Page, Arizona was our next stop. When you first enter Page, you are greeted with the Glen Canyon Dam; this dam is responsible for Lake Powell. And is a beautiful area.
We found a few neat places to visit while in this area. The first was Horseshoe Bend. This is a natural bend in the Colorado River; and you don't get it's full effect until you're right up to it. There were some boats in the river; and they looked like tiny little spots from where we were.
This is where we also tried our first deep fried turkey. Our new neighbour treated us to one; and we enjoyed it so much; we had another one a few days later. Even though it was tasty; I still prefer the old fashioned way.
We also took a slot tour while in Page. The antelope slot is on Navajo land; and the only way to get to this amazing place is with a Navajo guide. Al, our guide, picked us up in a chevy suburban and off we went.
The slot canyon is only a couple of feet apart at it's widest and a few inches at it's closest. Here, mother nature worked her magic. This is probably the coolest slot canyon I've ever been in. The tour starts at the entrance to the slot; and from the first moment; you're awed by the beauty. Wind and water has shaped the inside of this canyon; and the shapes were incredible. The walk through was roughly and hour and when you get to the other end; you turn around and walk through again. And the shapes are totally different. It was pretty cool.
We also found ourselves on a hike in "cathederal wash". This dry wash starts out at road level; and drops a foot or two every 500 feet or so. As you walked along; the walls got higher and higher; and from the water, wind and stones working their magic; there was amazing details all around. We eventually go to a point where we had to turn back; as the drop was just too high. As it turned out, Mike had to help Molly up a few times on the hike back.
This whole area was beautiful and we really enjoyed our time here. Take a look at the posted pictures.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Onto the Grand Canyon
Our next national park stop was the Grand Canyon. Our home base for this amazing place was Kanab, Utah.
The drive from our park to the Grand Canyon, was roughly an hour; and there was significant fire damage for quite a few miles heading into the park. The park officially closes mid October; and although we were now into late November; the weather was still unseasonably warm and there was no sign of snow.
We were on the north rim of the grand canyon; and the views were spectacular. It certainly is big; and deep. There was some haze in the air; but you were able to make out the cars parked at the south rim; roughly 11 miles across; from the sun glistening off of them.
Take at look at the pictures of this natural beauty.
The drive from our park to the Grand Canyon, was roughly an hour; and there was significant fire damage for quite a few miles heading into the park. The park officially closes mid October; and although we were now into late November; the weather was still unseasonably warm and there was no sign of snow.
We were on the north rim of the grand canyon; and the views were spectacular. It certainly is big; and deep. There was some haze in the air; but you were able to make out the cars parked at the south rim; roughly 11 miles across; from the sun glistening off of them.
Take at look at the pictures of this natural beauty.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Zion National Park, Utah
Our next stop was Zion National Park. The "plan" was to camp inside of Zion; but we ended up being too long to bring our rig into the park. We ended up staying in Mount Carmel Junction instead; and it wasn't too far from the park.
The switchbacks leading down into Zion were pretty steep; and as it turned out; I'm glad that we didn't have the rig with us.
Zion was also very beautiful and we took a driving tour and a couple of hikes through the park.
Take a look at our pictures.
The switchbacks leading down into Zion were pretty steep; and as it turned out; I'm glad that we didn't have the rig with us.
Zion was also very beautiful and we took a driving tour and a couple of hikes through the park.
Take a look at our pictures.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is also on my list of the most beautiful places I've seen.
Our home base for Bryce was at the KOA in Cannonville, Utah; and this is where we met fellow Ontarians, Al & Kelly from Bayfield. We were going to the same places; and ended up travelling together for the next couple of weeks.
The first day at Bryce, we did the driving tour. There were many stops along the way, and the scenery was breathtaking! The rich red colours of the "spires" or "hoodoos" in this national park were incredible. The drive took us to the end of the park; where you're eyes are treated to the Bryce Amphitheatre - and WOW! Didn't know which direction to look first and the camera went into overtime while here. It's a good thing we have a digital.
The next day we went back to Bryce and took a hike down into the Navajo Loop and then into the Queen's Garden. Wow! We started off on a pretty steep tight switch back trail; once you were down into the canyon, it was just a normal hike. Except you're surrounded by these amazing "hoodoos" and it's incredible. The loop then takes you into the Queen's Garden; and I guess it got it's name cause there's a lot of "royal" shaped "hoodoos" in this area. And again, absolutely breathtaking.
The whole hike was roughly 4 hours; and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
Take a look at our pictures that we've posted.
Our home base for Bryce was at the KOA in Cannonville, Utah; and this is where we met fellow Ontarians, Al & Kelly from Bayfield. We were going to the same places; and ended up travelling together for the next couple of weeks.
The first day at Bryce, we did the driving tour. There were many stops along the way, and the scenery was breathtaking! The rich red colours of the "spires" or "hoodoos" in this national park were incredible. The drive took us to the end of the park; where you're eyes are treated to the Bryce Amphitheatre - and WOW! Didn't know which direction to look first and the camera went into overtime while here. It's a good thing we have a digital.
The next day we went back to Bryce and took a hike down into the Navajo Loop and then into the Queen's Garden. Wow! We started off on a pretty steep tight switch back trail; once you were down into the canyon, it was just a normal hike. Except you're surrounded by these amazing "hoodoos" and it's incredible. The loop then takes you into the Queen's Garden; and I guess it got it's name cause there's a lot of "royal" shaped "hoodoos" in this area. And again, absolutely breathtaking.
The whole hike was roughly 4 hours; and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
Take a look at our pictures that we've posted.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
After leaving Moab, we continued on our loop through Southern Utah and found ourselves at Goblin Valley State Park. This park was very secluded; 25 miles to the next town; and was filled with "goblins".
These goblins are shaped from the sandstone that's very prominent in this area. Over a very long time; the wind along with mother nature has worked their magic. It's best to take a look at the posted pictures to get a better idea of what I'm talking about.
We took a 3 mile hike through 3 fields of goblins; and we were surrounded by beauty at the end of the walk.
We also had some pretty neat looking cliffs behind us; and the full moon only added to the ambiance. Having only one other camper in the park was also a nice treat.
Capital Reef National Park was our next stop. We had more deer for neighbours than we did people. We took a few neat hikes and drives through this area; and came across some petroglyphs.
These goblins are shaped from the sandstone that's very prominent in this area. Over a very long time; the wind along with mother nature has worked their magic. It's best to take a look at the posted pictures to get a better idea of what I'm talking about.
We took a 3 mile hike through 3 fields of goblins; and we were surrounded by beauty at the end of the walk.
We also had some pretty neat looking cliffs behind us; and the full moon only added to the ambiance. Having only one other camper in the park was also a nice treat.
Capital Reef National Park was our next stop. We had more deer for neighbours than we did people. We took a few neat hikes and drives through this area; and came across some petroglyphs.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The beauty of Utah
Utah is possibly the prettiest place I've ever been too! And it's mostly rock!
We started our adventure through Utah in Moab. From there we toured both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Both are completely different; and beautiful. At Arches, you can see the arches and sights for a long time, before you actually get up to them; and by this time, they look totally different.
With Canyonlands, you have to be right up to the rim to see anything; but equally rewarding. These 2 parks are pretty close to each other; and Moab was a perfect place to visit them from.
We also found ourselves on scenic biways whenever the chance arose. And boy, have we found our share of scenic biways.
I've put these pictures into their own albums. Hope you enjoy them. Canyonlands
We started our adventure through Utah in Moab. From there we toured both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Both are completely different; and beautiful. At Arches, you can see the arches and sights for a long time, before you actually get up to them; and by this time, they look totally different.
With Canyonlands, you have to be right up to the rim to see anything; but equally rewarding. These 2 parks are pretty close to each other; and Moab was a perfect place to visit them from.
We also found ourselves on scenic biways whenever the chance arose. And boy, have we found our share of scenic biways.
I've put these pictures into their own albums. Hope you enjoy them. Canyonlands
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Mesa Verde is one of the coolest places I've seen, ever.
There are pit houses that date back to 575 AD; cliff dwellings that date back to 1200 AD; and tons of history. It was pretty cool. We were parked less than a 1/4 mile from the national park; and spent 2 days there. The first time was a driving tour; with many many stops along the way. The 2nd day was a walking tour. And we actually went right down into one of the cliff dwelling ruins. Took tons of pictures during this time.
One of the best purchases we bought this past year was a national park pass. We ended up going to 13 parks/monuments and in order for a place to get national park status, it has to be pretty special. And all 13 of them were.
While in this area, we also spent time in Dolores, CO; the Anassazi Heritage Centre; Hovenweep National monument; and monument valley. We got lost on route to the "4 corners" where Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico all come together. And the opportunity didn't seem to arise again.
It was at this time, that we decided not to go to Texas, as planned, but to head through Utah, enroute to Arizona. The beauty of this lifestyle is no plans!
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
There are pit houses that date back to 575 AD; cliff dwellings that date back to 1200 AD; and tons of history. It was pretty cool. We were parked less than a 1/4 mile from the national park; and spent 2 days there. The first time was a driving tour; with many many stops along the way. The 2nd day was a walking tour. And we actually went right down into one of the cliff dwelling ruins. Took tons of pictures during this time.
One of the best purchases we bought this past year was a national park pass. We ended up going to 13 parks/monuments and in order for a place to get national park status, it has to be pretty special. And all 13 of them were.
While in this area, we also spent time in Dolores, CO; the Anassazi Heritage Centre; Hovenweep National monument; and monument valley. We got lost on route to the "4 corners" where Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico all come together. And the opportunity didn't seem to arise again.
It was at this time, that we decided not to go to Texas, as planned, but to head through Utah, enroute to Arizona. The beauty of this lifestyle is no plans!
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
Gunnison Mountain, Colorado
Next stop was the Black Canyon of Gunnison Mountain. It got this name because the canyon is so deep, no human as ever been down in it.
We took the north rim drive to get to our campground. And it was quite the challenge. Two lane road, winding, twisting, curving through the mountains, with an 8000 foot drop on your right. While Mike oohed and aahed, I drove on; carefully I might add. If you have a fear of heights, not a good place to visit.
This whole area was very beautiful; and being there in the fall with the fall colours, it was beautiful. We both love being surrounded by mountains; and all their beauty that comes along with it.
From here, we also found our first "ghost town". Tin Cup, CO. Although there is some evidence of people living here, it is mostly being preserved as a ghost town. The only road out of town led us up a mountain pass, where we got stopped at the top from a 3 foot snow bank.
Take a look at our pictures.
We took the north rim drive to get to our campground. And it was quite the challenge. Two lane road, winding, twisting, curving through the mountains, with an 8000 foot drop on your right. While Mike oohed and aahed, I drove on; carefully I might add. If you have a fear of heights, not a good place to visit.
This whole area was very beautiful; and being there in the fall with the fall colours, it was beautiful. We both love being surrounded by mountains; and all their beauty that comes along with it.
From here, we also found our first "ghost town". Tin Cup, CO. Although there is some evidence of people living here, it is mostly being preserved as a ghost town. The only road out of town led us up a mountain pass, where we got stopped at the top from a 3 foot snow bank.
Take a look at our pictures.
Rocky Mountains, here we come!
We left Ontario mid October; and drove for 3 1/2 days through the prairies. There were farmers fields right up to the highway on both sides. And cows! Holy cow!!! There were two stretches for quite a long while were there were dairy cows and then beef cows. As far as the eye could see.
And then on the 4th day of driving, there they were - the Rocky Mountains! And boy did they look nice!
We spent roughly 3 weeks in and around Colorado. Our first weekend there, while Ontario was having 80 plus degree weather; we were 23 and in a blizzard! Looked and felt like the middle of winter. BRRR! Took a couple of drives through the canyon heading up toward Rocky Mountain National Park. And even this early in the season; the higher elevations were already closed.
Didn't know that Colorado had casinos; and ended up staying on a mesa overlooking the city of Central City that was nothing but casinos. In fact the place we stayed at was called Gambler's Edge - No kidding!
We then headed to Denver for a night; and had some work done on the truck. Nothing too major though. And then on towards Glenwood Springs. While in this area, we drove to Aspen for dinner. How cool is that... Aspen for dinner! Didn't see any celebs, but if I ever need custom made linens for my yacht; I'll know where to go.
Glenwood springs was a beautiful site. The Colorado River rushing behind us; a railroad track; and then mountains. The trains that went past just added to the ambiance; along with the full moon. Nice place to call home for a few nights.
The scenery around us was breath taking; as you'll see in our pictures. And this was just the beginning.
And then on the 4th day of driving, there they were - the Rocky Mountains! And boy did they look nice!
We spent roughly 3 weeks in and around Colorado. Our first weekend there, while Ontario was having 80 plus degree weather; we were 23 and in a blizzard! Looked and felt like the middle of winter. BRRR! Took a couple of drives through the canyon heading up toward Rocky Mountain National Park. And even this early in the season; the higher elevations were already closed.
Didn't know that Colorado had casinos; and ended up staying on a mesa overlooking the city of Central City that was nothing but casinos. In fact the place we stayed at was called Gambler's Edge - No kidding!
We then headed to Denver for a night; and had some work done on the truck. Nothing too major though. And then on towards Glenwood Springs. While in this area, we drove to Aspen for dinner. How cool is that... Aspen for dinner! Didn't see any celebs, but if I ever need custom made linens for my yacht; I'll know where to go.
Glenwood springs was a beautiful site. The Colorado River rushing behind us; a railroad track; and then mountains. The trains that went past just added to the ambiance; along with the full moon. Nice place to call home for a few nights.
The scenery around us was breath taking; as you'll see in our pictures. And this was just the beginning.
Summer of 2007 in London, Ontario
The "plan" was to only spend a month in London, but that quickly fell apart.
We had some warranty work that needed to be done on our 5th wheel; and it took longer than expected. We ended up house sitting for some friends; so it worked out well.
While in Toronto, we stayed with a friend for a couple of nights; and then headed back to London.
We then spent the rest of the summer at Fanshawe Park. It was close to Mike's brother's and he was there daily to work on finding us an internet marketing business.
It was a great summer; we saw lots of family and friends. We also spent a lot of time at Ken and Rosie's. Rosie is a great cook and fed us a lot; plus we also played a lot of "pepper". A card game that's a variation of euchre.
By mid October, Fanshawe was closing; and it was time to head to the south.
Just a few pictures were taken during the summer.
We had some warranty work that needed to be done on our 5th wheel; and it took longer than expected. We ended up house sitting for some friends; so it worked out well.
While in Toronto, we stayed with a friend for a couple of nights; and then headed back to London.
We then spent the rest of the summer at Fanshawe Park. It was close to Mike's brother's and he was there daily to work on finding us an internet marketing business.
It was a great summer; we saw lots of family and friends. We also spent a lot of time at Ken and Rosie's. Rosie is a great cook and fed us a lot; plus we also played a lot of "pepper". A card game that's a variation of euchre.
By mid October, Fanshawe was closing; and it was time to head to the south.
Just a few pictures were taken during the summer.
Next was Tunica, Mississippi
After leaving Lake Fausse, we headed on towards Tunica, Mississippi. There are 2 things in Tunica; casinos and cottonfields. We arrived in early April; and were shocked - lol - to find out that the cottonfields weren't in bloom yet! So there was really only one other thing to do, play poker of course!
And that's what we did for the next couple of weeks. Had a great time; won a few tournaments; lost a few tournaments. Met some really nice people. And moved on.
Next stop was Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley. The tour took around 3 hours and we had a great time there.
Then we headed to Kentucky and we took a tour through Mammoth Cave national park. We took a 2 hour tour through the "Frozen Niagara" cave. It was pretty neat. Some of our pictures turned out pretty good.
From there it was "homeward" bound to London Ontario.
Lake Fausse State Park, Louisianna
From New Orleans, we headed out to the coast; and spent a week out at Grand Isle. Being at the Gulf; most of the houses were built on stilts. The park was also very isolated, but nice to be at the ocean.
Next was Lake Fausse State Park.In the first site we had a dock behind us to sit out on the bayou! Very beautiful and nice big sites. This area is mostly Acadian - their roots are mostly traced back to New Brunswick. So the french/catholic influence is large. We were in this park over the Easter weekend; and on Good Friday; crawfish boils were happening all over the park.
We moved to a new site after the weekend; and met the people beside us. Pat took us out to his tree house in the basin. Coolest tree house I've ever seen. And they also made us a crawfish boil. Their daughters got a real kick out of having to teach us how to eat them. We had a great time; and this experience will always be remembered.
Take a look at the pictures.
Next was Lake Fausse State Park.In the first site we had a dock behind us to sit out on the bayou! Very beautiful and nice big sites. This area is mostly Acadian - their roots are mostly traced back to New Brunswick. So the french/catholic influence is large. We were in this park over the Easter weekend; and on Good Friday; crawfish boils were happening all over the park.
We moved to a new site after the weekend; and met the people beside us. Pat took us out to his tree house in the basin. Coolest tree house I've ever seen. And they also made us a crawfish boil. Their daughters got a real kick out of having to teach us how to eat them. We had a great time; and this experience will always be remembered.
Take a look at the pictures.
Biloxi, MS was next
We ended up in Biloxi Mississippi; one and a half years after Katrina; and was shocked by the devastation. We took a 20 mile ride along US 90 heading West. The Biloxi Bay bridge was still out so that was our starting point.
This area was not only hit by the wind; but also by the storm surge. And although there is work being done; it was painfully slow.
Next stop was New Orleans. We took a 3 hour "Katrina Tour" and was again shocked by what we saw. Whole neighbourhoods waiting for demolition, because there wasn't any thing left worth saving.
Most of the neighbourhoods were still without water or electricity. The Greater New Orleans area was normally 1.5 million people. At this time there were less then 300,000 people living there. Mostly in their cars; and with little to their name.
It was hard to believe what we saw. And pretty sad.
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
This area was not only hit by the wind; but also by the storm surge. And although there is work being done; it was painfully slow.
Next stop was New Orleans. We took a 3 hour "Katrina Tour" and was again shocked by what we saw. Whole neighbourhoods waiting for demolition, because there wasn't any thing left worth saving.
Most of the neighbourhoods were still without water or electricity. The Greater New Orleans area was normally 1.5 million people. At this time there were less then 300,000 people living there. Mostly in their cars; and with little to their name.
It was hard to believe what we saw. And pretty sad.
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
Ft. Meyers Beach to Miami, February 2007
We arrived in Florida mid December to a sunny 80 degree day! It felt wonderful.
We spent the next 3 months in Florida. Started out in Northern Florida; Old Town; from there we spent a few nights with my folks in Largo; next was Lutz; Miami; Punta Gorda; Homosassa; and then Milton.
Went spent the month of January in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida and met some really nice people. We took a boat to Key West with them for a day; and shared lots of evenings with them.
February found us in Miami; and a visit from some good friends of ours. Sally and John stayed with us for a week; and we took an airboat ride; saw the everglades national park; took a snorkelling tour; and just enjoyed the sun and fun of Florida.
March was mostly in Punta Gorta with Sally and John and the singing group "The Satiniques". Our 3 days quickly turned into 3 weeks; and we had a great time with the group. Felt like groupies there for a bit!
Stopped and visited my folks again en route to Homosassa and a visit with Mike's sister and husband. Toured around Tarpon Springs for a day; and also visited the Manatee Wildlife Centre there. Very nice place.
We posted lots of pictures of our time there; and that will help tell the story.
We spent the next 3 months in Florida. Started out in Northern Florida; Old Town; from there we spent a few nights with my folks in Largo; next was Lutz; Miami; Punta Gorda; Homosassa; and then Milton.
Went spent the month of January in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida and met some really nice people. We took a boat to Key West with them for a day; and shared lots of evenings with them.
February found us in Miami; and a visit from some good friends of ours. Sally and John stayed with us for a week; and we took an airboat ride; saw the everglades national park; took a snorkelling tour; and just enjoyed the sun and fun of Florida.
March was mostly in Punta Gorta with Sally and John and the singing group "The Satiniques". Our 3 days quickly turned into 3 weeks; and we had a great time with the group. Felt like groupies there for a bit!
Stopped and visited my folks again en route to Homosassa and a visit with Mike's sister and husband. Toured around Tarpon Springs for a day; and also visited the Manatee Wildlife Centre there. Very nice place.
We posted lots of pictures of our time there; and that will help tell the story.
Then the Carolina's
Early December found us heading towards the Carolina's. The fall weather had finally caught up with the East coast; and it was time to head for the south!
We spent a week parked beside the Atlantic Ocean just south of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. I was shocked at how commercialized the area had become. I was there 20 years ago; and I remember being able to see the ocean the last time. Not anymore. There was one condo; resort; or hotel after the next along the strip. And in between more businesses. But thankfully our resort was right on the beach; so we at least got to see the ocean!
Got my feet caught by a wave; and let me tell you; the water was absolutely freezing!!!
Took a few nice strolls along the beach; and just enjoyed life while there.
Next stop; Florida. Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
We spent a week parked beside the Atlantic Ocean just south of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. I was shocked at how commercialized the area had become. I was there 20 years ago; and I remember being able to see the ocean the last time. Not anymore. There was one condo; resort; or hotel after the next along the strip. And in between more businesses. But thankfully our resort was right on the beach; so we at least got to see the ocean!
Got my feet caught by a wave; and let me tell you; the water was absolutely freezing!!!
Took a few nice strolls along the beach; and just enjoyed life while there.
Next stop; Florida. Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
Massachusetts was next
After leaving PEI; we headed back to Ontario; for the passing of Mike's dad.
When we left Ontario; a few weeks later; we headed straight for Boston, MA. We have a newphew there; and had some stuff we wanted to bring to him. We took a DUCK tour while there; and had a nice tour of the harbour and downtown Boston.
From there we headed down the coast; and stopped in Connecticut. Mostly to play poker at Foxwoods Casino. The World Poker Tour was on while we were there; and we both enjoyed our time at the tables. Even got some good tournament experience while there.
Next stop was Atlantic City; New Jersey; again mostly to play poker. Spent a few nights at the Taj Mahal and the Borgata. Met lots of interesting characters.
Not too many pictures were taken during this time; but we did manage a stroll along the famous "boardwalk". It was a really cold and windy day; so didn't linger too long.
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
When we left Ontario; a few weeks later; we headed straight for Boston, MA. We have a newphew there; and had some stuff we wanted to bring to him. We took a DUCK tour while there; and had a nice tour of the harbour and downtown Boston.
From there we headed down the coast; and stopped in Connecticut. Mostly to play poker at Foxwoods Casino. The World Poker Tour was on while we were there; and we both enjoyed our time at the tables. Even got some good tournament experience while there.
Next stop was Atlantic City; New Jersey; again mostly to play poker. Spent a few nights at the Taj Mahal and the Borgata. Met lots of interesting characters.
Not too many pictures were taken during this time; but we did manage a stroll along the famous "boardwalk". It was a really cold and windy day; so didn't linger too long.
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
New Brunswick and PEI
From Quebec; we headed into New Brunswick. Only ended up spending 2 nights there. The Provincial park that we stayed at turned out to be really out of the way; and it rained the whole time there.
We then headed on towards Prince Edward Island; and loved it there.
The only park open that time of year was the KOA in Cavendish; and it turned out to be centrally located. There are 4 island driving tours; and we did all 4 of them. We loved the island. The rich red earth; the lush green rolling hills; the laid back atmosphere and the friendly people.
We ended up staying there for 2 weeks; and indulged in 3 lobster dinners while there.
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
We then headed on towards Prince Edward Island; and loved it there.
The only park open that time of year was the KOA in Cavendish; and it turned out to be centrally located. There are 4 island driving tours; and we did all 4 of them. We loved the island. The rich red earth; the lush green rolling hills; the laid back atmosphere and the friendly people.
We ended up staying there for 2 weeks; and indulged in 3 lobster dinners while there.
Take a look at the pictures we've posted.
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