10/10/07 -Albuquerque Fiesta Park-Tram Sandia Mountain

Captain’s Blog
10/10/07
Albuquerque Fiesta Park
Odometer Reading:

We met some very interesting people at the campground last evening and most are here for the fiesta. The people at the campground were with a group and were not camping at the Fiesta grounds. Some were not happy about it but had no choice.

We arrived at Fiesta Park around 11:30 AM and were amazed at how well organized everything was. We were escorted to our VIP site on the top of the hill overlooking the Fiesta launch field. (we paid extra for the privilege) The launch field is 56 football fields long and all of the activities take place from that location. There are enormous parking lots with thousands of motor homes lined up row after row. It looks like a giant RV dealership.

After we picked Linda and John up at the airport we went out to dinner, did some grocery shopping and headed back to the RV. There were no events planned for the evening of the 10th so we decided to head over to the Sandia Tramway for a 2.7 mile Tram to the top of the Sandia Mountain.

The sun sets rapidly here so on the way up the mountain it was light out and the view was beautiful and the sunset was beautiful. By the time we were ready for our return trip it was dark. The view from the top overlooking Albuquerque at night was spectacular. In the distance to the North we were able to see Santa Fe. The sky was clear, the air crisp and the night perfect. Then it was back to the RV for some sleep. Our balloon flight is scheduled for 6:30 in the morning and we have to be there by 5:30 AM.

There have been several balloon mishaps including one that resulted in one death but we decided to move forward with out plan to fly.

10/09/07 Tuscumcari, NM

Captain’s Blog
10/09/07
Tuscumcari, NM
Odometer Reading: 12173.0

Stopped for the night at the KOA in Tucumcari, NM about 180 miles East of
Albuquerque. Heard ion the news that there had been a Ballooning accident and one woman from California was killed and her three friends and the Balloon Pilot were injured. There was video of the incident on TV. Very scary!! The events for the day were cancelled but they resumed again last evening. We have a scheduled balloon flight on Thursday morning.

Will be heading into Tijeras, NM about 25 miles East of the Fiesta. Will spend the night there because anything closer will be either full or the requirement is to book for three nights during the Fiesta. We are booked on the Fiesta grounds Wednesday through Saturday. I thought it was Tuesday but I was wrong-again!! We will be picking Linda (Ron’s sister) and her husband John up at the airport on Wednesday. They are joining us for the Festival and Balloon ride.

10/07-08/07 Oklahoma City / Murrah Building /Clinton OK

Captain’s Blog
10/07/07
Rogers Arkansas
Odometer Reading: 11,572.1

Spent the night at our campsite at the home of Judy and Tom. Before we left we spent some time talking with them and sharing life stories. Tom and Judy invited us to stay for a few more days or at the very least come and stay with them at their second home and campsite in Texarkana. These people epitomize graciousness and hospitality. We are privileged to have met such great people.

Then it was on to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. The Museum is dedicated to the all the people involved in the rescue operation, the survivors and to those who lost their lives at the Murrah Building on April 19, 1995. The magnitude of destruction was amazing and the Museum exhibits brought every detail of the events of that day to life. The Museum and dedication was beautiful done. There is a photo wall of all the fatalities with mementos on the glass shelves beneath their pictures. There were also video clips of the survivors which was heart wrenching to here their stories and realize that survival can be mean a long painful road to recovery from an event like that.

Outside they have a memorial with 168 chairs made out of a glass-like material with the name of each person whose life was lost that day. The chairs in the outside memorial are arranged in rows that represent the floor on which each person was located at the time of the explosion. Of the 168 who perished 11 were children from the day care center.
The outside memorial is the location of the former Murrah Building. The back wall to the building still stands as a reminder. At each end of the Memorial is a wall. On the wall to the left is inscribed 9:01 signifying innocence and peace. The wall to the far right has 9:03 inscribed on it to signify the death of innocence and how life can change in one minutes’ time. This is a must see if in the area. We have been changed not only by the events of 9/11 but by this event as well. Live life like every day is your last and be Happy!!

Captain’s Blog
10/8/07
Elk City/Clinton, OK, KOA
Odometer Reading: 11902.5

Drove about 100 miles after visiting the Memorial In Oklahoma City. Set up for the night in the KOA off the highway. Have about 450 miles to Albuquerque. Stopped to get the oil changed in the RV and are looking for a Truck Wash to wash the RV and car. Can’t believe the dirt and bugs from this long trip. The weather is still beautiful although the temp did drop into the high 50’s this morning. Will be driving the rest of the day-no stops planned until Albuquerque.

Finally found a truck wash in Amarillo, TX. It’s good to see the real color of the RV and Jeep again.

10/06/07 Rogers Arkansas

Captain’s Blog
Rogers Arkansas
10/06/07
Odometer Reading: 11572.1

As we were getting ready to leave the campground this morning Ron got into a conversation with the people in the RV parked next to us. As fate would have it they live in Rogers Arkansas. What a coincidence!! Tom & Judy told us there were no campgrounds in Rogers but they had two full RV hook-ups in their yard and we would be welcomed to stay there overnight. They were very insistent and wanted us to follow them to Rogers – so we did. They did bring us to their home and sure enough they had two full RV hook-ups on their 8 - acre property. We were not going to stay the night and planned on just parking the RV for a few hours while we visited my nephew and his family. As soon as we parked Tom insisted we stay and proceeded to connect the RV to the water, electric and sewer hook-ups.

After many thanks, we were off to visit my Nephew, Niece and Grandniece. We hadn’t seen them in 10 years and Leyla, who is now 14 has grown into a beautiful young woman. We spent the day with them enjoying their company, spectacular new home and ca Back Yard tching up on all life changes in the last ten years. Ted took us on a tour of the town and we went to the original Walmart store that is now a Museum. Unfortunately, Ronnie forgot the camera so we did not get a photo of this historic building.

The visit ended all too soon but our deadline to get to New Mexico is nearing. Ted, Gulizar and Leyla accompanied us back to our RV for a tour and then said their Good-by’s. They plan on visiting in MA sometime in December so we’ll see them again soon.

10/05/07 Branson MO

Captain’s Blog
10/05/07
Branson, Mo
City of Branson Lakeside RV Park
Odometer Reading : 11492.1

Packed up early and drove the 270 miles to Branson, MO. Once again the weather is beautiful, hot and sunny. We weren’t expecting to get a tan this trip but we are.

We arrived in Branson around 1:30 PM and secured a campsite right on the Lake with lots of wild geese and fishermen/women on the lake. Full hook-ups with Cable TV and WiFi for only $22.50. This is a city run campground similar to those in Michigan. It is unbelievable what they offer for such a low fee. The place is huge and almost full to capacity. They told us we were fortunate to get this particular campsite but we have to vacate tomorrow because it is reserved for the weekend.

Branson turned out to be completely different then what we had imagined. The marketing of Branson made us think that the structure of the city would be similar to Las Vegas but on a smaller scale. It looks nothing like Vegas and the infrastructure cannot handle the traffic. There is a strip 17 miles long with hundreds of eateries and just as many show venues all spread very far apart. Not a great place for walking from one venue to the other. The traffic was bumper to bumper and very slow moving. We were told that in busy season it takes several hours to get from one end of the strip to the other. They have actually designed time saver routes to try to decrease the congestion allowing people to get to there shows on time.

We did get to the Titanic exhibit, a permanent exhibit in Branson, which was well done but again the marketing of the exhibit was a little deceiving. Ron was under the impression the exhibit was free – Nope it was $42.00 for the both of us. Oh well!

With lots of restaurants to choose from we just picked one out with an unusual name - Shorty Small’s and stopped in. We experienced some of the best food we have ever eaten. Ribs that melted off the bone, home made baked beans and a cheese biscuit to die for. When I say this was a dining experience, it was. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Branson.

We had a tough time deciding on a show to see and settled on the Presley Family Jamboree. The Presley’s are a large family of entertainer’s who have been in Branson doing their shows for the last forty years. On stage were four generations of Presleys’ from ages 83 to 17 months. The show was a mixture of comedy, rock & roll, country/western and gospel and very entertaining. Then back to the campground to plan tomorrow’s trip to Rogers Arkansas for a stop to visit my Nephew and his family.

10/04/07 St.LouisRV Park, Anhueser- plant–Grants Farm – Forest Park

Captain’s Blog
10/04/07
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis RV Park, Anhueser-Bush plant – Grants Farm – Forest Park
Odometer Reading 11130.8


Spent another restful night in preparation for the day’s adventures. Ron promised me he wouldn’t push it with sightseeing but he wasn’t exactly being truthful.

Started with a tour of the Anhueser-Bush plant where they make the most popular beer in America, Budweiser. The original owners were from Germany and the architecture of the buildings is reminiscent of old European styles. Although the buildings are at least 120 years old they look brand new. The place is immaculate and the interiors of the buildings have intricate stonework with lots of brass, copper and glass throughout. You could easily get caught admiring the details and workmanship of the building themselves and forget you were in a working beer manufacturing plant.

Part of the tour included a visit to the Clydesdale stables. Before entering there was what we thought was a statue of a Clydesdale but when we got closer realized it was the real thing. What a magnificent animal! The groomers spend over an hour a day bathing and grooming these horses. They own 250 Clydesdales and have them on two separate farms. In order to be considered a true Clydesdale the horse must stand at least 12 hands high with white hoofs and a white face with a black mane and tail. Those horses born without these features are sold.

There is a roundhouse stable that houses the Clydesdale horses that is beyond beautiful. It looked like it could be used as a small mansion, with chandeliers, sparkling clean shiny floors and absolutely no odors. These horses get the best of care.

At the end of the tour they served two free samples of any of the Budweiser products. Ron had a beer and I a diet Pepsi.

Next stop was Grants Farm named after U. S. Grant. He owned the property and his original cabin remains on the farm. Surrounding a section of the perimeter is a metal fence made out of 2500 gun barrels from the Civil War.

There are also stables on the property housing the Clydesdales and their foals. The ponies were anywhere from 6 months to just over a year and really beautiful. A tram tour of the wildlife park was fun, then it was off to our next destination.

Forest park is on the opposite end of St. Louis and was a bit of a challenge to get to. Within the confines of the park there are several attractions to see. Since we only had three hours before the park closed I opted to go to the Science Museum. We toured the museum and then watched a presentation in the Planetarium on the night skies over St. Louis and a short clip on why Pluto lost its’ designation as a planet. It was very informative and well presented.

When finished at the Planetarium it was 4 pm. I was tired and wanted to head out to the local diner for some smoked pulled pork. St. Louis is noted for its barbecue smoked pulled pork and Big Al’s Diner came highly recommended.

Well, Ron had other ideas. He wanted to go to the St. Louis Zoo. I wasn’t sure if I had anything left in me but did go. (no choices given) The zoo was nice and well maintained with many exotic animals. Unfortunately we ran out of time so did not get to take in all the animals. The Zoo closed at 5 PM and they actually took many of the animals inside and out of sight. I guess that was meant to encourage the people at the Zoo to leave.

Then it was on to Big Al’s Diner. Woah!! What a scary place!! But being daring we ordered anyway and the smoked barbecue pulled pork was delicious. Did I mention how cheap the food is? Two full meals with drinks for $16.00. Fuel is also quite reasonable – $2.37per gallon. Then it was back to the campground to prepare for tomorrow’s drive to Branson. Did I mention that the weather has been beautiful- Sunny and in the high 80’s to low 90’s.

10/03/07 The Storm - Gateway Arch - Cathedral Basilica of Saint Lewis

Captain’s Blog
10/03/07
Springfield, Ill.
Odometer Reading 11130.8

Spent the night in a rest stop in Springfield. While I was making dinner, Ron was again cleaning the bugs off the windshield. Once he finished that project he proceeded to set the TV channels. Oddly enough he shut the TV off. I thought it was strange because we usually like to listen to the local news and weather. After dinner I put the TV on and realized why he had shut the TV off. Here in the great flat state of Illinois they have TORNADOS!!!! There it was on the TV a Tornado warning right in Springfield. There had been severe weather and a funnel sighting in the sky but no touch down at that point in time. The weathermen were talking about how serious this was and to take cover in the basement, under heavy furniture or in an inside room of your home until the warning was lifted. We had none of those options in an RV. I promptly put my shoes back on and expected Ron to follow suit – but he did not. He thought I was over reacting but how surprised would he be if he got blown to bits. Needless to say he never put his shoes on and slept through the thunder and lightening and heavy downpours while I contemplated dying. (I have an inherent fear of Tornados hence Ron shut the TV off hoping I wouldn’t find out!!!!!!) By 10:30 PM the warning was lifted and I did manage to sleep despite the heavy rain and wind. There was some damage to an area about 6 miles East of us from a microburst and that is when Ron really believed we had been, in fact, in danger. The only place we would have had to run to were the restrooms at the rest stop. Not agreat place to take cove but better then nothing.

Pulled into the St. Louis RV Park right in the center of the city and close to all tourist attractions around 10 AM. It’s a great location with very helpful people. The proprietors gave us some tips on where to go and what to see.

First stop was the Gateway between the East and West. The Gateway Arch was built to honor Thomas Jefferson and the architect wanted to build something unique that would last for a thousand years. The Arch frames the Old Court House in downtown St. Louis making a beautiful scene with the silver of the arch and the gold dome of the courthouse shining in the sun. We took the ride to the top of the 643 - foot concrete and stainless steel mammoth in a tiny little car that reminded me of a dryer tub. All claustrophobics or very tall people should avoid this adventure at all costs. The view from the top was beautiful and walking along the curve of the arch was surreal.


We also took a paddleboat ride up and down the Mississippi on the Tom Sawyer. The current on the Mississippi is very fast and there is a lot of debris floating in the water. The Captain pointed out the historical landmarks along the river and we had a great panorama of the Arch and St. Louis. St Louis is a beautiful city with some spectacular architecture.

Next it was on to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Lewis. We got there late but did get into the Basilica before it closed. This church is the most spectacular we have ever seen even more beautiful then the Cathedrals in Spain. Enormous in size it has multiple rooms, huge stained glass windows and high ceilings with the most incredible scenes done in mosaic tiles. Pictures do not do it justice because you cannot capture the colors and beauty of the frescos. A must see for anyone religious or not. Then it was back to the campground fro a night’s rest before tomorrow’s adventure.