Bulletin! We have been in areas where the Internet is a struggle. As a result I am way behind on the blog thing. Hopefully I can catch up soon.

But first we are going to ride the MS 150. Jim and I haven’t done long miles since we were in Phoenix. This would be an interesting ride. No land speed records today.

At the end of the first day we relax and enjoy BarBQ at the Texas Moter speedway

The day started out rather ominous. The sky was heavy with moisture. It would drip off the bottom of my sunglasses. As the day continued the sun finally popped out. In the past there MSRide is notorious for bad storms in the evening at the speedway. As a result of the forcast this weekend the promoters decided the teams could not put up the traditional tents. We found that sitting out in the sunshine on this particular day was really quite pleasant.

Riding into Fort Worth. The skyline gives you a feeling of a great accomplishment

From the speedway we ride to Fort Worth. This has to be one of the best finishes. We have done it many times and know the crowds are waiting to cheer you in. I can’t help but think of those that never ridden this event before. It is really neat to cross the finish line with all the excitement for a ride well done!

The riders on the back have MS. The RBM Crew riding through town and the FINISH LINE!

Here they are again, This tIme a serious photo. Then a goofy one for good measure.

GROUP PHOTO.                                GOOFY GROUP PHOTO.

Great finish to a great day. We knew we had ridden 160 miles in two days. Long and fun. The hot tube is going to feel great.

The new mobile RBM SHOP. Looks really good. Woody has some great plans for it.

Myself and good friend Dean, with my Dad’s Drum Kit.

For many years I have had my Dad’s Premier Drum Kit from the 1950’s.Finding it a good home was important for me. Dean is a friend, who happens to be a drummer in a band and really appreciated the stories I had about my Dad and his drums. It dawned on the that Dean is who I wanted to have his drums. He was surprised by my request that he take them. Even better it was fun to spend time with him and pack them up for their new home. Thanks Dean I know you will smile and have some delightful memories as well being the owner of a really cool old 50’s Premier Drum Kit.

Hitting road early in the morning was a good move. We skirted the bad storms that were rumbling across the Midwest. On the news later that evening there were many tornadoes and flooding. Springfield Mo. was our first nights stay. The brewery there had some nice beers and a really great dinner menu. Great way to end a long drive.

Down on the farm! Mike and Diane put in a 50amp. For our trailer at their pole barn. It is so spacious and peaceful here. Plus we have family. Dogs can run all they want.

Doggie helps Diane and I in the flower beds.Daisy their Lhasa Apso supervises

Favorite part of the day. Watching the sun rise.

Today im helping Diane plant some flowers in her flower beds around the house. Doggie is more that happy to excavate some holes for us. For the life of her she can’t figure out what he is doing so she is supervising his work.

After a good days work in the garden, the guys took us to Mikey’s for some mighty fine pizza.

Riding the next day we passed Woody’s Lane. Here ya go Woody, there’s some acres out there for you too! At the start of another day, just another wonderful sunrise out our front door.

Mentone is the egg basket of the Midwest. Along with that they have the Egg Festival as well. In addition it happens to be this weekend!  Above is Jim’s brother Mike with his 1956 Chevy Nomad at the car show. The band was really good and the last photo above is Jim with the owner of the 1966 corvette which Jim “almost” owned. Whew!

Above a few of Jim’s classmates. Tom Evans verified a story about his car and a train. Dan Yoder had a few tales to spin as well.

Jim’s 50th high school class reunion. It was great to connect faces with names and also all the adventures Jim has told about growing up in Nappanee Indiana. It was fun for me. Many more stories to add to his Norman Rockwell life.

The next day we had an open house at Shari’s ( Jim’s sisters lake home)  for those who wanted to come for a visit one more time.

Jim grew up withTim in Nappanee. This last winter we saw him and his wife Cathy. Jim was able to talk him into coming back for the class reunion. They stayed with Shari and Pat. It was great to spend more time with them.

The sun is up and Daisy hangs out with Doogie to watch the day get started.

Love this barn!

This is the first time we have seen the corn just planted and starting to grow

This hole wa in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant. I guess they figured this was the best way to make sure no one drove iinto the hole.

Love this barn!  This is the first time we have seen the corn just planted and starting to grow.  What better way to make sure you don’t drive into a hole in a parking lot. Put a wheel barrow in it!

On our way to Wild Wednesday.  Tim our nephew, his wife Susan, Shari, Pat and Ashley, Tim’s daughter. Lunch at the Channel Marker and off to watch Ashley slolum ski for the first time.vthat got her s donation from Jim and I fundid raiser she does for her soriety  for Riley’s foundation. Now  we will be off to South Haven Michigan for the Hoyt family reunion.

Pulling out of the RV park we have a whole lot of sunshine. That is a good sign. Checking the weather in Page it going to be in the 70’s and 80’s for our time there.

The land had flattened out, then we made a right turn following the GPS and we were into some serious climbing through a cut in the mountain. The drive to Page wasn’t a long trip so when we got camp set up we were off to find lunch.

We passed Big Johns then turned around. It just looked too good. Kelly was our waitress. She was great and the BBQ was quite tasty. Big Johns is located in an old gas station. Their smokers are out in the front lot. From the size of them they are quite serious about their meats. By the way their potato salad is really good.

Today finds us in the back of a truck headed down a huge dusty wash to the Antelope Canyon. Is gonna be so cool!

The Antelope Canyon I have seen photos over the years. I didn’t know where it was. About 3 weeks ago CBSMorning had a parting shot of it and gave the location.  Wow, we were so close I told Jim, we have to go see this. Checking into it I found out because it is on Navajo Land a guide is necessary to go and visit the canyon. I made reservations and we were set to go. Eric was our guide on this trip. He was great!  The photos above were taken with my iPhone. This is what it really looks like.

Every few feet walking through the canyon there was another cut in the sandstone that made you wonder how the wind and water could create this beautiful canyon. Above is the end of the canyon. The best part is we have to walk back through to get back to the beginning.

Today we drove around and explored Powell Lake. It was created when the Glen Canyon Dam was built. They blasted into the bedrock for the first time in 1956. President Eisenhower pushed the key at his desk in the Oval Office to set off the blast October 1,1956. In 1966 Lady Bird Johnson dedicated the Dam. It tool 17 years for the lake to fill. Each bucket of concrete held 24 tons and it took over 400,000 buckets to build the Dam. Lake Powell is 186 miles long. We did find a beach area, however it was quite a hike to get down to it.

We were so intrigued with the Upper Antelope Canyon we decided seeing the Lower. That would complete our adventure into slot canyons. This time we walked over to the area. We climbed metal ladders down into the canyon. This one was much more narrow. The crack in the ground is the top of the slot canyon.

Again around each turn is something more amazing. This canyon was as magical as the upper canyon was. It is difficult to choose the best photos to share. Did my best hope you enjoy them as well.

The guide took this panorama of us. The photo on the right shows crack in the stone that an earthquake created.

There are several boat trips to see Lake Powell. We chose one that would take a 3 hour trip. We decided that would be enough time on a boat. It proved to be an excellent  choice. In and out of canyons and right up close to the dam. It is equally impressive from the water.  We asked the fisherman to show us their catch. They had some really big fish.

We went into one canyon the walls of the canyon were called Navajo Tapestries. They were beautiful.

Floating down the river we finally come back to a formation called Castle Rock.

Captain Paula got us safely back to shore. Walking back to shore these fish were looking for a hand out.

Off to Zion National Park, we  wanted to check it out.  We could not get reservations there. The landscape changes dramatically. On the way into the park we stopped at the Thunderbird Resturant. In a condensed  story  Jack Morrison married Fern in 1907 they settled down after quite a journey. When the tunnel in Zion was completed in 1930 Jack figured out where the road would travel out On the east side.He tied a cedar tree to his Model-T Ford and made it down the hill. Using his Homstead rights he bought land there. They worked to make it livable. Fern sold pies to the truck drivers to earn money. They eventually built the Thunderbird Resturant. Jack made a sign to advertise the pies. His board was too small for all the words. So it was made with the spelling it said. HOME OF THE HO-MADE PIES. Fern and Jack’s history is amazing. It makes for a good read.

It’s official we were in Zion National Park. One thing we realized quickly, is riding here would be a challenge. A lot of climbing and descending and not to mention the amount of traffic here.

The tunnel is over a mile long and gets  pretty dark. There are large cut outs to let light in? What made us smile and feel good was the sign about bicyclist in the tunnel.By golly there is that light at the end of the tunnel!

After tunnel we started the descent it was steep and really a lot of switch backs. In the photo you can see the road way down and that still wasn’t the bottom. We stopped for a look around small paths go off through the woods. The pups enjoyed sniffing around. The small middle photo actually has a big horn on the ledge. He pretty much looks like a rock.

As we left Zion each turn brought many more outstanding cliffs. Driving on the landscape became long vistas with huge Mesas off in the distance. Today was a great day for a road trip.

The next day we didn’t have much of a plan but a lunch at a very colorful and really great Mexican food place we started talking about the dam and decided we really wanted to go back to the visitors center and check out the dam.

Heading home we we decided we would spend a few days in Palo Duro Canyon. I had never been there and wanted to see it. First we will get to Albuquerque New Mexico. We seem to travel the Navajo Reservation forever. No wonder the Navajo land is 27,413 square miles. It in compasses the 4 corners of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Whew, the way the highway travels it is long stretches with mesas in the distance.

We made it to New Mexico and will stay in Albuquerque for the night. Tomorrow on to Palo Duro Canyon

Ah, we can breath deep now, we are back home in Texas.  On our way to Palo Duro canyon,  we head toward Amarillo. There is a famous place called  Cadillac Ranch. In 1974 Chip Lord,Hudson Marquez, and Doug Michels were part of an art group called Ant Farm. They buried Cadillacs.  It represented the evolution of the car, especially the “tail fins”.Now days people stop to take photos paint their names  in the cars.

Palo Duro Canyon is like a small Grand Canyon. It is 120 miles long and at it’s widest point 20 miles wide. Also it a a max depth of 800 feet. It’s claim to fame, it is the second largest canyon in the U.S. The biggest is the Grand Canyon-277 miles long,18 miles wide, 6,00 feet deep. I like the name of the river that eroded the canyon. It’s name is the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. There is a lot of mesquite and juniper trees, hence the name Palo Duro which means hard wood.

This morning we got the bikes out. It was 65 degrees and sunny, what a great day. We went into town for a quick errand. By the time  we got back it was 46 degrees and cloudy and really windy. Checking the weather, we realized it was only going to get worse. Well, if it’s going to be that way we just decided to head back to Richardson. The weather there was a definite improvement. It will be home for a while till our next adventure starts in May. In our travels trains always are out there on the landscape when we get home Jim checks the mileage. We left on November 28 and arrive back home on April 13. We traveled 11,582.6 miles. Wow, what fun is that!

Home in front of the trailer one of our more colorful customers, Jaun stops by to say Hi! Fun to be home.

Well, this was unexpected. The one thing we have been avoiding we wake up to the next morning after settling in our campsite in Flagstaff. We had to admit it was pretty.  Along with the snow the temperatures have gone way down. In the mid twenties at night. We have to disconnect our water hoses at night so they don’t freeze. We make the best of it. The mountain behind our campsite is Mt. Eldon.

My. Eldon is behind the park. We were happy to find hiking trails all through the area. Jim and Diggity headed back to the trailer while Doogie and I hiked up to a view of Flagstaff. Fortunately for me Doogie helps pull me up some of the climb. He’s a great hiker.

Going into Flagstaff we realize that Route 66 goes right through the middle of town. It is amazing how popular this road is. Finished in 1926 it ran from Chicago, Il. To Santa Monica Ca. 2,448 miles. Full of history it really got popular with a song, Get your kicks on Route 66. Big Interstates  have replace it in many states. Some of States have embraced it and reestablished it as State Highway 66.

Today we drive down to Sedona to visit Steve Herrman. We met him on a trip to follow the Tour De France in 2004. We traveled with him and have kept in touch over the years. Steve now lives in his parents house. They built it back in the 70’s. It is a lovely home with a beautiful view over Sedona. Steve has a huge telescope on top of the house. It is really cool.

Steve’s mom was an artist. She did the bronze sculptures of a Jazz band.

We headed into town with Steve for lunch, but first a stop at his favorite bike shop, Fat Tire. We met the owner Dave Cichan, really nice fellow. Later they mentioned an old road that went down into the canyon behind the mountains you can see from Steve’s roof. They said with our truck we would have no trouble navigating it. So after good byes we head back home via Schnebley road through the Casner Canyon. Boy howdy what a trip that was. It has to be one of the coolest roads we have ever driven.

As we drove on the road climbed higher and higher. The views became more dramatic just like the road. We all bounced around inside the truck. We finally get to the summit and the road also becomes a smoother faster down hill road.

We ran into these kids while climbing and they caught up with us down in a beautiful meadow.

In the evening after dinner Jim set about getting us ready for another really cold evening. He would disconnect the hose so it wouldn’t  freeze. While he was busy doing that Doogie had gone outside. I went out because Diggity had followed him. I decided to get my coat and follow him around. In that short time he managed to really slip away. A very long hour and half later. I’m still walking around looking for him and Jim was driving around. I was busy crying. It was already 28 degrees out. Jim and I were meeting back at the trailer when he got a call. A fellow had Diggity. He had managed to cross the four lane road in front of the park and was at the Circle K convenience store. We drove down as quick as we could. We were so happy. Chris was the fellow who found him. He had to chase him around the store. He felt bad for Dig and gave him a hamburger. He thought he was hungy because he was shaking. (He always shakes).

Today we are off to the petrified forest and the painted desert. Driving there we passed through Winslow Arizona. Who out there doesn’t remember the words.” Standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona, such a fine sight to see. A girl my lord in a flat bed Ford slowing down to take a look at me.”  The corner is really busy. You will find a statue of Glenn Frey,a flat bed Ford and a huge Route 66 painted in the middle of the intersection.

The Petrified Forest is interesting to drive through and see huge fallen trees trunks scattered about that are truly now stone. The drive through it will take you directly into the painted desert. Many different hues of stone and sand make it unique from the rest of the landscape.

The Painted Desert Inn was built by Lyle Bennet in 1937. It is a beautiful building. The lodge was remodeled from a 1920’s inn known as the stone tree house because of all the petrified wood used in its construction. The are murals on the walls of the inn. It was busy in it’s day. The old car is just on the side of the road near the exit of the painted desert. It is a 1932 Studebaker. The boulder in the photo has petroglyphs on it. They have standing binoculars so you can see them. I still had a hard time figuring them out.

Another day of cold windy weather. We off now to see the Meteor Crater. It is the best preserved meteorite impact on Earth. It is said it traveled 26,000 miles an hour it hit the earth about 50,000 years ago. The hole it left is 570 feet deep and 4,100 feet across. A fellow named Daniel Barringer bought the crater in 1903 he was convinced it was made by a meteorite. He drilled for the meteorite but did not find it.

It’s Friday night and we find ourselves at Salsa Brava for a really great Mexican dinner. This place was great too bad it’s not in Dallas. We would be back again.

Steve Herrman is meeting us in Flagstaff and  we are going to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Jim had been wanting to go to the North Rim. Thank goodness I looked up info on the North Rim. It will not open till May, something about a lot of snow. Steve with his cool dog Cooper and Jim with Diggity and Doogie checking out the small canyon that the little Colorado River has carved out.

It is amazing how any people are visiting the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is an incredible sight. It is 27 miles long,1 mile deep and averages 10 miles across. It is 2,600 square miles. The national park preserves 1,904 square miles. What is impressive is at the bottom of the canyon is the Colorado River. It carved out the Grand Canyon!

What a great day on the way back we see the Mt.San Francisco. It is near Sedona. It can keeps its snow.  Back home we say our good byes to Steve and Cooper.

Tomorrow we head to Page Arizona and the Antelope Canyon.

It will be a short drive to Phoenix, so we take our time packing up the trailer. We are curious if Phoenix will be as enjoyable as Tuscon has been for cycling. Traveling to Phoenix made me wonder how the city got it’s name. Knowing the story of the Phoenix from ancient Egyption history. The bird lived for 500 years then rose from it’s funeral pyre.  So the story goes, A fellow on the committee to name the city was an interesting man, his name “Lord” Darrell Duppa. He had a rowdy lifestyle, he suffered from serious alcoholism.  An embarrassment to his relatives, he was banished to Arizona. It was said “Lord” Duppa was fluent in seven languages. This drove many people crazy because he enjoyed using all seven in the same paragraph. When it came his time to speak, he gave a speech about the Phoenix and compared it to the ancient civilization that lived in the area many years before. His name, Phoenix won hands down

Jim caught up with his cousin Pam. An evening with her and we went to the cemetery to see Uncle Russell’s, his wife and cousin Marsha’s site. Their ashes are in the legs and seat of the bench. We had never seen this before. What’s   a great way to visit family.

Today we got up hopped on our bikes and went to get our feet wet on the trail system here. There are canals all through the city. Running along those canals are bike/multiuse trails. We find  streets are marked with cycling lanes. This is going to be fun. The day before we went to Landry’s Bike Shop, a great friend we have known for a long time owns these shops. We picked up a Bike Ways map and we were ready to roll.

We’re riding one of the canals called the Arizona. We came into this area in Scottsdale with these sculptures in the canal. This sculpture was by an artist, Bruno Munro. We did not realize it, but we would be seeing more of his creations at the Botanical Gardens. This sculpture is made of fishing rods with the line being string light. It must be beautiful at night.

Where the sculptures were, we found this one of Pony Express riders. At the end of the ride we get a nice 30 mile ride in. It was in the high 80’s and very comfortable. There is something to be said about low humidity.

I had seen an advertisement for the Sonoran Lights at the Botanical gardens. Jim and I drove over to the gardens after taking the pups to a really cool dog park. We thought we would be able to just walk in and get tickets. Oh no they were sold out plus you could not get a parking place just to get out and walk up to buy tickets.                                               The next day we knew we could get to the gardens by bike. Down through the campus and following the bike lanes and paths to the gardens. Looking up we saw people up in one of the big holes in the cliffs. We got there and were able to get tickets for Friday night. We decided to have lunch at the resturant called Gertrude’s. It was quite tasty and with all the cactus around it was a pleasant surrounding. On the way out I spotted the pigeons nesting in the cactus. We headed out and wandered the streets and bike paths. Where we are located it is right near the campus for ASU. Again we are impressed with how well the autos, bikes, and pedestrians live together. Another 30 miles in and we are home. It is amazing how the day slips by. This was a great day on the bike. Tomorrow we are going to ride out to the Superstition Mountains.

Today will be a great day to ride we should get 50 miles in by the time we get home. Riding to the Superstition Mountains! It’s going to be a hot one, up in the 90’s. Drinking lots of water and as our great friend Chris Kegel says, “Don’t waste shade.” At some point the road name turned from Brown Road to Lost Dutchman Blvd. There are quite a few stories about why the mountains are called Superstition. It is fun to read them. All of them center around gold. The Apaches say it is protected by a great Thunder God. Gold found and lost with many losing their lives in the process as you ride up you start to wonder “just where Is all that gold?” We had just a little bit to go to get to 25 miles out. We ran out of paved road, just shy of it. We went back to a bar/grill at Apache Junction. As a cyclist really would not recommend it. They were not the friendliest we have encountered in the past five months we have been on the road. It was nice ride back and we both road really well. When we get home we will go out to dinner and see the Sonoran Lights.

We didn’t know what to expect,the lights were amazing. They worked the lights up a mountainside. As well as wandering through the maze of cactus. These strings of light were constantly changing colors. We kept finding ourselves mesmerized by them. The dome and the columns were filled with water with filiments of lights floating in them. All the while we are walking there was a band playing, which they have on Friday nights. The theme for the band was all English bands. A most enjoyable evening.

This is Saturday and after riding everyday we decided to go drive into the Superstition Mountains. The pups are going as well. We’ll let them take a dip in Canyon Lake. The drive is long and twisty and with Spring Break happening traffic was quite heavy. That didn’t keep us from enjoying the view. Tonight dinner with Angie and Tom.

We drove on to Tortilla Flats. Tortilla Flat is the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail. It is the smallest community in Arizona with a U.S.Post offices and a voter’s precinct . The population is 6. In it’s day it was a camp for prospectors. Then a freight camp for the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. Now it is pretty much a tourist place with some pretty good food. I could not resist the door of the bathroom stall.

Angie is back home and we touched base with her and Tom. We were so excited to get with them. We made plans to go back to the Gardens on the following Monday. In the meantime we will go to their house for dinner and catching up. They have a lovely home. The best place is out by their fireplace.

Did I say the cycling here is awesome.Today we ride along the Grand Canal. The TownLake has been drained. They are installing a new hydrolic Dam. They had a rubber Dam. Unfortunately it failed because they did not let water run over the top to prevent the rubber from rotting. The architecture along the canal is beautiful. It was a great day for a 40 mile bike exploration.

Golly another day of cycling. Riding the Arizona trail the other direction we encounter some guys that were on their way to the Arizona Falls and a bicycle and dog friendly brew pub. The Falls are man made.  They were pretty neat.

However the brew pub was awesome. O.H.O.S. Means Outrageous Hometown Social Outpost. Bike friendly, dog friendly. And off the path. How cool is that. They have several locations and the food hit the spot. A 30 mile day and we are home and will meet up with Angie and Tom for dinner at Gertrude’s and to visit the Sonoran Lights with them.

Dinner was was on the patio the temperature was perfect and a big full moon was coming up.

It was a wonderful evening. This time it was not a crowded and walking the gardens was pleasant. We sat in front of a Chihuly glass sculpture and had our photo taken. Jim and I saw the Chihuly sculptures at the Arboretum in Dallas a few years ago they are quite dramatic and beautiful.

A “cool” front came through and the winds for the next 2 days were fierce. We chose to do projects and get some things done around the trailer. We did go into Mesa and had lunch. This newspaper guy on his bike with his dog running along was right down the sidewalk from the cafe. A nice relaxing time.

Angie and Tom have a cabin just north of Payson which is about hour and a half north of Phoenix. We were there  back in 1989. They invited us up for the weekend. We loaded up the pups and headed out. The road was winding with ups and downs as we drove up into higher elevations. This is the last of the Saguaros. Out in the desert where they don’t get the water like those in the city. It is said they get their first arm after 100 years. Whew, that’s along time to stand in one place.

They really do live at the top of the hill. Their cabin is cozy and warm. We can’t wait to settle in.

But first a quick hike through the hills. Off in the distance is the south rim of Mathis Point. We won’t make it there this year. When we went last time this snow was deep and very windy. We dropped down on a ledge. There  was no snow and it was so warm we took our jackets off and had a picnic. The view from there is breathtaking.

Being at the cabin you automatically wind down. It’s ok just to sit and talk or find a sunny place to read. Even a nap is an ok activity. Buddy is their pup dog.

We went to their local hangout for a cocktail then back to the cabin for dinner. Angie is a marvelous cook and makes everything seem so easy. Their cabin has an open floor plan so the kitchen is an easy place to hangout.

Angie and Tom have made some wonderful changes in the cabin. They have several places where you can enjoy a fire or the sun.

Happy Easter! It’s a beautiful day here, not a cloud in the sky. Off to breakfast at Sheila’s Creekside Restaurant. Back at the cabin we get ourselves ready for the trip back to Phoenix. It’s been a special weekend. We hope to catch up with them this summer in Traveres City.

The trip back to Phoenix the different warning signs were entertaining in themselves.

This evening we are taking Pam to dinner at a restaurant called the Salt Cellar. It has been around since 1972. What you see in the photo is the entrance. The resturant is totally unground. Pam has never been there and it across the street from where she lives. Really a  wonderful dinner and Pam is a great lady to spend time with. After dinner and back to Pam’s we say our good byes and will see her this summer in SouthHaven Michigan for the Hoyt family reunion.  Tomorrow we head out for Flagstaff Arizona. That will get us north of Sedona where will visit a cycling buddy from the Tour De France trips we’ve done and also we will be close to the Grand Canyon. The only thing really on our minds right now is they are predicting snow showers  and around 28 degree temperatures. So much for staying out of the cold weather. The good thing about traveling with your home is you can make adjustments if you decide to.

Today we rode to the start of the memorial ride for Kenneth Vieira and Claire Rhodes. The ride was taking off as we rode up. For a Monday ride we found over 400 people riding out of the lot. The route followed  Ken’s Monday ride he led for many years. When it came to intersection where the accident occurred a TV station was there to film the small gathering that had a ceremony for the people who were hit. The ride went on down the road following Ken’s route. Jim and I followed for a while then peeled off to ride in a different direction.  In a city that is so aware of the cycling community it makes a person sad to think that this memorial ride had to happen. Reality…it easily could have been a pedestrian or a motorist at that intersection when the fellow driving under the influence came to the same place.

Around 4:00 “V” and Gary came by to take us to one of their favorite resturants. Teresa’s Mosaic, a Mexican resturant that proved to be worth all of their praise. Jim and I both chose a chicken chile rellano that was quite tasty. It didn’t have all the cheesy sauce many rellanos come with. I apologize, I know many friends that take photos of their meals. I just don’t think about doing that. This one I probably should have.

On on the way to Green Valley to visit with Jim’s cousin John, We had seen him last summer in Traverse City Mi. Now we are going to his winter home. First we have to stop at the site of the Titan Missile museum.  This was a cool trip. Growing up with a Dad worked in the aviation business of building planes and other aeronautical parts for many things we never knew about, it brought back memories of building models with my Dad of many of the planes and such he helped build. The Cold War for those who grew up in that time was interesting. The drills at school to hide in the hallways to protect us from some nueclear blast or seeing businesses pop up selling bomb shelters seems rather futile when you see this monster Missle. This Titan missile carried a nine-mega ton payload. Where the contol center was there is a long hallway, it and all of the underground building were suspended on springs. You can see them down the hall. Our tour guide is Marge Humphrey, She was the last commander at the site till it closed in 1982.  The funny shaped pieces Jim and I are in front of are their sensors. If anything came into the area these would detect it.  I have a few photos but if you want to know more RoadesideAmerica has a great story on this area. During our tour Marge brought up several times ” Peace through Deterrence” that if they bombed us we would bomb back. For that reason the Cold War stayed that way.

On to see John. Smooth sailing till we almost get there.GPS’s are great to a point. We found him and off to lunch. John is 82 and spends his winters here then back to Traverse City for the summer. He lost his wife 2 years ago and is doing well. Family keeps him busy. This next month he will have a constant flow of family. It was great to spend time with him. He and Jim are avid readers. Jim found a book he had not read. John gave it to him and we will return it this summer.

Today we are riding the Santa Cruz loop. We have ridden it before. We are getting use to getting around the city via the trail system. It makes us smile to see all the different  rider using the trail system. Today I took time to take photos along the way. This trail has beautiful bridges and landscaping.

Jim and I rode to Old Tucson. When we finish our ride it would be a 50mile day. The Saguaro National Forest is all around. Old Tuscon started out as set built for the 1939 movie starring John Wayne in “Arizona.”The Pima Indians helped build the replica of the old city from the 1860’s. From there many movies, TV shows and many other venues have been filmed there. When you go, it looks very amusement “parky”. Jim and I had been there back in the early “90’s”. In 1995 much of it burned. Once there I was disappointed that the old wooden boardwalk with all the names and movies carved in it had gone away with the fire.  It is still used for different productions. Today they stage shootouts,robberies and do a great job. For lunch we had BBQ. Which was pretty darn good. Jim saved the little metal javalina.

Joe  Patronite we have known for many years. A photographer he made his home base here years ago. We caught up wth him and he met us at the trailer to go on a bike ride around the city. We wandered the city he took us by an interesting cafe. Just an old building from the outside. When you ride through  the archway it opened to a beautiful courtyard with tables and lots of cyclist enjoying a cup of coffee and a tasty treat.

Back to Bicas! This time the shop is open. It is truly a recycle place. Old bike parts, cycling clothing, shoes. What is really great is the bike sculptures around. The bins of old parts reminded me of doing inventory. Boy I don’t know if I would want to count all those parts.

Riding around the corner from Bicas, we came to an organization that helps kids through tutoring and cycling. The race team is ” El Gruppo.”   The woman behind all this is Danielle and Steve volunteers his time to the group. All the bikes and equipment are donated by citizens in the city. Good people doing good things.

We mosied down through the campus and on the Joe’s home. We said our goodbyes and made our way back home. In these desert towns you get use to seeing landscapes with desert plants. We passed this house with a yard full of wild flowers.

It’s Friday and we are off to the Fox and Hound for a fish fry and to watch Arizona play Oregon. It was fun the whole resturant was full of Arizona fans. To cheer with everyone when a great shot was made was great. Kayla our waitress took our photo. Sent it off to  our Rockfish friends. The end of the day and just another sunset.

The Saurgo National Park is located around the Phoenix area.We drove out to the part near Old Tuscon. It was fascinating. All around there are many types of cactus. The surprise was the animals, birds and snakes. Coyotes just hanging out, Javelinas marching in a row. They were actually headed for a  park lady who was going to feed them some vegetables. There was a hummingbird house where you found yourself ducking as they zoomed around the trees and plants.

The snake was in the process of eating a mouse…gross! While a mountain lion was chilling out in the shade of a tree.

There is a mountain outside of Tuscon called Mt. Lemmon. It is a cycling climbers delight. The climb will vary between 4% and 9% then even sometimes 10% to 12%. We passed riders climbing the whole time and those descending as well. The views wer spectacular. We stopped at one place and there was a park ranger that would tell you about the mountains and terrain in the distance.

Tomorrow we are of to Phoenix. Tuscon is at the top of our list for riding. The trail and  road systems are great.  We smile when we say, “Yeah,  could retire here. Phoenix is a much larger city. It will be interesting to see what it offers in the way of cycling. Family is there. We will have fun catching up with everyone.

We Saw The Lights! We settled in and just as it started getting dark all  kinds of vehicles started coming in. A lot of the people were going up to the observation area. We stayed in our trailer. The way Jim positioned it we had a clear view of the terrain. At the Paisano Hotel gift shop a lady there gave us some landmark pointers about the terrain so we would be able to focus on the right area. We were glad she did. We were surprised when we spotted the lights around 8:30. They were really round bright lights that pulsated. As the evening went on one of the lights kept changing from a white light to red, then green. The one beside it would go from white to blue. Way to the east of those lights there was another one that was a bright white then fade then get even brighter. As the evening moved on the first was the most animated. It would go vertically up and down. By the time 11:00 came not much else happened. I woke at 1:30 and the moon was so bright there was nothing left to see. It wasn’t a peaceful night. Lots of vehicles coming and going. So sleeping well was not easy. Oh and I forgot the mention the train tracks were on the other side of the road. The trains were really long and because it was so quiet the they we’re also quite loud.

Unfortunately getting a worthwhile photo did not happen. Because we we not sleeping we dicided to get up and We were on the road by 6:00. We were pleased that we would be moving to a different time zone. We would gain an extra hour! The sky changed colors as the sun rose behind us.

Alright, we are in Arizona, counting Texas we have been in 6 states since November. We noticed the Oscar Meyer Wiener truck going through the weigh station. As we drove along the Rio Grande the contrast of driving along it in Big Bend where on the otherside the Mexican terrain is all mountains. Here the hills are covered with lots of homes covering the hills.

As we drove on there were signs for Arizona’s centennial celebration from 2012. The little stuff seal that rides in the front window of the truck  is Lansing. I saved him from a claw machine in Lansing Michigan where we picked up our Alpha Gold Fifth Wheel last June. He ‘s been there ever since. Arizona is quite mountainous. These huge boulders are about as big as you can get. Appropriately the canyon they are located in is called The Texas Canyon!

It was still a long day for travel. With the extra time we didn’t get in so late. Diggity knows how to relax after a long day on the road.

Our first day on the bike route in Tuscon. These are wonderful huge lanes with excellent directions and some warnings. The numbers of cyclist on them really is great to see as well. Most were quick to smile and wave or nod their head as you passed. We were able to talk with some that told us we could pick up maps of the routes at bike shops in the area.  One of our favorite pastimes is to go to the bike shops of the towns we visit.  I hope that doesn’t surprise you.

The next day we stopped by a shop and gotta map. Now we were going to be dangerous. Nothing will stop us. The Loop as it is known is very near completion. When finished it will be 130 miles of shared paths and bike lanes. It will connect the Rillito, Santa Cruz, and Pantano River Parkswith the Julian Wash and Harrison Road Greenways. Our first day took us 20 miles and today 30 miles. All along the way there are little parks, big parks and the landscape changes along the way.

This is Friday and we heard on the news a very tragic story. A group of 18 cyclist while waiting at an intersection at a signal light were hit from behind by a drunk driver in a truck. Five  were struck.  2 of them were killed and another in serious condition. It is so sad because the roads are so well marked and there is such an overall awareness of cycling in the community. They have accomplished so much here and this happens. Jim and I are still out exploring the routes of Tuscon. Today we will follow the path of the Rillito. It will take us by the Rillito horse race track and down to the Julian Wash to the end of it. Today’s ride will get us 30 miles. What a fun ride it was. Oh and be careful there are venomous critters out there?

Today’s ride we have decided to head into the downtown area. We figure with it being Saturday traffic would be minimal.  Not only that, but it was an awesome photos shot day. We have noticed these bushes with their yellow flowers along the trails. Gotta find out what they are. When we get into town we sit across from this beautiful stucco building that unfortunately seems to be empty. We look at the map and decide to work our way over to the University of Arizona.

Riding our way across town we came up on this recycling bicycle art gallery and parts shop. It was closed today but just the scupltures in front of it were impressive. The saguaro cactus made of bike rims was most impressive.

Monique was there waiting to go a weekend bike camping trip. Full of all kinds of information for us. She was also quick to invite us back when the shop/gallery would be open.

Jim with Jim’s Grocery and the intersection of Texas, Can you believe it!

This archway was to the entrance to the health studies of the university.

We traveled across the campus of the university. A lot of activity. We follow the bike route signs. The map showed a bike boulevard. Told Jim I really wanted a photo of the sign if it actually existed. By golly, there it was. Right where we would be turning. There are sections  along the bike way where these beautiful purple cactus are growing. This was a perfect model.

Today is Sunday and we have made it a lazy day. Not much happening. Went to a place called Brushfire BBQ. We sat with a fellow named Matt. He is a train engineer. This was great! We got to ask him all kinds of questions about trains. The two questions I had to ask was why there are engines at both ends of a trains now and why are there hardly any cabooses at the ends of the trains. First answer was obvious. Because of the length of the trains. He said it is actually measured in feet. The longest is usually 8,000 feet. Very rarely will they go up o 8,500 feet. That back engine pushes the train. As the engineer he controls the front as well as the back engine. Cabooses are no longer necessary.   Because of the communications now the engineer knows what is going on. Caboose had Windows that stuck out wider than the train. Back in the day a person would sit and watch out the window. They could see the length of the train and would be able to tell if something was happening and would let the engineer know. A fire for example he told us. Cabooses will be found on local trains of shorter length.

Tomorrow we will ride with cyclist on a memorial ride for Kenneth Vieira, we will ride the route of his Monday morning ride. Also the lady who passed, Clare Rhoades from New Mexico. She was visiting here to enjoy the wonderful cycling available herein Tuscon, will be remembered with this ride.

The RV Park has quieted down. Many of the people that come in are passing through or just here for a few days. Carly, the lab and John, Chico, the Schipperke and Connie, Buddy, the Jack Russellmix,and “V” and Gary are still here. The dog community has been fun to watch develope.  They hang out with each other just like we do.

We have known Mike and Crystal for many years. Today we are actually going to their home. When trying to find out where they lived, Jim asked how far from his shop did they travel. Mike said 45 minutes. Jim said that isn’t what he asked, he wanted to know how far? Mike said he didn’t know. All he knew is it took 45 minutes to get home. Not only were we going out to see their home which they built we also will see a painting we commissioned Crytal to paint. At Desert Sports we get Mike and head out. Boy Howdy, what a drive it was. Up and downwind creeping along narrow ways where there was rock on one side and a sheer drop off on the other.

Their home is off the grid. Solar power and water catchment system. This life style fascinates me. I keep thinking of how completely self sufficient are they.

Solar Panels on the roof. The back of the house in into the earth. Nothing like a outdoor fresh air toilet. Also shots of their kitchen and shower. Pretty neat place.

The main reason for our trip out was to see the painting Crystal has been working on for us. Wow is it pretty! Oh and Kaylo is always the poser.

We are ready to head back home. Mike will drive back to Desert Sports, Doogie riding shotgun. Little guy gets quite a workout today going over the rocky roads. Later in the evening he doesn’t move a muscle.

Dropping Mike off at the shop we head back to RV Park. The Long Draw is a pizza place that has been around for a very long time. We have never stopped there and decided tonight was a good time have pizza. When  we walk in there are lots of long tables. Trying to decide where to sit a fellow tells to sit with them. His name is Carl and his lovely wife Vonna. They live in Comfort and down here for a Jeep rally. This was a great evening. Listened to their stories and a mighty tasty pizza. We recommend stopping by for one when your near Terlingua.

It rained last night! Rain is highly valued here. Everyone watches their rain gauges. We talked with Mike and they got about 3/10 of an inch. It doesn’t sound like much… With his catchment system they were able to get. Today was a lazy day and later in the afternoon we rode down to th Warnock center. It is named after Barton Warnock. He was a professor at Sul Ross University in Alpine Texas. He was a prolific collector of plants and many were named after him. The center is the eastern entrance to Big Bend State Park. He passed away May 9,1998. The center will eventually house his 1,600 plants he pressed during 1979 to 1989.

Today a  road ride to Desert Sports which is on the east side of Terlingua. The road is long and windy with lots of climbs. On to the shop. Doogie is there and he is quite at home. He could really get use to life as a desert dog and there is Kaylo in the corner.

Tuesday Cystal is playing with Katie and Clem at the Starlight. We had to go watch them perform. V and Gary joined us. There was a film crew there. Working on an article for some publication. Never did find out which one.

This afternoon we ran into John and Carly. They were taking John’s mom back to Midland for her to catch a flight back to Kansas City. She came down to play golf at the Lajitas course. It supposedly is a world class golf course. Being in the desert you don’t see the plush green landscape found on most golf courses. We were disappointed that she was leaving. We thought we would have her for a week.

One of my favorite things to do in the morning is to sit on the stoop of the trailer with a cup of coffee and the Doogster.

There was so much wood left over from when everyone was here for the mountain bike festival I decided the day before to invite our RV friends over for a cookout and sit around the fire. Jim giving everyone tips on grilling hamburgers and chicken. The top photo has Connie and Keith. He lives here in the winter. Goes back to Minnesota works like crazy, then back here to be a handyman at the park. The photo below has Dorothy. She grew up on the Crawford ranch north of here. They have had kind of reunion and went to the ranch. There are a lot of buildings and old homestead there. Terry is her son and Susan, Terry’s wife are sitting with Dorothy.  Janna, Dorothy’s daughter is sitting with Connie and Keith.

John and Carly came later and a new Friend Frank with his pup dog Phoebe.

Today we pick up the painting. We are excited to get it home. At the shop one last photo with Crystal and Kaylo. When we get it back to the trailer we hang it in front of the TV. We text her since we don’t have any reception we have decided to watch the painting.

It’s Friday night and we are at the Boat House a photo to send to four friends at Rockfish and a photo of our bartender, Sierra. She was born here and raised in Big Bend. Her father was a park ranger. She described growing up here. It was her and her sister and for a short while a little boy. Other than that the area they lived in that was it. She said she learned to play on her own. Said her mom was always finding bugs, snakes, mice and spiders in her pockets. Her mom dreaded putting her hands in Sierra’s jean pockets  when she did laundry.

Today will be our last day in Lajitas. We eventually do a road ride west. Me on my road bike and Jim on his electric bike. Well little did we know we had a tail wind. We went out 12 miles and headed back. The climbs are harder going back in and the head wind made it really a lot of work.  Every time we ride we see something new. This year the bluebonnet so are awesome. These were about 2 feet tall. The hole in the rock above we had never noticed. The sign about the climb has to wrong we all swear it has to be 18%. We were really glad to get back to the trailer.

With plans to  go to the Long Draw for pizza with V, Gary and John. The plan was to go on in to Studey Butte to the Cinnabar Theater to watch the play “Reefer Madness”. It’s an interesting movie. Produced in 1936 by a church organization to warn parents the evils of Cannabis. It later was brought out in the 1970’s and became a cult movie. Well we got to talking  at the resturant and decided it was better to drive a short really dark drive back to the park, than go into Studey Butte and have an even longer really darker drive home. The inside of the Long Draw is not the fanciest, but the pizza is defiantly worth the drive. I asked Nancy if I could take her photo she really didn’t reply and she didn’t really pose, so I did get a quick shot of her taking Mr. jimmy’s money.

This morning we a packing up to head for Arizona.  Everyone is here to say “See you later!” We have a neat little neighborhood developing in Lajitas. We look forward to next year. Everyone be safe in your travels. I have two photos of the group. One  Connie is in it and the second has Gary in it.

But first we head to Marfa. We have a quest. We are going to se the Marfa lights. There are a lot of theories about the lights. Marfa is also known for the location of the movie Giant. Years ago Jim and I stayed in the Paisano Hotel. It was terribly ruin down and when  went to dinner the clerk told us to be sure to lock the front door when we came back. We did and then we wandered the hotel. We were all over that place the kitchen, basement, banquet rooms. The best We could figure, we were the only ones in the hotel. It has been bought since then and is quite lovely now.

If you have not been to the Big Bend area or West Texas you may not have heard of the Marfa lights. It is an interesting phenomenon. Jim and I went to the viewing area years ago. It was so chilly sitting in the van we finally went back to the hotel.  Fast forward to now much has changed. The high school students were able to set in progress the building of a viewing area and lots of information areas. Really a nice arrangement. We are set up and ready to watch. This time we won’t get so cold.

Stay tuned. Are the lights for real?!

Traveling across to Alpine Texas from College Station is 621 miles. It is a lot of up and down the road. We travel through the beautiful countryside of the hill country of Texas. If you have never been there, it is some of the best cycling roads around. Diggity and Doggie know how to handle the long drive. A good  snooze will make it pass quickly.

We get into Alpine late in the afternoon. Setting up camp is easy here. Nice and flat pad site for the trailer. The one thing that has our attention is it will be quite chilly tonight…down in the low 30’s to high 20’s. Freezing water hoses and such gets your attention. Besides being close into town I could not resist the name of the  RV Park.

February 3rd…Happy Birthday Mr. Jimmy! He wakes up to a million birthday wishes via Facebook, text, e-mails and phone calls. “The Gatherer” has gathered many friends over the years. His birthday wishes remind me of those relationships he has nurtured. It makes me smile. Tonight we eat at an Italian place called Guzzi Up. A nice place. One thing we noticed is how busy they were for a Wednesday night. A fellow there played guitar and was really entertaining. In a place where the acoustics are not that great, he was perfect. In 1959 Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash on this day, February 3,1959. He mentioned it and played a few of the tunes. It was a good evening for Jim to start his 69th year.

It’s a lot of miles to get here, but well worth the trip. Every time we come here I reflect on how we all live.  Down here their lives seem a lot less complicated. We’ve met those who are totally off the grid. With out newspapers or TV, the craziness of the world is some other fictional place. It’s not too bad. Above we are set  at the Maverick RV campsite. In the background it the Lajitas Mesa. There are not a lot of people here. Come next weekend the mountain bike festival will happen and this desert paridise will look like a parking lot.

Jim caught up our great friend Mike Long, he invited us to a cookout at his shop Desert Sports. Neat, I’m excited to see people  and get their names a reconnected with faces. We get there and everyone is busy doing stuff. Mike is building a fire, Crystal is feeding pup dogs, Bobke cooking something in a Dutch oven that smells delicious,  Katie has made a couple of sweet potato/apple pies, at the same time some folks  bringing in mountain bikes they had rented for the day.

There are four guys from Colorado who drove 13 hours to get here. Whew!  Shawn Gillis who owns Absolute Bikes in Salida Colorado along with his friends Earl, Chris and Randy are here for the cookout. Woody had met Shawn at function they were attending. Shawn was excited to meet Jim. He knew him from all of Woody’s great stories of Jim.   That’s Crystal , Mike’s sweetie in the background.

The sun is setting and Cooper, the black Lab, Whiskey, the Golden and Kaylo the sweet little tan pup all enjoy everything about life here.

Jim and the Colorado boys!

Today Jim and I went on a familiar trail from last year. I am feeling a little hesitant from a fall I had back in October. When we got to the “T” in the trail I chose to ride the road used by the vans to get here for support. Turns out it was one long road, about 8 miles. I was sure we were going to ride into Terligua and would have to climb a long steep hill on the road back to the RV Camp. Well thank goodness that didn’t happen. Instead we were on the other side of that and had a nice rolling 6 miler into camp

We head into Terlingua  to visit with everyone at Desert Sports. When was the last time you saw clothes drying on a clothes line?  Steve and  Cynthia are with us tonight at the Starlight for two for one burger night. That is not Steve’s tush! It’s a bar stool on the porch.

ToDay is Carly’s 7th birthday. She belongs to John who we met a few years ago here. They are full time RVers. Several people came over to celebrate with Carly.

Mike and Judy are here now. It’s great to have them back. Judy and I set out to find the trail head to the saddleback hike.After several attempts on my own John actually drew me a little map. When I found it is was surprised how simple it was to miss it. On the hike we encountered some hikers who were upset we had Doogies with us. Unknowingly we took him into the national park where dogs are not allowed. We decided that the actual climb for me was way too difficult so we came back. On the road we came up to a Sheriff’s truck. We said Hi and he asked us if we had been on the trail. We told him we didn’t realize it was national park ( dogs are not allowed in the National Park) we didn’t start at a trail head and turned around when told by some hikers. He said “thank you”we said “your welcome” and we went our way. Really nice guy.

It’s Friday night and it finds us at the Boat House. A lot of the places here have entertainment. Here they have the Slim Fest. Dedicated to Slim Ritchie, he loved this area and spent a lot of time here. Our friend Crystal is playing with others tonight. What a surprise we didn’t know she played the accordion. The dog in the photo is Fenway and his lifesaver, Ginger. Fenway was hit by a vehicle on the road and Ginger saved him. His face is a little crooked and he has a permanent smile on the left side. Ginger says he doesn’t go in the road anymore.

Roger,his wife Sondra, his son David and David’s fiancé Liz have joined us for the mountain bike festival. Years ago there were Bike races here and Roger and David  came then.  We told them last year what fun it is just to come and ride. So here they are here!

Three great days of riding and hiking and David and Liz  and Mike and Judy are on their way home. Roger, Sondra, Jim and I are headed to the hot springs in the national park. We haven’t been there in many years. It will be fun to soak in the hot springs with the Rio Grande flowing right next to it . The rock formation has swallow nests up in the crevices. The Boquillas Hot Springs, is a former resort in what is now Big Bend National Park. They were developed by J.O. Langford from 1909. He contracted malaria as a child. Searching for a cure, he heard of The Hot springs. Langford, his wife Bessie and his 18-month-old daughter set out for the site. He took a 21-day treatment of drinking and bathing in the spring waters, regaining his health. The springs was the first major tourist attraction in the area, before the national park was established.

Stopped at the Boat House they were not serving dinner but the cocktails were good. The wood carving is Slim Ritchie. On to the Starlight for dinner. Two for one burger night on Monday!

This morning we hike up to the picnic table. A great view of the Rio Grande. Then on down highway 170 toward Presidio. This road is considered one of the top most scenic roads in the country. Several movies have been filmed here. Sondra and Roger standing in an adobe building used in several sets. Tonight we will have dinner at the trailer. Tomorrow Roger and Sondra will be leaving. It has been great to spend time with them. We wish them safe travels. We will be here for two more weeks and will the head to Arizona to see family in that part of the country.

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On our way with a stop off in Dallas. A little business and get our mountain bikes for our trip to Big Bend. We drove from Ocala Florida to Clinton Mississippi. It was 23 degrees when we left Clinton. We did have to ask ourselves “Why did we leave Florida?” The moon in the frosty morning with the sun rising behind us made some  beautiful  colors to entertain us.

When we are home the pups stayed close together. Happy to be in their old bed for a while.

We only stay in town for three days and we are ready to get On the road. In Galveston we are meeting up with the Plutos and Ron Cooper, the bike shop owner in Webster Texas. Also some others we have not met. We have settled in at the Bayou RV Park. Ready to eat we set out ago find a place. Debra at the Park said “Hey, go down on the sea wall and get a big ole bowl of gumbo!” So off we go. First place we find is “Woody’s” ok…but they were nothing but a bar and bar food. Off we go to find a place named Jimmy’s! Well their sign said they were reopening the day we got there. Go inside and the fellow says tomorrow. Ok,but we need food now! He said go to the Cajun Greek. Great, I remembered the sign, a big sign with red letters.  Well after some fussing  and driving around we found it. The lights were off on the sign. When  finally got the gumbo we decided it was well worth the driving around for it.

Next day we are on our own. We got the pups in the trailer and went down to the sea wall. For whatever reason Doogie decided he wanted to bark during the whole trip. The only time he didn’t carry on was when we took them down on the shore and the levees.

Everybody has arrived and settled in. Dinner served! It’s Friday night and we get a photo with them to send to the Rock Fish gang. Mike and Judy, Ron and Anastasia, in the back Damon and Lisa.

This morning Lisa spots the trailer that we use for the pup dogs. She has a Labradoodle. Her name is Zoe. Well she immediately jumps in the trailer and off they go. Lisa gets online and finds one and sends Damon out to pick it up.

We eventually get our acts together to go to the sea wall to watch the Mardi Gras parade. Using the bikes to get around is awesome. We ride all the way down the sea wall stopping to catch beads along the way. There are some serious party’s already happening along the way

These guys in red help keep things organized you can tell they really are. The band is lining up for the parade. At first I thought how in the world are they going to get their instruments in the port a potty?  I noticed in the picture I managed to catch some beads that were flying through the air!

We wandered the streets and got down to a historical area of the island. We stopped for lunch at The Stork Club. An amazing gumbo, nothing like Jim and I have eaten before. In side the resturant were some of the capes and costumes worn by Mardi Gras Kings. Also the post outside had the years of the different hurricanes that had hit the island. I looked for the year the Stork was established and 1968 was as good as I could get. So the building it is in had been around since the 1900 hurricane.

There are several parades each day. When you think about it it sounds like fun to be in the parade, but after a few times a day for many days, boy howdy that is a whole lot of work.   We did make our way by bike to watch the evening parade.

The floats a night are beautiful.  The family across the street had a blast. The little girl could really dance. She had a ton of beads by the end of the evening.

Next morning we are off to Tortuga for brunch. Everyone is headed back to their homes. For us right now this is our home. We will stay one more night. Tomorrow we are going to College Station to see our grandson, Payton. He is going to Blinn University.

The morning fog is really heavy this morning. This is our view from our front door.  The drive to College Station is not long.  Payton had classes and would be through at noon. Sure enough he called and the next thing he is at the trailer. Spent the day with him. Got to see where he lives with three others guys.

Payton and his roommates Blake and Carlos are ready to go out to dinner. Payton says a place called Wings and More has some pretty good ribs. We are off to taste test them. They are pretty good,however even Payton agrees they don’t beat Houston’s ribs in Dallas.

Tomorrow we are off to Big Bend country. That is another world. Jim says we have driven over 5,000 miles. Whew, and still adding up the miles”

This week is our last week in Florida. Meeting up with Jim’s classmate from high school,Tim and his wife Kathy, We catch this sunset as we pull away from our RV Park.  Off to Finns for dinner and great conversation. We make plans to go with them to some of their favorite places in the area in the next couple of days. Tim and Kathy pick us up and we are off to Stumps to catch the sunset.

In the marina at Stumps there was this boat with the most unusual paint job I had ever scene.

Sunsets are probably the most enjoyable part of being near the water.  We throughly enjoy them and I will always add them to the blog. A great way to end the day.

Across the way there is an island and the water taxis gets you there.

This is our last evening in Venice. We had not been to Sharky’s. Our absolute favorite place to watch sunsets. We have been coming here since February 1986 the year we married. We did not realize it till we were looking at t-shirts Sharky’s was established in 1987. We were pleased to find out we have been enjoying their place from their beginning. The photos above we took on one side of the Venice pier. We thought the sun was done with the show and as we walked to the other side of the pier to leave the sun was doing it’s finale. We captured the shots below. What a spectacular evening.

Our first stop will be a short drive to Ocala where we will see Jim’s old class mate Dana Miller and his wife Rosie. This will be fun I have not met them before.  We are at a Asian resturant the food is good and plentiful. I will send this photo to our Friday night friends back home. Sure enough they wonder how my Rum got replace with wine. You know that is a very good question.

Now this is Rosie’s mom. Elsa Anna Marie. What a lovely lady. She met Rosie’s Dad in Pisa Italy where she lived. She was a seamstress and altered his uniforms for him. After the war he went home and went through the red tape to marry here and bring her to the states. How romantic is that. Sadly he has past on. We would have enjoyed conversations with him as well. Great evening and we are off to bed. Gotta get up for our first long day of travels. We are going to be heading back up to Dallas and pick up our mountain bikes. Headed to Galveston after Dallas we a joining our friends Mike and Judy for a Mardi Gras. Then we will head off to one of our favorite places Big Bend.