Petaluma, California

Labor Day weekend at the Petaluma KOA campground. Over 250 camp sites plus little camping huts and large camping huts and tent areas and the place is packed. Little kids walking, little kids skateboarding, little kids on scooters, little kids playing catch. 

And campfires. Not enough room to turn around but enough room so that everyone can have a camp fire. You cannot really appreciate the camping experience unless you have a camp fire. Fortunately Joyce and I don't "camp." We try to live a semi-normal life in the motorhome as we travel around the country. So for now, we don't do camp fires. 

Maybe some day, but not today. Not on Labor Day weekend in a kid-packed campground that comes complete with a petting zoo and giant inflated jumping pad.

So tomorrow we escape and do adult things. Self-guided tour of San Francisco.

The Shortest Drive and the Longest Day

One hundred and thirty miles yesterday. We left San Luis Obispo at 10:30 AM and headed for Highway 1 so that I could point out the Hearst Castle as we drove by it. I knew there was a roadway there and I had previously brought up google maps to see if there was a place where we could turn the motorhome around. There was, and it appeared there was a visitor's center there with generous sized parking lot. So up we went to the parking lot.

In the visitor's center we found that there were tours available. The tour would take 45 minutes. It was still early - 11:30. We had time. So we thought we would have a bite to eat and then take the tour. Joyce thought she ought to have better walking shoes, so I went back to the motorhome and swapped her shoes out, grabbed my camera and tripod and returned to the center where we could get our tour tickets.

Hearst Castle at the top of the hill seen from the visitor's center.

When we got our tickets we were advised that we could not take the tripod, so back I went to the motorhome to drop off the tripod. We had noticed a theatre and found that the tour tickets included free admission to a movie about the construction of the Hearst Castle. We figured we ought to see the movie so spent 40 minutes there. Then out to the bus that was about to leave. We were the last two to board the bus and after a drive up the long and curving uphill road we finally reached the castle.

The tour itself was interesting but as we were moving about to take photos we were continually prodded to keep up with the group. Not sure why, because after the walking tour ended we would be on our own to walk about the place.

Joyce and Michael at Hearst Castle. Our tour group is behind us at the right.

We took our time walking around and finally boarded a bus to take us back to the visitor's center where we spent 30 or 40 minutes shopping for souvenirs. By that time it would be 4:00 and we still had to drive to Monterey where we would be staying that night.

So back down to the highway, turn right and head up Highway 1 to Monterey. Four lanes turned to two. Then some curves in the road. Then some hills. Then some cliffs. Then I remembered about Highway 1. But I knew that we had less then 130 miles to go so it couldn't be that bad. Now combine that while driving in and out of fog. Between 20 and 25 miles an hour. Yes, it could be that bad.

We arrived at our campground on the other side of Monterey at 7:30 in drizzly fog. The office was closed, but an envelope pinned near the front door told us we would be in site #16. We drove down the one way road, located our site and started to unhook the car. In front of us a pickup truck hauling a travel trailer headed towards us (the wrong way on a one way street). He wants to pass us, and now the manager has appeared and is asking us to move over to let this guy past. Now, this campground has one road, essentially a circle. The sites are angled, set up so that you drive just a little past your site and then back right into it. Driving the wrong way makes it nearly impossible to get into your site. This guy is a nutcase. 

I move over, he gets past me, we get the car unhooked and the motorhome backed into our space. Got us leveled, got the sides extended, the electric, water and sewer hooked up. And this idiot is still trying to wrestle his trailer into his site.

It's Miller time.

Southern California

I am probably repeating myself here, but thought that I would cover our activities in southern California day by day since our arrival on Saturday.

Sunday

Spent the day in Seal Beach, just walking around.

Monday

Drove out to the Hollywood area. Saw my dad's old house on Nichols Canyon Road. Saw the "Hollywood" sign up in the hills. Visited my cousin Dick Thomason who lives in Orange County, the next county over from Los Angeles.

Tuesday

Drove down to San Diego. At a rest stop on the way, near Camp Pendleton, saw what appeared to be amphibious exercises by Marines in five small boats laying down smoke screens on the water. Continued down to San Diego and saw the aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vincent tied up at the dock.

Two Marine craft at Camp Pendleton

But seagulls are OK

USS Carl Vincent

Wednesday

Another day in Seal Beach. This time for souvenirs and ice cream. Walked on the beach. Joyce was able to get her feet wet in the Pacific.

Thursday

Drove to Riverside via Garden Grove. Visited the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. Drove by my old high school there- the one which I left half-way through my senior year by mutual consent of the school and me (but that's another story). Visited my mother's gravesite at Riverside National Cemetery - the first time since her funeral service in 1996.

At Crystal Cathedral (now Christ Cathedral, a Catholic holding)

Mom's stone

Friday

William arrived from Virginia on Thursday. William, Katina and Amara staying at the Four Seasons in West Lake, upscale accommodations near Simi Valley where his gig is, at the Ronald Reagan Library. Checked google maps and looks like the drive would be an hour and 15 minutes. We agree to drive out to have lunch with them. Left here at 12:30, allowing an hour and a half for the drive. Took us 45 minutes just to go the first three miles to get to the highway. Could this be an omen? Arrived there close to 3:30 - indeed it was an omen. Could not believe the traffic. A little less traffic on the way back, but overall it amounted to five hours of driving for a one hour lunch. But the company was good.

Saturday

Invitation from Karen Thomason Snow, Dick's daughter, for a family get-together. Karen and her husband, Mike, live in Rosemead. On the way there, Joyce and I drove past my old middle school and another high school which I had attended for three years. Then we drove by the house I had lived in for five years - the longest that I had ever stayed in one place until my move to Syracuse in 1977. The major change in the area is that it appears to be entirely Hispanic now.

We continued on to Karen and Mike's house. The event was attended by Karen's father, Dick and his wife Joyce, her brother, Mike and his wife Florence, my son William, his wife Katina, and daughter Amara, and of course, Joyce and myself. A couple of guitars appeared and William and Mike Snow entertained us for some time. A lot of conversation, a lot of reminiscences. I think that everyone had a pretty good time.

William, Mike Snow, Florence, Mike Thomason, Dick Thomason

Back row: Mike Thomason, Dick Thomason, Joyce Thomason, William Newman, Mike Snow, Karen Snow
Front row: Florence Thomason, Joyce Newman, Amara Smith, Katina Newman, Michael Newman

Sunday

Laundry day. Had planned to do some routine maintenance on the motor-home, but we pushed that to Monday and watched a movie at home instead.

Monday

Went for a drive to Long Beach. Drove by the SS Queen Mary - photo op time. William and family texted us that they were at the Long Beach Aquarium, less than a mile away. Had no real interest in an aquarium so we returned to Seal Beach area for lunch and grocery shopping at Ralph's (a subsidiary of Krogers). William and family stopped by the motorhome and we had a chance to drink a beer and chat a while. Finally did get some time to prep the motor-home for our departure tomorrow.

Seal Beach, California

Arrived in Seal Beach on Saturday. Long drive from Flagstaff, Arizona. Joyce drove for a few hours and that made the trip much easier.

Joyce at the wheel in Arizona.

We took a break on Sunday and just walked around the Seal Beach area. Walked out onto the pier only to find that it is blocked halfway out. The restaurant at the end of the pier is no longer available.

This is our campsite at the Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach.

Monday we visited My cousin, Dick Thomason and his wife, Joyce, in Orange. Enjoyed a couple of beers and a lot of conversation and reminiscences. Joyce saw her first orange tree, with real oranges on it in the neighbor's back yard. Then real avocados on the four trees in Dick's front yard.

Michael, Joyce, Joyce, and Dick.

Tuesday we went to the beach. Joyce got her feet wet in the Pacific Ocean. Did a little souvenir shopping in town.

Joyce in the water at Seal Beach.

Tomorrow we plan to take a day trip to San Diego.

A Griswald Experience

We left Durango early-ish (for us) at about 9 and taking a tip from Davitt we modified our route slightly and made a quick stop at the new Mesa Verde visitor center. Very nice (and very crowded).

Our original plan had been to go south to Shiprock via Farmington, and then pick up US 160 again. Instead we just continued on US 160, which is where we had stayed in Durango, and continued on from the Mesa Verde visitor's center towards the Four Corners Monument. 

We paid our entry fee ($3 a head) and proceeded to where the marker was (or more correctly, tried to proceed). For those who have never visited this site, the only thing paved in the area is US 160. Everything else is rock, gravel, dirt, you get the idea. The brass monument is just about a one block drive from the highway and ideally it is possible to drive around it so that you can announce to the world that you just drove through four states (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico) in less than a minute. You notice I used the word "ideally."

This is the marker that everyone is wanting to see. Unfortunately we did not see it on this trip. This photo is from a previous trip seven years ago. Oh, and for the record, the actual site is apparently about 12 miles away.

You have probably never noticed that gravel and dirt areas do not have marked parking areas, and this was the situation there. The place was packed, and people seemed to park wherever they wanted to. I had driven forward about as far as I could, and still pull an emergency maneuver if I had to. In front of me was a mass of parked cars. To my left was a narrow passage which may have led somewhere, I don't know. Off to my right was a very large tent, probably for vendors. I say that because the the entrance to that area was blocked of by a bright yellow tape with a sign, "Vendor Parking Only."

So there we are in a 37 foot motorhome towing a car behind us. We couldn't move forward, I didn't dare go left to who knows where, and the yellow tape warned that we couldn't go that way. There didn't seem to be anyone in charge. I set the brake, turned on the four-way flashers, ignored the cars behind me, and got out to look around. 

I saw a middle-aged Indian in the vendor parking area and walked over to him and asked if it would be ok to drive through the area. He shrugged his shoulders like a person that was just visiting - he probably was. There was no one else around so I figured that I would take a walk. I walked over to the left in the direction of the narrow passage and wound up walking around the entire monument, which was surrounded by vendors' booths. The area was a little less than  a city block, and I wound up back at the vendors' parking area.

Time to take matters into my own hands. There was a narrow space between the end of the yellow tape and the mass of parked cars and I pointed the motorhome towards it. Joyce got out, walked over to the saw-horse, and moved it just enough so that I could drive through, replacing it as I passed through. She got back in and we proceeded around the monument. We couldn't help but notice all of the empty parking space on both sides and the rear of the monument - all labelled "Visitor Parking." The only problem was that nobody could get to it!

We continued around and found the narrow gap that I had seen earlier. It was getting even narrower with more people wanting to park in front. We barely made it through. But we did make it. We opted not to stop and see the marker, but proceeded on to Flagstaff with no further issues.

Oh - I saw a roadrunner crossing the road in front of us. Beep. Beep.

New Family (and Friends)

I suppose the most noteworthy thing about the drive from Colorado Springs to Durango was crossing the Continental Divide - that's the point where on the eastern side, all the water flows towards the Atlantic Ocean, and flows towards the Pacific on the western side. Obviously the Continental Divide tends to be at a fairly high elevation. On this route it was just over 10,000 feet high, and we chugged our way to the top.

                 We braved four lanes of traffic at the summit to get this picture.

The last time I was in Durango, seven years ago, we had just left Mesa Verde, an hour away, and decided to get breakfast at McDonalds. It was not easy, 1) to maneuver a motor home towing a car through the streets of Durango, and 2) to find a parking space close enough to McDonalds large enough for said motor home and car.

This time it would be different. We are staying at the local Kampgrounds of America (KOA) which is located just before we got to Durango. Now we only have the car to deal with in Durango proper.

Before we left the campground I thought I would see if I could find a phone number for Davitt Armstrong. Davitt is (was) the husband of my cousin Claudia who currently lives in Panama. I have not seen Claudia since the mid 1950s, about 65 years. Obviously I have never met Davitt. There was no listing, which is not unusual for this era of cell phones, so I set that idea aside.

Nothing else special was planned for the day. Went to a couple of antique shops. We both bought a couple of items each. Found a local pub which had a decent outdoor patio in the back and had what was described as a Navajo Taco.

                              Some of the bicycle artwork at the bar.

While enjoying the scenery there I happened to mention to Joyce that I recalled I had learned that Davitt had been involved with various civic functions in Durango so she suggested that we check with City Hall, which we had passed by earlier in the day. We found City Hall and as Joyce was putting money into the meter I saw the Elks Club. I recalled then, that I thought I had seen something on the internet with Davitt being involved with the Elks. I saw a guy heading for the door and raced to catch him before the door closed. Asked him if he knew Davitt. Both he and the lady leaving said yes and she said that she would give him my phone number.

That done, we headed for the thrift shop across from City Hall. Joyce got a couple of things there and I got a call from Davitt. He would meet us at the Elks Club in 45 minutes. Great.

We met Davitt and his son, also Davitt, at the club and had a great conversation. Found that Davitt and Claudia have been divorced for some eight years now. I have to assume that Davitt, the younger, is not Davitt Junior, per se, as his middle name is Newman.

Davitt the elder and me. Unfortunately Davitt the younger left before I realized we should be taking pictures.

Davitt the younger had never met anyone from the Newman side and told him that I would get him a copy of the biography of his great-grandfather, Edwin De Baun Newman that I had written.

Was really pleased with the events of the day.

Our Off Day

Well, Off Day was the way it was scheduled anyway. We made our list - the visitor's center here at the Air Force Academy followed by a trip to the Cadet Chapel. From there we would find a post office, then Best Buy for some audio equipment, and lastly Walmart for groceries and a couple of storage boxes for the RV.

We got our list together, and headed out. Uh oh. Just started out and I see the Tire Alarm on the dash. The Subaru is equipped with an alert system which shows if a tire has low pressure. We had noticed it yesterday on the trip down from Pike's Peak and had checked the pressure then. A little low. We noted that we would take care of it the next day (today).

Got out and looked at the tire and was almost completely flat. Had forgotten all about it. Now, for the money that I pay AAA for coverage on the RV, I really don't want to use it to have them come out and change the tire on the Subaru. I really didn't want to do it either, so we limped back to the motor home and broke out the compressor which I carry. Filled up the tire and drove to a Big O Tire store as recommended by our motor home neighbor.

                                                    Friendly biker lady.

A big shout out to Big O Tires. They had the tire fixed before we could spend much at the nearby thrift store. What's more, they charged me zero and explained that they had thoroughly checked the inside of the casing to ensure it was good to drive on.

Even with the schedule out of whack we were able to do most everything on the list. By the time we left Walmart the skies were dark and we headed back to the motor home just in time for the rain. The rain stopped about an hour later so we decided to continue our off day by going to the visitor center and the chapel. By the time we got to the chapel, the rain clouds had dissipated and we got some sun for our photo-op.

This picture of the Cadet Chapel was made possible with a cheap used tripod we purchased after discovering we (I) had forgotten to pack my good tripod. A little wobbly but serviceable.

 

Pike's Peak

When Joyce and I began talking about Pike's Peak I had told her that I had taken the train to the top the last time I was here. She suggested that we drive to the top this time. Sounded like a challenge to me.

Our morning start was beautiful and sunny. We drove down to Highway 24 and then through Manitou Springs to Cascade and then to the tollgate. The cost was nominal and we learned that it was 19 miles. We had also found out earlier to expect the round trip to be about 2 1/2 hours (that would obviously include the time spent at the summit.

I had previously read about the drive up and that there were no guard rails. Well that is not exactly the case at this time. There are guard rails - but not very many. It was an exhilarating trip, during which Joyce had to remind me (more than once) that she was afraid of heights.

We had purchased a three wheel bike last week and because it wouldn't fit into any of the compartments in the motorhome we had been carrying it in the rear of the car. On the way up I suggested that we take the folding bike out and get a photo of us with the it at the summit.

Now we can show this picture and tell everyone that we rode the bike to the top. LOL.

When we started our trip up, the temperature was 72 degrees. A sign at the tollgate noted that it was 36 at the summit. By the time we got to the top it had risen to the mid 40s. We watched people who had taken the train get off dressed in shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. I imagine that sweatshirts and blankets are a big seller at the souvenir shop. 

We bought more than our share of souvenirs, had a sandwich and hot chocolate and then started back down. While some clouds had moved in, it was still fairly nice. on the trip down it started to rain, then a little snow and frozen rain.

Halfway down there is a park employee who checks brake temperatures, letting some continue down and directing others to pull over in a parking lot to let their brakes cool. After getting our temperature taken we were asked what gear we were driving in. Told the gal that we were in second gear. She gestured toward the parking lot and said to let the brakes cool off. Of course there was another souvenir store across the street so off we went.

Back to the car with a couple more souvenirs and we continued our trip down. Just for grins I tried to drive in first gear, but there was just no way so we finished the trip to the tollgate uneventfully in second gear.

Today is Monday. I am not sure how many of you heard about the flash flood on Friday in Manitou Springs. It had been called the worst disaster there in decades. By the time we reached Cascade we came up to a line of stopped traffic. We moved about a city block in an hour and a half. We saw a wine-tasting shop, decided to take a break and pulled into the parking lot. We learned that there had been another flash flood in Manitou Springs and Highway 24 was closed down. We also heard that it was going to be a long time before the highway would be re-opened.

We began looking at a map to see if we could find a route back that would not be as long as the ten hours or so that the highway would be closed. A sheriff came into the store and confirmed the long delay. We definitely needed to find an alternate route. When he left five minutes later, he must have gotten new info and said that they were about to reopen the road. By the time we got back to the car, traffic had begun to move and we returned with no further delays. Long day.

Colorado Springs

Rather than take the direct road from Oklahoma City to Amarillo and then north to Dalhart (the halfway point to Colorado Springs), I thought I would take the hypotenuse from Elk City. This would be the black road route. Actually the roads were surprisingly good and the speed limit on these two and four lane roads was 75, which is more than enough for us.

The area we drove through was dotted with the bobbing horse-head oil wells, most of which were not operating. It looks like gas production has replaced oil production there, with occasional planted fields. A lot of flatland with an occasional ridge. From a distance, one ridge was loaded with what appeared to be large boulders, but turned out to be cows laying down in mud.

We left Dalhart the next day on a road that could pass for an interstate highway, straight and level. Except that it wasn't level. We noticed the engine working especially hard for much of the trip. Shortly before we reached Raton, New Mexico we passed through a town with an elevation of over 6200 feet.  Oklahoma City is about 1200 feet. So much for level. We had been climbing for two days without realizing it. By the time we got to Raton Pass we would reach 7835 feet, but this time it was a lot more obvious. By the time we reached Colorado Springs we dropped back down to about 6000 feet.

We plan to ride the train to the top of Pike's Peak, which is just over 14,000 feet. We will probably wait a day or two to get accustomed to the elevation before we do.

Crisscrossing America

The main reason that Oklahoma City was selected as part of our itinerary was because Joyce wanted to visit the Oral Roberts Prayer Tower. To that we added the Murrah Building Memorial and various antique shops. So when we arrived at the Oklahoma City KOA Campgrounds the first thing that Joyce asked was directions to the Prayer Tower. Oh, the Oral Roberts University and Prayer Tower are in Tulsa, not Oklahoma City. And with that, Joyce took on the appearance of a lost puppy. This was something she had wanted to do for years.

We had already zigged north from our intended route to go to Kansas City. From Kansas City it would not have taken much to drive by Tulsa. It's now about a two hour drive back in the direction we had just come from to get to Tulsa. I told Joyce we could drive up there as a day trip, but she said no, we can just do the other stuff in Oklahoma City. It took a lot of arm twisting to get her to agree to the drive to Tulsa, so after breakfast we headed back, northeast to Tulsa in the car.

The trip up was uneventful, but halfway there, while Joyce was pumping gas, I decided to check the AAA book regarding the Prayer Tower. Open Monday to Saturday. Ok so far, this is Thursday. Open from noon to 5. Still ok, it's 11:00. Closed during spring and fall breaks. Still ok, this is summer. Call to verify hours. Uh oh. Nah, not gonna do it. We're halfway there, we'll just go on. If it's not open, we'll just deal with it. Don't want to give her an excuse for turning around.

Arrived shortly after noon. Saw the tower from the parking lot. Walked up to it - no obvious entrance. Ah, there are stairs down to a garden - the entrance must be at the garden level below. It was. Pulled on the door handle and in we go. A nice experience. Joyce was obviously moved. Spent about 25 minutes of the 30 allotted.

Joyce and I at the Administration Building with the Prayer Tower in background.

Ah, the Administration Building. We had asked about a gift shop and we were directed there. It's not the Administration Building, but the actual name escapes me. At any rate we headed upstairs to the student store inside. In the lobby we find they are having an Open House (for prospective students? parents of prospective students?). We by-pass that, go into the store and make our purchases. Exiting the store and back into the Open House area, we explain that we are just visitors, but we are encouraged to go through the displays, uh-huh-ing as we go, picking up a cupcake here, candy there, sandwich, soda, chips. Can't believe we are crashing their Open House. Free lunch today for us.

We later found a couple of antique stores in the area and pretty much filled up the rest of the day with that. We did have a bit of an unusual experience on the trip back, though.

Interstate 44 is a toll road. When we got to the toll booth at the entrance, we found that it handled traffic that would travel in either direction. If going east, the toll was 25 cents. Travelers heading west would pick up a ticket and pay later. (My first thought was, if I were heading east, I would just say that I was heading west, pick up the ticket and take the road east, thus saving myself a 25 cent toll. Joyce countered with the notion that there were probably cameras there and it would probably cost me much more than the 25 cents that I saved when they caught me.) I just took the ticket and headed west.

A few miles down the road we came to a toll booth, paid the $4.00 toll noted at the sign at the booth, got the receipt and headed on. The next exit was ours and there was another toll booth. The sign said it would be 25 cents. At this point I realized that we still had the ticket from when we first got got on the highway. I gave the ticket and the receipt to the guy at the toll booth, saying I didn't know what happened. He tried explaining the process, which I am really confused about now, and handed me $2.25 and the original ticket. So instead of $4.25 my total cost was $1.75. Dunno, but ok with me.

Kansas City, Missouri

The drive from Aurora to Kansas City was a little more uneventful than I had planned. The north/south route from Joplin is US 71, a decent looking highway on the map. A few towns on the way, perhaps an antique mall or two. That was the plan. We exited I-44 west and got onto US 71 / I-49. Figuring I-49 was just a local spur for the Joplin area, I declined to stop at the first antique mall, also the location of a Super Walmart. Bad decision. Apparently someone changed the designation of that particular highway and the entire length is now Interstate 49. And there is virtually nothing in the way of towns - just boring 70 mph speed limit. We finally wound up stopping for lunch 10 miles from our destination. Someone needs to notify the map companies of the change.

We had experienced a problem early on with the main awning so we found an RV parts store and got a replacement part. Wasn't sure how to install it, hoping for instructions in the box. No joy. All it said was that once you get it installed, fix the bottom two threads of the knurled knob so that it won't vibrate loose and get lost. An hour later and the awning was up after taking everything apart that would come apart. Fixing the threads was easier said than done, so that remained undone.

 Visited the steamboat Arabia museum. Got several more pictures. Hopefully they turn out ok as I had forgotten to bring the tripod on the trip and they don't approve of using flash because the excess light can damage the old clothing on display.

Returning to the motorhome we stopped to get some silicon spray at Camping World. Like the RV store across the highway, they had none. But we didn't come away empty handed. Bought a three-wheeled bike for Joyce - a fold up type. It's in the car right now, but might have to think about finding another place to stow it. Not sure I want to carry it around in the back of the car for the next seven weeks. We also bought a new propane grill.

English padlocks recovered from the Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856.

Aurora, Missouri

I write Aurora for the heading only because that's where we are staying. More technically, the Walmart parking lot in Aurora. We are visiting more of Joyce's friends and had tried to get a camping space at the local state park. Problem was, there was a two day minimum stay and we are in the area for just one night.

We visited with Dan and Pat who actually live in Galena, some 25 miles south of us - on country roads with names like D and TT. Dan and Pat are part of the group who Joyce and Jim vacationed with. Actually they are second generation. It was Pat's parents and her aunt and uncle who were part of the original group that met up with them. Dan and Pat began joining the group at the Lake of the Ozarks a little later.

Tomorrow we will head for Kansas City, Missouri. Don't think that was on our itinerary, but was added later when we began filling in the in between stops. It's a little out of our way, but we have the time and I would like to stop to visit the Steamboat Arabia Museum again. Part of the treasure trove of the Arabia was a bunch of locks and thought I would try to get some better photos than the ones I already have. Might write up a story for the lock collectors' journals.

It's enjoyable to stop and visit with friends, but it seems like we have been on the go, non-stop for the last four days. No more visits scheduled now until we get to California. It'll just be sight-seeing so should be easier to take a break before we get worn out.

Nancy

For months now, Joyce has told me all the stories of her many friends. Last night I met Nancy.

Joyce and Jim used to vacation at and around Linn Creek at the Lake of the Ozarks for years. During one of their stays they happened upon a barbecue place near Osage Beach. When they had completed their meal, a big guy came out of the back and asked how they liked their meal. "Great," they said, "Are you the owner?" The man introduced himself as Larry and said that he was indeed the owner. They indicated they would be back for more on their next trip out.

The following year they went back, but could not find the place. As dedicated to good food and good company as Joyce was, she found a pay phone and looked up Larry's number. She asked if this was the guy with the barbecue place and he replied that he was, and that he had moved.

Jim and Joyce would visit Larry's place every year on their vacations, occasionally bringing friends for the great food. One year when they stopped by, the place was closed. Joyce had noticed a house trailer behind Larry's place and went to the door to see if they knew anything about it and why it was closed. A woman answered the door and when Joyce explained who they were and that they were from Ohio, the woman opened wide the door and said, "Oh, I know about you, come on in. Larry is in the other room."

It turns out that Larry had been in the hospital and was recuperating. The woman at the door was Nancy, Larry's live-in mate. Joyce became good friends with Nancy, visiting her on every vacation after that. 

Larry has since passed away and Nancy now lives near her parent's campground in Linn Creek. Yesterday Nancy and her 14 year old grandson took us to a barbecue place in Osage Beach. Of the four different BBQ sauces, she pointed out one that was closest to the one that Larry made. Pretty good stuff.

Linn Creek, Missouri

It was a fairly short drive from Scott AFB to Linn Creek. Just drive to Lebanon, Missouri and turn right. Lebanon, Missouri! Brings back memories.

It was just a couple of months short of 50 years ago that I packed up our 1947 Mercury with the wife and month old baby and set off from San Diego, California for Charleston, South Carolina for duty aboard the USS Tattnall.

The back seat was pretty much filled with the bassinet for baby Celine, the trunk was filled with spare parts and a can of gas and one of water for the radiator, in addition to our luggage.

We had stopped in Albuquerque to visit Nina's sister and picked up a dinette set to deliver to another sister in Columbus, Ohio, strapping it to the top of the car, table, chairs and all. We must have looked like a bunch of Okies from the '30s.

Everything went well until we got to the outskirts of Lebanon, Missouri where we began to have engine problems. We had blown a head gasket. We really didn't need this. With all the spare parts I had, head gaskets had never entered my mind. Did i mention that we were dirt poor?

Well we found a garage in Lebanon but they didn't have a head gasket for our 15 year old car. They would have to order it, hopefully getting it the next day. That meant we would be spending the night there. Did I mention that we were dirt poor?

We did find an inexpensive motel - pinkish orange as I recall - one of those strip motels of the day. So we settled in for the night, not sure how long we would be staying there.

Luckily the part arrived the next day and we were able to pick up the car. I think the guys at the garage gave us a break on the bill. They probably suspected we didn't have much money. So we payed the bill, got back onto Route 66 heading towards Columbus.

Many of the states that I now drive through have a town called Lebanon and every time I see the name on a map, I can't help thinking about our brief stay in Lebanon, Missouri in 1963.

Day One

Now does that mean that I have to start the next entry as Day Two?

No it's gonna have to be different. I mean if I did that, then Day Three would be expected, followed by Day Four and I can't have that. Tomorrow will definitely be different.

But now for today. We had worked the last couple of days packing the motorhome so today became relatively easy. Got the cold food loaded - freezer is full - probably the first time it's ever been full. Got the house secured and and underway by 9:45.

Felt a lot more secure with the new tire. Oh, guess I hadn't mentioned that. We had a problem with a tire coming home from New York two weeks ago. Called AAA and got the spare installed. The old tire would have to be replaced (apparently scuffed a curb and had a three inch tear in it).

Our local RV dealer said he could not get a replacement for us so we went across the street to Tire Discounters. They located one 4 states away. Told them if they could get it by Wednesday I would take it. Called them Wednesday and it was in. They got the tire changed out and installed in their parking lot (I guess their equipment could not handle 11 tons so we used the motorhome leveling jack to lift the rear end). Kudos to Tire Discounters.

Arrived Scott Air Force Base near St Louis - set up the RV - and went to the chow hall for supper. Came home and watched a movie - The Color Purple. That was one of the movies that Joyce had selected for our trip. She surprised me by staying awake through the entire movie - even with a glass of wine.

Leaving tomorrow for somewhere in Missouri (one of Joyce's friends).