the friend a drink.<sup> </sup><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MTWsrUSh5E/Uf8s_18F3zI/AAAAAAAAClc/FHebpVPs0JQ/s1600/Homer+Harbor+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MTWsrUSh5E/Uf8s_18F3zI/AAAAAAAAClc/FHebpVPs0JQ/s320/Homer+Harbor+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homer Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
For those of you who watch the TV show “The Deadliest Catch”, Homer is the harbor home of “The Time Bandit”. We didn’t see it when we were there. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07gEtynQ2rc/UgB7vBzXitI/AAAAAAAACnI/E467-D0Gzlk/s1600/Old+RV+made+into+a+shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07gEtynQ2rc/UgB7vBzXitI/AAAAAAAACnI/E467-D0Gzlk/s320/Old+RV+made+into+a+shop.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old RV made into a shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We also saw this old rv that was used as a store. The owner said it still runs. All he has to do is remove the flower boxes & he's ready to roll. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvOkmlHCfoM/UgB7s9G40BI/AAAAAAAACm8/XUOtiy67-f4/s1600/Collins+at+Winery+in+Homer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvOkmlHCfoM/UgB7s9G40BI/AAAAAAAACm8/XUOtiy67-f4/s320/Collins+at+Winery+in+Homer.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins at the winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There is also Bear Creek Winery there, It is known for it’s fruit wines, which tend to be sweeter. Since Collins & I are peasants, that’s the kind we like.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJQiBr46bcQ/UgB7xKZpbmI/AAAAAAAACnk/H9WdLbn7hYo/s1600/Karen%252C+Joann%252C+Jim+%2526+Elka+in+Homer%252C+AK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJQiBr46bcQ/UgB7xKZpbmI/AAAAAAAACnk/H9WdLbn7hYo/s320/Karen%252C+Joann%252C+Jim+%2526+Elka+in+Homer%252C+AK.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Joann, Jim & Elka at the Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Believe it or not, we ended up buying 6 various bottles & actually had a hard time choosing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pfFsQF6zSc/UgB7xJjjffI/AAAAAAAACng/clO1WoJW08w/s1600/Terry%252C+Elka%252C+Joann%252C+Jim%252C+Collins+%2526+Snuggles+having+a+bonfire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pfFsQF6zSc/UgB7xJjjffI/AAAAAAAACng/clO1WoJW08w/s320/Terry%252C+Elka%252C+Joann%252C+Jim%252C+Collins+%2526+Snuggles+having+a+bonfire.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonfire on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHnUpWCyvAQ/UgB7qw7f6oI/AAAAAAAACms/ukudvtuaJ2c/s1600/Eagle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHnUpWCyvAQ/UgB7qw7f6oI/AAAAAAAACms/ukudvtuaJ2c/s320/Eagle3.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
As we were dumping our water tanks after camping on the beach, we saw this Eagle in the tree. There was a nest there with babies in it. There are a lot of eagles in Homer & some people plant dead trees upside down so the eagles can nest in the roots. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dT19P7uj0BI/UgCDLG8URXI/AAAAAAAACoU/9AEfjnT_Vzc/s1600/Kenai+River+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dT19P7uj0BI/UgCDLG8URXI/AAAAAAAACoU/9AEfjnT_Vzc/s320/Kenai+River+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We crossed the Kenai River on our way back to Anchorage. The water was a beautiful shade of blue/green.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After our visit to the Kenai Peninsula, we had to return to Anchorage to buy Collins a new computer. His chose to die in Seward & there was no place around to even consider buying one. Anchorage had a Best Buy store, so we had good options. Of course, with a new computer comes a whole other set of problems. We’re lucky because we keep everything automatically backed up online with a great program called Carbonite, so at least we didn’t lose anything. However, you still have to reinstall all your program software & download everything that goes with it. The new computers have Windows 8, which has a new look & I spent several hours trying to figure that out. The Geek Squad at Best Buy was nice enough to keep our computer connected to their network so it could download a lot faster. As it was, it took 24 hours. One of the guys who worked there was nice enough to show me how to get to a screen that looked like Windows 7, so for the most part we’re getting it all figured out. That took several days of our time. I may have mentioned in our last blog that we were having trouble with our inverter. If we were connected to electric, all our outlets worked fine, if not, none of them worked, unless we ran the generator. We don’t camp without electric hookups very often, but we did in Homer. Luckily, it stays light long enough, so we didn’t really need a lot of power. We had decided just to wait til we returned to the lower 48 to get it fixed, because it’s so hard to get parts here! HOWEVER, the night before we were to leave Anchorage, we lost all our outlets but 2 in the bedroom & we were plugged into power. We called the next morning hoping to get into a repair shop there. We were told everyone had gone fishing & there was nothing they could do for a couple weeks – I’m serious!! The salmon were running & when that happens, everyone goes. We decided to go ahead to Denali & hope for the best. We were able to make an appointment in Fairbanks where we were headed after Denali.<br />
<b>July</b><b> 18<sup>th</sup></b> The distance from Anchorage to Denali is about 240 miles with Wasilla along the way. Now if that name rings a bell but you can’t quite place it, think Sarah Palin’s home town. Since our drive was only going to take us four hours, we decided to stop in and pay our respects. Unfortunately, she wasn’t home, but we did meet her daughter Bristol, who told us Sarah was off trying to actually see Russia. We were able to again meet up with our now traveling companions, Elka, JoAnn, Terry & Jim in an RV park outside of Denali &, for the next several days, played the tourists that we are & saw the sights. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpGho1-LDj0/UgCH2hZLXoI/AAAAAAAACoo/dt3bNplmzYQ/s1600/Karen+gets+ready+for+rafting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpGho1-LDj0/UgCH2hZLXoI/AAAAAAAACoo/dt3bNplmzYQ/s320/Karen+gets+ready+for+rafting.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen gets ready for rafting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Karen was able to achieve another of her “goals”, this time white water rafting. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ANYJfF9hpc/UgCH2u6sNhI/AAAAAAAACow/OZlnuO--jDI/s1600/Collins+gets+ready+to+go+rafting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ANYJfF9hpc/UgCH2u6sNhI/AAAAAAAACow/OZlnuO--jDI/s320/Collins+gets+ready+to+go+rafting.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins gets ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QS7M0bThj5Q/UgCH2y4qEDI/AAAAAAAACo4/RF4cytcq_GY/s1600/Collins+%2526+Karen+are+going+rafting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QS7M0bThj5Q/UgCH2y4qEDI/AAAAAAAACo4/RF4cytcq_GY/s320/Collins+%2526+Karen+are+going+rafting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now to ensure one has a clear idea what this type of rafting means in Alaska, the water in the river is straight from the glaciers, meaning its temperature is between 34* & 36*F. Unlike water from melting mountain snow, which runs crystal clear, glacier water is the color of sloppy cement… dull gray. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Yyu4JVyrQ/UgCMzp1QsMI/AAAAAAAACrc/lTEYDC71NeY/s1600/The+river+we+rafted+on.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Yyu4JVyrQ/UgCMzp1QsMI/AAAAAAAACrc/lTEYDC71NeY/s320/The+river+we+rafted+on.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the river we rafted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This particular river was tested & determined to have a silt content between 16% & 25%. The two hours of rapids running were great fun: nothing like getting slapped in the face by a wave of freezing water while your wife screams in your good ear.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tgfkgbkjGw/UgCH3Wf0JBI/AAAAAAAACo8/5x4rUNNOssM/s1600/rt1%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tgfkgbkjGw/UgCH3Wf0JBI/AAAAAAAACo8/5x4rUNNOssM/s320/rt1%255B1%255D.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what our raft looked like. We sat in the front, but this isn't our raft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Luckily, they gave us what they called “dry suits” to put on over our clothes, along with a bootie type shoe & some nice rubber gloves. They did keep us dry, altho our hands & feet were cold by the time we finished. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tt7hlC14n0/UgCKH9seq3I/AAAAAAAACpM/Et8shDBd9Uo/s1600/Mama+Moose+in+our+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tt7hlC14n0/UgCKH9seq3I/AAAAAAAACpM/Et8shDBd9Uo/s320/Mama+Moose+in+our+campground.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama moose in our RV park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By now we have seen so many moose, caribou, bears, both grizzly, black & cubs, as well as an assortment of other creatures, that we are jaded when another pops up along the road, or in our RV Park as several of them have done. We saw mom & her two calves the morning we were leaving Denali. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BX4ypnGdqLE/UgCKxRgWxNI/AAAAAAAACpU/fndJX3sh8_8/s1600/Welcome+to+Denali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BX4ypnGdqLE/UgCKxRgWxNI/AAAAAAAACpU/fndJX3sh8_8/s320/Welcome+to+Denali.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GY6QEb3Rfdo/UgCK12c37TI/AAAAAAAACpc/OCMRHO482dQ/s1600/Mt.+McKinley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GY6QEb3Rfdo/UgCK12c37TI/AAAAAAAACpc/OCMRHO482dQ/s400/Mt.+McKinley.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. McKinley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LPWtKHtTo5E/UgCMh3WyjGI/AAAAAAAACp4/wuCFMVa1B-0/s1600/Bear+%2526+her+cubs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LPWtKHtTo5E/UgCMh3WyjGI/AAAAAAAACp4/wuCFMVa1B-0/s320/Bear+%2526+her+cubs+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama bear & her cubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
To get an “oh wow” out of us now takes a lot more than when we started. To that end, we were fortunate that Karen scheduled our Denali Park sight seeing day when the skies were blue & Mt. McKinley, or Mt. Denali as it’s known here in Alaska, was in its full glory. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3RUL6tEu4A/UgCMh5GP9WI/AAAAAAAACp8/8QdFSXXoVfo/s1600/Bear+in+Denali+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3RUL6tEu4A/UgCMh5GP9WI/AAAAAAAACp8/8QdFSXXoVfo/s400/Bear+in+Denali+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMRVDkRlDt0/UgCMh4AL0oI/AAAAAAAACp0/hmnWirPV860/s1600/Bear+in+Denali+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMRVDkRlDt0/UgCMh4AL0oI/AAAAAAAACp0/hmnWirPV860/s320/Bear+in+Denali+2.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Site seeing trips by bus take you 65 miles into the Park on a 1 ½ lane, or less, two way dirt road without guardrails & 1,000 foot drop offs. Buses are now the only way allowed; personal autos are forbidden to minimize ecological damage. Our driver has been doing this for 21 years& , not only being extremely knowledgeable about everything around us, but he had a great sense of humor. Part of his routine was that, if he fell asleep while he was driving & we were going off a cliff, please don’t wake him, he always wanted to die in his sleep. From my part, I kept thinking about the stories you hear about buses in third world countries going off a cliff; from Karen’s perspective, it was coming down the mountain in our RV last year. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8q6ZEINx4jw/UgCMpfUo3xI/AAAAAAAACq0/rgW8uwcSWvw/s1600/Mt.+McKinley+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8q6ZEINx4jw/UgCMpfUo3xI/AAAAAAAACq0/rgW8uwcSWvw/s320/Mt.+McKinley+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Park Rangers told us that about 60% of the time one cannot see the top of, or frequently much of, the 20,600 ft mountain. No picture can give you that same feeling when you get to see this huge mountain taking over the sky, covered in snow & shining in the sun. It is truly an “oh wow” moment. To get a small perspective of its mass, the distance as the crow flies between the mountain’s two peaks is 3 miles, & the glaciers are well over 1,000’ deep.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwXLo9xywp0/UgCM2xLKS5I/AAAAAAAACr8/Ah-rTDij0Uc/s1600/caribou+in+Denali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwXLo9xywp0/UgCM2xLKS5I/AAAAAAAACr8/Ah-rTDij0Uc/s320/caribou+in+Denali.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caribou</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFRFN0t6Nhw/UgCMjr7qTfI/AAAAAAAACqU/zuTnAaHbQQ8/s1600/Denali+Park+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFRFN0t6Nhw/UgCMjr7qTfI/AAAAAAAACqU/zuTnAaHbQQ8/s320/Denali+Park+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denali Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Odw-4hm2Blw/UgCMxHUMcwI/AAAAAAAACrE/56oUscyF1AE/s1600/Mt.+McKinley+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Odw-4hm2Blw/UgCMxHUMcwI/AAAAAAAACrE/56oUscyF1AE/s320/Mt.+McKinley+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. McKinley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbC_XJkWwFw/UgCMkwUXSiI/AAAAAAAACqk/qurfZOLGqfc/s1600/Karen+%2526+Elka+at+Denali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbC_XJkWwFw/UgCMkwUXSiI/AAAAAAAACqk/qurfZOLGqfc/s320/Karen+%2526+Elka+at+Denali.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & Elka at Denali Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKOhvmXSzsY/UgCM0R5suXI/AAAAAAAACrk/qCAQ-81ZxW0/s1600/Two+bear+in+Denali+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKOhvmXSzsY/UgCM0R5suXI/AAAAAAAACrk/qCAQ-81ZxW0/s320/Two+bear+in+Denali+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Bears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-TEPPmH4EA/UgCMmwzSAfI/AAAAAAAACqs/ZuvGx21wVOI/s1600/Moose+antlers+locked+in+battle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-TEPPmH4EA/UgCMmwzSAfI/AAAAAAAACqs/ZuvGx21wVOI/s320/Moose+antlers+locked+in+battle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These are the antlers of two moose who locked horns in battle & couldn't get them apart. They both ended up dying because of that. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HOEU2qqKXU/UgCMjnIdiOI/AAAAAAAACqQ/sScMnQm9Aag/s1600/Denali+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HOEU2qqKXU/UgCMjnIdiOI/AAAAAAAACqQ/sScMnQm9Aag/s320/Denali+Park.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Denali Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4XQwnieCpo/UgHf3_JvBlI/AAAAAAAACvo/4Gc_DuNw4AY/s1600/The+braided+Savage+River+in+Denali+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4XQwnieCpo/UgHf3_JvBlI/AAAAAAAACvo/4Gc_DuNw4AY/s320/The+braided+Savage+River+in+Denali+Park.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The braided Savage River in Denali Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XxI3Dk64aA/UgCMyiDjpAI/AAAAAAAACrU/eLIrz_ExM8o/s1600/Two+Moose+babies+in+Denali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XxI3Dk64aA/UgCMyiDjpAI/AAAAAAAACrU/eLIrz_ExM8o/s400/Two+Moose+babies+in+Denali.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Moose Calves cross the street in front of us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJeaBwF-UK0/UgCM1vdiBZI/AAAAAAAACrs/T_go6Z3TNNk/s1600/Us+at+Denali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJeaBwF-UK0/UgCM1vdiBZI/AAAAAAAACrs/T_go6Z3TNNk/s320/Us+at+Denali.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at Denali Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlIRJwtNL9s/UgCMkWCu49I/AAAAAAAACqg/tuWk2c5UWho/s1600/Karen+%2526+Collins+meet+a+bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlIRJwtNL9s/UgCMkWCu49I/AAAAAAAACqg/tuWk2c5UWho/s320/Karen+%2526+Collins+meet+a+bear.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & Collins meet a bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MaujscIN7c/UgB7wpx6ujI/AAAAAAAACnU/yLtHc_8HWX8/s1600/Sunset+at+11pm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MaujscIN7c/UgB7wpx6ujI/AAAAAAAACnU/yLtHc_8HWX8/s320/Sunset+at+11pm.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun setting around 11PM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The night before we were leaving for Denali, our Inverter issue came back to bite us. Our refrigerator was flashing low DC (power) & our lights were very dim. Thank heavens for the “midnight sun”. We realized our batteries weren’t charging for some reason & soon we would have no power, even tho we were plugged into shore power. We unplugged everything in the coach & hoped we’d have enough power to keep the frig running til morning. The next morning the frig was still running, barely, & the RV started with no problem so off we went to Fairbanks. Our first stop was to the RV repair shop. Lucky for us, we were directed to a great repair facility – Alaska RV. A great guy named Dave came out to the RV & said he thought he knew what the problem was, but he checked everything before making a diagnosis- the breaker to our house batteries had tripped & they weren’t charging. We still have a bad circuit board in the inverter, but it’s charging the batteries so until we can get back, he suggested we just wait & get it fixed then. It’s really hard to get part here & it can take up to 2 weeks. An hour later we were back on the road with everything working. Needless to say, we’re happy campers!<br />
<br />
Fairbanks, like Anchorage, is a large city with just about every store you would need. The city itself has a population of about 32,000, but when you add in the outlying areas, it’s almost 99,000. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xHRhnw_gdQ/UgCUQb5x2kI/AAAAAAAACu8/nCeozbpyZMU/s1600/Santa+%252C+North+Pole%252C+AK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xHRhnw_gdQ/UgCUQb5x2kI/AAAAAAAACu8/nCeozbpyZMU/s320/Santa+%252C+North+Pole%252C+AK.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">July 26</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our week in Fairbanks was enjoyable; We even got to visit the North Pole
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYGUu7tm1ZE/UgCUIqtMLoI/AAAAAAAACtk/7naYxuuVKic/s1600/Collins%252C+Snuggles+%2526+Karen+with+Santa%252C+North+Pole%252C+AK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYGUu7tm1ZE/UgCUIqtMLoI/AAAAAAAACtk/7naYxuuVKic/s320/Collins%252C+Snuggles+%2526+Karen+with+Santa%252C+North+Pole%252C+AK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">& sit on Santa’s lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqwdWROOH4M/UgCULWxInOI/AAAAAAAACuE/R8wfh85DeP8/s1600/Karen+%2526+the+grizzly+bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqwdWROOH4M/UgCULWxInOI/AAAAAAAACuE/R8wfh85DeP8/s320/Karen+%2526+the+grizzly+bear.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & the Grizzly Bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The University
of Alaska is here, as well as a Museum depicting Alaska’s past… I know, go
figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s actually very modern,
interesting & shows a movie on the Borealis, as well as one on a gentleman
who, in his 50’s & in the mid 1950’s, decided to leave civilization &,
by himself, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>build a cabin in the Alaskan
wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using a tripod to hold his
movie camera, he detailed his work to build his log cabin & the efforts needed
to survive (gardening, fishing, hunting).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Absolutely fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
efforts and workmanship with just some basic tools created a cabin most anyone
would be comfortable & happy in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
finally left when he was 82 years old; we were told he decided it was time to
find a woman & settle down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYJjyh0c9Ms/UgCUHtoMI7I/AAAAAAAACtU/M4zrAGBgf1A/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYJjyh0c9Ms/UgCUHtoMI7I/AAAAAAAACtU/M4zrAGBgf1A/s320/Alaska+Pipeline.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaska Pipeline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pipeline
runs right thru Fairbanks so it was easy to see & learn about what it took
to be build & maintained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couple of
facts we found of interest:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it took them
a year to build the road from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez and then only another two
years to build the 880 mile pipeline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ-7Q-LhAUY/UgCUDnujRjI/AAAAAAAACsc/k_tKQZ5boYY/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ-7Q-LhAUY/UgCUDnujRjI/AAAAAAAACsc/k_tKQZ5boYY/s640/Alaska+Pipeline+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting facts about the pipeline - double click</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94mhimCWfow/UgCUD1cU7XI/AAAAAAAACso/ZlD_DgjF6Dg/s1600/Alaska++Pipeline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94mhimCWfow/UgCUD1cU7XI/AAAAAAAACso/ZlD_DgjF6Dg/s320/Alaska++Pipeline.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Considering its size & the terrain it traversed, that struck us as
quite the achievement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we met one
of the engineers presently maintaining it & he told us they employed 28,000
works to do the work, so it wasn’t quite as herculean as first appears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, it took 14 days for the initial
oil to get to Valdez & over the last 40 years the line has pumped 16
billion barrels; They estimate there is another 40 billion barrels available<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E4hnheJvEw/UgCUDu0V8RI/AAAAAAAACsk/RMRZLOIpyos/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+1A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E4hnheJvEw/UgCUDu0V8RI/AAAAAAAACsk/RMRZLOIpyos/s400/Alaska+Pipeline+1A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More info - Dbl click</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hp0gtYdbhs/UgCUEOVRamI/AAAAAAAACs4/GkX3xVrn7gA/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hp0gtYdbhs/UgCUEOVRamI/AAAAAAAACs4/GkX3xVrn7gA/s400/Alaska+Pipeline+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBdbCfRztQ/UgCUESV6twI/AAAAAAAACs0/c5YkGH7Cg_0/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBdbCfRztQ/UgCUESV6twI/AAAAAAAACs0/c5YkGH7Cg_0/s400/Alaska+Pipeline+4.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwTPABeCQ5M/UgCUFPI7E4I/AAAAAAAACtA/JAItdEN8Jg4/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwTPABeCQ5M/UgCUFPI7E4I/AAAAAAAACtA/JAItdEN8Jg4/s400/Alaska+Pipeline+6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBTAfEOx45w/UgCUFhQ0YpI/AAAAAAAACtE/oGL4W4aLv8A/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBTAfEOx45w/UgCUFhQ0YpI/AAAAAAAACtE/oGL4W4aLv8A/s400/Alaska+Pipeline+7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T180ZBqsCPE/UgCUHn2PYaI/AAAAAAAACtc/Tr_RVU8qaDo/s1600/Alaska+Pipleine+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T180ZBqsCPE/UgCUHn2PYaI/AAAAAAAACtc/Tr_RVU8qaDo/s400/Alaska+Pipleine+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMJvfmxB6gY/UgCUJWOJSOI/AAAAAAAACtw/IKz2z2ZW4J0/s1600/Collins+by+Pipeline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMJvfmxB6gY/UgCUJWOJSOI/AAAAAAAACtw/IKz2z2ZW4J0/s320/Collins+by+Pipeline.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles by the pipeline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywwxvX6bJAw/UgCUJ_Dp24I/AAAAAAAACt4/ZtrGuodw0sk/s1600/Information+on+Alaska+pipeline+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywwxvX6bJAw/UgCUJ_Dp24I/AAAAAAAACt4/ZtrGuodw0sk/s400/Information+on+Alaska+pipeline+2.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dbl click</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BizFH1_jw8/UgCUM-t8lvI/AAAAAAAACuY/CDaGdy4OGBg/s1600/Pig+Info.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BizFH1_jw8/UgCUM-t8lvI/AAAAAAAACuY/CDaGdy4OGBg/s400/Pig+Info.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-om9GYZ9D_ho/UgCUPkrNWjI/AAAAAAAACuw/BtMbLQpmD_0/s1600/Pig+in+pipeline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-om9GYZ9D_ho/UgCUPkrNWjI/AAAAAAAACuw/BtMbLQpmD_0/s320/Pig+in+pipeline.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pig in the pipeline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfchWrkNkCs/UgCUPGikgXI/AAAAAAAACuo/neqRrY3KvEg/s1600/Retired+Pig+Info.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfchWrkNkCs/UgCUPGikgXI/AAAAAAAACuo/neqRrY3KvEg/s400/Retired+Pig+Info.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2QrWgFAtmI/UgCUPi7dnYI/AAAAAAAACu0/tl0C36gCXi0/s1600/Retired+Pig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2QrWgFAtmI/UgCUPi7dnYI/AAAAAAAACu0/tl0C36gCXi0/s320/Retired+Pig.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retired Pig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEmb7EFJ7EA/UgCUQ6SURcI/AAAAAAAACvI/jrd8xVDuk_k/s1600/Snuggles+checks+out+the+giant+cauliflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEmb7EFJ7EA/UgCUQ6SURcI/AAAAAAAACvI/jrd8xVDuk_k/s320/Snuggles+checks+out+the+giant+cauliflower.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles stands next to some giant cabbage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our visit to
the University’s Botanical garden was a major disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to having virtually 3 months of
continuous sunshine here, flowers & vegetables get huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regrettably, this piece of land has been left
to go to the dogs over the last few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Based on posted literature, whoever was in charge stopped tending it in
2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OiZRNIB4JY0/UgCUNIGYfPI/AAAAAAAACuc/RWdeozSAoZA/s1600/Patches+of+wild+fireweed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OiZRNIB4JY0/UgCUNIGYfPI/AAAAAAAACuc/RWdeozSAoZA/s320/Patches+of+wild+fireweed.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field of fireweed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only points of enjoyment were
the beehives & large field of Fireweed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently Fireweed nectar produces the best tasting, & most expensive,
honey. The proliferation of this weed is best compared to dandelions in the
lower 48; where forest fires have recently decimated an area, one can see
entire mountain sides in shares of pink & green (Fireweed & new
growth). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnmsFAignSI/UgRkGyf624I/AAAAAAAACxE/YypPAVuFccM/s1600/Elka+%2526+Terry+Last+Happy+Hour+in+AK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnmsFAignSI/UgRkGyf624I/AAAAAAAACxE/YypPAVuFccM/s320/Elka+%2526+Terry+Last+Happy+Hour+in+AK.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elka & Terry- last Happy Hour in Alaska</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
July 30th we left Fairbanks & were off to Tok. Not sure, but this may be our last couple of nights in Alaska. We’ve reconnected with our new friends & will travel with them probably thru the rest of our trip. We’re spending 2 nights here. Not sure if we’ll stay in Chicken or just stop there for a quick look.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSdQYkyk7sQ/UgRkLEEQOZI/AAAAAAAACx0/noJUSv-gGYw/s1600/Joann+%2526+Jim+Last+Happy+Hour+in+AK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSdQYkyk7sQ/UgRkLEEQOZI/AAAAAAAACx0/noJUSv-gGYw/s320/Joann+%2526+Jim+Last+Happy+Hour+in+AK.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joann & Jim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyJiS0vin2I/UgRkKdTiaZI/AAAAAAAACxk/uO1y5Bidd9Q/s1600/Gold+Nuggets-+big+one+is+5+lbs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyJiS0vin2I/UgRkKdTiaZI/AAAAAAAACxk/uO1y5Bidd9Q/s320/Gold+Nuggets-+big+one+is+5+lbs.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Nuggets we saw in a gift shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DG2JDpqa6kU/UgRkeHc6LGI/AAAAAAAAC0I/ukAx08uOoaA/s1600/Welcome+to+Chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DG2JDpqa6kU/UgRkeHc6LGI/AAAAAAAAC0I/ukAx08uOoaA/s320/Welcome+to+Chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeHaixP65sQ/UgRj_gwhyWI/AAAAAAAACwE/iH7Oz8wf5SM/s1600/Big+Chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeHaixP65sQ/UgRj_gwhyWI/AAAAAAAACwE/iH7Oz8wf5SM/s320/Big+Chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlNrkB98t2U/UgRkCDoex2I/AAAAAAAACwc/6yrmoWTrpRs/s1600/Chicken+Outhouses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlNrkB98t2U/UgRkCDoex2I/AAAAAAAACwc/6yrmoWTrpRs/s320/Chicken+Outhouses.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outhouse in Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddjg-5vHUn4/UgRkQPwqlxI/AAAAAAAACyo/HXG9WNefJc8/s1600/The+town+of+Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddjg-5vHUn4/UgRkQPwqlxI/AAAAAAAACyo/HXG9WNefJc8/s320/The+town+of+Chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Town of Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf8h3zU3vPo/UgRkK2UFZ3I/AAAAAAAACxs/-JyndBtWqjw/s1600/Gold+dredge+in+Chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf8h3zU3vPo/UgRkK2UFZ3I/AAAAAAAACxs/-JyndBtWqjw/s320/Gold+dredge+in+Chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Dredger in Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHrbaaKjkww/UgRkMLrLINI/AAAAAAAACx8/Db8EXZAIeE0/s1600/Karen+%2526+Collins+in+Chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHrbaaKjkww/UgRkMLrLINI/AAAAAAAACx8/Db8EXZAIeE0/s320/Karen+%2526+Collins+in+Chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen & Collins in Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw2LJlk3Ytg/UgRkIJfPlsI/AAAAAAAACxU/T4hVcy-3TWo/s1600/Field+of+Fireweed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw2LJlk3Ytg/UgRkIJfPlsI/AAAAAAAACxU/T4hVcy-3TWo/s320/Field+of+Fireweed.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field of Fireweed along the road<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Aug<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
1</span></span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left Alaska today by way of the Top of the
World Highway, going from Fairbanks to Dawson City,(Yukon) Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQKnnbbErrY/UgRkP-KwMpI/AAAAAAAACyc/T6MN82lrjNo/s1600/Top+of+the+World+Highway+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQKnnbbErrY/UgRkP-KwMpI/AAAAAAAACyc/T6MN82lrjNo/s400/Top+of+the+World+Highway+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the World Highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">NEVER take this route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zq-cm066ipA/UgRkYH9xhDI/AAAAAAAACzk/YvYzFOjh01w/s1600/View+over+the+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zq-cm066ipA/UgRkYH9xhDI/AAAAAAAACzk/YvYzFOjh01w/s320/View+over+the+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the Highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">While the views offer you an opportunity to
see forever, hence the highway’s name, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTz9lni8Gbk/UgRkdozc2FI/AAAAAAAACz8/G2EjqFD7S2o/s1600/View+over+the+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTz9lni8Gbk/UgRkdozc2FI/AAAAAAAACz8/G2EjqFD7S2o/s320/View+over+the+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3IE6ZVfn4U/UgRkSOdQoLI/AAAAAAAACy8/jgZzXoVAxJY/s1600/Top+of+the+World+Highway+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3IE6ZVfn4U/UgRkSOdQoLI/AAAAAAAACy8/jgZzXoVAxJY/s320/Top+of+the+World+Highway+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">it could also be call The Worst Piece of
Crap Road in North America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traversing
some 165 miles, & going thru two quaint towns called Chicken & Tok, this
donkey trail is narrow & carved out of the side of mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOxL4NLfJ5A/UgRkQk96m_I/AAAAAAAACys/tHPJrMAYQhk/s1600/Top+of+the+World+Highway+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOxL4NLfJ5A/UgRkQk96m_I/AAAAAAAACys/tHPJrMAYQhk/s320/Top+of+the+World+Highway+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Note that nothing has been said about “paved”;
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>occasionally a grader must <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>push some dirt or gravel around in selected
sections, but only mountain goats would be pleased with this path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0bcK0Ys81Q/UgRkT-IgqDI/AAAAAAAACzE/aQ_sfKh4Fx4/s1600/Top+of+the+World+Highway+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0bcK0Ys81Q/UgRkT-IgqDI/AAAAAAAACzE/aQ_sfKh4Fx4/s320/Top+of+the+World+Highway+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In some sections the two lane road is about
20 ft wide, which is ample for two cars meeting each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when two 8 ½ ft wide RV’s (not
including any extending mirrors)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>meet,
it’s necessary to come to a stop & then crawl by each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uR-bsPnHcfA/UgRkXyDH02I/AAAAAAAACzc/30yaIH9R_B0/s1600/View+over+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uR-bsPnHcfA/UgRkXyDH02I/AAAAAAAACzc/30yaIH9R_B0/s320/View+over+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">While this in itself adds just that extra bit
of excitement you’ve been looking for all day, what really does the trick is
realizing that, at the 21st foot, there is a shear drop-off plummeting 1,000
plus feet into a gorgeous valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkTX1siIY-4/UgRka-rFqYI/AAAAAAAACzs/PiJm0ZncFN8/s1600/View+over+the+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkTX1siIY-4/UgRka-rFqYI/AAAAAAAACzs/PiJm0ZncFN8/s320/View+over+the+side+of+Top+of+the+World+Highway+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Oh,
and did I mention that people in this area have no concept of what guard rails
are for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xI4z45NQwrU/UgRkSPmFmqI/AAAAAAAACy4/BjjJ_xhskMo/s1600/Top+of+the+World+Highway+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xI4z45NQwrU/UgRkSPmFmqI/AAAAAAAACy4/BjjJ_xhskMo/s320/Top+of+the+World+Highway+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The one choice offered you is
to travel it while the dirt is dry, hence creating so much dust anyone in front
of you disappears in billowing clouds, or right after, or during, a rain
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On first blush the latter seems a
bit more appealing, until you realize the rain turns the dirt into gooey mud
where one’s 33,000 lb vehicle looses traction to get up the 9 degree incline,
or even better, gets your adrenaline going as you slip & slide <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">down</b> the 9 degree curved side, all the
while taking in the view of the beautiful valley floor with sparking river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this forewarning, we and the other two
RVing couples we are now traveling with, opted to stay an extra day in Tok
to let a storm pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>T</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">his worked out
great except in a couple sections where the mud hadn’t yet dried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldm8LWxBF48/UgRkNw9rFxI/AAAAAAAACyI/lWlNWjMbo94/s1600/Snuggles+doesn%2527t+mind+the+trip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldm8LWxBF48/UgRkNw9rFxI/AAAAAAAACyI/lWlNWjMbo94/s320/Snuggles+doesn%2527t+mind+the+trip.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles didn't mind the road a bit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The only saving features were that, since we
couldn’t travel above 30 MPH, we got great gas mileage and Karen took some
great pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either she has become
conditioned at looking death in the face & now laughs at it or realizes she
won’t live forever & might as well enjoy the ride.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp_0b_sacM0/UgRj_vsQSuI/AAAAAAAACwA/RkqAXCZl84c/s1600/Canadian+Border+Crossing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp_0b_sacM0/UgRj_vsQSuI/AAAAAAAACwA/RkqAXCZl84c/s320/Canadian+Border+Crossing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian Border Crossing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We were all a little sad to say good bye to Alaska, but hitting the border meant we were that much closer to the end of that part of our journey. The Border Guards were in a good mood & passed us all thru with no inspections.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m5dlnvzML4/UgRkeX2jmpI/AAAAAAAAC0M/S53rVt1zrmg/s1600/Welcome+back+to+the+Yukon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m5dlnvzML4/UgRkeX2jmpI/AAAAAAAAC0M/S53rVt1zrmg/s320/Welcome+back+to+the+Yukon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome back to the Yukon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3kvKNPXQ2k/UgRkHYZ6PLI/AAAAAAAACxM/97VjmTao43U/s1600/Ferry+to+Dawson+City.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3kvKNPXQ2k/UgRkHYZ6PLI/AAAAAAAACxM/97VjmTao43U/s320/Ferry+to+Dawson+City.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When we arrived at Dawson City, we had to cross the Yukon River on a ferry. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTEstwooRCc/UgRkWBg_H2I/AAAAAAAACzQ/vVffMWNOPhc/s1600/Us+boarding+the+Ferry+to+Dawson+City.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTEstwooRCc/UgRkWBg_H2I/AAAAAAAACzQ/vVffMWNOPhc/s320/Us+boarding+the+Ferry+to+Dawson+City.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting on the Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> It was rather small & could only fit one of us at a time. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsDqmO7TQaA/UgRkES3aPgI/AAAAAAAACws/lRig4BqsqeA/s1600/Dawson+City.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsDqmO7TQaA/UgRkES3aPgI/AAAAAAAACws/lRig4BqsqeA/s320/Dawson+City.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawson City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our stay at Dawson City was short but entertaining. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dArJxifBi60/UgRkCoEX_LI/AAAAAAAACwk/I34A48vDjaE/s1600/Dawson+City+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dArJxifBi60/UgRkCoEX_LI/AAAAAAAACwk/I34A48vDjaE/s320/Dawson+City+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dawson City was the Yukon's first capital & a major mining town. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9jxP_s7rh0/UgRkBkgYgBI/AAAAAAAACwU/C3MAJGepR74/s1600/Dawson+City+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9jxP_s7rh0/UgRkBkgYgBI/AAAAAAAACwU/C3MAJGepR74/s320/Dawson+City+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We spent part of the day wandering around the town, checking out the old buildings. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czlJ9zQwPo8/UgRkEyP6GOI/AAAAAAAACw4/26vZWc7WmKo/s1600/Dawson+City+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czlJ9zQwPo8/UgRkEyP6GOI/AAAAAAAACw4/26vZWc7WmKo/s320/Dawson+City+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance Hall & Casino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flowPvtE91Q/UgRkiIQIaQI/AAAAAAAAC0s/OMOTMixaGaA/s1600/Yukon+River+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flowPvtE91Q/UgRkiIQIaQI/AAAAAAAAC0s/OMOTMixaGaA/s320/Yukon+River+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Yukon River runs thru there & it is the 3rd longest river in North American. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyRA5Xjr_Os/UgRkOILh8kI/AAAAAAAACyU/IELMXa67Hzw/s1600/Karen+Panning+for+Gold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyRA5Xjr_Os/UgRkOILh8kI/AAAAAAAACyU/IELMXa67Hzw/s320/Karen+Panning+for+Gold.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It must be Gold!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Karen decided to pan for gold in a creek near quite a few gold claims. Karen used a pie pan & found what she & Elka are sure is gold! Of course, you need a magnifying glass to see it. Jim found a rock which may have several small garnets inside. They are going to take a hammer to it one of these days to find out.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrJmgu04zBY/UgRkI0r4muI/AAAAAAAACxc/guNCNlHASu8/s1600/Fox+%2526+the+Hare+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrJmgu04zBY/UgRkI0r4muI/AAAAAAAACxc/guNCNlHASu8/s400/Fox+%2526+the+Hare+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On their way back to the RV, they came across a fox who had just killed a very large hare. He was proudly trotting down the road, totally indifferent to the car & the gawking, picture taking occupants. We've come to realize most of the wild animals in this part of North America have little fear of interlopers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD0vOXV3KSg/UgRkbdUKDsI/AAAAAAAACz0/k4z2K49bjOI/s1600/Watch+for+caribou++sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD0vOXV3KSg/UgRkbdUKDsI/AAAAAAAACz0/k4z2K49bjOI/s320/Watch+for+caribou++sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs you don't see in the lower 48 - Watch out for Caribou</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnWzblse_jU/UgRkFMOqpxI/AAAAAAAACw8/bBhl2PbZGYs/s1600/Elk+crossing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnWzblse_jU/UgRkFMOqpxI/AAAAAAAACw8/bBhl2PbZGYs/s320/Elk+crossing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch for Elk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Aug 5 We had kind of a harrowing day yesterday. We were traveling with our
other 2 friends & they were both in front of us. The roads were lots of
gravels & bumps so we were driving pretty slow. We continued blissfully down the road until a car past us & signaled we had a problem in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Since there is about 55' from driver's seat to back of car ther</span>e is never a happy ending when this occurs, just degrees of bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once stopped, we fearfully approached the car & were somewhat relieved to find our bike rack & bikes had fallen off somewhere along the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were unhooking the car so we could attempt a recovery, a fellow RVer pulled up with the bikes & rack on the back of his truck camper. Such friendliness is truly the norm with RVers; the RV community is always paying it forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly, no damage was down to the bikes or rack & we went merrily on our way. Of course, we had lost our traveling companions because they thought we had stopped to change drivers & by the time they realized we hadn't caught up, they were quite ahead of us. of course, this was an area with no phone service. Luckily, they stopped in a campground & Terry came back to look for us. We were thankful to see him coming down the road in his little blue car.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDcc3JR0BFU/UgRj_ga4VqI/AAAAAAAACwM/tngY65l2qgg/s1600/Biggest+cinnamon++roll+we%2527ve+ever+seen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDcc3JR0BFU/UgRj_ga4VqI/AAAAAAAACwM/tngY65l2qgg/s320/Biggest+cinnamon++roll+we%2527ve+ever+seen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The next day we came to a small restaurant, we had heard about as we were on our way to Alaska. They were known for the great cinnamon buns they sold, which were not only delectable, but massive. To say each one could just fit onto a medium sized dinner plate & two people would find it difficult to eat in one sitting is no exaggeration. The cost was $10 & worth every Loony (a Canadian Dollar).<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9f0hF9uqoes/UgSBsxZ8kII/AAAAAAAAC1Q/JfzeZHRfxUI/s1600/Welcome+to+Whitehorse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9f0hF9uqoes/UgSBsxZ8kII/AAAAAAAAC1Q/JfzeZHRfxUI/s320/Welcome+to+Whitehorse.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the time
we reached Whitehorse, six RV couples compared damages incurred on the Top of
the World Road and most everyone had some type of window or rig issue. Both our friends had chips in their RV windshields & Jim also had a crack in his car windshield. I think we were probably the luckiest, at least we got our bikes back with no damage. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGvIqLXYIVw/UgRkh-3Vt-I/AAAAAAAAC0o/j-QOwPVlTEE/s1600/rainbow+in+the+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGvIqLXYIVw/UgRkh-3Vt-I/AAAAAAAAC0o/j-QOwPVlTEE/s400/rainbow+in+the+campground.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty rainbow after a storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x12GPHxfNUk/UgRkgfPfqlI/AAAAAAAAC0U/QkdwM5L8w_s/s1600/rainbow+in+the+Whitehorse+campground+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x12GPHxfNUk/UgRkgfPfqlI/AAAAAAAAC0U/QkdwM5L8w_s/s400/rainbow+in+the+Whitehorse+campground+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the second one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were all happy to spend a few days in Whitehorse recuperating. We had been in Whitehorse on our way to Canada, so we mostly used our time doing some necessary cleaning & taking some time to kick back & do nothing. Elka, Joann & I took one day & roamed around downtown. Joann got a pedicure & we all did some window shopping. It was fun to have Girls Day Out.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKZ1iHRqceE/UgSBk5Wq1QI/AAAAAAAAC08/zbLeHBk61Js/s1600/Frantic+Follies+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKZ1iHRqceE/UgSBk5Wq1QI/AAAAAAAAC08/zbLeHBk61Js/s320/Frantic+Follies+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our last evening there, some of us went to a Vaudeville type show called the Frantic Follies. It was music, skits & humor. We all enjoyed ourselves. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9rN7cvJ9Ug/UgSBnOtUOKI/AAAAAAAAC1M/RVCdLolprso/s1600/Frantic+Follies+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9rN7cvJ9Ug/UgSBnOtUOKI/AAAAAAAAC1M/RVCdLolprso/s1600/Frantic+Follies+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9rN7cvJ9Ug/UgSBnOtUOKI/AAAAAAAAC1M/RVCdLolprso/s320/Frantic+Follies+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9rN7cvJ9Ug/UgSBnOtUOKI/AAAAAAAAC1M/RVCdLolprso/s1600/Frantic+Follies+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFK_3FOwa1o/UgSBm6mZ0dI/AAAAAAAAC1I/XDHnJob38Jg/s1600/Frantic+Follies+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFK_3FOwa1o/UgSBm6mZ0dI/AAAAAAAAC1I/XDHnJob38Jg/s320/Frantic+Follies+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stay tuned for Part III</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-47764057619457709882013-07-10T02:40:00.004-04:002013-07-10T02:40:45.898-04:00Canada/Alaska Part 1<span style="font-size: small;"></span> (Don't forget, you can double click a picture to make it larger)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL4ZA7MTmb8/UdtyVPJhW4I/AAAAAAAACVM/XE_wn9NlXXw/s1600/Road+scenery+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL4ZA7MTmb8/UdtyVPJhW4I/AAAAAAAACVM/XE_wn9NlXXw/s320/Road+scenery+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d4xfkykbeo/Udzm9lcbrWI/AAAAAAAACb8/lCVjfxk6tl0/s1600/Road+Scenery+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8d4xfkykbeo/Udzm9lcbrWI/AAAAAAAACb8/lCVjfxk6tl0/s320/Road+Scenery+12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">June 3rd – Today we set out on our journey from Whidbey Island, WA toward Canada & Alaska. Our plan is to take about 3 1/2 months to travel thru Canada & Alaska. It’s close to 6,000 miles, which is about what we travel in a year, so this is pretty fast paced for us. When we arrived at the Washington/ Canada Border this morning, I was driving. The Border Police started asking a bunch of questions as to what we had with us, such as liquor, guns & food. I guess he either didn’t like my answers, or we were one of the lucky travelers who got to have our RV checked out by the border patrol. I actually think we just hit the luck of the draw, since they seemed to pull over about every other car. He told us to take the dog out of the RV & us too. He asked for the keys to the storage bins underneath & I figured we were there for awhile. We really didn’t have anything that wasn’t allowed, except if you had liquor, you weren’t supposed to have wine or beer, which we had all 3. After the guy spent about 5 minutes in the RV, he came out, handed me the keys & said we were good to go. I breathed a sigh of relief, even tho we weren’t really carrying much of anything we weren’t supposed to have. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yr2IfzjbOU/UdzifYIEcRI/AAAAAAAACa4/fZAvhuXYbU8/s1600/Snuggles+travels+in+comfort.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yr2IfzjbOU/UdzifYIEcRI/AAAAAAAACa4/fZAvhuXYbU8/s320/Snuggles+travels+in+comfort.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how Snuggles likes to travel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">We continued on our way without further problems. It was pretty easy traveling today. The weather was sunny most of the way, except for rain in a few spots, then we’d hit a bright blue sky. We ended up stopping in a place called Cache Creek, British Columbia for the night, about a 300 mile drive for the day. Tomorrow we’ll travel another 300ish miles & stop in Prince George for a couple nights. As most of you know, we like to stay put for 10- 14 days & that can’t happen on this trip. So every couple of days, we’ll just take an extra one to R & R from the driving. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9AdneIQXIA/UdtyZUunBCI/AAAAAAAACWI/kCiI6fxSoAM/s1600/Welcome+to+Prince+George%252C+BC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9AdneIQXIA/UdtyZUunBCI/AAAAAAAACWI/kCiI6fxSoAM/s320/Welcome+to+Prince+George%252C+BC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">June 4th Today our goal was Prince George, British Columbia. It was about 275 miles, which is about what we like to drive. It was an easy drive on another nice day. We’ve decided to stop here for 2 nights. We’ll take a wander into town tomorrow just to see what it’s like. It has stayed light until 10:30PM- Unbelievable!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">June 5th- It rained all morning so we just took it easy. after it stopped we had a few housekeeping issues to take care of outside. This afternoon we decided to take a drive into Prince George. We ended up meeting a nice Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman, but he wasn’t on a horse. We followed him all the way thru a work zone. When that cleared, we continued in separate lanes and we went thru a yellow traffic light. He decided to pull us over. Said we didn’t really do anything wrong, but we should be careful at the traffic lights & try to avoid going thru yellow (sometimes you just can’t unless you want to throw everyone thru the window), I guess he didn’t have much to do & just felt like meeting out of towners,. He was quite friendly & just seemed to want to talk. It was kind of weird!! Not much to say about Prince George. It looks like most small towns.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">June 6th. Left Prince George this morning for Smithers. We stayed in an RV Park called Glacier View. It would have been beautiful but the clouds covered the glacier.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJs_tOoi9sc/UdzjOUq-fFI/AAAAAAAACbE/tIMZXRoAqk4/s1600/Road+Scenery+8+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJs_tOoi9sc/UdzjOUq-fFI/AAAAAAAACbE/tIMZXRoAqk4/s400/Road+Scenery+8+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">June 10 Our first week of this year’s Canada/Alaska venture has started with several new experiences. But before we get into them, one needs to have a better background to the “big picture”. </span><span style="font-size: large;">When we heard the term “Canadian Highway”, we assumed it would be a bustling multi-lane road. In reality, you are initially on a well maintained two lane, asphalt road with next to no other vehicles for any 20 minute period. Ultimately, that becomes a less well maintained road & finally, for about 20 miles, intermittent hard packed gravel or dirt. But the scenery is everything we envisioned when planning the trip. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdmgpcoVnBA/UdtyKLrya6I/AAAAAAAACS4/suNS5AVcsN4/s1600/Glacier+on+road+to+stewart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdmgpcoVnBA/UdtyKLrya6I/AAAAAAAACS4/suNS5AVcsN4/s320/Glacier+on+road+to+stewart.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier on the road to Stewart- make it larger & you can see the blue ice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">There are so many snow capped mountain ranges towering thousands of feet from the roadside, all with dozens of waterfalls, & a couple glaciers with their blue ice, that you become jaded. It was only when we saw three falls within a few hundred yards of each other, all cascading down at least a two thousand foot drop, that we felt compelled to stop & just appreciate the sight. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l10PfTQ8CtM/UdzlSYaexlI/AAAAAAAACbk/txQZss3xLKQ/s1600/Road+Scenery+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l10PfTQ8CtM/UdzlSYaexlI/AAAAAAAACbk/txQZss3xLKQ/s320/Road+Scenery+13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Likewise, the abundance of white water streams, rivers & huge placid lakes within feet of the roadside, & the total absence of other vehicles, towns or people, gives you this feeling that there is nothing else going on in the world, which is certainly true about our world. It is easy to see why some enjoy living in this environment. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2Nvqypqz6g/UdtyLvVggsI/AAAAAAAACTA/S1OPr2UpLcw/s1600/Hyder%252C+AK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2Nvqypqz6g/UdtyLvVggsI/AAAAAAAACTA/S1OPr2UpLcw/s320/Hyder%252C+AK.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyder, AK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We visited two towns (Stewart, British Columbia & Hyder, USA) that are literally a stone’s throw apart. It is also one of the few places where you can cross from Canada into the U.S. without encountering a Customs/Border Patrol inspector. Now using the term “town” is truly a misnomer. Hyder consists of about three buildings, one of which was the old type general store (think of Little House on the Prairie). The proprietor is a spitting image of Grizzly Adams & he was nice enough, or bored enough, to explain that Hyder consists of 75 souls, has no law enforcement & is governed by the community getting together in a town meeting & voting on whatever needs to be resolved. He stated the last decision was two years ago when they voted to have meeting attendees leave their guns at home. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He further explained that the local black bears, who feel free to meander down the town road at any time of day, are all named (by consensus of those sitting on the general store porch). The townsfolk are presently concerned that, since the black bear sows have had a passel of cubs this year, some with as many as three or four, there will be a war when the grizzlies come down from the mountains for the salmon run. Near as I could tell, that was the biggest, or only, worry these folks had. And to better appreciate how desolate we are speaking, the milk we bought has to be flown in each week on a sea plane, with bread & eggs. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GJbsrXur5g/UdtyWRTCcvI/AAAAAAAACVk/gnK4scESupg/s1600/Stewart%252C+BC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GJbsrXur5g/UdtyWRTCcvI/AAAAAAAACVk/gnK4scESupg/s320/Stewart%252C+BC.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewart, BC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now to some firsts: Since our east coast trip to Canada two years ago, </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQu7Z0DbSm0/UduPe-fjQOI/AAAAAAAACXc/UyXLLJX98k8/s1600/A+Moose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQu7Z0DbSm0/UduPe-fjQOI/AAAAAAAACXc/UyXLLJX98k8/s320/A+Moose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Karen has been desperate to see a moose. One needs to appreciate that moose crossing signs are more prevalent along Canadian roads than deer crossing signs seen in the U.S. Over the last few days, she not only saw her moose stroll amicably across the road in front of us, with not a worry in the world,</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4deQPD3JW-0/Udtyc--bjAI/AAAAAAAACXQ/yxXlCN38ZLY/s1600/coyote+walking+the+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4deQPD3JW-0/Udtyc--bjAI/AAAAAAAACXQ/yxXlCN38ZLY/s320/coyote+walking+the+road.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> but also a coyote trotted down the road towards us & past with barely a sideward glance. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ETx30bHSZQ/UdtyR4rF-bI/AAAAAAAACUA/RsjNdelsXFo/s1600/Our+first+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ETx30bHSZQ/UdtyR4rF-bI/AAAAAAAACUA/RsjNdelsXFo/s320/Our+first+bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">We also had one black bear so busy lying in a field of dandelions, just munching away on them, that he could barely bother to glance at us as we stopped no more than 50 feet away. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JCgmsxSvuA/UdtyQoJOz0I/AAAAAAAACTk/vUA4svaxzI8/s1600/Meziadin+Lake+near+Stewart%252C+BC+about+9+PM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JCgmsxSvuA/UdtyQoJOz0I/AAAAAAAACTk/vUA4svaxzI8/s320/Meziadin+Lake+near+Stewart%252C+BC+about+9+PM.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meziadin Lake, BC around 9:30 PM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Now should anyone think everything is roses, our stop at Meziadin Lake, BC best illustrates how the best laid plans can go wrong. This was our first stop this year without electrical hook up, also known as boon docking. Typically our four house batteries are more than sufficient to carry us for several days, & we always have an 8,000W generator for back up. What we believe we are presently experiencing is a cascading battery failure brought about by the age of the batteries. Apparently these fellows have a life expectancy less than the 7 years ours have been around. This wouldn’t normally be a problem, except when it occurs in the middle of nowhere. In researching the closest location that carries the type of batteries we need, & have four in stock (you have to replace them all at the same time), we will need to go to Whitehorse, Yukon, some 400 miles from our present location. It’s times like this one needs to remember “it isn’t the destination, but the journey that makes life interesting”. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSO7Ah5Ams8/UdtyCkwOXwI/AAAAAAAACRY/IV6BREFaptQ/s1600/Blue+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSO7Ah5Ams8/UdtyCkwOXwI/AAAAAAAACRY/IV6BREFaptQ/s320/Blue+Lake.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was called Blue Lake & it sure was blue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">The other event in Meziadin was the mosquitoes. While they aren’t the biggest creatures we’ve seen, they certainly rate in the top 5 & get the award for most abundant. It’s no wonder the fishing is so great up here: not only can the fish gorge on the bugs but fisherman can only take so long on the lake, hence leaving the fish to get ever bigger. Locals say the moderate Winter minimized the kill off, bringing this year’s swarms. Some say the mosquito should be Alaska’s State Bird. I’m beginning to agree with them. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The RV parks along the way leave a lot to be desired. There are some Provincial Parks that are actually “park-like”, but they don’t provide power & we can’t depend on our batteries at this point. So, our other choices are mostly big, gravel parking lots, that provide water & power & some- sewer service. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The other thing that is really an adjustment, is the almost constant daylight. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tv-DSTqcNmQ/UdzklWhL8qI/AAAAAAAACbc/dpg34yX2LYs/s1600/Snuggles+can't+believe+she+got+left+in+the+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tv-DSTqcNmQ/UdzklWhL8qI/AAAAAAAACbc/dpg34yX2LYs/s400/Snuggles+can't+believe+she+got+left+in+the+car.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles couldn't believe we'd leave her in the car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we take the dog out around 11pm, the sun has not set. You really have to “make yourself go to bed”! Luckily, we have blackout shades, so we can make the bedroom pretty dark. Even when the sun sets, it doesn’t get totally dark. You could see your way around outside with no problem at any time. It’s very weird. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb844UWyG88/UdtyRkbtdzI/AAAAAAAACT4/tCk4oPwb5iI/s1600/Odd+clouds+at+11pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb844UWyG88/UdtyRkbtdzI/AAAAAAAACT4/tCk4oPwb5iI/s1600/Odd+clouds+at+11pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb844UWyG88/UdtyRkbtdzI/AAAAAAAACT4/tCk4oPwb5iI/s1600/Odd+clouds+at+11pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb844UWyG88/UdtyRkbtdzI/AAAAAAAACT4/tCk4oPwb5iI/s320/Odd+clouds+at+11pm.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">One night, when we stopped in one of the famous "gravel RV Parks" it rained. We saw some really unusual clouds.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLR_shh_Lpc/UdtyWaaoE_I/AAAAAAAACVo/13b13dDZ9YQ/s1600/Sunset+at+11PM+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLR_shh_Lpc/UdtyWaaoE_I/AAAAAAAACVo/13b13dDZ9YQ/s320/Sunset+at+11PM+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">We also had a really pretty sunset at around 11:30 PM</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After a couple days of travel on some really lousy roads, We decided to take a side trip on our way to Whitehorse. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mY_PEXZtVjo/UdtyBRQ6KNI/AAAAAAAACQ4/1WI1DntWZ6I/s1600/6+Mile+River+Campground%252C+Tagish%252C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mY_PEXZtVjo/UdtyBRQ6KNI/AAAAAAAACQ4/1WI1DntWZ6I/s320/6+Mile+River+Campground%252C+Tagish%252C.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to see a little town called Atlin, that was supposed to be very scenic. We decided to stay in a small campground about half way there & then travel to Atlin in the car. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gF3ziARImAc/UdtyDOsSIyI/AAAAAAAACRo/H3k0U1GGLAs/s1600/Bridge+at+6+Mile+River%252C+Tagish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gF3ziARImAc/UdtyDOsSIyI/AAAAAAAACRo/H3k0U1GGLAs/s320/Bridge+at+6+Mile+River%252C+Tagish.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge across 6 mile river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We happened upon a very small campground/restaurant on 6 mile river in Tagish, Yukon. It was so peaceful & had grass, a nice change from our gravel campgrounds, we ended up staying 4 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-BEw6l1Tt8/UdxHKexZlMI/AAAAAAAACY4/hwiARFSk2T8/s1600/Resident+Eagle+at+6+Mile+River+Campground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-BEw6l1Tt8/UdxHKexZlMI/AAAAAAAACY4/hwiARFSk2T8/s320/Resident+Eagle+at+6+Mile+River+Campground.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resident Eagle at Campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GGfb4LHwv8/UdtyHpDx9rI/AAAAAAAACSc/2O-pVWvBNxw/s1600/Deck+overlooking+river+at+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GGfb4LHwv8/UdtyHpDx9rI/AAAAAAAACSc/2O-pVWvBNxw/s320/Deck+overlooking+river+at+campground.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck at campground overlooking the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPoLvwSANkU/Udu67DhAGWI/AAAAAAAACXs/6GMPAyhhoiE/s1600/Boat+used+during+bustling,+gold+rush+period+in+Atlin,+bc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPoLvwSANkU/Udu67DhAGWI/AAAAAAAACXs/6GMPAyhhoiE/s320/Boat+used+during+bustling,+gold+rush+period+in+Atlin,+bc.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We drove to Atlin, which was a huge disappointment. It was a bustling town during the Alaska Gold Rush & this boat took people out on excursions during that time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4ixtLtMQ6Y/Udu8TzCEDdI/AAAAAAAACX8/LPaG5wafXIM/s1600/Atlin,+BC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4ixtLtMQ6Y/Udu8TzCEDdI/AAAAAAAACX8/LPaG5wafXIM/s320/Atlin,+BC.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoWZuR-BW3E/Udu8oYdOJ3I/AAAAAAAACYE/TN98gim6LkU/s1600/Road+Scenery+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoWZuR-BW3E/Udu8oYdOJ3I/AAAAAAAACYE/TN98gim6LkU/s320/Road+Scenery+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The best scenery was on the way there, about 30 miles into the trip. We could have skipped the rest, but oh well, one never knows. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFUn-_Iw62k/UdxGT9LjguI/AAAAAAAACYs/KT0rnf2uuXE/s1600/Welcome+to+the+Yukon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFUn-_Iw62k/UdxGT9LjguI/AAAAAAAACYs/KT0rnf2uuXE/s320/Welcome+to+the+Yukon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived in Whitehorse, Yukon. It is the second largest city in the Yukon & has a population of about 27,000. It’s a nice little town, sort of reminded me of Geneva, close to where we lived. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we got to town, we went immediately to the Napa Store we had spoken with a couple days earlier. They had told us they had the batteries we needed, but when we arrived, they only had 2 of the 4 we needed & wouldn’t get more for another week. After checking around & finally finding some at about 2 1/2 times the price we’d pay in the US, we decided we would only use RV parks with electrical hookup until we got back in the US or found some more reasonably priced when we got to Alaska. </span><span style="font-size: large;">While we were in Whitehorse, we did a little sightseeing. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqevLvxVkyU/UdtyQzG1W1I/AAAAAAAACTo/dCgooMJicU0/s1600/Mile+High+Canyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqevLvxVkyU/UdtyQzG1W1I/AAAAAAAACTo/dCgooMJicU0/s320/Mile+High+Canyon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">We visited Mile High Canyon, </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI8mzO5WB4I/UdtyNGKwUjI/AAAAAAAACTI/hZze4x7IkiY/s1600/Green+water+at+Mile+High+Canyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI8mzO5WB4I/UdtyNGKwUjI/AAAAAAAACTI/hZze4x7IkiY/s320/Green+water+at+Mile+High+Canyon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">which has a very pretty, green colored river running thru it. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoSzmgspiTg/UdtyN9hZTyI/AAAAAAAACTQ/az9LE6jOhI8/s1600/Karen+meets+a+Giant+Beaver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoSzmgspiTg/UdtyN9hZTyI/AAAAAAAACTQ/az9LE6jOhI8/s320/Karen+meets+a+Giant+Beaver.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen with Giant Beaver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">We also visited a museum that was all about the Alaskan/Yukon area during the ice age & what kind of plants & animals were here at that time & no longer exist. It was very interesting. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOvsyXRv7TE/UdtybCoiFqI/AAAAAAAACWk/RmPFaUOwMWQ/s1600/World%2527s+largest+weather+vane+Whitehorse%252C+Yukon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOvsyXRv7TE/UdtybCoiFqI/AAAAAAAACWk/RmPFaUOwMWQ/s320/World%2527s+largest+weather+vane+Whitehorse%252C+Yukon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">We also drove by the airport to see the “largest weathervane in the world”. As you can see, it’s an airplane mounted on a spindle. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEJhVTsicMA/UdtyTyBUybI/AAAAAAAACUo/WprZUfk0SPs/s1600/Road+Scenery+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEJhVTsicMA/UdtyTyBUybI/AAAAAAAACUo/WprZUfk0SPs/s320/Road+Scenery+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">After leaving Whitehorse we went to Destruction Bay, our last stop before reaching Alaska. There really is no town to speak of, but the lake, surrounded by mountains, was very pretty. Once again, we spent the night in a gravel parking lot. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTzVDcSGr-I/UdtyGVxPtBI/AAAAAAAACSI/W9JJksiix6s/s1600/Destruction+Bay+to++Alask.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTzVDcSGr-I/UdtyGVxPtBI/AAAAAAAACSI/W9JJksiix6s/s320/Destruction+Bay+to++Alask.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Construction & poor roads from here to Alaska</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Little did we know, the condition of the roads awaiting us. And we thought the ones we’d already traveled were bad!! Ha, Ha! </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>June 24 </b>The last two weeks have been interesting for decidedly different reasons. First, least anyone tell you the roads in Canada & Alaska are much better than otherwise reported, they should be advised that they are actually considerably worse. Due to permafrost (permanently frozen earth) heaves, no matter how much attention the roads get, there are constant rolling hills in large (up to 100 miles) sections of road. It is actually so prevalent they have developed a sign warning travelers about some of them; it is called the “washboard”, is black on yellow & looks like wwwww. Unfortunately, all too often one comes upon the washboard without a sign &, if you are going more than 40 MPH, you quickly find yourself, & vehicles, enjoying a free carnie type roller coaster ride. Now our RV weighs 33,000 lbs & has eight computerized air shocks designed to smooth most any road condition: they got to enjoy the roller coaster with us. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f39KnX-UHLA/UdtyZpwiEfI/AAAAAAAACWQ/OKLmTQlPq9Q/s1600/Welcome+to+Alaska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f39KnX-UHLA/UdtyZpwiEfI/AAAAAAAACWQ/OKLmTQlPq9Q/s320/Welcome+to+Alaska.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah! We made it to Alaska</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, going 35 to 40 MPH has its advantages. We have more time to enjoy the stunning views & our mileage went from 6 ½ MPG to 8. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">The down side of all these great views of never ending snow capped mountains, never ending waterfalls cascading down hundreds of feet of mountainside right next to the road & glaciers galore with their blue ice is that you start rating them like an Olympic judge; </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s2PUiyDPJco/UdzjayWfRSI/AAAAAAAACbQ/-TXcwLc-vFM/s1600/Road+Scenery+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s2PUiyDPJco/UdzjayWfRSI/AAAAAAAACbQ/-TXcwLc-vFM/s400/Road+Scenery+8.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, that was a pretty waterfall, but it didn’t include any rainbow colors so it only gets a 7.2 score. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While we have seen several black & brown bears, a couple moose (finally Karen is happy), coyotes, white trumpet swans & one bob cat, we had expected more, considering you are traveling in the middle of nowhere. In both countries, a large town may consist of two or three stores & 200 inhabitants. Some towns shown on the maps are no more that a single building & maybe 50 locals. One becomes very conscious about the gas gauge since the next “town” may be 200 or more miles down the road. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We decided to stop in a town called Glennallen so we could take a couple car trips from there. We wanted to go to Valdez, but decided not to take the RV 230 miles out of the way for a one day trip. Again, we spent 3 days parked in a gravel “campground”. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usHR5850cr8/UdxFtgk9nuI/AAAAAAAACYk/7LZARMVZe6Y/s1600/Car+after+travel+day+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usHR5850cr8/UdxFtgk9nuI/AAAAAAAACYk/7LZARMVZe6Y/s320/Car+after+travel+day+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our car was so filthy, it almost blended in with the gravel. They didn’t allow car washing there & the “car wash” wasn’t open yet because the sewer line was still partially frozen. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q04GxqriMvw/UdxHtJtCr5I/AAAAAAAACZA/cg4efPALdyI/s1600/Valdez.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q04GxqriMvw/UdxHtJtCr5I/AAAAAAAACZA/cg4efPALdyI/s320/Valdez.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our trip to Valdez was really scenic. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8eePlk1kdU/UdxIdosBELI/AAAAAAAACZM/vKcKKP2w9uI/s1600/View+from+Thompson's+Pass+on+way+to+Valdez+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8eePlk1kdU/UdxIdosBELI/AAAAAAAACZM/vKcKKP2w9uI/s400/View+from+Thompson's+Pass+on+way+to+Valdez+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thompson's Pass coming into Valdez (double click)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As mentioned before & I’m sure will be mentioned many more times, there are so many rivers, & mountains & waterfalls, you lose count. If you stopped to take a picture of all, you’d never arrive at your destination. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnzWVw0oJmU/UdxJHd0mB7I/AAAAAAAACZY/dv4036RjSYI/s1600/Worthington+Glacier+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnzWVw0oJmU/UdxJHd0mB7I/AAAAAAAACZY/dv4036RjSYI/s400/Worthington+Glacier+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We did enjoy a close up view of the Worthington Glacier. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fydKs2eknE/UdxJm40KXvI/AAAAAAAACZg/tqhxJtI5hVE/s1600/Worthington+Glacier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fydKs2eknE/UdxJm40KXvI/AAAAAAAACZg/tqhxJtI5hVE/s400/Worthington+Glacier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We could have walked on it, if we’d had ice cleats & hiking boots. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4AhSxAwgOY/UdxJ8GgKGfI/AAAAAAAACZo/nFNl6KTAM1I/s1600/Briadal+Veil+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4AhSxAwgOY/UdxJ8GgKGfI/AAAAAAAACZo/nFNl6KTAM1I/s400/Briadal+Veil+Falls.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Veil Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Also, some of the waterfalls in the mountains around there, were really spectacular! As we’ve said so many times before, the pictures don’t even come close to showing their true beauty. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_5L1SzBaC0/UdxMamYR5vI/AAAAAAAACZ4/4myRaIuA5cQ/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+Terminal+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_5L1SzBaC0/UdxMamYR5vI/AAAAAAAACZ4/4myRaIuA5cQ/s320/Alaska+Pipeline+Terminal+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We drove over to see the Valdez Terminal of the Alaska Pipeline. You weren't allowed past a certain past a certain point. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQuplKBrbxY/UdxMs_3V4BI/AAAAAAAACaA/M4TvoxfnzuU/s1600/Alaska+Pipeline+Terminal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQuplKBrbxY/UdxMs_3V4BI/AAAAAAAACaA/M4TvoxfnzuU/s320/Alaska+Pipeline+Terminal.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But the setting was nice & you wouldn't really know what it was. So far, we haven't even seen the actual pipeline.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsUqamyproc/UdxNx5gRvgI/AAAAAAAACaQ/sEEQKXqFjlw/s1600/Wrangle-St.+elias+Mts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsUqamyproc/UdxNx5gRvgI/AAAAAAAACaQ/sEEQKXqFjlw/s400/Wrangle-St.+elias+Mts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We spent one day at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Never heard of it?, neither had we. Just a few items that make this Park, which is as great a misnomer as saying there are only a few egotistical blow harts in Congress, are: </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MgHR8t1snc/UdxOf8lnsSI/AAAAAAAACaY/Qcs0JJ4WQ2A/s1600/Wrangell-St.+Elias+Mts+&+Copper+River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MgHR8t1snc/UdxOf8lnsSI/AAAAAAAACaY/Qcs0JJ4WQ2A/s320/Wrangell-St.+Elias+Mts+&+Copper+River.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">· It’s the largest Park in the U.S. It is, in fact, larger than several of our smaller States combined. </span><span style="font-size: large;">· Not only is it larger than Switzerland but its mountains are higher. </span><span style="font-size: large;">· Of the 16 largest mountains in the U.S., it holds 9 of them. </span><span style="font-size: large;">· There are literally hundreds of glaciers, some as deep as 1,000 feet </span><span style="font-size: large;">· It snows between 25’ & 50’ each Winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fz_kQTk8ETc/UdznvFK6yRI/AAAAAAAACcQ/kRixXftSt7Y/s1600/Wrangell-St.+Elias+Mts+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fz_kQTk8ETc/UdznvFK6yRI/AAAAAAAACcQ/kRixXftSt7Y/s320/Wrangell-St.+Elias+Mts+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwyBf_ItbYs/UdxQfGw8UPI/AAAAAAAACao/VXWTRaWkNkw/s1600/Karen+with+fish+Box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwyBf_ItbYs/UdxQfGw8UPI/AAAAAAAACao/VXWTRaWkNkw/s320/Karen+with+fish+Box.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They had a nice museum which we also toured. I'm standing in front of something called a Fish Box. The Indians, mostly, put it in a stream to catch the fish. It was pretty clever. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBBMF0jYPls/UdzmdIJd33I/AAAAAAAACb0/-d67PDAb_Po/s1600/Glacier+along+road++2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBBMF0jYPls/UdzmdIJd33I/AAAAAAAACb0/-d67PDAb_Po/s400/Glacier+along+road++2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier along the way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv2vUbXQLAE/UdzoLKzHojI/AAAAAAAACcU/kiXCEzAQiN0/s1600/Glacier+along+road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv2vUbXQLAE/UdzoLKzHojI/AAAAAAAACcU/kiXCEzAQiN0/s400/Glacier+along+road.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQMG5XSNIr8/UdzsPYPgUmI/AAAAAAAACdE/_9llYRTQfQ8/s1600/Chugach+Mts+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQMG5XSNIr8/UdzsPYPgUmI/AAAAAAAACdE/_9llYRTQfQ8/s320/Chugach+Mts+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_fs8v_t6ZQ/Udzsbr4F8VI/AAAAAAAACdM/e0yTnVaAOl8/s1600/Road+Scenery+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_fs8v_t6ZQ/Udzsbr4F8VI/AAAAAAAACdM/e0yTnVaAOl8/s320/Road+Scenery+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOV4cU5P1so/UdzstGMhb0I/AAAAAAAACdU/HpGEX1PTSl4/s1600/Road+scenery+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOV4cU5P1so/UdzstGMhb0I/AAAAAAAACdU/HpGEX1PTSl4/s320/Road+scenery+14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Due to some unexpected maintenance issues with the RV, we decided to change our route a little & make an unscheduled stop in Anchorage. We were planning to come here, just at a later time. Luckily, it wasn’t out of our way. We’re staying at joint base Elmendorf -Richardson (Army & Air Force in Anchorage). </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdWTdt88gfc/Ud0A4gfa5vI/AAAAAAAACdk/ntVYwpWyCQM/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdWTdt88gfc/Ud0A4gfa5vI/AAAAAAAACdk/ntVYwpWyCQM/s320/IMG_4787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It seems the roads managed to damage both the tow bar, designed for up to a 10,000 lb. vehicle (ours is 3,000), but also meaningfully bent a steel sleeve that holds the tow bar to the RV. We’re told an elephant shouldn’t have been able to damage this item. We have made temporary repairs to the tow bar assembly & new replacement parts are on their way , and we are likewise replacing the sleeve. The biggest issue, our all important inverter/converter has one of its three circuit breakers giving us problems. Now this shouldn’t be a big deal, except the closest place you can get this part is Seattle , WA.; The part costs $18, shipping is $70. Go figure. We were planning to take the RV to a repair shop to have the work done. But, leave it to Karen, she takes the dog for a walk shortly after we arrived & returned with 2 guys who wanted to look at the inverter. It seems they both are mechanically inclined & knew exactly how to make the repair. In fact, they did a temporary fix & told us to let them know as soon as the part arrives & they will gladly make the repair. You meet the nicest people in RV parks. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Always looking on the brighter side, we met 2 couples in Whidbey Island this April who were leaving the day after us & following pretty much the same route. We’ve been staying in touch along the way. One of them had a rock damage their RV radiator & they’ve had to wait on the side of the road 5 days for a flat tow to Anchorage. Not ones to miss on opportunity, they decided to pan for gold at a local creek. Haven’t heard how that panned out (pun intended). They should be arriving at the same “campground” as we, in the next day or two. This is actually a campground with trees & everything!! We did realize there is a down side to this – mosquitos love treed areas!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">We received our part & Collins was able to replace it. Unfortunately, it did not resolve the problems. The breaker did need replacing, but we still don’t have power to our outlets when we’re not plugged in to shore power. We spoke to the maker of our inverter & now they think it’s probably a circuit board. We’ve decided we aren’t trying to order any more parts, we’ll make do til we get back to the lower 48. We did find out our batteries are only 4 yrs old & they don’t seem to be a problem.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z-I3oYBVLE/UdzowCwydUI/AAAAAAAACcg/jh7fvKnHY94/s1600/Beluga+Point+at+Turn+Again+Arm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z-I3oYBVLE/UdzowCwydUI/AAAAAAAACcg/jh7fvKnHY94/s400/Beluga+Point+at+Turn+Again+Arm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beluga Point at Turn Again Arm outside Anchorage, AK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">While in Anchorage, we reconnected with the people we met in Washington. We did a couple day trips together & enjoyed some “happy hours” a couple evenings. Collins even introduced them to Chocolate Martinis one evening. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ByQyjTpOi8w/UdzpUoPYxsI/AAAAAAAACco/oZ9g-AJyccI/s1600/Karen+downtown+Anchorage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ByQyjTpOi8w/UdzpUoPYxsI/AAAAAAAACco/oZ9g-AJyccI/s320/Karen+downtown+Anchorage.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One Sunday we went to downtown Anchorage for a street market. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yprSrkOEu9g/UdzpxrrXArI/AAAAAAAACc0/Gpyoz8YfQwA/s1600/Us+downtown+Anchorage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yprSrkOEu9g/UdzpxrrXArI/AAAAAAAACc0/Gpyoz8YfQwA/s320/Us+downtown+Anchorage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They had a lot of booths selling fur products. Go figure. We were going to go to the 4th of July parade, but it decided to start raining that day. They did their fireworks at midnight, but it still wasn’t dark. We didn’t go for that. We left Anchorage a few days before our new friends, but they were also headed to Seward, where we would again overlap a few days. It’s nice to know someone along the road. We’ve also been giving each other travel info as we go along. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned. We’re heading to Steward, Homer, Denali & more. We’ll keep you posted.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-79306800623645023392013-06-10T23:44:00.002-04:002013-06-11T11:50:14.132-04:00GOOD TO BE HOME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(Don't forget you can double click any pic to make it larger)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We returned to the US on March 28th. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn0hA4RBRGM/UbZFFLN2nuI/AAAAAAAACBQ/JJY9YlZEBdU/s1600/Collins+&+Snuggles+at+the+airport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn0hA4RBRGM/UbZFFLN2nuI/AAAAAAAACBQ/JJY9YlZEBdU/s320/Collins+&+Snuggles+at+the+airport.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting at the airport</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Collins & I were happy to be back. Snuggles doesn’t much care where she is, so long as we are with her. She is the best traveling dog ever! She sleeps most of the time we travel & adapts really well to where ever we take her. She may not be the happiest dog when we arrive at my brother & sister-in-law’s house because they have 2 dogs of their own, so Snuggles isn’t Queen Bee anymore. However, she has gotten used to them & basically just ignores them.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3u8E618xFMc/UbZi4e12MuI/AAAAAAAACC4/F_CUbqQ9jZs/s1600/Karen+&+Snuggles,++Pam,+Granny+&+Jamie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3u8E618xFMc/UbZi4e12MuI/AAAAAAAACC4/F_CUbqQ9jZs/s320/Karen+&+Snuggles,++Pam,+Granny+&+Jamie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Karen, Daughter Pam, Mom & Niece Jamie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We spent about 2 1/2 weeks in IL. It was good being there. My mom was there from FL the first week, so she got to celebrate Easter with all the family. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpEryGIsb-Q/UbZEzdv2tDI/AAAAAAAAB_0/N1a4Y61-RWM/s1600/Becca+%2526+Katie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpEryGIsb-Q/UbZEzdv2tDI/AAAAAAAAB_0/N1a4Y61-RWM/s320/Becca+%2526+Katie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granddaughters Becca & Katie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnVdQ0AfDPU/UbZjrCnPlFI/AAAAAAAACDY/tNRmnnauc2M/s1600/Aaron,+Pam+&+Granny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnVdQ0AfDPU/UbZjrCnPlFI/AAAAAAAACDY/tNRmnnauc2M/s320/Aaron,+Pam+&+Granny.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Son in law Aaron, Daughter Pam & Mom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Collins & I also had time to spend with our kids & grandkids. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toCEbux_ows/UbZmb97XfdI/AAAAAAAACH0/W9vjBTN6Fdo/s1600/Eric%252C+Katie%252C+Brian+%2526+Diane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toCEbux_ows/UbZmb97XfdI/AAAAAAAACH0/W9vjBTN6Fdo/s320/Eric%252C+Katie%252C+Brian+%2526+Diane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eric, husband of niece Katie, her dad Brian & my Sister Diane </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZyMMRA-8jA/UbZjqxkRESI/AAAAAAAACDc/6oa4cwV6cHE/s1600/Becca%252C+Tyler+%2526+Ryan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZyMMRA-8jA/UbZjqxkRESI/AAAAAAAACDc/6oa4cwV6cHE/s320/Becca%252C+Tyler+%2526+Ryan.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granddaughter Becca, Grandsons Tyler & Ryan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since it was Easter, some of the kids had fun coloring eggs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4JEOVYEcpw/UbZl2VeKj3I/AAAAAAAACFc/2h5b8olkQ2U/s1600/Courtney%252C+Becca%252C+Megan+%2526+Colette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4JEOVYEcpw/UbZl2VeKj3I/AAAAAAAACFc/2h5b8olkQ2U/s320/Courtney%252C+Becca%252C+Megan+%2526+Colette.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Niece Courtney, GD Becca, Niece Megan, Sister Colette</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu1G3AhEUQM/UbZmIJe8E_I/AAAAAAAACGg/G8mWrWmbEPY/s1600/Danny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu1G3AhEUQM/UbZmIJe8E_I/AAAAAAAACGg/G8mWrWmbEPY/s320/Danny.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grandson Danny</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PEddHtMKx8g/UbZmsuCCDoI/AAAAAAAACIU/BNNheFidtuw/s1600/Granny%252C+Katie+%2526+Courtney.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PEddHtMKx8g/UbZmsuCCDoI/AAAAAAAACIU/BNNheFidtuw/s320/Granny%252C+Katie+%2526+Courtney.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mom, Katie & Courtney</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWkZgZifx9s/UbZ5V4HYqqI/AAAAAAAACOg/Id4XV9YH2Ko/s1600/Jamie+&+Colette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWkZgZifx9s/UbZ5V4HYqqI/AAAAAAAACOg/Id4XV9YH2Ko/s320/Jamie+&+Colette.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Niece Jamie & my sister Colette</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTkc6Fu2PBA/UbZnyFXX-8I/AAAAAAAACL8/rLuUIzFFK-4/s1600/Tyler+%2526+Ryan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTkc6Fu2PBA/UbZnyFXX-8I/AAAAAAAACL8/rLuUIzFFK-4/s320/Tyler+%2526+Ryan.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Tyler & Ryan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXOBALNnjcM/UbZmIwxGhHI/AAAAAAAACGs/nnwMkob5pZo/s1600/Dave+%2526+Tyler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXOBALNnjcM/UbZmIwxGhHI/AAAAAAAACGs/nnwMkob5pZo/s320/Dave+%2526+Tyler.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Son in Law Dave & GS Tylere</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FT2Bs2gbtAQ/UbZnFIz8ZzI/AAAAAAAACKM/aUYrok9YdTw/s1600/Paula+%2526+Danny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FT2Bs2gbtAQ/UbZnFIz8ZzI/AAAAAAAACKM/aUYrok9YdTw/s320/Paula+%2526+Danny.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daughter Paula & GS Danny</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZpqtqJms_I/UbZkFvZ_stI/AAAAAAAACDw/GysPxFZN6Jc/s1600/Becca+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZpqtqJms_I/UbZkFvZ_stI/AAAAAAAACDw/GysPxFZN6Jc/s320/Becca+2.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Becca</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We even made it to a couple of baseball/softball games. Unfortunately, Tyler was sick, so we didn't get to any of his games.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTHV2vek5q4/UbZjmTXm8DI/AAAAAAAACDI/pZxOoxdzoH0/s1600/Becca+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTHV2vek5q4/UbZjmTXm8DI/AAAAAAAACDI/pZxOoxdzoH0/s320/Becca+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Becca</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUj8yH1cZLk/UbZmIGQFg3I/AAAAAAAACGc/XhCRaNmBWtg/s1600/Danny+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUj8yH1cZLk/UbZmIGQFg3I/AAAAAAAACGc/XhCRaNmBWtg/s320/Danny+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Danny</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUah8tz5RkA/UbZnfBPaXhI/AAAAAAAACK0/v-wN9ov0GuE/s1600/Ryan+at+Baseball+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUah8tz5RkA/UbZnfBPaXhI/AAAAAAAACK0/v-wN9ov0GuE/s320/Ryan+at+Baseball+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">GS Ryan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptecakg30D0/UbZnemjSN5I/AAAAAAAACKs/nRCcCV07TS4/s1600/Ryan+at+baseball+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptecakg30D0/UbZnemjSN5I/AAAAAAAACKs/nRCcCV07TS4/s320/Ryan+at+baseball+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ryan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-In_njOT7zBo/UbZnflhmTsI/AAAAAAAACLA/UnbF7rvkjpo/s1600/Ryan+at+baseball.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-In_njOT7zBo/UbZnflhmTsI/AAAAAAAACLA/UnbF7rvkjpo/s320/Ryan+at+baseball.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ryan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD_zMtzEKsc/UbZjnPwngOI/AAAAAAAACDQ/QlHfcFjuDeQ/s1600/Becca+in+Bday+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD_zMtzEKsc/UbZjnPwngOI/AAAAAAAACDQ/QlHfcFjuDeQ/s1600/Becca+in+Bday+outfit.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Becca in her birthday outfit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We really enjoyed the time we spent there. I even had a chance to take Becca shopping for her birthday.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">April 17th it was time to start our journey “home”. We left the RV parked outside Tacoma, Washington, which was 2100 miles from IL. Since we don’t like to start our journey too early ( 9 AM is about our style) & we didn’t like to drive at night, we knew it would take us 4 days to reach our destination. We were very surprised when we turned on the news before going to bed in Sioux Falls, IA to learn we could have 6-8” of snow when we woke the next morning. Luckily for us, the storm was slow in arriving & we only had a dusting when we woke. We had some snow on the road that morning, but by afternoon the sun was shinning. From there we had pretty good weather until we hit the mountains in Washington, where it was raining. We were happy to arrive at our destination safe & sound. We had decided to stay in a cabin at the campground for Sat & Sunday because we were taking the RV for new front tires & some other checks on Monday & didn’t feel like setting everything up & taking it all down again. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LfvhqNnfqE/UbZl0YGFgwI/AAAAAAAACFE/3OSXScbrXlM/s1600/Collins+checks+out+the+RV.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LfvhqNnfqE/UbZl0YGFgwI/AAAAAAAACFE/3OSXScbrXlM/s320/Collins+checks+out+the+RV.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Collins checks out the RV</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We did go to the storage lot on Sunday & removed the cover. Thankfully, everything was fine & the RV even started on it’s own. I thought for sure we’d have to call for a jump start.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp2FaGBeoTQ/UbZl1SoI9gI/AAAAAAAACFM/45OEl1g7mok/s1600/Collins+taking+off+the+cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp2FaGBeoTQ/UbZl1SoI9gI/AAAAAAAACFM/45OEl1g7mok/s320/Collins+taking+off+the+cover.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Collins on the roof of the RV removing the cover</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Monday morning we took the RV for new front tires & got the suspension checked. Tires for this baby are expensive, but with the upcoming trip to Alaska we thought it was a good idea. Everything else was fine!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At last, we took it back to the campground we stayed in last fall & started the job of unpacking. The biggest problem was that we were going on a cruise to the inside passage of Alaska in a week & I had to figure out what to take for that & I couldn’t really put the luggage away. We were also putting the RV back in storage while we were gone, so everything had to be put away to move it again. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-is_8eYMoCw8/UbZl1u_4r0I/AAAAAAAACFU/xHCX3sGqlhU/s1600/Collins+at+Rhododendron+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-is_8eYMoCw8/UbZl1u_4r0I/AAAAAAAACFU/xHCX3sGqlhU/s400/Collins+at+Rhododendron+Park.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Jhnm7GtbJw/UbZnJDmOhbI/AAAAAAAACKk/FeWGPIthY04/s1600/Rhododendron+Park+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Jhnm7GtbJw/UbZnJDmOhbI/AAAAAAAACKk/FeWGPIthY04/s320/Rhododendron+Park+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We also took the time to visit Rhododendron Park. It had Rhodys of every size & color you could imagine. Being former gardeners we really enjoyed it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VT80yjezZlY/UbZnIQvQhSI/AAAAAAAACKc/OR7XEIY3DCk/s1600/Rhododendron+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VT80yjezZlY/UbZnIQvQhSI/AAAAAAAACKc/OR7XEIY3DCk/s320/Rhododendron+Park.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">April 30th we put the RV back in storage & went to Vancouver, Canada. We decided to go a day early so we could do a little sight seeing. We thought Vancouver was a really nice city. We toured Grandville Island the afternoon we arrived. It’s kind of an eclectic area of shops, public market & boat docks. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0JyNygYtMQ/UbZnjVxXDjI/AAAAAAAACLc/_KbmmBue4-w/s1600/Stanley+Park+1%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0JyNygYtMQ/UbZnjVxXDjI/AAAAAAAACLc/_KbmmBue4-w/s320/Stanley+Park+1%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stanley Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyYTNuyR4tk/UbZnjR0SmAI/AAAAAAAACLQ/9PMBtAR233w/s1600/Stanley+Park+7%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyYTNuyR4tk/UbZnjR0SmAI/AAAAAAAACLQ/9PMBtAR233w/s320/Stanley+Park+7%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stanley Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since we weren’t scheduled to board our ship until 3PM, we were able to check out the downtown & Stanley Park. Stanley Park is right on the water’s edge & has gardens, bike paths & so much more to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_g4TRasoo8/UbZnjtL66jI/AAAAAAAACLY/NM0KKuWmX3Y/s1600/Stanley+Park+8%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_g4TRasoo8/UbZnjtL66jI/AAAAAAAACLY/NM0KKuWmX3Y/s320/Stanley+Park+8%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stanley Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnQlnNgklXY/UbZnkhdHKKI/AAAAAAAACLk/evkCB_20jUA/s1600/Stanley+Park+9%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnQlnNgklXY/UbZnkhdHKKI/AAAAAAAACLk/evkCB_20jUA/s320/Stanley+Park+9%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stanley Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We spent several hours driving & walking around it. It was a beautiful park. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVX4T4a8u1o/UbZny1NmkLI/AAAAAAAACME/3M3WU1AAuVM/s1600/Totem+Poles+at+Stanley+Park%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVX4T4a8u1o/UbZny1NmkLI/AAAAAAAACME/3M3WU1AAuVM/s320/Totem+Poles+at+Stanley+Park%252C+Vancouver%252C+Canada.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Totem Poles at Stanley park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwaX0FAz7tg/UbZnEdSp0LI/AAAAAAAACKA/QS-1b4ys9ZQ/s1600/Our+cruise+ship+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwaX0FAz7tg/UbZnEdSp0LI/AAAAAAAACKA/QS-1b4ys9ZQ/s320/Our+cruise+ship+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our cruise ship</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W88AR9COGtw/UbZnEqWryPI/AAAAAAAACKE/kkGUHxxoE6Y/s1600/Our+cruise+ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W88AR9COGtw/UbZnEqWryPI/AAAAAAAACKE/kkGUHxxoE6Y/s320/Our+cruise+ship.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our ship at the Vancouver Port </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">By 3PM we were boarding our floating home for a week. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtIe3vKh4UA/UbZnDWnlhZI/AAAAAAAACJ0/GYp6OUOhm80/s1600/Leaving+Canada+on+our+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtIe3vKh4UA/UbZnDWnlhZI/AAAAAAAACJ0/GYp6OUOhm80/s320/Leaving+Canada+on+our+cruise.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leaving Vancouver</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Collins & I really aren’t “cruise” people, but we wanted to see the Inside Passage of Alaska. We’d heard so much about how beautiful it was. We had lousy weather all but one day. It rained, was cloudy & foggy. Unfortunately, we often didn’t have much view of anything. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsDOqlkcd-Y/UbZn1qaRbdI/AAAAAAAACMs/9_IiGcyRF_w/s1600/Us+on+the+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsDOqlkcd-Y/UbZn1qaRbdI/AAAAAAAACMs/9_IiGcyRF_w/s320/Us+on+the+cruise.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We did usually get "dressed" for dinner, then we'd go to the piano bar for awhile in the evenings.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJw0dWqFkg0/UbZmXTJH9KI/AAAAAAAACG0/GQrFgMKzeag/s1600/Downtown+Janeau+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJw0dWqFkg0/UbZmXTJH9KI/AAAAAAAACG0/GQrFgMKzeag/s320/Downtown+Janeau+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Downtown Juneau</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMZx2RSo-E/UbZnwpP6qXI/AAAAAAAACLs/G8CAN1y5fFg/s1600/The+tram+in+Janeau.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMZx2RSo-E/UbZnwpP6qXI/AAAAAAAACLs/G8CAN1y5fFg/s320/The+tram+in+Janeau.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tram to mountain top in Juneau</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It rained in Juneau, but we did take a tram to the top of a mountain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iZlFcmpWJI/UbZoD7_IGeI/AAAAAAAACNA/s6Y09CHp628/s1600/View+of+Janeau+from+Tram+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iZlFcmpWJI/UbZoD7_IGeI/AAAAAAAACNA/s6Y09CHp628/s320/View+of+Janeau+from+Tram+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of Juneau from tram</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were able to see out over the city, but we couldn’t walk the trails because there was still too much snow. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eM1Ut9fgCpE/UbZoD_Yx-lI/AAAAAAAACNE/4CyO8yJPOg8/s1600/View+of+Janeau+from+Tram+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eM1Ut9fgCpE/UbZoD_Yx-lI/AAAAAAAACNE/4CyO8yJPOg8/s320/View+of+Janeau+from+Tram+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Juneau</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kox6KwULf6s/UbZlzojfAmI/AAAAAAAACE8/HK76HiAnquU/s1600/Collins+%2526+Snuggles+meet+a+bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kox6KwULf6s/UbZlzojfAmI/AAAAAAAACE8/HK76HiAnquU/s320/Collins+%2526+Snuggles+meet+a+bear.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Collins & Snuggles meet a bear</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0uh2VD4Bl0/UbZmYCGec8I/AAAAAAAACHE/U1ixjpPTEco/s1600/Downtown+Skagway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0uh2VD4Bl0/UbZmYCGec8I/AAAAAAAACHE/U1ixjpPTEco/s320/Downtown+Skagway.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Downtown Skagway</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It also rained in Skagway, but we went to a couple of the museums & learned some on the history about the gold rush. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoLuaH9d7CU/UbZmsfZjWMI/AAAAAAAACIM/EVmkLwf9QXE/s1600/Glacier+Bay+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoLuaH9d7CU/UbZmsfZjWMI/AAAAAAAACIM/EVmkLwf9QXE/s320/Glacier+Bay+18.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We went to Glacier Bay, which was interesting. We found the blue ice in the glaciers fascinating. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07mlIWdF3Ao/UbZmr2bI7MI/AAAAAAAACIA/SzUIbm0txTc/s1600/Glacier+Bay+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07mlIWdF3Ao/UbZmr2bI7MI/AAAAAAAACIA/SzUIbm0txTc/s320/Glacier+Bay+22.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Again, it was a cloudy day, so we weren’t able to see much of the surrounding mountains. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH0iAvk8mQs/UbZmsCcAufI/AAAAAAAACIE/Z2P_8GvvGx8/s1600/Glacier+Bay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH0iAvk8mQs/UbZmsCcAufI/AAAAAAAACIE/Z2P_8GvvGx8/s320/Glacier+Bay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktvd2uYeQhk/UbZnAVjWCvI/AAAAAAAACJM/O05mNJhiMh0/s1600/Ketchikan+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktvd2uYeQhk/UbZnAVjWCvI/AAAAAAAACJM/O05mNJhiMh0/s320/Ketchikan+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The most ironic thing was the day we arrived in Ketchikan it was bright & sunny. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6YYDoUn5NQ/UbZnCDEQOZI/AAAAAAAACJk/cbK1hrj1Beg/s1600/Ketchikan+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6YYDoUn5NQ/UbZnCDEQOZI/AAAAAAAACJk/cbK1hrj1Beg/s320/Ketchikan+8.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They are one of the rainiest places in the world with an average of 12.5’ of rain a year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMebU0NiZ44/UbZnDVViH-I/AAAAAAAACJw/btFDQaIKlTg/s1600/Ketchikan%252C+houses+on+the+creek+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMebU0NiZ44/UbZnDVViH-I/AAAAAAAACJw/btFDQaIKlTg/s320/Ketchikan%252C+houses+on+the+creek+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Houses on the creek</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That day we took a tour of the city. It was a quaint little town, but the only way in or out is by boat or plane. It takes a special person to live there. Juneau is the same way. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xg4O_qfx-U/UbZnBUglSuI/AAAAAAAACJc/oGBTKBcGZ8c/s1600/Ketchikan+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xg4O_qfx-U/UbZnBUglSuI/AAAAAAAACJc/oGBTKBcGZ8c/s320/Ketchikan+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya3I2mgOsAs/UbZnBFkfCCI/AAAAAAAACJY/VueKcAEDOl8/s1600/Ketchikan+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya3I2mgOsAs/UbZnBFkfCCI/AAAAAAAACJY/VueKcAEDOl8/s320/Ketchikan+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ketchikan Waterfront</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived back in Vancouver the morning of May 8th & drove back to Tacoma to get our home out of storage again. We were staying 5 days at the same campground, to give ourselves time to finally get fully unpacked, groceries & a few other odds & ends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxjynmQXB5s/UbZoDPj8HWI/AAAAAAAACM0/mQ7xaxVuWt8/s1600/View+from+walking+path+at+Whidbey+Is+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxjynmQXB5s/UbZoDPj8HWI/AAAAAAAACM0/mQ7xaxVuWt8/s320/View+from+walking+path+at+Whidbey+Is+campground.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from the walking path</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May 13th we moved further north in Washington. We’re staying on a Naval Air Station Base on Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island is in Puget Sound. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlD2tJ-n2nE/UbZmYxbURoI/AAAAAAAACHU/WcJtRzgziK0/s1600/Eagles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlD2tJ-n2nE/UbZmYxbURoI/AAAAAAAACHU/WcJtRzgziK0/s400/Eagles+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bald Eagles</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDnLVcsMdV4/UbZmYfGAdhI/AAAAAAAACHM/CXKR6saJbn0/s1600/Eagle+in+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDnLVcsMdV4/UbZmYfGAdhI/AAAAAAAACHM/CXKR6saJbn0/s320/Eagle+in+flight.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The campground at this base has been totally updated & is really nice. It has nice level concrete pads with full hookups. The best part is that it over looks the water. The views are beautiful. There are walking paths all around & there are bald Eagles here. They are something to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_L0ZqOZg6c/UbZmbzguamI/AAAAAAAACHw/8hLZ0y-w8xw/s1600/Flipflops+found+on+the+beach+at+Whidbey+Is+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_L0ZqOZg6c/UbZmbzguamI/AAAAAAAACHw/8hLZ0y-w8xw/s320/Flipflops+found+on+the+beach+at+Whidbey+Is+campground.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flipflops found on the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Camp Host has been here 10 years & he takes care of it as tho it was his own personal garden. He is planting all kinds of flowers around the campground. He is also very creative & has made “art” with the driftwood he has found on the beach. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDixwmPLeuo/UbZoIMflsYI/AAAAAAAACNo/YYqv7W33kuA/s1600/Whidbey+Is%252C+WA%252C+Campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDixwmPLeuo/UbZoIMflsYI/AAAAAAAACNo/YYqv7W33kuA/s320/Whidbey+Is%252C+WA%252C+Campground.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71ZO9FrYulI/UbZn0v7wsuI/AAAAAAAACMc/t-1BOpgcq5Q/s1600/Us+in+the+swing+in+front+of+our+RV+at+Whidbey+Island.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71ZO9FrYulI/UbZn0v7wsuI/AAAAAAAACMc/t-1BOpgcq5Q/s320/Us+in+the+swing+in+front+of+our+RV+at+Whidbey+Island.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Swing on grass in front of our RV- Puget Sound on other side of fence</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOdWcU9Isgo/UbZoGpognBI/AAAAAAAACNc/T4r7R7wW6NQ/s1600/Whidbey+Island+Art+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOdWcU9Isgo/UbZoGpognBI/AAAAAAAACNc/T4r7R7wW6NQ/s320/Whidbey+Island+Art+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Park Art</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2la4TJayzmU/UbZoIH2F3PI/AAAAAAAACNs/R7qTf5S_UdM/s1600/Whidbey+Island+Art+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2la4TJayzmU/UbZoIH2F3PI/AAAAAAAACNs/R7qTf5S_UdM/s400/Whidbey+Island+Art+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6WSiNBbWss/UbZoJtdkccI/AAAAAAAACN0/9U6ztaZBpNY/s1600/Whidbey+Island+Art+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6WSiNBbWss/UbZoJtdkccI/AAAAAAAACN0/9U6ztaZBpNY/s320/Whidbey+Island+Art+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beware of the sea creature</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yX6Es2W2VXY/UbZoNcr_9_I/AAAAAAAACOU/YVvbGd8iDuM/s1600/Whidbey+Island+Art+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yX6Es2W2VXY/UbZoNcr_9_I/AAAAAAAACOU/YVvbGd8iDuM/s320/Whidbey+Island+Art+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eENQsTQDTw/UbZoM5wK6OI/AAAAAAAACOM/EIuEGgvytvw/s1600/Whidbey+Island+Art+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eENQsTQDTw/UbZoM5wK6OI/AAAAAAAACOM/EIuEGgvytvw/s320/Whidbey+Island+Art+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7Pa3ojUTDM/UbZoM3FPyWI/AAAAAAAACOI/yxwbXSmLN9c/s1600/Whidbey+Island+Art.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7Pa3ojUTDM/UbZoM3FPyWI/AAAAAAAACOI/yxwbXSmLN9c/s320/Whidbey+Island+Art.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The bad thing about this place is there are a lot of airplanes flying over at all times of day & night. Sometimes they do continuous touch & goes for hours at a time & sometimes til around 11:30 at night. It’s so loud you can’t hear the TV or yourselves talking. Luckily, they seem to have the weekends off. This is a beautiful place, but I wouldn’t come back.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May 17th - We wanted to visit Victoria on Vancouver Island while we were here. We watched the weather, hoping for a sunny day, which is a trick around here! We finally had a forecast for a couple non rainy days to we decided to go. It’s no easy fete to get there. We had to go to a town about half hour away, then take the Ferry on a 3 hour trip. There is only 1 trip each way, so we didn’t want to miss that Ferry. Of course, it decided to rain. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byHv-f8ZcAQ/UbZkn4SM6mI/AAAAAAAACEY/QvyFiJHUreQ/s1600/Butchart+Gardens+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byHv-f8ZcAQ/UbZkn4SM6mI/AAAAAAAACEY/QvyFiJHUreQ/s400/Butchart+Gardens+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived in <b>Sidney, right next to Victoria and headed straight to </b>another “wow” adventure by visiting Butchart Gardens. Over a hundred years ago a penniless emigrant became a self made millionaire &, to his wife’s credit & subsequent perusals by other family members, a 55 acre gravel pit & cement factory was transformed into their residential Paradise. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5TeCEEptfo/UbZkVg-SxjI/AAAAAAAACD4/LMHZaNRgo6U/s1600/Butchart+Gardens+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5TeCEEptfo/UbZkVg-SxjI/AAAAAAAACD4/LMHZaNRgo6U/s400/Butchart+Gardens+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0Am0-CVvVo/UbZj7QJ-m3I/AAAAAAAACDo/_gnZSTsYePQ/s1600/Butchart+Gardens+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0Am0-CVvVo/UbZj7QJ-m3I/AAAAAAAACDo/_gnZSTsYePQ/s400/Butchart+Gardens+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iShkdpvF_xw/UbZkdy6rBcI/AAAAAAAACEI/3M4zxUjzwDI/s1600/Butchart+Gardens+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iShkdpvF_xw/UbZkdy6rBcI/AAAAAAAACEI/3M4zxUjzwDI/s400/Butchart+Gardens+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTS7R1WZuOM/UbZkalNQ-7I/AAAAAAAACEA/TMHbHbqxauU/s1600/Butchart+Gardens+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTS7R1WZuOM/UbZkalNQ-7I/AAAAAAAACEA/TMHbHbqxauU/s400/Butchart+Gardens+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwXGnmz_4ms/UbZmyCOW0UI/AAAAAAAACJE/Nmlo8tU_6Mo/s1600/Karen+%2526+Snuggles+at+Butchart+Gardens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwXGnmz_4ms/UbZmyCOW0UI/AAAAAAAACJE/Nmlo8tU_6Mo/s320/Karen+%2526+Snuggles+at+Butchart+Gardens.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Luckily, we had rain jackets & big umbrellas because it rained during our whole visit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Although one thinks that all of Canada experiences severe Winters, some coastline locations are very mild; the Palms trees, used for adding a unique touch to selected beds in these gardens, demonstrates this is one of them. The climate is so perfect, & the efforts so great, that not only are there hundreds of garage size Rhododendrons in bloom with stunning colors we have never seen before, but hundreds more of other flowering trees, bushes &, of course, hundreds of thousands of flowers combined to overwhelm your senses. Fifty gardeners maintain these grounds, including large manicured lawns ensuring you can take in the big pictures of awe, as well as being astounded by all the little pictures that greet you around each twist in the paths. Summertime weekends include concerts & strategically placed night lights, transform the gardens into a whole different beauty. No matter how one extols the efforts required to bring in tons of dirt, as well as create a stream & pond within this old rock quarry, it is necessary to actually see it, to fully appreciate the stunning results. <u>This was one of those moments where we were reminded just how fortunate we are to be venturing down our present road.</u> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91UgoDR1w88/UbZmYAYKIxI/AAAAAAAACHI/9g_3PU-4iKs/s1600/Downtown+Victoria+Parliament+Bldg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91UgoDR1w88/UbZmYAYKIxI/AAAAAAAACHI/9g_3PU-4iKs/s320/Downtown+Victoria+Parliament+Bldg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parliamentary Building</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After spending several hours at the beautiful gardens, we set out for downtown Victoria. There we were able to visit the Parliamentary Building, then took a bus tour around the city. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hO9FV-Xy6sU/UbZmxk_S6NI/AAAAAAAACI0/UgLitaZ2Q8o/s1600/Inside+Parliament+Bldg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hO9FV-Xy6sU/UbZmxk_S6NI/AAAAAAAACI0/UgLitaZ2Q8o/s320/Inside+Parliament+Bldg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside Parliamentary Building</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3t85TgnukY/UbZmvVrUIyI/AAAAAAAACIs/fJsSweZRaYE/s1600/Inside+Parliament+Bldg+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3t85TgnukY/UbZmvVrUIyI/AAAAAAAACIs/fJsSweZRaYE/s320/Inside+Parliament+Bldg+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside Parliamentary Building</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAYWPBPI_MA/UbZnHpCixxI/AAAAAAAACKU/2AzjO4-Vx44/s1600/Peacock+at+the+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAYWPBPI_MA/UbZnHpCixxI/AAAAAAAACKU/2AzjO4-Vx44/s320/Peacock+at+the+park.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We drove thru a park that had Peacocks wandering around</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s right on the harbor & a stop for many cruise ships. We had decided to take the tour & go back the next day to see the other things of interest. We were staying overnight in Victoria. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSDDAvRGRrs/UbZmGZo7o2I/AAAAAAAACGM/nCl-K43geoM/s1600/Craigdarroch+Castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSDDAvRGRrs/UbZmGZo7o2I/AAAAAAAACGM/nCl-K43geoM/s320/Craigdarroch+Castle.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On Sat. we went to Craigdarroch Castle. It was built in the 1890’s by a wealthy coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir,a Scottish immigrant who actually Insout as a miner himself. they say he spent around $500,000 building it & died the year before it was finished. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34wud1fzkGg/UbZmDZ-wcuI/AAAAAAAACFk/8mJa2dipNEM/s1600/Craigdarroch+Castle+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34wud1fzkGg/UbZmDZ-wcuI/AAAAAAAACFk/8mJa2dipNEM/s320/Craigdarroch+Castle+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His widow & family lived there for many years. It reminded us of the Biltmore, in North Carolina, in some ways. It’s not a large, but it’s opulence is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian era Furnishings. The paneling going up the staircases was absolutely beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwOUNdpGOU8/UbZmEmLbn7I/AAAAAAAACF8/Rmj6IxHRJ1w/s1600/Craigdarroch+Castle+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwOUNdpGOU8/UbZmEmLbn7I/AAAAAAAACF8/Rmj6IxHRJ1w/s320/Craigdarroch+Castle+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It had great views of Victoria & the water. It has over 20,000’ of interior space & is in the process of being restored. We spent several hours wandering thru it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heKjirXwt9g/UbZmGCw8moI/AAAAAAAACGI/mtkAiN-B5eE/s1600/Craigdarroch+Castle+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heKjirXwt9g/UbZmGCw8moI/AAAAAAAACGI/mtkAiN-B5eE/s320/Craigdarroch+Castle+6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74jJcYSZ5bo/UbZmICTM3HI/AAAAAAAACGk/2yMWa9w_ZmA/s1600/Craigdarroch+Castle+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74jJcYSZ5bo/UbZmICTM3HI/AAAAAAAACGk/2yMWa9w_ZmA/s320/Craigdarroch+Castle+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgfzZSJNHQ/UbZmD3AZWOI/AAAAAAAACFs/wqcQIhQL7UQ/s1600/Craigdarroch+Castle+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgfzZSJNHQ/UbZmD3AZWOI/AAAAAAAACFs/wqcQIhQL7UQ/s320/Craigdarroch+Castle+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax_3joBl-4M/UbZmECR3ZSI/AAAAAAAACF0/yHhjHC_YMPI/s1600/Craigdarroch+Castle+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax_3joBl-4M/UbZmECR3ZSI/AAAAAAAACF0/yHhjHC_YMPI/s320/Craigdarroch+Castle+12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4DByQt8Rm4/UbZmakEGNTI/AAAAAAAACHk/4Gs3pUqYGWA/s1600/Fisherman%2527s+Wharf+Victoria%252C+Canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4DByQt8Rm4/UbZmakEGNTI/AAAAAAAACHk/4Gs3pUqYGWA/s320/Fisherman%2527s+Wharf+Victoria%252C+Canada.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before we caught the Ferry back to Washington, we wandered around Fisherman’s Wharf. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31FBVClVZNM/UbZmu4x9HZI/AAAAAAAACIk/4gLLlUC-0-k/s1600/House+boat+on+Fisherman%2527s+Wharf+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31FBVClVZNM/UbZmu4x9HZI/AAAAAAAACIk/4gLLlUC-0-k/s320/House+boat+on+Fisherman%2527s+Wharf+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The most interesting part of that were all the “house” boats docked there. Some of them looked just like houses. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLq0xjbmX3Y/UbZmu_koC_I/AAAAAAAACIg/oZr8vHKOO5Q/s1600/House+boat+on+Fisherman%2527s+Wharf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLq0xjbmX3Y/UbZmu_koC_I/AAAAAAAACIg/oZr8vHKOO5Q/s320/House+boat+on+Fisherman%2527s+Wharf.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6VOJhptH7w/UbZmyJoPKhI/AAAAAAAACJA/TJtxbcEVhQw/s1600/Karen+%2526+Snuggles+in+water+taxi+in+Victoria+Harbor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6VOJhptH7w/UbZmyJoPKhI/AAAAAAAACJA/TJtxbcEVhQw/s320/Karen+%2526+Snuggles+in+water+taxi+in+Victoria+Harbor.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We then took a water taxi back to our car, waiting at the Ferry Dock. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOD4UH5rrEE/UbZoExBie7I/AAAAAAAACNM/b9pUrimKKwE/s1600/Water+taxi+in+Victoria+Harbor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOD4UH5rrEE/UbZoExBie7I/AAAAAAAACNM/b9pUrimKKwE/s320/Water+taxi+in+Victoria+Harbor.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We did a lot of sightseeing in a short period of time, but we didn’t want to go thru the “Ferry” thing a second time. It was long & expensive. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYZb9Q6AYJM/UbZluSNW3WI/AAAAAAAACEw/lnHkhbOrP4U/s1600/Cape+Flattery+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYZb9Q6AYJM/UbZluSNW3WI/AAAAAAAACEw/lnHkhbOrP4U/s320/Cape+Flattery+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 31<sup>st</sup>.</b> From the beginning of our journeys, we set a goal to visit the four corners of the contiguous United States. Having visited the first three in prior years, all that remained was the northwest… Cape Flattery, WA. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After waiting 8 days for sunshine, we finally got our opportunity to visit this corner. One first has to understand that the other three corners were easy to reach by car & perhaps a few hundred feet of walking . </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfvkaxZPixc/UbZmZuUgDNI/AAAAAAAACHc/kJUbpVI0ypw/s1600/Ferry+from+Whidbey+Island.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfvkaxZPixc/UbZmZuUgDNI/AAAAAAAACHc/kJUbpVI0ypw/s320/Ferry+from+Whidbey+Island.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here comes the Ferry</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thinking the same was occurring here, we set forth on the 3 ½ hour drive, plus half hour by ferry . </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--skHx84L21s/UbZn1Nv1cgI/AAAAAAAACMk/8XvAbL1E0Rs/s1600/Us+on+the+Ferry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--skHx84L21s/UbZn1Nv1cgI/AAAAAAAACMk/8XvAbL1E0Rs/s320/Us+on+the+Ferry.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Us on the Ferry</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What we didn’t know was the narrow roads had been laid out by a drunken surveyor who couldn’t see more than a few hundred feet at a time. Hence, we snaked our way to Cape Flattery where events took a turn for the worse. While a sign stated the “corner” was a mere ½ mile down the trail, we later determined that distance was “as the crow flies”. Not being crows, we took the longer route. The trail starts off wide, graveled & with a minor downward pitch. However, once on the trail it quickly becomes narrow, muddy & at least an 8 degree drop. It’s interesting how two people experiencing the same event see things differently: all the way down this trail, Karen was extolling the beauty of the huge trees, birds singing & sounds of a bubbling brook. I, on the other hand, kept thinking how this was going to be a bitch of a climb back. In the end, Snuggles agreed with me. To better appreciate the length of the trail, it’s necessary to understand we went thru 3 temperate zones. At the trail head it was large pine & red wood trees with dappled sunlight; in the center was a dense rain forest, huge ferns & no sunlight. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-335wPTskelU/UbZn0EtS_HI/AAAAAAAACMU/uooq8rkZxok/s1600/Us+at+Cape+Flattery+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-335wPTskelU/UbZn0EtS_HI/AAAAAAAACMU/uooq8rkZxok/s400/Us+at+Cape+Flattery+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Us at Cape Flattery- The most northwest spot of the contiguous US</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And finally, trails end has you a hundred feet above the coast looking across Puget Sound to Victoria Island, Canada. Couldn’t help but think of Sarah &, instead of Canada, her gazing on Russia.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzM6Hdg25BE/UbZnxRXcuXI/AAAAAAAACL0/jTGixpBOuSE/s1600/Tonnish+Island+across+from+Cape+Flattery+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzM6Hdg25BE/UbZnxRXcuXI/AAAAAAAACL0/jTGixpBOuSE/s400/Tonnish+Island+across+from+Cape+Flattery+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tonnish Island across from Cape Flattery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Although the scenery was beautiful, it was a very long day. Luckily, we made the ferry by 15 minutes, otherwise, we would have had to wait another hour and 45 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">During our 2 weeks on Whidbey Island, we were preparing for our great summer journey to Canada & Alaska. We did some last minute maintenance, stocked up on some of our favorite groceries & laid out our trip route. We had decided not to make campground reservations, since we weren’t sure what the roads would be like, or where we might want to spend more time. We had purchased “The Milepost”, which is supposed to be the bible of Alaska travel. It tells you everything, mile by mile. What no one tells you, is that it is the most confusing guidebook you’ll ever read. To begin with, there are several routes you can take in & out. This book jumps all over the place. As an example, one day our maps were on pages 92 & 93 & information was on pages 102-116. The next day, the maps were on pages 235-236 and the information 253-272. I was ready to tear my hair out, because I am the navigator. I had little tabs of paper with notes all thru the book. Finally, Collins suggested we lay it all out on a spread sheet. What a wonderful idea that turned out to be!! Funny thing, a few days before we were to leave, we got two new neighbors who were leaving for Canada/Alaska the day after we were. We all commented on how crazy the Milepost book was. I told them what we had done & offered them a copy. Needless to say, I saved them hours of hair pulling. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for the next installation of our Canadian/Alaskan Adventures!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-64550277936174087222013-03-19T22:41:00.000-04:002013-03-19T22:41:09.587-04:00WELCOME TO PANAMA 2013<br />
Don't forget, you can double click any picture to make it larger!<br />
<br />
In Panama, you can watch the sun rise & set over the Pacific Ocean!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dec 31, we left IL bright & early for our trip to Panama. This was a new adventure for us, since we had spent the last 3 winters in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We really liked it there, and had met some wonderful people, but felt it was time for a change. Of course, we brought Snuggles with us. They make you jump thru a lot of hoops to bring a dog into Panama, but we had followed them explicitly! However, as we’ve come to find out, when traveling to other countries, just because we do what we’re supposed to, doesn’t always mean things will do smooth. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxTUeXbNp2s/UUOAtG3Kf6I/AAAAAAAAB2k/psjnjaz2Kiw/s1600/Snuggles+&+Collins+sleep+at+the+airport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxTUeXbNp2s/UUOAtG3Kf6I/AAAAAAAAB2k/psjnjaz2Kiw/s320/Snuggles+&+Collins+sleep+at+the+airport.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Snuggles take a nap at the airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our trip on Copa Airlines was great. They were even nice enough to give us the whole row, even tho the plane was practically full. Snuggles was great, she slept most of the way & was well behaved. When we arrived in Panama, they took Collins & Snuggles to a little room & the fun began. For almost an hour and a half, they gave us the run around. Since we don’t speak Spanish & they didn’t speak English, there was a definite communications problem. Finally, they got a pilot who spoke both languages to get things squared away. Apparently, the dog is supposed to be examined by their vet when you arrive, even tho you have to do that just before you leave the US & have it certified by the US Dept of Agriculture, then send it to the Panamanian Embassy in Washington, DC, get it stamped & returned, then emailed to Panama itself. anyway, the vet decided to leave early that day. After a lot of discussion & help from the pilot, they finally decided to take $16 & let us go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We’re an hour & a half from the airport, so by the time we finally arrived at our complex it was around 6pm. We had been up at 4AM, so needless to say we were tired. We didn’t stop at the grocery store on the way in because the cars were all backed up there & it looked really crowded. Big Mistake!! There are 3 small restaurants close to here so we decided to go to one for dinner. It was New Year’s Eve & even tho it was still early they wouldn’t seat us because we didn’t have a reservation, same at the second. The 3rd is a pizza place & just as we got to the door, they were closing. Our only hope at that point was a very small store located close to the condo. We stopped in there. They didn’t carry any refrigerated items, so we bought some milk, beer & soda & came back to the condo. I had thrown a bag of chips in the suitcase so we had beer & chips for New Year’s Eve Dinner. I had also thrown a bag of cereal in the suitcase, so we were able to have breakfast the next day. When we tried to get a cab to the grocery store, we were told the cab drivers weren’t working that day. Needless to say, our meals for New Year’s Day were hit & miss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s been a bit of an adjustment here for us. The temperatures are warmer than Punta Cana, but the humidity is the same or a little less. We’re on the 20th floor of a high rise & we’re used to being on the first floor of a 3 story building. The wind blows almost constantly, which is a good thing because it does keep things cooler. However, forget your hair, step outside & any style you were trying to achieve is gone!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We were shocked the first day we went out to the beach. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--neCDG5SU00/UUOB8Fs2GAI/AAAAAAAAB2s/wUv8BWBGswA/s1600/Coronado+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--neCDG5SU00/UUOB8Fs2GAI/AAAAAAAAB2s/wUv8BWBGswA/s320/Coronado+Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There are no hotels, shops or restaurants along the beach. Unfortunately, we also don’t have beach chairs here. That isn’t a big problem for us, since we’re really pool people. We do like to walk on the beach, which you can easily do here with no one to bother you. They have some black sand, which makes for interesting patterns on the beach. Snuggles likes it, because she can run with no people getting in her way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVy1qsPxd1c/UUOCS3WXsPI/AAAAAAAAB24/jM91r_uV4SQ/s1600/Coronado+Beach+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVy1qsPxd1c/UUOCS3WXsPI/AAAAAAAAB24/jM91r_uV4SQ/s320/Coronado+Beach+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Private homes along the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8udkktjPo7w/UUODNfMAp8I/AAAAAAAAB3E/V-To93wRXx8/s1600/Our+beach+with+our+condo+in+background.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8udkktjPo7w/UUODNfMAp8I/AAAAAAAAB3E/V-To93wRXx8/s320/Our+beach+with+our+condo+in+background.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our condo is in the background<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cka7Qr2IHl0/UUODgeug1hI/AAAAAAAAB3M/CykQkGYbqoQ/s1600/Karen+&+Snuggles+on+the+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cka7Qr2IHl0/UUODgeug1hI/AAAAAAAAB3M/CykQkGYbqoQ/s320/Karen+&+Snuggles+on+the+beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles likes the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3NiB6DvY-k/UUOEC0EW5RI/AAAAAAAAB3U/UDbQhKhdAG0/s1600/View+from+our+balcony+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3NiB6DvY-k/UUOEC0EW5RI/AAAAAAAAB3U/UDbQhKhdAG0/s320/View+from+our+balcony+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking straight out our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our condo is very nice. After what we’ve had in Punta Cana, this is paradise. The few things we’ve needed, our property manager has been great about taking care of. From our balcony we can see the ocean & the mountains. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1t3MSwzPq7I/UUOEdCuIqcI/AAAAAAAAB3c/Q-lpFXvYQyE/s1600/View+from+our+balcony+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1t3MSwzPq7I/UUOEdCuIqcI/AAAAAAAAB3c/Q-lpFXvYQyE/s320/View+from+our+balcony+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to the left from our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The biggest problem with our balcony is that it is very narrow. Since Collins has vertigo, he can't sit there & look out at the view. When he does sit out there, he has to put his back to the railing. We don't go out very often.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYXE4kcxf7o/UUOFMnI2C0I/AAAAAAAAB3k/Udc_OEjo7Ck/s1600/View+from+our+balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYXE4kcxf7o/UUOFMnI2C0I/AAAAAAAAB3k/Udc_OEjo7Ck/s320/View+from+our+balcony.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to the right from our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our biggest complaint is they do a lot of burning around here; mostly it’s grass & leaves, but some of the locals still burn garbage, even tho they aren’t supposed to.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There are 3 large grocery stores within about 2 miles of us. They all have a pretty good selection, but if you see something you think you might want you’d better buy it because you might not find it again for awhile. I bought sour cream right after we got here, but haven’t been able to get it since. The prices are higher than the US, but about equal to Punta Cana. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0JiOp1zSJ8/UUOGEMQmkKI/AAAAAAAAB3s/toh8RDlNapo/s1600/Chicken+anyone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0JiOp1zSJ8/UUOGEMQmkKI/AAAAAAAAB3s/toh8RDlNapo/s320/Chicken+anyone.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Anyone? - They had already cut the head off this one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We pretty much stick to chicken & pork because for the most part, the beef isn’t that great. I was surprised one day when I wanted to buy a whole chicken – in that particular store you got “The whole chicken” – head, feet all attached!! They were plucked however!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnFWUWN6ll8/UUOG9H74wqI/AAAAAAAAB30/U8bY-RPp3As/s1600/Happy+Hour+on+the+roof+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnFWUWN6ll8/UUOG9H74wqI/AAAAAAAAB30/U8bY-RPp3As/s320/Happy+Hour+on+the+roof+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We’ve met some nice people here – 99% are Canadians, even more than Punta Cana. We have a rooftop pool & large area with couches, tables, etc. We started drinks on the roof at 6pm. Some nights there are 6 of us, other nights there are 20 or more. We've had a lot of laughs & it's a good way to meet people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv1VMPihmdA/UUTZ7o5QDNI/AAAAAAAAB98/Ux-5dGa5TPM/s1600/Sally+&+Allen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv1VMPihmdA/UUTZ7o5QDNI/AAAAAAAAB98/Ux-5dGa5TPM/s320/Sally+&+Allen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started Happy Hour with these two- Sally & Allan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uw9KE458bg/UUOHau5xeVI/AAAAAAAAB4A/erMfjJeKOIE/s1600/Happy+Hour+on+the+roof+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uw9KE458bg/UUOHau5xeVI/AAAAAAAAB4A/erMfjJeKOIE/s320/Happy+Hour+on+the+roof+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3kTtApnq08/UUOH3ExNS7I/AAAAAAAAB4E/qjgz9NwF5Ow/s1600/Happy+Hour+on+the+roof+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3kTtApnq08/UUOH3ExNS7I/AAAAAAAAB4E/qjgz9NwF5Ow/s320/Happy+Hour+on+the+roof+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PE-Sv1LLPQ/UUOIC-neE0I/AAAAAAAAB4M/zOx2ly3AWCY/s1600/Sunset+from+the+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PE-Sv1LLPQ/UUOIC-neE0I/AAAAAAAAB4M/zOx2ly3AWCY/s320/Sunset+from+the+roof.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s also a good place to watch the sun set while we’re there. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dA78slcW6dM/UUOIeR203xI/AAAAAAAAB4U/jVuoTJQfit8/s1600/Collins+R+&+R's+at+the+roof+top+pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dA78slcW6dM/UUOIeR203xI/AAAAAAAAB4U/jVuoTJQfit8/s320/Collins+R+&+R's+at+the+roof+top+pool.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins R & R's at the rooftop Pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">During the day, everyone pretty much keeps to themselves. Since there are 3 pool areas, people have their favorite spots. We like the roof because it’s cooler with the wind blowing thru. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXo5hNd1NUA/UUOIyfY6yaI/AAAAAAAAB4c/hZ5Y5PMX81Y/s1600/Roof+top+pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXo5hNd1NUA/UUOIyfY6yaI/AAAAAAAAB4c/hZ5Y5PMX81Y/s320/Roof+top+pool.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYtRKNliCck/UUOI87GPA3I/AAAAAAAAB4k/fd2hAjrZ-eg/s1600/Roof+top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYtRKNliCck/UUOI87GPA3I/AAAAAAAAB4k/fd2hAjrZ-eg/s320/Roof+top.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zA27fSgBi3k/UUOJN9k7l0I/AAAAAAAAB4s/0d9I6OCryYA/s1600/Roof+top+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zA27fSgBi3k/UUOJN9k7l0I/AAAAAAAAB4s/0d9I6OCryYA/s320/Roof+top+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More rooftop social area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kiGUoqWwQyo/UUOJtSSbMzI/AAAAAAAAB40/ZET1GQaWU6U/s1600/Collins+at+the+gym.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kiGUoqWwQyo/UUOJtSSbMzI/AAAAAAAAB40/ZET1GQaWU6U/s320/Collins+at+the+gym.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They have a nice gym here & you can see the ocean from the windows. We're trying to work out every other day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCeHfyiYa60/UUOVVfAP8xI/AAAAAAAAB48/faMmrbHsi9Q/s1600/BBQ+cook+off+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCeHfyiYa60/UUOVVfAP8xI/AAAAAAAAB48/faMmrbHsi9Q/s320/BBQ+cook+off+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One Saturday, they had a Barbeque cookoff at the Polo Club close by, so we went with some of the people we had met here. It was sponsored by some of the Panama BBQ restaurants. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5oVf251pTM/UUOVjQ8sGEI/AAAAAAAAB5E/qPBY6cHyThs/s1600/Collins+at+BBQ+cook+off.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5oVf251pTM/UUOVjQ8sGEI/AAAAAAAAB5E/qPBY6cHyThs/s320/Collins+at+BBQ+cook+off.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After the food was cooked & judged, they passed out free samples of their cooking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibNI1hHQEMc/UUOV5_hR5CI/AAAAAAAAB5M/dlisEiTgrMM/s1600/Pig+Roast+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibNI1hHQEMc/UUOV5_hR5CI/AAAAAAAAB5M/dlisEiTgrMM/s320/Pig+Roast+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pig Roast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBVrSj7nBCE/UUOWPXoYmuI/AAAAAAAAB5U/tXnIYIgcumE/s1600/Pig+roast+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBVrSj7nBCE/UUOWPXoYmuI/AAAAAAAAB5U/tXnIYIgcumE/s320/Pig+roast+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">We’ve actually done some sightseeing here. When we first got here, we went on a Panama City Tour with our neighbors. We hired a driver, who spoke excellent English, had a sense of humor & was very knowledgeable of the area. He took us to the parts of downtown where the military had stayed when the US ran the canal. Most of the buildings are still being used for other things today. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0TBO0syvzQ/UUS2RsrAQsI/AAAAAAAAB5k/PRUZ_OOIcHc/s1600/Ancon+Hill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0TBO0syvzQ/UUS2RsrAQsI/AAAAAAAAB5k/PRUZ_OOIcHc/s320/Ancon+Hill.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We went to the highest point in Panama City, Ancon Hill, where we could look down on the bay & all the new high rises in Panama City. It was here, the Command Center was set during the building of the Canal & the hospital was located & the upper level people had their homes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JKDwKIyq8g/UUS28ebRZ6I/AAAAAAAAB5s/400aaz6mN1c/s1600/Casco+Veijo+-n+looks+like+New+Orleans+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JKDwKIyq8g/UUS28ebRZ6I/AAAAAAAAB5s/400aaz6mN1c/s320/Casco+Veijo+-n+looks+like+New+Orleans+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We went to an older part of the city called Casco Viejo, which they are totally rehabbing. If you didn’t know better, you’d think you were in New Orleans! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI5dDuhMYdg/UUS3JWXf-uI/AAAAAAAAB54/i2vO0LTOaCU/s1600/Casco+Veijo+-n+looks+like+New+Orleans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI5dDuhMYdg/UUS3JWXf-uI/AAAAAAAAB54/i2vO0LTOaCU/s320/Casco+Veijo+-n+looks+like+New+Orleans.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-48D5Vf2SE/UUS3iPfI8VI/AAAAAAAAB58/v7NkRaXJyUI/s1600/Downtown+Panama+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-48D5Vf2SE/UUS3iPfI8VI/AAAAAAAAB58/v7NkRaXJyUI/s320/Downtown+Panama+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Downtown Panama City has huge high rise buildings & looks like any major city in the US. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oWGL4MFZFY/UUS336SiuBI/AAAAAAAAB6E/hGmYFgBLAws/s1600/Downtown+Panama+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oWGL4MFZFY/UUS336SiuBI/AAAAAAAAB6E/hGmYFgBLAws/s320/Downtown+Panama+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbfrK5E6wpY/UUS4yrpaRTI/AAAAAAAAB6M/3SMuKxt1zRQ/s1600/Karen+at+Amador+Causeway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbfrK5E6wpY/UUS4yrpaRTI/AAAAAAAAB6M/3SMuKxt1zRQ/s320/Karen+at+Amador+Causeway.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We made a stop at the Amador Causeway, which was build from rock excavated during the Panama Canal construction. It serves as a breakwater at the entrance to the canal. There are some beautiful Yachts docked there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMkVKG2qmhU/UUS5xWee-VI/AAAAAAAAB6U/VVEbLkEob0Y/s1600/Mira+Flores+museum+&+observation+deck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMkVKG2qmhU/UUS5xWee-VI/AAAAAAAAB6U/VVEbLkEob0Y/s320/Mira+Flores+museum+&+observation+deck.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We also went to the Mira Flores Locks & Museum. That was really interesting. It gave you a lot of information about the building of the Panama Canal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhjgsCrfXnE/UUS6AknWdjI/AAAAAAAAB6c/19_UUkIB1Fg/s1600/Mira+Flores+Locks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhjgsCrfXnE/UUS6AknWdjI/AAAAAAAAB6c/19_UUkIB1Fg/s320/Mira+Flores+Locks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">You could also go on the observation deck & watch the ships entering the Locks.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Rp8uQLAEg/UUTMHpDTyJI/AAAAAAAAB7E/knpSr39OUUs/s1600/Tug+&+locomotive++moving+ship+into+lock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Rp8uQLAEg/UUTMHpDTyJI/AAAAAAAAB7E/knpSr39OUUs/s320/Tug+&+locomotive++moving+ship+into+lock.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When the large ships enter the locks, they are guided by several electric locomotives & a tug boat to keep them from hitting the sides or the locks themselves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd25oE6yxnw/UUTNKUIPP7I/AAAAAAAAB7M/wTDCJa2j8vo/s1600/Electric+locomotive+at+Mira+Flores+Locks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd25oE6yxnw/UUTNKUIPP7I/AAAAAAAAB7M/wTDCJa2j8vo/s320/Electric+locomotive+at+Mira+Flores+Locks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They usually have 2 or three of these locomotvies on each side of the large ships as they go thru the locks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We did very little, but enjoy the pool until our friends arrived from TX. As most of you know, Sue – my best friend since 8th grade, usually spends 2 weeks with us wherever we go. This year, she came for a week, then her husband, Dan, came for the second week. He originally wanted to go fishing while he was here, but unknown to us when they booked the trip, Dan arrived during Carnival. Everything shuts down & many of the locals leave the city & head to the beach areas. Unfortunately, where he was going to go fishing there was nothing available. We ended up renting a car & doing some day trips while he was here. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAfxOoW8Coo/UUS6biwq64I/AAAAAAAAB6k/wJfh9YWp1qk/s1600/Collins+&+the+monkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAfxOoW8Coo/UUS6biwq64I/AAAAAAAAB6k/wJfh9YWp1qk/s320/Collins+&+the+monkey.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One day we went to a little town in the mountains called EL Valle. They have some craft shops & an outdoor market. It wasn’t far from where we’re staying. However, we couldn’t find anywhere to buy a map, couldn’t get a gps with the car & the signs on the road are small & easy to pass. Needless to say, we ended up taking the “scenic route” to get there. Oh well, we didn’t have anything else to do that day & Dan isn’t one for sitting around the pool too much. We did stop for lunch at a little restaurant that had a pet monekey. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09_6Xe9MCVc/UUS7TsmZsfI/AAAAAAAAB6s/ehN9_RoDsxU/s1600/Monkey+climbs+on+Collins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09_6Xe9MCVc/UUS7TsmZsfI/AAAAAAAAB6s/ehN9_RoDsxU/s320/Monkey+climbs+on+Collins.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It took a liking to Collins. In fact, it's hard to tell by this picture, but it crawled all over him. It was too fast for me to get a good pic. Good thing it didn't try to climb on me, I probably would have swatted it! I don't really go for that kind of thing.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeviMPTOHKc/UUTJ2oIO7cI/AAAAAAAAB60/wgujF9QiypQ/s1600/Sunrise+in+Panama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeviMPTOHKc/UUTJ2oIO7cI/AAAAAAAAB60/wgujF9QiypQ/s320/Sunrise+in+Panama.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Another day we decided to do what they call a “partial transit” on the Panama Canal. We left our condo just before sunrise, so we could arrive at the dock by 8AM.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YXeaKfA3YI/UUTKV-i-FBI/AAAAAAAAB68/iEQ6heKmG1M/s1600/Getting+ready+to+transit+the+Panama+Canal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YXeaKfA3YI/UUTKV-i-FBI/AAAAAAAAB68/iEQ6heKmG1M/s320/Getting+ready+to+transit+the+Panama+Canal.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We took a bus to Lake Gatun, then got on a boat for a trip thru 3 of the 6 locks on the Canal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePSuGQe_rZc/UUTOIVZYXLI/AAAAAAAAB7c/uoUsnwvugAY/s1600/Sue+&+Dan+on+boat+down+the+Panama+Canal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePSuGQe_rZc/UUTOIVZYXLI/AAAAAAAAB7c/uoUsnwvugAY/s320/Sue+&+Dan+on+boat+down+the+Panama+Canal.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends, Sue & Dan Hollingsworth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39ZXciHI-q4/UUTN7c7TNOI/AAAAAAAAB7U/xwaBabLNeTs/s1600/Collins+&+Karen+cruising+on+the+Panama+Canal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39ZXciHI-q4/UUTN7c7TNOI/AAAAAAAAB7U/xwaBabLNeTs/s320/Collins+&+Karen+cruising+on+the+Panama+Canal.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us as we cruise the Panama Canal<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4vgFgSibZU/UUTO_FzYE3I/AAAAAAAAB7k/rrxelePXAGU/s1600/Us+as+we+enter+the+locks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4vgFgSibZU/UUTO_FzYE3I/AAAAAAAAB7k/rrxelePXAGU/s320/Us+as+we+enter+the+locks.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're entering the locks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPnJAf3TBrc/UUTPRDdTyLI/AAAAAAAAB7s/Je83N0Q42SQ/s1600/Boats+in+canal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPnJAf3TBrc/UUTPRDdTyLI/AAAAAAAAB7s/Je83N0Q42SQ/s320/Boats+in+canal.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other boats entering the lock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMoMkST7g30/UUTQLxqjAzI/AAAAAAAAB70/usz4OGuzA94/s1600/Lock+gates+opening.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMoMkST7g30/UUTQLxqjAzI/AAAAAAAAB70/usz4OGuzA94/s320/Lock+gates+opening.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gates are opening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80Ht4SDU9sw/UUTQrJX0oRI/AAAAAAAAB78/ywt72_6M4U8/s1600/Both+gates+open+at+San+Miquel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80Ht4SDU9sw/UUTQrJX0oRI/AAAAAAAAB78/ywt72_6M4U8/s320/Both+gates+open+at+San+Miquel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are two sets of gates at each lock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNKsldUoFbI/UUTRfwt3-iI/AAAAAAAAB8E/OqbQ1yNoAyQ/s1600/Lock+Gate+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNKsldUoFbI/UUTRfwt3-iI/AAAAAAAAB8E/OqbQ1yNoAyQ/s320/Lock+Gate+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The lock gates are the original ones used when the canal was built.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQFwVl6TOOg/UUTR4kZ7nvI/AAAAAAAAB8M/uoYMRjbziFc/s1600/Lock+Gate+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQFwVl6TOOg/UUTR4kZ7nvI/AAAAAAAAB8M/uoYMRjbziFc/s320/Lock+Gate+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80Ht4SDU9sw/UUTQrJX0oRI/AAAAAAAAB8A/rwOj9g18Mvg/s1600/Both+gates+open+at+San+Miquel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80Ht4SDU9sw/UUTQrJX0oRI/AAAAAAAAB8A/rwOj9g18Mvg/s320/Both+gates+open+at+San+Miquel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gates are open to the canal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The history there is so interesting. The trip is long, but it’s amazing when you realize that system has been in operation for 100 years. Right now about 45 ships (not including small sail boats, etc) a day pass thru there. Some ships are charged by the foot, others by weight. Our small boat, which held about 100 passengers, cost $3800 to pass. They said the most expensive ship paid $480,000 to pass thru. Sometimes they have to wait as long as 3 days to enter the locks. We could see the ships lined up in the water. From midnight to noon, they allow the ships to enter from the Pacific. From noon to midnight, they enter from the Caribbean side. They’re building a new lock for the bigger ships that can’t fit now. Once that is done, they will be able to accommodate about 100 ships a day. Every ship passing thru the Canal has to be piloted by a special pilot trained to go thru the Canal. They board the ship when they enter the Canal,and stay aboard until they finish the passing, which can take up to 12 hours.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23XAfKZ_rbM/UUTT_ba22bI/AAAAAAAAB8c/HseWLqB1_kU/s1600/Celebra+Cut+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23XAfKZ_rbM/UUTT_ba22bI/AAAAAAAAB8c/HseWLqB1_kU/s320/Celebra+Cut+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We passed thru the Calebra Cut, which was one of the most difficult parts of building the Panama Canal. They had to go from 193' to 40' above sea level in order to make the plan work. In addition to it being mostly rock, there were constant landslides, sometimes filling more than they had removed. Many thought they would never be able to complete the canal, due to the difficulty this area presented.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idn7-5YS4ms/UUTUS9ghvfI/AAAAAAAAB8k/hzFDYrQu9Kc/s1600/Canal+dredger+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idn7-5YS4ms/UUTUS9ghvfI/AAAAAAAAB8k/hzFDYrQu9Kc/s320/Canal+dredger+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Even today, they are constantly dredging the area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yq8vnBZ6p9g/UUTU_fr0QRI/AAAAAAAAB8s/aoBIAID9zqE/s1600/Freighter+Ship+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yq8vnBZ6p9g/UUTU_fr0QRI/AAAAAAAAB8s/aoBIAID9zqE/s320/Freighter+Ship+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We passed several Freighter Ships going the opposite direction. It's amazing to see how much cargo passes thru the canal each day.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n52oikT5B3k/UUkhGRwxbgI/AAAAAAAAB-M/Atv7yHilgng/s1600/Us+on+the+Panama+Canal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n52oikT5B3k/UUkhGRwxbgI/AAAAAAAAB-M/Atv7yHilgng/s640/Us+on+the+Panama+Canal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhpkAOF7TQo/UUTWBt-jyyI/AAAAAAAAB88/rd_f5FgCpMo/s1600/Dan,+Sue,+Karen+&+Collins+at+top+of+observation+point.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhpkAOF7TQo/UUTWBt-jyyI/AAAAAAAAB88/rd_f5FgCpMo/s320/Dan,+Sue,+Karen+&+Collins+at+top+of+observation+point.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan, Sue, Karen & Collins at Observation Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozmdGGWgscw/UUTWWZ7xKHI/AAAAAAAAB9E/kItv8s4Na3o/s1600/View+from+observation+deck+of+Chagres+River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozmdGGWgscw/UUTWWZ7xKHI/AAAAAAAAB9E/kItv8s4Na3o/s320/View+from+observation+deck+of+Chagres+River.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chagres River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The last day Sue & Dan were here, we went to one of the National Park Rain Forests. We took a tram up to an observation deck, where you could see out over the forest. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ympfvcxPbE/UUTWvQrA6_I/AAAAAAAAB9M/vHre9NNiboA/s1600/Green+snake+didn't+like+having+his+pic+taken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ympfvcxPbE/UUTWvQrA6_I/AAAAAAAAB9M/vHre9NNiboA/s320/Green+snake+didn't+like+having+his+pic+taken.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On the way up, we saw a couple of black & yellow toucans & a sloth. We also saw a green snake that hissed at us when we took it’s picture. It was harmless!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2p-4jybYRfM/UUTW8VuPQhI/AAAAAAAAB9U/4gljsO8L9iE/s1600/Rainforest+Flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2p-4jybYRfM/UUTW8VuPQhI/AAAAAAAAB9U/4gljsO8L9iE/s320/Rainforest+Flower.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainforest Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS4obIzHt68/UUTXJrdvVgI/AAAAAAAAB9c/co4F0ZKYp_I/s1600/parasitic+ant+nest+on+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS4obIzHt68/UUTXJrdvVgI/AAAAAAAAB9c/co4F0ZKYp_I/s400/parasitic+ant+nest+on+tree.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a parasetic ant nest built on a tree trunk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">It was hard to believe 2 weeks had passed so quickly. We certainly did enjoy all the places we saw & having Sue & Dan join our sightseeing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">March 14. We’re still in Panama, but will be returning to the US 2 weeks from today. Since our friends went back to TX, we’ve been pretty lazy. We did take a couple of day trips into the city, just to a very large mall & a couple other areas. We took the public bus from the stop near our shopping area. It should take about an hour & 20 minutes but 2 times we ended up going thru some little towns coming back & that was a 2 hour trip. Thankfully, the buses are clean & comfortable. Collins reminded me “it’s not the destination, but the journey!” Yeah Right!! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwiljnF0wWI/UUTXt077naI/AAAAAAAAB9o/tp-p76rtQSI/s1600/Karen+%2526+Snuggles+read+a+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwiljnF0wWI/UUTXt077naI/AAAAAAAAB9o/tp-p76rtQSI/s320/Karen+%2526+Snuggles+read+a+book.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Mostly we’ve just done a lot of reading & being lazy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It has gotten warmer & they have been doing more burning around us. We decided a few days ago, that we will not return here. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We’ve loved our condo, & the people we’ve met & our “Rooftop Happy Hours”. However, this just isn’t the place for us. Not exactly sure where we’re headed next year, but it won’t be Panama.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dBg_86_lhY/UUTYFhvlxWI/AAAAAAAAB9s/cj5ogX7w9og/s1600/View+from+our+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dBg_86_lhY/UUTYFhvlxWI/AAAAAAAAB9s/cj5ogX7w9og/s320/View+from+our+bed.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9_vBM7AIMM/UUTZeHY5JuI/AAAAAAAAB90/LmEkqPa3GXE/s1600/View+from+our+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9_vBM7AIMM/UUTZeHY5JuI/AAAAAAAAB90/LmEkqPa3GXE/s320/View+from+our+window.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our bedroom window<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We’ll be in IL for about 2 1/2 weeks, then go back to Washington for the RV. We’ll be there about a month before we start our trip thru Canada & Alaska. We’re going to take a cruise on the Inside Passage of Alaska before we take the RV. Everyone told us to be sure to see the inside passage when we took our trip, but after looking at the cost to move us, the RV & the car on the BC or Alaskan Ferry, we took someone’s advice & booked a cruise. We’ll do that the first week of May. I’ll keep you posted as we start that journey!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-42530992477706125512013-01-11T21:49:00.000-05:002013-01-11T21:49:12.649-05:00HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYSNov 10th. Collins & I decided to change our travel plans a
bit. We were planning to go further north & stay on Whidbey Island the rest
of the month. We planned to store the RV not too far from there at an RV
dealership who also had storage space. However, we were able to get a storage
spot on a nearby air force base so we’ve decided to stay put until we leave for
IL. Since we couldn’t get covered or inside storage we’re going to buy a cover
for the RV, & hopefully, all will be fine. <br />
<br />
We did take another trip to
Seattle & went to the King Tut exhibit. I thought it was really
interesting. Collins said he was a little disappointed. He thought they would
have more of the gold items found in the tombs. They showed pictures of
what the site looked like before they removed anything. It looked like a huge
storage shed with stuff just piled inside. At that time, people thought they
would need things for their afterlife so they put it all in their tombs. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxIHP9Xe5x0/UPCxNjS6LEI/AAAAAAAABwA/f7gLuaK0Hss/s1600/Collins+at+the+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxIHP9Xe5x0/UPCxNjS6LEI/AAAAAAAABwA/f7gLuaK0Hss/s320/Collins+at+the+museum.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins at the museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We
weren’t allowed to take any pics so nothing to show from King Tut. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsQGXGeFpqQ/UPCxF6ku74I/AAAAAAAABvo/6bqfpeFCJsk/s1600/Butterflies+at+museum+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsQGXGeFpqQ/UPCxF6ku74I/AAAAAAAABvo/6bqfpeFCJsk/s320/Butterflies+at+museum+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There was another part of the museum that had a butterfly conservatory, so we did go thru that while we were there. It's amazing how many different colors & sizes of butterflies there are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nu48OAOEmU/UPCxIm548LI/AAAAAAAABvw/2odkxypixFw/s1600/Butterflies+at+museum+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nu48OAOEmU/UPCxIm548LI/AAAAAAAABvw/2odkxypixFw/s320/Butterflies+at+museum+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir1sHL7d0Gk/UPCxLK51dyI/AAAAAAAABv4/EpqweBcUmTk/s1600/Butterflies+at+museum+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir1sHL7d0Gk/UPCxLK51dyI/AAAAAAAABv4/EpqweBcUmTk/s320/Butterflies+at+museum+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent the last week getting the RV ready for storage &
packing for IL & Panama.Trying to pack for 2 different climates is a real pain. Luckily, we had left a
trunk of misc things we usually take on our winter journey in our storage unit in IL. I
had also left a few winter clothes at my brother’s house, so it was a little
easier. I think I may leave a few more things there when we leave in
April.
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Nov. 24th we took the RV to the storage lot & got it all
covered. I forgot to take a picture before we left. We spent one last night in
the Tacoma area & set off toward IL on Sunday the 25th. We planned to take
our time & hoped for good weather. Since it had rained most of our time in
Washington, we were worried about the trip thru some of the mountain passes,
which had already had snow. Luckily for us, Sunday started out dry & we had
sunny weather the whole way to IL. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxaxiY_7-2U/UPCxPe8GUFI/AAAAAAAABwI/0mTLqRNyhVc/s1600/pretty+view+on+the+trip+to+IL+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxaxiY_7-2U/UPCxPe8GUFI/AAAAAAAABwI/0mTLqRNyhVc/s320/pretty+view+on+the+trip+to+IL+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It took us 4 days to make the 2100 mile
trip. We don’t like to drive at night, so we’d usually stop just after dark.
Some of the areas already had snow, and the road would start to ice at night, so
we decided it wasn’t worth risking an accident to travel a few more miles. Some
of the areas were just beautiful with the snow covered mountains. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoUm7mz_tYM/UPCxQ1n2bFI/AAAAAAAABwQ/YDXo7FwOPBU/s1600/pretty+view+on+the+trip+to+IL+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoUm7mz_tYM/UPCxQ1n2bFI/AAAAAAAABwQ/YDXo7FwOPBU/s320/pretty+view+on+the+trip+to+IL+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We took turns
driving & enjoyed the scenery along the way. We arrived at my brother,
Rob’s house, late Wed evening. It was good to be back. Snuggles was a good
little traveler & spent most of her time in the passenger’s lap. Once in
awhile, she would climb on a pillow, set on top of the luggage in the back. I
think she was glad to finish the trip also.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dec1st our 10 yr old granddaughter Katie was in a cheerleading
competition. We were able to see her team perform. They did a great job &
came in 4th out of 13 teams. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnvEePlab0w/UPCxSpmxpBI/AAAAAAAABwY/IFesOWcCDBo/s1600/Katie+at+Cheer+%2527Comp+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnvEePlab0w/UPCxSpmxpBI/AAAAAAAABwY/IFesOWcCDBo/s320/Katie+at+Cheer+%2527Comp+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This was Katie’s first year cheering & I
thought she did a great job. She really enjoyed it & plans to do it again
next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciNO2mvOxWU/UPCxVckK4oI/AAAAAAAABwg/H3fILRXMWUk/s1600/Pam%252C+Katie%252CRyan+%2526+Aaron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciNO2mvOxWU/UPCxVckK4oI/AAAAAAAABwg/H3fILRXMWUk/s320/Pam%252C+Katie%252CRyan+%2526+Aaron.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam, Katie, Aaron & Ryan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFEVek_rpYY/UPCxbsiGexI/AAAAAAAABw4/C6zRrGBz-MM/s1600/Becca+%2526+Tyler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFEVek_rpYY/UPCxbsiGexI/AAAAAAAABw4/C6zRrGBz-MM/s320/Becca+%2526+Tyler.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We also had a chance to watch our 14 yr old granddaughter, Becca,
play basketball. I forgot my camera. She’s a freshman this year playing on the
Varsity team. Becca is also 5’10 & towers over both of us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhHCwKhVjVM/UPCxZXeF_7I/AAAAAAAABww/bqFCICLTUAk/s1600/Tyler+plays+basketball+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhHCwKhVjVM/UPCxZXeF_7I/AAAAAAAABww/bqFCICLTUAk/s320/Tyler+plays+basketball+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Another day, we
watched 11yr old grandson, Tyler, play basketball. He did a great job &
made a few baskets. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">17 year old Danny just got a job & isn’t playing any
sports right now. He & his 12 year old cousin, Ryan, both have a love of
baseball. They will start practicing soon. Since we were home for a month, we
had time to spend with all of the kids & grandkids. Unfortunately, they &
teacher Paula didn’t get out of school for break until Dec 21st, so we didn’t
get as much time together as I would have liked. However, we did get in some
shopping trips, meals & other family time with all of them. Collins &
Doug even had time for a few games of chess. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLVKXpRFjCs/UPCxecxXhjI/AAAAAAAABxA/c3pBlqfplsw/s1600/Becca+%2526+Katie+making+a+Gingerbread+Train+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLVKXpRFjCs/UPCxecxXhjI/AAAAAAAABxA/c3pBlqfplsw/s320/Becca+%2526+Katie+making+a+Gingerbread+Train+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca, Katie & Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I also had my now annual
Gingerbread Decorating Day with Becca, Katie, Ryan & Tyler. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eN7RzHzU3H0/UPCxg-ShoLI/AAAAAAAABxI/tpgkPzVS6hw/s1600/Tyler+%2526+Ryan+making+Gingerbread+House+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eN7RzHzU3H0/UPCxg-ShoLI/AAAAAAAABxI/tpgkPzVS6hw/s320/Tyler+%2526+Ryan+making+Gingerbread+House+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan & Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I was
pleasantly surprised the two boys were still interested. They all had a good
time & got very creative with their projects.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDgWEl0onlI/UPCxjY9h7oI/AAAAAAAABxQ/nOVw2gq_sIg/s1600/Becca+%2526+Katie+making+a+Gingerbread+Train+%2526+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDgWEl0onlI/UPCxjY9h7oI/AAAAAAAABxQ/nOVw2gq_sIg/s320/Becca+%2526+Katie+making+a+Gingerbread+Train+%2526+House.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4Q30kQnSa8/UPCxlj1K3SI/AAAAAAAABxY/1TzdfV2DhMY/s1600/Becca+%2526+Katie%2527s+finished+train.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4Q30kQnSa8/UPCxlj1K3SI/AAAAAAAABxY/1TzdfV2DhMY/s320/Becca+%2526+Katie%2527s+finished+train.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls' finished train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ccm73uvfkP0/UPCxn0EUHMI/AAAAAAAABxg/O44N8uuD96E/s1600/Becca+%2526+Katie%2527s+finished+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ccm73uvfkP0/UPCxn0EUHMI/AAAAAAAABxg/O44N8uuD96E/s320/Becca+%2526+Katie%2527s+finished+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And their house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLfECR1NFG0/UPCxqSFcJGI/AAAAAAAABxo/AcDTyHiMkWg/s1600/Tyler+%2526+Ryan+making+Gingerbread+House+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLfECR1NFG0/UPCxqSFcJGI/AAAAAAAABxo/AcDTyHiMkWg/s320/Tyler+%2526+Ryan+making+Gingerbread+House+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler & Ryan's finished village<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">We spent Christmas Eve with my brother Rob, his wife Lisa &
their family. It has been a tradition with us for quite a few years. They
prepared a delicious meal & we all enjoyed our time together. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxixAhwl5L4/UPCxsgTpKUI/AAAAAAAABxw/sCBaxDQg6tk/s1600/Lisa+%2526+girls+Christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxixAhwl5L4/UPCxsgTpKUI/AAAAAAAABxw/sCBaxDQg6tk/s320/Lisa+%2526+girls+Christmas.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa, Courtney, Vicki & Megan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Thbyxc63UQc/UPCxuto3dbI/AAAAAAAABx4/CGWUpkv8M4w/s1600/rob+gets+a+new+softball+glove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Thbyxc63UQc/UPCxuto3dbI/AAAAAAAABx4/CGWUpkv8M4w/s320/rob+gets+a+new+softball+glove.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob got a new softball glove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Christmas Day
started fairly quiet at Rob’s house, since his girls are now in their 20’s. We
had a nice breakfast & were able to relax a little before heading to Paula’s
for our family gathering. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWTzbbtOgzg/UPCxxf6G6fI/AAAAAAAAByA/tCNT9XQGqTU/s1600/Tyler%252C+Katie%252C+Becca%252C+Ryan+%2526+Danny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWTzbbtOgzg/UPCxxf6G6fI/AAAAAAAAByA/tCNT9XQGqTU/s320/Tyler%252C+Katie%252C+Becca%252C+Ryan+%2526+Danny.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler, Katie, Becca, Ryan, Danny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXLRBYfyYjg/UPCxz3wbK4I/AAAAAAAAByI/HaE9j3rWPsw/s1600/Danny+%2526+Dave+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXLRBYfyYjg/UPCxz3wbK4I/AAAAAAAAByI/HaE9j3rWPsw/s320/Danny+%2526+Dave+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny & his dad, Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwXtaOl8Z2M/UPCx2PE1jxI/AAAAAAAAByQ/rd0f-TqhBhA/s1600/Ryan+%2526+Tyler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwXtaOl8Z2M/UPCx2PE1jxI/AAAAAAAAByQ/rd0f-TqhBhA/s320/Ryan+%2526+Tyler.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan & Tyler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdyA5L6MVYg/UPCx5sVkAFI/AAAAAAAAByY/Kn8W6vxg9U8/s1600/Pam%252C+Katie%252C+Aaron+%2526+Ryan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdyA5L6MVYg/UPCx5sVkAFI/AAAAAAAAByY/Kn8W6vxg9U8/s320/Pam%252C+Katie%252C+Aaron+%2526+Ryan.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam, Katie, Aaron, Ryan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9icGP0h2lQ/UPCx8o3RpSI/AAAAAAAAByg/Qa6EGuVOELM/s1600/Pam+%2526+Katie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9icGP0h2lQ/UPCx8o3RpSI/AAAAAAAAByg/Qa6EGuVOELM/s320/Pam+%2526+Katie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMOYv6jp7hA/UPCx-z240FI/AAAAAAAAByo/D0XvXPxXhrc/s1600/Becca%252CGranddad+%2526+Katie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMOYv6jp7hA/UPCx-z240FI/AAAAAAAAByo/D0XvXPxXhrc/s400/Becca%252CGranddad+%2526+Katie.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca, Collins & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPFt0Qt76aE/UPCyCOZNDUI/AAAAAAAAByw/RhipXG9mi0o/s1600/Becca+%2526+Katie+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPFt0Qt76aE/UPCyCOZNDUI/AAAAAAAAByw/RhipXG9mi0o/s320/Becca+%2526+Katie+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & Katie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRKsCdmgt8M/UPCyERSfh7I/AAAAAAAABy4/lIOgUIs3d2M/s1600/Kerry+%2526+Doug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRKsCdmgt8M/UPCyERSfh7I/AAAAAAAABy4/lIOgUIs3d2M/s320/Kerry+%2526+Doug.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerry & Doug </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6pPQm4nKBo/UPCyGvTp7CI/AAAAAAAABzA/jfCJ3vquTCU/s1600/Collins+%2526+Doug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6pPQm4nKBo/UPCyGvTp7CI/AAAAAAAABzA/jfCJ3vquTCU/s320/Collins+%2526+Doug.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins & Doug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpKX_BNULYo/UPCyONhYeQI/AAAAAAAABzY/CHx4GnP4FX0/s1600/Dave%252C+Tyler%252C+Paula%252C+Danny%252C+Becca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpKX_BNULYo/UPCyONhYeQI/AAAAAAAABzY/CHx4GnP4FX0/s400/Dave%252C+Tyler%252C+Paula%252C+Danny%252C+Becca.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Tyler, Paula, Danny & Becca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ6PPD7QxmQ/UPCyRWHy3MI/AAAAAAAABzg/WAeALzX7Lb4/s1600/Pam%252C+Paula+%2526+Karen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ6PPD7QxmQ/UPCyRWHy3MI/AAAAAAAABzg/WAeALzX7Lb4/s320/Pam%252C+Paula+%2526+Karen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam, Paula & Karen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VS_5WuYMPA/UPCyVL8sehI/AAAAAAAABzw/YAr_Lla481k/s1600/Becca+%2526+Paula.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VS_5WuYMPA/UPCyVL8sehI/AAAAAAAABzw/YAr_Lla481k/s320/Becca+%2526+Paula.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca & Paula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It gets a little chaotic with 13 people, including 5
kids. We all brought food for the dinner, so it made things a little easier for
everyone. Before we knew it, the DAY had come & was almost gone. I think
everyone had a good time. By that time, we had 6 days left before leaving for
Panama.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIkn0q-K910/UPCyJB_SOhI/AAAAAAAABzI/Z_6PWOP3-PE/s1600/Dave+%2526+Paula.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIkn0q-K910/UPCyJB_SOhI/AAAAAAAABzI/Z_6PWOP3-PE/s320/Dave+%2526+Paula.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave & Paula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Luckily, we had a chance to spend one last time with the kids before leaving. We went out for dinner with Paula & Dave & Pam & Aaron.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BE__ZsEyQ3Y/UPCyLcV73lI/AAAAAAAABzQ/IW7q3NomM9k/s1600/Pam+%2526+Aaron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BE__ZsEyQ3Y/UPCyLcV73lI/AAAAAAAABzQ/IW7q3NomM9k/s320/Pam+%2526+Aaron.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam & Aaron<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">After we had dinner, we went back to Paula's to celebrate Dave & Collins Birthdays.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">It was soon time to say goodbye to all of them & the grandkids.</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">The next day, we were able to meet up with Doug, Kerry & her daughter, Emily for lunch. We had an enjoyable meal & it was time to say goodbye to them. (I forgot my camera)</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoh_n5UJdcQ/UPCxXYMbfDI/AAAAAAAABwo/mxBpwdybuxo/s1600/Snuggles+likes+the+laundry+basket+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoh_n5UJdcQ/UPCxXYMbfDI/AAAAAAAABwo/mxBpwdybuxo/s320/Snuggles+likes+the+laundry+basket+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles doesn't want to be left behind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0T0qRLXoU4/UPCyXt8TZJI/AAAAAAAABz4/nsOPkqbEOSk/s1600/Snuggles+%2526+Collins+sleep+at+the+airport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0T0qRLXoU4/UPCyXt8TZJI/AAAAAAAABz4/nsOPkqbEOSk/s400/Snuggles+%2526+Collins+sleep+at+the+airport.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles & Collins take a nap at the airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Dec 31st arrived bright & early for us. We had an 8 Am flight for Panama. My neice, Vicki, was nice enough to give us a ride to the airport.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-26396823345364614092013-01-10T21:59:00.000-05:002013-01-10T21:59:07.408-05:00GOOD BYE OREGON - HELLO WASHINGTON<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sept 30th we set our sights for the Columbia River Gorge area. It was about a 3 hour drive from Prineville. We couldn’t help but comment over & over how unusual the landscape has been as we’ve traveled thru the Cascade areas, which were formed by volcanoes. The roadside could look so stark, yet fascinating. The volcanic rock & ash forms strange mountains & hills. Many of them have few or no trees, some are gracefully rounded & others so flat it looks as tho someone cut off the tops. Collins saw a bobcat as we drove along, but there was no where to stop for a picture & too late for me to get to that side to take it. When we say, “It’s not the destination, but the journey”, that is so true. I’ve thought about the states we’ve traveled & each offers it’s own landscape. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any (well maybe some of the miles & miles of flat, bare land we drove thru in Texas). </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9j9FmPNdjY/UI4ZMv5zZ_I/AAAAAAAABZ0/BgoUUx2X_PI/s1600/Columbia+River+Gorge+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9j9FmPNdjY/UI4ZMv5zZ_I/AAAAAAAABZ0/BgoUUx2X_PI/s320/Columbia+River+Gorge+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1liKILnotbw/UI4ZUIt8qHI/AAAAAAAABZ8/4eGTzLfBaUE/s1600/Columbia+River+Gorge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1liKILnotbw/UI4ZUIt8qHI/AAAAAAAABZ8/4eGTzLfBaUE/s320/Columbia+River+Gorge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Columbia River Gorge forms the boundary between Oregon & Washington & is the only navigable route thru the Cascades. It began forming when the river slowly moved thru the Cascades. The most drastic changes took place at the end of the last Ice Age, when floods cut the steep, dramatic walls that exist today. This quick erosion left many layers of volcanic rock exposed. It is really something to see. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIqwIzCMDxI/UI4ZirC4tHI/AAAAAAAABaE/1HKStnVDnSw/s1600/View+of+Gorge+from+our+campground+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIqwIzCMDxI/UI4ZirC4tHI/AAAAAAAABaE/1HKStnVDnSw/s320/View+of+Gorge+from+our+campground+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our campground was overlooking the Gorge & offered many scenic views.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL6c6dz8p0I/UI4aLuInCbI/AAAAAAAABaM/pfVrZLLLI20/s1600/View+of+Gorge+from+our+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL6c6dz8p0I/UI4aLuInCbI/AAAAAAAABaM/pfVrZLLLI20/s320/View+of+Gorge+from+our+campground.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wscEVq_OZDE/UI4aftxip-I/AAAAAAAABaU/ohIv11yw0kE/s1600/Horsetail+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wscEVq_OZDE/UI4aftxip-I/AAAAAAAABaU/ohIv11yw0kE/s320/Horsetail+Falls.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsetail Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One day we followed the scenic route along the Gorge. There are several waterfalls along the way. We stopped to see 2 of them. Collins’ opinion is once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen enough. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebSYg2O73h8/UI4axmwZyzI/AAAAAAAABac/aOvtKQZt2Ew/s1600/Multnomah+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebSYg2O73h8/UI4axmwZyzI/AAAAAAAABac/aOvtKQZt2Ew/s320/Multnomah+Falls.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multnomah Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> One of them, Multnomah Falls, has a two tiered 620’ drop. It is the 2nd highest waterfall in the United States, and created by underground springs. There is a bridge across the first tier, offering a nice view. We walked to that. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xpYpOHSLgk/UI4bOXcJs7I/AAAAAAAABak/2bsL9BWuuUg/s1600/Collins+&+Columbia+River+Gorge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xpYpOHSLgk/UI4bOXcJs7I/AAAAAAAABak/2bsL9BWuuUg/s320/Collins+&+Columbia+River+Gorge.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We also drove to Crown Point Vista House, which offered spectacular views of the Gorge. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mKJLXBo6bg/UI4cgcX6MTI/AAAAAAAABas/UFB17ERze9o/s1600/Columbia+Gorge+from+Vista+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mKJLXBo6bg/UI4cgcX6MTI/AAAAAAAABas/UFB17ERze9o/s320/Columbia+Gorge+from+Vista+House.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLd_IppUsgE/UI4coUotT9I/AAAAAAAABa0/sMiYCy3KWiY/s1600/Columbia+River+Gorge+from+Vista+House+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLd_IppUsgE/UI4coUotT9I/AAAAAAAABa0/sMiYCy3KWiY/s320/Columbia+River+Gorge+from+Vista+House+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69m5xbsbWqs/UI4c4p9_ktI/AAAAAAAABa8/C-bC_uzOD-0/s1600/Giant+Sturgeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69m5xbsbWqs/UI4c4p9_ktI/AAAAAAAABa8/C-bC_uzOD-0/s320/Giant+Sturgeon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JTKGCSV11E/UI4c_6P8seI/AAAAAAAABbE/M7FKI1xHRf8/s1600/Giant+Sturgeon's+head.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JTKGCSV11E/UI4c_6P8seI/AAAAAAAABbE/M7FKI1xHRf8/s320/Giant+Sturgeon's+head.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tIRI_QXwRg/UI4dNRtsCUI/AAAAAAAABbM/ILHVvAgrqAw/s1600/Rainbow+Trout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tIRI_QXwRg/UI4dNRtsCUI/AAAAAAAABbM/ILHVvAgrqAw/s320/Rainbow+Trout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Rainbow trout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They also had a fish hatchery along the way. They started that after they built the locks in order to preserve the Sturgeon & Rainbow trout that followed the River. It was an interesting place. They had the oldest known living Sturgeon there. Can’t remember what they said his age was. I could only get a decent shot of his head – he looked about the size of a small shark. They sort of look like cat fish.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsacsmsMElQ/UI4d3A-sBNI/AAAAAAAABbU/dNZKdHwzKT4/s1600/Mt.+Hood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsacsmsMElQ/UI4d3A-sBNI/AAAAAAAABbU/dNZKdHwzKT4/s320/Mt.+Hood.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Another day, we took a drive to Mt. Hood, which is Oregon’s highest peak at 11,245’. It was really impressive, especially from a short distance. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuwOByESeGo/UI4eGdfTQJI/AAAAAAAABbc/ctFl2HcUiqg/s1600/Mt.+Hood+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuwOByESeGo/UI4eGdfTQJI/AAAAAAAABbc/ctFl2HcUiqg/s320/Mt.+Hood+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jE2guXPpof4/UI4efxSP0oI/AAAAAAAABbk/M79DH7uN1GU/s1600/Front+of+Timberline+Lodge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jE2guXPpof4/UI4efxSP0oI/AAAAAAAABbk/M79DH7uN1GU/s320/Front+of+Timberline+Lodge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We also went into the Timberline Lodge. It is located at approximately 6000’ at the top of the tree line. It was constructed during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration; a program designed by Teddy Roosevelt’s Administration to put people back to work. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYsy3YHKQmU/UI4evbFENPI/AAAAAAAABbs/UA8_fdwS8N0/s1600/The+3++story+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYsy3YHKQmU/UI4evbFENPI/AAAAAAAABbs/UA8_fdwS8N0/s320/The+3++story+fireplace.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It has huge timbers & a fireplace in the center of the lobby that is at least 3 stories tall. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMVJEGxpE0/UI4e8uHB66I/AAAAAAAABb0/42yb7DTsiP8/s1600/Timberline+Lodge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMVJEGxpE0/UI4e8uHB66I/AAAAAAAABb0/42yb7DTsiP8/s320/Timberline+Lodge.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out these beams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When you look out the back windows, you look right at Mt. Hood. There is a ski lift for those brave skiers. Some aerial & exterior shots of the hotel were used in the movie “The Shining”. We enjoyed our visit. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhMJKAl2WPM/UI4fORsXBCI/AAAAAAAABb8/ABXU0EJeicE/s1600/Mt.+Hood+from+Crystal+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhMJKAl2WPM/UI4fORsXBCI/AAAAAAAABb8/ABXU0EJeicE/s320/Mt.+Hood+from+Crystal+Lake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As we were driving back, we saw a sign for a lake, so we thought we’d check it out. It was very pretty & had such a nice view of Mt. Hood in the background.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Dalles, a town near our campground, had a museum about the development of the towns, dams & locks along the Gorge. The route along the Gorge was used by the Lewis & Clark Expedition to reach the Pacific Ocean. The museum was really interesting. They also had a live Bird show, showing 3 of the birds that are known to inhabit the area. One was a red feathered Hawk,which I couldn’t get close enough to take a decent picture. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2x-VM2caxGA/UI6sLT8Zf_I/AAAAAAAABdg/SNJ9pssQz_A/s1600/American+Kestral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2x-VM2caxGA/UI6sLT8Zf_I/AAAAAAAABdg/SNJ9pssQz_A/s320/American+Kestral.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Kestral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTkuBkNrlSw/UI6sWR-c8NI/AAAAAAAABdo/biini-W9MXI/s1600/Horned+Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTkuBkNrlSw/UI6sWR-c8NI/AAAAAAAABdo/biini-W9MXI/s320/Horned+Owl.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Another was a very small type of falcon called the American Kestral, & the other a Horned Owl. I’ve always wanted to see an owl up close. It looked so “fluffy” & soft, even it’s talons, I really wanted to pet it, which of course, I couldn’t. The Hawk was beautiful when you looked at it; the talons are a bit scarey & you just don’t realize the size of their wing span til you see it up close.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We enjoyed our stay along the Columbia Gorge & also enjoyed the unseasonably warm temps while we were there. It was usually in the upper 60’s to low 70’s daytime & 50’s at night.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Oct 10th we were off to the Portland area. We’re actually staying a little south west of the town itself in a State Park called LL Stub Stewart. It was only built 5 years ago & you can certainly tell they took the big RVs into account when laying out this one. It has nice wide roads & easy back in sites. We also have our phone, internet & satellite working. We are happy campers (I use the word campers loosely).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoMQzzE6WgQ/UI9BtXtANxI/AAAAAAAABhs/EoRMYuAlFBE/s1600/Our+new+RV+Bra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoMQzzE6WgQ/UI9BtXtANxI/AAAAAAAABhs/EoRMYuAlFBE/s320/Our+new+RV+Bra.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We did make a stop on our way here to get the RV measured for a Bra – yes you’re reading correctly. We decided to do this for several reasons. Since we’re going to Alaska next year, we want to be prepared for some of the gravel areas we will most likely travel. We’re also going to get a full hood & windshield cover for the car. The other reason for the RV bra, is that it prevents the bugs from getting all over the front of the RV & they are easier to wash off the bra. I never thought we’d be buying these for our vehicles! Anyway, we got it made & they came out to the campground yesterday & installed it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We’ve had rain the past 4 days. This is the first rain we’ve encountered since April. It’s highly unusual for Oregon, they haven’t had rain all summer, so they’re happy with this. We wouldn’t mind so much, but we want to tour downtown Portland. It’s supposed to be sunny Wed, so we’ll try for that. In the meantime, it’s given us a chance to start laying out the trip to Alaska next year. That is going to take some planning, so we want to start early. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfuSBrf-L3w/UI6s8wXj0YI/AAAAAAAABdw/WgiOhNbyqRo/s1600/Train+-+Portland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfuSBrf-L3w/UI6s8wXj0YI/AAAAAAAABdw/WgiOhNbyqRo/s320/Train+-+Portland.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We finally had a beautiful day on Thursday so we set off for the big city of Portland. I have to say, they have a great, inexpensive public transportation system. It cost us $2 each to ride the trains, buses & streetcars for the whole day. We drove to a town about 20 minutes from the park where we were staying & took the train into the city.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCnTKZRF8wQ/UI6tMflxmKI/AAAAAAAABd4/sfAlXPudvI8/s1600/Japanese+Garden+Portland+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCnTKZRF8wQ/UI6tMflxmKI/AAAAAAAABd4/sfAlXPudvI8/s320/Japanese+Garden+Portland+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our first stop was the Portland Japanese Garden. It was up on a hill so we had to hike up to it, since the bus dropped us at the corner. It was very peaceful & is said to be one of the most authentic outside of Japan. The views of the city from there were very nice.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emxH7HOSiXY/UI6tZ4SWv9I/AAAAAAAABeA/ASfy6SnmQqw/s1600/Japanese+Garden+Portland+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emxH7HOSiXY/UI6tZ4SWv9I/AAAAAAAABeA/ASfy6SnmQqw/s320/Japanese+Garden+Portland+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rcy8JiORf0/UI6tlNUgSSI/AAAAAAAABeI/TjXpTW79yn0/s1600/Koi+at+Japanese+Garden+Portland+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rcy8JiORf0/UI6tlNUgSSI/AAAAAAAABeI/TjXpTW79yn0/s320/Koi+at+Japanese+Garden+Portland+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the Koi were over a foot long</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGiiV9KiiaI/UI6t9bz8xkI/AAAAAAAABeY/ETwSRaLt31s/s1600/Japanese+Garden+Portland+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGiiV9KiiaI/UI6t9bz8xkI/AAAAAAAABeY/ETwSRaLt31s/s320/Japanese+Garden+Portland+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fbk3VlLgkA/UI6uSOVsruI/AAAAAAAABeg/2IJaCtk56tc/s1600/Test+Rose+Garden-+Portland+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fbk3VlLgkA/UI6uSOVsruI/AAAAAAAABeg/2IJaCtk56tc/s320/Test+Rose+Garden-+Portland+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0_jKwD5XCg/UI6uZw3HhmI/AAAAAAAABeo/MKQUv7f5pXs/s1600/Test+Rose+Garden-+Portland+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0_jKwD5XCg/UI6uZw3HhmI/AAAAAAAABeo/MKQUv7f5pXs/s320/Test+Rose+Garden-+Portland+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Across the street from the Japanese Garden was the International Rose Test Garden. They have over 8,000 varieties & luckily, most were still in bloom. They had every color & size. The only disappointment was there was very little fragrance to most of them. Collins & I walked the rows, sticking our noses in the flowers. Luckily, we didn’t meet up with a bee!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmSpajgaKGQ/UI6um22pWxI/AAAAAAAABew/sXcyA_2VEYI/s1600/View+of+Willamette+River+portland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmSpajgaKGQ/UI6um22pWxI/AAAAAAAABew/sXcyA_2VEYI/s320/View+of+Willamette+River+portland.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Along our walk, we stopped in the 30th floor restaurant of a tall building for a nice view of the city & the Willamette River. We did sample a couple of the local brews.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuhruL13hiQ/UI6uxWJcTUI/AAAAAAAABe4/oKzmizksVis/s1600/Powells+Book+Store+Portland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuhruL13hiQ/UI6uxWJcTUI/AAAAAAAABe4/oKzmizksVis/s320/Powells+Book+Store+Portland.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We made a stop at Powells City of Books. It covers 1 city block & is one of the world’s largest bookstores, with over 1.5 million books. Interestingly enough, they did not have either of the 2 books Collins & I were looking for.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1op0M3HOWc/UI6vD5TxD-I/AAAAAAAABfA/lOHzEgdqa2k/s1600/Voodo+Dougnuts+Portland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1op0M3HOWc/UI6vD5TxD-I/AAAAAAAABfA/lOHzEgdqa2k/s320/Voodo+Dougnuts+Portland.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">We also had to make a stop at Voodoo Doughnuts, one of the city’s most unusual culinary destinations. They have more flavors & toppings than you can imagine. We got there at 2 pm & there was a line out the door. Their signature doughnut is shaped like a Voodoo Doll & filled with red jelly. We passed on that one but did overstuff ourselves on a couple other delights. We also ended up bringing home huge apple fritters! And we wonder why we gain weight!!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Collins said it wasn’t on his favorite list of cities we’ve visited, but we enjoyed it just the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Since it rained the rest of our time near Portland, we didn’t go to Vancouver, Washington, which was just over the border. I guess we’ll save that for another time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We moved on Sat, the 20th to Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, Or. This is our last stop in Oregon. The weather is still rainy & really spoiling my sightseeing plans. I don’t mind a little rain, but it has rained almost all day for the last 8 out of 10 days. We’re hoping for a couple decent days near the end of this trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sept 28th. The weather has been unkind to us. From Oct. 10th on, we had only 3 days with no rain. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_nT32fP_bE/UI6w3_4gBEI/AAAAAAAABfQ/b2qB_OiQsp8/s1600/Long+Beach,+WA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_nT32fP_bE/UI6w3_4gBEI/AAAAAAAABfQ/b2qB_OiQsp8/s320/Long+Beach,+WA.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Luckily, we got to Portland in the sunshine & a couple of days ago we woke to a bright morning & decided to go to Long Beach Peninsula, WA. This little peninsula is about 28 miles off the south west coast of WA. It is said to be the longest beach in the United States & the largest drivable Beach. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwf6BZh3Zz0/UI6xSN-T-cI/AAAAAAAABfg/wsaqJgxRK0g/s1600/Cranberry+Fields,+WA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwf6BZh3Zz0/UI6xSN-T-cI/AAAAAAAABfg/wsaqJgxRK0g/s320/Cranberry+Fields,+WA.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Peninsula is made up of small fishing towns & tourism. They also have cranberry fields. We didn’t get to see them harvest them, but we did stop at a small museum & walked into the field.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAJj59dYMQw/UI6xeGoU3DI/AAAAAAAABfo/zsNakK_vW0M/s1600/Bridge+from+Astoria+to+Washington+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAJj59dYMQw/UI6xeGoU3DI/AAAAAAAABfo/zsNakK_vW0M/s320/Bridge+from+Astoria+to+Washington+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">To get to the Peninsula we crossed the Astoria – Meglar Bridge with is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. When we came back, we did a drive thru Astoria, which is another cute, fishing, tourist town. It is located at the mouth of the Columbia River & a deep water port. There were several large ships docked in the waters there.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately, it rained every day but one while we were in Astoria, so we never made it to Seaside or Cannon Beach. When I say rained, I should say poured!!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many rainy days strung together!! Thank heavens, we moved RV sites while at Fort Stevens. The first one was all dirt except for the pad. We couldn’t get out of the RV without walking in mud & puddles. We moved to another spot that had grass & it was much better. For anyone heading to Fort Stevens in Astoria, OR, spot H6 is pretty good. We were even able to get our satellite in that spot. Saturday, we were sick sitting inside so we drove around Fort Stevens. They had several batteries used in World War 1. There was also a small museum located there,so we spent a little while wandering around there.</span><br />
<br />
Our next & final stop for the year is Washington. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">October 28th we left Oregon for Mt. St. Helen’s Washington. It
was still raining!! We had decided to make a stop there on our way to Tacoma.
The campground we chose was small & not too far off the Interstate. We
planned to make a day trip in the car the next day. As we were setting up the
RV, the people in the 5th wheel next to us came out & said “we know you”.
They had been our neighbors in a State Park about 3 weeks before. They were
heading out of Washington & decided to stop to see Mt. St. Helens. How
coincidental we would end up in the same place at the same time. If they hadn’t
been next to us, we probably wouldn’t have even known they were there. As we
got to talking, we mentioned we would be going to Alaska next year. They’re
also planning that trip. We sat down later that evening & shared some of
the information we had gathered so far. We’ll continue to share as we go
along. We’re hoping our paths will cross along the way!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jynz10MDEfc/UKhsM68oRaI/AAAAAAAABkw/26lZL9avvQc/s1600/Mt.+St.+Helen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jynz10MDEfc/UKhsM68oRaI/AAAAAAAABkw/26lZL9avvQc/s320/Mt.+St.+Helen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The next day we did go to view Mt. St. Helens volcano.
Unfortunately it was still raining most of the day & the top of the mountain
was clouded over. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFeQJ3VELM0/UKhslLpxtoI/AAAAAAAABk4/OGwurdS7GxE/s1600/Volcano+Info+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFeQJ3VELM0/UKhslLpxtoI/AAAAAAAABk4/OGwurdS7GxE/s320/Volcano+Info+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK7V31HSjAc/UKhsy5yx_RI/AAAAAAAABlA/TndZGMal0tE/s1600/Spirit+Lake+&+Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK7V31HSjAc/UKhsy5yx_RI/AAAAAAAABlA/TndZGMal0tE/s320/Spirit+Lake+&+Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQIALETr7d8/UKhs7w_FAVI/AAAAAAAABlI/cyuwwIRx70g/s1600/Volcano+Info+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQIALETr7d8/UKhs7w_FAVI/AAAAAAAABlI/cyuwwIRx70g/s320/Volcano+Info+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BN1sAVAaxII/UKhtSXMQMZI/AAAAAAAABlQ/aL_6VzDQOP4/s1600/Volcano+Info+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BN1sAVAaxII/UKhtSXMQMZI/AAAAAAAABlQ/aL_6VzDQOP4/s320/Volcano+Info+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WG-MNXfykRo/UKhtarA_MXI/AAAAAAAABlY/rMJs_X7cBnY/s1600/Volcano+Info+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WG-MNXfykRo/UKhtarA_MXI/AAAAAAAABlY/rMJs_X7cBnY/s320/Volcano+Info+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-149TpxGX--M/UKhtjwI0__I/AAAAAAAABlg/FoSU6_mp9sg/s1600/Volcano+Info+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-149TpxGX--M/UKhtjwI0__I/AAAAAAAABlg/FoSU6_mp9sg/s320/Volcano+Info+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZLvra8Q6FY/UKhtsiHnf5I/AAAAAAAABlo/CObu2MnT7D0/s1600/Volcano+Info+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZLvra8Q6FY/UKhtsiHnf5I/AAAAAAAABlo/CObu2MnT7D0/s320/Volcano+Info+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzEznsjvqIs/UKht33EhLxI/AAAAAAAABlw/XE3kP8-4so4/s1600/Volcano+Info+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzEznsjvqIs/UKht33EhLxI/AAAAAAAABlw/XE3kP8-4so4/s320/Volcano+Info+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VbyPwWIjKM/UKhuCc2iekI/AAAAAAAABl4/YCc_guk1psc/s1600/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VbyPwWIjKM/UKhuCc2iekI/AAAAAAAABl4/YCc_guk1psc/s320/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VYs4ZJy_Lc/UKhuSKYXpiI/AAAAAAAABmA/niDmqXb49ss/s1600/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VYs4ZJy_Lc/UKhuSKYXpiI/AAAAAAAABmA/niDmqXb49ss/s320/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Fortunately, it was clear in the valley & you could see
where the volcano took out everything in it’s path. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DBe1kI5nEVQ/UKhuhYPFbrI/AAAAAAAABmI/gPIG_sd6hlk/s1600/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DBe1kI5nEVQ/UKhuhYPFbrI/AAAAAAAABmI/gPIG_sd6hlk/s320/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ken6iYUU4wY/UKhuqQfbZTI/AAAAAAAABmQ/yctoRafeyi4/s1600/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ken6iYUU4wY/UKhuqQfbZTI/AAAAAAAABmQ/yctoRafeyi4/s320/Valley+carved+by+volcano+on+Mt.+St.+Helen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSDDsbN1M_A/UKhu1HdvBAI/AAAAAAAABmY/rS8SdS3-O90/s1600/Rainbow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSDDsbN1M_A/UKhu1HdvBAI/AAAAAAAABmY/rS8SdS3-O90/s320/Rainbow.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw a rainbow on our way home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The visitor centers were
closed for the season, but we still wandered around outside. Even tho we
couldn’t see the top of the mountain, you could just make out where it blew
& the crater it created. We left that campground the next day.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Oct.30th we arrived at Fort Lewis Army Base RV Park. This is
the first military base we’ve been to since July. The RV park is wooded on a
small lake. It’s nice, we can’t get our satellite but they do have cable so
Collins is happy. It continued raining the first few days we arrived. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMjNH8du-mA/UKhvWPPa7fI/AAAAAAAABmg/hniOXdwxBig/s1600/Mt.+Rainier+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMjNH8du-mA/UKhvWPPa7fI/AAAAAAAABmg/hniOXdwxBig/s320/Mt.+Rainier+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The
first clear day, we decided to take a trip to Mt. Rainier. The visitor’s
centers were closed but we were able to get to them. The view of the mountain
was spectacular! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DGK1Snvj4M/UKhv2F0pdyI/AAAAAAAABmw/AAwuEWMmZlk/s1600/Mt.+Rainier+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DGK1Snvj4M/UKhv2F0pdyI/AAAAAAAABmw/AAwuEWMmZlk/s320/Mt.+Rainier+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">From a distance, it looked like it was floating in the
clouds. It is covered with snow, but not as much as there will be.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jKAxqjN0wY/UKhwBc9dM-I/AAAAAAAABm4/SDecysh2amA/s1600/Mt.+Rainier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jKAxqjN0wY/UKhwBc9dM-I/AAAAAAAABm4/SDecysh2amA/s320/Mt.+Rainier.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTwM-Ma7_9g/UKhwLSDeOsI/AAAAAAAABnA/6TRzE3cK6fE/s1600/Highway+to+Mt.+Rainier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTwM-Ma7_9g/UKhwLSDeOsI/AAAAAAAABnA/6TRzE3cK6fE/s320/Highway+to+Mt.+Rainier.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road to Mt.Rainier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I’m glad
we went the day we did, as you haven’t been able to see it since
then.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Nov 10th was a sunny but cool (45) day so we decided to make a
trip to Seattle. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBIR9xwzBuw/UKhw2uYJyyI/AAAAAAAABnI/oZgsmvJquqU/s1600/Duck+boat+Station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBIR9xwzBuw/UKhw2uYJyyI/AAAAAAAABnI/oZgsmvJquqU/s320/Duck+boat+Station.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Everything I read online suggested taking the Duck Tour so we
decided to try it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndki0mKBrfY/UKhw_1KA9nI/AAAAAAAABnQ/WpjedxPjkNk/s1600/Duck+Boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndki0mKBrfY/UKhw_1KA9nI/AAAAAAAABnQ/WpjedxPjkNk/s320/Duck+Boat.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Let’s just say it was different. For those who aren’t
familiar with Duck tours, it’s a tour of land & water in an amphibious
vehicle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk__K-3kxPY/UKhxRphkUdI/AAAAAAAABnY/UIobbQzSS7E/s1600/House+barges,+floating+houses,+etc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk__K-3kxPY/UKhxRphkUdI/AAAAAAAABnY/UIobbQzSS7E/s320/House+barges,+floating+houses,+etc.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We drove around downtown some, then went out on the waters on Union
Lake. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA9ERDcd9TU/UKhxdOWPoaI/AAAAAAAABng/iVTFl37n7Vc/s1600/House+barges,+floating+houses,+etc+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA9ERDcd9TU/UKhxdOWPoaI/AAAAAAAABng/iVTFl37n7Vc/s320/House+barges,+floating+houses,+etc+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It has a wide variety of Floating Homes, which must have a sewer hookup,
House Barges, which have to pump their gray & black water & House Boats,
which have to have a motor & be able to move on the water. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22Mc6z7tvMw/UKhxryTvbiI/AAAAAAAABno/iU7Cr_ac3TM/s1600/House+barges,+floating+houses,+etc+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22Mc6z7tvMw/UKhxryTvbiI/AAAAAAAABno/iU7Cr_ac3TM/s320/House+barges,+floating+houses,+etc+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s really hard
to tell by looking, which are which. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9olW5Zn1EY/UKhx1w05Z_I/AAAAAAAABnw/peHBDYIebx0/s1600/House+Boat+from+Sleepless+in+Seattle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9olW5Zn1EY/UKhx1w05Z_I/AAAAAAAABnw/peHBDYIebx0/s320/House+Boat+from+Sleepless+in+Seattle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We were able to see the one used for the
movie “Sleepless in Seattle”. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UkspfYzoVM/UKhyCljXLkI/AAAAAAAABn4/26u3ec30goo/s1600/Nice+Yachts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UkspfYzoVM/UKhyCljXLkI/AAAAAAAABn4/26u3ec30goo/s320/Nice+Yachts.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There were also quite a few very luxurious
yachts moored there. Collins & I thought that was the most interesting part
of the whole tour.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9rZe3LCTTg/UKhyPa6H6YI/AAAAAAAABoA/-CeZYGyC-XI/s1600/Yachts+in+Union+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9rZe3LCTTg/UKhyPa6H6YI/AAAAAAAABoA/-CeZYGyC-XI/s320/Yachts+in+Union+Lake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FsaqB3QeNY/UKh0J3jn7rI/AAAAAAAABow/ubiH2Ed6FHQ/s1600/Gas+Works+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FsaqB3QeNY/UKh0J3jn7rI/AAAAAAAABow/ubiH2Ed6FHQ/s320/Gas+Works+Park.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While we were on the Lake, we passed by an interesting place called Gas Works Park. It incorporates parts of an old coal processing plant into the park. They say it is easily the strangest park in Seattle & may rank as one of the strangest in the world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81FR0ehXo8o/UKhycQPRAjI/AAAAAAAABoI/kkTuuGjxnls/s1600/Monorail+Seattle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81FR0ehXo8o/UKhycQPRAjI/AAAAAAAABoI/kkTuuGjxnls/s320/Monorail+Seattle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After our duck tour, we took the monorail to the downtown part
of the city. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnlmIk06EXs/UKhypi_jneI/AAAAAAAABoQ/DdFOO8RV_x0/s1600/Public+Market+Seattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnlmIk06EXs/UKhypi_jneI/AAAAAAAABoQ/DdFOO8RV_x0/s320/Public+Market+Seattle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">From there it was a few short blocks to Pikes Public Market. We
were rather disappointed in that. The place was packed & it’s a lot of
different booths of products. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOdhZ1ztZM8/UKhy2ogHuOI/AAAAAAAABoY/roHE442xPIg/s1600/Pikes+Fish+Market+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOdhZ1ztZM8/UKhy2ogHuOI/AAAAAAAABoY/roHE442xPIg/s320/Pikes+Fish+Market+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I think most people associate it with the Fish
Market & the workers throwing the fish around. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9hJZC2C4VI/UKhzEH8cAwI/AAAAAAAABog/0Z2ytfrFwbw/s1600/Pikes+Fish+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9hJZC2C4VI/UKhzEH8cAwI/AAAAAAAABog/0Z2ytfrFwbw/s320/Pikes+Fish+Market.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It was so crowded you could
barely see the counters & there wasn’t much room for fish throwing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUEWqcIvUoo/UKhzQlYB1_I/AAAAAAAABoo/Zv0le7k9IQs/s1600/space+needle,+Seattle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUEWqcIvUoo/UKhzQlYB1_I/AAAAAAAABoo/Zv0le7k9IQs/s320/space+needle,+Seattle.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We were
going to go up in the Space Needle, but the line to buy tickets was long, it was
getting late in the afternoon & the wait to go up, after you got your
ticket, was over 40 minutes, so we decided to skip that one. I’ve been told
since, that was a wise move, it wasn’t really worth the time. We’ve decided to
make a trip back to the city another day to see the King Tut exhibit which is
there now.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Lfrd5urIA/UKkrcv2cIqI/AAAAAAAABqc/tVq7zoPW3sw/s1600/Collins+changing+the+RV+oil+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Lfrd5urIA/UKkrcv2cIqI/AAAAAAAABqc/tVq7zoPW3sw/s320/Collins+changing+the+RV+oil+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before putting the RV into storage, there are some routine maintenance items to be performed. One of those things, which Collins insisted on doing himself, was changing the oil. The RV takes about 28 qts of oil. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABwsuVSYfJ4/UKkrpm2lsMI/AAAAAAAABqk/5m4OkEu5qnw/s1600/Collins+takes+an+oil+bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABwsuVSYfJ4/UKkrpm2lsMI/AAAAAAAABqk/5m4OkEu5qnw/s400/Collins+takes+an+oil+bath.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After draining the oil, Collins had a bit of trouble getting the filter removed. It was slippery & full of oil. When he did, he bumped it against another part under the RV & got a bit an oil bath. When he came out from under the RV & I saw him, I felt bad for him but I laughed so hard I had trouble taking this picture. I told him it looked like he was dying his hair. Everytime I thought about it the rest of the day, I laughed. His sweatshirt & shirt were oil soaked so they found their way to the garbage. Later, he was speaking to a friend of ours, Dan, who works on heavy equipment. He told Collins next time he does it, put a hole in the filter before removing it.<br />
<br />
We'll be there until just after Thanksgiving. At that point, we'll put the RV in storage & head for IL, where we'll spend the Christmas Holidays before we go to Panama. I'll make sure to get 1 more post for the end of the year.<br />
<br />Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158344496928271029.post-21076865772408976712012-10-03T00:18:00.000-04:002012-10-03T00:18:16.602-04:00OREGON COASTDon't forget, you can double click the pics to make them larger!<br />
<br />
Sept 5th we pointed the RV toward the Oregon coast. We were moving to Sunset Bay State Park, which is between Bandon to the South & Coos Bay to the North. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4CmSVXcQ2k/UGYaGSX3uDI/AAAAAAAABQE/Ned4-dTE-hQ/s1600/Coos+Bay+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4CmSVXcQ2k/UGYaGSX3uDI/AAAAAAAABQE/Ned4-dTE-hQ/s320/Coos+Bay+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coos Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So far, we’ve been impressed with Oregon’s State Parks. They have full hookups (water, sewer & electric) and they can accommodate an RV the size of ours. One couple of our RV friends, Dee & Jim, would hate it. It’s actually like camping!!. There are a lot of trees & bushes here & most of the sites are somewhat private. A lot of people actually “camp in tents”. This kind of surprises me because the weather isn’t all that great. It’s been in the 60’s during the day & the 40’s at night. In addition to that, we’ve had no sun, except yesterday & you get a very heavy mist at night. I think it even rained some last night. We lucked out & actually got our satellite to work! We decided to check it out before we set up & found if we moved the RV back, just a little, it would connect! However, we’ve had no phone or wifi service here, so once again, we take the computers when we go out! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MMTtN4Ulp0/UGYaXLnSisI/AAAAAAAABQM/BqSxiuwNNVc/s1600/Yurt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MMTtN4Ulp0/UGYaXLnSisI/AAAAAAAABQM/BqSxiuwNNVc/s320/Yurt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Yurts are very popular here. There are quite a few in this campground. <br />
<br />
They’re basically a round tent on a platform. They have skylite domes, & flapped & screened windows. They come with some kind of beds & electric & a few other basics. I don’t know if these have water, many don’t. I’d take them over a tent any day!<br />
We’ve done a little sightseeing while here. The towns around here are mostly fishing towns so there isn’t a lot to see. The other day we drove to one of the parks down the street that is really an arboretum. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8cD7gYYR8g/UGYarYBGmSI/AAAAAAAABQU/tbNos7zghv8/s1600/Dahlia+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8cD7gYYR8g/UGYarYBGmSI/AAAAAAAABQU/tbNos7zghv8/s320/Dahlia+garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We’ve missed a lot of the flowers, especially the rhododendrons, but the Dahlias were in full bloom & spectacular. Some are the size of dinner plates & the colors are outstanding! <br />
<br />
They also had a lot of roses & most of them were still blooming. They were so pretty, but unfortunately, most had little or no fragrance. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-uPx1Xckjk/UGYa9dwC_7I/AAAAAAAABQc/BCp9QRbymyA/s1600/Collins+in+Rose+Garden+at+Shore+Acres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-uPx1Xckjk/UGYa9dwC_7I/AAAAAAAABQc/BCp9QRbymyA/s320/Collins+in+Rose+Garden+at+Shore+Acres.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We also took a walk down to the beach where you could see, and hear, thousands of seals & sea lions. Unfortunately, they were in the water or on the rocks of the outer islands, so we couldn’t see them up close.<br />
Friday the 7th was my birthday, & unknown to me, Paula, our daughter, had asked Collins to pick up some flowers for me. Poor girl, she tried so hard to have them delivered to me, but that was an impossible task. Anyway, Collins was her courier & they were beautiful & appreciated! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJbEx8FGBN4/UGYbHQ5J9mI/AAAAAAAABQk/FByl-xikSVU/s1600/Birthday+Flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJbEx8FGBN4/UGYbHQ5J9mI/AAAAAAAABQk/FByl-xikSVU/s320/Birthday+Flowers.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We went out for dinner that evening, which we don’t do often. Most of the time, it’s lunch out while we’re sightseeing. For my wine connoisseur friends & family you’ll cringe when I tell you this. The restaurant had a little thing on the table mentioning on Oregon made Cranberry Wine. They had several different blends & the waitress said I was welcome to taste whichever I wanted. I tried the Cranberry Raspberry, which I found delicious! It’s actually an award winning wine. The next day, we went to the Cranberry Festival in a small town named Bandon & bought several bottles. Bandon is another small fishing town & we enjoyed wandering thru their downtown. We watched a couple of guys carving with chain saws. That is really an amazing art!! <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIIkVycapg0/UGYbRkZTtVI/AAAAAAAABQs/M-zNnptpS-8/s1600/Carver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIIkVycapg0/UGYbRkZTtVI/AAAAAAAABQs/M-zNnptpS-8/s320/Carver.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chain Saw Carving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTEuvMGGZnI/UGYbj0cA9_I/AAAAAAAABQ0/IXtFOXnRGPM/s1600/Finished+product.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTEuvMGGZnI/UGYbj0cA9_I/AAAAAAAABQ0/IXtFOXnRGPM/s320/Finished+product.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Products</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They had plenty of cranberry food items & I settled on a cranberry oatmeal cookie, which was delicious. It was a fun way to spend a day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There is a small stretch of beach across the street, so yesterday the dog & I went for a walk. There are some tide pools there. It was low tide so I was hoping to see some tide pool creatures. Altho the area was interesting, no creatures were to be seen. Since the sun had decided to appear for the first time since we’ve been here, we enjoyed our walk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ramIUEq8E/UGYb6z0c6UI/AAAAAAAABQ8/qxLlzqfxnzQ/s1600/Fresh+picked+blackberries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ramIUEq8E/UGYb6z0c6UI/AAAAAAAABQ8/qxLlzqfxnzQ/s320/Fresh+picked+blackberries.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There are lots of wild blackberry bushes here. We’ve probably picked a couple of gallons of them. I had taken the dog for a walk one day & when I got back, Collins was coming back from picking a huge bowl full. It was overflowing, but I took some out for our morning cereal before I took the picture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tues,Sept 11 we moved on a little further up the coast to Beverly Beach State Park, which is just outside Newport. The drive here was so beautiful. The Oregon coastline is probably the most beautiful we’ve seen. There are lots of rocky cliffs & wide stretches of sand. When you’re driving the RV you really can’t do too much sightseeing so we decided we would drive back & really check it out. I thought the dunes extended closer to Newport, so we didn’t stop along the way. I realized after it was too late, they didn’t come this far & we really didn’t want to drive back to take a look. If we’d know better, we would have stopped along the way. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFkoy9_4sRw/UGYcMTSUqjI/AAAAAAAABRE/eaOrrwYCifI/s1600/Oregon+coastline+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFkoy9_4sRw/UGYcMTSUqjI/AAAAAAAABRE/eaOrrwYCifI/s320/Oregon+coastline+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edQkjv9OVPM/UGYcX-V-ufI/AAAAAAAABRM/LW5CNs0dQEM/s1600/Oregon+coastline+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edQkjv9OVPM/UGYcX-V-ufI/AAAAAAAABRM/LW5CNs0dQEM/s320/Oregon+coastline+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywKsql4sw7E/UGYcmi5wOrI/AAAAAAAABRU/2lsKvTXGQLQ/s1600/Oregon+coastline+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywKsql4sw7E/UGYcmi5wOrI/AAAAAAAABRU/2lsKvTXGQLQ/s320/Oregon+coastline+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyE5DRVTzX4/UGYczJWYs8I/AAAAAAAABRc/YJtcegJ4cYU/s1600/Oregon+coastline+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyE5DRVTzX4/UGYczJWYs8I/AAAAAAAABRc/YJtcegJ4cYU/s320/Oregon+coastline+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVyvWU-cq_s/UGYdIDBsAMI/AAAAAAAABRs/EbxjoSbiqsM/s1600/Oregon+coastline+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVyvWU-cq_s/UGYdIDBsAMI/AAAAAAAABRs/EbxjoSbiqsM/s320/Oregon+coastline+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CduO0fRJWLY/UGYc_bVRbcI/AAAAAAAABRk/H_suaXc7isk/s1600/Oregon+coastline+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CduO0fRJWLY/UGYc_bVRbcI/AAAAAAAABRk/H_suaXc7isk/s320/Oregon+coastline+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaDvkPEFeTg/UGYdeq5-YvI/AAAAAAAABR0/62v818l-gCM/s1600/Oregon+coastline+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaDvkPEFeTg/UGYdeq5-YvI/AAAAAAAABR0/62v818l-gCM/s320/Oregon+coastline+13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Dw-ynQFK38/UGYdopuQYkI/AAAAAAAABR8/90qSPrZ9jT8/s1600/Oregon+coastline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Dw-ynQFK38/UGYdopuQYkI/AAAAAAAABR8/90qSPrZ9jT8/s320/Oregon+coastline.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbiclirRUtA/UGYd0qyDp_I/AAAAAAAABSE/QnDnDK4A6-A/s1600/Our+spot+at+Beverly+Beach+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbiclirRUtA/UGYd0qyDp_I/AAAAAAAABSE/QnDnDK4A6-A/s320/Our+spot+at+Beverly+Beach+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The park is very nice, but you definitely feel like you’re “camping“ here, too. There are about 250 RV, tent & Yurt sites here. There are a lot of trees & no TV again. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKitsBODq4U/UGYeLchvfaI/AAAAAAAABSM/JuyUGlZn7Gw/s1600/Our+spot+at+Beverly+Beach+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKitsBODq4U/UGYeLchvfaI/AAAAAAAABSM/JuyUGlZn7Gw/s320/Our+spot+at+Beverly+Beach+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We’re here for 10 days, so we’ll get lots of reading done. Collins & I like to play a dice game called “Farkle”, so I’m sure we’ll have time for some of that. We do get internet & phone, but it’s not the greatest! The weather here is pretty consistent – mid to upper 50’s in the day (even some sun a few of the days) & low 50’s at night. It doesn’t feel too bad because it hasn’t been windy.<br />
One of the sunny days, we took our bikes over to the beach. The dog likes to run in the sand. She runs ahead for a little ways, then stops to make sure we’re foll owing. There was a creek from the campground that ran to the ocean. We hopped across it when we were close to ocean, but when we came back we had walked higher up on the sand & the creek was much wider. We found a log to go across. Collins went first, no problem. Me, forgetting how uncoordinated I am, picked up the dog & started across. Of course, I lost my balance, dropped the dog & landed in the water, which wouldn’t have been bad, except that my foot got caught in the rocks, I twisted my ankle & landed totally in the water. It would have been pretty funny, except that I hit one leg on the rocks, which brought about huge swollen bumps because my veins are very close to the surface & of course my foot was stuck & twisted. Luckily, all I did was sprain my ankle, which looked like it belonged to an elephant for several days & had plenty of bruises on the other leg. I really should have known better. <br />
Mostly, we’ve just been enjoying the coast & the small towns around here. The day we drove back to see some of the coastline, we stopped in a couple of the towns. One had a farmers/flea market going on, we bought some produce but also had to sample some of the local baked goods. We also went to some little shops along the Newport Bay. There were tons of Sea Lions there. Some of them looked like they were posing for us. There is a big rock in the bay where they like to stay during the day. You can hardly tell the sea lions from the rocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Wpz9R_kyK0/UGYei9RTM-I/AAAAAAAABSc/z92eKvhgXIo/s1600/seals+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Wpz9R_kyK0/UGYei9RTM-I/AAAAAAAABSc/z92eKvhgXIo/s320/seals+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoXKZGm9XnU/UGYeY35ZpBI/AAAAAAAABSU/OXpmfAWn7Qs/s1600/seals+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoXKZGm9XnU/UGYeY35ZpBI/AAAAAAAABSU/OXpmfAWn7Qs/s320/seals+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suu4ObgYI1o/UGYezuwqIYI/AAAAAAAABSk/ioa25cbnnJw/s1600/seals+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suu4ObgYI1o/UGYezuwqIYI/AAAAAAAABSk/ioa25cbnnJw/s320/seals+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We took a trip to Tillamook to check out the cheese factory. The drive there was very scenic, we even saw some “elk crossing” signs, but no elk. I was a little disappointed in the Cheese Factory itself. We did get to see some of the packing going on, but that was about it. Tillamook is very well known for its Cheddar Cheese, but they make all kinds, plus ice cream & butter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5jTBHxIqEQ/UGYfIi7HvrI/AAAAAAAABS0/SAZH3KOoMg4/s1600/Tillamook+Chees+Factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5jTBHxIqEQ/UGYfIi7HvrI/AAAAAAAABS0/SAZH3KOoMg4/s320/Tillamook+Chees+Factory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCVSfA-_0r0/UGYe--lpdWI/AAAAAAAABSs/ezXdL-koxUs/s1600/Tillamook+Chees+Factory+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCVSfA-_0r0/UGYe--lpdWI/AAAAAAAABSs/ezXdL-koxUs/s320/Tillamook+Chees+Factory+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R69AuSM0egE/UGYfYRIPB1I/AAAAAAAABS8/i00R9tKicek/s1600/Tillamook+Cheese+Factory+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R69AuSM0egE/UGYfYRIPB1I/AAAAAAAABS8/i00R9tKicek/s320/Tillamook+Cheese+Factory+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also checked out Yaquina Headland. There is a lighthouse there, which we didn’t go into, but we did see some gray whales, which tend to be in this area year round. We also walked down to the tidepools, but didn’t really see any critters. We did see some harbor seals on the rocks, there were several large ones on one rock & their pups were on another.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uf1PxG1E_cw/UGYfnma4a8I/AAAAAAAABTE/MBr70O1ui2A/s1600/Yaquina+Light+House,+Newport,OR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uf1PxG1E_cw/UGYfnma4a8I/AAAAAAAABTE/MBr70O1ui2A/s320/Yaquina+Light+House,+Newport,OR.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fpPbCYfraQ/UGYfw0KBWCI/AAAAAAAABTM/LK-G1iSyvug/s1600/Harbor+Seals+&+their+pups.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fpPbCYfraQ/UGYfw0KBWCI/AAAAAAAABTM/LK-G1iSyvug/s400/Harbor+Seals+&+their+pups.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbor Seals & their pups - you really need to enlarge this to see them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4bdxnAZuz8/UGYf-B6IEwI/AAAAAAAABTU/9bxRItGJrdQ/s1600/Whale+to+the+R+of+the+big+rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4bdxnAZuz8/UGYf-B6IEwI/AAAAAAAABTU/9bxRItGJrdQ/s320/Whale+to+the+R+of+the+big+rock.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale to the right of the big rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were gray whales to the right of the big rock.<br />
<br />
This has been a nice park for bike riding & walking, which we’ve done a lot. At least it’s good exercise for all of us. <br />
Sept 21 we left the coast & were off to Eugene. Time for a little routine maintenance on the motorhome. On the advice of some friends, we spent the weekend at the Armitage County Park Campground. It was really nice with full hookups, paved pads & grass. It was also our 27th Wedding Anniversary. Hard to believe it’s been that many years already!<br />
<br />
We decided to go to the their Saturday Market, which is massive & sells most everything one can grow or make at home . <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGKo217ZQc8/UGYgVNSTRZI/AAAAAAAABTc/hFhDdQAtL98/s1600/Saturday+Market+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGKo217ZQc8/UGYgVNSTRZI/AAAAAAAABTc/hFhDdQAtL98/s320/Saturday+Market+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
While we have seen occasional pockets of a few hippies throughout California & the lower Oregon coast, today we hit the mother load. I've included two pictures of a small fraction of their representation; suffice it to say, it brought back nostalgic days of old. For the uninformed, those glass things in front of the sitting guy are bongs; the woman on the right in the second picture is no college student, or hasn't been one for at least 40 years, & is "free dancing" with the music. I suspect she already owns her bong.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-pYLg0BU4Q/UGYggta0XsI/AAAAAAAABTk/YL6xt6pffYc/s1600/Bongs+for+sale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-pYLg0BU4Q/UGYggta0XsI/AAAAAAAABTk/YL6xt6pffYc/s320/Bongs+for+sale.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzuDl-_Jf7M/UGYgpjattJI/AAAAAAAABTs/PIa-b86hIDk/s1600/Hippies+at+Saturday+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzuDl-_Jf7M/UGYgpjattJI/AAAAAAAABTs/PIa-b86hIDk/s320/Hippies+at+Saturday+Market.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Traveling has brought about frequent learning days, some historical, some scenic, some, like today, just informative. The University of Oregon is in Eugene & today they are having a football game with someone or other. The learning point is, they are called the "Ducks". So there I am, (Collins) trying to figure out what group of idiots sat around one day & said: our team needs a mascot.... lets call them the Ducks, & then everyone else agreed. That level of thinking goes beyond the water they drank; I'm sure it had to do with prior hippie influence. Not wanting to take anything as important as this for granted, I asked some of the numerous fans camped around our site about its origin & was told it actually had nothing to do with their smoking choices but rather started with the team being called the "Web Feet" (swear to god). Then some group of intellectuals decided that name wasn't appealing so, lo & behold they came up with Ducks. I guess if you think about it long enough, it may be an improvement but hey, it's their school. Now don't you wish you were traveling around learning all this neat stuff?<br />
<br />
Saturday evening we were sitting out having a drink as people were leaving for the game. I (Karen) wanted to say “ Quack, Quack” as they drove by, but Collins thought that would be inappropriate! I figured since their team was named the Ducks, that would be the right call,sort of like “good luck” but in the end, I just waved & smiled.<br />
<br />
Sept 23rd we moved to what I called “Camp Cummins”. It was the parking lot of the Cummins repair facility in Eugene. We decided to go there for some routine maintenance. They have water & electric hookups for those having RV repair work done. Since we had to be there at 8AM, which is early for us, we decided to get there Sunday night. There was one other RV who had spent the weekend there. Not too long after they took our coach into the repair shop we received a phone call telling us our diesel turbo charger was bad & needed replacing. There were also a couple of recall issues that would need parts, not available til the next day. Luckily for us, our Good Sam warranty company covered the Turbo Charger & Monaco covered the recall Items, so we were pretty fortunate when all was said & done. By Monday night, there were 6 Rv’s at “Camp Cummins” & we met some nice people & picked up some useful information. RVers are really good at sharing tips with each other. We also saw a nice "Hippie Bus" come in, and out climbed 3 people with wild tie dye shirts. I couldn't get my camera fast enough to get their pics!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg4L2TXTIxc/UGeAUlhMXFI/AAAAAAAABW0/oO51W2q0QEs/s1600/Hippie+Bus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg4L2TXTIxc/UGeAUlhMXFI/AAAAAAAABW0/oO51W2q0QEs/s320/Hippie+Bus.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We ended up spending 3 nites there, but we had water & electric hookups for the RV at night & their waiting area was comfy. We did some running during the day & took our bikes to the park. We were very thankful they found the problems before we had a breakdown on the road.<br />
Sept 26th they finished our repairs & we were off to Prineville Reservoir State Park sort of in the middle of Oregon. There is a huge reservoir here with a very nice State Park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjGcg-koR6E/UGd7AGkNnUI/AAAAAAAABU8/-Z57-oUsF8g/s1600/Prineville+Reservoir.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjGcg-koR6E/UGd7AGkNnUI/AAAAAAAABU8/-Z57-oUsF8g/s320/Prineville+Reservoir.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJg_LrGHJkQ/UGd7WUwxGgI/AAAAAAAABVM/KSOwgd8Fh8o/s1600/Prineville+Reservoir+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJg_LrGHJkQ/UGd7WUwxGgI/AAAAAAAABVM/KSOwgd8Fh8o/s320/Prineville+Reservoir+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2i3Jl6WpAg/UGd7rgwXBfI/AAAAAAAABVU/ZMMzTNRDTg8/s1600/moon+over+the+reservoir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2i3Jl6WpAg/UGd7rgwXBfI/AAAAAAAABVU/ZMMzTNRDTg8/s320/moon+over+the+reservoir.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon on Prineville Reservoir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrDJvJhMFb8/UGd788araKI/AAAAAAAABVc/_Ta5ABa6yno/s1600/Deer+at+Prineville+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrDJvJhMFb8/UGd788araKI/AAAAAAAABVc/_Ta5ABa6yno/s320/Deer+at+Prineville+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We were very surprised the first evening we were out walking the dog to see about a dozen deer roaming one of the grassy areas of the park. I guess they come there every night & they certainly aren’t afraid of people or little dogs. We had gone for a walk while it was light, but stopped to talk to some people & it got dark. As we headed back the way we had come, Snuggles went on the grass to potty. All of a sudden, I looked over to see a deer headed toward her. I yanked her out of there in a hurry. They also decided they liked this beautiful plant I’ve been carting around for the past 2 years. It was getting rather large & I had just said to myself the other day, I needed to trim it some. Well, the first night we were here, the deer decided to trim it for me – a little more than I had planned. It still looks ok, but sure isn’t as full on one side as I would have liked. Now we put it inside at night!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ntfdbxzqo4/UGd8TUR_2YI/AAAAAAAABVk/jNT_46PGdNY/s1600/Painted+Hills+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ntfdbxzqo4/UGd8TUR_2YI/AAAAAAAABVk/jNT_46PGdNY/s320/Painted+Hills+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We mainly came here because I wanted to see a place called The Painted Hills. It’s about an hour from where we’re staying, so we took a drive there yesterday. As we drove down the cutoff road, we rounded a curve & there was the first colorful hill. Collins & I both said “Oh my gosh!” at the same time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-poo6Cv-x8/UGd8gYYTFfI/AAAAAAAABVs/LgqT9SO8Tqo/s1600/Painted+Hills+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-poo6Cv-x8/UGd8gYYTFfI/AAAAAAAABVs/LgqT9SO8Tqo/s320/Painted+Hills+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These hills look like someone came in with a paintbrush. They were formed by Volcanic Ash & erosion & I have to say, they were amazing. We both agreed that was well worth the trip. These pictures do them not justice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKQNGqQEP5s/UGd8wc6gBzI/AAAAAAAABV0/X3kBK29GGAs/s1600/Painted+Hills+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKQNGqQEP5s/UGd8wc6gBzI/AAAAAAAABV0/X3kBK29GGAs/s320/Painted+Hills+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqmyD-NxHzg/UGd89Y3VDcI/AAAAAAAABV8/TTbwYmr4P3Q/s1600/Painted+Hills+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqmyD-NxHzg/UGd89Y3VDcI/AAAAAAAABV8/TTbwYmr4P3Q/s320/Painted+Hills+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PC0OqW69KI/UGd9FWTL-wI/AAAAAAAABWE/XPDLoPswkBA/s1600/Painted+Hills+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PC0OqW69KI/UGd9FWTL-wI/AAAAAAAABWE/XPDLoPswkBA/s320/Painted+Hills+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywMphNKoPbc/UGd9Mj0qzVI/AAAAAAAABWM/VYa9TJQ8RVg/s1600/Painted+Hills+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywMphNKoPbc/UGd9Mj0qzVI/AAAAAAAABWM/VYa9TJQ8RVg/s320/Painted+Hills+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWMeDKb798w/UGd9vcmEkVI/AAAAAAAABWU/aBRrW9iAQ3Q/s1600/Painted+Hills+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWMeDKb798w/UGd9vcmEkVI/AAAAAAAABWU/aBRrW9iAQ3Q/s320/Painted+Hills+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We also made a side trip to a place called Smith Rock State Park. I had read somewhere it was popular with climbers. It wasn’t real far, so we decided to take a ride. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwOxexGCWl0/UGsobF4o9BI/AAAAAAAABYI/fXX7edgU-0U/s1600/Smith+Rock+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwOxexGCWl0/UGsobF4o9BI/AAAAAAAABYI/fXX7edgU-0U/s320/Smith+Rock+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smith Rock & The Crooked River<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rocks are pretty as you drive into the park. We got there late in the day & saw quite a few groups who had finished climbing. When we looked carefully, we could see quite a few still climbing & a few at the top itself. Not something I would want to do, but I give them credit. It wasn’t as impressive as the painted hills, but we did enjoy the visit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XghwVHq377M/UGspLGyj50I/AAAAAAAABYQ/QQ2eDH4l2Ao/s1600/Smith+Rock+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XghwVHq377M/UGspLGyj50I/AAAAAAAABYQ/QQ2eDH4l2Ao/s320/Smith+Rock+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the one most of them were climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq7xgj7-yZQ/UGspmfJSZoI/AAAAAAAABYY/SsndoSHynaU/s1600/Smith+Rock+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq7xgj7-yZQ/UGspmfJSZoI/AAAAAAAABYY/SsndoSHynaU/s320/Smith+Rock+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As usual, I have my odd pics of weird trees & strange signs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eaf0sLkq_xo/UGd_NBzeVbI/AAAAAAAABWc/nBQ5YXaxmFM/s1600/Unusual+Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eaf0sLkq_xo/UGd_NBzeVbI/AAAAAAAABWc/nBQ5YXaxmFM/s320/Unusual+Sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This sign we saw along the coast of OR. I finally asked one of the park rangers what that was all about. He said those were the areas that weren't high enough for you to remain if a Tsunami was coming. Of course, you can imagine the chaos you'd have if there were an actual warning. And, most of the time, there isn't enough time to go far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are my weird trees for this trip.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKIjZpdy5go/UGd_uIHdYtI/AAAAAAAABWk/0TRaXLGDDZM/s1600/Octopus+tree+at+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKIjZpdy5go/UGd_uIHdYtI/AAAAAAAABWk/0TRaXLGDDZM/s320/Octopus+tree+at+campground.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They called this an octopus tree<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3MpmDBlajo/UGd_6ys8IyI/AAAAAAAABWs/K-xNLDULgvE/s1600/Unusual+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3MpmDBlajo/UGd_6ys8IyI/AAAAAAAABWs/K-xNLDULgvE/s320/Unusual+tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we're moving to a place along the border of Oregon & Washington. It's the Columbia River Gorge. More updates later!!Karen & Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332106460646872864noreply@blogger.com1