The Swanson's On the Road

Canyon Portrait

2011-09-24T15:59:00.001-07:00

Canyon Portrait, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

The Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park is amazing. We spent some time here, rather than trying to drive to some other park areas, and were well-rewarded with remarkable views.

Male Elk

2011-09-13T19:37:00.001-07:00

Male Elk, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We are in the Yellowstone Nation Park area, taking a photography class. During the class, we hiked out to a river area where a good-sized group of elk often visit.

This was the male of the herd, with a couple of dozen females. He is crossing the river, calling to the females to leave this browsing area.

Famous Dave's

2011-07-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

Famous Dave's, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We stopped in here from our rally in Wisconsin Dells. The first time we tried to eat, the place was packed. This at 1 PM, but unfortunately on a Sunday. We returned during the week, and the place was emptier, but we had some trouble with the service.

We DO like Dave's and enjoy the fact that the food is good in all the stores we've tried.

Winnebago Rally

2011-07-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Flags, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

During the rally, we served some food to the other RV'ers. They have food at all of the "state rows". We aren't a "state", but we joined in the fun, too.

Our favorite state's food was the green chile stew at New Mexico.

Nash Metropolitan

2011-07-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Nash Metropolitan, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Taken at the opening parade for the Winnebago Rally in Forest City, Iowa. This was our 3rd year at the rally, held in the town where the Winnebago motorhomes are built.

Spam Museum

2011-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Spam Museum, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

When we visited Mayo Clinic, we stopped by the Spam Museum afterwards. Lots of fun.

Our Motorhome at the APS

2011-06-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Our Motorhome at the APS, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We visited the APS headquarters in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania for a few days. Bob volunteered, and we enjoyed the beautiful and historic area.

By APS we mean the American Philatelic Society. Their headquarters has one of the finest philatelic (stamp collecting) library in the country, as well as a sales division where collectors can buy items to improve their collections.

Baseball Hall of Fame

2011-06-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Baseball Hall of Fame, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We visited this on June 6th, driving from a campground in nearby upstate New York. The museum was great, and certainly brought back many memories of our experiences with baseball.

My favorite was taking a photo of the plaque honoring "Satchel" Paige.

Dinner in Maine

2011-06-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Lobster, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We enjoyed Bar Harbor, Maine, and one of the enjoyments was absolutely fresh seafood. Sandi enjoyed this lobster, while I had perfect mussels.

Dark Cloud

2011-06-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Dark Cloud, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We did some driving around the Bar Harbor area. One day, we tried to drive to Bass Harbor Head and see the lighthouse. During our drive, the weather became increasingly foreboding. Well, here is a huge, black cloud. And it did rain right after this photo was taken.

Schoodic Peninsula Rocks

2011-05-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Schoodic, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

This area is near Bar Harbor, but is a peninsula in its own right. The rock formations at the ocean are remarkable, and people drive out just to see the waves crashing on the rocks.

We visited this area on our way back from Quoddy Point, where the US and Canada come together at the "top" of Maine.

Fishing Boats and Fog

2011-05-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Fishing Boats and Fog, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Taken at the harbor in Bar Harbor, Maine. The cruise ship "Maasdam" was in the harbor, so we drove to town to see the ship. These fishing boats (probably lobster boats) looked quite nice against the fog and nearby islands.

Spring Green

2011-05-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Spring Green (III), a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Taken near Jordan Pond, Bar Harbor, Maine. We had a few decent days and did some driving around the Acadia National Park. This "pond" is a glacial lake that is very scenic. The trees near the lake were in their brand new, very very green foliage.

Carpe Parked at the Tree Farm

2011-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Carpe Parked at the Tree Farm, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We spent a very nice evening at a Christmas Tree farm in Maine. Next stop: Bar Harbor.

Submarine Museum Entrance

2011-05-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Submarine Museum Entrance, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We visited the museum in Groton, Connecticut. Fascinating displays, very patriotic. They have the Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine there, and you can walk (and climb) through it. The large circles you see are the markers for the diameter of the current Ohio-class submarine (larger), and the first US submarine (smaller). The USP truck helps to show the scale of things.

Sea Swirl

2011-05-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sea Swirl, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Great seafood at this drive-up place in Mystic, Connecticut.

Rutt's Hut Chili

2011-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Rutt's Hut Chili, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Had this during our visit to New Jersey in May. Rutt's Hut is a real New Jersey kind of place. No credit cards, the bar looks like it did 50 years ago. Great hot dogs (rippers), chili, and onion rings.

Rutt's Hut Lunch

2011-05-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Rutt's Hut Lunch, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Our nephew (inlaw) took us to Rutt's Hut in Clifton, New Jersey. The food was amazing. They are most famous for the "rippers", hot dogs finished in the deep fat fryer.

General Warren Memorial on Little Round Top

2011-05-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

General Warren Memorial on Little Round Top, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We visited the Gettysburg battlefield while waiting for service at the RV dealer in Pennsylvania.

We drove and walked around several locations in Gettysburg.

Dogwood Blossoms

2011-05-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Dogwood Blossoms, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We drove our 40-foot motorhome on the Parkway without incident. Of course, there was very little traffic. We might have had a harder time of it in the fall, with all the beautiful leaf color.

We have been "following" the dogwoods up from Florida.

Pig and Easter Bunny

2011-04-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Pig and Easter Bunny, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Easter Sunday, Marion North Carolina. We were here for an Escapees RV Rally. The BBQ was wonderful, too.

Brisket

2011-04-06T15:32:00.001-07:00

Brisket, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We ate lunch at Gators BBQ in Jacksonville. This crowned our visit to this city. Got a lot done, but we are now heading out for more road adventures.

Disney World

2011-04-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

Mickey, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

An exhausting week at Disney World. We were meeting up with cruising friends at Camp Wilderness RV Park. Saw a lot, wore out the feet.

We are now in another part of Florida, enjoying the peace and quiet.

John Swanson, 1914-2011

2011-03-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Dad and Bear, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

We miss you, Dad!

Falkland Islands

2011-02-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

Gentoo, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Where were we in early 2011? We repeated our 2008 cruise around South America. This photo is of a Gentoo Penguin we saw in the Falkland Islands.

Wicker Motorcycle

2010-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

Wicker Motorcycle, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Just one of the interesting things seen at Soloman's Castle in Florida. The artist designed and built his home, and added a wide variety of humorous and offbeat images, and sculptures.

At the Doctors

2010-12-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Use These!, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Taken in Florida, as we visited the doctors for the usual tests, etc. The outcome, while scary at the time, has been great. We've been on a diet since December 3rd, and have lost plenty of weight.

Crown and Statue

2010-09-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Crown and Statue, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Where were we in September-December 2010? We cruised from the east coast, over to London. From there, we took trains to the continent, and joined a river cruise in Budapest. This photo was taken in the main square of Budapest. We trained some more, and then took a repositioning cruise from Italy to the Holy Land, and then back to Florida.

Saturn V Rocket Engines

2010-08-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Saturn V Rocket Engines, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Taken in Huntsville, Alabama, at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center. Their Saturn exhibit is awesome. The museum is excellent.

We visited in 2010, and then had to revisit in 2011 after our nephew relocated to Huntsville.

Moon

2010-08-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Moon
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

One of the many Chihuly glass sculptures installed at Cheekwood gardens in Nashville.

We spent the (hot) evening wandering around the gardens and buildings, taking photos of the superb plantings, as well as the glass objects.

Wood Rick for Charcoal

2010-08-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Wood Rick for Charcoal
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Taken when we visited the Jack Daniels distillery. The area around Lynchburg is very scenic, and the distillery tour is interesting.

Makers Mark Tour

2010-08-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

Makers Mark Tour
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited Makers Mark distillery and took the tour. After the tour, we enjoyed walking around the pretty gardens and buildings. A creek runs through the property, as you can see in this photo.

Driver and Wheels

2010-08-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Driver and Wheels
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

While in Bardstown, we visited the Kentucky Railway Museum. So, we did not only visit distilleries.

Whitewalls

2010-07-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Whitewalls
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

During our visit to Elkhart, Indiana, we had a late lunch buffet at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana. Wow, we had so much good food! Trying to walk off all that great grub, we ambled into the parking lot and saw this classic car drive-in show. Love those whitewalls.

Streamlined Motorhome

2010-07-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Streamlined Motorhome
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited the RV Hall of Fame museum, and had a great time. So many old trailers and motorhomes. Some of the motorhomes of the 1930's were very modern and streamlined.

Broken Jack

2010-07-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Broken Jack
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

After being pulled out of the mud in Iowa, we hit the road. Imagine our surprise, when we looked under the coach at our next stop and saw that the jack pad had been torn right off of the shaft.

Once we got to Elkhart, it was a simple matter to get this repaired.

Image of the repair work being done.

Image of the repaired jack, good as new!

Pulled Out of the Mud

2010-07-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

Pulled Out of the Mud
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Our fun week at the Winnebago owners' club rally in Forest City, Iowa, finished up with rain causing the rally area to become a mire. We (and many other RV's) had to be towed out of the muck.

Firehouse Brewery

2010-06-21T19:47:00.001-07:00

Firehouse Brewery
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We had dinner here twice in as many weeks, and really enjoyed it. The beer they make is excellent, and it is complemented by excellent food and service.

The brewpub is on the main street of Rapid City, built in the old firehouse.

Reagan Statue

2010-06-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Reagan Statue
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Downtown Rapid City, South Dakota, has a number of presidential statues on the corners of the main streets. This is a statue of Ronald Reagan.

Downtown Rapid City also has the Firehouse Brewery, a great brewpub. Highly recommended.

Bombers at Ellsworth Air Force Base Museum

2010-06-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

B1 and B52
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited the Air Force base and museum. The static displays are excellent, some classic airplanes. The optional paid tour includes a visit to a Minuteman silo on the base.

Rushmore Crowd

2010-06-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Rushmore Crowd
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited Mount Rushmore, after a stop at the Teddy Bear Museum.

This was the first clear day after many days of rain, so EVERYONE was there, including us.

Teddy's Are Open

2010-06-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Teddy's Are Open
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited the Teddy Bear Museum in Hill City, South Dakota. There are thousands and thousands. We loved it.

Prairie Dogs

2010-06-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Prairie Dogs
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We revisited Devils Tower, but it was raining and raining. However, I was able to get some photos of the prairie dogs near the road in the National Park.

I used by new vibration control (VC) lens, and got some extreme telephoto shots. These rodents were quite a ways from the road.

Fort Meade Museum

2010-06-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Fort Meade Museum
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

During our drive around the Black Hills area, we stopped at Fort Meade. This was the fort where Custer rode out to meet the natives (he failed).

It is also the location where they first played the "Star Spangled Banner" on a regular basis, eventually making it the national anthem.

This Fort is very near Sturgis, South Dakota, a place that is very well-known to the motorcycle crowd.

The museum is excellent and recommended.

Roughlock Falls

2010-06-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Roughlock Falls
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

When the weather cooperated, we drove around the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Wonderful scenery, to say the least. One day during our visit, we managed to see Roughlock Falls along Little Spearfish Canyon. SInce it had been raining so much, the waterfalls were spectacular.

Devils Tower

2010-06-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

Devils Tower
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Stopped and took this photo as we drove past Devils Tower, going between Gilette and Rapid City. It was drizzling when we took this shot, and was outright raining when we tried to visit again a few days later. In fact, it rained and rained while we were in West Yellowstone, and during the beginning of our visit to Rapid City.

Bison on the Move

2010-06-07T20:23:00.001-07:00

Bison on the Move
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We were driving out of Yellowstone National Park, when we encountered a herd of bison, ambling from one park location to another. The calves are present in the herd, along with the adult bison.

Most of our stay at West Yellowstone has been dampened by some very heavy rains. We have only been able to enjoy the park for 2 of the 4 days.

Gibbon River Rapids

2010-06-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Gibbon River Rapids [Detail]
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Taken during our visit to Yellowstone.

Colorado Canyon

2010-05-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Colorado Canyon
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We drove up Utah 128, which is a spectacular road that follows the canyon of the Colorado River.

"Park Avenue" View, Arches National Park

2010-05-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

"Park Avenue" View, Arches National Park
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited Arches today. Amazing scenery. We waited long enough to leave the park during late afternoon, and got some dramatic lighting on the rock formations.

Snow on the Motorhome

2010-05-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Snow on the Motorhome
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

While staying in Colorado, we were parked at 8,500 feet. We took some driving trips over to Mesa Verde, and Durango. The morning we were ready to leave back to Utah, it had snowed overnight.

We drove to Moab, and stayed at the Ken's Lake BLM campsite. The views from our campsite were lovely:

Cliff Dwelling

2010-05-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Cliff Dwelling
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

While we visited Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, we hiked out to a cliff dwelling.

Moki Dugway Sign (They're Not Kidding)

2010-05-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

Moki Dugway Sign (They're Not Kidding)
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited Natural Bridges National Monument today, and returned to the Goosenecks park by driving down the Moki Dugway, a very steep road.

San Juan River at Goosenecks Near Mexican Hat, Utah

2010-05-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

San Juan River at Goosenecks Near Mexican Hat, Utah
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We stayed in this state park. The views from the bluff were remarkable, as the San Juan River was meandering below.

This photo shows how our RV was parked so near the edge of the canyon:

Grand Canyon at Sunset

2010-05-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Grand Canyon at Sunset
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Our visit to the Grand Canyon was capped by driving to the Rim for sunset. The lighting at this time of evening makes the Canyon look incredible.

Our RV on Route 66

2010-05-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Our RV on Route 66
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Taken as we left Williams, Arizona, for the Grand Canyon.

Blueberry-Apple-Peach

2010-05-16T20:34:00.001-07:00

Blueberry-Apple-Peach
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We had an early dinner at the Pine Country Restaurant in Williams, Arizona, after we spent the day at the Grand Canyon. We were directed to this restaurant, because they were famous for their pie. Well, the pie is obviously wonderful, but the rest of the food was excellent.

Grand Canyon

2010-05-16T19:10:00.001-07:00

Grand Canyon
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Yet another visit. This is an amazing place.

The weather was perfect today.

We'll have more photos, because we will be camping very near the park over the next few days.

Ruins at Walnut Canyon

2010-05-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ruins at Walnut Canyon
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Part of today's travel included the Walnut Canyon National Monument. The canyon itself is pretty impressive, but there are ancient dwellings all along the high cliffs of the canyon.

Sandi at Meteor Crater

2010-05-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sandi at Meteor Crater
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We spent some time at this amazing place. Their museum is very interesting, and the facilities are excellent. The crater is awesome, and gives you some idea of how much damage can be done by a meteor about 150 feet across.

Flowers in Oak Creek Canyon

2010-05-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Flowers in Oak Creek Canyon
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

During our current visit to Northern Arizona, we drove through Oak Creek Canyon. It is a remarkable sight.

Rod's Steakhouse

2010-05-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Rod's Steakhouse
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Another visit to Williams, Arizona, another trip to Rod's Steakhouse. Still excellent, after all these years.

As the photo narrative notes, Sandra and I visited this restaurant in the 1950's, traveling with our respective families. The restaurant was started the year I was born (1946).

New Trip Journal Website

2010-05-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

We've started another journal over at MyTripJournal.
That website has the advantage of a nice
mapping system, so you can see where we are.

Our trip journal, with maps.

Roadrunner

2010-05-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Roadrunner
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

The RV park is clearing out. This roadrunner passed by our coach, something it might not do when there are a lot of people around. I managed to grab some pictures before he ran away.

Carpet Cleaning

2010-04-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Carpet Cleaning
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We had the carpets cleaned, before we left for our summer travels.

Parked in Yuma

2010-03-09T15:17:00.001-08:00

Parked in Yuma
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Attending the Gypsy Journal rally in Yuma, Arizona.

The Marine Corps Harrier jets fly overhead during the day, quite a sight and sound.

Roof View

2010-03-03T11:56:00.001-08:00

Roof View
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Working on the roof today. It was a great chance to get some photos.

Checked on all the seams to make sure they were caulked correctly. Getting ready for a trip to Yuma. Lots to do.

Owl

2010-01-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

Owl, a photo by RV Bob on Flickr.

Taken in the protective structure for "Casa Grande". This dwelling was constructed by the early native peoples in this part of Arizona. They are part of the "disappeared" people, who were gone before Europeans settled in this area.

The city of Casa Grande is named after this ancient building.

The owl was living in the special protective structure.

Ice in Arizona

2010-01-25T12:16:00.001-08:00

Ice in Arizona
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Cold night last night, here in Casa Grande. Had to scrape ice off the rear windshield.

Quartzsite

2010-01-15T18:30:00.001-08:00

Quartzsite
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

The Winnebago owners group set up an area in the BLM land near Quartzsite for a get-together. We are dry-camping now, getting ready to enjoy the swap meets and other RV-related activities in this otherwise small Arizona town.

Had some nice sunsets (before the rain hit).

Fall Coloring

2009-11-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Fall Coloring
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We visited friends in Green Valley, south of Tucson. They drove us up into Madera Canyon, and we all enjoyed a day of beautiful scenery and good friends. The trees at the higher elevations are starting to turn color.

Sunset and RV

2009-10-25T15:57:00.001-07:00

Sunset and RV
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Taken the other night. We had a beautiful sunset.

Flowers in the Desert

2009-10-11T10:29:00.001-07:00

Cactus Flower and Bees
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We are now parked for the winter, in Casa Grande, Arizona. Just next to our coach is a rather large cactus, and we captured the blooms in the early morning. Note the bees crawling around inside the cactus flower. These flowers close around sunrise.

Sunrise at the Grand Canyon

2009-09-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sunrise at the Grand Canyon
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We are at the Grand Canyon again this September. Can't stay away. We got up VERY early this time, drove from Williams, and captured a lot of photos during the sunrise. The lighting is really good at that time.

Sunrise, Liberal, Kansas

2009-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sunrise, Liberal, Kansas
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Stopped near Liberal, Kansas, on the way to Arizona. This park was just across the highway from the Santa Fe mainline, so we had a lot of train noise.

Parked at Terrible's

2009-09-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

On the way from Iowa, we stopped for a night at Terrible's Casino in Osceola.

Iowa (Again)

2009-09-10T09:48:00.001-07:00

Ford Model T
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We had some repairs done on the coach, while revisiting north central Iowa. During our visit we got to see and ride in, a beautifully restored Ford Model T.

We parked in a field near the airport.

Whitefish Bay Sunset

2009-08-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Whitefish Bay Sunset
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We stayed on Lake Superior at Brimley State Park. This was part of our Upper Peninsula Michigan trip that included visits to Minnesota and Wisconsin. The sunset on Whitefish Bay was quite spectacular.

There were seagulls on the beach during the sunset.

Miners Castle

2009-08-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Pictured Rocks
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

While we visited with friends in Munising, Michigan, we took a quick side trip to the Miners Castle area of Pictured Rocks. This is located along Lake Superior.

New Front

2009-08-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

New Front
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We stopped for a while in Forest City, Iowa, and had some body work done by the factory service people at Winnebago. You can't do better than to have the factory fix your coach.

APS Stampshow 2009

2009-08-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Civilian Patriotic Cover From 1917
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

During a break in our drive back from New Jersey, Bob attended one day of the APS show in Pittsburgh. He was able to visit with several people involved with

postal history. This was the first philatelic show Bob had attended in over 10 years.

Jefferson Diner

2009-08-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

Jefferson Diner
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We had our farewell dinner here with family. Boy, the food is great. The portions are huge! A real classic.

Hannah

2009-08-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Bride II (Hannah)
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Hannah and Dominick got married on August 2nd. We drove the RV out to New Jersey for this joyous event. Then, we had to drive right back to Iowa for repair work on our motorhome. It was fun seeing the family again, and taking part in the fun wedding party.

Cluck U

2009-07-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

Cluck U (2)
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

During our visit to New Jersey, we had to enjoy the area's best eats. One stop was at Cluck U, which claims to have the hottest wings in the world. Sandi enjoyed some wings with the slightly cooler spicing.

During our stay in New Jersey, we also had corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, and excellent diner food. We filled the fridge in the coach with good East Coast sour pickels.

Ohio Turnpike

2009-07-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

Ohio Turnpike
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We parked for the night at a service stop on the Ohio Turnpike. They do offer RV spots with electric for $15 per night (exact change, buy ticket from machine). We didn't need any water or electric, so we just dry camped.

WIT Lecture

2009-07-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

WIT Lecture
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We attended the Winnebago owners rally, held in Forest City, Iowa. There were many workshops and lectures, including this one given by and about full-timing.

We are members of the "365" club, which is part of WIT.

The rally was a lot of fun, as well as informative.

Our location is shown in the red circle.

Ventura, Iowa, Fire Truck

2009-07-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Ventura, Iowa, Fire Truck
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

While attending the WIT rally, we went downtown to watch the Puckerbush parade in Forest City, Iowa. These small Iowa towns have their parades around the July 4th time period, and the parades always include fire trucks and farm tractors.

Waterloo, Iowa

2009-07-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

In Parking Lot
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Had to stop for the night in a parking lot. The big problem was the storm that hit in the AM: hail, 60 mph winds, torrential rain, and on and on.

This delayed our arrival in Forest City, Iowa for the WIT rally.

In The Repair Shop

2009-07-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Motorhome in Repair Shop
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Another failure. We have lost all coolant, lost all the air for our air brakes, now we lose electricity in the chassis. The alternator was spinning like crazy, but no power was getting to the batteries for charging. We were losing all power, and would be by the side of the road pretty soon. Fortunately, we could start the generator and charge the batteries.

In the repair shop, they found a loose wire in a critical location. We lost a day of travel, and were late arriving in Forest City, Iowa for the WIT rally.

When we lost all coolant in Arizona:

We lost all of the air in our air brake system in northern California:

Fireworks

2009-07-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Fireworks
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

Well the photo is from Maui, but you get the idea. We spent the week of July 4 in Bay City, Michigan. We lived there for 6 years, before moving to Maui. Got to revisit with friends we had not seen in 10 years. The town has changed, and has not changed. We even visited our old house.

The July 4th fireworks in Bay City are a major event. We were in Saginaw that night, so got to see them on TV, instead of in person. I recall that they get at least 500,000 people in the city during the fireworks event.

Veggies

2009-07-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Veggies
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We stayed for several days with friends in Saginaw, Michigan. We went to the farmer's market in Saginaw and bought these lovely veggies.

Mercer, Pennsylvania

2009-06-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Mercer, Pennsylvania
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

We stayed one night at the RV Resort Village near Mercer. This was a full service park with amenities for the whole family. This stop was a decent day's drive from New Jersey.

Note that you have to drive down a narrow (10 ton limit!) road to get to the campground.

The Bride

2009-06-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Bride (Shira)
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

June 21, 2009: we spent the week preparing for our niece's wedding. Shira was beautiful (of course).

In the Poconos

2009-06-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

In the Poconos
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

June 13, 2009. We had to get some downtime, and found a lovely park in Stillwater, Pennsylvania.

Bourbon in Bardstown

2009-06-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

Bourbon
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

June 8, 2009: Stayed for a couple of days in Bardstown, Kentucky. We got to enjoy tasting bourbon, as well as visiting the museum with this lovely display of current products.

Dog on Mack Fire Truck

2009-06-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dog on Mack Fire Truck
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

One of our stops in the Bourbon area was the Jim Beam facility. This image is from the fire truck that is parked at the distillery.

Do Not Climb On Tanks

2009-06-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Do Not Climb On Tanks
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

June 6, 2009: A visit to Fort Knox isn't complete without a visit to the Patton Museum. The warning sign is stenciled on the sidewalk.

They do have a lot of tanks at the Museum.

New Corvette

2009-06-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

New Corvette
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

June 5, 2009: visited the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Many shiny cars seen.

Park Ranger at Mammoth Cave

2009-06-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Park Ranger at Mammoth Cave
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

June 5, 2009: Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. We visited this state with our friends the Bailey's. Stayed in Cave City.

Light and Shadow (Rock)

2009-05-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Light and Shadow (Rock)
Originally uploaded by RV Bob

May 30, 2009: visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This was a quiet part of the forest with the sunlight filtering down through the trees.