Oma Loves U!: Travel

Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (101)

08/20/2019 No Travel Day – Happy 65th Birthday

Start Location:

DeCordova Bend Country Club RV Pad
5207–5259 N Gate Rd, Granbury, TX 76049
817.326.2381

Start Time: N/A

Mileage: 58,802.0

Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 78 – 102 F Sunny & Muggy

Happy Birthday to me. I cannot believe that I am of the age to collect Social Security and be on Medicare!!!

Paul and Moses started their boat dock project at 7:00 this morning. After some paperwork, I was off for a day at the pool. Moses’ home is very conveniently located by the clubhouse. I parked in his driveway, walked across a small parking lot and was there.

It was a big water aerobics class – at least forty women and three gentlemen. They were all very nice and made me feel very welcome.

We lunched in the clubhouse; then the guys went back to work for a few hours.

For dinner, we all went to Miyako Sushi Bar - Japanese Restaurant for my Birthday. The sushi (California Roll and Eel) and hibachi New York Steak with Shrimp were perfectly prepared. Our chef was funny and efficient. Unfortunately, our waitress was badly in need of training; however, that did not dampen our celebratory spirit.

A visit to the Home Depot was next as the boys needed brackets and knee pads for their work in the morning. Zack called to wish me a happy birthday. He was on the way to our home to cut the pool cover as promised. He sent a photo and it look so inviting. I also received texts from my bro Charles. What a wonderful birthday on the road!

Wildlife Spotted: Squirrel; Paul saw ducks, turtles, and fish while working on the dock

Startled this Squirrel During My Walk to the Pool

The Water Aerobics Class was very Friendly and Welcoming

Miyako Japanese Restaurant for my Birthday Dinner

Our Hibachi Chef was very Entertaining

My New York Steak and Shrimp

Home Depot Shopping for Boat Dock Material

My Home Pool Looks So Inviting

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Monday, August 19, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (100)

08/19/2019 No Travel Day – Out on the New Boat

Start Location:

DeCordova Bend Country Club RV Pad
5207–5259 N Gate Rd, Granbury, TX 76049
817.326.2381

Start Time: N/A

Mileage: 58,802.0

Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 103 F Sunny & Muggy

Despite going to bed after 11:00 p.m., we were up pretty early. Moses had told us that we would be taking the boat out before the heat became unbearable. His shop takes Sundays and Mondays off.

First off, Paul ordered the material for their boat dock project. Then we spent the morning on Moses’ boat. I have never seen Wake Surfing. It was delightful. Lake Granbury is stunning, and Moses’ new boat was so much fun.

After lunch in the RV, I gathered the paperwork to obtain a reimbursement for our AC Repair. The Viking RV Extended Warranty we purchased with the Beast has really paid off. They have been fair and helpful.

Paul and Moses went lumber shopping. They hope to get some of the boat dock modification done tomorrow. Paul received a call from Viking; they had already approved our repair and the reimbursement check was in the mail!

We ended the day with a nice family dinner at ‘Mi Familia.’ They made the guacamole at your table. The food was very good. My Spinach and Mushroom enchiladas seem to be freshly made. They were simple and enjoyable; just the right portions.

Wildlife Spotted: Ducks

View from Moses’ Home

Launching Moses’ New Boat

Homes Lining the Lake Granbury Shore

Beautiful Huge Home with Dock

Moses Surfing the Wake

Lake Granbury Park Ducks

Fresh Guacamole Made at Your Table - ‘Mi Familia’

Spinach and Mushroom Enchilada Plate

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Sunday, August 18, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (99)

08/18/2019 No Travel Day – Texas Home & Garden Show

Start Location:

DeCordova Bend Country Club RV Pad
5207–5259 N Gate Rd, Granbury, TX 76049
817.326.2381

Start Time: N/A

Mileage: 58,802.0

Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 103 F Sunny & Muggy

Paul wanted me out of the RV while the Air Guy was working, so I went over to Moses’ Home and did Laundry. Moses helped to put the new AC Unit in.

For Lunch, Moses, Sitara, Paul and I went to Jason's Deli in Granbury; then off to the Texas Home & Garden Show. The Texas Home & Garden Show Series, which was held at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, gives local and national companies the ability to highlight their services and unique products.

Also, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association created a big display of flowers and plants! I was amazed at how much succulents I have growing in my yard cost!!! ($50.00 for a small agave pup). I attended a demonstration and planted basil in a Mason Jar.

The four of us took a drive around Weatherford to look for land as we are hoping to move to Texas in the near future. When we got home, the RV was way too hot. Paul and I were both so disappointed. However, it turns out that only the fan was left running.

Paul and Moses took measurements for their boat dock modification. We ended the day late with a dinner at the Mesquite Pit. It is a noisy fun place with good food. I had the Mesquite Shrimp Plate.

Justin, the Air Conditioning guy came over at 10:00 p.m. to tape up the return air and supply air and of course, collect the rest of his money. It was a long day.

Wildlife Spotted: Pond Ducks

Beautiful Sunrise

Texas Autosports Formula Mazdas

Moses’ Office Cat Gets Comfy

Paul and Moses Check their Measurements

View from Moses' Front Yard - DeCordova Bend

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Saturday, August 17, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (98)

08/17/2019 No Travel Day – Detailed and Cooled

Start Location:

DeCordova Bend Country Club RV Pad
5207–5259 N Gate Rd, Granbury, TX 76049
817.326.2381

Start Time: N/A

Mileage: 58,802.0

Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 103 F Sunny& Muggy

We spent the morning getting the ‘Beast’ serviced. First Moses’ Detailer gave the RV exterior a thorough scrubbing. He also washed the truck (tow vehicle). He started at 6:30 a.m. to beat the heat, so we all got up early.

Then we had the Air-Conditioner guy look at the unit’s AC. He determined that it was not working properly. Since you cannot open the unit to work on it, we needed a new one. He contacted Viking, our extended warranty company – they would cover $1,100 of the repair!!! He would purchase the upgrade (13,500 to a 15,500) unit today and install tomorrow morning.

Paul modified the bicycle rack. Now it is off the back of the Motor-home instead of off the back of the tow vehicle.

Moses took us to the clubhouse for dinner. It was a task busy and fun relaxing day.

Wildlife Spotted: Pond Ducks

The Beast is Free of all the Dead Bugs and Grim

We Haven’t Seen the Truck this Clean in Awhile

Paul’s Bike Rack Modification

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Friday, August 16, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (97)

08/16/2019 Travel Day – Off to See Moses

Start Location:

Wichita Falls RV Park
2944 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
940.723.1532

Start Time: 8:50 a.m.

Mileage: 58,651.4

End Location:

DeCordova Bend Country Club RV Pad
5207–5259 N Gate Rd, Granbury, TX 76049
817.326.2381

End Time: 2:30 p.m.

Mileage: 58,802.0

Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 101 F Sunny

Route:

287 South
Market Rd 167/Fall Creek Hwy
US-377 S

We reached Moses’ Shop (Texas Autosports FM) just in time for lunch. It was only a short two-hour, easy drive from Wichita Falls RV Park. After a tour of the facility, we all (Moses, Sitara, Paul and I) went to lunch. Moses took us to Paradise Bistro & Coffee Company.

This eatery is right across the street from the Hood County Courthouse. I had the best Cobb Salad – perfectly seasoned and portioned. Paul really enjoyed his “Veggie” which combined Lettuce, Cucumbers, Avocado, Tomato, Red Onion, Roasted Bell Peppers, Chipotle Mayonnaise, on Wheat Berry Toast. We loved this place.

After lunch, we parted company so Paul and I could set up our camp. Of course, in the triple digit weather, the RV was unbearably hot. It took the AC a while to make it livable.

We met up with Moses and Sitara again for dinner. This time Moses introduced us to Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza. This outlet offers build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home. The pizza was very convenient and very tasty.

After dinner, we braved the heat to take a short walk to Moses’ boat slip. He and Paul are working on a modification to make it possible for Moses’ to work on his boat.

Before we knew it, it was after 8:00 p.m. The motorhome had cooled down enough for a comfortable sleep.

Wildlife Spotted: Ducks

Goodbye Wichita Falls, Texas

The Historic Hood County Courthouse Was Built in 1890-1891

Road Signs in Historic Granbury Square

Moses’ House is a Street away from Lake Granbury

The Sun Actually Goes Down in Texas

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Thursday, August 15, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (96)

08/15/2019 No Travel Day – Enjoying Peace at the Park

Start Location:

Wichita Falls RV Park
2944 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
940.723.1532

Start Time: N/A

Mileage: 58,651.4

Cost Per Night: $45.00 USD
Weather: 75 – 99 F Sunny

Paul got up on the roof of the RV right after breakfast to clean the coach air-conditioner. It really seemed to help. With the temperatures in the 100s, every bit helps.

We spent the rest of the day just getting caught up with our paperwork and stuff. The park here is great – very spacious with a river and pond! We love the big trees and birds. The best part is that there are relatively no mosquitoes. We took our walk early in hopes of beating the heat.

Wildlife Spotted: Just Park Birds

The Park Has Beautiful Mature Trees

Wichita Falls RV Park’s Pond

The Scenic River

Spot 44 - Wichita Falls RV Park

North Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas Stickers Added

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (95)

08/14/2019 No Travel Day – Kiowa and Comanche Casinos

Start Location:

Wichita Falls RV Park
2944 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
940.723.1532

Start Time: N/A

Mileage: 58,651.4

Cost Per Night: $45.00 USD
Weather: 72 – 95 F Cloudy

It rained off and on last night. You would think the noise of raindrops bouncing on the RV roof would be annoying. I found it nice and the Thunder was also a thrill.

Before going to the casinos, I fixed a crock pot full of my vegetarian beans. We also took the time to take some of our cold weather gear out of the motorhome to make more room.

The casinos were fun, but the slots were very tight. Including our lunch, we dropped $125 between Kiowa and Comanche Red River Casino. Kiowa has more than 800 slot machines and nearly one dozen table games, three unique restaurants and very friendly service. We still lost though.

We had lunch at the Comanche Red River Casino’s Red River Grill. Paul had his usual Grilled Cheese – it was too light on the cheese. I ordered the special; Prime Rib for $8.00. I thought it was wonderful and plentiful. We ended up paying a little more than $20.00 with included the tip. The machines were just a tad better than Kiowa.

Wildlife Spotted: Park Birds

We Went to the Kiowa Casino First

Paul won about $20.00 on this Machine

Comanche Red River is just a Mile away from Kiowa

My Prime Rib was very Tasty

Our Homemade Crockpot Beans Were Great

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (94)

08/13/2019 Travel Day – Wichita Falls, Texas

Start Location:

Texas Route 66 RV Park
15580 I-40, Shamrock, TX 79079
806.256.5353

Start Time: 10:00 a.m.

Mileage: 58,481.4

End Location:

Wichita Falls RV Park
2944 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
940.723.1532

End Time: 1:55 p.m.

Mileage: 58,651.4

Cost Per Night: $45.00 USD
Weather: 72 – 97 F Cloudy
Route:

I40 BL
Old Route 66
83 South
287 South

Since we had a very short drive and get good internet, we lingered this morning. I was hoping to catch up a bit . . . . yeah right. Paul had washed the windshield last night, but it did not last. Bugs were bouncing off it immediately after we reached 83 South.

We had to drive through the town of Childress, Texas, where gasoline was priced at $2.11 per gallon. That is the lowest we have seen all trip!

After setting up camp, we got busy cooking. I made tacos for dinner and cut up everything I needed to put in the crockpot beans tomorrow.

The spaces here are huge. We do not have shade though and it got to 100 degrees. They have a nice pool if it gets unbearable. However, we have gotten pretty skilled at keeping the inside of the ‘Beast’ a reasonable temperature.

Wildlife Spotted: None (Lots of Livestock though)

A Lot Drier in Texas

Gas for Just $2.11 Per Gallon

Shamrock to Wichita Falls, TX

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Monday, August 12, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (93)

08/12/2019 Travel Day – Shamrock, Texas

Start Location:

Pine Tree RV Park
402 N Main Street, Scott City, KS 67871
620.872.3076

Start Time: 8:30 a.m.

Mileage: 58,231.0

End Location:

Texas Route 66 RV Park
15580 I-40, Shamrock, TX 79079
806.256.5353

End Time: 12:55 p.m.

Mileage: 58,481.4

Cost Per Night: $20.00 USD
Weather: 69 – 103 F with Rain, Thunder, & Lightning
Route:

83 South
Detour through Garden City Due to Road Closure
83 South
60 West
83 South

Paul had to fix the bolt that keeps the spare tire from wiggling. It was just 8:00 a.m. and already so muggy he was sweaty when he finished.

We had to take a detour due to a road closure on the U-50. They were removing and reconstructing the concrete pavement. We notice that the Oklahoma roads were a lot rougher than the roads in Kansas.

After driving for 200 miles, we wanted to stop to give Paul a chance to stretch; however the only rest stop available was chaotic. It was very small and there was trash everywhere which, of course brought the nasty bugs.

Our host for the night were a husband and wife team. They bought the park a year prior and were in the process fixing it up. It is a huge area and we were one of three over-nighting. The hookups were great and the scenery awesome. This place will be tremendous once they are finished.

We did all our laundry despite the 103-degree temperature and threat of thunderstorms. Their laundry facility was clean and spacious. The bathrooms were closed due to repairs, but we are self-contained, so it did not matter.

Wildlife Spotted: Slow Rabbit; Not So Wild Animals: Donkey, Horses, Cattle

This Old Building is Dwarfed by the Majestic Sky

Thunderstorms A Coming (Texas Route 66 RV Park)

What an Ignominy – We did not Stop

Our Spot at Texas Route 66 RV Park – No Number Yet

Texas Route 66 RV Park is Under New Management & Renovation

Scott City to Shamrock, Texas

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Sunday, August 11, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (92)

08/11/2019 Travel Day – Scott City, Kansas

Start Location:

Holiday RV Park & Campground
601 Halligan Dr, North Platte, NE 69101
308.534.2265

Start Time: 8:50 a.m.

Mileage: 58,027

End Location:

Pine Tree RV Park
402 N Main Street, Scott City, KS 67871
620.872.3076

End Time: 12:55 p.m.

Mileage: 58,231.0

Cost Per Night: $26.00 USD
Weather: 69 – 88 F Cloudy
Route:

83 South
34 East
83 South
40 East
83 South

Our camp host for the night was not returning from church until a bit after 1:00 p.m. Therefore, we did not leave until 8:50 a.m. today. About fifteen minutes into our drive, out in the pastures, our noses were overwhelmed with the smell of poop. It was so strong; I checked our bathroom to make sure it was not coming from us!

There were corn fields everywhere for miles and miles. The rolling hills speckled with trees and cattle were also breath taking. The marshes and ponds had all but disappeared.

Our campsite (spot 3) was nothing to brag about. But it had sewer, water, and electricity, so it was perfect for a quick affordable stop. There was nothing to do in the small town of Scott City on a Sunday – trust me we scoured the town looking for a sit-down café for lunch. Tates, which the gas station lady informed me was the best place in town, was closed; as was Daylight Donuts!

It was hotter than hell in the RV, especially in my office area (the passenger seat near the engine ‘dog house.’) This was unfortunate because I had hoped to catch up on some computer work – it was just too unbearably hot!

The internet was just fair, so we spent our evening trying to stay cool while watching number three and four of our Bruce Willis ‘Die Hard’ marathon.

Wildlife Spotted: Dead Doe on the Side of the Highway; Big Turkey; Doves everywhere in the Park Not So Wild Animals: Domesticated Buffalo, Donkeys, Horses, Cattle

Miles and Miles of Corn

Livestock Roamed the Hills Freely

We took a quick stop along the Blue Star Highway

Trains in McCook, Nebraska (pop 8,000)

We had to stop for a train as we went to town for gas

Our Spot #3

Church in Scott City, Kansas

North Platte, NE to Scott City, KS

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Stacey Kuhns was born and raised in California. She moved to San Diego County 28 years ago from Los Angeles County. She retired a few years ago from a 21-year career in law enforcement. Stacey has two adult children who also reside in San Diego County.

For the past year and a half she has been volunteering with an animal rescue organization, Animal Rescuers without Borders. She has had a myriad of various animals over the years but now resides with four rescue cats.

Stacey enjoys cooking, baking, reading, traveling, animals, riding motorcycles (as a passenger), writing poetry, and photography. She is excited about being a guest contributor.