montemover

Pictures: Nancy at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe; Closeup of flowers climbing giant evergreen; Evergreen with flowers (roses?) climbing tree across street from Elna and Mark’s.

We traveled from Lake Havasu to Lake Topaz just across the border from California in Nevada. It’s a casino, as well as a lodge, store, filling station and really cheap (in price) RV park. We didn’t gamble there, but did enjoy a wonderful dinner at the casino. We stayed there 3 nights and traveled around the area in the Sierra Nevadas.

Lake Tahoe was absolutely beautiful. We traveled around the Lake – it took all day – it was windy with some gusts up to 70 mpg on the ridges. Fortunately, we only traveled on one ridge for a short distance (we were in the car) so the wind didn’t bother us very much. The colors of the lake had a wide range from dark blue to emerald green – beautiful. It’s a bit congested for my taste, but a great place to visit. We didn’t get to Yosemite since Tioga Pass wasn’t open yet, however, they just opened Monitor Pass so we took that on our way back from Tahoe. All I can say is SPECTACULAR!!!! What a sight. Snow capped mountains as far as you could see. One range after another and we were sitting on top of the world!!!

The second day we headed out to Gold Country and briefly visited some of the old gold towns – some are very touristy with little left of the gold rush days, some are still preserved and touristy, and some are just little spots on the road. A fun day, but no panning or digging for gold.

After our stay at Topaz Lake Nancy and I headed for Ukiah via Grass Valley. First we headed to Reno and then cut across the state of California, taking 2 days to get to Elna and Mark’s. Arrived in Grass Valley after crossing the mountains with some hot brakes and was concerned about continuing, but got a tentative approval from a brake guy named Dave, who also gave me some good pointers that his Pappy gave him about mountain driving ( I also consulted my manual and discovered that instead of driving with my overdrive off, it was actually on – dumb me). I took the advice to heart and practiced what his Pappy preached and made it to Ukiah ok. I have since had my brakes checked out and have brakes that are in “excellent condition” so I’m ready to tackle the mountains again.

Nancy, Toby and I had a good time with Elna, Mark, Winston and Maisie. We went to Mendicino for lunch at the old hotel and strolled along the ocean cliffs one day, and then on another day we went to the Redwood groves that are close to here. It was a rainy day, but under the redwoods we were dry. I took Nancy to the airport in Santa Rosa last Wednesday and she’s backround Ukiah and hitting a few vineyards for a little wine tasting. Unfortunately, the cold nights here have damaged the early grape crop, so you chardonnay and pinot noir drinkers take note.

Meanwhile back home in Nebraska the Davey’s have a new addition to their family. Pumpkin, Donna’s new horse, turned out to be pregnant and delivered a filly that Donna has named Chablie (named after her grandchildren). Fortunately she arrived after their last big snow storm.

I’ll be heading out of Ukiah this weekend, probably Sunday, and making my way to Oregon where I plan to spend about a month exploring Oregon country since this is where I may eventually settle – or not. I think Toby will be glad to be on the move again and taking a rest from the energetic Winston and Maisie. He gets worn out trying to keep them in their place where they refuse to remain. And I think they’ll be glad to see him go so they don’t have to keep figuring out ways to get around him. While my site here in Elna and Mark’s driveway is very comfortable. I too will be ready to move on. So my dear family and friends, ‘til later
Love, Kris

Sorry folks, my pics aren’t uploading and I can’t figure out what’s wrong. I’ll try to get some help, but meanwhile I keep posting so you at least will know where I am.

While in Tucson, Sharlene had a list of things for us to do. Needless to say, we didn’t get through the list, but that just leaves more for next time. Colossal Cave Mountain Park where Sharlene works was fascinating and we got a behind the scenes view. It is spectacular desert scenery as was the Saguaro State Park (or National State Park???). We took a drive through at sunsety more time there, although we had a really neat campsite at Cattail Cove down in the canyons and next to the lake.

Onward to Calico Ghost Town near Barstow, CA. Whew, the gas prices are $3.80 a gallon, the desert was interesting and beautiful in its unique way and the ghost town has become a tourist attraction. A bit cheesy, but fun! Tonight we are camped at Bishop, CA surrounded by mountains. We’

Before leaving Deming, NM I had to replace my alternator in Monte. I noticed my chassis battery wasn’t acting properly. Thank goodness I can start Monte from my coach batteries if necessary, and thanks to my new solar panel, my coach batteries always stay charged. So I don’t have to worry about being stranded. The park manager recommended a good mechanic and although a little pricy by Nebraska standards, he tracked down my electrical problems to the alternator. Thus a new alternator. Now I’m good to go for awhile.

Arrived in Benson, AZ on Wednesday and then disconnected my car and drove to Sharlene’s in Tucson. Had a great evening and scoped out some places to park Monte besides in front of her house, anticipating that city ordinances may not allow “in front of house” parking for very long. Sharlene took me back to Benson Weds. Night while I left my car at her place and that way I didn’t have to reconnect my little “toad” (car) to Monte to come back on Thursday.

Sharlene showed me some of the sights of Tucson. We went to the Friends of the Library, book barn (where they have book sales and where Sharlene volunteers). Needles to say, since they had a free shelf, I found 6 books (the limit on free books) that I picked up and now have to figure out where to store. All hardback, and heavy, so I’ll read them first so I can leave them along the way at Skp (Escapees) park libraries.

Friday, Sharlene and I picked up Nancy (my wonderful sister-in-law) at the airport. We’re going to travel together in Monte through the rest of Arizona and California on our way to Elna and Mark’s (Nancy’s daughter’s) place in Ukiah, CA. We’ll have about 2 weeks to make the trip and see the country taking as many back roads as possible and exploring places we’ve neither one been to before. Meanwhile tonight Sharlene has arranged a picnic at her place in her lovely garden for us and some of her friends and, of course, Lynn, Gail and Amelia. I’m really looking forward to the picnic. Sharlene is a gracious hostess and LOADS OF FUN. What a neat cousin.

I haven’t pics to post this time, but will have some that I hope I can post later of our visit in Tucson with Sharlene.
Ya’ll take care.
Kris